TUESDAY 22ND SEPTEMBER 2026

Olokola Deep Seaport: Questions as Ogun Plans Fresh UAE Deal Despite Existing Dangote MoU Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja The Ogun State Government is set to sign a fresh investment agreement with a United Arab Emirates-based company tomorrow

(Wednesday) on the Olokola Deep Seaport project, despite an existing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the state and the Dangote Group on the project, THISDAY learnt yesterday.

The planned agreement, which is expected to be signed in Paris, France, has raised questions over its relationship with the earlier understanding with the Dangote Group and whether the new ar-

rangement could potentially overlap with interests already covered by the existing MoU. THISDAY gathered that three years ago, the Dangote Group, the Ogun State Government and the

Ondo State Government entered into an agreement to establish the Olokola Free Trade Zone Company (OFTZC) as a special purpose vehicle (SPV) to drive the development of the Olokola Free Trade

Zone and related investments. Under the ownership structure agreed by the parties, Dangote Group holds an 80 per cent stake in the OFTZC, while the Ogun and Continued on page 9

Mambilla: EFCC Raises Probe Panel, Tracks Suspicious Properties, May Move for Forfeiture... Page 7 Tuesday 22 September, 2026 Vol 31. No 11489. Price: N400

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After Petroleum Refinery, Dangote Announces 2028 IPO for Fertiliser Business Positions it to become biggest fertiliser company on earth Says Africa will no longer ask for aid Targets investing $46bn-$50bn across continent, plans 12m-tonne urea output Jokes over emerging memes, skits on recent IPO Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja and Peter Uzoho in Lagos President and Chief Executive of Dangote Industries Limited (DIL), Aliko Dangote, has announced plans to take the group’s fertiliser business public in 2028, projecting that the company would become the biggest fertiliser company in the world. Dangote, who disclosed this in an interview with Bloomberg’s Francine Lacqua at the Qatar Economic Forum UNGA Special Edition in New York, said the planned listing would follow the ongoing initial public offering (IPO) of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, which he said was designed to broaden African participation in the ownership of major businesses. He said the fertiliser business Continued on page 9

2026 CONFERENCE AND RETREAT FOR SENIOR POLICE OFFICERS IN OWERRI...

L-R: Inspector General of Police Olatunji Disu; Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume; and Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, during the 2026 Conference and Retreat for Senior Police Officers in Owerri, Imo State, yesterday

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TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2026 • THISDAY

Group News Editor: Goddy Egene Email: Goddy.egene@thisdaylive.com, 0803 350 6821, 0807 401 0580

NEWS

NIGERIA’S DELEGATION ARRIVES NEW YORK, SET FOR UNGA...

L-R: Minister of state for Budget and Economic Planning, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite; Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Amb. Jimoh Ibrahim; Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State; Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman - Ibrahim; Vice President Kashim Shettima; Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Bianca Odumegwu Ojukwu; and Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Office of the Vice President, Senator Ibrahim Hadejia, during arrival of the Vice President to New York, United States for the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), yesterday

Gastech: Ekpo Leads FG’s High-level Engagements, Intensifies Gas Investments Drive Says Nigeria open for business, pushes Nigeria/Libya pipeline Seplat targets 2 billion scf/d gas output Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja The federal government has intensified its drive to attract fresh investment, technology and strategic partnerships into Nigeria’s gas sector, as it seeks to convert the country’s 215.19 trillion cubic feet of proven gas reserves into increased production, industrial development and export earnings. The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, led a series of high-level engagements with international energy companies, investors and government officials at Gastech 2026 in Bangkok, Thailand, focusing on gas production, infrastructure, LNG expansion, industrialisation and access to new export markets. Ekpo, who told prospective investors that Nigeria was open for business, said the reforms of the President Bola Tinubu administration had strengthened the investment environment and provided the policy framework needed to attract capital into the sector. “Nigeria is open for business. We have put in place the right fiscal policies and operating environment, and the security of investors and their investments is guaranteed,” he said in a statement in Abuja issued by his spokesman, Louis Ibah. The minister also said that the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) would be central to

translating Nigeria’s bilateral energy engagements into commercially viable projects, strategic investments and sustainable development. A major focus of the engagements was the proposed Nigeria-Libya Gas Pipeline, with both countries agreeing to take steps towards developing a structured framework for the project. At a meeting with Libya’s Minister of Oil and Gas, Khalifa Rajab Abdulsadek, Ekpo discussed the proposed pipeline, which could provide an additional route for transporting Nigerian gas through North Africa to European markets. The two sides agreed to explore the development of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and establish a joint technical team, with NNPC Limited expected to spearhead Nigeria’s participation in the proposed bilateral framework. The technical team is expected to examine the feasibility of the project, financing options, infrastructure requirements, security considerations and commercial viability. The discussions are expected to move the proposed pipeline beyond the conceptual stage and towards a more structured assessment of its development and implementation. Ekpo also held discussions with the Country Chairman of Daewoo E&C Nigeria, Joseph Penawou, on the Nigeria LNG Train 7 project. The meeting covered contractor payments, project timelines, safety

performance and quality assurance, with Ekpo stressing the need for the project to be delivered on schedule to strengthen Nigeria’s position in the global LNG market. Nigeria also used the gathering to pursue new markets for its oil and gas resources. At a meeting with Bangladesh’s Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, Iqbal Hassan Mahmood, the Asian country expressed interest in sourcing Nigerian LNG and crude oil.

The two countries also explored broader opportunities for energy cooperation as Nigeria seeks to diversify its export destinations. In a separate meeting with the United States Deputy Secretary of Energy, James Danly, Ekpo discussed gas-sector investment, technology deployment, energy security and clean cooking initiatives aimed at improving energy access, reducing dependence on traditional fuels and advancing sustainable development.

The minister also met Senegal’s Minister of Energy and Petroleum, El Hadji Abdourahmane Diouf, to discuss cooperation across the oil and gas value chain, the statement said. Senegal expressed interest in Nigeria’s experience in gas development, local content implementation and institutional capacity building, including potential collaboration with NNPC Limited, Nigeria LNG Limited and the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board.

Ekpo’s engagement with Russia’s Deputy Minister of Energy, Roman Marshavin, centred on deeper cooperation in the gas industry, including a proposal for an annual Gas Investment Forum that would bring together policymakers, investors, developers and financiers from across the global energy sector. The Russian delegation expressed support for mobilising financing for gas projects, particularly in developing economies facing funding constraints.

Dangote Refinery IPO Reflects Our Long-term Commitment to Africa’s Transformation, Aliko Insists Peter Uzoho President and Chief Executive of Dangote Industries Limited, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, has reaffirmed the Group’s unwavering commitment to Africa’s industrial transformation, wealth creation, and long-term economic development. He stated that the ongoing Dangote Petroleum Refinery Initial Public Offering (IPO) represents a unique opportunity for Africans to participate directly in the continent’s most ambitious industrial project. Speaking during an interview with Bloomberg Television, Dangote said the IPO was not merely a capital-raising exercise but part

of a broader vision to democratise ownership of strategic African assets and create sustainable value for millions of investors across the continent. According to him, the refinery’s public offering gives ordinary Africans and institutional investors alike the opportunity to become shareholders in a world-class enterprise that is helping to redefine Africa’s energy future. He noted that broadening ownership of the refinery was as important as expanding its operational capacity because it enables more Africans to participate in the wealth generated by the continent’s largest industrial investments.

“For decades, Africa’s most strategic assets have been owned by a limited group of investors. Through this IPO, we are creating an opportunity for millions of Africans to become part-owners of a transformative business that is changing the energy landscape of the continent. It is about creating value, expanding prosperity, and building generational wealth for our people,” Dangote said. The foremost industrialist emphasised that the refinery was conceived as an African solution to Africa’s longstanding energy challenges and forms a critical part of the Dangote Group’s mission of reducing the continent’s dependence

on imports while strengthening local production capabilities. He explained that the Group remains focused on building industries that support economic self-sufficiency, create jobs, stimulate foreign exchange earnings, and drive sustainable development across Africa. Dangote reiterated that the company plans to further expand the refinery’s capacity from its current 700,000 barrels per day to 1.4 million barrels per day over the coming years, positioning it among the largest refining complexes globally and significantly improving Africa’s ability to meet its own energy requirements.

Investment Tribunal to Adopt New Rules, Digitalise Operations to Strengthen Capital Market Justice Registered investors hit 2.2 million Ndubuisi Francis in Abuja As part of efforts to improve operations and commence the digitalisation of its processes, the Investments and Securities Tribunal (IST) is set to adopt new rules of engagement after its next board meeting scheduled for Port Harcourt, Rivers State. Chairman of the Tribunal, Hon. Aminu Junaidu, disclosed this when the President of the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS), Dr.

Fiona Ahmed Ahimie, led members of the Institute on a courtesy visit to the IST in Abuja. According to him, the move to digitalise the Tribunal’s processes was aimed at improving efficiency, making access to justice easier and further protecting the integrity of the Nigerian capital markets. He also assured investors and other market stakeholders that the Tribunal remains committed to ensuring that cases are handled without

unnecessary delays, adding that the Tribunal was even prepared to sit on weekends and public holidays, where necessary, to protect investors and ensure timely resolution of cases. Jinaidu said the Tribunal was also open to stronger collaboration with the CIS, particularly in the area of capacity building, noting that capacity development was part of the Tribunal’s key performance indicators. He said such collaboration

would help strengthen the skills and knowledge of professionals working within the capital market and contribute to the development of the sector. On her part, Ahimie, said the visit was aimed at strengthening the relationship between the two institutions, which she described as important institutions in the Nigerian capital market ecosystem. She said the collective objective of the CIS and IST should be to build a capital market that was transparent, investor-friendly and

capable of attracting more investors. Ahimie said the Nigerian capital market was growing, adding that confidence was also returning to the market. He, however, expressed concern over the activities of bad actors who could undermine the progress being made in the market. She called for stronger collaboration among the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), CIS and IST to identify, expose and bring such actors to justice in order to reduce their impact on the market.

According to her, there are currently about 2.2 million registered investors in the Nigerian capital market, with efforts to attract an additional 10 million investors. She said the growth in the number of investors makes it important to maintain a sound and credible Market where investors can have confidence. The CIS President said the Institute was interested in working with the IST on investor education to help investors understand the market and avoid falling victim to fraudulent operators.

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THISDAY • TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2026

NEWS

MARKING WORLD CLEAN-UP DAY...

L-R: Head of Customer Experience, Optimus Bank, Ben Olorunselu; Chief Financial Officer, Adetutu Oludare; Head of Corporate Communications, Morolake Philip-Ladipo; Head of Commercial Banking, Oyinade Osobajo; and Treasurer, Oluseun Bamise, at a beach clean-up exercise to commemorate World Cleanup Day in Lagos... recently

Mambilla: EFCC Raises Probe Panel, Tracks Suspicious Properties, May Move for Forfeiture Set to invite Atiku, ex-wife, Malami, Agunloye, Dasuki, others for questioning How ICC flagged $500,000 payment to former VP’s ex-wife Anti-graft body to investigate $1.74m transaction involving Dasuki’s son Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has set up a special team to investigate transactions linked to the Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Project and trace properties suspected to be connected to them. The team, being supervised by EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, is also considering inviting several prominent Nigerians mentioned in the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) arbitration proceedings for questioning, with possible asset forfeiture to follow where the commission establishes sufficient grounds. Those expected to come under scrutiny include former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, his former wife, Jennifer Douglas, former Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, former Minister of Power and Steel, Olu Agunloye, former National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki, his son, Abubakar Dasuki, former Solicitor General of the Federation, Abdullahi Yola, and

Ex-Vice President Atiku Abubakar

Jennifer Douglas

Abubakar Malami

Olu Agunloye

Sambo Dasuki

former Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Power, Dere Awosika. A top EFCC source familiar with the development told THISDAY that the team was examining the transactions, relationships and other evidence contained in the 620-page final award and associated proceedings. “Yes, the process is on,” the source, who pleaded not to be named, said. The investigation followed the tribunal’s recent rejection of claims brought against Nigeria by Sunrise Power and Transmission Company Limited and its promoter, Leno

Adesanya, over the 3,960-megawatt Mambilla project in Taraba State. A review of the ICC award by THISDAY showed that one of the transactions that could attract the attention of investigators was a $500,000 payment made by Adesanya in January 2003 from the Swiss account of his company, China Castle Investments Limited, to a United States account belonging to Douglas, who was then married to Atiku. The payment came only months before Agunloye, then Minister of Power and Steel, purportedly

awarded Sunrise a Build-OperateTransfer contract for the Mambilla project. The tribunal examined the circumstances of the payment, including its timing and Adesanya’s relationship with Atiku. It noted that neither Atiku nor Douglas provided a witness statement or declaration supporting the explanation offered for the transaction. The tribunal subsequently described the circumstances surrounding the payment as raising “significant red flags”, particularly in relation

to questions about possible political influence and Sunrise’s efforts to secure the Mambilla project. Atiku has denied being indicted by the tribunal, maintaining that he was not responsible for awarding the contract. Another transaction expected to feature prominently in the EFCC’s review is the $1.74 million payment made by Adesanya to Abubakar Dasuki, son of the former NSA, in December 2014. The tribunal questioned Adesanya’s explanation that the money was a loan, pointing to the absence of a loan agreement and other documentation establishing the nature and accounting of the transaction. It said the circumstances surrounding the payment raised “considerable red flags”. Sambo Dasuki was also mentioned in the proceedings in connection with the transaction involving his son. Malami is also expected to come under scrutiny over his role in events surrounding the 2020 settlement agreement between Nigeria and Sunrise. The former AGF featured extensively in the tribunal’s consideration of the settlement, with Nigeria alleging that he acted against the country’s interest and entered into improper arrangements with Adesanya. The tribunal also examined aspects of his dealings with the businessman. Agunloye, who was minister when Sunrise was purportedly awarded the original Mambilla BOT contract in May 2003, featured in the proceedings over a payment of about N5.2 million made to him in 2019 through an intermediary.

The tribunal considered the timing and circumstances of the payment relevant to Nigeria’s allegations concerning the relationship between Adesanya and officials involved in the project. Agunloye is separately facing criminal proceedings over the Mambilla project and has pleaded not guilty to charges including forgery, receiving gratification and disobedience to presidential directives. The ICC proceedings also touched on Yola and Awosika, who were involved in subsequent negotiations over the project. Yola, who represented the Ministry of Justice during negotiations around the 2012 General Project Execution Agreement and related settlement documents, was linked to an approximately $50,000 payment made by Adesanya through Lutin Investment in 2015. Awosika, who participated in negotiations concerning the project while Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Power, was mentioned in connection with three payments totalling about $135,000 made by Lutin Investments to a company belonging to her son. The EFCC source said the commission’s review was not limited to the payments themselves, as investigators were also examining the relationships among the parties, the movement of funds and properties that may have been acquired with proceeds connected to the transactions. The source said the commission would determine its next steps after reviewing the available evidence, including whether particular assets met the threshold for forfeiture.

Ojukwu, Ibrahim, Brief Shettima on Nigeria’s Priorities, Focus At 81st UNGA in New York Govs, stakeholders also speak on participation, expectations

Deji Elumoye in Abuja Vice President Kashim Shettima on Monday received a comprehensive brief on Nigeria’s participation in the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York, United States. Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu and Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, formally briefed the Vice President on key areas of priority for the country and expectations from stakeholders and citizens during the meeting. Speaking with newsmen shortly after the briefing session, Senior Special Assistant to President on Media and Communications, Mr

Stanley Nkwocha, said Nigeria will build on its position at the last meeting of global leaders, where it strongly canvassed for a holistic reform of the global body’s contributions to the development of third world countries. He noted that when the 81st session formally opens, the Vice President will, at all the fora, present President Tinubu’s message across different sectors, including Nigeria’s push for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council. Nkwocha stressed that Nigeria remains committed to engaging strategically with critical stakehokders at the global event. Also, Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Jimoh Ibrahim,

said the country’s participation in the 81st meeting of the UN General Assembly would be anchored on deepening reforms at the global body to ensure significant impact on UN member-states, among other objectives. On their expectations from the high-level gathering, Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, and his Kebbi State counterpart, Nasir Idris, said they were seeking opportunities to open up their states to global investments, particularly in solid minerals and other areas of mutual economic interest. The governors said the abundant solid mineral resources in Nasarawa and Kebbi States placed them in a strong position to attract international

investors and promote economic development. Also speaking, Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara noted that he was attending the summit to explore global partnerships capable of attracting more investments to the state. Fubara expressed optimism that Rivers State’s vast oil and gas resources would provide opportunities for meaningful engagements with potential investors during the summit. The governors said their participation was aimed at leveraging the international platform to promote their states, attract investments and create new economic opportunities for their people.

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TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2026 • THISDAY

NEWS

TELECOMMUNICATIONS & TECHNOLOGY STAKEHOLDER BREAKFAST...

L-R: Director, Sustainability, IHS Nigeria, Titilope Oguntuga; Chairman, Telecommunications and Technology Sustainability Working Group (TTSWG) Board, Engr. Abdu-Waya Mohammed and Director, Digital Economy Department, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Helen Obi, during the Telecommunications & Technology Stakeholder Breakfast session organised by the Telecommunications and Technology Sustainability Working Group (TTSWG), in Abuja...recently

Tegbe: No Plan to Raise Power Tariffs, 300 Containers of Delayed Equipment Released Says generation has improved to 5,330MW 350,000 meters installed in 100 days, 62 solar projects completed in 30 states Minister targets Lagos, Enugu-P’Harcourt, Abuja-Kaduna-Kano corridors Emmanuel Addeh and Aminat Hassan in Abuja The federal government yesterday ruled out any increase in electricity tariffs, even as the Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, disclosed that the ministry, working with relevant government agencies, secured the release of more than 300 containers of power equipment that had been delayed at the ports. Besides, the minister revealed that power generation and transmission had risen above 5,000MW in recent weeks, with generation peaking at 5,330MW in August and September, above the 3,700MW to 4,700MW range hitherto. Tegbe, who spoke at a media parley in Abuja to mark his first 100 days in office, said the government was focused on stabilising the electricity value chain and improving supply rather than imposing additional financial burdens on consumers. “Let me categorically state, and this is not a political statement, we have no plan to increase electricity tariffs. This government has no plan to increase tariffs, and I’m saying it in my capacity as the minister of power. Anybody (going) around

modifying videos or anything like that to insinuate that we’re planning to increase tariffs, honestly speaking, it’s not true,” he said. Tegbe highlighted improvements in generation, transmission, metering and electricity access, while acknowledging that many Nigerians continued to contend with unreliable supply and the cost of self-generation. He said operational records showed that generation and transmission had remained above 5,000MW over the preceding weeks, compared with the 3,700MW to 4,700MW range before June, with generation reaching a peak of 5,330MW during August and September. “Our next task is to sustain these gains and translate them into more dependable supply at customer level. We are aware that a national peak alone cannot describe the experience of every community,” he said. According to him, the 375MW Alaoji open-cycle power plant had also been restored to the national grid after three years offline, while interventions at key substations had unlocked additional transmission capacity. He disclosed that new transform-

ers commissioned at Apapa, Ijora, Alausa and Lekki in Lagos had unlocked 672MW of transmission capacity, while a new 300MVA transformer energised at Katampe, Abuja, had unlocked another 240MW. “Releasing these equipment makes it available for deployment and helps address the paradox of unfinished projects alongside equipment stranded in storage,”

Reckitt has announced a historic leadership shift with the appointment of Ujunwa Chukwumah as General Manager, West Africa, effective September 15, 2026 - making her the first Nigerian woman to lead the business in the region. A global leader in health and hygiene, Reckitt said the appointment marks a significant milestone in its West Africa journey, ushering in a new era of homegrown, inclusive leadership at the helm of its operations across Nigeria, Ghana, Cote d’Ivoire and other key markets. The appointment, according to

a press release made available to THISDAY during the weekend, is a double milestone - Chukwumah becomes the first Nigerian and the first female to ever lead Reckitt’s West Africa business, signaling a new era of inclusive, homegrown leadership for the multinational. With over 19 years of stellar commercial and transformational leadership experience across Africa, Chukwumah is no stranger to driving growth in complex markets. She joins Reckitt from Diageo, where she served as Commercial Director for West and Central Africa, steering businesses across diverse African markets.

formations. “Metering is central to that discipline and to consumer confidence. These developments advance an existing national effort to replace disputed estimates with measured consumption and improve revenue accountability,” Tegbe said. He added that 5,000 young Nigerians were undergoing training under the Power Force programme as smart-meter installers, in an

effort to develop the manpower required to sustain the national metering drive. On electricity access beyond the national grid, Tegbe said 62 solar and mini-grid installations had been completed across 30 states, representing about 43.6MW of installed solar capacity and 41,735 new connections, with an estimated beneficiary reach of more than 208,000 people.

PCE Nigeria, Lantic to Deploy AKK, OB3 Pipeline Expertise to New Projects Firms target growing demand for specialised pipeline construction Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja PCE Nigeria Limited and its partner, Lantic, are seeking to deploy the engineering expertise gained from two major gas pipeline crossings on new infrastructure projects across Nigeria, following the completion of challenging sections of the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) and Obiafu-Obrikom-Oben (OB3) pipelines.

Reckitt Appoints Ujunwa Chukwumah in Historic Shift as First Nigerian Woman to Lead West Africa Mary Nnah

he said. On metering, the minister said approximately 350,000 meters had been installed within his first 100 days, while cumulative installations reached 1,004,260 as of August 2026. According to him, the resolution of the AMMON litigation unlocked procurement of about 1.4 million smart meters across the affected programmes, while 90,000 meters had been installed in military

Prior to that, she held senior leadership roles at Procter & Gamble, building a formidable reputation for commercial strategy, market development, and high-performance team leadership. Industry watchers describe her as a proven growth architect with a deep understanding of Sub-Saharan Africa’s consumers, customers, and evolving business landscape. In her new role, Chukwumah will lead Reckitt’s operations across key markets including Nigeria, Ghana, and Cote d’Ivoire, with a mandate to accelerate commercial performance, drive sustainable growth, build organisational capability, and unleash the full potential of Reckitt’s iconic brands.

The company said its work on the River Niger crossings had expanded its capacity to execute complex Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD), pipeline engineering, procurement and construction (EPC), buried pipeline detection systems (BPDS), drilling-fluid and other specialised technical projects. A major demonstration of the capability, the firm said in a statement, was the approximately 2,000-metre, 48-inch HDD pullback completed beneath the River Niger for the OB3 gas pipeline. The crossing connects Ndoni in Rivers State with Aboh in Delta State and forms part of the infrastructure

designed to link Nigeria’s eastern and western gas networks. PCE Nigeria also said it executed an approximately 1.56-kilometre HDD pullback beneath the River Niger for the AKK pipeline, which is designed to transport gas from Ajaokuta through Abuja and Kaduna to Kano. According to the company, both crossings required specialised HDD engineering because of the length of the underground sections and varying ground conditions encountered during construction. Commenting on the projects, PCE Nigeria’s Xu Liangkui said the two River Niger crossings

demonstrated the capacity of specialised HDD engineering to deliver major pipeline infrastructure under difficult conditions. “With Lantic, we’re now bringing that same combination of engineering, equipment and drilling fluid expertise to the next generation of pipeline projects,” he said. The company said its collaboration with Lantic brings together specialist engineering capabilities, HDD equipment and drilling products, including Bentonite and drilling-fluid solutions adapted to the technical requirements and ground conditions of individual projects.

NSITF Operations Now Digitalized, Says Faleye Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja The Managing Director of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), Mr. Oluwaseun Faleye has said the Fund is fast moving from manual, top-heavy operations to a more digital, efficient and accountable institution in the last two years. A statement signed by the Deputy General Manager Corporate Affairs, Alex Mede, quoted Faleye as stating this position on

Monday when he received the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, Dr. Kamil A. Shoretire, to the NSITF Headquarters in Abuja. While highlighting his stewardship, the MD said the management had to confront the challenges facing the Fund in an honest and pragmatic manner starting with reforms. He said when the current management assumed office in July 2024, it met an institution

with significant reliance on manual processes, a management structure heavily concentrated at the top, career stagnation, gaps in deployment of people and resources, and institutional processes that needed modernisation. He gave a breakdown of key reform steps already taken to include a comprehensive staff audit, which recommendations are being implemented in phases to ensure sustainable, evidencebased reform.

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Tinubu Extends Leave by One Week; He Has Breached No Law, Presidency Replies Atiku Says president will continue to ask Shettima, Akume to represent him at functions Describes ex-VP’s insinuation as baseless, irresponsible ADC candidate seeks to know who’s in charge in Nigeria Deji Elumoye, Chuks Okocha and Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja The presidency has disclosed that the three-week working leave embarked upon by President Bola Tinubu has been extended by one week. Presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, in a statement, explained that the president would return to Nigeria at the weekend, following the extension of his working vacation by a few days. Tinubu departed Nigeria on August 30 for London to begin the working vacation. According to the presidency, the president, after spending a week in

London, moved to Paris, where he met with French President Emmanuel Macron and businessman, Mr Vincent Bollore, whose media group included Canal+, Multichoice, and Universal Music Group. The statement said, “Since he began the vacation, Tinubu has continued to keep in touch with home, directing the affairs of the nation, like ordering an independent panel to investigate the death of 37 illegal miners in Minna, following their detention by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, among other things.” While away, the president delegated Vice President Kashim Shettima to represent him at some official functions.

Though Shettima left Abuja on October 20 for New York to attend the 81st United Nations General Assembly, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, who has also been representing the president at events, will continue to do so, the statement said. On the political front, DirectorGeneral of the Presidential Campaign Council (PCC), Senator Abubakar Yari, had been leading notable party leaders in consultations with prominent traditional rulers in the country. The presidency described the insinuation by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and a United States-based lobbying firm, which it

alleged was headed by an ex-convict, about Tinubu’s absence at UNGA as irresponsible and baseless. “Vice President Shettima, who is representing the president at the global conference, will present Nigeria’s national statement,” it added. The presidency told Atiku that Tinubu had not breached any provisions of the 1999 Constitution by his long absence from work. Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to the President, Mr Tope Ajayi, told THISDAY that Tinubu had not breached any constitutional provision since he embarked on a 21-day working leave on August 30. Ajayi explained that Tinubu had

only spent 15 out of the 21 working days’ vacation he was constitutionally entitled to. Ajayi described Atiku, who is African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, as someone who liked to grandstand with a view to getting cheap attention. According to him, “Atiku is just grandstanding and seeking cheap attention. His campaign is floundering, and he is looking for every straw to hold on to. “President Tinubu has not breached the constitution in any way. He is entitled to 21 working days’ vacation and he has only done 15 days.” Relatedly, the federal government

President Bola Tinubu said Tinubu mandated Shettima to represent him and lead Nigeria’s delegation to UNGA, dismissing Atiku’s question about who is in Continued on page 25

Lokpobiri Receives Congolese Counterpart, Says Local Firms Produce 60% of Nigeria’s Oil Insists Africa must solve its energy poverty problems from within Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Heineken Lokpobiri, yesterday said that Nigeria’s indigenous oil and gas companies now account for about 60 per cent of the country’s crude production. Lokpobiri disclosed this when he received the Minister of Petroleum of the Republic of Congo, Stev Simplice

Onanga, and his delegation in Abuja during a visit focused on Nigeria’s local content development in the oil and gas industry. He said the growth of indigenous participation had significantly increased the retention of value within Nigeria, noting that the development was driven by deliberate local content policies and the divestment of some international oil companies’ onshore

and shallow-water assets to Nigerian operators. “Before now it used to be 90 per cent IOCs. Right now, we have 60 per cent indigenous companies accounting for the production we have in Nigeria. That means 60 per cent retention of value in the country,” Lokpobiri said. According to him, some major indigenous companies are now

operating without expatriate staff, citing Renaissance as an example of a company that is fully managed by Nigerians. He said the development had also resulted in the emergence of a growing number of competent Nigerian oilfield service companies capable of competing alongside international operators. “Before now, we had service

AFTER PETROLEUM REFINERY, DANGOTE ANNOUNCES 2028 IPO FOR FERTILISER BUSINESS was being expanded significantly, with the group targeting 12 million tonnes of urea production, alongside investments in potash and phosphate mines and 2.2 million tonnes of diammonium phosphate (DAP) production. “Yes, we will IPO it. It’s going to be the biggest fertiliser company on earth,” Dangote said when asked about plans to list the fertiliser business. Asked when the listing would take place, he replied: “Yes, it will be here in 2028.” Dangote Fertiliser currently operates a $2.5 billion fertiliser plant in Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos, with an annual urea production capacity of about three million tonnes. The group has been expanding its fertiliser operations as part of a broader strategy to build production capacity across Africa and reduce the continent’s dependence on imported agricultural inputs. Dangote said the group was targeting an increase in urea production from three million tonnes to 12 million tonnes, while also developing potash and phosphate resources and adding 2.2 million tonnes of DAP production. “I think we alone can satisfy at least more than 40 per cent of Africa’s demand,” he said. The businessman said the move was partly driven by the experience of African countries during the Russia-Ukraine war, when disruptions to global fertiliser supplies exposed the continent’s dependence on imports. “Four years ago, at the beginning of the Ukraine-Russia crisis, the African Union sent the German President Michel to go and say that we needed fertiliser. We are running out of fertiliser because they are our suppliers. And I saw that, so we

made an announcement. I said in four years, Africa will not go and beg anybody for fertilizer,” he said. According to him, the group’s investments in fertiliser are part of a wider ambition to build productive capacity within Africa rather than continue exporting raw materials and importing finished products. Similarly, Dangote said the group was investing between $46 billion and $50 billion across Africa, arguing that the continent’s growing population and large consumer market provided sufficient demand for large-scale industrial investments. “Africa is not going to ask for aid anymore. We will now go there and develop our continent,” Dangote said. “So what we are doing right now is trying to convert most of our raw materials that we will be shipping at a very cheap price, which means when you ship raw material, you are actually shipping jobs out because you are not going to create any jobs. Then you import poverty into your continent. So we have cancelled that now.” Dangote said the group was investing heavily in refining, fertiliser, petrochemicals and infrastructure, adding that he expected other African businesses to follow. “We are doing massively, and I’m sure a lot of companies are going to join us. We have $46 to $50 billion, which we are now investing back into the continent. I’m sure a lot of people are going to follow suit,” he said. The fertiliser IPO announcement comes as the Dangote Petroleum Refinery’s IPO continues to generate significant interest from retail investors, with Dangote targeting 10 million shareholders.

He said the refinery IPO was intended to bring what he described as “democracy into capital markets in Africa” by enabling more Africans to participate in the ownership of major businesses. “We are looking for 10 million shareholders. So the idea that we’re doing is actually to bring democracy into capital markets in Africa, is to have Africans be able to participate in this prosperity,” he said. According to him, the response to the offering had been substantial, with technical difficulties occurring after its launch because of the volume of traffic from prospective investors. “We launched the IPO on Monday, so immediately after we

started, I think the whole system crashed, including the banks. Only the stock exchange was actually running live, but then we did it again. I think three days later it crashed again because of the number of traffic going in there to participate, but I’m sure right now they have stabilised,” he said. Dangote said the group was working with banks in Kenya, Botswana and South Africa to enable investors from those countries to participate in the offering. He expressed confidence that the refinery would achieve its 10 million-shareholder target, noting that the number would exceed the number of subscribers recorded in Continued on page 27

companies, big service companies like Schlumberger, that were dominant. But as of today, we have so many, maybe in excess of 20 to 30 competent companies that are in the service industry today,” the minister said. Lokpobiri explained that while international service companies continue to play a major role in deep offshore operations, Nigerian companies have increasingly taken responsibility for land, swamp and shallow-water operations. He said the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) had played a significant role in building the capacity of indigenous companies and professionals in the sector. The minister also explained that NCDMB’s operations were financed by contributions from the oil and gas industry rather than direct government funding. “Any contract in the industry is expected to contribute one per cent to the financing of this local content agency,” he said, explaining that the policy had helped Nigeria develop indigenous manpower, service companies and operators. “The solution to Africa’s energy poverty problems lies with Africans. Nobody from outside the continent can say they love Africa more than

Africans. We have to take our own destiny in our own hands, and that’s what we’re doing in Nigeria,” Lokpobiri said. Earlier, Onanga said the main objective of the visit was to study Nigeria’s local content policy and implementation in order to draw lessons that could be applied in the Republic of Congo. “Our wish is to improve local content. That is why we are here in Nigeria,” he said. Onanga said the delegation comprised officials responsible for upstream petroleum, local content, downstream and gas, as well as representatives of Congo’s national oil company and indigenous companies. “We came here as a little brother, let’s go to see the big brother and see how they have done the local content. This is why we are here, really getting experience, sharing experience and seeing what you have done here,” the Congolese minister said. He said Congo was particularly interested in learning how Nigeria had developed its local companies and created mechanisms for retaining value within the country. Onanga expressed optimism that the exchange would benefit both countries and strengthen African cooperation in the oil and gas sector.

OLOKOLA DEEP SEAPORT: QUESTIONS AS OGUN PLANS FRESH UAE DEAL DESPITE EXISTING DANGOTE MOU against the backdrop of Ogun ahead, it could provide more Ondo state governments hold 10 the company. Sources familiar with the State’s recent avowed efforts to details about the new arrangement per cent each. The arrangement effectively places the three parties development told THISDAY last accelerate the development of and its relationship with existing within a common vehicle through night that the Ogun government the Olokola Deep Seaport and agreements concerning the project. which the development of the had been engaging the UAE-based attract additional private capital The source, who spoke on zone and associated investment company ahead of tomorrow’s into the project. condition of anonymity because the Dangote Group has been closely discussions had not been formally opportunities are to be pursued. proposed signing, although the Against this background, THIS- identity of the company was associated with the project, with announced, wondered why the DAY was told that the proposed still being kept under wraps as the company having expressed state was proceeding with the interest in the development of the planned agreement despite being signing of a separate agreement of yesterday. The sources said the company deep seaport as part of its wider on the board of the Olokola seaport by the Ogun State Government with the new company in France already has an MoU with the investment plans in Ogun State. and trade project. raises questions about the status Dangote Group relating to the The group has also continued to The Ogun government has in and future of the existing SPV and investment opportunity, raising deepen its investments in the state. recent years said it is intensifying The fresh agreement being its efforts to attract investments into portends a grand plan to sabotage questions about the rationale for the state entering into a fresh contemplated by the Ogun the Ogun Waterside axis, with the the already existing MoU. Besides, the new agreement agreement with the same company government, however, puts the Olokola Deep Seaport regarded which may cover interests or in respect of the Olokola project. existing relationship between the as one of the strategic projects The details of the proposed state and the Dangote Group over expected to expand the state’s assets already contemplated under the OFTZC arrangement, agreement, including its scope, the Olokola project under renewed industrial and logistics capacity. could create an overlap between financial commitments and the scrutiny, particularly given the Governor Dapo Abiodun the two structures and potentially specific role envisaged for the reported MoU between Dangote has repeatedly expressed the put the existing SPV in jeopardy, UAE-based company, were not and Ogun. administration’s commitment to A source familiar with the matter particularly given Dangote Group’s immediately available. Continued on page 26 The development is coming said if the proposed signing goes controlling 80 per cent interest in

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CATHOLIC FAITH FAMILY PROJECT GRAND FINALE...

L-R: Chairman, Catechisation, Col. Greg Ugwueze; the winning family, Mr. and Mrs. Tobi Olalusi; Archbishop of the Metropolitan See of Lagos, Most Rev. Dr. Alfred Adewale Martins; Knights of St John International (KSJI), Lagos Grand Spiritual Director, Very Rev Fr. Vincent Olofinkua; and Grand President, Lagos Grand Commandery, Brig. Gen Paulinus Nwankwo, at the Catholic Faith Family Project Grand Finale organised by KSJI Lagos Grand Commandery in Conjunction with Archdiocesan Laity Council held in Lagos ... recently

Oduwole: Free Zones Must Earn Incentives Through Exports, Not Domestic Diversion Says economic zones have recorded $200 billion, N900 billion in foreign, local investments respectively FG seeks to abolish zone’s tax arbitrage, tightens rules New regulations clarify customs, tax responsibilities amid efforts for greater fiscal accountability James Emejo in Abuja Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, has disclosed the federal government’s move to overhaul the country’s Special Economic Zones (SEZs) to boost exports and fiscal transparency within the space. Oduwole also disclosed that investments across the scheme had reached over $200 billion in foreign investment and over N900 billion in domestic investment, with over 100,000 direct employment and total employment impact estimated at over 500,000, when

supply chains, logistics networks, and host communities were included. Oduwole spoke at a stakeholders’ meeting on SEZs in Abuja. She stated that ongoing regulatory reforms were designed to restore the export orientation of the free-zone scheme while providing greater certainty for legitimate investors. She also cautioned operators against exploiting fiscal concessions to serve the domestic market while competing with manufacturers operating under the full tax regime. Oduwole said the government was particularly concerned about

the diversion of goods produced in free zones into the Nigerian Customs Territory by operators still enjoying incentives originally designed to promote exports. She said the reforms were aimed at striking a balance between maintaining the country’s competitiveness as an investment destination and protecting the integrity of the fiscal system. Oduwole said manufacturers operating within the customs territory had increasingly complained that they were being placed at a competitive disadvantage because they imported inputs, employed Nigerians, and paid

applicable duties and taxes, while competing against concessioned goods entering the same domestic market. She said the situation had also contributed to a proliferation of applications for new free zones. The minister said government had embarked on a 19-month engagement with lawmakers, government agencies, and private-sector operators to align the SEZ regime with the broader objective of expanding non-oil exports. Oduwole said the process culminated in a legislative and regulatory reform committee inaugurated in February 2026, involving officials of the

Abuja Turns into West Africa’s Deal Room as 60 Startups Chase $65,000 and $5m Jackpot 6,000 applied, 60 picked, 20 to pitch live September 30 as ECOWAS bets on innovation to drive integration, jobs Michael Olugbode in Abuja The future of West African trade is being negotiated this week not in a summit hall, but on a pitch stage. Sixty of the region’s most promising startups - sieved from more than 6,000 applications - opened a 10-day battle in Abuja on Sunday for the 2nd ECOWAS Startup Awards, a festival that will mix masterclasses, exhibitions and investor deal rooms and climax with a live regional final on September 30. It is the biggest and most commercially driven startup programme ECOWAS has ever staged. The second edition, which runs from September 21 to 30, 2026, started with virtual masterclasses and startup clinics from September 21 to 25, followed by a physical programme in Abuja from September 28 to 30. Twenty finalists will emerge from the 60 to pitch before an independent jury of industry experts, investors and policy stakeholders. At stake is $65,000 in seed capital - $30,000 for the winner, $20,000 for first runner-up and

$15,000 for second runner-up. Beyond the cheques, organisers are targeting about $5 million worth of investment deals across six thematic tracks. The 60 were drawn from the 12 ECOWAS member states across sectors that define the region’s youth economy and survival economy: EdTech and Skills Development; FinTech; HealthTech; AgriTech and Food Systems; CleanTech, Climate and Green Innovation; and Tourism, Hospitality and TravelTech. The programme is expected to bring together 300 participants, including the 60 startups, 12 technology hubs and accelerators, investors, policymakers, industry leaders and development partners. It is organised by the ECOWAS Commission in partnership with the Pan African Alliance of Small and Medium Industries and the Investment Promotion Agencies of West African states. The ECOWAS Commission said the award was designed to tackle the familiar killer of West African startups - products with breakthrough potential that die because founders lack managerial

capacity, access to finance, market access and regulatory support. “The ECOWAS Start-up Awards is designed to mobilise innovation, particularly by start-ups,” said Oluonye Peter, Acting Director, Private Sector and Industry, ECOWAS Commission, in a state-

ment issued in Abuja on Monday. He said many founders “have innovated to address unique and specific solutions that ordinarily have breakthroughs or disruption in the system, but they cannot take their products to the market because they have little market preparation.”

ministry, the Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA). and the Oil and Gas Free Zone Authority (OGFZA). The reform package included revised NEPZA regulations and operational guidelines, as well as new regulations covering domestic sales, fiscal alignment, and customs treatment for both NEPZA and oil and gas free zones. A key feature was the clearer application of the 75 per cent export and 25 per cent domestic-sales framework, with domestic sales to be treated in line with applicable Nigerian law. Oduwole said the reforms would also settle long-standing uncertainties over the respective roles of regulators. Under the new framework, NEPZA and OGFZA would retain responsibility for licensing and operational oversight, while the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) would administer taxes and the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) will retain responsibility for customs control, valuation, classification, and enforcement. She stressed that administrative practices could not override primary legislation. “Administrative circulars cannot amend Acts,” the minister said, adding that historical concessions or practices

inconsistent with existing laws could no longer form the basis for investment or regulatory decisions. The reforms also sought to modernise the zones to accommodate emerging sectors, particularly digital businesses. Oduwole said the revised NEPZA regulations would formally recognise Digital Free Zones and Digital Special Economic Zones, allowing businesses operating on digital platforms to participate without the conventional requirement of physical presence. The new regime would also provide for licence categories, such as Innovator Licence, targeted at enterprises operating in emerging areas where regulatory frameworks were still developing. The minister said the reforms were not intended to undermine investors or eliminate lawful incentives. Rather, she said the objective was to make the incentive regime “clearer, more coherent and more sustainable” so investors could plan with greater certainty while protecting the integrity of the scheme. Oduwole also sought to shift the narrative surrounding the zones away from taxation alone, highlighting their contribution to industrial production, employment, and investment.

Sanwo-Olu Urges Judges to Guard Judiciary’s Independence Says justice system must endure beyond personalities, political cycles Wale Igbintade Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State yesterday charged judges and lawyers to protect the independence and integrity of the judiciary, declaring that the institution of justice must endure beyond individuals, administrations and political cycles. Sanwo-Olu, who spoke as his administration entered its final 10 months, said the strength of his legacy would be measured not only by roads and infrastructure but also by the institutions strengthened and systems established to serve future generations.

The governor spoke in a message delivered by Secretary to the Lagos State Government, Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, at a special service marking the commencement of the 2026/2027 Legal Year of the Lagos State Judiciary. He stated, “Administrations will come and go. Judges will be appointed and retire. Office holders will change, and political seasons will pass. But the institution of justice must endure beyond personalities, governments and political cycles.” Sanwo-Olu said, “Its integrity must remain sacred, its independence unwavering, and its commitment to truth and fairness beyond compromise.”

He said institutions serving the people must outlive those occupying public office, adding that public confidence in the justice system is essential to the stability and development of Lagos. According to him, citizens must be confident that their rights would be protected, disputes fairly resolved, contracts respected, and the rule of law maintained. Sanwo-Olu also linked an effective justice system to the state’s economic fortunes, stating that the administration of justice has implications for businesses, investment, and economic activities. “For Lagos, with its enormous

population, vibrant economy and complex social environment, this assurance is particularly important,” he said. The governor assured the judiciary that the state government would continue, within its constitutional responsibilities, to support efforts to improve access to justice and strengthen the administration of justice. He cautioned that infrastructure, technology, and institutional reforms alone could not guarantee an effective justice system. Sanwo-Olu stressed that its ultimate strength depended on the integrity and courage of those administering justice.

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Acting Group Politics Editor DEJI ELUMOYE

POLITICS

Email: deji.elumoye@thisdaylive.com 08033025611 SMS ONLY

Obi-Soludo: Yet Another Round of Political War It’s no news that there is no love lost between the presidential candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress, Mr Peter Obi and Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State as they have continually been at political war. David-Chyddy Eleke reports that this time, the contention is Obi’s financial record when he served as two-time governor of the state.

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hat started as an innocent podcast appearance by the commissioner for Finance in Anambra State, under the Prof. Chukwuma Soludo administration, Mr. Izuchukwu Okafor, has turned out a major cause of disagreement between two of Anambra’s most powerful political figures; Mr Peter Obi, former governor of the state and presidential candidate of Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) and Prof Chukwuma Soludo, the incumbent governor. In the podcast appearance, the commissioner had stated that Anambra State government under Soludo was still repaying loans facilities accessed by previous governments, including that of Obi. This statement may not be unconnected to the many comments by the presidential candidate of NDC, who has countless times bragged about his time as governor of the state, always stating that as at the time he left office in 2014, he neither owed any worker, contractor or any debt in loans, and still left behind N75billion in cash and investmens. He usually summed up such statement with a challenge that if anyone could prove him wrong, he would give up his presidential ambition. Of course, Obi didn’t waste time in replying to the commissioner with same challenge, one that spurred the government of Soludo to paw through the books of the state to dig up records of his activities as governor, leading to what the state commissioner for Information, Dr Law Mefor released last week under the caption: Gov Peter Obi and Record of Public Debt in Anambra: Facts Beyond Propaganda and Lies. The statement read: “Our attention has been drawn to a viral post by a former Governor of Anambra, Mr. Peter Obi, on what he described as Phantom Debts and Ecological Loan Fallacy, which presumably was in response to some statements in a podcast by the Anambra State Commissioner for Finance. We understand that this is a campaign season and candidates often go to the extremes in order to impress. If not that the said post was in his personal handle, we would not have believed that he could have made such wild, and verifiably false claims. As a government, we are focused 100% on delivering dividends of democracy to millions of Ndi Anambra. However, when a former governor of the state makes some outlandish claims about the state of public debt he left behind and especially when the

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present government has been spending billions of Naira servicing the same debt, a responsible government owes the public a response in the interest of transparency and accountability.” Stating what it described as the fact, the state government clarified that: “Peter Obi spent about $4.05 billion (equivalent to N5.4 trillion at current exchange rate) in eight years and also contracted US$123.77million in external debt alone which our government has so far paid billions of Naira in service payments. Let’s be clear: hardly any government in the world has zero debt stock. The issue is not whether or not borrowing is good: no business or government can scale significantly without some debt. Yes, we converted the audited and published expenditures using the average official exchange rates during the eight years of Peter Obi and they sum to about USS$4.05 billion. “At the current official exchange rate, it would sum to about N5.4 trillon and he surely governed to the best of his ability. Of course, no government will ever finish the work of development. As at the date Peter Obi left office (17th March 2014), there were and still are eight different external borrowings his administration left for his successors. As of June 30, 2026, the total balance of such loans left by Peter Obi at the official exchange rate stood at N127.4Billion. Here we summarise the latest report from the Debt Management Office (DMO) on Anambra’s debt status (as of June 2026), indicating the

dates the loans were signed and the balance remaining. Evidently, Peter Obi borrowed for malaria, erosion control, education, healthcare, etc. So far, this government pays hundreds of millions of Naira every month to service these debts and we are not complaining. It is good for Anambra once we can show the impacts.” The state government further stated that as at when Obi left office, he left behind a state without any functioning urban or rural water schemes; increasing insecurity and increased poverty, ostensibly dead public schools and dead public hospitals with grossly inadequate teachers and medical personnel (indeed 44% of all communities in Anambra, 78 out of 179) did not and still do not have any public primary schools (and this administration is only beginning to close the gap).” They insisted he also left a decrepit infrastructure with huge urban slums, etc. “Only about 27% of Anambra residents patronised public health institutions because of poor quality and nonfunctionality (he even admitted abandoning public health system at the recent NBA conference). We are convinced that many Ndi Anambra would not have minded if Peter Obi had borrowed to fix public schools and hospitals, water schemes, infrastructure, or even to reduce poverty and insecurity. Debt, especially for bankable projects and human capital development, is justifiable. So, Peter Obi should stop being irked as if all debt is bad.” The statement also said Obi owed verified salaries, gratuity, and pension to retired teachers and staff of Water Corporation, saying his statement on clearing all inherited arrears of pensions, salaries and gratuities were patently false, but it would not want to get into the debate between him and his predecessors regarding which arrears were paid by them

Obi appears to be gaining more supporters especially in Anambra where many now sympathize with him for the brazen attacks. But for Soludo, this is not a battle, but an attempt to set the records straight for posterity sake. His aides say the revelation is not a witch hunt against Obi, insisting that Soludo still sees Obi as his brother.

or by him. “Obi owed verified salaries, gratuity, and pension to retired teachers and staff of Water Corporation. Obi made very strong statements about clearing all inherited arrears of pensions, salaries and gratuities. That claim is patently false. We do not want to get into the debate between him and his predecessors regarding which arrears were paid by them or by him. So, Your Excellency, you owed salaries, pensions and gratuities. Many of these people are still alive and can testify. It is not good to speak loudly without facts or with fabricated figures. How can you say that if we show one person that you owed you will quit your 2027 presidential campaign? No, we don’t want you to quit and we wish you well. But you obviously lied: you owed many, not one, and those debts are yet to be fully cleared even today!” Mefor spoke about Obi’s lies on Ecological fund account or deposit with the First Bank of Nigeria, UNIZIK Branch, Awka, he added that Obi wrote without any equivocation that as at the date he left office, 17th March, 2014, he left the “balance of over N2.13 billion in a First Bank Account No.2018779464, UNIZIK Branch, Awka. He subsequently charged that if the claim is found to be false, he would stop campaigning. Well, we have obtained a certified print out of the said account from inception to date. First, the account is an Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) - Consolidated Revenue Account, and not an ecological fund account. Second, from 2011 when the account was opened until date, there has never been any such amount—whether as inflow or balance—in the account. “Since Peter Obi raised the issue and admitted that his government received such an amount and it is evident that no such an amount ever entered into the account that he cited, it behoves on Peter Obi to tell us where exactly his government kept the money or is the money missing? There must be something about this N2.13bn that he should bring it up even when it was never mentioned by the Commissioner. Curious!” The above release had opened a floodgate of debates, not just in Anambra but across the country, with many people arguing either in favour of the Anambra State government or Obi. NOTE: Interested readers should continue in the online edition on www.thisdaylive.com

LAWYER TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2026

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Tobacco: Wrapped Death, Sought by Humans

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Applicability of Conviction for a Lesser Offence Where Prosecution Only Establishes Attempt Page IV

Donors Revamp LASU Law Clinic for Students Page V Ch

d e p p a r W Tobacco: y b t h g u o Death, S Humans

EFCC Clarifies Foreign Currency Legal Fees Position Page V

NBA Seeks Rights Safeguards in Lagos Begging Bill Page V

QUOTABLE ‘When we assumed the mantle of leadership, what we had in the kitty was less than $3.9 billion. Our economy was tethering on collapse, but President Bola Ahmed Tinubu refused to pass the blame. He said he had inherited the assets and liabilities of his predecessor.' -HE Kashim Shettima, GCON, Vice President, Federal Republic of Nigeria

FRN v Jokolo: The Limits of Territorial Jurisdiction Page VI

The FBI Files Controversy: Between Public Interest and the Rule of Law Page X

LAWYER

ONIKEPO BRAITHWAITE: EDITOR, JUDE IGBANOI: DEPUTY EDITOR, PETER TAIWO, STEVE AYA: REPORTERS

III THE ADVOCATE

T H I S D AY ˾ TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2026

Mene-Ejegi: The Gap the Court Cannot Fill Introduction ast week, we reported this appeal as our Law Report - SC/481/2018 Ben Mene-Ejegi Esq v NBA & Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC) Judgement delivered on 26/6/2026 per Mohammed Baba Idris, JSC; Obande Festus Ogbuinya & Habeeb Adewale Olumuyiwa Abiru JJSC Dissenting (MeneEjegi case or Mene-Ejegi). Because it had to do with the interpretation or application of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended)(the Constitution), a full court of seven Justices heard the appeal - see Sections 233(2)(b) & 234 thereof. This full court decision of the Supreme Court, though split 5:2, has put paid to the argument as to whether an appeal can lie directly from the LPDC to the Supreme Court. The law as it stands today, is that it cannot. The Apex Court relied on Section 233 of the Constitution which confers its appellate jurisdiction on it, and by virtue of Section 233(1) thereof, presently, appeals lie to the Supreme Court only from the Court of Appeal.

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The Majority Judgement and Rationale While the Majority decision of the Apex Court found Section 233(2) to be exhaustive in terms of its appellate jurisdiction, on the other hand, it also found that Section 240 of the Constitution shows that only the Court of Appeal was designed to receive statutory add-ons, that is, appeals from such “other tribunals as may be prescribed by an Act of the National Assembly” (NASS). The purport of this is that, while their Lordships found that the only way an appeal can lie to the Supreme Court is from the Court of Appeal, and NASS has no power to enact a statute adding any further appellate source to the Supreme Court, they accepted that Section 240 of the Constitution allows other tribunals not expressly named therein, to be given a right of appeal to the Court of Appeal by an Act of NASS. Section 12(7) of the Legal Practitioners Act (as amended) (LPA) which purported to send LPDC directions straight to the Supreme Court was accordingly, found to be inconsistent with Section 233(1) of the Constitution, and therefore, void to the extent of its inconsistency by virtue of Section 1(3) thereof. The principle of expressio unius est exclusio alterius was applied, that is, the express mention of one thing automatically excludes any other, which otherwise would have been included by implication - see Jegede & Anor v INEC & Ors (2021) LPELR-55481(SC) per Mohammed Lawal Garba, JSC; Shinkafi & Anor v Yari & Ors (2016) LPELR-26050(SC) per John Inyang Okoro, JSC. By virtue of Section 315(1) of the Constitution, the LPA is an existing law, and Section 12(5) thereof allowed for appeals from the Appeal Committee to the Supreme Court; yet, this appeal process was excluded from the Supreme Court’s appellate jurisdiction laid out in Section 233(2) of the Constitution. The implication of the foregoing is that the only constitutionally contemplated path of an LPDC appeal to the Supreme Court, be it through the Appeal Committee or directly from the LPDC, would be through the Court of Appeal. That path, however, is not yet open. Section 240 is not self-executing. It permits NASS to prescribe the LPDC –or any successor appellate body –as a source of appeal to the Court of Appeal; it does not, by itself, vest that jurisdiction. The older printed text of the LPA (the version reproduced as Cap L11 in the Laws of the Federation 2004) had sent a person aggrieved by an LPDC direction, first to the Appeal Committee of the Body of Benchers (Appeal Committee) within 28 days - see the old Sections 11(7) and 12(1) - and from that Committee onward to the Supreme Court Section 12(5). In SC/278/2021 Nnamdi Osuji v LPDC & Incorporated Trustees of the NBA, Judgement delivered on 4/7/2025 per Mohammed Lawal Garba, JSC, the Supreme Court applied that compilation. It held that a direct appeal from the LPDC to the Supreme Court was incompetent, and that the aggrieved person must go to the Appeal Committee first. The Osuji decision had still assumed that, after the Appeal Committee, the Supreme Court remained the next port. The Mene-Ejegi decision, makes that assumption

rather we are infallible because we are final”. Because no other court sits above the Supreme Court, departure from a previous decision is something that is done rarely, and it appears that the dissenting Justices in the Mene-Ejegi case didn’t believe that conditions for such departure had been met. But, the Majority’s reply was that once the issue is jurisdiction, the Court may re-examine the Constitution itself, and that Okike left the Section 233/240 architecture unexamined. That is the real split: closed textual structure versus settled precedent plus a saved statutory right of appeal.

ONIKEPO BRAITHWAITE BRAITHWAITE ONIKEPO

onikepo.braithwaite@thisdaylive. com onikepob@yahoo.com

The

Advocate This full court decision of the Supreme Court, though split 5:2, has put paid to the argument as to whether an appeal can lie directly from the LPDC to the Supreme Court. The law as it stands today, is that it cannot…. The honest present tense is: there is now no clearly living statutory appeal from an LPDC direction to any court. And, it appears that no Appeal Committee has been constituted, meaning that until such a time as the Appeal Committee is constituted or NASS acts, LPDC directions sit in a vacuum, with nowhere to go…..why the issue of the disbarment or discipline of a Lawyer for infamous conduct or professional misconduct, be one that should reach the Supreme Court? …. Infamous conduct, is not a constitutional event untenable. If Section 233 admits only the Court of Appeal as a feeder court, neither the LPDC nor the Appeal Committee can be given a statutory ticket directly to the Apex Court. It appears that, as things stand, either appeals will terminate at the Appeal Committee, or whether from the LPDC or Appeal Committee, a law must be enacted for such appeal to go to the Appeal Court, in order to then be able to get to the Supreme Court. The 1994 amendment to the LPA had in any event, deleted the Appeal Committee and substituted Section 12(7), allowing direct appeal from the LPDC to the Supreme Court. The Majority in Mene-Ejegi has now voided Section 12(7). The honest present tense is therefore this: there is now no clearly living statutory appeal from an LPDC direction to any court. And, it appears that no Appeal Committee has been constituted, meaning that until such a time as the Appeal Committee is constituted or NASS acts, LPDC directions sit in a vacuum, with nowhere to go. Dissenting Opinions of Ogbuinya & Abiru JJSC In their dissenting opinions, Ogbuinya and Abiru JJSC, preferred to follow the

Supreme Court of Nigeria

precedent laid down in Okike v LPDC (2005) 3-4 SC 49, also a seven man Panel led by Mohammed Lawal Uwais, CJN. The Panel had unanimously held that Section 233(1) of the Constitution gives the Supreme Court exclusive jurisdiction over Court of Appeal decisions; it does not say the Court may hear only those appeals. In the absence of an express ouster, the Court would not readily strip itself of a jurisdiction it had long exercised in professional- discipline matters. For the dissenting Justices, the live question appeared to be which statute is extant, already answered in their view, by the Revised LPA and by the Okike decision. A later Panel they said, cannot raise constitutionality suo motu, overrule a full-court decision that was never challenged by the parties, and treat a mere difference of interpretive taste as a ground for departure. In Adegoke Motors Ltd v Adesanya & Anor (1989) LPELR-94(SC) per Chukwudifu Akunne Oputa, JSC, his Lordship repeated the famous words of US Supreme Court Justice, Robert H. Jackson in Brown v Allen: “We are final not because we are infallible;

Pertinent Question: Is Professional Misconduct a Constitutional Event? A pertinent question to ask here is, why the issue of the disbarment or discipline of a Lawyer for infamous conduct or professional misconduct, be one that should reach the Supreme Court, the highest court of the land, a policy court, as if it’s just a glorified appellate court? The Supreme Court is a court of doctrine; it decides hard cases where the law is unclear or where the Constitution is in issue. Does the issue of whether a Lawyer is disbarred or not, fit this bill? I think not. The full court sat in Mene-Ejegi, not because of the subject-matter of his case, but because of the interpretation and application of Section 233(2)(b) of the Constitution vis-à-vis issues relating to the LPDC and whether appeals could lie therefrom to the Supreme Court. Infamous conduct, is not a constitutional event. Allowing such infamous conduct matters simpliciter to reach the Supreme Court from the LPDC or Appeal Committee, would open the floodgates of other professional bodies to do the same. With respect, this isn’t the role of the Supreme Court. Conclusion In AGF & Ors v Abubakar & Ors (2007) LPELR-3(SC) per Sunday Akinola Akintan, JSC, the Supreme Court held thus: “For the court to enact or write into the Constitution what its makers failed to insert would amount to the court enacting laws and as Lord Simmons described such an act "a naked usurpation of legislative functions under the thin disguise of interpretation….”. His Lordship went on to hold that if there are legislative gaps, such gaps must be filled by amendment. The mode of amending the Constitution is set out in Section 9 thereof; it cannot be done by any other means. For the purposes of amending Section 233(2) of the Constitution to expand the appellate jurisdiction of the Supreme Court, the process outlined in Section 9(2) thereof would have to be followed, that is, the amendment cannot be passed in either House of NASS unless it is supported by votes of at least two thirds of the members of the House of NASS that proposed the amendment and approved by a resolution of Houses of Assembly of not less than two-thirds of all the States. It appears that this trite position must have impacted on the Majority decision in Mene-Ejegi; that even if such appeals had lain from the LPDC to the Supreme Court previously, there is actually no such provision permitting same in Section 233(2) of the Constitution, and a constitutional amendment would be required to be able to hear such appeals. After all, the Supreme Court is a creation of the Constitution. The Majority in Mene-Ejegi has answered the jurisdictional question. It has not answered the practical one. A Lawyer who is struck off, and who disputes LPDC’s direction, now has no clearly living statutory path into any court. Reconstituting the Appeal Committee does not, on the majority’s reading of Section 233 of the Constitution, reopen the Supreme Court. Direct restoration of the old Section 12(7) of the LPA route would require a Section 9(2) constitutional amendment of Section 233. The constitutionally available, and far less cumbersome, cure is the one Section 240 already contemplates: an Act of the National Assembly prescribing the LPDC - or any successor appellate body - as a source of appeal to the Court of Appeal. Until NASS does that work, the gap the Court identified remains a gap the Court cannot fill. As the Supreme Court itself said in AGF & Ors v Abubakar & Ors (Supra), writing into the Constitution what the makers omitted is not interpretation, it is legislation.

IV LAW REPORT

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2026 ˾ T H I S D AY

Applicability of Conviction for a Lesser Offence Where Prosecution Only Establishes Attempt Facts This appeal arose from the judgement of the Court of Appeal, Sokoto Judicial Division, delivered on 19th January, 2014, which upheld the judgement of the High Court of Zamfara State convicting and sentencing the Appellant to life imprisonment. The Appellant, who was the Defendant at the trial court, hired a commercial motorcyclist (PW2) to take him to Unguwar Yerima Area in Gusau. Upon reaching the destination, the Appellant, who had hidden a cutlass on him, began to cut PW2 several times on the head and left ear, in an attempt to steal the motorcycle. The cries from PW2 attracted residents, who intervened, causing the Appellant to abandon the attempt and flee. He was subsequently pursued, and apprehended. Accordingly, he was arraigned before the High Court of Zamfara State for armed robbery under Section 1(2) of the Robbery and Firearms (Special Provisions) Act, Cap. 398, LFN 2009. At trial, the prosecution called four witnesses and tendered two exhibits, including the Appellant’s extra-judicial statement (Exhibit C), where he confessed to the commission of the crime. Notably, in Exhibit C, the Appellant admitted attacking PW2 with a cutlass with the intention of robbing him of the motorcycle used to convey him to Unguwar Yerima, selling the said motorcycle, and using the proceeds to alleviate his financial difficulties, which had motivated him to engage in the act. At the point of tendering the said extra-judicial statement, he did not object to its admissibility on the basis that it was not voluntarily made. Thereafter, the Appellant testified as the sole defence witness and denied aspects of the prosecution’s case, including the contents of Exhibit C. However, the trial court believed the evidence of PW1, PW2 and PW4 (ASP Bala Elkanas) and accepted Exhibit C as having been voluntarily made by the Appellant. In its judgement, the trial court found that the prosecution failed to prove the completed offence of robbery, particularly because it did not establish that the Appellant actually succeeded in taking the motorcycle, which is an element of the offence. The trial court, however, held that the evidence proved attempted robbery beyond reasonable doubt. Relying on Section 219 of the Criminal Procedure Code, the court convicted the Appellant under Section 2(2) of the Robbery and Firearms (Special Provisions) Act, and imposed the prescribed mandatory sentence of life imprisonment. Dissatisfied with the judgement, the Appellant approached the Court of Appeal, challenging the conviction and sentence imposed upon him. The Court of Appeal dismissed the appeal and affirmed the judgement of the trial court, prompting the Appellant to appeal further to the Supreme Court. Issue for Determination The Supreme Court identified one issue for determination: Whether the Court of Appeal was right in affirming the judgement of the trial court, thereby convicting and sentencing the Appellant to life imprisonment for the offence of attempted robbery contrary to Section 2(2) of the Robbery and Fire Arms (Special Provisions) Act, CAP 389, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004. Arguments The Appellant had proffered arguments, in line with the issues raised in his brief. He submitted that the conviction and sentence imposed on him, occasioned a miscarriage of justice and ought to be overturned. He argued further that there was nothing in Exhibit C to show that he committed the alleged offence, and that the testimonies of the prosecution witnesses could not withstand the test of truth due to the absence of the vital ingredients of the offence. He concluded that the Respondent had failed to prove its case beyond reasonable doubt against him, and urged the Supreme Court to set aside his conviction and sentence. The Respondent, on the other hand, argued that the evidence of PW1 and PW2 established that the Appellant, armed with a cutlass, assaulted PW2 with the intention of stealing his motorcycle. Counsel posited that the Court of Appeal properly affirmed the decision of the trial court, and that there were no exceptional circumstances warranting interference with the concurrent findings. The prosecution submitted further that, an accused person may be convicted of a lesser offence than the one charged, provided that both offences are similar under Section 236(2) of the Administration of Justice Act 2015, and based on the decisions of the Supreme Court in Ogboka v The State (2021) Lpelr-55338 (Sc); Ezeja v The State (2008) Lpelr -1202 (SC). Counsel submitted that the Court of Appeal was therefore, right to uphold the conviction of the Appellant for attempted robbery as a lesser offence of armed robbery. Court’s Judgement and Rationale To begin with, the Supreme Court described robbery as the “illegal taking of property from another person, or in the person's presence, by violence or intimidation, also termed aggravated larceny”. Armed robbery, on the

Honourable Ibrahim Mohammed Musa Saulawa, JSC

In the Supreme Court of Nigeria Holden at Abuja On Friday, the 12th day of December, 2025 Before their Lordships Uwani Musa Abba Aji Ibrahim Mohammed Musa Saulawa Emmanuel Akomaye Agim Chidiebere Nwaoma Uwa Moore Aseimo Abraham Adumein Justices, Supreme Court SC/CR/961/2016 Between Musa Mohammed

Appellant And

The State

Respondent

(Lead Judgement delivered by Honourable Ibrahim Mohammed Musa Saulawa, JSC) other hand, is “robbery committed by a person carrying a dangerous weapon, regardless of whether the weapon is revealed or used”, relying on Aruna v The State (1990) 9–10 Sc 87; (1994) 6 Nwlr (Pt. 155) 125 And Aminu Tanko v The State (2009) 1–2 Sc (Pt. 1) 198 At 223. Their Lordships identified the three essential elements of armed robbery as follows: that there was a robbery; that the robbery was an armed robbery; and that the accused person committed or participated in the commission of the robbery. The prosecution, in line with Section 138(1) of the Evidence Act and the decision in Idemudia v The

State (1999) 7 Nwlr (Pt. 610) 202 @ 215, must prove the guilt of the accused person beyond reasonable doubt, by establishing all the elements stated above. The Supreme Court noted that the evidence adduced by the prosecution witnesses, established the ingredients of the offence of attempted robbery punishable under Section 2(2) of the Robbery and Firearms (Special Provisions) Act. The trial court found that the Appellant hired PW2 to convey him to Unguwar Yerima with the intention of stealing his motorcycle and subsequently attacked PW2 with a cutlass, causing injuries to his head and ear. The cries from PW2 attracted

…the power to substitute a conviction for a lesser offence or an attempt, is well established….the lesser offence must be capable of being carved out of the particulars of the offence charged. This principle is known as the “Red Pencil Rule”….a trial court of jurisdictional competence, has the power to convict an accused person (charged with an offence) of attempt to commit such offence, notwithstanding the fact that the attempt was not separately charged

residents, who intervened and apprehended the Appellant before he could take the motorcycle. Consequently, the trial court discharged the Appellant of the completed offence of robbery because the motorcycle was not actually stolen but convicted him of attempted robbery under Section 2(2) of the Robbery and Firearms (Special Provisions) Act, relying on Section 219 of the Criminal Procedure Code. Although the Court of Appeal considered the reliance by the trial court on Section 219 erroneous, it nevertheless affirmed the conviction and life sentence, holding that the Appellant could properly be convicted of the lesser offence. This is supported by Section 218 Of The Criminal Procedure Code And Ezeja V State (2008) 10 NWLR (Pt. 1096). The Supreme Court reiterated that, the power to substitute a conviction for a lesser offence or an attempt is well established. In Okwuwa V The Queen (1965) NWLR 53–55, relying on Queen V Nwogugua Aganiadu (1963) 1 Anlr 213, the Court held that, the lesser offence must be capable of being carved out of the particulars of the offence charged. This principle is known as the “Red Pencil Rule”, which was enunciated in R v O’brien, 6 Car 108. In relation specifically to attempts, the Apex Court held that Section 219 of the Penal Code is unequivocally clear, to the effect that a trial court of jurisdictional competence, has the power to convict an accused person (charged with an offence) of attempt to commit such offence, notwithstanding the fact that the attempt was not separately charged. The Court held that, this power is not restricted to the trial court. In Salihu v The State (1961) 1 All Nlr 199, the Supreme Court exercised the power to substitute a conviction for an attempt in place of the substantive offence. Further, Their Lordships considered whether the trial court was entitled to rely on the Appellant’s confessional statement, Exhibit C, despite the Appellant’s alleged retraction. The Appellant had opined that the statement should not have been relied upon, because it had been retracted and was not sufficiently corroborated by eyewitness or circumstantial evidence. In resolving this issue, the Supreme Court noted that the applicable law is that a voluntary, direct, positive and unequivocal confession can sustain a conviction even if the accused subsequently retracts it. Relying on Egboghonome v The State (1993) 7 NWLR (Pt. 306) 383; Arthur Onyejekwe V The State (1992) 3 NWLR (Pt. 230) 444; And Osetola & Anor. v The State (2012) 17 NWLR (Pt. 1329) 251, the Supreme Court affirmed that a retracted confession may still ground a conviction, where it is shown to be voluntary and credible. Where a Defendant retracts a confessional statement, it is “desirable ... that there should be corroboration, no matter how slight, but conviction will not be questioned merely because it is based entirely upon the evidence by a confession from the accused” - Danladi Bala v Commissioner of Police (2025) 9 NWLR (Pt. 1994) 495 At 532. The Supreme Court, however, noted that Exhibit C was tendered and admitted without objection from the Appellant or his Counsel. Ordinarily, an objection to the admissibility of a confessional statement must be raised when the statement is tendered. Failure to object may prevent the Appellant from raising the issue for the first time on appeal - Asimiyu Alarape v The State (2001) 5 NWLR (Pt. 705) 79 and Joseph Ubi Igri v The State (2012) 16 NWLR (Pt. 1327) 552. In this case, the Appellant did not actually retract Exhibit C in his testimony. Accordingly, the alleged retraction did not properly arise from the evidence before the court. Given the foregoing, the Supreme Court declined the invitation to disturb the concurrent findings of the trial court and the Court of Appeal - The State v Nafiu Rabiu (1980) 1 NCR 47 And Bracegirdle v Oxley (1947) All ER 126. Accordingly, the Supreme Court affirmed the judgement of the Court of Appeal and resolved the sole issue against the Appellant. The judgement of the trial court, which convicted the Appellant of attempted robbery and sentenced him to life imprisonment, was thereby upheld. Appeal Dismissed. Representation Adeniji A. Oni for the Appellant. S.K. Idowu with fiat of the A-G Zamfara State, for the Respondent. Reported by Optimum Publishers Limited, Publishers of the Nigerian Monthly Law Reports (NMLR)(An affiliate of Babalakin & Co.)

V

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2026 ˾ T H I S D AY

NEWS

Lagos State University Renovated Law Clinic

EFCC Chairman,Olanipekun Olukoyede

NBA Lagos Branch Chairman, Uchenna Ogunedo Akingbade

Donors Revamp LASU Law Clinic for Students Stories by Steve Aya The Lagos State University (LASU) Law Clinic has received a major facelift following an intervention by philanthropists, in honour of retired Supreme Court Justice George Adesola Oguntade. The project, initiated by Olugbenga Ajala and supported by friends and associates, was aimed at creating a more conducive environment for practical legal education. Speaking on behalf of he donors, Afolakemi Ogunde said the initiative was driven by Ajala’s desire to honour Oguntade, whom he regarded as a mentor and father figure, while contributing to legal education. She said an assessment of the clinic revealed outdated, dilapidated and non-functional facilities, prompting the donors to

undertake comprehensive rehabilitation rather than cosmetic improvements. According to her, the renovation focused on functionality, clinical learning, practical simulations and professional skills development. Ogunde said the group had earlier renovated an annex lecture hall at the University of Lagos in honour of Oguntade, who served as LASU Chancellor in 2015. The 40th President of the LASU Law Students’ Society, Emmanuel Sewanu, described the intervention as a major boost to practical legal education. He said the renovated clinic would enable senior law students to establish Students’ Chambers and develop advocacy skills under lecturers’ supervision. He also stated that the Facility would bridge the

gap between studying law and practising it by exposing students to legal research, client interviewing, communication, advocacy,

problem-solving and professional ethics. A 400-level student, Mariam Rasheed, commended the renovation,

Judges, Lawyers and technology experts have called for stronger safeguards, human oversight and clear governance frameworks as artificial intelligence (AI) becomes increasingly integrated into Nigeria’s justice system and wider public life. The call was made in Port Harcourt at the Legal Excellence & AI Leadership Symposium, held alongside the AI Justice Hackathon 2026 and the official launch of “AI, Justice and the Rule of Law: The Denton-West Principles for AI Governance, Digital Sovereignty and Constitutional Democracy in Nigeria”, edited by Lawyer and legal-technology researcher, Obele Tom-George Akinniranye. The events formed part of activities marking the 80th birthday of Chief Hon. Justice Sotonye Denton-West, JCA (Emeritus), a former Justice of the Court of Appeal. The programme brought together members of the Judiciary, legal practitioners, academics,

technology professionals and other stakeholders, to examine the implications of AI for justice and constitutional governance. Speaking on the book, Akinniranye said responsible AI adoption required governance policies and widespread AI literacy before, during and after deployment. “One of the safeguards that I have spoken about in the book is ensuring that, at pre-deployment, post-deployment and whilst deploying tools, you have governance policies”, she said. She added that organisations adopting AI, should ensure that users and operators understood the technology and its limitations. “AI literacy is topmost for the people basically thinking about this deployment”, Akinniranye said. On liability when an AIassisted system causes harm, she argued that responsibility should ordinarily remain with the humans and institutions deploying or using the technology, while developers could also bear responsibility depending on the

The renovated facility was dedicated in honour of George Oguntade, a former Supreme Court Justice and LASU Chancellor.

EFCC Clarifies Foreign Currency Legal Fees Position The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has explained that recent comments attributed to its Lagos Zonal Directorate on

Lawyers charging professional fees in foreign currency, do not represent a blanket policy of the Commission. EFCC Chairman, Ola

Olukoyede, gave the clarification when the President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Oyinkansola Badejo-

NBA Seeks Rights Safeguards in Lagos Begging Bill The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Lagos Branch, has urged the Lagos State House of Assembly to ensure that the proposed Street Begging and Street Urchins (Prohibition, Prevention and Rehabilitation) Bill 2026, protects vulnerable persons while addressing public safety concerns. Speaking at a public

hearing at Ikeja, Branch Chairman, Uchenna Ogunedo Akingbade, presented the Law Reform Committee’s memorandum, calling for measures targeting child exploitation, obstruction of public spaces and violent or coercive solicitation. The Branch said children found begging should be treated

Judges, Lawyers, Demand Human Control, Strong Guardrails for AI in Nigeria’s Justice System Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

saying improved seating, ventilation and facilities would enhance learning, moot court sessions and advocacy training.

circumstances. “AI are more or less tools. They are tools”, she said, drawing an analogy with the use of automobiles. “The person deploying the tool, the person using the tool, would be responsible as opposed to the tool.” Akinniranye also advocated stronger institutional structures to guide AI deployment in Nigeria, including governance committees and clearly defined policies for addressing problems when they arise. She noted that the book was inspired by her mother and the principles she associated with her life, including transparency, explainability, interoperability, fairness and non-bias. She further proposed what she described as a “five-way traffic” conception of justice, expanding the traditional relationship among the people, law and institutions to include data, AI systems and people affected by the application of law. Justice Olasumbo Olanrewaju Goodluck, one of the panellists, said AI could assist the Judiciary, but should not displace

constitutional obligations or judicial responsibility. “Whatever the situation may be when it comes to artificial intelligence, the rule of law, the Constitution cannot be negotiated”, she said. She urged Judges to exercise caution where Lawyers' submissions or research materials may have been produced with AI assistance, stressing that judicial decisions must remain grounded in established law, evidence and the Judge’s constitutional responsibilities. Justice Obietonbara Owupele Daniel-Kalio similarly called for “human control and guardrails”, particularly in relation to deepfakes, manipulated evidence and other risks associated with increasingly sophisticated AI systems. He said AI could improve efficiency and provide useful analytical support, but warned against excessive dependence on automated systems in the administration of justice.

as children in need of care and protection under the Child Rights Law, rather than being processed alongside adult offenders. It also sought stronger sanctions, against persons who exploit children for begging. The NBA further recommended safeguards on arrest, detention and rehabilitation, including due process, court oversight and defined time limits. It called for clear responsibilities, adequate funding and financial accountability for the agency proposed under the Bill, as well as protection of personal data. The proposed legislation would prohibit street begging and related activities in public places, and provide rehabilitation measures. Reports on the public hearing said repeat offenders could face fines of up to N200,000 and imprisonment of up to two years, if the Bill becomes law. Other stakeholders supported legislative action, citing alleged cases of beggars using dangerous weapons to obtain money from motorists and pedestrians. However, some urged lawmakers to balance enforcement with rehabilitation, and avoid criminalising poverty. The NBA said the final law should preserve public safety, while upholding fundamental rights and dignity.

Okusanya, SAN, led a delegation on a courtesy visit to the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja. Badejo-Okusanya had raised concerns over the comments, stressing that charging professional fees in foreign currency does not, by itself, constitute a criminal offence. Responding, Olukoyede said he remained the EFCC’s official policy spokesman, adding that the Lagos Directorate’s comments had been taken out of context, and did not accurately represent the Commission’s position. He explained that the EFCC investigates petitions, only where the allegations fall within its statutory mandate and applicable financial-crime laws. The NBA President also urged the Commission to maintain due process in its investigations and arrests, particularly by conducting thorough investigations before prosecution, and avoiding sensational arrests and media trials. Olukoyede acknowledged concerns about media trials and overzealous conduct by some personnel, stressing the importance of professionalism and respect for the law. The EFCC Chairman assured the NBA of continued collaboration in combating economic and financial crimes, and promoting compliance within the legal profession. The clarification follows growing controversy among Lawyers, over whether the denomination or payment of professional fees in foreign currency could automatically expose legal practitioners to criminal prosecution.

VI ARTICLE

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2026 ˾ T H I S D AY

Introduction igeria is facing multi-dimensional attacks from various terror groups across the Sahel region, ranging from banditry, armed robbery, cattle rustling, land grabbing, kidnapping to brute terrorism. There are different versions of the philosophy underpinning this global menace, from supposed economic imbalances to political alliances, mines and minerals, territorial conquests and even religion. The important thing is, for the Government and the people to rise up to the occasion to provide adequate safety and protection for all. It bears repeating, even for a trillion times, now and always, that the ultimate purpose of government is the security and welfare of the people. In all cases, the resort to law by the Government and all state and non-State actors, as one of the major sources of combating and addressing this malaise must be supported and commended by all. In many ways, we are all affected by the multiplication of these terror groups across different parts of the nation, necessitating urgent and effective action plans and modalities for prompt containment, mass resistance and ultimate dismantling. This is why the case of FRN v Jokolo has featured in this space, given the ingenious manner in which the head of one of the avenues of combating terrorism, deployed his administrative and judicial power to aid effective prosecution. The investigating and prosecuting agencies involved, are equally commended for their commitment and diligence.

N

Facts of the Case The facts of this case, as reported in FRN v Jokolo (2026) 12 NWLR (Pt. 2054) 351, are that the Respondent was the 3rd Defendant with seven other Defendants who were initially charged and arraigned before the Federal High Court, Kano Judicial Division, on 28-count charge of money laundering and conspiracy contrary to Sections 14(1)(a), 15(1), (3) and 17(a) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2004. Upon application by the prosecuting agency, the case was subsequently transferred to the Abuja Division of the Federal High Court by the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, for security reasons. At the trial, the prosecution in proof of the charge preferred against the Respondent called 17 witnesses, tendered a bundle of documents which were admitted as exhibits, and closed its case. The Respondent and other Defendants, elected to make a no-case submission.

Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, SAN

FRN v Jokolo: The Limits of Territorial Jurisdiction

This article by learned Senior Advocate, Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, discusses the money laundering case, FRN v Jokolo (2026) 12 NWLR (Pt. 2054) 351, transferred from Kano to Abuja by the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court for security reasons. He shares the reasons why the Supreme Court affirmed the power of the Chief Judge to Decision of the Courts The trial court in its ruling, overruled the authorise this transfer, while explaining some of the rules that must be followed by an Respondent’s no-case submission. Dissatisfied with the ruling of the trial court, the Appellant in filing a criminal appeal using this case as his template Respondent appealed to the Court of Appeal, which unanimously allowed the appeal on the grounds that the Federal High Court, Abuja Judicial Division, lacked the territorial jurisdiction to entertain the case. The Appellant was dissatisfied with the ruling of the Court of Appeal, and appealed to the Supreme Court. The Apex Court allowed the said appeal.

Supreme Court’s Issue for Determination In determining the appeal, the Supreme Court considered the provisions Sections 93(2), 98(1) and 387 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015; Section 19 of the Federal High Court Act, and Order 17, Rules 1-5 of the Court of Appeal Rules, 2021. Judgement of the Supreme Court The Power of Chief Judge of a High Court to Transfer a Criminal Case from One Court to Another and When Exercisable By virtue of Section 98(1) of the Administration of Criminal Act, 2015 (ACJA), the Chief Judge of a High Court may, where it appears to him that the transfer of a case will promote the ends of justice or will be in the interest of the public peace, transfer any case from one court to another. This power is a crucial tool to foster efficient administration of justice, especially in sensitive cases where security concerns, potential bias, or public unrest might compromise a fair trial or public order in the original jurisdiction. To underscore the importance of security in a criminal trial, Section 93(2) of the Act also provides that a criminal charge shall be filed and tried in the Division where the alleged offence was committed, unless it can be shown that it is convenient to do otherwise for security reasons. The phrase “interests of the public peace”, is particularly relevant to situations involving insecurity. In circumstances where the prevailing security situation in a

When a Chief Judge exercises the power to transfer a criminal case from one jurisdiction to another for security reasons under Section 98(1) of ACJA, it is generally not a requirement that the element of the offence charged must have been committed in the new jurisdiction to which the case is transferred particular territorial jurisdiction might compromise the safety of parties, witnesses, judicial officers, or the general public, or might otherwise impede the fair and impartial conduct of a trial, the Chief Judge can invoke the power. The “ends of justice” also encompasses the need to ensure that trials are conducted in an environment free from intimidation and undue influence, which insecurity can engender. The limitation under Section 98(2) of the Act, that the power shall not be exercised where the prosecution has called witness, only implies that such transfers are generally intended for earlier stages of proceedings, as it was in the instant case. The Power of Chief Judge of the Federal High Court to Transfer Criminal Case from One Court to Another The power conferred on the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court to transfer a case

from one territorial jurisdiction to another, particularly by reason of insecurity, is a critical aspect of judicial administration aimed at ensuring justice, public peace, and the integrity of judicial proceedings. The power is primarily derived from statutory provisions, and is supported by judicial pronouncements. The Duty on Chief Judge Before Transferring a Case Based on Petition Under ACJA By virtue of Section 98(3) of ACJA, before a Chief Judge can exercise his powers to transfer a case to another judicial division, the application or petition to transfer shall be investigated within one week by not more than three reputable legal practitioners, who shall submit their report within two weeks of their appointment. In this case, the Respondent’s argument that the Chief Judge could not have complied with the formal requirement within three days was

speculative. The Respondent failed to prove that the Chief Judge did not comply with the procedure as prescribed by the statute, before the matter was transferred to Abuja. The Territorial Jurisdiction of Federal High Court vis-à-vis High Courts of a State and Federal Capital Territory By virtue of Section 19 of the Federal High Court Act, the Court shall have and exercise jurisdiction throughout the Federation, and for that purpose the whole area of the Federation shall be divided by the Chief Judge into such number of Judicial Divisions (not less than four) as he may, from time to time, specify and he may designate any such Judicial Division or part thereof by such name as he may think fit. Thus, the Federal High Court enjoys nationwide jurisdiction, while a State High Court is confined to the territory of the State and the High Court of Federal Capital Territory is confined to Federal Capital Territory. The Limit to Application of Principle of Territorial Jurisdiction The principle of territorial jurisdiction dictates that an offence shall be tried by a court exercising jurisdiction in the area or place where the offence was committed. This is enshrined in Section 45(a) of the Federal High Court Act, which states that an offence shall be tried by a court exercising jurisdiction in the area or place where the offence was committed. This principle ensures that the court has the geographical competence to hear and determine the matter. However, this general rule is subject to the power of transfer statutorily conferred on the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court. In the instant case, the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court acted under Section 98 of ACJA, and transferred the case from Kano to Abuja. In that situation, raising an issue of territorial cont'd on page VII

VII

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2026 ˾ T H I S D AY

ARTICLE FRN v Jokolo: The Limits of Territorial Jurisdiction cont'd from page VI

jurisdiction is sterile and futile. The Power of Chief Judge of Federal High Court to Assign or Transfer Cases Within the Jurisdiction of the Court The Chief Judge of the Federal High Court is bestowed with the administrative powers to assign cases to a court, withdraw a case from a particular court, and transfer cases anywhere within the jurisdiction, that is, within the entire Federation to promote the ends of justice. This power is exclusive, and cannot be shared with the Chief Judge. The Effect of Transfer of Case from One Jurisdiction to Another When a Chief Judge exercises the power to transfer a criminal case from one jurisdiction to another for security reasons under Section 98(1) of ACJA, it is generally not a requirement that the element of the offence charged must have been committed in the new jurisdiction to which the case is transferred. The power of transfer under Section 98(1) of the Act is an administrative and judicial prerogative designed to ensure the ends of justice and public peace, which takes precedence over the territorial jurisdiction rule for the specific purpose of the transfer. The Effect of Transfer of Criminal Cases from One Court to Another on Jurisdiction of Receiving Court Once a case is validly transferred by the Chief Judge, the receiving court, by virtue of Section 387 of ACJA, acquires the necessary jurisdiction to hear and determine the matter, irrespective of whether the locus criminis falls within its geographical area. The jurisdiction of the new court is derived from the order of the Chief Judge, not from the original territory where the offence was allegedly committed. In the instant case, the question of whether any part of the offences charged was committed in Abuja, was redundant and inessential. The Principle Guiding Criminal Appeals The fundamental principle guiding criminal appeals is that, an appeal is a challenge by an aggrieved party against a decision of a lower court that directly affects him. The notice of appeal serves to formally notify the appellate court and the Respondent, typically the State or, as in the instant case at the lower court, the Federal Republic of Nigeria, of the Appellant’s intention to appeal, and the specific grounds upon which the appeal is based, pertaining to his own conviction or sentence. Whether Filing of Joint Notice of Appeal Allowed in Criminal Matters Although, in civil matters, the Appellants are at liberty to file a joint notice of appeal, the filing of a joint notice of appeal is not allowed in criminal matters. A joint notice of appeal filed in criminal matters will be incurably defective and incompetent, this is so because it will complicate the appeal and imply that the Appellant is inviting the appellate court to determine the rights of the co-accused as well. A court is bound to strike out such notice of appeal, even without inviting Counsel to address the court on the issue, and such will not occasion a miscarriage of justice. This is because any appeal that originated without following the rules of court, is incompetent. In this case, the failure of the Respondent to include names of his co-accused as Respondents on the notice of appeal was not an irregularity, and it did not affect the merits of the appeal as constituted at the Court of Appeal. Whether it is Mandatory in Criminal Appeals to Include the Names of Co-accused in a Notice of Appeal In criminal appeals, it is not mandatory for an Appellant to include the names of co-accused at the trial court in his notice of appeal, if those co-accused are not affected by the appeal. The Court of Appeal Rules generally outline the requirements for a notice of appeal, which centre on the Appellant and the judgement. It is therefore, not necessary for an Appellant to endorse his co-accused as part of the parties to the appeal, when the appeal is for himself only. The rules do not impose a mandate on a sole Appellant to include his co-accused; this is because it implies that the lower court was being invited to determine the rights or involvement of other Defendants in the appeal filed thereat. Conversely, if a co-accused is not appealing, or has been acquitted, or their case is entirely distinct from the Appellant’s grounds of appeal, there is no legal or procedural requirement to name them in the notice of appeal. Therefore, including unaffected parties would be superfluous, and could

Chief Judge of Federal High Court, Hon. Justice J. T. Tsoho

potentially complicate the appeal process by introducing irrelevant details. The Individualised or Personalised Nature of Criminal Appeals The entire gamut of a criminal appeal is individualised or personalised. Sections 27 of the Court of Appeal Act and 30 of the Supreme Court Act, emphasise the Appellant’s right to be present during the hearing of his criminal appeal, which further emphasises the personalised nature of the appeal process. The focus is on the individual Appellant’s rights and his challenge to the judgement or ruling. Therefore, an Appellant’s notice of appeal should primarily concern himself and the Respondent, without necessarily listing co-accused who are not parties to the specific appeal being filed. The attitude of appellate court to an Appellant’s brief which proffers argument in respect of a co-accused who has a separate appeal, is one of displeasure. The appeal of a co-accused even, where they exist, are treated distinctly, thereby reinforcing the idea that an Appellant’s appeal is personal. The appellate court’s jurisdiction is invoked by the Appellant to review the decision affecting him, not to re-litigate the entire trial involving all original parties. The Method of Filing Notices of Criminal Appeals at the Court of Appeal The method of filing notices of criminal appeals in the Court of Appeal is provided for under Order 17 Rule 1-5, part 3 of Court of Appeal Rules 2021. Order 17 Rule 1 states that the order shall apply to appeals to the court from any court or tribunal acting either in its original or appellate jurisdiction in criminal cases, other than a Court Martial, and to matters related thereto. Order 17 Rule 2 - 5 allow individuals who are aggrieved by the judgement of the trial court to file notice of appeal or any other application, and sign same either personally or by a legal representative. It does not require that all the Defendants at the court must be listed as Appellants or Respondents as the case may be, on the notice of appeal. The Nature of Appeal and What a Rehearing of Appeal Entails All appeals shall be by way of rehearing.

A rehearing is a review of the judgement as it pertains to the specific Appellant, and his challenge to the findings or sentence against him. A rehearing is distinct from a retrial, in the sense that it is not a retrial of all parties involved in the original case. The Power of Chief Judge of Federal High Court to Make Rules By Section 254 of the Constitution of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court is empowered, subject to the provisions of any Act of the National Assembly, to make rules regulating the practice and procedure of the Federal High Court. The Presumption of Regularity of Official and Judicial Acts By virtue of Section 168(1) of Evidence Act, when any judicial or official act is shown to have been done in a manner substantially regular, it is presumed that formal requisites for its validity were complied with. This is enshrined in the Latin maxim “omnia praesumuntur rite esse acta donec probetur in”, which means that all acts are presumed to have been done rightly and regularly until the contrary is proved. It is a rebuttable presumption that holds true, unless sufficient evidence is presented to prove otherwise. This provision is crucial, for the efficient functioning of the legal and administrative systems. It relieves parties from the onerous burden of proving every minute detail of procedural compliance for acts performed by public officials or judicial bodies, thereby fostering public confidence in the integrity of such processes. For instance, if a court order is issued or the court performs its administrative functions, it is presumed that all necessary procedural steps were observed, unless evidence to the contrary is adduced. In the instant case, the Respondent failed to prove that the Chief Judge did not comply with the formal requirements within three days, before the matter was transferred to Abuja. The Court of Appeal was therefore, in error, when it held that the trial court did not have jurisdiction to entertain the matter. The Importance of Jurisdiction and How it is Conferred The issue of jurisdiction is critical, in

….. the Judiciary is, and remains the gateway to justice through which the security agencies can, and should collaborate to fight terror, crime and other criminalities. Anything short of this will amount to self-help and may actually work to defeat the purpose

the hearing and determination of any case before a court. Jurisdiction is conferred on the court by statute. The court cannot gift itself jurisdiction, neither can the parties confer jurisdiction on the court. When an issue of jurisdiction arises, the relevant statute must be scrutinised to determine the issue. The Primary Purpose of a Notice of Appeal The primary purpose of a notice of appeal, is to identify the Appellant, the Respondent, the decision being appealed against, and the grounds of appeal. The focus is on the Appellant’s grievance with the judgement of the lower court, as it relates to his individual case. Power of Supreme Court to Formulate Issues for Determination and Basis of The Supreme Court is at liberty and possesses the power to accept, reject or modify all or any of the issues formulated by the parties and frame its own issues, if such issues as formulated by the parties will not lead to a proper determination of the appeal. The purpose of formulating issues for determination is to narrow the issues in controversy between the parties in the interest of accuracy, clarity and brevity, to lead to a more judicious and proper determination of an appeal. Postscript This case highlights the power and influence of the Court, over virtually all matters as allowed or defined by law. The point to make is that the Judiciary is, and remains the gateway to justice through which the security agencies can, and should collaborate to fight terror, crime and other criminalities. Anything short of this will amount to selfhelp and may actually work to defeat the purpose. Presently, Nigeria's primary legal weapon against insecurity is the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act of 2022. This law establishes the National Counter-Terrorism Centre (NCTC) under the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), to coordinate all national security responses. The framework strengthens anti-terrorism efforts through specific statutory mechanisms, such as Sections 2 and 3 which empower the Federal High Court, upon an application by the AttorneyGeneral, to declare an organisation a terrorist group. This criminalises membership and possession of its insignia. Section 53 mandates the freezing, seizure, and forfeiture of funds or property suspected to be linked to terrorist financing. Financial institutions must report suspicious transactions immediately to the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU). Section 29 permits law enforcement agencies to intercept communications, tap telephone lines, and access computer systems through an ex-parte application for approval by the Federal High Court, to balance State security with privacy rights. In appropriate situations, cases like that of FRN v Jokolo should serve to guide us, on how to deploy judicial power in the fight against crime and criminals. Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, SAN

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TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2026 ˾ T H I S D AY

COVER

Tobacco: Wrapped Death, Sought by Humans Tobacco is wrapped in death, sold as a habit. Ngozi Mirian Arinze writes about the Nigerian Child and their right to safety, which includes protection from a product such as cigarette, that is engineered to addict, marketed to look sleek and flavoured, but causes serious sickness and even death in many users. The question this article asks, is whether Nigeria will unmask the product, enforce the National Tobacco Control Act 2015, and treat the child’s right to safety as more than an inscription on a pack Introduction

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obacco has been canvassed in many writings to be injurious to health. Both primary and secondary consumers’ health is affected, though in varying degrees. For over three decades, the clamour for zero consumption of tobacco has been an ongoing affair. According to an online publication, smoking negatively impacted our world. From pollution to cancer, this harmful drug is responsible for millions of deaths among humans and other animals. More than 2.6 million people in the 10 to 24-year age bracket, die yearly from drug and substance abuse (World Health Organisation, 2019). A 2023 World Health Organisation (WHO) Report stated that more than 8 million people die each year of tobacco, including an estimated 1.3 million non-smokers .

In this article, I will be discussing about tobacco and its impact on children. Children in this context is a person under the age of 18, as defined under the Child Rights Act, 2003 (adopted by all the 36 States, albeit with varying nomenclature, as of today). As a child advocate, I am keen about the total well being of our children. The impact of drug abuse on children on a global scale, is devastating. With several reported and unreported cases of depression, suicide and more commonly mental health problems, which can be temporal, or permanent, it becomes pertinent that the Nigerian Government must re-strategise on ways to protect our children - the future leaders of our dear nation. One of the basic rights of a child is right to safety. ‘Safety’ is

….in adults, the cumulative effects of tobacco usually manifest as cardiovascular diseases, cancers, chronic respiratory diseases, type 2 diabetes, immune and autoimmune disorders, and eye disease. Early signs of these diseases, occur in adolescents who smoke. Early abdominal aortic atherosclerosis….leads to consequences such as hypertension, ischemic heart disease, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease later in life

all encompassing, and includes issues like the topic discussed. The WHO documents it well in their published newsletter for year 2025:“Appealing flavours, but hidden dangers. Shameless manipulation of our children, for industry profit. Every day, tobacco and nicotine industries use carefully engineered products and deceptive tactics to hook a new generation of its users and keep existing ones. Keep the industry out.” Growing up, several adverts about cigarettes (a form of tobacco) always ended with an instruction that tobacco is dangerous to health. That piqued my interest on why such product should still be allowed to be in circulation, and consumed by humans globally. I also heard stories of children who became mentally deranged from tobacco, and other hard drug consumption. Yet, tobacco still enjoys legal recognition as a socially acceptable drug, even as I write. The poser is, can that time come when tobacco will go into extinction, and man will cease to consume it? Are there legislations in place to regulate its usage? Does the inscription of 18+ justify the consumption of tobacco and other hard drugs by our youth beyond the age of 18? Are there laws in place to protect our children from becoming primary or secondary smokers? How can total eradication of tobacco happen in Nigeria? Brief History of Tobacco As documented by Tobacco Free Life, it dates back to 6,000 BC, and previously found only in the American regions. In 1492, Columbus, upon entering

America, was given a gift which contained dried leaves of tobacco plant. Cigarettes became more popular during the First and Second World War. Tobacco companies sent millions of packs of cigarettes to soldiers on the frontlines, making thousands of persons become addicted consumers. In the 1920s, women became the target customers. Tobacco companies created brands such as 'Mild as May', in a bid to feminise the habit and make it more appealing to women. In the early 17th Century, Fang Yizhi (a Chinese philosopher) submitted that smoking caused 'scorched lungs'. In the wake of 1761, snuff users in Great Britain were warned about the dangers of nose cancer. German doctors started warning pipe smokers, about the possibility of developing lip cancer in 1795. In the 1930s, American doctors linked tobacco use to lung cancer, and General Surgeon's Report of 1964 categorically stated that, smoking causes lung cancer in men. Gradually, the negative impact on human health following its consumption, became a global concern. The Member States of the World Health Organisation (WHO) created World No Tobacco Day in 1987 to draw global attention to the tobacco epidemic, and the preventable death and diseases it causes. World No Tobacco Day The campaign against the tobacco epidemic has been ongoing for over 30 years, from the year it was initiated. From the global stage down to Nigeria, our Government, in collaboration with justice and social actors, has made efforts towards amplifying the message, but yet cont'd on page IX

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T H I S D AY ˾ TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2026

COVER

Tobacco: Wrapped Death, Sought by Humans cont'd from page VIII

to achieve zero consumption of tobacco. A movement that has continued, with some significant result particularly in the area of legislation and policy making. Every year there is always a theme that reflects the the intention of WHO. Let’s look at the themes for World No Tobacco Day over the preceding six years, and the theme for 2026: 2020 Theme: Tobacco Exposed. The secret’s out 2021 Theme: Commit to quit 2022 Theme: Tobacco: Threat to our environment 2023 Theme: Grow food, not tobacco 2024 Theme: Protecting Children from Tobacco industry interference 2025 Theme: Bright Products. Dark intentions. Unmasking the Appeal 2026 Theme: Unmask the appeal – countering tobacco and nicotine addiction. The Nigerian Child and Tobacco Drug abuse is a major public health problem all over the world (UNODC) (2005). The use and abuse of drugs by adolescents, have become one of the most disturbing health related phenomena in Nigeria and other parts of the world (NDLEA; 1997). In an article written by FAREO (2012), the term drug abuse was described as excessive and persistent selfadministration of a drug, without regard to the medically or culturally accepted patterns [NAFDAC (2000) as cited by Haladu (2003)]. An online report by the United Nations Office on Drug and Crime in Nigeria indicates that, 14.4% (14.3 million) of people aged between 15 and 64 years abuse drugs. According to a 2018 report by the United Nations Office on Drug and Crime (UNODC), following a survey of 480 university undergraduates from some selected South-Western universities in Nigeria, drug abuse is prevalent among Nigerian universities. The Assessment report numerated reasons for dependence on drugs or substances reported in the study primarily converge on respondents’(students) efforts, however dysfunctional, to address their social and psychological problems or to achieve psychological escape. It’s important to note that socioeconomic and environmental factors ranked highest as factors that predisposed people within the studied population to substance use and drug abuse. The most common reasons included “to get high” (81.3%), “to help you when you feel depressed or nervous” (65%), to help “to forget about your problems” (65%), “to cheer up when you’re in a bad mood” (64.5%). A total of 59.8% (239) of the respondents chose “not to feel left out”. Fareo (2012), in an article stated that, the impact of drug abuse among adolescents has been a stigma of moral decadence, violence, thuggery, assault, madness, and murder. The article recommended for Drug Awareness units to be set up in all States of Federation, and appealed to the Government not to see drug users as criminals, but rather help to solve their sociopsychological problem. Drug awareness units to be set up in all States by the Federal, State and Local Government not to try people who use drugs as criminals, but to help solve their sociopsychological problem, Abujah Racheal, in her published work on News Agency of Nigeria, shared the thoughts of Dr Bayo Olanrewaju, a Consultant Paediatrician, who described tobacco consumption and e-vaping as a “public health time bomb”, with nicotine addiction taking root among young people. Vaping or e-cigarette, often marketed as a safer alternative, is becoming a popular choice among Nigerian youth. However, research from institutions like Johns Hopkins University, has revealed the existence of hazardous substance in e-cigarettes, posing significant health risks. Regulatory Framework for the Protection of Children The Explanatory Memorandum of National Tobacco Control Act, 2015 extensively reads: This Act provides the legal framework for the protection of present and future

Ngozi Mirian Arinze

generations of Nigerians from the devastating health, social, economic and environmental consequences of tobacco use and exposure to tobacco smoke; and to give effect to the obligations to protect citizens against tobacco-related harms in the promotion of health and other human rights as contained in the WHO Framework Convention for Tobacco Control and other related treaties to which Nigeria is a Party. Part VI of the Act reads: Prohibition of sale or access to tobacco products to persons below 18 years of age: 15. - (1) A person shall not sell tobacco or tobacco products to a person who is below 18 years of age, or employ or use a person who is below 18 years of age to sell or trade in tobacco or tobacco products. (2) Prior to any tobacco or tobacco product sale or trade, the seller or trader shall verify the age of the purchaser by checking any form of official identification prescribed by law. (3) A retailer of tobacco or tobacco products shall display, in the prescribed form at every place of sales, signage stating that tobacco sales to persons who is below 18 years of age is prohibited. (4) A person shall not sell or offer to sell or distribute tobacco or tobacco products through mail, internet or other online devices. Part IV of the Act which provides for regulation of smoking. Section 9(1) Except as otherwise provided in this Act or any other law, no person shall smoke tobacco or tobacco products(a) in a residential house co-occupied by a person who is below 18 years of age, except in a room exclusively occupied by the smoker; (b) in all tricycle, vehicle, aircraft, sea vessel, railway coach, lift or any means of public transportation, except in a vehicle exclusively occupied by the smoker; (c) indoor or any enclosed public place listed in the Second Schedule to regulation made under this Act provided the regulation is published in the Official Gazette. A combined reading of these two sections explicitly prohibits children from

…..tobacco (cigarette, vape) is the only product that when used as producers want, half of the users will die using drugs as primary consumers, as well as children from being exposed to drugs in order to prevent them from being secondary consumers. This is a far cry of what happens in our society. Children are sent by adults, even family members to purchase cigarettes. This is common in ‘ghetto’ (suburbs), where children have lost the right to be children, having been ‘forced’ into adulthood early. Some children are primary consumers, as reported by (Itanyi et al., 2020) about 25000 Nigerian children (aged 10-14years) smoke cigarette each day, referencing American Cancer Society, Vital Strategies. The Tobacco Atlas: [Nigeria Fact Sheet]. Globally, 43.8 million (12%) of adolescents aged 13 to 15 years use some form of tobacco. How can we surmount the tobacco consumption and its effects, in order to save our children from destroying their lives through its consumption? According to a report by U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, in adults, the cumulative effects of tobacco usually manifest as cardiovascular diseases, cancers, chronic respiratory diseases, type 2 diabetes, immune and autoimmune disorders, and eye disease (15). Early signs of these diseases, occur in adolescents who smoke. Early abdominal aortic atherosclerosis, which affects the flow of blood to vital organs, has been found among young smokers. This leads to consequences such as hypertension, ischemic heart disease, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease later in life. See Preventing tobacco use among youth and young adults: a report of the Surgeon General; 2012 Professor Ayo Yusuf, said in an interview aired in SABC News on May 31, 2025 while marking 2025 No Tobacco

Day in South Africa, no government should sit back and allow its population dwindle as a result of tobacco intake. He further said that tobacco (cigarette, vape) is the only product that when used as producers want, half of the users will die. Children are drawn to cigarettes because it is appealing to the sight, wrapped in a sleek body. Producers know this, and are now exploiting the innocence of children by constant review of the aesthetics. While producers are increasing their revenues, Government health facilities are being overburdened with incidence of cases of mental health among other health issues, particularly among our youths. The Government is to be reviewing Recommendations With the knowledge that tobacco serves no good (if it does at all to adults, the negative impact far more outweighs any momentary feeling of goodness), I strongly canvass for total ban of tobacco and other such drugs. However, before we can achieve that, robust implementation of the National Tobacco Control Act 2015 is firmly advocated for by me. Such as: 1. Stiffer penalties for dealers who sell to children: Section 11 of the Act provides for penalty of N50,000.00, or a prison term of not less than 6 months or both, when there is a violation of Section 9 - prohibits smoking around children. 2. For an act that has serious lifethreatening effect, both health and social wise, such punishment is bereft of proactive intention to clamp down on offenders, especially in these times. 2. Synergy between activists and the media, to galvanise policy makers to action. 3. Increase in Awareness campaigns in schools, places of worship, communities. 4. Socio-psycho support: Children who are victims of drug abuse, should not be stigmatised. They should be effectively rehabilitated for functional integration back into the society. 5. Timely arrest, proper investigation, and prosecution of dealers who sell to children. Open registers of such offenders, should be kept in public places. Children are the most vulnerable populace, the Government and other relevant stakeholders, should prioritise the affairs of children in this context, in order to avert a generation of unproductive, mentally deranged workforce. Ngozi Mirian Arinze, Lawyer; Gender and Child Advocate

X ARTICLE

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2026 ˾ T H I S D AY

Why allegations, investigations and forfeiture proceedings, should not be confused with criminal conviction. Introduction here is a legitimate public interest in transparency, particularly where a matter concerns the person occupying the highest political office in the country. But, there is an equally important need for legal sobriety. Public interest does not mean that every allegation is established fact, nor does a demand for information automatically override the legal protections attached to government records or personal privacy. The present debate is therefore, best understood as an interplay between the public’s right to know, an individual’s right to privacy, the integrity of law enforcement processes and the demands of constitutional due process. This distinction is particularly important as Nigeria moves towards another election cycle. Political contests are naturally characterised by intense scrutiny, competing narratives and, sometimes, desperate attempts to gain political advantage. That makes it even more important that constitutionalism and the rule of law do not become casualties of political rhetoric.

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FOIA Isn’t an Unqualified Right to Disclosure The American Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), codified at 5 U.S.C. § 552, is an important instrument of transparency and accountability. It gives members of the public, a statutory right to request existing records held by Federal agencies. But, that right is not absolute. FOIA itself recognises circumstances in which information may legitimately be withheld. These include information relating to national security, privileged governmental communications, confidential commercial information and, significantly, information whose disclosure would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy. There are also specific protections for law enforcement records, where disclosure could interfere with enforcement proceedings, prejudice a person’s right to a fair trial, reveal confidential sources or investigative techniques, or endanger the life or physical safety of an individual. This is not a technicality. It is part of the architecture of the American transparency regime. The fact that a record exists within a Federal agency does not, therefore, mean that the public has an unqualified right to see every part of it. The source material itself identifies the tension between the public’s right to information and the President’s individual right to privacy, while noting the relevance of FOIA exemptions protecting personal privacy and law-enforcement interests. An Investigation Isn’t a Conviction This, in my view, is where much of the public commentary requires greater restraint. An investigation is not a conviction. That is one of the most elementary distinctions, in criminal justice. An investigative agency investigates allegations, suspicions or circumstances that it considers worthy of investigation. The fact that an individual has been investigated does not, without more, establish that the individual committed a crime. Indeed, the entire purpose of a criminal justice system is to distinguish between suspicion and proof. This distinction becomes particularly important, when an alleged FBI record is presented as though its existence could automatically establish that President Tinubu is constitutionally disqualified from contesting or holding office. Sections 131 and 137 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), establish the qualifications for election to the office of President, and the circumstances that may disqualify a person from contesting. Section 137(1)(d) refers to a person being under a sentence imposed by a competent court or tribunal for specified offences. The important point is that, the Constitution speaks in terms of a sentence imposed by a competent court or tribunal. An alleged investigative report is not a judgement of a court. It is not a conviction. It is not a sentence! It would therefore, require a considerable stretch of constitutional interpretation to transform an alleged investigative record into a constitutional disqualification. President Tinubu contested the 2023 presidential election and was declared elected. The Supreme Court subsequently, affirmed the outcome. Unless and until the constitutional framework is altered, or a constitutionally recognised ground of disqualification is established, political opponents cannot create an additional disqualification simply by attaching a different legal character to an alleged investigative record. That is not an argument against scrutiny of the President. It is an argument for scrutiny within the law. What does the Forfeiture Order Establish?

Dr Babajide Martins

The FBI Files Controversy: Between Public Interest and the Rule of Law This article by Dr Babajide Martins discusses the renewed controversy, over attempts to obtain and disclose records allegedly connected to an FBI investigation involving President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. He maintains that the matter deserves something more than the increasingly emotional political commentary, that has surrounded it The reported forfeiture of approximately $460,000 has also featured prominently in the debate. Here again, legal precision is necessary. A forfeiture order does not necessarily amount to a criminal conviction. Modern legal systems recognise civil forfeiture regimes under which property can, in appropriate circumstances, be forfeited without a prior criminal conviction. Nigeria itself provides an instructive example. The Proceeds of Crime (Recovery and Management) Act 2022 provides for the recovery and forfeiture of proceeds of crime, instrumentalities of unlawful activity and certain other categories of property without conviction. Proceedings under the relevant provisions are civil proceedings, with the standard of proof being the balance of probabilities. The legal implication is important. A civil forfeiture proceeding, and a criminal prosecution are not the same thing. They serve different purposes, apply different procedural rules and, importantly, may operate under different standards of proof. It is therefore, unsafe to move from “there was a forfeiture” to “there was criminal culpability” without examining the precise circumstances, legal basis and findings associated with that forfeiture. The political narrative may prefer a simple conclusion. The law does not! “If there’s Nothing to Hide, Why Object?” One of the most frequently repeated arguments in this controversy is deceptively simple: If the

The President does not lose all privacy rights, simply because he occupies public office. Nor can an allegation acquire the force of a conviction, merely because it is repeated sufficiently often in political discourse…an investigative record cannot, by political assertion alone, become a constitutional disqualification

President has nothing to hide, why should he or anyone acting on his behalf object to disclosure? From the perspective of criminal jurisprudence, that is not a compelling argument. Rights do not become conditional upon a person’s willingness to surrender them. The presumption of innocence does not require an individual under investigation, to assist investigators in building a case against himself. Nor does occupying public office, automatically extinguish a person’s legitimate privacy interests. The burden of establishing criminal wrongdoing, remains on the prosecution. Otherwise, we risk creating a dangerous logic in which an allegation generates a demand for disclosure; refusal to disclose is then treated as evidence of guilt; and that supposed evidence of guilt is used to justify the original demand for disclosure. That is not how due process works. The presumption of innocence, is not a privilege reserved for popular or politically convenient Defendants. It is a fundamental principle of criminal justice. The President Isn’t Above Scrutiny — But, Neither is he Below the Law It is important to make the position clear. Being President does not place President Tinubu above scrutiny. Public officials must be accountable. Citizens have every right to ask difficult questions about the background, conduct, decisions and integrity of those who seek or hold public office. But, the converse is equally true. Being President, does not place a person below the protection of the law. The President does not lose all privacy rights, simply because he occupies public office. Nor can an allegation acquire the force of a conviction, merely because it is repeated sufficiently often in political discourse. The proper approach is therefore, neither to suppress legitimate questions, nor to prejudge their answers. It is to ask the questions, examine the evidence, and allow the law to determine the consequences. Let the Election be About the Future There is also a larger political question, that Nigerians ought to consider. The energy being expended on this controversy, should ultimately be measured against the issues that will determine the quality of the next election: economic growth,

inflation, unemployment, security, education, healthcare, infrastructure, institutional reform and the overall quality of governance. Opposition parties have a legitimate responsibility, to interrogate the record of the administration. They should do so vigorously. But, political opposition is strongest when it is anchored on facts and credible evidence, rather than speculation, innuendo or the repeated assertion that an allegation must necessarily be true because it is politically useful. The President should be held accountable, where accountability is warranted. But, he should also be judged by the same legal standards that protect every citizen. The Need for a Sober Debate The FBI-record controversy presents an opportunity for a more mature conversation about constitutionalism, transparency and the limits of political advocacy. There is a legitimate public interest, in knowing what Government agencies know and how public officials have conducted themselves. There is also a legitimate interest in protecting personal privacy, confidential sources, investigative techniques and the integrity of law-enforcement processes. The FOIA recognises both interests. The existence of an alleged investigation, does not establish guilt. A civil forfeiture does not automatically constitute a criminal conviction. And, an investigative record cannot, by political assertion alone, become a constitutional disqualification. Conclusion In the final analysis, democracy is not strengthened merely by the volume of allegations made against public officials. It is strengthened by the quality of the evidence, the fairness of the process and the willingness of all sides to submit themselves to the law. The opposition has every right to ask questions. The President has every right to answer them, or to assert the legal protections available to him. And, the public has every right to demand the truth. But, truth in a constitutional democracy must ultimately be established by evidence and law, not by political emotion. That is the standard to which every one government and opposition alike, should be held! Babajide Martins PHD, former Director of Public Prosecutions, Lagos State; retired Permanent Secretary, Bureau of Public Defender, Lagos State; Head of Criminal Litigation & Prosecution, Adeniji Kazeem & Co.

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, t T H I S D AY

XI

XII

T H I S D AY ˾ TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2026

BUSINESS/MONEYGUIDE

Nwabueze Charges Financial Journalists to Promote Tax Literacy Oluchi Chibuzor The Tax Ombud/Chief Executive of the Office of the Tax Ombud, Dr. John Nwabueze, has charged financial journalists across the country to promote tax literacy and foster a better understanding of Nigeria’s ongoing tax reforms aimed at deepening national prosperity. Nwabueze made the call at the 36th Anniversary Conference of the Finance Correspondents Association of Nigeria (FICAN) in Lagos, where he spoke on the theme, “Building Taxpayer Confidence and Trust in Nigeria’s Tax Reform Agenda.” According to the Tax Ombud, FICAN serves as an important bridge between policy institutions and the public, as financial journalists help translate government’s fiscal policies and positions into information that businesses, households, investors and policymakers

can understand. Nwabueze identified five key areas where financial journalists can make a significant contribution. These include explaining the law and its practical implications; examining implementation rather than merely reporting announcements; distinguishing lawful tax planning from tax evasion; investigating administrative fairness; and promoting financial and tax literacy. He stressed that the public needs reporting that explains not only how much revenue is collected, but also the relationship between revenue generation, public expenditure, service delivery and economic development. “The media’s role is not to endorse every government policy or oppose every reform. It is to inform the public, ask difficult questions, verify claims and hold institutions accountable. A trusted financial press strengthens the quality

of public discourse,” Nwabueze said. Commending President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his leadership and commitment to reforming Nigeria’s tax and revenue administration framework for greater fairness, inclusiveness and sustainability, he said the comprehensive tax and revenue reforms had, most importantly, given rise to the establishment of the Office of the Tax Ombud to promote confidence in the tax system. Nwabueze said the Office of the Tax Ombud is committed to contributing to a broader understanding of the objectives and outcomes of the tax reform agenda. “We must build institutions that taxpayers can approach with confidence and revenue authorities can engage with constructively. The objective is to strengthen lawful administration and encourage responsible engagement,” he stated.

Dangote IPO Puts Nigeria’s Refining Economy in Spotlight Peter Uzoho

The Initial Public Offer (IPO) of Dangote Refinery has heightened investor interest in Nigeria’s emerging refining economy, with industry stakeholders set to examine how the country can translate expanding refining capacity into sustained economic value. The issue is expected to feature prominently at the Nigeria Oil Refining Summit (NORS) 2026, scheduled to hold this month in Lagos under the theme, “Refining for Value: Linking Upstream Supply to Downstream

Demand.” The summit, hosted by the Crude Oil Refinery-Owners Association of Nigeria (CORAN) in partnership with The Legend & Legacy Company, will bring together refiners, upstream producers, regulators, investors, banks, development finance institutions, traders and infrastructure and service providers. The Event Director of NORS and Chief Executive Officer of The Legend & Legacy Company, Kunle Odusola-Stevenson, said the Dangote IPO had brought the capital market more directly into discussions about the future

of refining in Nigeria. “The Dangote IPO has brought capital markets squarely into the refining conversation. NORS 2026 will take that conversation further by examining how Nigeria can attract capital, strengthen commercial linkages and convert refining capacity into lasting economic value,” he said. Odusola-Stevenson, however, said expanding refining capacity alone would not be sufficient to deliver the desired economic benefits, stressing that reliable and commercially viable crude supply remained critical to the success of the industry.

LECON Finance Receives ‘B/Stable/B’ Ratings from S&P Global Ratings LECON Finance Company Limited, a subsidiary of the Bank of Industry (BOI), has been assigned ‘B’ long-term and ‘B’ short-term issuer credit ratings by S&P Global Ratings, with a Stable Outlook, underscoring the leasing company’s strategic importance within the BOI Group and expectations of continued parental support. In its September 15, 2026 rating action, S&P Global Ratings identified LECON Finance as a core subsidiary of BOI, noting that its ratings are aligned with those of its parent. S&P expects LECON Finance’s ratings to move in tandem with those of BOI. Commenting on the rating, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of LECON Finance, Mrs. Ebehiriere

Ehi-Omoike, said: “We are pleased with the ‘B/ Stable/B’ rating assigned to LECON Finance by S&P Global Ratings. The recognition of our strategic importance within the BOI Group reinforces the strength of our business direction and the confidence we have in our growth prospects. With the support of our parent, our recapitalisation programme and the continued expansion of our finance leasing business, we remain focused on deepening access to productive assets for Nigerian businesses while building a stronger and more sustainable leasing business.” LECON Finance provides operating lease solutions to BOI and finance leasing solutions to Nigerian clients. S&P

noted that operating leases accounted for 57 per cent of LECON Finance’s total leases at year-end 2025, while the company has expanded its finance lease portfolio to Nigerian micro, small and medium-sized enterprises seeking to acquire productive assets. S&P also highlighted LECON Finance’s close alignment with BOI’s development mandate. Although the company represented approximately 0.5 per cent of the Group’s total assets at year-end 2025, the rating agency expects its business to continue expanding. The agency further noted that BOI deposited 20 billion with LECON Finance in 2025, with plans to convert the funds into equity subject to regulatory approval.

MARKET INDICATORS MONEY AND CREDIT STATISTICS (MILLION NAIRA) October 2025

Month

Money Supply (M3)

119,037,577.07

-- CBN Bills Held by Money Holding Sectors

9,291.49

Money Supply (M2)

119,028,285.58

Quasi Money

79,681,419.97

-- Narrow Money (M1)

39,346,865.60

---- Currency Outside Banks

4,646,794.28

---- Demand Deposits

34,700,071.33

Net Foreign Assets (NFA)

34,804,442.84

Net Domestic Assets(NDA)

84,233,134.23

-- Net Domestic Credit (NDC)

99,199,655.08

---- Credit to Government (Net)

24,787,980.96

---- Memo: Credit to Govt. (Net) less FMA

0.00

---- Memo: Fed. and Mirror Accounts (FMA)

0.00

---- Credit to Private Sector (CPS)

74,411,674.12

--Other Assets Net

2,603,854.03

Reserve Money (Base Money)

36,641,142.21

--Currency in Circulation

5,057,881.01

--Banks Reserves

31,583,261.21

--Special Intervention Reserves

284,361.95

˾ ÙßÜÍÏ ̋

Money Market Indicators (in Percentage) Month

October 2025

Inter-Bank Call Rate

October 2025

Minimum Rediscount Rate (MRR) Monetary Policy Rate (MPR)

27.00

Treasury Bill Rate

15.07

Savings Deposit Rate

7.43

1 Month Deposit Rate

11.37

3 Months Deposit Rate

11.32

6 Months Deposit Rate

11.12

12 Months Deposit Rate

11.78

Prime Lending rate

18.89

Maximum Lending Rate

29.56

NSE MARKET INDEX CAP

0.75%(52%YoY)

Index

0.9% (29%Y/D) ˾ ÙØÏÞËÜã ÙÖÓÍã ËÞÏ ̋ Ͱ͵ϱ

OPEC DAILY BASKET PRICE AS AT 24TH NOVEMBER , 2025

The price of OPEC basket of twelve crudes stood at $63.14 a barrel on Monday, according to OPEC Secretariat calculations. The OPEC Reference Basket of Crudes (ORB) is made up of the following: Saharan Blend (Algeria), Djeno (Congo), Zafiro (Equatorial Guinea), Rabi Light (Gabon), Iran Heavy (Islamic Republic of Iran), Basrah Medium (Iraq), Kuwait Export (Kuwait), Es Sider (Libya), Bonny Light (Nigeria), Arab Light (Saudi Arabia), Murban (UAE) and Merey (Venezuela).

XIII

T H I S D AY ˾ TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2026

MARKET NEWS

Legend Internet Generates N4.14bn Asset as Cost Pressures Weigh on Profit Kayode Tokede Legend Internet Plc continued to strengthen its balance sheet in the 12 months ended July 31, 2026, with total assets rising 29 per cent to N4.14 billion from N3.21 billion a year earlier. The expansion reflects continued investment in infrastructure and increased access to financing, although

higher costs are weighing on earnings. The internet service provider disclosed the performance in its unaudited management financial statements for the period, filed with the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX). Total assets increased by N929.4 million during the year, driven largely by a significant increase in current assets, which rose to N1.65 billion from

P R I C E S MAIN BOARD

F O R DEALS

N597.8 million. The stronger liquidity position provides the company with additional capacity to support operations and fund nearterm growth initiatives. Despite a decline in revenue, Legend Internet maintained a relatively strong gross profit position. Revenue fell to N1.10 billion from N1.19 billion, while gross profit moderated

S E C U R I T I E S MARKET PRICE

QUANTITY TRADED

to N714 million from N761.4 million. This translated to a gross margin of approximately 65 per cent, underscoring the resilience of the company’s core operating economics despite softer top-line performance. The company’s infrastructure base also remained substantial, with property, plant and equipment valued at N2.47 billion at the end of the reporting period.

T R A D E D

VALUE TRADED ( N )

A S

MAIN BOARD

O F

Legend Internet invested an additional N49.6 million in property, plant and equipment during the year, highlighting its continued commitment to expanding and maintaining its network capacity. Legend recorded a net cash inflow of N1.07 billion from financing activities, following proceeds from loans, term loans and commercial paper, partly offset by loan repayments.

S E P T E M B E R DEALS

MARKET PRICE

The increased financing provides additional resources for expansion, but also raises the importance of effective debt and financing-cost management as the company scales. The company Legend reported a profit of N13.2 million for the period, down from N142.5 million in the previous year due to infrastructure acquisition costs, administrative expenses and financing-related pressures.

2 1 / 2 6 QUANTITY TRADED

VALUE TRADED ( N)

T H I S D AY ˾ TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2026

19

BUSINESSWORLD R A T E S MONEY MARKET OPR OVERNIGHT

A S

A T

REPO 25.34% 25.18%

Group Business Editor Eromosele Abiodun Email oriarehu.eromosele@thisdaylive.com

08056356325

S E P T E M B E R S & P INDEX

2 1 ,

S & P INDEX

CALL 1-MONTH

23.25% 21.37%

INDEX LEVEL 1-DAY

595.26 0.10%

3-MONTH

22.41%

MONTH-TO-DATE

0.24%

2 0 2 6 EXCHANGE RATE

1/4 TO DATE YEAR TO DATE

0.24% -10.99%

N1,364/ 1 US DOLLAR* *AS AT MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2026

FAAC: FG, States Share N17tn in H1, Sub-nationals Get N518bn for Infrastructure

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja The Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) distributed about N17.07 trillion to the three tiers of government and other statutory beneficiaries in the first half of 2026, with sub-national governments receiving N518 billion in special infrastructure funding in May and June. An analysis of monthly FAAC disbursement statements published by

the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation (OAGF) showed that total gross allocations rose from N2.59 trillion in January to N3.40 trillion in June, reflecting a combination of statutory revenue, augmentations and other inflows. The figures also showed that N750 billion was channelled through the federation account into two separate security-related funds during the period, comprising N250 billion for a Military

Intervention Fund (MIF) in May and N500 billion for a National Security Emergency Fund (NSEF) in June. The documents, however, did not provide details of the projects, agencies or specific operations to be financed from the infrastructure and security funds, a THISDAY analysis indicated. In January, FAAC distributed N2.59 trillion from December 2025 revenues, with the federal government receiving N653.50 billion,

states N706.47 billion and local governments N513.27 billion. A further N402.60 billion was transferred to the non-oil excess account. The February distribution increased to N3.04 trillion, supported by a N100 billion non-oil augmentation. The federal government received N577.91 billion, states N794.01 billion and local governments N537.88 billion, while N850.56 billion was transferred to the non-oil excess account. According to the analysis,

March recorded total distributions of N2.23 trillion, comprising N675.09 billion for the federal government, N651.53 billion for states and N456.47 billion for local governments. In April, total distributions rose to N2.63 trillion, following a N200 billion non-oil augmentation and N68.10 billion from solid minerals revenue. The federal government received N820.37 billion, states N673.43 billion and local governments

N481.03 billion. Besides, the May allocation climbed to N3.185 trillion, supported by a N250 billion augmentation. Of this, the federal government received N787.35 billion, states N772.36 billion and local governments N540.15 billion. June recorded the highest monthly distribution during the six-month period, with gross allocations reaching N3.395 trillion. The story continues online on www.thisdaylive.com

MAN: Declining Inflation Opportunity to Address Structural Costs Keeping Manufacturing Expensive Dike Onwuamaeze The Manufacturing Association of Nigeria (MAN) has expressed the view that the declining inflation trend as recorded in August is an opportunity to address structural costs that are keeping Nigerian manufacturing expensive. The Director General of MAN, Mr. Segun AjayiKadir, stated this in a press

statement titled, “Position of The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria on August 2026 Inflation,” in which he considered continued moderation in Nigeria’s headline inflation rate to 15.39 per cent in August 2026, from 15.43 per cent in July 2026 as a positive development. Ajayi-Kadir, however, stated that a lower inflation rate does not necessarily mean that manufacturers

are experiencing lower production costs. He said: “For manufacturers, the critical issue is whether the cost of producing goods is declining. Manufacturers continue to operate in an environment characterised by high energy costs, logistics challenges, exchange rate costs, elevated raw-material prices and multiple fiscal and regulatory charges.

FOOD NAME OF COMMODITY

SIZE

STATE

RICE

50KG

ABUJA

50KG

LAGOS

50KG

PLATEAU

50KG

OYO

50KG

RIVERS

50KG

SOKOTO

PRICE

₦53,000 – ₦60,000 ₦55,000 – ₦65,000

₦55,000– ₦68,000 ₦55,000– ₦65,000 ₦70,000– ₦82,000 ₦55,000– ₦70,000

“MAN, therefore, views the August inflation outcome as an opportunity to move from simply managing inflation to addressing the structural costs that keep Nigerian manufacturing expensive.” He noted that the August inflation outcome has several implications for manufacturers because they could not always transfer the full increase in production

COMMODITIES NAME OF COMMODITY

SORGHUM

SIZE

PRICE

STATE

100KG JIGAWA 100KG

BENUE

100KG

KADUNA

50KG

ENUGU

50KG

LAGOS

100KG

DELTA

100KG

ABIA

costs to consumers with weak purchasing power. “Therefore, margins remain under pressure while working capital requirements remain high. When input prices rise, manufacturers require more funds to purchase the same quantity of materials. Investment decisions remain cautious as high energy, financing and logistics costs continue to reduce the attractiveness of

new investments,” he said. He added that another implication is that capacity utilisation might remain constrained and local production less competitive as, “some firms may reduce production when the cost of operating additional shifts or purchasing additional inputs becomes commercially unsustainable. The story continues online on www.thisdaylive.com

T O D AY

PRICE

₦65,000– ₦85,000 ₦70,000– ₦90,000 ₦65,000– ₦85,000 ₦40,000– ₦50,000 ₦42,000– ₦55,000 ₦75,000– ₦95,000 ₦75,000– ₦95,000

NAME OF COMMODITY

SIZE

STATE

PRICE

BEANS

50KG BAG

IBADAN, OYO

50KG

LAGOS

₦65,000– ₦80,000 ₦65,000– ₦80,000

50KG

ABUJA

50KG

ENUGU

₦60,000– ₦75,000 ₦65,000– ₦85,000

50KG

DELTA

₦70,000– ₦85,000

20

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2026 ˾ T H I S D AY

BUSINESSWORLD

NEWS FOOD

NAME OF COMMODITY

PALM OIL

SIZE

STATE

PRICE

₦42,000 – 25CL LAGOS ₦50,000

NAME OF COMMODITY

GROUNDNUT

COMMODITIES SIZE

STATE

PRICE

100KG KANO N75,000–₦95,000

25CL

PH

₦40,000 – ₦50,000

100KG BENUE ₦80,000–₦105,000

25CL

OYO

₦45,000 – ₦55,000

100KG LAGOS ₦100,000–₦125,000

25CL

IMO

₦40,000 – ₦50,000

100KG DELTA ₦105,000–₦130,000

25CL

EDO

₦40,000 – ₦50,000

100KG

25CL ABUJA

₦48,000 – ₦60,000

100KG ENUGU ₦90,000–₦115,000

ABIA

₦95,000–₦120,000

PRICE

T O D AY

NAME OF COMMODITY

SIZE

ONIONS

₦75,000– 100KG IBADAN ₦100,000 100KG KANO ₦55,000– ₦80,000 ₦80,000– 100KG BENUE ₦110,000 ₦80,000– 100KG PLATEAU ₦110,000 100KG DELTA ₦95,000– ₦125,000 ₦90,000– 100KG LAGOS ₦120,000 ₦90,000– 100KG ENUGU ₦120,000

STATE

PRICE

NAME OF COMMODITY

SIZE

LOCATION

PRICE

MAIZE

50KG

OYO

₦80,000– ₦105,000

50KG ENUGU

₦90,000 – ₦115,000

50KG

ABIA

₦90,000– ₦115,000

50KG LAGOS

₦95,000 – ₦115,000

50KG

KANO

₦70,000– ₦95,000

100KG BENUE

₦65,000– ₦90,000

NISO Strengthens System Operators’ Capacity for Safe Grid Operations Stories by Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja The Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) has commenced the second phase of its capacity development programme for system operators as part of efforts to strengthen technical competence and operational readiness for safe and reliable management of the national electricity grid. Declaring the programme open, NISO Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Bello Mohammed, said continuous training was essential to equipping system operators to manage the increasing complexities of the power system and respond effectively to changing operational conditions. He said NISO’s responsibilities as an

independent system safe, secure and economical operator required technical electricity delivery. competence, sound judgment, She listed their discipline, teamwork and a responsibilities to include strong commitment to safety. Mohammed said the programme was also designed to promote a common operational culture anchored on The Petroleum Technology professionalism, integrity, Development Fund (PTDF) neutrality, reliability and has inaugurated a highcontinuous improvement, level committee to develop urging participants to deepen a framework for the full their knowledge of the grid operationalisation of its Centre code, which he described as for Skills Development and a fundamental standard Training (CSDT) in Port guiding the responsibilities Harcourt, Rivers State. of system operators. The committee, which In her remarks, the is expected to review the Executive Director, System centre’s operations, develop Operations, Nafisatu Ali, industry-focused curricula said system operators played and establish pathways a critical role in independently and transparently operating, monitoring, coordinating and managing the national grid for The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has commenced rehabilitation of four transmission towers vandalised along the AfamIPP-Elelenwo 132kV doublecircuit transmission line. A statement from the with applicable technical company stated yesterday standards, regulations and safety requirements before it was put into use. The project was commissioned by the The Minister of Housing Minister of Power, Joseph and Urban Development, Tegbe, under the Federal Muttaqha Darma, has Government’s Energising sought a partnership with Education Programme Qatar to expand housing (EEP), implemented by the delivery, urban renewal and Rural Electrification Agency infrastructure development (REA) in collaboration with in Nigeria. the World Bank and other Darma made the request stakeholders. when the Qatari Ambassador NEMSA said the certification to Nigeria, Yusuf Bin Ahmed was consistent with its Al-Hail, paid him a visit. statutory responsibility to enforce technical standards and regulations, inspect, test and certify electrical installations, electricity meters The Federal Ministry of and instruments, and ensure Works has commenced that electrical infrastructure emergency intervention deployed within the Nigerian to address the prolonged Electricity Supply Industry gridlock along the Maje(NESI) is safe and fit for Dikko axis of the SulejaMinna corridor in Niger purpose. Speaking at the State. A statement in Abuja commissioning, Tegbe described the project as an said the Minister of State important investment in for Works, Bello Goronyo, educational infrastructure, directed the concessionaire stressing that reliable handling the affected section electricity was essential to to complete immediate teaching, learning, research remedial works within 48 hours to restore traffic flow. and innovation.

NEMSA Certifies 3.3MW Solar Project at Gowon Varsity The Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency (NEMSA) has inspected and certified the newly commissioned 3.3-megawatt solar hybrid power project at Yakubu Gowon University, formerly University of Abuja. The certification followed the requisite inspection, testing and assessment of the facility to establish compliance

Group Business Editor Eromosele Abiodun Deputy Business Editor Chinedu Eze Comms/e-Business Editor Emma Okonji Asst. Editor, Energy Emmanuel Addeh Asst. Editor, Money Market Nume Ekeghe Correspondents KayodeTokede(CapitalMarkets) James Emejo (Finance) Ebere Nwoji (Insurance) Reporter Peter Uzoho (Energy)

real-time grid management, coordination of generation and power flows, load allocation, outage management,

emergency response and maintenance planning. The Executive Director, Finance and Corporate

Services, Babajide Ibironke, said the programme should deliver measurable value to both participants and NISO.

Ibe Kachikwu Leads PTDF’s Committee to Revive forPort Harcourt Skills Centre employment and Nigerian technical manpower, including an administrative entrepreneurship, is also expected to strengthen the supply of skilled Nigerian manpower to the oil and gas and wider energy sectors. Inaugurating the committee in Abuja, the Executive Secretary of PTDF, Prof. Shuaibu Aliyu, said the initiative followed a skills audit conducted by the fund which identified significant shortages of qualified

particularly at the technical and middle-level cadres of the oil and gas industry. He said the committee would assess the centre’s existing systems, identify gaps and make recommendations to ensure that the facility delivers on its intended purpose. Aliyu said the centre was approximately 98 per cent complete, with facilities

building, auditorium, library, hostels, staff quarters, canteen, power and water infrastructure. Responding on behalf of the committee, its Chairman, Prof. Ibe Kachikwu, thanked PTDF for the confidence reposed in its members and pledged to produce a comprehensive framework for the operationalisation of the facility.

TCN Fixes Vandalised Towers on Afam 132kV Line that the vandalised towers, T50 to T53, were discovered on August 6, 2026, by TCN’s lines engineers from the Port Harcourt Region. According to the company, members of the four towers had been removed and carted away by vandals. TCN said

the incident was the fifth vandalism attack on the same transmission line in recent times. The company said rehabilitation work was ongoing to restore the affected infrastructure, while calling on stakeholders to collaborate

with it to curb the increasing incidence of vandalism threatening the stability of the national grid. TCN urged communities, security agencies and other stakeholders along transmission corridors to support efforts to protect critical electricity infrastructure.

FG Seeks Qatar Partnership on Housing, Urban Renewal The minister said strategic cooperation with Qatar could support efforts to address Nigeria’s estimated 15 million housing deficit, particularly through social housing across the 774 local government areas. Besides, he explained that the ministry’s mandate extended beyond housing construction to urban

upgrading and slum renewal aimed at improving living conditions. “We do not only develop houses, we also do urban upgrades to improve the living conditions of the people. We need about 15 million houses for the vulnerable Nigerians,” he said. Earlier, Al-Hail reaffirmed

Qatar’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with Nigeria, particularly in housing and urban development. He said Qatar had maintained an embassy in Nigeria since 2004 and that cooperation between the two countries had continued at government and people-topeople levels.

Ministry Begins Emergency Work to End Maje-Dikko Gridlock Goronyo issued the directive during an inspection of the affected section, where he expressed concern over the hardship faced by motorists, commuters and truck drivers who had been trapped in the gridlock for several days. He said the intervention followed directives from President Bola Tinubu and the Minister of Works, David Umahi, who was inspecting federal road projects in Lagos. According to him, the ministry had mobilised the

Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the concessionaire and transportation stakeholders to coordinate the emergency response. The affected Maje-Dikko section forms part of the approximately 7.9-kilometre Suleja-Minna corridor being handled under a concession arrangement. “The emergency work is to be completed within the next 48 hours. The concessionaire has already been mobilised to the site, and we are committed

to ensuring that the gridlock is brought under control as quickly as possible,” Goronyo said. He attributed the deterioration of the pavement partly to heavy movement of articulated vehicles, particularly those associated with the NNPC depot in the area. Goronyo said permanent rehabilitation of the affected corridor would include continuous reinforced concrete pavement.

T H I S D AY ˾ TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2026

21

BUSINESSWORLD

PERSPECTIVE

Nigeria to Host 10th Africa Energy Summit as SETI Deepens Focus on Industrial Capacity, Finance, Innovation

Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Solewant Group, Mr Solomon Ewanehi (fourth left), and other top officials of the company, at the Namibia Oil and Gas Conference held in Windhoek, Namibia… recently Olusegun Peters

N

igeria will again become a meeting point for policymakers, energy executives, financiers, development institutions, researchers, innovators, indigenous contractors and international business leaders when the 10th Session of Africa Energy Summit opens in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, from 26 to 28 November 2026. Now in its 10th session, the Summit has evolved beyond its origins as a Solewant Group corporate event into a broader continental platform — the Africa Energy Summit, powered by Solewant Energy Training Institute- SETI, (a subsidiary of the Solewant Group). The gathering at Hotel Presidential, GRA, Port Harcourt is being positioned as Africa’s biggest private-sector-funded Africa Energy Summit, with an increasingly execution-driven agenda around energy security, industrial capacity, innovation, finance, local content, technology and human capital. This year’s theme, ‘Scaling Innovative Industrial Capacity for Africa’s Energy Security,’ reflects a deliberate shift from simply debating Africa’s resource potential to confronting the harder question of productive capability: how the continent finances innovation, develops competitive indigenous contractors, strengthens manufacturing and technical capacity, commercialises research, builds skilled workforces and converts energy resources into wider economic value. The direction of the 10th session is rooted in the conclusions of the 9th Africa Energy Summit held in November 2025. That Summit brought together policymakers, industry leaders, academics, security experts, financial institutions and traditional authorities around the theme of emerging technologies and sustainable energy development. Its closing communiqué reached a broad consensus that Africa’s energy future will depend on technology readiness, stronger local content, accessible financing, industrial competitiveness, modern engineering education, improved energy security and closer alignment among government, industry and academia. Delegates at the 9th session specifically called for the urgent integration of artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, automation, robotics and other digital technologies into Africa’s energy landscape. They also stressed that financing, transparency and institutional competence would remain central to attracting investment, while indigenous manufacturers, local contractors and regional industrial partnerships must be strengthened if Africa is to improve its competitiveness. The communiqué further identified the widening gap between the pace of technological change in industry and the capacity of many universities and training institutions to respond. It called for modernised engineering and tech-

nical curricula, more sustainable funding for research institutions and structured partnerships between academia, industry and government. It also urged stronger protection of pipelines, waterways and critical infrastructure, along with deeper regional cooperation on energy infrastructure, technology transfer and market integration. Those outcomes now provide an important bridge into the 10th session. Rather than treating the communiqué as the end of a conference cycle, SETI is using the 2026 Summit to push the conversation further into implementation — linking policy to finance, finance to enterprise, research to commercialisation, and skills development to real energy-sector opportunities. A major feature of the 2026 programme will be the SETI MSME Boot Camp, designed to prepare selected enterprises for participation in higher-value energy-sector opportunities. The Boot Camp will focus on business readiness, proposal and pitch development, finance preparedness, market entry, procurement awareness and the commercial discipline required to move from general enterprise activity into structured oil, gas, power, renewable-energy and industrial value chains. The programme is designed as a rollover pathway rather than a stand-alone training exercise. Participating MSMEs will move from pre-Summit preparation into exhibition, business matchmaking, finance and investment conversations, procurement introductions and post-Summit follow-up. Banks, Development Finance Institutions, investors, IOCs, NOCs, OEMs and other commercial partners are expected to provide a direct interface for businesses seeking capital, partnerships, contracts and market access. The Summit will also place renewed emphasis on innovation commercialisation. Researchers, academics, graduate innovators, technology developers and entrepreneurs with prototypes, novel products, technical systems, tech solutions and other market-ready products will be able to present selected innovations before financial institutions, DFIs, OEMs, investors and industry partners. The objective is to move promising ideas beyond presentation into validation, pilot opportunities, licensing, co-development, financing and eventual market deployment. For established companies, the 10th Africa Energy Summit will offer an expanded exhibition and market-access platform. Energy companies, manufacturers, technology providers, engineering firms, service companies and other businesses will be able to showcase products and capabilities while engaging directly with decision-makers,

prospective clients, financiers and strategic partners. The Summit is therefore being structured as both a knowledge platform and a commercial marketplace. The speaker and delegate architecture are also being broadened to attract practitioners with direct implementation experience. Senior executives, regulators, financiers, academics, investors, technical specialists, innovators and development institutions are expected to contribute to discussions on industrial capacity, energy financing, local content, technology adoption, pipeline and infrastructure development, workforce readiness, innovation commercialisation and cross-border African business cooperation. SETI’s role in the Summit reflects the Institute’s wider mandate around professional training, certification, research collaboration, workforce development and applied energy innovation. As the platform powering the Africa Energy Summit, SETI is positioning the annual gathering as a place where learning, enterprise development, industry engagement and investment conversion meet — not merely as a conference built around speeches. The transition is significant. Previous editions grew under the Solewant Group platform, but the 10th session marks a more deliberate continental identity: Africa Energy Summit, powered by SETI. Solewant Group remains the founding institutional platform and strategic convener, while the Summit itself increasingly serves a greater Africa-wide constituency of governments, businesses, financiers, innovators, researchers and emerging enterprises. This broader orientation also reflects the evolution of the conversation beyond Nigeria. Africa’s energy-security challenge is continental: countries face different resource profiles and policy environments, but many share the same need for finance, industrial capability, technology transfer, competitive local enterprises, skilled manpower and stronger regional markets. The Summit is intended to create a practical meeting point for these interests. The formal conference programme will hold at Hotel Presidential, GRA, Port Harcourt, on 26 and 27 November 2026, with exhibitions, policy and industry sessions, financing conversations, innovation pitching and structured business engagement. The 28 November programme will close the 10th session with the Africa Energy Summit Golf Tournament and Executive Networking, followed later that evening by an Evening of Praise, Worship and Awards Night — a ceremonial close designed around thanksgiving, recognition, fellowship and relationship-building. As the Summit enters its 10th session, its

central message is increasingly clear: Africa’s energy future will not be secured by resources alone. It will be secured by productive industrial capacity, finance, technology, capable institutions, competitive enterprises, skilled people and the ability to commercialise African innovation at scale. That is the proposition SETI intends to place before Africa in Port Harcourt this November. Join us at the 10th Session of Africa Energy Summit let’s move Africa to a sustainable, thriving and energy secured future for all. Established 26 years ago, Solewant Group has consistently and progressively built capabilities in steel pipes, pipeline coating, fabrication, construction, corrosion protection, field-joint services, technical training and industrial manufacturing. Solewant Group’s business around steel pipes, pipe coating, fabrication, construction and protection of metal and concrete assets serving the oil, gas, water, refinery, petrochemical and allied industries has continued to service the African energy sector. The group had at the beginning of 2025, launched its Roadmap Plus 2025–2035, as a long-term growth and industrial development strategy of an African energy services company that was determined to compete internationally by continuous and deliberate investments in its people, plants, products and technical solutions. Focused on the expansion of the Group’s manufacturing capabilities at the Solewant Industrial Park, Alode-Eleme/Onne, Rivers State, the Roadmap Plus recorded its first major achievement in July 2025 when the company commissioned a specialised pipe bend and fitting multi-layer coating facility. The facility, which was developed in partnership with the company’s foreign partners - Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) - aimed to address a longstanding technical challenge associated with applying protective multi-layer coating systems to bends, tees, flanges and other irregular pipeline components. Under the Roadmap Plus, another milestone was recorded with the commissioning of the Solewant Specialty Protective Coatings and Paints Limited manufacturing plant on July 31, 2026, transforming the company from being predominantly an applicator and provider of industrial coating solutions to a domestic manufacturer of protective coating materials and paints. The Group’s Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Mr. Solomon Ewanehi also confirmed that the state-of-the-art Specialty Protective Coatings and Paints Manufacturing Plant was a product of Roadmap Plus, which aligned with the company’s wider objective of strengthening domestic manufacturing, skills development, technology transfer and Nigeria’s industrial value chain. t 1FUFST XSPUF GSPN -BHPT

22

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2026 ˾ T H I S D AY

BUSINESSWORLD

PERSPECTIVE

Jobson Ewalefoh: Putting Public Interest at the Heart of PPPs Hammed Shittu For the Director-General/Chief Executive Officer of the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), public-private partnerships are not simply about bringing private capital into public projects or creating opportunities for investors to make commercial returns. At their core, he argues, PPPs must deliver tangible value to the ordinary Nigerian. That philosophy comes through particularly strongly when the conversation turns to healthcare. The ICRC is involved in healthcare PPPs such as MEDIPOOL, a project designed around the bulk procurement and distribution of medicines. But with private capital comes Ewalefoh an obvious question: how does government and public benefit as competing ensure that the search for commercial returns objectives. Rather, he sees a properly does not make essential healthcare products structured PPP as one in which both unaffordable? can coexist. MEDIPOOL, in his telling, Ewalefoh’s answer is unequivocal. illustrates the point. “A healthcare PPP will fail its purpose The project seeks to use the purchasing if its pricing places it beyond the reach power that comes with bulk procurement of the ordinary Nigerians it was meant to bring down the cost of medicines to serve,” he said. and improve distribution, including For him, the regulatory process is therefore to communities far from major urban not merely about determining whether a centres. But Ewalefoh sees an even bigger project can attract financing. When an Outline opportunity beyond procurement. As the Business Case reaches the Commission, it project develops, he says, it is expected is subjected to a series of tests - viability, to support local manufacturing of some bankability, value for money, procurement medicines that Nigeria currently imports. transparency and, crucially, public interest. That, potentially, changes the equation. The question is not simply whether a project Cheaper procurement could improve can make money. It is whether the project access in the immediate term, while can make economic sense while still meeting domestic manufacturing could create the needs for which it was conceived. jobs, strengthen the local economy and “We ensure public interest: that the project reduce costs over the longer term. meets a genuine need for Nigerians and that it The ultimate measure of success, is priced fairly and affordably,” he explained. therefore, is not the financial return to That distinction is important. Ewalefoh investors alone. It is whether Nigerians does not appear to see commercial viability

can actually obtain the medicines they need at prices they can afford. The same philosophy runs through Ewalefoh’s defence of tolling under the Highway Development and Management Initiative. Road tolls can be politically sensitive in Nigeria, particularly when motorists are asked to pay for infrastructure they may already feel they have been taxed to provide. Ewalefoh, however, frames the issue differently: what are Nigerians getting in return for the money they pay? He points to the Akwanga–Makurdi road, a 227-kilometre corridor with four toll gates, as an example of what he considers a successful PPP arrangement. An average saloon car travelling the route pays tolls at the gates. But Ewalefoh asks Nigerians to consider that cost against what motorists previously endured on the road - hours lost in traffic and delays, damage to tyres, shock absorbers and other vehicle components and the dangers posed by accidents on a notoriously poor road. The argument is straightforward: motorists are more likely to accept a toll when they can see and feel the value of the infrastructure for which they are paying. According to Ewalefoh, feedback gathered from road users suggests precisely that. Some drivers, he said, have told the Commission that they would not object to tolling on other major routes if those roads were brought to a similar standard. He mentions the Enugu–Maiduguri corridor as one example. “That, to me, is the beauty of a well-structured PPP,” he said. There is another important element to the model. Toll revenue is not simply

collected as a commercial return. Part of it is warehoused specifically for the maintenance of the road. Under the arrangement, Ewalefoh says, the government does not have to bear the additional maintenance burden throughout the concession period. The concessionaire is also required to fix potholes within 48 hours, while major routine repairs are funded from the toll revenue set aside for that purpose. In this model, the toll becomes part of a larger cycle: motorists pay, infrastructure improves, and revenue is reinvested to keep the road in good condition. For Ewalefoh, that is what makes a PPP sustainable. But his vision extends beyond individual projects and even beyond Nigeria. Ewalefoh has been calling for stronger PPP collaboration across ECOWAS, and when asked what Nigeria can bring to such regional partnerships, he points to a project he clearly considers a source of national pride: the Customs Modernisation Project, popularly known as B’Odogwu. His point is that Nigeria does not have to be merely a recipient of infrastructure solutions developed elsewhere. It can also develop models that other countries want to adopt. He cited the adoption of the Nigerian customs modernisation model by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat for a proposed $3.1 billion, 20-year concession to be deployed across roughly 50 AfCFTA member countries. For Ewalefoh, this is more than a commercial transaction. “This is a victory for Public-Private Partnerships,” he said. The story continues online on www.thisdaylive.com

Making Progress with Nigeria Industrial Policy? The federal government believe its industrial policy is a step in the direction and is making progress, yet there are practical measures needed to firm up its implementation and sustain the progress, writes Dike Onwuamaeze For the Minister of State for Industry, Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Senator John Owan Enoh, the implementation of the Nigeria Industrial Policy that was launched in February 2026 is making progress. Enoh identified the progress so far recorded with its implementation in the following areas. One of them is the activation of the Nigeria First Policy meant to promote patronage of Nigerian manufactured goods. Enoh said that the ministry is engaging with the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) for accelerated patronage of Nigerian assembled automobiles and products of the Cotton, Textile and Garment (CTG) industries. Another area where progress is being recorded, according to the minister of state, is enhancing access to financing for the Micro, Small, Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) through negation with the African Development Bank’s (AfDB) for $69 million industrial cluster project, which he revealed is at an advanced stage. There is also the strengthening of the linkages within the CTG value chains. This would ensure that cotton growers are linked with the ginneries and textile manufacturers, and on the other hand that garment manufacturers are also linked with the textile manufacturers. Progress are also being made in the area of skill acquisition and capacity development. The minister disclosed that about 700 people have been trained in mechatronics. He added that the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) is running a skilled artisan program. “So, we have been working in the strategic objectives (of the NIP and) in all of these things we have made some progress,” Enoh said. It should be emphasised that the NIP is Nigeria’s first comprehensive industrial policy

since the country’s independence in 1960. Its goal is to is increase manufacturing sector’s contribution to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to 15 per cent by 2030 and 25 per cent by 2035. Currently, manufacturing’s contribution to the GDP is less than 10 per cent. The NIP sets out a clear and actionable roadmap for Nigeria’s industrial transformation. The policy identified priority industrial sectors, established enabling reforms, and codified incentives that would ensure that Nigeria’s industrial growth is not only accelerated but is also inclusive, competitive, and sustainable.

Robust incentive framework At the heart of this policy is a robust incentive framework, which included fiscal, monetary, export, and industrial measures that would reduce the cost of doing business, spurs investment and fosters innovations. The framework is centred around deepening access to finance, driving sectorial competitiveness, global and regional integration as well as sustainability, innovation and inclusive delivery. In his address during the unveiling of the NIP, Enoh, described it as a comprehensive framework that reaffirmed Nigeria’s resolve to diversify its economy, create inclusive prosperity, and secure the countrys rightful place as a leading industrial hub in Africa and the wider global economy. Enoh said: “The NIP is more than a document; it is a statement of intent, a

vision, and a covenant. It is our collective declaration that Nigeria will no longer be content with exporting raw materials while importing jobs and prosperity. “Instead, we shall build, manufacture, and innovate here at home: creating wealth that endures, industries that compete globally, and opportunities that reach every Nigerian household.” The direction of the industrial policy is anchored on the development of four sectors. These sectors are metals and solid minerals, oil and gas, construction and manufacturing. The NIP’s policy document said that these sectors are comprised of multiple sub-sectors that offer strategic opportunities for industrial development. They are prioritised due to their strong comparative advantages, potential to generate large-scale employment, deepen local value addition and expand export. The general objective of the NIP is to accelerate Nigeria’s industrial transformation by leveraging on the country’s natural and human capital to promote inclusive, sustainable and competitive manufacturing that would deepen economic diversification and generate mass employment through innovation, infrastructure development, investment and export. Specifically, the six core objectives of the NIP are enhancing Nigeria’s economic growth and development; ensuring global competitiveness of Nigerian manufactured goods in order to diversify Nigeria’s export via manufactured products; employment and skill development through gainful employment in the manufacturing sector;

encouraging the development of innovative financing strategies to facilitate easy access to affordable long-term funds to manufacturers; industrialisation and local content by promoting geographical dispersal of industries, particularly in rural areas and increasing local raw material sourcing and utilisation; and encouragement of industrial processes that will promote environmental sustainability and the concept of eco-industrialisation. The successful attainment of the policy objectives is hinged on the deployment of coherent, practical and forward-looking strategies.

Strategic interventions The key strategic interventions designed in the NIP to stimulate industrial development, strengthen value chains and position Nigeria for sustainable industrial transformation included MSMEs and industrial entrepreneurship development by providing integrated and coordinated support such as concessional loans, industry-based skills, incubators and clusters, mainstreamed into industrial value chains to spur sustainable MSME development. Other strategies are fostering international partnership and linkages for skills improvement, sustainable power supply, competitiveness and market access, including the implementation of mandatory public procurement of made-in-Nigeria goods and services (under EO003 and the Nigeria First Policy), and nationwide consumer awareness campaigns, and retail incentives to increase domestic market share by 25 per cent over three years. The story continues online on www.thisdaylive.com

23

THISDAY • TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2026

NEWS

CIMA CONVOCATION 2026...

L-R: Head of Personal Loans, Credit Direct Finance Company Limited, Godwin Clark, CRMP, FCMA,CGMA; Regional Vice President, Africa, Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA), Tariro Mutizwa, FCMA, CGMA, MBA; General Manager, Chevron Employees Multipurpose Cooperative, Olatundun Aderibigbe, FCA, FCMA, CGMA; Country Director, Nigeria, AICPA & CIMA, Ijeoma Anadozie and Partner & Head, Tech Risk , KPMG, Africa, Lawrence Amadi, FCA, CGMA, MBA, at the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants convocation held in Lagos...recently

Nigerian Firm, Ash Biomedical, Produces Seven Medications for HIV, Malaria, Hepatitis, Pregnancy Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja A Nigerian firm, Ash Biomedical Diagnostics Ltd., has announced the production of seven of its own-brand diagnostic medicine to manage and treat HIV, malaria, hepatitis, and pregnancy. The seven products include ABD HIVChek, MalChek, MalChek Plus, HepaQuik, HepaQuik Duo, PregSure, and FlaviQuik. The products comprise 12 Stock Keeping Units (SKUs) covering four critical healthcare testing areas including HIV, malaria, hepatitis, and pregnancy. Its Managing Director, Adetoyese Shodeinde, in a statement issued Monday, stressed that the achievement reflected years of deliberate investment in quality, regulatory compliance, and product development. Shodeinde explained that among the newest additions now available nationwide were FlaviQuik, designed for Hepatitis C rapid testing, and HepaQuik Duo, which enables dual screening for Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C using one test, supporting healthcare providers and screening programmes in identifying individuals who may require further medical evaluation during a single patient encounter.

Shodeinde said for Nigerians, the significance of the milestone extended beyond product availability, adding that it represents continued progress towards strengthening confidence in locally developed healthcare solutions while expanding access to rapid diagnostics capable of supporting earlier disease detection. He stressed that NAFDAC registration provided the formal regulatory basis for the products to be marketed in Nigeria. Shodeinde added, “Our vision has always been bigger than producing diagnostic kits. We are building confidence in Nigerian healthcare manufacturing by ensuring that every product carrying the Ash Biomedical name meets the standards required for quality, reliability and national regulatory approval.” He stated that Ash Biomedical’s expanded hepatitis portfolio arrived as increased hepatitis screening continued to draw national and global attention. The managing director said through FlaviQuik and HepaQuik Duo, Ash Biomedical was contributing additional rapid diagnostic options that supported healthcare professionals in screening patients more efficiently. Shodeinde said the company’s growing hepatitis portfolio complemented

its broader commitment to developing practical diagnostic solutions that made quality testing more accessible across Nigeria. Founded in 2011, Ash Biomedical has steadily grown from a Nigerian diagnostics company into a recognised manufacturer with products reaching healthcare institutions across the

federation. The company has delivered 15 million test kits over 15 years through more than 66 government and institutional contracts across 27 states, while its products have reached all 36 states of Nigeria. Independent hospital evaluations conducted by the APIN Reference Laboratory, NISA Premier, Garki Hospital,

Police Clinics, and the National Hospital, Abuja, found 100 per cent concordance between Ash Biomedical rapid-test results and reference laboratory findings across HIV, hepatitis B, pregnancy, and malaria testing in the evaluated samples. For the company, Shodeinde said these achievements provided important evidence that local manufacturing and

quality diagnostics could successfully coexist within Nigeria’s evolving healthcare landscape. He revealed that the firm was simultaneously advancing the development of its diagnostics manufacturing facility in Idu, Abuja, which was in its final phase of construction and equipment installation.

Nigerian Embassy in Qatar Reduces Passport Issuance, Renewal to Two Weeks Qatar charity expands Nigeria operations with $10m Abuja housing project Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja The Nigerian embassy in Qatar has recorded a major reduction in processing times for passport renewals and issuances, returning newly produced travel documents to applicants in around two weeks. The improvement followed a dedicated passport intervention exercise conducted in Doha between 11 and 21 August 2026. Nigerian Ambassador to Qatar,

Professor Mahmood Yakubu, in a statement issued Monday said during the 10-day drive, embassy staff processed applications for 751 Nigerian nationals, including 441 requests for five-year passports and 310 for 10-year passports. Yakubu stated, “Distribution of the completed passports began on 18 September - less than a month after the biometric capture phase ended - allowing applicants to receive their documents far earlier than typical diplomatic processing cycles.”

Yakubu described the rapid turnaround as a major milestone for the mission’s consular services. He stressed that the mission recognised how critical valid passports were for international travel, employment, and residency status for citizens living abroad. According to him, the fact that passports are now being completed and returned within about two weeks of capture demonstrates commitment to improving service delivery and

responding to the needs of the Nigerian community. The faster processing initiative comes amid rising demand for consular support among the growing Nigerian expatriate population in the Gulf state Meanwhile, a Doha-based humanitarian organisation, Qatar Charity, expanded its field office in Abuja to scale up major development and social welfare initiatives across Nigeria, including an ongoing $10 million integrated housing project in the capital.

OPay Marks 8th Anniversary, Reaffirms Commitment to Driving Financial Inclusion in Nigeria Sunday Ehigiator Eight years after commencing operations in Nigeria, financial technology company, OPay, has reaffirmed its commitment to using technology to make financial services simpler, more accessible and inclusive for Nigerians. The company, which began operations in Nigeria in 2018, said its journey over the past eight years had evolved from digital payments and transfers to a broader range of financial services, including merchant services, cards, savings and security solutions. In a statement marking the milestone, OPay said, “Eight years after commencing operations in Nigeria, OPay continues to build, innovate and serve, using technology to make financial services simpler, more accessible, and more inclusive for Nigerians.” According to the company, its services have become part of the

everyday financial activities of many Nigerians, ranging from transfers and bill payments to purchasing airtime and data. “For some Nigerians, OPay is an app on their phone. For others, it is the money that arrived when they needed it, the electricity bill they paid just in time, the data they bought for school or work, or the payment that helped a business stay open for another day,” the statement said. OPay noted that its Nigerian journey began with the acquisition of Paycom, a Central Bank of Nigeria-licensed Mobile Money Operator, which provided the foundation for its financial services operations in the country. The company has since expanded its capabilities and now also holds a National Microfinance Bank licence. Recounting her experience with the platform, one of its early customers, Mrs Saliu Oluwabukola, said her journey with OPay began in 2019 after she came across the platform

on social media and downloaded the application. She recalled making her first transfer and subsequently transferring the money from her OPay account to her commercial bank account. “It entered,” she recalled, describing her reaction to the successful transaction. According to her, the experience encouraged her to continue using the platform for airtime, data purchases and electricity bill payments. She said OPay had also helped her resolve an electricity bill issue when officials were about to disconnect her property. “I trust OPay now with any amount,” she said. Another customer, Dahiru Haruna from Ojo, Lagos, said he first became familiar with OPay around 2020 while serving as a corps member in Ondo State. He said he encountered the platform through ORide and used it when he travelled back to Lagos. After completing a ride and having

the payment deducted through OPay, Haruna said the experience made him reflect on the country’s transition towards digital financial services. “Wow, we are progressing. Nigeria is moving with OPay,” he said. Similarly, Latifat Ajoke Muftau said OPay became particularly useful to her after she was debited by an Automated Teller Machine (ATM) without receiving the cash. According to her, a neighbour introduced her to OPay, after which she downloaded the application and registered with her phone number. She said she was able to receive money shortly after opening her account. “Money just entered. I was like, ah. This is easy,” she said. OPay said such experiences reflected the role digital financial services could play in helping Nigerians access and manage money when they need it. The company said that over the past eight years, it had continued to invest in technology, customer support and

security as more Nigerians embraced digital finance. “Over the past eight years, OPay has continued to evolve with Nigerians’ needs, expanding from digital payments and transfers to merchant services, cards, savings, security solutions and other financial services,” it said. Beyond its financial services, OPay said it had also continued to invest in people and communities. It disclosed that its N1.2 billion, 10-year scholarship commitment was supporting young Nigerians with access to education, while its wider social impact programmes focused on youth development, women’s empowerment, skills development and community support. The company said the eight-year milestone represented a period of changing customer needs, evolving technology, new opportunities and challenges. “The journey from a payment app

to a broader digital financial services platform reflects the changing needs of Nigerians and the growing role of technology in everyday life. But one thing has remained constant: the commitment to Nigeria,” it said. OPay added that it would continue to serve customers, support businesses, enable digital payments and make financial services more accessible across the country. “Today, OPay continues to serve customers, support businesses, enable digital payments and make financial services more accessible to people across the country,” the company said. “And the reason is simple, because behind every transaction is a person; a student buying data, a parent paying a bill, a trader receiving payment, a business owner serving a customer, a Nigerian simply trying to make life a little easier. For eight years, OPay has been part of those moments, and many more are to come. Eight years on, OPay is still Okay.”

24

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2026 • THISDAY

NEWS

UNVEILING OF A NEW OLORI EBI OF THE RULING HOUSE...

L-R: Omoba Ramon Adesanya Logunleko, Rasheed Ayoola Bello and a prominent family member at Ule Nla during the unveiling of a new Olori Ebi of the ruling house in Ijebu Ode on Sunday

Lagos Orders Immediate Evacuation of Flood-prone Communities, as NiHSA Issues Fresh Flood Alert for Lagos, 14 Other States Eti-Osa, Lagos Island, Ajah, Kirikiri, Ilaje Waterfront among vulnerable areas Sunday Ehigiator Lagos State Government ordered the immediate evacuation of residents living in low-lying and flood-prone communities to higher grounds following a fresh seven-day flood alert issued by Nigerian Hydrological Services Agency (NiHSA) for Lagos and 14 other states. The government said the directive followed a new flood alert, designated NFA-2026-2022, warning of rising river levels and possible flooding across

vulnerable communities. Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, in a statement issued on Sunday by Director, Public Affairs, at the ministry, Kunle Adeshina, listed Eti-Osa, Lagos Island Local Government Area, Oke-Ira Nla in Ajah, Kirikiri (Sea Port), Ilaje Waterfront Jetty, and Jetty Terminal B among areas vulnerable to flooding. According to Wahab, “The state government is treating the advisory with the utmost seriousness and has

intensified monitoring activities across the identified locations, as well as other riverine, low-lying, and flood-prone communities.” He urged residents in vulnerable areas not to disregard the warning or wait until floodwaters rose before taking action. “Early preparation and temporary relocation to safer areas could prevent avoidable tragedies,” he said. Wahab added that residents of flood-prone communities should move to higher grounds and remain

there until the peak of the resurgent rainy season had passed. He stated, “We are urging Lagosians, particularly those living in flood-prone and low-lying areas, not to take this warning lightly. When the signs point to danger, the safest decision is to move early. No property is worth risking a life.” Wahab stated that Lagos typically experienced a second phase of the rainy season from September, “characterised by increased rainfall, rising water levels, and tidal influences that

Royalty Dispute: Peter Admits Jude Sent Him Six Years of P-Square Royalty Records Wale Igbintade Singer Peter Okoye of the defunct music duo, P-Square, yesterday admitted before a Federal High Court in Lagos that his elder brother, Jude Okoye, sent him six years of the group’s royalty records covering 2016 to 2022. Peter made the admission while being cross-examined by counsel to Jude, Clement Onwuewunor, SAN, in the ongoing trial of Jude and his company, Northside Music Limited, over alleged financial crimes. The singer had earlier claimed that it took Jude more than three months to provide the backend royalty records after he requested them in 2022. However, under cross-examination before Justice Alexander Owoeye, Peter was confronted with the assertion that he requested the records on October 16, 2022, and that Jude obtained and sent them to him six days later, on October 22. Peter disagreed, insisting that he had made the request earlier in 2022. But when asked to produce a text message, email or other document showing that he had made the request before October 16, 2022, Peter admitted: “No. I don’t have any and I can’t recall.” He subsequently confirmed that he received the royalty report sent by Jude and that it covered royalties

from 2016 to 2022, including records relating to Lex Records. Peter explained that the records were requested because some persons were interested in buying the P-Square music catalogue. He also acknowledged that Jude had forwarded the account information to him in 2022 and that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) was aware that the report had been sent to him. The cross-examination then turned to royalties paid by French music-rights organisation, SACEM, for P-Square’s musical works.

Peter admitted receiving approximately $800,000 in SACEM royalties between 2016 and 2026 but said he did not give Jude any share of the money. Asked whether he informed Jude about the payments, Peter replied: “No, the money was for the artists.” He disputed Jude’s entitlement to the SACEM royalties, maintaining that the payments belonged to him and his twin brother, Paul Okoye. Peter however acknowledged that the SACEM contract was signed by Jude, although he

maintained it was signed by “the team”. He also confirmed that the 10 songs for which SACEM paid royalties were P-Square songs. When asked whether Jude was part of P-Square, Peter said: “Jude is not part of P-Square.” He nevertheless acknowledged that Jude directed some of PSquare’s music videos. Peter further confirmed that he had previously paid a quarter of his SACEM share to Jude, but denied that Jude demanded quarterly payments from the royalties after their reconciliation in 2022.

can exacerbate flooding in vulnerable locations.” The commissioner advised residents living near rivers, lagoons, wetlands, drainage channels, and other water bodies to remain vigilant and comply with all safety advisories issued by relevant government agencies. Wahab specifically called on communities situated along the Ogun River and other major waterways to exercise heightened caution. He stated that “upstream rainfall intensity and water levels in connected river systems could significantly affect downstream conditions in Lagos”. He urged residents of low-lying areas and riverbank communities, including Isheri North, Kara, Itowolo, Ajegunle, Majidun, Ogolonto, parts of Agboyi, and other settlements downstream of Isheri Olofin, to remain on high alert during the period September 19 to 25. According to the NiHSA report, rising river levels could result in flooding across vulnerable communities and impact critical facilities, such as schools, healthcare centres, markets, farms, and places of worship. Wahab called on affected local governments, emergency management agencies, community leaders, and residents to activate early-warning and response mechanisms. He urged residents to ensure that people, livestock, and valuable possessions were moved to safer locations where necessary.

The commissioner said the Lagos State government would continue to monitor river levels, rainfall patterns, and other hydrological developments, in collaboration with relevant federal agencies. He added, “Routine cleaning, maintenance, and monitoring of drainage infrastructure across the state would also be sustained.” Wahab appealed to residents to support the government’s flood mitigation efforts by refraining from indiscriminate dumping of refuse into drains, canals, and waterways. He said, “Blocked drainage channels can worsen flooding and delay the recession of floodwaters.” The commissioner also cautioned residents against walking or driving through flooded roads, bridges, and fast-moving water, urging those in vulnerable areas to make arrangements for temporary relocation whenever flooding becomes imminent. Wahab stressed that the protection of life and property remained the government’s foremost priority and urged Lagosians to treat flood forecasts as critical safety information requiring immediate action. He assured residents that the state government would continue to deploy all necessary measures to reduce flood risks and provide timely updates as the situation evolves. He further urged Lagosians to “remain calm, vigilant, and responsive to official advisories”.

JAMB Cancels Ban on SIM Swap, Email Change for Candidates Kuni Tyessi in Abuja The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB, has relaxed its long-standing restriction on the swapping of candidates’ registered GSM numbers and changing of registered email addresses, offering relief to candidates who have lost access to their credentials. Under the revised policy, candidates who have lost their registered SIM cards or are unable to recover their registered email accounts can now update the details through a controlled verification process designed to protect their profiles from fraud and unauthorised access. The new arrangement takes

effect Monday, September 21, 2026, according to a statement issued by JAMB’s Acting Director, Public Affairs and Protocols, Dr. Fabian Benjamin. The Board had previously prohibited SIM swapping and email changes because of security vulnerabilities associated with alterations to candidates’ registered credentials. However, JAMB said the emergence of stronger identity authentication and biometric verification systems had enabled it to review the policy without compromising the integrity of candidates’ records. The development is expected to ease the difficulties faced by candidates who, after losing access to

their registered telephone numbers or email accounts, have been unable to use the credentials for subsequent Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) processes. JAMB said the reviewed policy was intended to ensure that genuine candidates were not disadvantaged by circumstances beyond their control. It however warned the concession would operate under strict authentication procedures to prevent impersonation, fraud and unauthorised alterations of candidates’ records. Significantly, the Board said the SIM swap and/or email change service would be available to each

candidate only once. According to JAMB, the service will be available exclusively at designated JAMB Computer-Based Test (CBT) (PTC/PRC) Centres, including State Offices where applicable. Candidates seeking to change their registered details are required to provide the new GSM number and/or email address, as applicable, as well as a duly executed court affidavit, which must be scanned and ready for upload. JAMB outlined a seven-step procedure for candidates seeking to access the service. First, candidates are required to log into their e-Facility profile using their existing credentials, including

their email address, registration number or profile code. They are then expected to select “SIM Swap/eMail Change Payment” from the menu and pay the prescribed fee. After payment, the candidate is to proceed to a designated JAMB CBT (PTC/PRC) Centre and access the SIM Swap/eMail Change Quicklink. The candidate will enter the profile code or existing GSM number and select “Fetch Details”. This will be followed by biometric verification, after which the candidate will select the required service—GSM number only, email address only, or both GSM number and email address.

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THISDAY • TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2026

NEWS

STRENGTHENING MULTILATERAL PARTNERSHIPS TO ADVANCE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT AT UNGA...

L-R: Special Adviser to Lagos State Governor on Climate Financing, Mrs. Titi Oshodi; Chairman of SIFAX Group, Dr. Taiwo Afolabi; Permanent Representative of Nigeria to United Nations, Senator Jimoh Ibrahim; former Chairman, O’odua Investment Company Limited, Otunba Bimbo Ashiru; Group Managing Director, O’odua investment Company, Abdulrahman Yinusa and Special Adviser to Ogun State Governor on Development Partners Coordination, Dr. Bayo Adenekan, during this year’s 81st UNGA side event, themed: Strengthening Multilateral Partnerships to advance Sustainable Development and investments in New York City, USA...recently

2027 Poll: Tinubu, Uzodimma Urge Police to Maintain Highest Sense of Professionalism IGP reads riot act to officers Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja President Bola Tinubu and Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State have tasked the Nigeria Police to maintain the highest sense of professionalism in the manner they discharge their duties during the forthcoming general election. Both men were on the same page on Monday in Owerri on the need for the police to protect the election process without becoming part of the contest. They spoke at the opening session of the Conference and Retreat for Senior Police Officers (CARSPO), which held at Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu International Convention Centre.

Inspector General of Police, Olatunji Disu, in his opening speech, charged the officers to remain neutral, prepared, present, and accountable during the elections. The theme of the retreat was, “Developing a Nigeria Police Roadmap for Effective Management of Security During Elections.” It attracted the high and mighty in the Nigeria Police structure, such as Deputy Inspectors-General, Assistant Inspectors-General, and Commissioners of Police, among other senior officers. They were joined by heads of other security agencies, like Army, Navy, Civil Defence, Department of State Security, and others. The stakeholders in attendance

tasked the police on impartiality, use of technology, and collaboration. Tinubu, Uzodimma, and other stakeholders said the Nigeria Police must strengthen its professionalism, impartiality, intelligence gathering, and inter-agency collaboration to ensure a peaceful, credible, and secure general election in 2027. Tinubu, represented by Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, said the police had a central role in protecting voters, electoral officials, candidates, and election materials. He urged the force to embrace technology, improve response time, and deepen cooperation with other security agencies. The president also assured

the police of continued federal government support for reforms, training, technology, welfare, and operational logistics, while urging senior officers to translate the retreat’s roadmap into practical measures for strengthening public confidence in the electoral process. Uzodimma, as the host, also urged the police to strengthen intelligence-led policing, embrace digital technology, and improve inter-agency coordination ahead of the 2027 elections. The governor said the changing information environment, misinformation, and digital manipulation had created new challenges for election security, stressing the importance of police neutrality and public trust. He also advocated decentralised policing, saying state police could bring security closer to

communities. However, he acknowledged the need to address recruitment, funding, training, accountability, and safeguards against political abuse. The governor called for a practical roadmap that would ensure early threat detection, effective intelligence-sharing, and coordinated responses while protecting the electoral process without compromising police professionalism and impartiality. He spoke strongly against any police behaviour that could deter the electorate from coming out to exercise their civic responsibility on the days of the elections. The governor urged the officers to ensure that there was a trickle-down effect regarding the knowledge they acquired during the retreat, saying, “It should be

made to get to the rank and file.” Disu assured Nigerians that the police would work towards delivering free, fair, credible, and peaceful elections in 2027. He unveiled a six-point roadmap focused on intelligence, training, joint command, communication, community partnership, and neutrality. Disu, who pledged that the officers would be neutral, prepared, present, and accountable during the period, warned against vote-buying, arms mobilisation, intimidation, and incitement, stressing that offenders would face prosecution regardless of their status. He also directed the timely payment of election-duty allowances and warned officers against compromising their neutrality or abusing voters.

TINUBU EXTENDS LEAVE BY ONE WEEK; HE HAS BREACHED NO LAW, PRESIDENCY REPLIES ATIKU charge in Nigeria. A statement by Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, riposted remarks by Atiku and a United States-based lobbying organisation retained by him, questioning Tinubu’s non-participation at the 81st UNGA session. Idris accused Atiku of seeking to impute false and baseless motives to the president’s absence. He said the vice president would deliver Nigeria’s national statement and participate in high-level meetings and bilateral engagements with world leaders, international organisations, and development partners. The minister assured that with the vice president, the country would be fully and effectively represented throughout the high-level session. The statement said, “Vice President Shettima carries the full mandate of the President and the Federal Republic of Nigeria. His engagements in New York will advance Nigeria’s priorities on peace and security, economic development, climate action, reform of the global financial architecture, sustainable development and international cooperation. “President Tinubu is currently on annual leave, and his decision to ask the Vice President to lead Nigeria’s delegation is neither unusual nor a diminution of the country’s diplomatic

standing. “The federal government has noted recent political commentary by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and a United States-based lobbying organisation retained by him, questioning President Tinubu’s non-attendance and seeking to impute false and baseless motives to it.” Idris stated, “Political opposition and robust public debate are legitimate features of democracy. However, speculation should not be presented to Nigerians or the international community as established fact. “The government urges political actors to exercise responsibility when discussing matters affecting Nigeria’s international relationships and national reputation.” The minister stressed that the country attached values to its longstanding relationship with the United States, which encompassed trade and investment, security cooperation, energy, democratic institutions, regional stability, and extensive people-to-people ties. He said, “That relationship is conducted through established diplomatic and governmental channels and should not be confused with partisan commentary or the activities of private lobbying organisations acting on behalf of political clients. “The federal government therefore

encourages Nigerians and the media to distinguish between verified information, legitimate political opinion and unsubstantiated speculation.” He assured that Nigeria would be fully represented in New York, while its interests will be vigorously advanced and the work of strengthening the country’s relationships with its international partners will continue.

Atiku: Who is in Charge of Nigeria? Earlier, Atiku had asked to know who was in charge in Nigeria, after Tinubu, currently holidaying in France, asked his deputy, Shettima, to lead Nigeria’s delegation to UNGA. In a statement he personally signed, Atiku said, ‘’Twenty-one days have come and gone since President Bola Ahmed Tinubu left Nigeria on what the presidency described as a three-week annual vacation. ‘’Today, Nigerians are entitled to ask a very simple constitutional question: Who is in charge of Nigeria?’’ According to him, ‘’Section 145 of the constitution is not ambiguous about presidential vacations. It provides that whenever the President proceeds on vacation, he shall transmit a written declaration to the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, whereupon the Vice

President performs the functions of President as Acting President. ‘’And where the President fails to transmit that declaration within 21 days, the constitution provides a further safeguard: the National Assembly shall, by a simple majority of each House, mandate the Vice President to perform the functions of President as Acting President. ‘’President Tinubu left Nigeria on 30 August. The Presidency publicly announced a three-week vacation. Yet, to date, Nigerians have not been shown any constitutional letter transmitting presidential authority to Vice President Kashim Shettima.” Atiku said, ‘’The 21 days have now elapsed. If such a letter exists, the Presidency should publish it immediately. ‘’If it does not, then the constitutional mechanism contemplated by Section 145(2) has been triggered, and the National Assembly owes Nigerians an explanation as to why it has not acted. ‘’This is not a matter of political convenience. It is a matter of constitutional order. ‘’The situation is made even more disturbing by the fact that Vice President Shettima is himself presently in New York representing Nigeria at the United Nations General Assembly — the third consecutive UN General Assembly at which President Tinubu

has delegated Nigeria’s representation to his deputy. ‘’So again: who is exercising presidential authority in Nigeria today, and under what constitutional instrument? ‘’Nigeria cannot be governed by assumptions. It cannot be governed by presidential social-media posts from Europe.” Atiku added that Nigeria could not be governed by photographs from private dinners at the Élysée Palace. He stated, ‘’It cannot be governed on autopilot. While President Tinubu has been abroad, 37 Nigerians died in NSCDC custody in Minna, an incident grave enough to trigger investigations, suspensions and demands for independent scrutiny. ‘’At the same time, petrol is selling for as much as N1,500 per litre in parts of the country, worsening transportation costs and squeezing families already struggling with the cost of food, electricity, rent and other necessities.” The former vice president stated, ‘’These are not ordinary times. Yet the President is abroad. The Vice President is abroad. The Senate President is abroad. And Nigerians have not been told, in the clear constitutional language required of a serious democracy, who is exercising the powers of the President. ‘’President Tinubu’s private dinner

with President Emmanuel Macron in Paris may serve diplomatic purposes. But Nigeria itself cannot be placed on vacation. The Constitution does not recognise a ‘working vacation’ as an alternative system of presidential succession. ‘’It provides a procedure. That procedure must be obeyed. The Presidency should therefore tell Nigerians immediately whether President Tinubu transmitted the declaration contemplated by Section 145(1) before leaving the country.’’ According to Atiku, ‘’The President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House should equally tell Nigerians whether such a communication was received. ‘’And if no declaration was transmitted within the constitutionally stipulated period, the National Assembly must explain why the procedure provided by Section 145(2) has not been activated. ‘’Nigeria is bigger than any President. At a time of severe economic hardship, rising energy costs, security challenges and the shocking deaths of citizens in government custody, the country deserves visible, accountable and constitutionally grounded leadership. ‘’The question will not disappear: Who, constitutionally, is in charge of Nigeria?’’

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TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2026 • THISDAY

NEWS

LAGOS HEALTH MANAGEMENT ASSISTANCE IN-DISTRESS LASHMA AID STAKEHOLDERS ENGAGEMENT...

L-R: The Country Director, Pharmacies Foundation, Mrs. Ndidi Njide; the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Health Management Agency, Dr. Emmanuella Zamba; the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr. Dayo Lajide; and the Permanent Secretary, Health Science Commission, Dr. Femi Omololu, during the Lagos State Health Management Association InDistress Stakeholders Engagement Meeting held in Lagos, yesterday PHOTO: SUNDAY ADIGUN

Katsina Governor Hails Military, DSS, Vigilantes for Foiling Mass Kidnap, Killing of 18 Bandits Says criminals led by former school headmaster-turned bandit Security forces recover arms, rustled livestock Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja The Katsina State governor, Dr. Dikko Radda, has lauded the Nigeria Military, Department

of State Services (DSS), and vigilance groups for stopping scores of bandits from attacking and mass-kidnapping residents of Gidan Iyado,

Kakumi Ward, Bakori Local Government Area (LGA) of the state. A statement by the State Commissioner for Internal

Security and Home Affairs, Dr. Nasir Mua’su, stated that the intelligence-led operation, yesterday, resulted in the security forces neutralising

2027: Makinde Welcomes APC Defectors in Oyo, Says APM’s Victory a Matter of Time Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, yesterday, said Allied Peoples Movement (APM) would record a massive victory in the 2027 general election. Makinde spoke at the Boye Nation/JAF Movement Mega Concert held at Open Tennis Court of Lekan Salami Sports Complex, Adamasingba, Ibadan, where he formally received members of the movement who defected from All Progressives Congress (APC) to APM. The defectors were led by Ajiboye Sangogade, popularly known as Boye Nation, former Personal Assistant and loyalist of former Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu. The movement drew supporters from several local government areas across the state. The event had earlier been announced as a major political mobilisation gathering and formal reception for the group into APM.

Makinde said he believed APM had the support of God, the people of Oyo State and Nigerians, expressing confidence that the party would win massively in the 2027 elections. He also challenged the APC governorship candidate in Oyo State, Senator Sharafadeen Alli, to focus on persuading voters to support him and to engage the APM governorship candidate, Bimbo Adekanmbi, rather than criticising his administration. Makinde defended Adekanmbi’s professional credentials and questioned Alli’s record in the legal profession, while describing his own engineering career and professional recognition as evidence of his competence. The governor also responded to criticism over the use of diesel generators to power some streetlights in the state. He stated that the issue was linked to Nigeria’s wider electricity challenges and referred to President Bola Tinubu’s

earlier campaign commitment concerning improvements in the country’s power sector. He said, “God has signed off on what we are doing, and that is why it is raining. Today, we are welcoming thousands of APC members into the Allied Peoples’ Movement, and this shows that our victory is only a matter of time.” The governor added that his administration would continue to support the APM political programme ahead of the 2027 elections. The concert, themed, “Young, United, Unstoppable,” featured performances by Fuji musicians, including Taye Currency, Tiri Leather, Babatunmise, Ododo Emi, Ajao Samson Ajeseun Band, and Aare Rasaq Ayanfe. The event was attended by Secretary to the Oyo State Government, Professor Musibau Babatunde; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Otunba Segun Ogunwuyi; members of the national and state assemblies;

OLOKOLA DEEP SEAPORT: QUESTIONS AS OGUN PLANS FRESH UAE DEAL DESPITE EXISTING DANGOTE MOU The project is also expected developing the axis and leveraging publicly commented on the matter to form part of Ogun’s wider its proximity to major industrial as of last night. The Olokola Deep Seaport industrialisation strategy, particuclusters to attract investment. However, the decision to proceed project is a proposed deep seaport larly around the Ogun Waterside with a fresh agreement with the development in the Ogun Water- axis, which the state government UAE-based company, against the side area of Ogun State, conceived has identified for large-scale backdrop of the existing Dangote as a major maritime and logistics investments. MoU, has created questions over hub to support industrial activity in The proposed port is envisaged how the two arrangements would the state and the wider South-west. to provide additional maritime coexist and whether the new deal The project has attracted interest infrastructure for the movement represents a separate investment from the private sector, including of raw materials and finished opportunity or one connected to the Dangote Group, as the state goods, while strengthening the existing Dangote-backed plan. seeks to leverage its coastal location connections between the state’s The Dangote Group and the to expand trade, manufacturing industrial clusters and internaOgun state government had not and export activities. tional markets.

commissioners; APM leaders; and other government officials. Equally in attendance were the three APM senatorial candidates for Oyo State, 14 House of Representatives candidates, 32 House of Assembly candidates, and the party’s 33 local government chairmanship candidates.

18 armed bandits, recovering several arms and rustled livestock. He said: “The operation was intelligence-driven. Acting on credible information about planned mass abduction for ransom by the criminal group, our forces laid ambush using operational assets and engaged the bandits. The criminals were led by one Alhaji Musa Duki, a former school headmaster turned bandit kingpin operating from Mununu Forest in Faskari LGA. “The security forces recovered one G3 rifle, two AK-47 rifles, 14 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, three

motorcycles, two cows and 94 sheep,” he disclosed. According to the Commissioner, the governor commended the gallantry of the security forces, and assured residents that a sustained covert operation is ongoing to track and neutralise the kingpin and dismantle his network completely. “We will not relent until every forest and hideout is cleared. Efforts are ongoing by the military and the DSS to identify other members of the network, locate their hideouts and thwart further kidnapping operations in Bakori, Faskari and neighbouring communities,” the governor said.

CAS Participates in Beam Signing Event for 12 AH-1Z Viper Attack Helicopters in Texas

Linus Aleke in Abuja

The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has led a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) delegation to Bell Textron in Amarillo, Texas, United States of America, for the beam-signing ceremony marking a significant milestone in the acquisition of 12 AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters for the NAF. According to a statement by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the milestone represents an important step in the implementation of the Nigeria–United States Government defence cooperation programme and Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to modernise its Armed Forces. The acquisition, Ejodame said, reflected the strategic vision of the federal government of Nigeria to strengthen the nation’s defence and security architecture and provide the Armed Forces with the requisite platforms and capabilities to address current and emerging security threats. The CAS expressed profound

appreciation to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his strategic leadership, unwavering support and commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s defence and security architecture. Speaking at the ceremony, Air Marshal Aneke noted that the acquisition demonstrated the federal government’s commitment to enhancing the operational effectiveness of the Nigerian Armed Forces and ensuring that the NAF remains adequately positioned to fulfil its constitutional responsibilities. He said, “The acquisition of the AH-1Z Viper helicopters represents an important milestone in our continuing efforts to build a more capable, professional and mission-ready Nigerian Air Force.” The CAS further stated that the programme aligne with his command philosophy of enhancing and sustaining a highly motivated, professional and mission-ready force capable of delivering decisive airpower effects in synergy with surface forces to realise national security objectives.

He emphasised the importance of ensuring that the capabilities being acquired translate into enhanced operational effectiveness in support of national security. Air Marshal Aneke also acknowledged the continued support and cooperation of the United States Government, Bell Textron, Programme Management Air 276 and other stakeholders involved in the AH-1Z Viper programme. He stressed that sustained defence cooperation, technical collaboration and capability development remain essential to the successful implementation of the programme, while reaffirming the NAF’s commitment to strengthening strategic partnerships and promoting professional excellence. During the ceremony, the NAF delegation also inspected the AH-1Z Viper production line at the Bell Textron facility. The milestone underscored the continuing commitment of the federal government and the NAF to developing modern airpower capabilities and strengthening strategic partnerships that support Nigeria’s national security objectives.

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THISDAY • TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2026

NEWS

MEGA EMPOWERMENT PROGRAMME OF ONE YEAR CELEBRATION OF RENEWED HOPE IN EJIGBO LCDA...

L-R: Elewu of Ewu, HRM. Oba Adesina Kuti; Osolo of Isolo HRM, Oba (Engr). Abiodun Olakunle Faronbi-Shekoni; one of the beneficiaries, Ayo Kunle; Executive Chairman of Ejigbo Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Aare Taoheed Adebayo Taiwo; and Oojon of Ejigbo and Ijon Land, HRM, Oba Dr. Morufu Adisa Ojoola, at the Mega Empowerment Programme of One Year celebration of Renewed Hope in Ejigbo LCDA, in Lagos... recently

APC PCC: Obi Has Nowhere to Hide over His Anambra Record, Advises Him to Quit Presidential hopeful’s camp tackles Alake over 37 miners’ deaths in Niger Chuks Okocha, Adedayo Akinwale and Sunday Aborisade in Abuja All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council (PCC) says the presidential candidate of Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has nowhere to hide after an alleged facade of falsehood built around him was torn to shreds by the current state government in Anambra. PCC spokesman, Mr. Dele Alake, in a statement, said in the past four years, Obi and his supporters packaged his tenure as Anambra governor as one defined by exceptional fiscal prudence, including the claim that he left Anambra without a debt burden. He stressed that Obi himself was presented as a squeaky-clean politician, but it has all emerged as a well-packaged lie. Alake claimed, “The facade of

falsehood built around Peter Obi, the NDC presidential candidate, has now been torn to shreds, with Obi’s persona deconstructed after disclosures by the Anambra State Government, which responded to Obi’s challenge to verify his record.” He said according to the Anambra State government, the former governor spent about USD 4.05 billion, or N5.4 trillion, over his eight years in office and contracted $123.77 million in external loans. Alake said the state also revealed that, as of when Obi left office on March 17, 2014, there were eight different external borrowings for malaria, erosion control, education, and healthcare, and that subsequent administrations, including Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s, continued to service the debt. Alake alleged, “Borrowing is not

injudicious if used for development. But for a man who prides himself on being austere and has frequently claimed he left the state with a clean bill of health, the revelations confirmed what has long been held: Obi is an irredeemable liar, a mediocre governor, unfit for leadership anywhere. “Even more confounding is that despite these borrowings, Obi has nothing to show for his stewardship across Anambra’s sectors. He failed to pay workers’ salaries in some ministries. Water Corporation staff were among those who protested over unpaid salaries.” Alake recalled that in a memo to Obi, dated April 25, 2006, Chuks Ileogbunam, Obi’s Chief of Staff, pleaded with the governor to pay the Water Corporation workers’ N15 million monthly salary to

avoid protests at the governor’s office over unpaid salaries. He said at that time, Obi was then spending his second month in office. Alake stated regarding Ileogunam’s plea in the memo, “Since it is your excellency’s unchanging desire to achieve a better future for our children and children’s children, please, Sir, bear in mind that officials of the Water Corporation also have children who are looking to your compassionate leadership. “The President listens with compassion to your appeals on behalf of the children of Anambra. I am 200 per cent sure that you will hearken to the cries of the children whose parents work for the Water Corporation and end their ordeal.” Alake emphasised that just as Obi promised to quit the presidential

race if it was proven that he left a debt burden for Anambra State, the letter revealed that Obi had similarly promised Anambra people during his campaign that he would resign as governor “if there is any case where workers are not paid as and when due.” The spokesman said of course, he never meant to, saying he only deceived people into voting for him, stressing that when he left office in 2014, he left his successors with heavier arrears to clear. He added, “ We advise Obi to purge himself of his lies and seek the forgiveness of the Anambra people instead of galloping around platforms, parroting inanities. “What should even be more concerning for Obi’s followers is Obi’s recent solidarity visit to someone facing an EFCC trial for unexplained

wealth and monumental corruption. “Indeed, if Peter Obi has any honour, he must resign from the 2027 presidential race forthwith, in keeping with his promise to end his run if it is proven that his administration left behind liabilities in Anambra.”

Obi’s Camp Tackles Alake over 37 Deaths The Peter Obi Media Office faulted the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, for engaging in political exchanges over Peter Obi’s record as Anambra State governor while questions remained unanswered over the death of 37 suspected illegal miners in the custody of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State.

SENATOR SOLOMON AKKU EWUGA: ONE YEAR AFTER, A LEGACY THAT STILL GUIDES NASARAWA STATE D. The Legacy of Political Adaptability with Principle: In December 2023, after decades in PDP, he joined the APC – not out of desperation, but out of a desire to remain relevant and contribute to nation-building at the centre. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in his condolence message delivered by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume – his classmate at St. Louis College, Jos and University of Ibadan – described him as a “committed patriot and prominent stalwart of the APC.” There is yet another reason why the memory of Senator Ewuga feels especially significant at this moment. On October 1, 2026, Nasarawa State will celebrate thirty years since its creation. As citizens commemorate three decades of the State’s existence, it is only fitting to remember the men and women whose efforts helped make that historic achievement possible. Among them was Solomon Akku Ewuga. Long before he became Deputy Governor, Minister, Senator and elder statesman, he was among the young leaders who participated in the processes and engagements that contributed to the creation of Nasarawa State. Thirty years later, the State stands as an irrefutable statement to the sacrifices, vision and determination of that generation. As Nasarawa celebrates its 30th anniversary, remembering Senator Ewuga goes beyond the usual formalities of honouring the dead. We now have an opportunity to reconnect with the ideals of service, sacrifice and community-building that helped shape the State from its earliest days. His life offers an important lesson for the

youth. Today’s young people often encounter stories of Senator Ewuga as an accomplished politician and elder statesman. What is sometimes forgotten is that before he became any of those things, he was once a young man with ideas, convictions and a willingness to participate in public affairs. He did not wait until old age to contribute to society. He invested himself in causes larger than himself and accepted the responsibilities that came with citizenship. Young people can learn from his commitment to education, public engagement, perseverance and service. They can learn that leadership begins long before one occupies public office. They can learn that meaningful contributions to society are not reserved for a privileged few but are open to every citizen willing to commit time, energy and talent to the common good. Politicians too can learn from his life. They can learn from his accessibility. Despite the offices he occupied and the stature he attained, he remained approachable. They can learn from his communication skills. Few politicians of his generation connected with ordinary people as naturally as he did. Most importantly, they can learn from his commitment to investing in others. Long after political victories are forgotten and electoral contests fade into memory, it is the people a leader raises, mentors and empowers that become his most enduring legacy.

ONE YEAR AFTER, WHAT REMAINS? If the measure of a man’s life were to be taken from the multitude that mourned

him – from the sheer, uncountable ocean of sympathisers who abandoned distance, status, tribe and creed to converge on the sleepy hills of Alushi for his funeral and burial Saturday, November 1, 2025 – then indeed, the death of Senator Solomon Sunday Akku Ewuga, was not just a death. It was groundbreaking. It was earth-shaking. For on that day, Alushi was no longer a town. Alushi became a map of Nigeria. They came. They came from Lafia and from Abuja, from Jos where he once edited headlines, and from Lagos where he once debated the future. They came from the creeks of the Niger Delta and the savannahs of the far North. The poor farmer came in his worn-out sandals, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with the billionaire industrialist in agbada. He was a man who knew no strata. He blended. He belonged. To Solomon Ewuga, there were no high tables and low tables – there was only one table, and that table was humanity. The millionaire in agbada and the okada rider in dust-covered jeans both found a friend in him. The Professor in the university and the illiterate farmer in Alushi who could not spell his own name both found a listener in him. The First Class Chief and the village youth leader both found a confidant in him. He spoke the language of the palace and the language of the market. He laughed with equal sincerity in the boardroom and at the village square. He could sit on a golden chair in Abuja today, and tomorrow sit comfortably on a wooden bench in Alushi, eating roasted yam with his kinsmen – and feel no difference.

That was his magic. He did not climb down to people. He lived among them. And so, when death came, the mourners could not be stratified. Because his life was never stratified. That is why when you looked into the crowd that came to bury him at Alushi, you saw the sociology of Nigeria in one place. You saw the rich who came in Land Cruisers. You saw the poor who trekked kilometres to get there. You saw the powerful who came with sirens and security. You saw the powerless who came with nothing but tears. You saw Christians, Muslims, traditionalists — all weeping for the same man. He related to all, and so all came for him. He was a bridge across social divides in life; even in death, he became the bridge that brought all divides together under one roof, to mourn one man. That is the true definition of a leader. Following his passing, the Senate observed a minute silence in his honour. The Federal Government sent a delegation to his family. But his real monument is not in Abuja. His real monument is in the peace that still holds in Nasarawa State. In the young Eggon youth who dares to dream because Ewuga showed it is possible. In the history of Nasarawa State, which cannot be written without a full chapter on Solomon Ewuga. As we remember him today, we pray for his gentle soul. We stand with his wife, Josephine, daughter, Akayi, the Eggon Traditional Council, and the entire people of Nasarawa North

Senatorial District. Senator Solomon Ewuga has not died. He has only transited. For as former President Olusegun Obasanjo said: “His legacies speak volumes of the indelible mark he left on the sands of time.” Today, as family members, friends, political associates and admirers mark the first anniversary of his passing, the occasion presents an opportunity for reflection. It invites us to look beyond partisan differences and political contests and to focus on the values that defined his life: service, generosity, courage, loyalty, accessibility and commitment to community. History will continue to debate his political battles, analyse his strategic decisions and assess his place in the evolution of Nasarawa State politics. But beyond those debates stands a more enduring reality. Senator Solomon Akku Ewuga lived a life that touched countless others. His influence did not end with his passing because it survives in the people he helped, the leaders he mentored and the communities he served. As Nasarawa State celebrates thirty years of existence and reflects on the journey that brought it this far, the memory of Senator Solomon Akku Ewuga stands as an indicator that while we cannot overemphasize the importance of strong institutions in the building of lasting legacies, we must also never forget the contributions by individuals whose lives inspire others to serve. May his memory remain a blessing, and may his example continue to inspire generations yet to come. As we remember him today, we pray for his gentle soul. •Matthew Kuju & Eric Kuju Eggonnews Communications, Lafia, Nasarawa State

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TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2026 • THISDAY

NEWS

POLITICAL CONVERGENCE AND CONCERT ORGANISED BY THE BOYE NATION AND JAF MOVEMENT...

L-R: Otunba Seye Famojuro; Allied People’s Movement (APM), Oyo State Deputy Governorship candidate, Engr Mufutau Open Salawu; Governorship Candidate, Hon Bimbo Adekanmbi; Oyo State Governor and APM Presidential Candidate, Seyi Makinde; Mr Ajiboye Sangogade (Boye Nation); APM Oyo North Senatorial candidate, Hon Sina Peller and APM Oyo South Senatorial candidate, Hon Stanley Olajide, during a political convergence and concert organised by the BOYE NATION and JAF Movement in solidarity with APM, held at Lekan Salami Sports Complex, Adamasingba, Ibadan, yesterday PHOTO: Oyo Gov’s Media Unit.

Tinubu Eulogises Oba Olu Falae at 88 and Renowned Banker, Henry Imasekha, at 70 Yahaya, Oborevwori, Soludo, Musa, military, Dafinone hail First Lady at 66 Deji Elumoye, Linus Aleke in Abuja, Segun Awofadeji in Gombe, DavidChyddy Eleke in Awka, and Sylvester Idowu in Warri President Bola Tinubu has felicitated elder statesman, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, and co-founder of National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), Oba Olu Falae, on his 88th birthday on September 21, 2026. The president, in a release by his Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, described the celebrant as one of the great Nigerians, whose contributions to the country’s political and democratic evolution had earned an enduring place in the nation’s history. Tinubu extolled Falae’s distinguished public service, including his tenure as Secretary to the Government of the Federation and Minister of Finance, as well as his contributions as an all-round administrator. The president particularly commended the elder statesman’s role in the pro-democracy movement and his commitment to restoring democratic rule during one of the most challenging periods in Nigeria’s political history. Tinubu said, “Chief Falae is a patriot

whose life reflects a deep commitment to the service of our nation. As a cofounder and prominent figure in the NADECO movement, he was among Nigerians who advocated the restoration of democratic governance and defended the principles of constitutional rule and citizens’ rights even at a risk to their lives. “His contributions to public administration, economic development and the struggle for democracy are significant chapters in our national journey. “On this Special day, I celebrate your extraordinary courage, wisdom and dedication to Nigeria. Your generation played an important role in defending the political emancipation of our people, and their sacrifice reminds us of our collective responsibility to strengthen our democracy and build a more prosperous nation.” The president also rejoiced with renowned banker, chartered accountant, and entrepreneur, Mr Henry Imasekha, on his 70th birthday on September 21, 2026. Tinubu joined the Imasekhas, friends, and associates in celebrating a man whose work, he said, had touched several important areas of Nigeria’s economic life.

Fondly known as HI, Imasekha spent a significant part of his professional life in banking. He started at International Merchant Bank in 1982 and had a career in corporate banking, investment banking, and treasury. He later served at United Bank for Africa as Executive Director, Investment Banking, and later as Executive Director of the Corporate Bank. His work later took him into telecommunications, technology and energy. Tinubu particularly recalled the early days of mobile telecommunications in Nigeria, when Imasekha served as a pioneer director, Vice Chairman, and one of the promoters of Econet Wireless Nigeria, now Airtel Nigeria, as the newly liberalised sector began to change how Nigerians lived and did business. Imasekha also co-founded CYBERSOC Africa Limited, a pan-African cybersecurity company providing threat detection and response services to businesses and institutions across the continent. He currently chairs Eroton Exploration and Production Company Limited and has, over the years, brought his professional experience to national discussions on banking, monetary policy, and development.

Beyond business, many professionals and entrepreneurs who now lead major institutions in Nigeria’s financial, energy, and business sectors had benefited from his mentorship, counsel, and support. Much of his service to society had been rendered away from public attention. Tinubu stated, “I remember those early days of the telecommunications revolution very well. We were opening up a sector that would go on to change the lives of millions of Nigerians, and HI was one of those who believed in what was possible. “But his story is not only about the businesses he helped to build. Over the years, he has given his time, experience and support to many people, some of whom have gone on to lead important institutions in our economy. “He has done much of this quietly, and that is something I respect about him. HI has always carried himself with confidence, generosity and a strong belief in Nigeria and its people. “At 70, I celebrate a friend and compatriot who has done well for himself, but who has also made room for others to succeed.”

First Lady Oluremi Tinubu at 66

AFTER PETROLEUM REFINERY, DANGOTE ANNOUNCES 2028 IPO FOR FERTILISER BUSINESS some of the world’s major IPOs. “You can be rest assured. I’m very confident we’ll reach that. I mean, today as we speak, we really look at it, which is the biggest IPO in the world. The biggest, I think, was sold to Aramco by just about five million subscribers. And what we said we can find, this is Africa. We want to show that Africa is rising now. And that’s why we went for 10 million,” he said. He also disclosed that the group had initially planned to raise $2.5 billion through the IPO and private placement, but strong demand resulted in changes to the structure of the offering. Dangote said the private placement, which was initially expected to raise $1 billion, attracted demand of $3.7 billion. The company eventually took $2.5 billion and refunded $1.2 billion. “We had a plan as of June to sell $2.5 billion worth of shares. We are not doing over full sale, we are doing over full subscription. So the money is going into the company

for increasing our capacity, which will end up using partially our free cash flow. And our free cash flow is very, very huge now,” he said. The businessman also reiterated that the Dangote Refinery would increase its capacity from the current 700,000 barrels per day to 1.4 million barrels per day by the end of 2028 or the first quarter of 2029. “When you talk about 1.4 million barrels of capacity, you might not really figure out how big that is. So we will now have 10 per cent of the United States’ total refining capacity,” he said. He added that the refinery’s expansion would also increase its petrochemical output to 2.4 million tonnes, while production of linear alkylbenzene (LAB), a raw material used in detergent manufacturing, would rise from 100,000 tonnes to 400,000 tonnes. Dangote said the refinery would eventually be dual-listed, with the primary listing in Nigeria followed by a proposed listing in New York after the expansion.

The refinery IPO has also generated a wave of memes and humorous social media posts among new retail shareholders, with some portraying themselves as co-owners and executives of the company. Asked about the trend during the interview, Dangote joked about the growing demands by some new shareholders for access to the company’s board. “You must have seen that they’ve been calling me now for a board meeting,” he said. The comment comes amid online skits and memes by some Nigerians who bought shares in the offering, including posts depicting themselves as newly appointed executives, co-founders and partners of the refinery. Some of the posts have featured mock certificates bearing investors’ photographs and titles, while others have jokingly portrayed the new shareholders as monitoring the refinery’s operations or preparing for meetings with Dangote. Beyond the refinery and fertiliser businesses, Dangote said the group

was pursuing a broad investment programme across Africa, including major pipeline and refining projects. He said a proposed 2,650-kilometre pipeline linking Namibia, Botswana and South Africa had an estimated cost of more than $3.5 billion, while another pipeline project linking Djibouti and Ethiopia was scheduled for launch. He also highlighted his plans for another $16 billion refinery project in Kenya. Explaining the group’s preference for large-scale investments, Dangote said he did not believe in taking “baby steps”, arguing that the size of Africa’s market justified major investments in productive capacity. “I don’t believe in baby steps. We believe in doing things at scale because we know that we have the market,” he said. “Because the market is actually replacing dumping into our continent. So the market is there. It’s not the question of we don’t have a market. So we have a market, and we will deliver them on time,” he explained.

More wishes continued to pour in for First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, who turned 66 years yesterday.

Muhammadu Yahaya Chairman of Northern Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NNGF) and Governor of Gombe State, Alhaji Muhammadu Yahaya felicitated with the first lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, on the occasion of her 66th birthday. In a goodwill message to mark the occasion, Yahaya, on behalf of the government and people of Gombe State, as well as his colleagues in NNGF, joined millions of Nigerians in celebrating the first lady. He described her as a woman of faith, dignity, compassion, and remarkable commitment to humanity and national development. According to a press release issued by Director-General, Press Affairs, Government House, Ismaila Uba Misilli, the governor hailed Mrs. Tinubu’s consistent commitment to the welfare of vulnerable Nigerians, particularly women, children, and families in need. He particularly commended her humanitarian interventions through the Renewed Hope Initiative, which he said had provided meaningful relief and renewed hope to many Nigerians while complementing the federal government’s efforts to improve the wellbeing of citizens. Yahaya stated, “Your Excellency, your steadfast support for your dear husband, His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, is equally worthy of commendation. “Through wisdom, grace and devotion, you have remained a source of strength and counsel, contributing quietly but significantly to the President’s efforts to steer our nation through a period of reform, renewal and transformation.” The NNGF chairman expressed appreciation for Senator Tinubu’s commitment to national unity, social welfare, and inclusive development, stressing that Gombe State and the northern region value her efforts towards improving the lives of Nigerians and strengthening the bonds of national cohesion. He assured the first lady of the continued commitment of Gombe State Government and the northern governors to working closely with her office and the presidency in advancing programmes that will promote social welfare, improve the quality of life

of citizens and foster a more united and prosperous Nigeria. The governor prayed Almighty God to continue to bless Senator Tinubu with good health, more wisdom, renewed strength and abundant grace, wishing her many more years of impactful service to humanity and the nation.

Sheriff Oborevwori Delta State Governor, Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, also congratulated Senator Tinubu on her 66th birthday, describing her as a compassionate woman whose commitment to the welfare of vulnerable Nigerians remains commendable. According to a congratulatory message by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, in Asaba, the governor joined other Nigerians and well-wishers nationwide in celebrating the first lady on the milestone. Oborevwori commended Mrs. Tinubu for her support for her husband, President Bola Tinubu, and her contributions to initiatives aimed at improving the lives of the downtrodden and less privileged in society. He described her as an “Amazon” whose public engagements and humanitarian interventions had continued to complement the efforts of the federal government in addressing the needs of vulnerable citizens. The governor said the first lady had demonstrated that public service was not only about occupying positions of authority but also showing compassion and using influence to make a positive difference in the lives of others. He stated that her experience as a former teacher, lawmaker, and First Lady had positioned her to appreciate the challenges confronting families and communities, particularly those at the margins of society.

Chukwuma Soludo Governor of Anambra State, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, described Senator Tinubu as a woman of grace, conviction, and compassion, whose life of service had touched countless families across the country. Soludo stated this in his goodwill message to commemorate the birthday of the first lady. He stated, “Today, Anambra State joins millions of Nigerians to celebrate a remarkable woman whose public life has been defined by service.

TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 22, 2026 ˾ T H I S D AY

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NEWS

PRESS BRIEFING ON ACI AFRICA CONFERENCE…

L-R: Secretary General, Aviation Council International (ACI), Ali Tounsi; Managing Director, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and ACI Africa Vice President, Mrs. Olubunmi OnabanjoKuku; Chairman, Local Organising Committee, ACI Africa Conference, Mr. Henry Agbebire, and Director, Airport Operations, Capt. Abdullahi Mahood, at the press briefing on the forthcoming 35th ACI Africa Annual General Assembly, Regional Conference and Exhibition in Abuja…recently

We Can’t Keep Turning the Other Cheek, ADC Warns against Attacks on Members Chuks Okocha inAbuja The African Democratic Congress (ADC), has warned that opposition members were nearing the limits of their restraint over alleged attacks and intimidation, saying continued failure by security agencies to protect them could push the situation towards self-help and imperil the 2027 general election. The party said it was not asking for special treatment, but demanding that existing

laws be enforced so that its members and other Nigerians could organise, campaign and participate in politics without fear of violence. It also demanded that the police publicly account for investigations into attacks allegedly carried out against opposition members in several states. Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, ADC spokesman, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, said the party had documented

incidents involving attacks on political meetings, destruction of party property, assaults and threats against citizens because of their political affiliations between July 2025 and September 2026. “We are getting close. We cannot ask our people to continue to turn the other

The 2027 governorship

The Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has accused the Accord Party o f chasing shadows over the issue of the leadership of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in the state. The Osun State Accord Party Chairman, Victor Akande, had, in a statement issued last Sunday, accused the state chapter of the APC of working with the National President of the NURTW, Alhaji Musiliu Ayinde Akinsanya, popularly called (M C Oluomo), to plot a violent takeover of motor parks in the state. The Accord Party specifically

mentioned Oluomo as “the mastermind of the violent plot using his surrogate, Alhaji Kazeem Oyewale, popularly called (Asiri Eniba), and certain disgruntled elements within the state APC.” In a statement issued and made available by Mongaji Kola Olabisi, the Osun State APC Director of Media and Information, the party noted that: “It was quite unfortunate that the party, whose governorship candidate had just won his reelection, could be so manifestly bereft of the understanding of the working of the state government with special reference to the control of the motor parks in the state.”

to establish a micro-finance bank to improve the economic welfare of Abians if elected. Anosike announced the

Midea has held its 2026 Dealers Conference in Lagos, bringing together dealers, installers and other trade stakeholders to review the company’s business direction, explore product innovations and align on growth opportunities in Nigeria. Held under the theme “Innovation | Collaboration Growth,” the conference covered the four key pillars supporting Midea’s growth in Nigeria, residential air conditioning innovations, the Pro Shop and Midea Club dealer experience, the launch of SpaceMaster, new promotional programmes, and an awards ceremony recognising

top-performing dealers and teams. The key session focused on Midea’s residential air conditioning (RAC) portfolio and how it addresses the needs of Nigerian consumers. Discussions covered cooling performance, energy efficiency, smart connectivity, reliability, durability and comfort across wallmounted split air conditioners, floor-standing units and outdoor units. During the conference, the company also highlighted its UNICOOL inverter air conditioning systems, which combine energy-efficient operation and smart connectivity with features designed for local operating conditions.

Abdullahi cited the February attack on the ADC secretariat in Benin City, Edo State, during a political gathering, as well as reported gunshots at the residence of former Edo State governor and former APC national chairman, Chief John Odigie Oyegun, where political leaders had gathered.

plan during a consultation with members of the Old Bende Progressive Union. He said the bank, which will be headquartered in Aba, will advance interest-free revolving loans to traders, artisans and entrepreneurs to boost economic activities and improve the welfare of the people.

According to him, the bank was part of his broader Economic Welfare Policy for Abians. Addressing the group at their meeting in Aba, Anosike said he was seeking the governorship to make life easier for Abians, noting that the people were facing severe economic hardship because the Labour Party-led

administration had failed to introduce adequate welfare measures to cushion the effects of fuel subsidy removal. Describing himself as a welfarist, he said beneficiaries only needed to be guaranteed by the leadership of their respective unions to qualify for the loans.

2027 Elections: Experts Urge Nigerians to Deepen Civic Participation Blessing Ibunge inPort Harcourt Nigerians have been urged to move beyond voting on election days and participate actively in democratic governance to promote electoral accountability and sustainable national development ahead of the 2027 general election.

The call was made during a special radio programme organised in collaboration with the Aquamella X Deck of the National Association of Seadogs (Pyrates Confraternity) yesterday in Rivers State. The programme, with the theme: ‘Democracy, Civic Participation, and the Role of Citizens in Strengthening

Democratic Processes: Lessons for Nigeria Ahead of 2027’, brought together experts in election management, social accountability, and law. Speaking during the programme, a former electoral officer, Innocent Ekwulo, who spent 35 years in Nigeria’s election management system, said democracy should extend

beyond periodic elections. According to him, citizens must continuously participate in the affairs of the country because government decisions directly affect their quality of life. Ekwulo also advocated early civic education to promote patriotism and responsible citizenship among young Nigerians.

Optimus Bank Mobilises Stakeholders to Protect Lagos Coastline

Midea Hosts 2026 Dealers Conference Jessica Erobomhan RaheemAkingbolu

Edo, Osun, Kogi and Enugu, although responsibility had not been conclusively established in every case. According to him, the party’s concern was heightened by what it described as a lack of visible conclusions from police investigations into some of the incidents.

Anosike Promises Micro-finance Bank, Three Industries Yearly in Abia

Boniface Okoro in Umuahia

of the Peoples ‘Your Allegation on Violent Takeover candidate Democratic Party (PDP) Abia State, Dr. Kelechi of Motor Parks with NURTW is False’ inAnosike, said he planned YinkaKolawole inOsogbo

cheek when they are being slapped all the time. We are not pastors or imams, or we are not running a religious organisation. We are running a political party,” Abdullahi said. He said the incidents documented by the party occurred in states like Kaduna, Kebbi, Ekiti, Cross River, Rivers,

Optimus Bank has mobilised its employees, volunteers and community stakeholders for a beach clean-up exercise in Lekki, Lagos, off the Coastal Road. The initiative forms part of the bank’s “Protect our coast”

campaign to promote environmental responsibility and action against coastal pollution. Held to mark World Cleanup Day 2026, the exercise was organised in partnership with Shoreline Euphoria Limited and Reswaye. It brought together

employees, volunteers, community members and other stakeholders to remove waste from the shoreline and raise awareness about the impact of plastic pollution and improper waste disposal on coastal environments. The clean-up exercise resulted in the collection

of approximately two tons of waste and marine litter, including plastic bottles, sachet-water nylon, food packaging, cans, glass and other solid waste. The collected materials were separated on site into recyclable and non-recyclable streams.

Solad Accelerates Solar Home System Deployment

Kayode Tokede

Solad is accelerating access to Solar Home Systems across underserved communities in Nigeria as the country enters a new phase in the growth of distributed renewable energy. Solad has already

deployed more than 1,800 Solar Home Systems across five Nigerian states, with a further 4,000 plus earmarked for roll-out. The programme expands the company’s distributed energy footprint and supports Nigeria’s ambition to widen reliable

electricity access. The programme forms part of Solad’s broader strategy of delivering decentralised energy at multiple levels; from individual homes and micro-enterprises through to market-scale mini-grids and commercial and industrial solar installations.

Solad’s Solar Home Systems programme is being implemented within the rapidly expanding ecosystem created by the Rural Electrification Agency and the World Bank-supported Distributed Access through Renewable Energy Scale-Up (DARES) programme.

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TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2026 • THISDAY

TUESDAYSPORTS

Group Sports Editor: Duro Ikhazuagbe

Duro Ikhazuagbe

25, before travelling to Guinea-Bissau for their second qualifying match on September 29. Nigeria’s talisman, Victor Osimhen will not be on duty in this opening match-day fixture as the Galatasaray’s frontman is yet to recover from the muscle tear that has sidelined him for couple of days. He also remains doubtful for the match-day 2 fixture with Guinea-Bissau. In his place, Chelle has found a worthy late substitute in Coventry man, Taiwo Awoniyi.

Email: duro.ikhazuagbe@thisdaylive.com

0811 181 3083 SMS ONLY

Super Eagles’ Camp Open with First Training Session in Ikot-Ekpene Super Eagles will officially kickoff their preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau this morning as invited players have their first training session at the team’s camp in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State. Media Official of the team, Promise Efoghe confirmed last night that all

2 0 2 7 A F C O N Q UA L I F I E R S the invited players will stream into the Uyo camp this morning with the first training session . “The first training session will hold on Tuesday, September 22, with first 15 minutes will be available for press interviews,” began Efoghe who did not indicate players already in camp as at last night.

The media officer also stretched that sports journalists will similarly have time with the players on Wednesday after which it is going to be serious business without distractions from the news men. Handlers of the team must have learnt their lessons from the inability of the Super Eagles to qualify for the

2026 World Cup in North America which was caused by the poor start to the campaign. Eagles Head Coach, Eric Chelle and his backroom staff arrived in Uyo on Monday to begin the groundwork for the AFCON 2027 Match-day 1 Group L clash with Madagascar and four days later with Guinea-Bissau. Nigeria will welcome Madagascar to the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Friday, September

Eric Chelle... to kickstart Super Eagles 2027 AFCON Match-day 1 with a training session in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State this morning

Former Liverpool Star, Mohamed Salah, Gets Six Months Ban

Oluseyi Badmos, Coordinator of Team Nigeria to the World School Games Golf Championships in Scotland (behind) with the five young Nigerian golfers at the event

Former Liverpool footballer, Mohamed Salah, has been banned from driving for six months after his Rolls-Royce was clocked speeding. Salah failed to tell police who was at the wheel when the car was caught by a speed camera driving at 36mph (58 km/h) on a 30mph (48km/h) stretch of road in Wilmslow, Cheshire, on 27 March, according to court documents. The 34-year-old did not respond to the notice of the prosecution, brought by Cheshire Police, and did not enter a plea to the charge. He was handed a six-month driving ban and ordered to pay £1,044 in a hearing at Warrington Combined Court. A court spokeswoman said

Salah was prosecuted under the Single Justice Procedure, which sees magistrates sit in private hearings, and was convicted of failing to give information relating to the identification of the driver of the Rolls-Royce. The speeding offence came days after the Egypt captain announced he would be leaving Liverpool following nine years with the team. Announcing his departure on 24 March, the club said he had “firmly established himself as one of the greatest players in Liverpool’s history”. He scored 257 goals in 442 appearances for Liverpool, before transferring to Turkish side Trabzonspor following the 2025-26 season.

Nigeria Debuts at World Schools Games Quadri Aruna Leads Amiens STT Golf Championships in Scotland in French Pro B League Opener Five promising young Nigerian golfers proudly represented the country and their schools at the World Schools Games Golf Championships held in St Andrews, Scotland, between September 14 and 16, 2026, competing alongside young golfers from other countries. The Nigerian team comprised of Mayomile Orungbeja (St. Gregory’s College); Tiaraoluwa Ahmadu (St. Saviour’s School, Ikoyi); Fireyimi Aina (Lagos Preparatory School, Ikoyi); Toluwalashe Balogun (Lagoon Schools, Lekki); and Melvin Strasser of Meadow Hall School, Lekki. The championship provided the young golfers with the invaluable opportunity to gain international competition experience, test their skills against their peers from different countries as they represent Nigeria and their schools on an international stage. The Nigerian contingent recorded

notable results across the Junior Boys and Junior Girls’ categories. Balogun finished as Runner-up in the Junior Girls Category, while Tiaraoluwa Ahmadu secured a Top 5 finish in the Junior Girls’ Category. Mayomile Orungbeja also finished within the Top 10 in the Junior Boys Category. The performances demonstrate the depth of emerging talent within Nigerian junior golf and the potential of young Nigerian golfers to compete on international platforms when given access to structured training, quality competition and international exposure. Speaking on the team’s participation at the events, Team Coordinator, Oluseyi Badmos of 2AT Limited and described the championship as an important platform for exposing young Nigerian golfers to international competition and broadening their experience and development. “International exposure is an

important part of developing young athletes. Opportunities such as this allow our children to compete, learn, build confidence and understand what it takes to perform at a higher level,” Mr. Badmos said. He explained that the participation closely aligned with the objectives of “Let’s Play Golf in Schools,” a grassroots initiative of 2AT Limited designed to introduce golf to schoolchildren and create a pathway from the school playground to structured training and competitive golf. Mr. Badmos also acknowledged the Lagos State Government, through the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), for providing 2AT Limited with the opportunity to introduce golf to primary school children across Lagos State. According to him, sustained collaboration among government, schools, parents, golf organisations

and other stakeholders will be essential to expanding access to golf and creating more opportunities for talented young Nigerians to progress from grassroots participation to national and international competition. The participation of the five golfers in the World Schools Games Golf Championship represents an important step in the development of junior golf in Nigeria and highlights what is possible when young athletes are given access to training, competition and international exposure. All the five junior golfers were congratulated by 2AT (To-A-Tee) Limited while also extending its sincere appreciation to their parents, schools, coaches and supporters, as well as the Lagos State Government and SUBEB, for their commitment, encouragement and continued support towards the development of junior golf in Lagos State and Nigeria.

Kunle Adewale The historic city of Amiens in northern France, will witness a new chapter in Nigerian history as Quadri Aruna begins his journey in the French Pro B league, leading Amiens STT against Lille Metropole TT at the AlbéricLabaume Gymnasium. Aruna, who joined the three-time French champions in May, views this move as a fresh start — a chance to rebuild his career and guide Amiens back to the top division. He will anchor a squad rich in international experience, including Austria’s Robert Gardos, Portugal’s João Monteiro, South Korea’s Cho Seungmin, and France’s Denis Dorcescu, now entering his fourth season with the club. Monteiro brings the pedigree of a three-time European champion,

while Gardos adds veteran resilience to the lineup. Ranked 80th in the world, Aruna remains the team’s highest-rated player. Once celebrated as the first African to break into the world’s top 10, he now seeks to regain consistency and climb back up the rankings. “This transfer is about rebuilding form and pushing Amiens toward promotion,” he explained, underscoring his determination to return to the heights of global competition. The challenge ahead is formidable. Lille’s roster boasts Croatian star Andrej Gacina (world No. 50), alongside Ukraine’s Yaroslav Zhmudenko, Iran’s Amir Hodaei, Romania’s Rares Sipos, Madagascar’s Fabio Rakotoarimanana, France’s Romain Brard, and Hungary’s Marton Szita - a lineup brimming with depth and international pedigree.

Ochei Vows More Tennis Reforms Despite Davis Cup Setback in Morocco The Nigeria Tennis Federation (NTF) under the leadership of its President, Rt. Hon. Victor Ochei Esq, has described Team Nigeria’s campaign at the Davis Cup World Group II as a historic milestone for the country’s tennis, despite the 0-4 loss to Morocco in Rabat on Sunday. Nigeria’s journey ended at the Railway Club courts in Rabat, where hosts Morocco completed victory after taking a 2-0 lead on Saturday through

Karim Bennani’s 6-1, 6-2 win over Canice Abua and Yassine Dlimi’s identical victory over Yusuf Abubakar, before sealing it with wins on Sunday. The NTF President said the loss does not diminish the huge success already recorded by Nigerian tennis. “We must put this in proper context. In February, Nigeria defeated Uzbekistan 3-1 at the Lagos Lawn Tennis Club, Onikan, to earn promotion to World Group II for the first time in 30 years.

That in itself is the highest level Nigeria has reached in Davis Cup history. That is success, not failure,” Engr. Ochei noted. Ochei stressed that Nigeria’s preparations for the Morocco tournament suffered major setbacks with the withdrawal of Daniel Adeleye due to injury, while rising star Oluwaseun Ogunsakin - who just made history featuring at the US Open Junior Championship - could not link up with the team in Rabat due to travel logistics and conditioning

concerns. “When you go into a tie of this magnitude in North Africa without your number one and without Seun Ogunsakin who has just broken a 35-year Grand Slam jinx for Nigeria at the US Open, it will affect the outcome one way or the other. But the boys who went - Canice Abua, Yusuf Abubakar, Michael Emmanuel gave their all and have gained invaluable experience,” Ochei stated.

L-R: Mr. Babatunde Alabi and Mrs. Okoro Mercy Chinwe, representatives of Kilimanjaro, sponsors of this year’s Youth Academy Football Camp, and Mr. Ikechukwu Nnabuihe, organiser of the camp, during activities marking this year’s youth football development programme in Port Harcourt...recently

T H I S D AY • TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2026

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BACK PAGE CONTINUATION TINUBU, SHETTIMA AND THE UNITED NATIONS ASSEMBLY

world today is divided, fragmented, multilateralism is threatened. Old alliances are collapsing. Energy prices are rising. The international rules-based order is failing, as countries like the US, Russia, and Israel routinely disregard international law, with no enforcement mechanism to check them. The binding resolutions of the UN are breached with impunity by powerful states. The Permanent Members, known as the P-5 of the UN Security Council and their allies, if not surrogates, have imposed a curious ethic: that might is right in violation of the UN Charter. When they are not checkmating themselves: Russia vs the US, or US vs. China, they block whatever does not align with their power of control. Skeptics thereby argue that the UN General Assembly is at best an inefficient, debating society. But that same debate will begin today and it is worth listening to. Today, Guterres will welcome the UN community of 193 member-nations in an opening address, and there will be statements by US President Donald Trump and French President Emanuel Macron. On Wednesday, speakers will include Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and on Thursday, the Vice President of Nigeria, Senator Kashim Shettima, who is representing Nigeria. I will comment on Nigeria’s participation shortly. On Thursday, there will be country statements by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel, to the discomfiture of New York Mayor Zoran Mamdani who had to be reminded by higher powers that he does not have the authority to stop Netanyahu from entering New York. Meanwhile, the same US Government that sees Israel as an ally and Netanyahu as a friend has stopped the Iranian delegation from entering the United States, for the second year in a row and President Mahmoud Abbas can only address the UNGA by video on Thursday. The treatment of Palestine which enjoys an observer status, along with the Holy See, is in violation of the 1947 UN Headquarters Agreement. Whatever may be the shortcomings of the United Nations, there is no doubt that the world still needs it, perhaps now more than ever as a stabilizing force. In its 81 years, it has been a catalyst for development, in the defence of causes and projects that remind us at critical moments of the common humanity that binds us. Its many organizations may not have always saved the world from conflict, and war but they have proven to be strong intervention agencies in many areas: peacekeeping, support for vulnerable persons and institutions, health, humanitarian aid, education, support for women, climate action, sustainable development, a force for decolonization and the promotion of equity and justice. On all counts,

VIce President Kashim Shettima the UN has been more successful than the League of Nations which preceded it. Not surprisingly the UN has been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for its efforts through the UNICEF, ILO, IAEA, the UN Commission for Refugees as an institution, and its officials for their personal distinction. The fact that its relevance is still appreciated was made clear when US President Trump proposed the Board of Peace Initiative in January 2026 to oversee a peace plan for Gaza and promote peace building around the world. Many countries (including Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Ireland, New Zealand, UK, European Union, and the Vatican) declined membership because of Trump’s claim that the Board could potentially replace the UN. The United Nations Security Council in its Resolution 2803 had welcomed the BoP but Trump had proposed himself as the Board’s President for Life! Even the about 27 countries that joined Trump’s Board have not expressed a desire to abandon the UN. What is established as a growing concern among many UN members is the demand for a reform and restructuring of the institution, a subject of interest and

discussion over the decades, which is likely to feature again prominently in the debates. The Allied Powers that established the UN (US, UK, France, China and Russia) were the victors of World War II, but the landscape of power has since changed in a multi-polar reality, and the question has been the need to change the structure of the UN to reflect the new reality and recognize the new powers that have emerged. The UN Security Council is dominated by the Permanent Five who exercise a veto power. By the 1970s, Third World nations whose numbers had increased in the UN formed a Group of 77, and began to assert influence. Successive Secretary Generals responded by introducing one form of reform or the other. Boutros Boutros-Ghali (1992 -1996) initiated a reform of the UN secretariat. In 2011, Ban Ki-Moon established a Change Management Team to work on a reform agenda. His successor, Kofi Annan worked along the same lines. This last Sunday, the outgoing Secretary General Antonio Guterres called for permanent African representation on the Security Council and sweeping reforms to global governance structures. The sentiment among major regions like Africa and Latin America is that they are excluded. Others have called for the expansion of the Security Council, or that the UN headquarters should be taken away from New York. Brazil, Germany, India, and Japan are also asking for permanent seats, the G4 Nations are asking for a modernization of the Security Council. The UN Security Council is considered anti-democratic, unrepresentative, and inequitable. But there are two obstacles. Any reform will require the approval of two thirds of the UN membership which may be difficult to get. The P5 with their veto power also do not want any reform. They are not willing to give up their power. When Kofi Annan appeared to be serious and determined about the restructuring of the UN bureaucracy to address charges of inefficiency, the US threatened to withdraw its UN dues. The US has always behaved like the primary power in the UN, a hegemonic, self-assertion that has seen its worst expression under President Trump’s unilateralism. The UN today is an assembly of divided interests. It is therefore instructive that Nigerian Vice President, Senator Shettima, who is leading the Nigerian delegation this year, as he did in the last two sessions- 79th and 80th - has said that Nigeria’s focus will be guided by its national interest, commitment to multilateralism and President Tinubu’s call for reforms of global institutions. This should be a good pitch, and on national interest, that should be an opportunity for the Tinubu administration to project

itself on the global stage, this being an election season. But rather than seek to contribute to the debate, Nigerian opposition politicians have been more concerned by the fact that President Tinubu is not attending the UNGA. This should not be an issue. Nigeria loses nothing by being represented by its Vice President. Besides, Senator Shettima has proven to be well-suited for international engagements as has been seen in his appearances on the world stage at such events as the World Economic Forum, this same UNGA, the African Union and most recently at the BRICS summit in New Delhi, India, where on every occasion he acquitted himself honorably. And by the way, President Tinubu is not the only Head of State who has sent a delegation. He is in the same company as China’s President Xi Jinping, who meets President Trump on Wednesday but will be represented at UNGA by his Deputy. President Putin of Russia and Prime Minister Narendra Modi won’t be there either. With Vice President Shettima in New York, President Tinubu who has been away on a working leave for three weeks should actually be on his way back home, and not tarry any longer in Europe! As the debates begin at the UN General Assembly, the future of the UN and humanity itself should remain in focus as encapsulated in the theme: “Restoring Trust, Managing Transformation: A United Nations That Delivers for All.” The process for finding a successor to Antonio Guterres is already in motion. It is important to choose the right candidate: a Secretary General that will inherit the institution with its merits and imperfections but with the capacity, strength and vision to draw it closer to its original mandate and rebuild trust. At the end of a third straw poll, a secret, informal vote, held last Friday, out of the eight candidates who indicated interest in the office (including two from Africa- former Senegalese President Macky Sall, and Uganda politician, Olara Otunnu), the race has now been reduced to three leading candidates – Costa Rica’s Rebecca Gryspan, followed by Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett of Guyana, and Argentina’s Rafael Grossi. The winning candidate will need at least nine votes in the 15-member Security Council and must not be vetoed by any of the Permanent Five. The removal of this autocratic hold on the UN by a minority is the most urgent task before the UN in addition to the menace of war and the emerging threat of Artificial Intelligence. The UN Charter is also in need of a review to delete certain provisions in Chapter XIII of the Charter, and the now obsolete “enemy clauses” in Articles 53 and 107.

SENATOR SOLOMON AKKU EWUGA: ONE YEAR AFTER, A LEGACY THAT STILL GUIDES NASARAWA STATE choices or not, few questioned his courage, resilience and unshakeable belief in the causes he championed. One year after his passing, many still remember his extraordinary ability to connect with people. He possessed a rare gift for building relationships across political, ethnic and religious divides. Friends and associates often recalled that his concern for people extended far beyond political calculations. He maintained friendships that survived disagreements, nurtured relationships that transcended party lines and offered assistance without always expecting recognition. Perhaps no testimony captures his character better than the recurring observation made by many who knew him: he spent much of his time seeking opportunities for others rather than for himself. In his remarks at Senator Ewuga’s funeral on the 1st of November 2025, Nasarawa State Governor, Engr. Abdullahi Sule perhaps put it best when he observed that Senator Ewuga often came to him to seek opportunities for other people and rarely for himself. Throughout his life, he appeared to derive more satisfaction from opening doors for others than from seeking favours for his own benefit. His generosity was not always visible in public records, but its evidence remains scattered across the lives of individuals he helped. Former students who received educational support, young politicians who found mentorship under him, professionals who benefited from his encouragement and ordinary citizens whose burdens he helped to lighten continue to bear witness to that legacy. Beyond politics, Senator Ewuga represented a style of leadership that is becoming increasingly rare. He remained accessible. In an era when public office often creates distance between leaders and citizens, he maintained a reputation for openness. Many people have testified that no matter how ordinary they were, Senator Ewuga would pick their calls, return missed calls and respond to messages. That simple habit earned him a place in the hearts of many. His influence also extended to the development of future leaders. Across generations, many prominent figures in Nasarawa State politics acknowledge the role he played in shaping their political journeys. Some received direct mentorship. Others learned from observing his methods, his communication skills and his ability to mobilise people around ideas and causes. As National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda described him, he was a father, mentor and moral compass to many people across the country.

SEN EWUGA: FRIENDS ACROSS THE NATION Senator Solomon Ewuga did not have friends — he had a federation of friendships. His address book was Nigeria itself. There was hardly a State in this vast contraption called Nigeria where Solomon Ewuga did not have a brother, a sister, a friend, a confidant, a political son, a former classmate, a fellow comrade who would open his door for him at midnight without asking

Late Senator Solomon Ewuga why he came. From the mangroves of Bayelsa to the dunes of Borno, from the red soils of Enugu to the savannahs of Sokoto — he had planted friendships like trees, and those trees grew. He was not a man who made friends because he needed something. He made friends because he was something. He was naturally, effortlessly, human. He could speak Hausa with the Hausa, and Eggon with the Eggon. He could laugh with the Igbos over business, and reason with the Yorubas over politics. He could sit with a General and discuss strategy, and sit with a corporal and discuss life. That was his gift — he had no tribe when it came to friendship. His tribe was called humanity. That is why his death was not just an Eggon loss. It was not just a Nasarawa loss. It was a Nigerian loss. When the news of his death broke in Cairo, phones rang in Lagos. They rang in Kaduna. They rang in Port Harcourt. They rang in Maiduguri. They rang in Sokoto and in Asaba. Old friends wept in old cities, remembering a man who once ate in their houses, who once slept on their couches when he had no hotel, who once gave them his last kobo when he himself had little. How many men can boast of that? How many men can live 70 years and have footprints of friendship in all 36 States as Ewuga did? He did not just live in Nigeria. Nigeria lived in him. And today, if you go to any State in this Federation and mention his name — Solomon Ewuga — someone will say: “Ah! Ewuga? He was my friend. He was my brother.” That is not just popularity. That is immortality. Perhaps nowhere is Senator Ewuga’s absence felt more

keenly today than in the unfolding political season ahead of the 2027 elections. Senator Solomon Ewuga was a towering political colossus who bestrode the landscape of Nasarawa State like a giant. He was not just a participant in the political evolution of the State; he was one of its chief architects — charting paths, breaking grounds, and setting milestones that still define Nasarawa’s political identity today. His influence transcended the State, earning him national reverence as a statesman of uncommon wisdom and courage. Like the baobab tree that provides shade for many, his political canopy covered the young State from its formative years. He was not a bystander in the birth of Nasarawa State — he was a frontline soldier in the trenches of the struggle that gave birth to it. He did not just watch the agitation for Nasarawa State; he carried it on his shoulders. He was there at its birth, helped lay its foundations, and at every critical turn in its journey, his voice counted and his footprints remained. A political pathfinder and a national figure, his name is written in gold in the story of Nasarawa State and Nigeria. For decades, politicians across party lines looked up to him for guidance and strategy. He served as mediator when matters became too confrontational. He was a rallying point. And he did this beyond the boundaries of political party, religious or ethnic affiliations. Many aspiring leaders sought his counsel before making major political decisions, while others depended on his endorsement, knowing the weight his words carried among the electorate. Those who knew the dynamics of Nasarawa State politics understood what it meant when Senator Ewuga publicly identified with a candidate. During his funeral, a renowned grassroot politician, Hon. Mary Enwongulu, captured a sentiment widely shared among many when she remarked that anybody whose hand Senator Ewuga raised was almost certain to win election in Nasarawa State. She recalled that wherever Senator Ewuga went, the political tide often shifted. Former Minister of Information, Labaran Maku, similarly described him as a political hurricane and tornado whose influence was impossible to ignore. The political activities that culminated in the 2011 general elections perfectly capture his influence when he almost single-handedly shifted the tides in favour of the then newly formed Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) and away from the ruling PDP. Today, that familiar figure is no longer there. Many politicians who, under normal circumstances, would have travelled to Alushi or Abuja seeking his guidance, support or strategic advice, no longer have that option. There is no longer that towering political mentor whose blessing could reassure a nervous candidate, whose intervention could reconcile rival camps, or whose political instincts could help chart a path through uncertain terrain. His absence has created a vacuum that is difficult to ignore. For many, it feels as though every politician in Nasarawa State must now find his or her own path without the possibility

of Senator Ewuga’s unique touch, influence and ability to rally support. There is no one to raise hands the way he did. No one to clear political pathways in quite the same manner. His presence is sorely missed. Yet there is another side to that reality. Throughout his long political career, there were also those who blamed their setbacks and disappointments on Senator Ewuga’s influence. For years, he served both as an inspiration to admirers and as an explanation for critics. Today, even that excuse has disappeared. Those who once attributed their political misfortunes to him can no longer do so. His absence has left everyone to test their popularity, capacity and ideas directly before the electorate. As campaigns gradually gather momentum across the State, one question naturally lingers in many minds: What role would Senator Solomon Ewuga have played in the politics of 2027 if he were still alive? Would he have emerged once again as a bridge-builder among competing interests? Would he have thrown his weight behind particular candidates? Would he have used his influence to unite old allies and rivals? Those questions will remain unanswered. They belong now to the realm of history’s unanswered possibilities.

HIS ENDURING LEGACIES If we were to etch Senator Ewuga’s legacies on marble, they would be these: A. The Legacy of the Bridge-Builder: In a state as diverse as Nasarawa, Ewuga was a unifier. Eggon by birth, he was Nasarawa by heart. He related freely across religious and ethnic lines. As Governor Abdullahi Sule said at his funeral in Alushi, “He was a global citizen who related with everyone freely.” He never played tribal politics. B. The Legacy of Mentorship: Governor Sule captured it best: “Whenever Ewuga visited me, it was to ask for one thing or the other for others or a community and not for himself.” He raised an army of young politicians, journalists and administrators, many of whom are leaders today. He believed in nurturing the next generation. C. The Legacy of Resilience in the Face of Tragedy: Senator Ewuga knew pain. Several times, the ballot spoke loudly for Solomon Ewuga – but the system refused to listen. Several times, he won in the hearts of the people, won at the polling units, won in the open glare of the day – yet was robbed in the dark corridors of power. His electoral victories were not just contested; they were deliberately, cruelly, and unjustly denied him. He lost his beloved daughter, Adzuayi, a pilot, in a tragic plane crash in Cameroon in 2022. He survived a brutal kidnapping that left him physically challenged for years in September 2021. Yet, he never became bitter. He remained humane, generous, and committed to God and humanity – a true reflection of his faith. Continued on page 27

THISDAY • TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2026

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NIGERIA AND CONGO MEETING ON OIL MATTERS...

L–R: Head of Local Content, Republic of Congo, Kabat Lorraine Sandra; Director of Production, Directorate-General of Upstream Petroleum, Republic of Congo, Brice William Debi; Director-General of Upstream Petroleum, Republic of Congo; Franck Mouzabakani; Minister of Hydrocarbons, Republic of Congo, Stev Onanga; Minister of state for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Nigeria, Heineken Lokpobiri; Special Adviser on International Relations to the Minister, Dr. Omar Farouk Ibrahim, (Oil); and Director, Corporate Services, Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Dr. Abdulmalik Halilu, during the visit of the Congolese Minister of Hydrocarbons and his delegation to Nigeria to understudy Nigeria’s local content development framework in Abuja, yesterday

TUESDAY WITH REUBENABATI abati1990@gmail.com

Tinubu, Shettima and The United Nations Assembly T he high- level meetings and debates of the UN General Assembly (UNGA) open today at the UN Headquarters in New York, United States, with about 300 heads of states and governments, Vice Presidents, Ministers, and at least a Crown Prince in attendance. This is the 81st UNGA, the UN having been established in June 1945. The event itself began on September 8, with different forums having been held involving institutions, the private sector, and civil society organizations, underscoring the collective ownership, at a person-to-person level, of the programmes and objectives of the institution. What begins today is the debate among leaders about many of the central issues of our time. This 81st session of UNGA will be against the background of increased tensions and uncertainties in the world, war in Gaza, Ukraine, the Middle East, Democratic Republic of Congo, and Sudan, the increasing threat and fear of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the future of humanity, climate action and the urgency of environmental protection and

President Bola Tinubu safety, and the perennial questions about the legitimacy, effectiveness and representativeness of the United Nations.

The question is: can the UN stop conflicts and division and save the world? This year also brings to full term the tenure of the Portuguese diplomat and politician, Antonio Guterres, as UN Secretary General. With his tenure ending on December 31st, this would be his last UNGA as Secretary-General, a process is on-going to elect a successor. Nigeria’s Amina Jane Mohammed, Nigeria’s former Minister of Environment (2015 -2016) who was appointed as a Deputy Secretary General in 2017 by Antonio Guterres will also be stepping down after nine years of service at the UN. This UN Secretary General has had a good run – he has consistently established himself as an unrelenting advocate for peace, human dignity, a safer world, the protection of the international rules-based order, climate action, multilateralism and inclusiveness. He has served as a voice of reason in a turbulent decade. Amina Mohammed who holds the second highest national honour of Nigeria, the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON) has been

a dependable, hardworking Deputy Secretary General, a great achievement for the centering of women and an outspoken promoter of skills acquisition and sustainable development goals. As she steps down from her international duties, Nigeria should be proud of her, and find new opportunities for her to continue to contribute to the growth and development of her country and the world. The United Nations is at a crossroads. It is in crisis. It was established in 1945, to promote international peace, security, development and co-operation, essentially to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war, after the horror of World War II. Over the years, the UN established institutions to promote these objectives within the framework of the brotherhood of humanity and multilateralism. But today, there is skepticism about whether or not the United Nations is still serving its original purpose. It suffers from a credibility and trust deficit. The Continued on page 31

MATTHEWKUJU & ERICKUJU GUEST COLUMNIST

Senator Solomon Akku Ewuga: One Year After, A Legacy That Still Guides Nasarawa State A year ago, precisely on Tuesday 23rd September 2025, the drums fell silent in Alushi, Nassarawa Eggon Local Government Area of Nasarawa State. On that day, Nasarawa State lost a political colossus, Nigeria lost a patriot, and the Eggon Nation lost its most illustrious son. At age 70, Senator Solomon Sunday Akku Ewuga boarded his final flight, after a prolonged illness, leaving behind a vacuum that is still deeply felt. Today, as we mark one year of his passing, we do not mourn as those without hope. We celebrate a life that was fully lived, a journey that was well-travelled, and a legacy that will endure for generations. Indeed, one year has passed since Senator Solomon Akku Ewuga departed this world, yet his presence remains remarkably alive in the memories of those whose lives he touched and in the political history of Nasarawa State which he helped shape. Although time has a way of softening grief, it also sharpens perspective. With the passing of months, as the void created by his demise became even more obvious, we had to move beyond those beautiful titles the distinguished statesman held or the elections he contested. It is the enduring impact of a life devoted to people, public service and the pursuit of a

Late Senator Solomon Ewuga better society that has become more prominent. Across Nasarawa State, the Middle Belt and beyond,

Senator Ewuga’s name continues to evoke conversations about leadership, sacrifice, courage, accessibility and service. For some, he was a politician. For others, he was a lawyer, journalist, public administrator, mentor, benefactor and friend. To countless ordinary citizens, he was simply a man who answered his phone, listened to their concerns and tried, in whatever way he could, to help. Born in 1955 in Nassarawa Eggon, Ewuga was a bridgebuilder long before he ever entered politics. He did not just collect titles; he built a tapestry of expertise. He was Programme Officer, Head of Current Affairs, Nigeria Broadcasting Corporation (later, Plateau Broadcasting Corporation, Jos, 1978-82; and General Manager, Plateau Publishing Company Limited, Jos, 1988; He founded one of Northern Nigeria’s pioneering indigenous advertising agencies, Adpure Nigeria Limited, and later, as a barrister, stood as a pillar for justice. This rich, diverse foundation shaped the statesman he would become. When he finally stepped into the political arena, he was no empty suit; he was a man who understood the power of words, the mechanics of business, the rule of law, and

the heartbeat of the grassroots. His political journey was a masterclass in nation-building. His public life spanned decades and several chapters of Nigeria’s democratic journey. He belonged to a generation of leaders who entered politics not merely as a means of personal advancement but as an extension of their commitment to public service. From his early involvement in national politics to his role in the constitutional processes that preceded the creation of Nasarawa State, Senator Ewuga became part of the story of a people searching for representation, inclusion and progress. His political journey was marked by both triumphs and disappointments. He served as Deputy Governor of Nasarawa State, Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory and Senator of the Federal Republic. Yet perhaps the most defining aspect of his career was not the offices he occupied but the persistence with which he pursued his convictions. He remained active in public affairs for decades, refusing to retreat from the arena even when circumstances were unfavourable. Whether one agreed with his political Continued on page 31

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