WEDNESDAY 10TH DECEMBER 2025

Oil company reveals it’s highest output from subsidiary in 36 years Ojulari says Nigeria’s energy revival on course

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja The Nigerian National

Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) yesterday revealed that its subsidiary, NNPC Exploration and Production Limited (NEPL) has recorded its highest oil

production of 355,000 barrels per day, the first in 36 years. In a statement in Abuja

Odeh, NNPC noted that aver-

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Fubara Defects to APC, Adeleke to Accord

Rivers gov: I don’t want to make any mistake this time Osun gov: Citizens, workers’ welfare my top priority PDP chides Fubara, says his is a case of self-inflicted injury

Chuks

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has officially defected to All Progressives

Congress (APC), five days after 17 members of the House of Assembly abandoned Peoples

Democratic Party (PDP) for APC. In Osun State, Governor

Ademola Adeleke, who had recently resigned his member- ship of PDP, declared to use the

Benin Coup: Tinubu Averted Key Security Threat to Nigeria, Says NGF

Senate backs president, okays deployment of troops to neighbouring country

ECOWAS states nation’s role in averting coup should be standard to safeguard democracy

We also provided logistic support to avert coup, France declares Chuks okocha, Michael olugbode, Emmanuel Addeh, Sunday Aborisade in Abuja and yinka Kolawole in Osogbo

Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), yesterday, declared support for President Bola Tinubu’s intervention in Sunday’s attempted coup in the Republic of Benin, say-

ing his timely role prevented a major security threat to Nigeria. Chairman of NGF and governor of Kwara State, Alhaji AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, disclosed this while reacting to the Thatdevelopment. was as Senate granted Tinubu’s request to deploy Nige- rian troops to Benin, endorsing

Nigeria’s Minister of State for Defence, Alhaji Mohammed Bello Matawalle, and Saudi Arabia’s Assistant Minister of Defence for Executive Affairs, Dr. Khaled H. Albiyari, when the two ministers signed a Memorandum of Understanding between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia on Defence and Military Cooperation in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia’s capital...Tuesday

SENATORS MARK AKPABIO’S 63RD BIRTHDAY AFTER PLENARY...

L-R: Deputy Senate Leader, Oyelola Ashiru; Chairman Senate Committee on Appropriations, Solomon Adeola; Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele; President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio; Deputy Senate President, Jibrin Barau; and Senate Whip, Tahir Munguno, during the marking of the 63rd birthday anniversary of Akpabio after plenary in his office , yesterday

Shettima: Nigeria’s Education Budget Rose from N1.54trn in 2023 to N3.52trn in 2025 Says out-of-school children pose national emergency, canvasses private sector co-investment

Deji Elumoye and Chuks Okocha in Abuja

Nigeria’s education budget jumped to N3.52 trillion in 2025 under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

Vice President Kashim Shettima, who disclosed this yesterday in Abuja, said the increase was a significant increase from the N1.54 trillion recorded in 2023.

Shettima noted that the number of out-of-school children in the country constitutes a national emergency, calling for collaboration between government and private sector stakeholders to address the problem.

Represented by the Special Adviser to the President on General Duties (Office of the Vice President) at the opening of the 2025 Nigeria Education Forum in Abuja, Shettima noted that education spending under Tinubu reflects the administra-

tion’s unwavering commitment to building an enlightened and globally competitive population.

The forum, organised by the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), the Federal Ministry of Education, and the Committee of States’ Commissioners of Education, focused on the theme, “Pathways to Sustainable Education Financing: Developing a Synergy Between Town and Gown in Nigeria.”

The Vice President said, “Nothing threatens a civilisa- tion more than an uneducated generation. Nations rise when the people, regardless of circumstance, are equipped with the knowledge to imagine a better future and the skills to build it.”

He emphasised that Nigeria has reached a critical inflection point where traditional government-only funding models could no longer sustain the country’s educational needs and called

for a fundamental shift toward collaborative, innovative, and resilient financing mechanisms.

“The burden cannot rest on government alone. We must enlist private sector actors, industry leaders, alumni networks, philanthropists, and communities to co-invest in laboratories, research centres, vocational hubs, innovation clusters, and endowment funds,” he added.

Shettima detailed substantial increases across key education funding agencies under the Ti- nubu administration’s Renewed Hope plan, where according to him, the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) budget grew from N320.3 billion in 2023 to N683.4 billion in 2024, and now stands at N1.6 trillion in 2025.

The Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) has

distributed N92.4 billion in matching grants to 25 states and the Federal Capital Territory. Another N19 billion has supported teacher development across 32 states and the FCT, while N1.5 billion has reached more than 1,147 communities, he said.

According to the Vice President, individual state UBE grants have increased from approximately N1.3 billion to over

N3.3 billion, allowing states to access more than N6.6 billion through counterpart funding arrangements. The newly created Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), established under the Student Loans Act of 2024, has already disbursed N86.3 billion to over 450,000 students in 218 tertiary institutions nationwide.

Heirs Energies, NNPC Seal Deal with 5 Offtakers to Capture, Monetise 180mmscf/d Flared Gas

Projects

Heirs Energies and Nige- rian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) have taken a significant

FG Charms Investors with Incentives at London Expo

Alaran

Seamless transfer of profits and duty waiver on imported mining machinery were among incentives offered investors by Nigeria at the Resourcing Tomorrow annual exhibition and conference held in London recently.

Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, who led Nigerian delegates to the event unveiled the package in his address to participants announcing to global mining companies the country was ready for investment.

Alake impressed participants at the opening ceremony with the country’s investment breakthroughs in processing minerals, citing over $2billion inflow to lithium and rare earth ores projects in the last two years.

The foreign direct investments, he argued, were the outcomes of the policy on value addition being driven by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration to stop pit to port export and stimulate local beneficiation.

His words: “Since last year, companies such as Canmax Technologies, Jiuling Lithium,

Avatar New Energy Nigeria Limited, and Asba Group have collectively invested over 1.3 billion US dollars in lithium processing projects across Nigeria. These are not speculative ventures; they are bricks, mortar, and machinery.

“And just outside Abuja, the federal capital of Nigeria, construction is underway for a 50-million-dollar lithium processing plant, the first in a network of industrial clusters that will extend through Nasarawa, Kogi, Kwara, and Ebonyi states.

step forward in Nigeria’s gas commercialisation and environmental stewardship agenda, with the signing of gas offtake agreements with five investors under the Nigerian Gas Flare Commercialisation Programme (NGFCP) and approved Non-NGFCP frameworks.

The execution of the landmark agreement would ultimately lead to

the capture and monetisa- tion of about 180 million standard cubic feet of gas per day across the Oil Mining Lease (OML17) block being operated by Heirs Energies.

The agreement signing ceremony held yesterday in Lagos, marked a sig- nificant transition from regulatory approvals to structured commercial

Senate Moves to Halt

execution, enabling flare gas volumes across OML 17 to be captured and deployed for productive use, including power generation, industrial applications, Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), in alignment with Nigeria’s gas development priorities and energy-transition objectives.

‘Exploitative’

Airfare Surge, Summons Keyamo, Airlines

Sunday Aborisade in Abuja

The Senate on Tuesday rose firmly against what it described as “glaring exploitation” of Nigerian travelers, summoning the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, along with major aviation agencies and airline operators, over the steep rise in domestic airfares nationwide.

During a heated plenary session, lawmakers decried the sudden spike in ticket prices on key routes - Abuja-Lagos, Abuja-Enugu, Abuja-Ilorin and others - where fares have soared to between N400,000 and N650,000.

They argued that the fare was far beyond the reach of the average citizen. Senators warned that the development

threatened to shut millions of Nigerians out of essential travel during the yuletide season. Presenting the motion, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Aviation, Senator Abdulfatai Buhari (Oyo North), said preliminary findings showed many Nigerians were cancelling trips because air travel had become prohibitively expensive.

INAUGURATION OF NEWLY APPOINTED GOVERNING COUNCIL OF LASU...

L-R: Lagos State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro, SAN; Secretary to the State Government, Barr. ‘Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin; Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Head of Service, Mr. Olabode Agoro; and Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Mr. Tolani Sule, during the inauguration of newly appointed Governing Council of Lagos State University (LASU) at the Lagos House, Ikeja, yesterday

Heralding New Dawn for Agriculture Financing, Cardoso Inaugurates ACGSF Board

Says smallholder farmers have continued to face high barriers to affordable credit, urges

James Emejo in Abuja

The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Olayemi Cardoso, yesterday inaugurated the newly constituted Board of the Agricultural Credit Guarantee Scheme Fund (ACGSF).

The central bank governor said the inauguration was not

merely ceremonial but represented a defining moment, as well as a bold statement of intent that signals a new dawn for agricultural financing in the country.

Speaking at the ceremony held at the apex bank’s headquarters in Abuja, Cardoso, reaffirmed the CBN’s commitment to revitalising one of the

country’s most critical sectors through strategic leadership, innovation, and collaboration.

According to him, Agricul- ture remains the backbone of the Nigerian economy contributing over one-fifth of GDP and employing nearly two-thirds of the working population.

Ironically, he said such a

pivotal sector receives only a small fraction of formal credit as less than five per cent of banks’ lending goes to the agricultural sector.

The CBN governor pointed out that the longstanding financing gap had constrained the potential of millions of Nigerian farmers, adding that the inauguration of the board,

Senate Moves to Halt Sudden WAEC Curriculum Shift, Summons Minister

Warns of looming national education crisis

The Senate on Tuesday raised the alarm over what it described as a looming national education crisis following the sudden implementation of a new curriculum and registration guideline issued by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), which compels current SS3 students to write examinations in subjects they were never taught.

The Red Chamber, after an extensive and heated debate, resolved to summon the minister of education and heads of all relevant agencies to explain the rationale behind the policy and assess Nigeria’s readiness for its execution.

Leading the motion, Senator Karimi Sunday-Steve (Kogi West), said the new WAEC guideline, originally scheduled to take effect in two years, had been abruptly imposed on

students billed to sit for the May/June and November/ December 2026 examinations.

He warned the policy amounted to “setting up millions of Nigerian children for mass failure.”

The motion, titled “Need for Federal Ministry of Education and the West African Examination Council to Review Their Policy and Implementation Date on the New Secondary School Curriculum,” drew

Lai Mohammed to Launch Book to Mark Buhari’s Posthumous Birthday

The first posthumous birthday of former President Muhammadu Buhari will be commemorated on December 17, 2025, with the public presentation of a book written by Alhaji Lai Mohammed, who served as Minister of Information and Culture in the Buhari years, spanning 2015 to 2023. Buhari would have turned 83, but passed away on July

13, 2025, a statement by the book launch committee said yesterday.Entitled: “Headlines & Soundbites: Media Moments that Defined an Administration”, the book, according to the publisher, is an insider chronicle of governance, communication and nation-building during the Buhari era.

Scheduled to hold at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre by 10 am, Chairman of the

event is Chief Bisi Akande, former Governor of Osun State, and pioneer Interim National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Expected as Royal Father of the Day is the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar 111, leading a team of other eminent royal fathers from across the country. Besides, the wife of the departed President, Aisha Buhari, is Mother of the Day.

unanimous concern from lawmakers.

Karimi explained the guideline immediately replaces core subjects such as Computer Studies, Civic Education, and all pre-Fourth Grade courses with entirely new practical subjects, including cosmetology, livestock farming, garment making, and solar installation, among others.

board to deepen financial inclusion, others

came at an opportune time as the bank embarks on a bold new chapter in agricultural finance.

He pointed out that small- holder farmers - who make up 80 per cent of Nigeria’s farmers and account for about 90 per cent of agricultural production have continued to face high barriers in accessing affordable credit.

He said, “A new dawn for agricultural financing today marks a significant milestone in our collective pursuit of transforming Nigeria’s agricultural sector into a powerhouse for sustainable economic growth, job creation, and food security.

“It is a reassertion that we will no longer accept business- as-usual; instead, we embrace a future where agriculture is accorded its rightful place in our financial system and national priorities.”

Cardoso further explained that since its establishment by Decree No. 20 of 1977 the ACGSF had played a vital role

in de-risking agricultural lending and encouraging financial institutions to extend credit to farmers and agribusinesses.

He noted that by guaranteeing up to 75 per cent of the value of agricultural loans, the scheme had historically served as a catalyst for banks to lend where they otherwise might not.

He said over the decades, countless farmers who would have been deemed ‘unbankable’ have accessed financing through the guarantee mechanism.

However, he said the challenges and opportunities of today’s agricultural landscape demanded that the ACGSF evolve beyond its traditional role.

He said, “Modern agriculture is far more complex - characterised by extensive value chains, advanced technologies, climate and security risks, and stakeholders ranging from smallholder cooperatives to agritech startups.

Akume, Oyetola, Others Attend Launch of Nigerian Shippers’ Council

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, and the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, yesterday, unveiled the Nigerian Shippers’ Council’s Enterprise Content Management System (ECMS) in Abuja.

The development marked a significant leap in the federal government’s drive toward digital governance and greater efficiency in the maritime and

blue economy sector.

This was even as the Head of Service Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Did Esther Walson-Jack, disclosed that the 2025 deadline given to all ministries and departments to go paper remains sacrosanct.

The launch, attended by key government officials, underscored the administration’s determination to modernise public service operations and strengthen Nigeria’s competitiveness in global trade.

In his remarks, the SGF congratulated the Minister

for his leadership that helped secure Nigeria’s recent election into Category C of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Council, describing the achievement as an affirmation of the country’s rising global maritime standing.

He also commended Oyetola for providing strategic leadership in the marine and blue economy sector, emphasising that such direction was instrumental in the successful rollout of the ECMS by the nation’s port economic regulator.

CIBN ANNUAL BANKERS DINNER AND JOURNAL LAUNCH...

L-R: First Vice Chairman, Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN), FCT Branch, Mr. Emmanuel Mogbolu; Chairman, CIBN FCT Branch, Dr. Yekeen Abdul-Maliq; Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, ASO Savings & Loans Plc, Risikatu Ladi Ahmed; Managing Director/CEO, Federal Housing Authority Mortgage Bank, Dr. Hayatudeen Awwal, and 2nd Vice Chairman, CIBN, FCT Branch, Dr. Elizabeth Emeka-Onwuchekwa, during the Chartered Institute of Bankers, of Nigeria (CIBN), FCT Branch Annual Bankers Dinner and Journal Launch, held in Abuja ... recently

FG Unveils N50m Equity-free Grant for Tertiary Students

Opens 1600 training centers across Nigeria for technical, vocational training To partner big manufacturers

The federal government has unveiled a N50 million Student Venture Capital Grant (S- VCG), aimed at promoting innovation, research excellence, and entrepreneurship across Nigeria’s tertiary institutions.

This emerged as the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, revealed that over 1.3 million Nigerians have completed applications to benefit from the federal government’s Renewed Technical and Vocational Education Training, with 1600 accredited centers being equipped across the country for that purpose. Besides, the Minister also disclosed that the federal government is now set to further deepen the revitalisation of technical and vocational training in the country, by engaging leading industrial and manufacturing firms in the country as partners in the training.

On the S-VCG, the portal had so far received 17,914 applications from 402 schools, comprising 346 public and 56 private institutions, and over 1,000 applications had actually been submitted.

Speaking at the official launch in Abuja, Alausa said the programme represented a strategic national investment in young

innovators and aligns directly with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for Education.

Alausa described the S-VCG as more than a grant scheme, noting that it was designed to identify high-potential ideas from campuses and nurture a culture of creativity and enterprise among students.

He said beneficiaries would receive up to N50 million in equity-free seed funding, alongside intensive incubation, expert mentorship, and access to networks and critical startupbuilding tools.

The initiative is jointly being implemented by the Federal Ministry of Education and TETFund, in collaboration with the Bank of Industry, Afara Initiative, Afrilabs, the Entrepreneurship and Skills Development Centre, and Google.

According to the minister, the programme is open to full-time students in federal, state, and private tertiary institutions from the third year of their study and above, with younger students allowed as team members.

“The S-VCG is structured to identify exceptional talent, give them a fair and credible opportunity to succeed, and inspire thousands of others to believe in their capacity to

innovate.

“We know that many suc- cessful founders did not thrive on their first attempt. But their journey began with a spark. This programme exists to light that spark, build a new culture of confidence, and showcase to the world the depth of Nigerian ingenuity.“Beneficiaries of the S-VCG will receive a comprehensive support package tailored to increase their chances of building viable and scalable ventures,” he said.

Alausa added that eligible ventures must have a CACregistered business name and be rooted in the Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics,

and Medical Sciences fields.

He said every application would undergo thorough evalu- ation, with shortlisted teams pitching before a 12-member expert panel drawn from academia, industry, venture capital, and government.

Participants would receive feedback and may be paired with complementary teams to encourage collaboration and shared innovation.

He stressed that the S-VCG is expected to accelerate research commercialisation, support intellectual property development, and position students to produce high-impact solutions with global relevance.

“Not every idea will become

a startup, but some will evolve into patents and licensable technologies capable of significant impact,” he added.

Speaking on the programme overview, National Programme Coordinator, Special Programme Unit of S-VCG, Mr. Adebayo Onigbanjo, said the programme was designed to ignite student- driven innovation and close the investment gaps that had made venture capitalists hesitant to invest in early-stage university ideas.

Also, the former Minister of Power, Prof. Barth Nnaji, whose board awards a $100,000 prize annually for groundbreaking scientific innovation, commended the initiative, noting

its alignment with efforts to deepen scientific research and innovation in the country.

“This is how students and their mentors can develop impactful inventions that serve global needs but solve local problems,” he said.

FG Opens 1600 Training Centers Across Nigeria for Technical, Vocational Training Meanwhile, Alausa has revealed that over 1.3 million Nigerians have completed applications to benefit from the federal government’s Renewed Technical and Vocational Education Training, with 1600 accredited centers being equipped across the country for that purpose.

FG Opens N280bn Bodo-Bonny Road in Rivers for Yuletide Festivities

Umahi says 37km expressway over 90% completed

marking a historic milestone for the riverine Bonny and Ogoni Kingdoms.

President Bola Tinubu has temporarily opened the N280 billion Bodo–Bonny road and bridges across the Opobo Channel in Rivers State,

Says art now central to autism policy

Sunday Aborisade in Abuja

The federal government yesterday reaffirmed its commitment to overhauling Nigeria’s health and social welfare systems to ensure that neurodiverse citizens are no longer excluded from national development.

The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Kunle Salako, who disclosed this at the National Assembly, declared that creative art has become one of the nation’s strongest tools for dismantling stigma and unlocking the potential of people living with autism.

He spoke at the opening of “Myth - An Exhibition for Inclusion,” organised by the Kanyeyachukwu Autism Society at the National Assembly Library.Salako said the era of treating autism and other neurodevelopmental conditions as hidden or marginal issues must end.

A statement in Abuja signed by the Director of Press and Public Relations, Mohammed Ahmed, said the development will bring relief to communities that have endured decades of challenging river crossings and costly helicopter trips.

Tinubu, who was represented by the Minister of Power, The Minister of Works, David Umahi, described the project as a testament to the administration’s commitment to transforming the Niger

Health Minister Reveals FG Plans to End Exclusion of Neurodiverse Nigerians

The minister said, “The federal government is committed to building health and social systems that no longer leave neurodiverse Nigerians behind.

“Artistic expression has emerged as a powerful force for dismantling stigma, inspiring empathy and revealing the

extraordinary abilities within individuals living with autism.”

He described the exhibition’s theme, “Art as a Catalyst for Fostering Inclusion in Nation Building,” as a timely reminder that creative platforms are vital in shaping how society understands and embraces neurodiversity.

Delta region. The road, spanning 37.9 kilometres and traversing challenging terrain including thick forests, swamps, and creek networks, is the first federal road to directly link the mainland to Bonny Island, home to Nigeria’s Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) plant and other major energy investments.

The project, awarded on December 11, 2014, commenced on October 28, 2017, and is approximately 90.98 per cent completed, the statement said.

The event drew a wide array of government officials and dignitaries, including the Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, members of the National Assembly, traditional rulers, among others.

Kyari: FG to Unlock Land, Productive Resources, Expand Access to Finance, Market Systems for Young Farmers

James Emejo in Abuja Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, yesterday vowed that the federal government will unlock land and productive resources for young farmers, while ensuring secure tenure and responsible stewardship of the land.

The minister also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to expand access to inclusive finance, credit guarantees, and streamlined procurement mechanisms that favour youth-led agribusinesses in theKyaricountry.spoke at the opening of a high-level event on scaling up youth agri-preneurship for food systems transformation

through the FGN/NDDC/ IFAD Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprise Niger Delta (LIFE-ND) project in Abuja. He stressed that the federal government will facilitate a land access and tenure assistance programme that prioritised youth eligibility and transparent processes.

The minister said, “Today, we are reminded that we stand at a moment of boundless opportunities. Our young people, fuelled by ingenu- ity and determination, are taking the lead in agrifood innovation—from precision agriculture to AI-powered farm tools, soilless farming, financing and payment platforms, digital marketplaces and agro-processing.

“They are leading with innovation and a shared commitment to sustainable development and are ready to transform agrifood systems, create dignified livelihoods and drive inclusive economic growth in our dear nation, Nigeria.”However, the minister stated that despite these advances, youth participation in agri- culture remained inconsistent, due to inherent bottlenecks.

Kyari said, “Too many young people face obstacles and challenges—limited access to finance, land, processing facilities, markets, and mentorship; insufficient skills aligned with market needs; and environments that do not fully reflect their potential.

“Today, we come together with one huge focus to change the narrative. This event marks a clear commitment to scale up youth agripreneurship across our country and region.”

He said government will accelerate business develop- ment incubation,support—mentorship, and commercialisation services that translated innovative ideas into viable enterprises.

He also restated govern- ment’s determination to strengthen market systems through digital platforms, value chains, and production, as well as public-private partnerships that enable youth products to reach local, regional, and international markets.

The minister said the intention of government was to further embed climate resilience and sustainable practices at the core of all youth-led productive endeavours, aligning with the country’s climate and food security commitments.

He said progress will be measured with transparent, disaggregated data “so that we can learn, adapt, and scale what works”.

Kyari said, “We are not starting from scratch; we have been given a clear strategic direction. His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has repositioned agriculture as a primary driver of economic transformation, anchoring it as a central pillar of our national

b e NIN c ou P : T IN ubu Aver T e D k e Y Secur ITY T H re AT T o N I ger IA , S AYS

what the lawmakers described as a decisive and constitutionally grounded move to prevent the collapse of democratic order in the neighbouring country.

At the same time, Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) applauded Nigeria’s role in quashing the coup, saying it must be the standard to safeguard democracy.

Relatedly, France, yesterday, said it provided intelligence and logistical support to Benin to

to continue his development projects across Osun State

However, National Working Committee (NWC) of PDP chided Fubara, saying he is suffering from self-inflicted injury.Announcing the defection immediately after meeting with stakeholders at Government House, Port Harcourt, Fubara said his decision was for the interest of the state.

Fubara, who stated that he wouldn’t want to make any mistakes in his decision, said he visited President Bola Tinubu in Abuja on Monday, to inform him of the decision to move to APC.

Fubara repeatedly praised Tinubu for restoring his government after six months’ suspension following political crisis. He said his appreciation was only to Tinubu, Rivers people and no other indi- vidual.

The governor stated, “I know you have been expecting to hear from me and more especially this meeting that I had to arrange so urgently. But the meeting is going to end in a very sweet information.

“You are aware that I went to see Mr. President yesterday, and the reason why I went for that visit is not just a personal visit but a state interest consultation. I don’t want to make any mistake this time around. I wish also not to step on any landmine that anyone is laying for us.

help thwart Sunday’s coup attempt in the former French colony, according to officials from the French presidency.

AbdulRazaq said a suc- cessful military takeover in Benin would have created opportunities for militants and other non-state actors operating across the Sahel to further destabilise Nigeria.

He said large portions of the country, including the forests, had already been infiltrated by armed groups.

“So, I was with Mr. President yesterday to brief him on the situation of things in our state, which I believe he has taken note and is going to act sweetly on it.

“But the most interesting part of the meeting is that what you all have been waiting for, what you have been asking me, the signal has finally arrived.”

Fubara stated that with the latest development, he could now work with his supporters without interference from any external body, stating that the president is in full support of his decisions.

He said, “We have the full support, we have a positive reason to leave where we are because we didn’t get any protection. To go to where the reason why we are still standing is because of that place, and the truth is without Mr. President, there won’t be any His Excellency, Siminalayi Fubara. It would have been former governor.

“So we have every reason, because the truth, let nobody be fooled in this state. We have the people, we have the supporters, and we have the number.

“Our only thank you to Mr. President is to support him. And we cannot support Mr. President in isolation, and we can’t support Mr. President if we don’t fully identify with him, not backyard support.”

He added, “So we have taken that decision today

The governor, in a statement, insisted that any collapse of constitutional order in the neighbouring country would have had direct security im- plications for Nigerian border communities.

He stated, “Apart from sup- porting democratic order in the Sub-region, the president acted in the best interest of Nigeria and West Africa.

“With the Sahel already in severe security distress, a suc- cessful coup in Benin would

since we have gotten the pass. Everyone here who has followed me, who has suffered with me, our decision today this evening we are moving to APC.”

He thanked his supporters, saying, “I’ve not let you down before. I’m not going to let you down now.

“The message is very simple. We are the ones that will give that support, and we will give that support with a loud ova- tion because we know that the people of Rivers State are with

Continued on page 27

age daily production surged 52 per cent from 203,000 bpd in 2023 to 312,000 bpd in 2025.

“On December 1st, 2025, NNPC E&P Limited (NEPL), the flagship upstream subsidiary of NNPC Limited, achieved a record production level of 355,000 barrels of oil per day, its highest daily output since 1989.

“The milestone marks a significant step forward for Nigeria’s upstream sector and reflects the company’s ongoing transformation anchored on efficiency and discipline. The figures show genuine transformation: average daily production surged 52 per cent, rising from 203,000 barrels per day in 2023 to 312,000 bpd in 2025,” the statement said.

have had devastating effects on our own country due to the long and porous borders we share.”

The forum praised the Nige- rian Armed Forces for the rapid response that helped restore stability in Benin, stating that threats to cities such as Porto Novo, Cotonou or Parakou pose serious risks to Nigeria.

“It is our position that democracy, despite its chal- lenges, remains the most reliable framework for regional peace, stability and development,” it added.

NGF said the intervention, carried out at the request of Benin, strengthened ongoing ECOWAS security efforts aimed at preventing further spread of militancy in the region.

Senate Okays Troops’ Deployment, Backs Tinubu Senate, yesterday, granted Tinubu’s request to deploy troops to the Republic of Benin. The lawmakers described the move as decisive and constitutionally grounded to prevent the collapse of democratic order in the neighbouring country.

The approval came moments after the senate president, God-

According to the NNPC, the record growth is no coincidence, as it stems from a clear strategy anchored on operational excellence, strong asset management, and structured field development.

NEPL’s performance, according to the NNPC, demonstrates that with the right leadership, strengthened systems, and a committed workforce, Nigeria’s upstream sector can overcome years of instability.

“The achievement converts national ambition into measurable momentum. The presidential targets of 2 million barrels per day by 2027 and 3 million by 2030 have often appeared aspirational. NEPL’s delivery brings them closer

Abubakar Kyari

development agenda.

‘Mr. President has driven bold reforms, enabled decisive actions and ensured that the foundation has been firmly laid for measurable and sustainable progress.

swill Akpabio, read Tinubu’s urgent letter, triggering an immediate debate and a vote of affirmation from senators, who said Nigeria could not afford instability next door.

Ruling after the session, Ak- pabio declared, “Distinguished colleagues, will the senate now confirm the actions of Mr. President, the deployment of the Air Force and troops to the Benin Republic to ensure a peace mission and restore order and sanity in that country?

Those in support say ‘aye’…

Those against say ‘nay.’ The ayes have it. The approval is herebyAkpabioconfirmed.” praised Tinubu for adhering to constitutional provisions by seeking legislative consent before putting Nigerian troops in harm’s way.

He said, “Let me thank the president for complying with the constitutional requirements.

“We believe he has taken a step in the right direction. This is about saving a neighbouring democracy, protecting Nigerians from the ripple effects, and preventing the influx of thousands of refugees. Injury to one is injury to all.”

He added that senators approved the request “without

to reality,” the NNPC said.

Speaking on the development, Group Chief Executive of NNPC Limited, Bayo Ojulari, pointed out that the milestone was proof that Nigeria’s energy revival is not a dream, but already happening.

“By showing its ability to exceed its own production benchmarks, NEPL confirms that the essential building blocks for scaling national output are being firmly es- tablished. The achievement signals that the machinery of production—equipment, processes, capabilities, and partnerships—can be driven with commercial discipline to produce real and positive outcomes,” Ojulari stated.

much discussion” because the threat unfolding in Cotonou demanded unity of purpose. “We congratulate the president for rising to the occasion,” he said.

In his letter, Tinubu informed the upper chamber that the government of the Republic of Benin had come under immediate threat from an “attempted unconstitutional seizure of power” that imperilled its democratic institutions.

Tinubu said the situation required “urgent external intervention,” particularly air support from Nigeria, to prevent anti-democratic forces from toppling the government. Tinubu wrote, “The govern- ment of the Republic of Benin is currently faced with an at- tempted unconstitutional seizure of power and destabilisation of democratic institutions.

“The distinguished Senate may wish to note the close ties of brotherhood and friendship between Nigeria and Benin, as well as the principles of collec- tive security within ECOWAS.” The president, who doubles as Chairman of ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State

Continued on page 28

He noted that the achievement reinforces confidence nationally and across the global energy landscape, assuring partners and investors that Nigeria is committed to reaffirming its role as a dependable energy supplier.

Also speaking, the Executive Vice President, Upstream, Udy Ntia, observed that the milestone goes beyond the 355,000 bpd figure, stressing that the feat reinforces a shift away from extraction at any cost towards sustainable value creation

“In a sector where shortcuts can yield short-term wins but long-term damage, NEPL is making a different point:

Continued on page 26

INVESTITURE CEREMONY...

L-R: Member Representing Lagos Island Constituency 1, Lagos State House of Assembly (LSHA), Hon. Omolara Olumegbon; First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. (Mrs.) Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu; Deputy Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mojisola Lasbat Meranda; Member Representing Amuwo Odofin Constituency 1, Hon. Foluke Osafile; and Wife of the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Mrs. Oluremi Hamzat, at the investiture of female legislature, newly elected female chairmen and wives of chairmen as Tuberculosis (TB) Champions and Ambassadors in Lagos State held at the First Lady Banquet Hall, Lagos House… recently

UNEP Warns on Rising Global Warming, Urges Businesses to Spearhead Climate Action

Says $7tn annual financing needed to end global greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 Mean temperature projected to rise by 3.9 Celsius

The United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP), has raised the alarm on the rate of global warming, saying it is likely to be higher than Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) estimates, given that the Earth is heating up

faster than previously predicted.

In its latest Global Environment Outlook report, UNEP warned that the planet is set to warm by 2.4C to 3.9C by the end of the century under “existing policies and practices”.

According to the report, temperatures have risen by an average of 1.3C above

pre-industrial level, breaching the 1.5C limit during warmer months, and are expected to reach between 2.4C and 3.9C by the end of the century under “existing policies and practices.”

It observed that climate change, biodiversity, desertification and pollution are all off track to meet international agreement.

The UN agency stated that businesses must play an active role in the absence of political leadership.

The report explained that global mean temperatures are projected to increase by 2.4C to 3.9C above pre-industrial levels this century

UNDP: For Nigeria to Walk Tall, Women Must Be Included in Political Leadership

United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has warned Nigeria against continued exclusion of women from political leadership, insisting that to walk tall in the emerging world order a nation needs both genders.

Speaking in Abuja, at a high-level roundtable with media professionals on the Bill for Reserved Seats for Women, aimed at increasing women’s representation in parliament, UNDP Resident Representative for Nigeria, Elsie Attafuah, explained that the debate over the proposed

Special Seats Bill for Women must move beyond emotion andAttafuahpolitics. stressed that women’s political participation was now a strategic require- ment for Nigeria’s survival and leadership in a world being reshaped by artificial intelligence, demographic disruptions, mineral politics, and geopolitical rivalry.

She stated, “The world, Nigeria must navigate today, is fiercely competitive. Countries are contesting on ideas, values and narratives.

“Nigeria must navigate a world of shifting geopolitics, rapid technological transforma-

tion artificial intelligence, the internet, of things demographic pressures, and contested influence. Nigeria cannot walk into that future with half its population excluded from shaping decisions.

“Nigeria cannot compete globally with less than five per cent female representation. We need different voices and ideas around the table to position Nigeria as a great leader. We are looking at inclusive governance young people, women, persons with disabilities. When Nigeria succeeds, Africa succeeds.”

Attafuah decried Nigeria’s current representation of women, at less than five per

Unusual Praise 2025 Set to Hold December 12

Sunday Ehigiator

The countdown has begun for Unusual Praise 2025, one of Africa’s largest praise and worship gatherings, as organisers announced the highly anticipated event will take place on December 12 at Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS), Lagos.According to a press release issued yesterday, the pro-

gramme is set to begin by 5:00 pm, and would be hosted by the Catholic Church of Divine Mercy, Lekki, with promises of a bigger, louder and more spiritually uplifting experience as worshippers from across Nigeria and beyond converge for an all-night session of praise, worship and the Holy Mass.

“Unusual Praise has grown over the years to become the biggest praise night within

the Catholic community in Africa, attracting thousands of worshippers and featuring world-renowned gospel ministers.

“Past editions have hosted global megastar acts such as Don Moen, Ron Kenoly, Sinach, Chioma Jesus, Nicole C. Mullen, Olumide Dada, Dunsin Oyekan, Mahalia, Mercy Chinwo, Sr. Agatha Ozah and Joe Praize, among others.

cent, as incompatible with the country’s ambition to lead Africa.

She stated, “Global data consistently shows a direct link between women’s political leadership and national progress in economic growth, health, education, and technological innovation. There is clear evidence. When women sit at the decision-making table, countries do better economically, socially, technologically.”

It added that the global temperature is set to rise well above the 1.5C threshold set out in the Paris Agreement.

Co-chair of the report, Robert Watson

said businesses could play a “crucial” role in curbing planetary destruction in the absence of political leadership.

UNEP the latest edition (the seventh) of the outlook is the “most comprehensive scientific environmental assessment ever carried out” and involved the input of 287 scientists from 82 countries.

The Paris Agreement is not the only environmental agreement whose goals are not in reach. The aims of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, the UN Convention to Combat Desertification, and the World Health Organization air pollution standards are all unlikely to be met, the report stated.

It also warned that the rate of global warming in the next few decades is likely to be

higher than estimates from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, given that the Earth is heating up faster than previously predicted.

“Nothing is going in the right direction on the global scale,” said Watson, in a media briefing ahead of the report’s launch.

The four planetary crises of climate change, biodiversity loss, land degradation and pollution are all interlinked and worsening, he added.

The only way of changing course is through “unprec- edented, innovative actions”, he said.

To end environmentally harmful subsidies, the report recommended a number of measures to make the world more sustainable.

First, it underlined the need to transform the economic system, including by elimi- nating the $1.5 trillion spent annually by governments on environmentally harmful subsidies across the energy, food and mining sectors.

Access Bank Botswana Celebrates 3 Global Awards for Innovation and Impact

Access Bank Botswana, a subsidiary of Access Bank Group, has earned international acclaim after winning three prestigious awards that highlight its innovation, customer-first mind-set, and commitment to social impact.

The recognitions reinforced the bank’s mission to reshape Botswana’s financial landscape through digital excellence and purpose-driven banking.

The bank, in a statement,

said it was honoured with Best Digital Banking Initiative, Botswana, at The Digital Banker Global Retail Banking Innovation Awards 2025 for its SalaryAdvanceground-breaking

is a fully digital, short-term credit facil- ity that gives salaried customers instant access to up to 200 per cent of their monthly salary. Accessible via mobile app and USSD, the product offers convenience, transpar- ent pricing, and automated repayments, driving financial

inclusion and deepening customer engagement across theAccesscountry.Bank Botswana also received two awards from the Global Banking & Finance Awards. They were Best Bank for Digital Transformation, Botswana 2025, recognising the bank’s Women Banking Initiative (W Initiative), which empowers women entrepreneurs and professionals through tailored financial solutions, capacity- building, and financial literacy programmes.

INTERNATIONAL ANTI-CORRUPTION DAY 2025...

L-R: Chairman, Fiscal Responsibility Commission, Victor Muruako; Director General, Bureau of Public Service Reforms, Dr. D. I. Arabi; the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef O. Fagbemi SAN; Head, Technical Unit On Governance and Anti-Corruption Reforms (TUGAR), Mrs Jane Onwumere; Chairman, Code of Conduct Bureau, Dr Abdullahi Usman Bello, on the commemoration of The International Anti-Corruption Day organised by the Inter-Agency Task Team of Anti-Corruption Agencies in Abuja, yesterday

FG: Over 8,000 PHCs Benefiting from BHCPF Disbursement

500,000 zero dose children vaccinated

Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja

The National Primary Healthcare Development Agency has said that about 8000 Primary Healthcare Centres in the country are presently being supported with money from the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHCPF).

According to statistics, there at least 17,600 primary health care (PHC) facilities across Nigeria, but federal government said it plans to raise the number to about 33,000 in the coming years as part the commitment to ensure equitable access to quality health services for Nigerians.

For now, it said the target is to further expand the disbursement of BHCPF to cover additional 5,212 PHC facilities across the country by the end of the year.

Court Orders

While giving update on vaccine uptake, NPHCDA said that significant progress has been made on immunization with over 500,000 children out of the 2.1 million zero dose children have vaccinated in the last one Regardingyear.ongoing efforts at revitalizing PHCs, govern- ment said that additional 2,125 of the facilities have been rehabilitated while 500 of the facilities have been fully equipped.

Speaking at a Quarterly Media Briefing in Abuja, the Executive Director of NPHCDA, Muyi Aina said though federal government recognizes the fact that PHCs are supposed to be under the control and funding by the local governments and states but had to intervene because there is need to quickly address existing gaps in maternal and child health indices.

“We have now completed, between us and the states, 2,125 additional facilities, and about 1,671 are on track to be added to that. When you add that to the baseline of about 1,800, we are starting to move,” he said.

Aina said the federal government has directly equipped 500 PHC centres with solar

power, staff residences, and essential medical commodities, while states and local governments complement the efforts.

“A couple of months ago, the coordinating minister sent out essential commodities— maternal, newborn, and child health commodities—to all 774 local governments in Nigeria.

It’s not enough, but it’s a step in the right direction.

“We’re not moving quickly enough, but we are at least making progress considering the resource and environment that we have, these includes the infrastructure building, power, and the equipment

“We have equipped directly as the federal government

through the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, 500 primary health centers across the country,” he said.

The NPHCDA boss also provided updates on the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF), the agency’s core financing mechanism for PHC services.

Lagos Rolls Out Free Textbooks for SS3 Students, Recommits to Quality Education

Funmi Ogundare

The Lagos State Government yesterday flagged-off the of- ficial distribution of textbooks to Senior Secondary School three (SS3) students in its public schools, with the objective of ensuring access to learning materials and achieving quality education across the state.

Adjourns to March 25, 2026 for hearing

A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) sitting in Gwarinpa, on Tuesday ordered the service of a N40 billion defamation suit on the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr. Nyesom Wike, by substituted means.

Justice A. M. Hassan, who issued the order while ruling in an exparte application, specifically ordered that the applicant paste the writ of summons, statement of

claim, hearing notice and the entire court documents, on the headquarters of the FCT, in Garki, Abuja. At Tuesday’s proceedings, applicant’s lawyer, Mr. Jibrin Okutepa, SAN, narrated the inability to serve the suit on the defendant and prayed that the court permits the plaintiff to serve the court’s documents through substi- tuted service.

The senior lawyer gave Wike’s last known address as the Head Office of the

Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), Garki Area 11.

In a bench ruling, Justice Hassan granted the application as prayed and ordered that the court process including the hearing notice be served on the minister, by pasting same at the address provided by the applicant.

Having granted the request, Justice Hassan fixed March 25 and 26, 2026 for hearing in the suit number CV/4502/25.

Speaking at the ceremony, held at the Education Resource Centre, Lagos, the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mr. Jamiu Tolani Alli-Balogun, explained the initiative underscores the state’s commitment to strengthening teaching and learning.

Without students having access to the textbooks, he said education is incomplete, adding the initiative aligns directly with the Lagos State Government’s commitment to

free education.

“This is another element of the governor’s achieve- ment,” he said. “Textbooks are being given to students in Lagos State, majorly SS three students, and this is the first batch. Next year, we are going to procure more textbooks in Mathematics, English, and other syllabus-based subjects.”

He commended the teachers for their commitment and the impressive performance of students in recent examina-

tions, saying their dedication continues to place Lagos at the forefront.

“They are trying their best. In the last exam, they came first for their efforts, their energy and commitment,” he said, adding that more still needs to be done to sustain excellence.

Addressing students, the commissioner urged them to embrace discipline, curiosity and hard work, describing the current moment as a turning point.

Nigeria Records 185 Deaths from Lassa Fever, with 1012 Confirmed Cases

Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) said Nigeria has so far recorded a total of 1012 confirmed cases, with 185 deaths this year.

In a latest Lassa Fever Situation Report published by the Centre for Week 47 (17th - 23rd November, 2025), it said the number of confirmed cases decreased from 19 in Epidemic week 46 to 17 in Epidemic week

47 of 2025.

It said all the new cases were reported in Edo, Bauchi, Ondo and Taraba states.

A statement by NCDC said that, “Cumulatively there were 1012 confirmed cases, 185 deaths, Case Fatality Rate is 18.3% (higher than 16.4% same period in 2024). ⁠21 states have recorded at least one confirmed case across 102 Local Government Areas”.

In addition, it said that N87

percent of confirmed cases are from Ondo, Bauchi, Taraba and Edo states.

According to NCDC, the predominant age group affected by the disease remained 21-30 years. No new healthcare worker was affected in this epidemic week, while the number of suspected and confirmed cases decreased compared to that reported at the same period in 2024.

Acting Group Politics Editor DEJI ELUMOYE

Email: deji.elumoye@thisdaylive.com

08033025611 sms only

Osun APC Guber Primary: The Fire this Time

The recent dust raised by the disqualification of seven aspirants from contesting for the governorship primary of the a ll Progressives Congress for the 2026 governorship election in Osun State is not likely to settle soon. a part from the bad blood it has generated within the party and the sour taste it has unexpectedly left in the mouths of the supporters of the aspirants, there are also wider implications for the party as build-up to the election continues. Raheem Akingbolu reports.

The Furore the Morning After…

In what looked like a political tsunami, seven governorship aspirants, who were warming up to take part in the All Progressives Congress (APC) primaries slated for Saturday, December 13, got their hope dashed last week. In a unanimous decision, the party’s seven-member screening committee, led by Obinna Uzor, disqualified seven of the nine contestants that already signified intention, from contesting for the position of Osun State governor under the party. One week after, the decision is still generating furore within and outside the party because of the history of political complexity Osun enjoys and perhaps the profile paraded by those disqualified.

Even a political rookie in Osun State knows that a few of those eased out are not political light-weights. Those disqualified are Iyiola Omisore, Babatunde Haketer Oralusi, Oyedotun Babayemi and Akin Ogunbiyi. Others are Benedict Alabi, Rasheed Adegoke and Babajide Omoworare.

However, two aspirants, Mulikat Abiola Jimoh and Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji, popularly known as AMBO, were cleared to contest the primary. Oyebamiji was Gboyega Oyetola’s Commissioner for Finance when he was Osun state governor and immediate past Managing Director of National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA).

Omoworare, a lawyer, was a former senator who once represented Osun East (Ife/Ijesa) Senatorial District in the national assembly. Omisore was a former deputy governor of the state from 1999 to 2002. Apart from this, he was also the National Secretary of the party and one time Senator representing Osun East Senatorial District.

Like Omisore, Alabi was also a former Deputy Governor, who was in office from 2018 to 2022 under Governor Oyetola.

Another strong contender who was eased out is Adegoke, a constitutional lawyer and a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), who once slugged it out with former governor Oyetola during the build up to the 2017 primaries. Two others, Babayemi and Ogunbiyi are Nigeria’s leading technocrats and business executives who have made indelible marks in Osun political landscapes.

Esau’s Hand, Jacob’s Voice?

Over the weekend, one of the disqualified contestants, Omisore met the APC screening

appeal panel and after the meeting, the former party scribe claimed the chairman of the panel reportedly told them he received a call instructing him to “disqualify those who were barred”. He added that his disqualification was the “jokest report” of the year.

“We’re in December, abi? That’s the jokest report of this year. It’s so unfortunate that people are taking partisanship beyond politics,” Omisore said. He explained that they had not been officially communicated as per the reason for their disqualification.

“We haven’t been written to. So, what are the bases of the disqualification? You said we didn’t have nominators, five per local government. But the law says, he who alleges must prove. They should have used another method to disqualify us.”

Omisore and the other disqualified aspirants have claimed that a former governor of the state and current Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola, is behind the whole drama. They claimed that the chairman of the screening panel told them he was “under pressure” to bar them from contesting for the ticket. This was apart from the fact that about three reports from the screening exercise and the one taken to the national secretariat of the party was not the original one.

“We are aware that the panel

members have two, three reports. The one taken to the secretariat wasn’t the original report. As we speak today, none of us has seen their report or why we were disqualified,” Omisore said.

He added that they were not pushovers in the politics of the state and that their disqualification only meant the party was preparing for failure.

“You can see for yourself that when you disqualify people like us in any contest, where do we go from there? The party is pointing at failure.”

Omisore further claimed that the screening committee chairman confessed that it was Oyetola that told him to disqualify the other aspirants so as to pave way for easy emergence of Oyebamiji; who Omisore described as Oyetola’s ‘poster boy’.

“He told us that Minister Gboyega Oyetola called him that they must disqualify all of us because he wants his lackey, his poster boy, Oyebamiji,” Omisore said.

Omisore Effect of 2018…

Ismail Omipidan, the former Chief Press Secretary to Oyetola argued in a recent post on his facebook that “the Aregbesola camp may argue that the APC did not need Omisore to win the 2018 governorship re-run election, the facts say otherwise. If what happened did not happen, the party leaders who championed the negotiations at the time would not have run to Omisore.”

He added that this was despite the fact that some of those who served as negotiators with Omisore had also been the ones that created the problem the party was trying to wriggle out of from then. He argued that they funded and supported Moshood Adeoti

While omisore may have his political baggages, he remains a political force in the state. Also, in Ife and its environ, omoworare enjoys a resounding popularity. For Adegoke, Babayemi and ogunbiyi, who had contested before and have structures across the state, it may be difficult to push them aside without some understanding.

in the ADP which led to the party staring defeat on the face and which led to INEC dubiously declaring the election as being inconclusive and fraudulently ordering a rerun in Ile-Ife, Omisore’s stronghold.

It could also be recalled that former President Mohammadu Buhari, while speaking to party leaders in 2019 ahead of that year’s general elections said the party won the 2018 election in Osun State via “remote control”. Perhaps, if a whole President could say that publicly, he surely knew what he was talking about. As admitted by Omipidan, the person that made the ‘remote control’ victory possible was Omisore.

And Compensation Followed…

Going by the mercantile nature of Nigerian politics, Omisore could not have readily stuck out his troubled but effective political neck out if he did not extract some commitments from those who approached him for help. Omipidan claimed that the only position negotiated and agreed with Omisore and which was not implemented was the ministerial position. He said every other commitment was fulfilled.

“Apart from the ministerial position, every other item that was negotiated was implemented to the letter by Oyetola. He gave out commissionership and SA slots and he consistently deferred to Omisore on several sensitive matters, often to the displeasure of some of his closest aides. It even got to a point where Aregbesola began referring to Omisore as Oyetola’s new leader,” Omipidan wrote.

He added that if Oyetola cannot be credited for anything else, he should at least be acknowledged for saving Omisore from political oblivion. He added that the former governor was also responsible for the emergence of Omisore as the National Secretary of the ruling party.

“If not for Oyetola’s efforts and insistence, there was no way Omisore would have emerged as the APC National Secretary at the time he did. And that single event revived and preserved Omisore’s political career. Till today, some APC elders in the South-West have not forgiven Oyetola for the role he played in Omisore’s emergence.”

NOTE:

Kayode Tokede

Following high interest rate, concerns about credit risk and economic uncertainty, banks have continued to shy away from lending to the real sector, depositing a whooping N61.57 trillion with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in November 2025.

The November deposits however represents a 4.6 per cent drop from N64.55

trillion deposited with the apex bank in October 2025.

Banks and merchant banks deposit excess cash at CBN’s using the Standing Deposit Facility (SDF). The CBN in turn lends some of the deposit to any bank via its Standing Lending Facility (SLF) window to meet critical overnight obligations.

Analysis of financial data released by the CBN revealed that so far in 2025, banks deposited more cash

than they borrowed.

According to the CBN data, banks and merchant banks’ deposits with CBN between January and November 2025 stood at N272.31 trillion, representing an increase of 792.1 per cent Year-on-Year ((YoY) from N30.52 trillion between January and November 2024.

On CBN’s lending, the data revealed that banks and merchant banks borrowed an estimated

N69.54 trillion from the apex banks between January and November 2025, a decline of nearly 40 per cent YoY from N115.71 trillion borrowed between January and November 2024.

Earlier in the year, SLF demand remained relatively high at N24.8 trillion in February 2025, slightly before easing to N16.49 trillion in March 2025. That mixed behavior showed that although

system liquidity was strengthening, some institutions still required overnight support to rebalance their books.

Analysts attributed the growth to high credit risk concerns and a preference for the safety of the regulator window rather than lending into the real sector.

“With high benchmark rates for lending and borrowing, and concerns about credit risk and

economic uncertainty, banks may prefer the relative safety of the SDF. It offers them a known return rather than extending credit into uncertain territory. While banks eagerly placed excess funds with the apex bank, borrowing from the CBN slowed as pressures in the interbank market relaxed,” said Vice President, Highcap Securities Limited, Mr. David Adnori

Kayode Tokede

The federal government has inaugurated the National Tax Policy Implementation Committee (NTPIC), marking a deliberate shift toward a more predictable and market-aligned rollout of the newly enacted capitalgains-tax (CGT) provisions. The move follows extensive

technical engagements with key capital-market institutions, including the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX Group), reflecting policymakers’ recognition of the market’s role in sustaining liquidity, price discovery and long-term capital formation.

Chaired by leading tax and fiscal-policy expert, Joseph Tegbe, the committee has been tasked with steering the implementation process toward clarity, investor protection and policy coherence. Its mandate includes ensuring transparent guidelines, broad stakeholder consultation and an

execution framework that minimizes market disruption while reinforcing confidence among domestic and foreign investors.

Tegbe said the government would avoid policies that risk disrupting market activity or business investment.

“Implementation of the

new tax laws will be fair, transparent and humane. We will not roll out these policies in a way that cripples businesses or investors. Stakeholder engagement will be central to this process,” he said at the inauguration.

The shift follows sustained engagements by NGX Group and the

SEC, during which market operators outlined the potential implications of a rapid CGT rollout on liquidity, investor sentiment and the market’s competitiveness at a time when Nigeria is seeking deeper pools of domestic and foreign capital.

L-R: Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume in a handshake with the Managing Director Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, when Datsoho was recognised and decorated with the Award of “Excellence in Maritime Infrastructure Modernisation & Global Competitiveness, at the flagship Nigeria Excellence Awards in Public Service (NEAPS), held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja… recently

Pension Remittances: PenCom Recovers N32bn from Defaulting Employers

The National Pension Commission (PenCom), said it had recovered a total of N32.27 billion from employers who refused to remit pension deductions from their employees’ salaries.

The commission said the above amount recovered by its newly selected recovery agents comprises of N15.87 billion recovered as principal contributions and N16.40 billion as penalties from defaulting employers between June 2012 and September 2025.

In addition, PenCom said it had recorded significant compliance gains in the third quarter of 2025 alone, recovering N2.06 billion (N775 million

principal and N1.27 billion penalties) from 49 defaulting employers, reflecting a sustained surge in enforcement activities.

The Director General PenCom, Ms. Omolola Oloworaran stated these during an intensive training workshop for accredited recovery agents recently held in Lagos.

Oloworaran said, PenCom had ushered in a new era of zero tolerance for pension defaults with accredited recovery agents serving as the cornerstone of Nigeria’s social contract with its workers. The PenCom DG was represented at the workshop by the Commissioner Inspectorate of the Commission, Samuel Chigozie Uwandu.

NECA, ILO Strengthens Pathway for Responsible Business Conduct

The Director-General of the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA), Mr. Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde, has called for stronger privatesector commitment to Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) standards as a critical pillar for business sustainability,

competitiveness and international investment readiness.

He made the remarks at the launch of the ESG State of Play Report, jointly developed by NECA and the International Labour Organization (ILO), held in Lagos.

She told the workshop participants that despite the successes of the Contributory Pension

Leadway Assurance is partnering with Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF), and Verdure Climate, to lead a national

Scheme (CPS), persistent defaults by employers threaten the fundamental purpose of the system.

dialogue on identifying challenges and proffering actionable solutions on agricultural and climate risks in Nigeria.

The dialogue held in Abuja has the theme, “Accelerating Agricultural Lending to Market Actors and Smallholder Farmers

“Every unremitted Naira represents a broken promise to a Nigerian worker, this Commission has moved from promoting voluntary compliance to mandating enforced compliance,” she stated.

Using Index-Based Agric Insurance & Blended Finance Solutions.”

Speaking at the event, Global Head, Agriculture Risk Solutions, Leadway Assurance, Ayoola Fatona, reaffirmed the organisation’s long-term commitment to financial

inclusion and agricultural transformation.

“We are in a mission to make insurance a catalyst for productivity by ensuring farmers can access credit, adopt climate-keen practices, and recover quickly from weather-related shocks.

Nigeria, China Deepen Agricultural Cooperation

Nigeria’s ongoing drive to modernise its agricultural sector gained major traction as a high-level delegation led by the Governor of Kaduna State, Senator Uba Sani, and the Director-General of the

Nigeria–China Strategic Partnership (NCSP), Mr. Joseph Tegbe, commenced a series of strategic engagements with leading agribusiness enterprises in Beijing, China.

The delegation toured

Beijing Doudian Yisheng Halal Meat Industry Co. Ltd and CP Food Layers and Eggs Ltd, two major players in China’s livestock and poultry ecosystem. The visits formed part of ongoing high-level engagements aimed at accelerating the development of Nigeria’s livestock sector and advancing agro-industrial growth in Kaduna State and other parts of the country.

SO&U Congratulates FATE Foundation on Silver Jubilee

SO&U, one of Nigeria’s foremost marketing communications groups, has congratulated FATE Foundation on the occasion of its 25th anniversary, celebrating the organisation’s outstanding impact in empowering entrepreneurs and

strengthening the nation’s MSME ecosystem since 2000.

“As a major partner of FATE Foundation, SO&U has consistently supported the organisation’s mission to inspire, equip, and enable aspiring and

emerging entrepreneurs across Nigeria. Through collaborative projects and communication support, SO&U continues to amplify the Foundation’s programmes, success stories and contribution to national development,” it said in a statement.

Group Managing Director, SO&U, Mr. Udeme Ufot, commended FATE Foundation for its unwavering commitment and transformative work; He said, “FATE Foundation has been an exceptional force for good in our society. “

Asst.

Correspondents

KayodeTokede(CapitalMarkets)

James emejo (Finance) ebere nwoji (Insurance)

Reporter Peter Uzoho (Energy)

Oyerinde noted that the study represents the first comprehensive national benchmark on ESG awareness, adoption and readiness among Nigerian employers, and is expected to serve as a reference tool for policymakers, investors, development partners and corporate decision-makers. He explained that the findings will support more robust dialogue between government, industry and capital market actors, helping accelerate responsible business practices across the economy.

Ellah Lakes Extends N235bn Public Offer Deadline

Ellah Lakes Plc stated that the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has approved the extension of its ongoing N235 billion public offer period, allowing more investors

to participate in the company’s growth journey. The company is raising a public offer of 18.8 billion ordinary shares of 50 kobo each at N12.50 per share. The offer, which was initially set to close on December 5, 2025,

will now remain open until December 19, 2025, due to rising investor interest.

Ellah Lakes aims to raise funds to accelerate its scale, enhance food security, and deliver sustainable long-term value for stakeholders.

The company, in a statement said, “the extension follows rising investor interest, reflecting Ellah Lakes’ commitment to enabling broad participation in one of the largest equity offerings in Nigeria’s agribusiness sector.

NGX Admits Chams HoldCo’s N3.66bn Shares

The Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) has admitted Chams Holding Company’s 1,955,910,000 ordinary shares of 50 kobo each

at N1.87 per share offered through private placement.

The listing, effective November 17, 2025, increases the company’s total issued and fully paid-up shares from 4.696 billion to 6.651 billion, raising N3.66 billion to support equity funding and technical operations.

A press release on the NGX, said “trading licence holders are hereby notified that additional 1.956 billion ordinary shares of 50 kobo each of Chams Holding Company were on November 17, 2025, listed on the daily official list of NGX.

www.thisdaylive.com

THE FAILED COUP IN BENIN

opinion@thisdaylive.com

ABIODUN KOMOLAFE argues the need for specially-trained forces to contain the terrorists

NIGERIA’S BATTLE AGAINST INSECURITY

The attempted coup is a reminder of how fragile our democracies have become, writes OUMAROU SANOU CONNECTIVITY AND THE 4,000 TOWERS

SONNY ARAGBAAKPORE writes that the towers are meant to bridge

The roots of the current crisis stretch deep into the past. To truly discern these origins, one must look all the way back to the Justice Alexander Aniagolu Report on the Maitatsine Riots in Kano (1981), whose findings clearly harbingered the events that were to come. Four decades later, we are facing the fatal consequences of unheeded warnings.

Between 1980 and 1985, the Maitatsine Riots encompassed a series of violent religious uprisings in Northern Nigeria. It was initiated and led by Muhammad Marwa (Maitatsine), whose followers belonged to the militant Islamic sect, Yan Tatsine. The conflict began in Kano and spread to other cities, resulting in thousands of deaths before it was suppressed by the Nigerian military.

The crisis Nigeria currently faces was foretold in the Maitatsine and other Reports. The deepening poverty and woes in the North and parts of Nigeria were largely caused by the destruction of the agricultural value chain. This destruction was exacerbated by the termination of the 1963 Republican Constitution in 1966, and the irresponsible fixation on a misplaced depiction of an oil boom. The inability to reverse the destruction of the rural economy in Northern Nigeria, alongside the failure to make education free and compulsory from the age of 16, starting around 1977, ultimately led us to where we are today.

Former Military President Ibrahim Babangida’s misconceived and nowdiscredited Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP) also added salt to the North’s festering injury. And, as if the gods were angry, SAP deconstructed its nascent industrial base, wiping out fundamental industries such as textiles. Nobody should be surprised, in view of this that we landed in the era of Boko Haram. Indeed, it would have been absurd had we not landed in that era. Having landed in the era, the political will to tackle the root cause was lacking. Instead, what became depicted as an insurgency opened a vast new avenue for making money by members of the connected political and military establishment.

The military industrial complex arose out of the war against terror. Without parliamentary oversight worth the name, a never-ending war found a stool and sat comfortably in the country. Sadly, the Return on Investment (ROI) for those profiting from this war might be as high as an investment in Oil and Gas. Even a primary school student can do a CostBenefit Analysis (CBA) of the profiteering and conclude, beyond any reasonable doubt, that Nigeria has been badly

defrauded in the pursuit of what is now a phantom war against terror.

The National Assembly must now, as a way out of terror, do a forensic audit into spending on the war against terror, stretching back 15 years. This will reveal everything and show conclusively that even if we quadruple expenditure on Defence spending, the war will go on ad infinitum. This is simple common sense, for no turkey votes for an early Christmas. We have an entrenched business encompassing the high and the mighty, and dismantling it would be a Herculean task. If we do not dismantle the business framework, we will be fighting the war against terror until the Year 2050, and beyond.

Worryingly, Nigeria does not have the much needed Unexplained Sources of Wealth Act, even though, commendably, Senator Ali Ndume from Borno South is proposing one. It is only by asking people to account for their wealth that we can really get to the root of the profiteering and racketeering industry that has arisen from the war against terror over the past 15 years.

In addition to the forensic audit, the country must now have the intellectual humility to admit that it’s been fighting the war in a wrong way. Faced with guerilla warfare, we need to develop a framework centered on Special Forces as well as an increase in specially-trained ground troops to destroy the terrorists. For example, it is clearly absurd to pursue fleeing terrorists on motorbikes with heavy armour. We should have developed our own Special Forces with their own specially-configured motorbikes, perhaps even using electricity, to pursue, overtake and dismantle them.

It is clear that the development of Special Forces is not in sync with the profiteering and racketeering in Defence expenditure. We must now quickly develop Special Forces as well as strengthen the intelligence framework at the local level and use technology to monitor the movements of the terrorists. Satellite sensors could have monitored the movement of scores of motorcycles moving symmetrically. We must also investigate the failure of

intelligence.

Nigeria is in a very terrible situation and the entire sector of the war must now be configured in order to defeat terrorism. The top echelon of the Nigerian Defence system must study unconventional warfare, dating back about 80 years, to see how modern armies had to configure their methods to fight insurgents.

A key example is Dien Bien Phu in Vietnam. Seventy-one years ago, on the paddy fields of Vietnam, a lightly-armed, barefooted guerrilla army, led by a lawyer named Võ Nguyên Giáp, not only defeated but also destroyed the French Army, which had air power, armoured tanks, and the most modern weaponry at its disposal.

The Battle of Dien Bien Phu (MarchMay 1954) was the decisive engagement of the First Indochina War. Apart from changing the conception of warfare forever, it also showed that a revolutionary ragtag army can defeat one of the best armies in the world. Most importantly, it showed that guerrilla warfare is fundamentally different from state-on-state wars like Nigeria versus Ghana or Togo versus Niger Republic.

The French surrender ended its colonial rule in Vietnam and led to the country's temporary partition. We must therefore study this as well as other examples of asymmetric warfare to resolve the ugly situation we now face. To put it succinctly, there must be a complete overhaul, for it is now clear that the constant changing of personnel is not the issue. The issue is that the strategy must change! It means that we must have a different force structure within the army!

It must also be noted that an insurgency movement mutates. When insurgents quarrel, which is not unlikely, divisions set in and the groups mutate, moving into different sectors. This means that, instead of fighting three groups, a country may eventually face ten or eleven. So, a country worth its vision and mission on security must anticipate this and nurture its strategic plans.

The argument that heightened insecurity is merely a pre election narrative for 2027 is too lazy to sound as an excuse. Do we think the parents whose children were kidnapped care a hoot about any election? Have we counted how many of the Chibok girls’ parents are still alive? What of the parents whose children were abducted from St. Mary’s Catholic School in Niger: do we know how many have ended up in the hospital? For God’s sake, when will this madness come to an end? Komolafe

The attempted coup is a reminder of how fragile our democracies have become, writes OUMAROU SANOU

THE FAILED COUP IN BENIN

The coup in Benin lasted barely a few hours, but it has exposed a dangerous trend across West Africa. What unfolded in Cotonou on December 7 was not just a clumsy mutiny by a handful of soldiers—it was a reminder of how fragile our democracies have become, and how eagerly foreign actors and their local proxies are exploiting public frustration to rewrite the political map of the region.

By 7:30 a.m., shots were ringing around President Patrice Talon’s residence. Minutes later, a ragtag group of mutineers stormed the national broadcaster, declared the president “removed,” and presented an unknown artillery officer as leader of a so-called “Committee for Military Refoundation.” They looked startled, disorganised, and unconvincing. By midday, they had been flushed out, arrested, or had fled. Benin’s institutions held firm. The coup failed—and quickly.

But the real story began online. Even before the first verified reports emerged, the usual chorus of self-styled “pan-African revolutionaries”—the same characters who cheerlead every military takeover from Niamey and Bamako to Ouagadougou—were already celebrating. The speed of their reaction raises serious questions. Kémi Seba, who has mastered the art of performative radicalism, hailed the mutiny as a “liberation day” before hastily deleting his post once the coup collapsed. Nathalie Yamb, Egountchi Behanzin, and other loud anti-Western voices recycled old protest videos, fabricated stories of “millions” marching, and claimed government statements were issued from “fake studios.” AESlinked accounts joined in, flooding the information space with lies. It was carefully coordinated and deliberate, intended to mislead.

These people call themselves “pan-Africanists,” but their behaviour betrays something else entirely. Their activism is increasingly indistinguishable from geopolitical propaganda—loud when coups align with their sponsors, silent when repression occurs in their preferred authoritarian states. They do not defend Africa; they manipulate Africans.

Then came the most troubling detail: at the height of the coup attempt, two Russian vessels appeared near the port of Cotonou, only to withdraw once it became clear the mutineers had failed. Perhaps a coincidence— but the timing is too convenient, too familiar. Russia and its proxies have mastered the art of filling the cracks in fragile democracies, using information warfare, opportunistic “solidarity,” and covert support to reshape alliances. West Africa, battered by

poor governance and eroding public trust, has become fertile ground for corruption.

If there is comfort, it lies in the maturity shown by Benin’s institutions. The armed forces refused to splinter. The public rejected the mutiny unequivocally. Côte d’Ivoire and others signalled readiness to intervene. For once, democratic states in the region acted like they understood the stakes. And yet, the fact that such a small, ill-prepared group even attempted a coup underscores the depth of the political decay around us.

Let’s be honest: West Africa is sitting on a democratic fault line. Elections are increasingly contentious. Institutions are underperforming. Citizens feel abandoned. Leaders behave with impunity. In such an environment, coups stop being unthinkable. They become tempting. And foreign actors—whether Moscow or any other power—are more than happy to exploit that vacuum. The danger is not just the coups themselves, but also the erosion of democratic norms that makes coups possible.

ECOWAS and the African Union can no longer wait for crises to erupt before reacting. They need a standing peer-review mechanism for democratic governance—not the stale, symbolic reviews of the past, but real political diagnostics that confront uncomfortable truths. Countries must be assessed on press freedom, electoral integrity, judicial independence, civil-military relations, and public trust. Anything less is wishful thinking.

If leaders continue to ignore the widening cracks, West Africa will drift further into a cycle of coups, juntas, and foreign manipulation dressed up as “anti-imperialism.” The failed Benin coup is the latest warning. The next one may not fail. And by then, the region would have crossed a line that is difficult to reverse.

The alarm bells are ringing. West Africa can still pull back from the brink— but only if its leaders choose courage over complacency.

Sanou, is a social critic, Pan-African observer and researcher focusing on governance, security, and political transitions in the Sahel. sanououmarou386@gmail.com

SONNY ARAGBA-AKPORE writes that the towers are meant to bridge the digital divide

CONNECTIVITY AND THE 4,000 TOWERS

Worried by the growing insecurity in the country and poor connectivity in underserved communities, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) recently approved 4,000 Towers to boost communications. Although details of the implementation and distribution of the towers were sketchy, the Information and National Orientation Minister, Mr Mohammed Idris, said the FEC approved the towers to boost connectivity and security across the nation. Idris explained that the programme 4,000 towers will be erected in underserved communities to boost public communications.

The rollout is expected to significantly improve rural connectivity, stimulate commerce and enhance security surveillance in areas currently lacking network coverage.

Beautiful as the initiative seems, the Minister did not mention how much will be involved in the project and under which conditions and procedures will be followed to execute the project implementation.

Apart from the infrastructure interventions of the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF) an organ of telecommunications regulator, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) that erects BTS and towers to boost connectivity in black spots and underserved areas, it is not clear how FEC intends to proceed with the erection of these towers to happen, more so since no budget provision was announced in that regard. Building a tower is not a tea party, as huge expenditure goes into actualising one. Besides the capital outlay, such towers don’t come cheaply. Other costs follow, including security and the hydraheaded Right of Way fees charged by state and local council governments. Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) have had to contend with multiple taxes to sustain and maintain the towers that accommodate the Base Transceiver Stations (BTS).

Will the government build the towers in collaboration with network providers? So many questions are hanging as no details of the implementation are available as we write this. Yes, if actualised, communication will improve, but the process of delivering this remains unknown.

The NCC data show that the number of base stations deployed by mobile network operators since 2001, when Global System of Mobile Communications (GSM) began, stood at 137,992 by end-of-2023.

But industry-analysis sources claim that by 2024 (or very recently), the total may have reached ~145,141 base stations nationwide.

The breakdown of recent data (2022–2025) on BTS/towers indicates that approximate distribution by operator / tower-company, and what is (and isn’t) publicly available. However, as of December 2022, the total BTS across Nigeria were 127,294. By end-2023, the total BTS rose to 137,992.

And by December 2024, the total number of base stations reported was

145,141.

Also, by end-2024, there were roughly 39,880 telecom towers in Nigeria (that is, physical mast/tower structures), reflecting both “macro towers” and collocated sites, including infrastructure-sharing arrangements.

The 4,000 towers being proposed will increase the number to about 44,000.

Sensing the high cost of building base stations and maintenance of the same, many mobile network operators (MNOs) lease rather than own the physical tower infrastructure. Thus, there is now a separation between “base stations/BTS” (active radio equipment) and “tower structures.”

This is typical worldwide and increasingly common in Nigeria now to reduce the costs of putting up one. Apart from that, the NCC introduced infrastructure sharing many years ago to cushion the cost of individual companies erecting and maintaining the same.

Analysts state that as of 2023, the bulk of towers in Nigeria were owned/managed by tower companies (“Tower Cos”), and not directly by MNOs.

The main tower companies and their approximate holdings (as reported in a 2023 “industry infrastructure” breakdown) include:

IHS Towers — about 18,925 towers; ATC Nigeria (subsidiary of American Tower Corporation) — about 8,270 towers; Globacom — directly owns and manages towers (unlike MNOs that lease towers from TowerCos) . Several smaller “TowerCo” operators (e.g. Pan-African Tower, East Castle, ColoPlus, others) — cumulatively adding to tens of thousands of towers. MNOs themselves directly manage only a small fraction of the total towers. For example, as of 2024, the majority of towers (~30,597 out of 39,880) are under TowerCos, while MNOs own about 9,283 towers.

Because of the lease / infrastructuresharing model, each tower may host equipment from multiple operators — allowing multiple BTS per tower (or multiple MNOs sharing the same site) and making the mapping between “towers” and “BTS / base stations” non-trivial.

BTS is the electronic equipment used in mobile networks, including 2G/3G/4G/ and 5G.

Aragba-Akpore is a member of THISDAY Editorial Board

Editor,

Editorial

Page PETER ISHAKA

Email peter.ishaka@thisdaylive.com

HUMAN RIGHTS AND THE COMMUNITIES

Basic rights of Nigerians should be respected at all times

As Nigeria joins the rest of the world to mark the 2025 Human Rights Day with the theme ‘Our Everyday Essentials’, it is another reminder that human rights begin with every individual and the choices we make every day. Authorities in our country must also work to address some of the human rights infringements that define this season. They include the absence of social protection for the most vulnerable of our society, failure to ban harmful practices like chaining individuals with disabilities and high rates of child abandonment, sexual violence and lack of adequate support for survivors.

While this year’s 16 Days of Activism on violence against women and girls ends today to symbolise the essence of rights that are inalienable, it must go beyond the usual rhetoric to actual formulation and implementation of survivor-centric laws and policies that identify and punish tech-facilitated gender violence. On a day such as this, it is also important for the authorities to uphold the rights of Nigerians regardless of status. Our teeming population of young people must be supported to advance their education, build businesses, and contribute to society.

THEMEDIA

call state governments and security agencies to order over the continuous harassment of journalists, which has resulted in Nigeria falling 10 places in the global Press Freedom Ranking in 2025. For what it described as various acts of harassment and intimidation of journalists, the IPI listed the Inspector General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun and the Governors of Niger and Akwa Ibom States, Umaru Bago and Umo Eno respectively in its ‘Book of Infamy’. The body has also demanded a review of extant Nigerian laws like the Cybercrime Act that has become a tool for the harassment of innocent citizens, especially journalists.

Agents of state must stop using the Cybercrime Act as a tool to circumscribe the rights of citizens in defence of the affluent of the society

T H I S D AY

EDITOR SHAKA MOMODU

DEPUTY EDITOR WALE OLALEYE

MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO

DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR ISRAEL IWEGBU

CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI

EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN

THE OMBUDSMAN KAYODE KOMOLAFE

More importantly, we must tackle the growing insecurity in the country. “These mass school kidnappings once again lay bare the deliberate targeting of students, teachers, and schools in Nigeria’s deteriorating security environment,” said Aniete Ewang, Nigeria researcher at Human Rights Watch (HRW) on the World Report 2025 which highlights mass abductions of students, failure to protect civilians, as well as lack of accountability by agents of state.

Last week, the International Press Institute (IPI) Nigeria urged the federal government to

T H I S D AY

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA

GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, ISRAEL IWEGBU

DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS SHAKA MOMODU, PETER IWEGBU, ANTHONY OGEDENGBE

DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI

SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC OJEH

ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR PATRICK EIMIUHI

CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI

DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO

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

Letters to the Editor

The root of this problem is an embarrassing ignorance on the part of security operatives on the basic rights of citizens in a democratic society. Correspondingly, we are often dealing with officers of the law who do not understand their obligation as the protection of fellow citizens and their basic rights. Aside from all these, elected governments that routinely adopt unpopular policies cannot be trusted to protect people from abuse by agents of state. On the basis of unproven allegations, sometimes without any allegation, personnel of our law enforcement agencies would subject innocent citizens to all manner of molestations.

Given the foregoing, there is an urgent need to reform not only the administration of justice in Nigeria but also the operational strategy of these security agencies if they must regain public confidence. Emphasis needs to shift from law enforcement to crime prevention with reforms targeted at improving their human rights records. In the immediate, agents of state must stop using the Cybercrime Act as a tool to circumscribe the rights of citizens in defence of the affluent of the society, and those in positions of authority who abuse their powers.

Letters in response to specific publications in THISDAY should be brief (150-300 words) and straight to the point. Interested readers may send such letters along with their contact details to opinion@thisdaylive.com. We also welcome comments and opinions on topical local, national and international issues provided they are well-written and should also not be longer than (750- 1000 words). They should be sent to opinion@thisdaylive. com along with photograph, email address and phone numbers of the writer.

IN PRAISE OF YUSUF KALLI GAZALI

The Renewed Hope Agenda of the Tinubu administration is today acknowledged widely as swiftly bringing out the best out of the citizens of our country. The national honours of our country is one agenda which for years was regarded as one key sector deserving of a reform. We as citizens spurred by the urge to join the President in taking the country to its deserving height hereby present to you a man of dedication, strategic acumen, and a man committed to transformative reforms, Dr.Yusuf Kalli Gazali as our nominee for the national honours of 2025. Dr Gazali has propelled the Police HMO towards an unprecedented heights of success, fortifying an enduring legacy of exemplary services, and cementing the organizations position as a paragon of excellence in healthcare administration in the country.

His personal qualities include clinical excellence and patient-centred care, strong leadership and teamwork, commitment to continuous growth and improvements, and the needed managerial skills which is today making the HMO one of the best or-

ganizations in the country. As the managing director of the Police HMO, Dr.Gazali has single-handedly strengthened service delivery, and workforce competence, improved operational structure and reputation of the Police HMO.

Propelled by his activities and the success story of the Police HMO, and the joy of seeing the results of the transformative impact of his reforms which has brought smiles to many faces nationwide, we think he is one man deserving of a national award. Our nation needs heroes, as the present and future generations of our country are looking forward to a pragmatic and systematic reforms where people deserving of awards are recognized. Nigeria’s quest for building an egalitarian society can only be achieved if we do what is right by recognising people who have distinguished themselves in their various fields of human endeavour. We believe sincerely that Dr. Yusuf Gazali has earned the marks.

Abubakar Yakubu Enape, Abuja

PEACE IS NOT A

‘BEST

PLAYER' AWARD

The latest groups attempt to ingratiate themselves with President Trump seems farcical with the FIFA’s peace prize. Football, or as some know it soccer, is a great sport and it shouldn't be sullied by this silliness. Having coached numerous school sports, I have given awards for best player, best contrubutor, or most improved but never for world peace. The closest award might be 'most positive contributor'.

The Gold trophy could be melted down, sold and the money given to a charity such as 'Doctors without borders'. Every little bit helps.

Dignity, FIFA? Dennis Fitzgerald, Melbourne, Australia

Tinubu Presents Dantosho With Award of Excellence in Port Infrastructure Modernisation

Oriarehu Bonny

The Managing Director Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho has been recognised and decorated with the Award of “Excellence in Maritime Infrastructure Modernization & Global Competitiveness,”

Dantsoho was recognised at the flagship Nigeria Excellence Awards in Public Service (NEAPS), which was held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja over the weekend

The prestigious NAEPS Award which is a presidential initiative coordinated by the Office of Secretary to the Government of the Federation publicly recognises and decorates public servants who have demonstrated excellence in the discharge of their duties.

Dantsoho was recognised amongst other sterling performance scorecard for deepening of efficiencies that

Firm

catalysed the attainment of national trade surplus through unprecedented growth in exports, setting the pace for the National Single Window (NSW) through the Port Community System (PCS), being at the forefront of galvanising the global investors’ interest in the modernisation of Nigerian ports infrastructure and equipment as well as growing influence of Nigeria in the comity of Maritime nations evidenced by Nigeria’s presidency of the Port Management Association of West Africa (PMAWCA), Vice- Presidency of the International Association for Ports & Harbours (IAPH) and the supportive role under the guidance of the Minister of Marine & Blue Economy Adegboyega Oyetola for Nigeria’s re-enlistment into the Influential “Category C” of the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

Nigeria recorded a historic

victory last week, when the country was elected into Category C of the IMO Council for the 2026–2027 biennium. The election, held during the IMO General Assembly in London, marks Nigeria’s triumphant return to the Council after a 14-year absence, restoring the nation to global reckoning among the comity of maritime nations.

Oyetola, who led Nigeria’s campaign, said the victory crowns over twelve months of intensive diplomacy shuttles, targeted engagements and sustained advocacy across various countries and maritime blocs.

Speaking moments after the results were declared, Oyetola described Nigeria’s election as “a landmark endorsement of the renewed confidence the world has in Nigeria under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”

Expands Access to Housing with 60% Discount

Kuni Tyessi in Abuja

A housing firm, T. Pumpy Concept Limited, has announced a special 60 percent discount on its estates and lands in Abuja under a newly unveiled initiative known as the “Magic Promo.”

The Promo will run from 15th December 2025 to 7th January 2026, covering eight estate locations across, including the rapidly developing and highly attractive Idu Gousa district. In a statement signed by the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Akintayo Adaralegbe, the

promo represents another bold step by T.Pumpy to make land ownership more affordable for Nigerians, especially at a time when many find it increasingly difficult to secure property in the Federal Capital Territory due to rising costs.

He said for many years, land has remained unaffordable for a large number of Nigerians, but as a developer that genuinely cares about the housing aspirations of the people, it has consistently subsidised the prices of its lands to make homeownership easier.

It added that the Magic Promo is a continuation of

the company’s long-standing commitment to affordability, transparency, and customercentered real estate solutions.

“All lands under the promo are genuine, properly verified, and come with all the required legal documents, giving subscribers full confidence and security. The estates are located in safe, serene and strategically positioned environments, with ongoing infrastructure development such as access roads, drainage systems, perimeter fencing and other essential amenities necessary to guarantee liveable and future-ready communities.

International Breweries Elevates Its Premium Portfolio

International Breweries Plc, has introduced its newest flagship brand, Budweiser Royale to the Nigerian market at a launch event held in Lagos. The unveiling drew royal dignitaries, government representatives, industry leaders, trade partners, celebrities, and media personalities who came together to witness the unveiling of a superpremium beer designed for consumers who value taste, confidence, and distinction.

Managing Director,

International Breweries Plc, Carlos Coutiño, shared his thoughts on the new product at the launch, he said: “Budweiser Royale reflects our goal to keep pushing the boundaries of what a premium beer can offer. People want depth, flavour, and a product that matches their lifestyle. Budweiser Royale brings all these elements together in a full-bodied beer with a refined smoothness that speaks to modern taste. Budweiser Royale’s exceptionally smooth taste reflects our commitment to

innovation and our deep understanding of evolving consumer preferences in Nigeria.”

Marketing Director, International Breweries Plc Bamise Oyegbami, explained the unique value of the variant. He said: “Consumers in Nigeria know quality when they see it. Budweiser Royale meets that standard with ease. Its 6% ABV profile gives it strength, while the smooth finish makes it enjoyable. It is a beer for people who appreciate richness without losing balance.”

Razzl Champions Originality with Campaign

In a world where everyone tries to fit in, Razzl, Nigeria’s bold carbonated soda drink, is challenging the culture of conformity with a powerful message, Normal is Boring. The recently concluded campaign celebrated originality, bold selfexpression, and the beauty of being unapologetically different.

To bring this message to life, Razzl teamed up

with two of Nigeria’s most expressive and original entertainers, Brain Jotter and Emmanuella, to lead a youthdriven digital movement that flipped judgment into confidence. Through humour, creativity, and chaos, both creators showed fans what it truly means to embrace their originality. According to Marketing Director, Toyin Nnodi, “Razzl is a youthful brand, and the

Normal is Boring campaign is a call for bold selfexpression. It is a reminder to young Nigerians that they don’t need to fit in when they were born to stand out. Originality and uniqueness are what define us. We are amazed by the size and quality of entries received. It shows that Nigeria’s youth are ready to own their uniqueness and shine through them.”

Stock Market Depreciates by N310.85bn on Profit-taking in Zenith Bank, Others

Kayode Tokede

The Nigerian stock market, yesterday depreciated by N310.85 billion over investors profit-taking in Zenith Bank Plc and 31 others stocks listed on the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX).

With 0.77per cent decline to N64.50 per share in stock price of Zenith Bank, and 9.95per cent drop in the stock price of Transcorp Hotel Plc to N155.60 per share, the market

capitalisation of listed companies on the NGX closed at N93.659 trillion, about 0.33per cent or N310.85 billion drop from N93.969.6 trillion it open for trading activities.

On this, the NGX All-Share Index dropped by 487.66 basis points or per cent to close at 146,940.29 basis points from 147,427.95 basis points the stock market opened for trading.

Consequently, the NGX ASI in its Month-to-Date and Year-

to-Date returns settled lower at +2.4per cent and +42.8per cent, respectively.

The sectoral performance was mixed as the NGX Insurance Index dropped by 1.5 per cent, NGX Industrial Goods Index down by 0.1per cent, and NGX Banking Index depreciated by 0.1per cent, while the NGX Oil & Gas index gained 0.1 per cent.

In addition, the NGX Consumer Goods index remained unchanged.

Overall sentiment was bearish as 22 gainers trailed 31 losers. Learn Africa recorded the highest price gain of 9.57 per cent to close at N6.30, per share. MeCure Industries followed with a gain of 8.72 per cent to close at N32.40, while Deap Capital Management and Trust rose by 7.50 per cent to close at N1.72, per share.

International Energy Insurance appreciated by 6.52 per cent to close at N2.45, while R.T. Briscoe

(Nigeria) up by 5.96 per cent to close at N3.20, per share.

On the other hand, Austin Laz & Company and Eterna led the losers’ chart by 10 per cent each to close at N2.07 and N31.95 respectively, while Transcorp Hotel followed with a decline of 9.95 per cent to close at N155.60, per share.

Ikeja Hotel depreciated by 9.65 per cent to close at N28.10, while UACN declined by 9.09 per cent to close at N88.00, per share.

Meanwhile, the total volume traded rose by 258.34 per cent to 1.973 billion units, valued at N 30.231 billion, and exchanged in 23,038 deals. Transactions in the shares of eTranzact International topped the activity chart with 1.027 billion shares valued at N7.495 billion. Access Holdings followed with 183.557 million shares worth N3.769 billion, while Cornerstone Insurance traded 115.979 million shares valued at N609.382 million.

LAUNCH OF THE YR2026 MOBILE ADVERT PERMIT...

L-R: The Managing Director/CEO, Lagos State Signage and Advertisement Agency (LASAA), Prince Fatiu Akiolu; Intern, Client Service Department, LASAA, Ms. Olaosebikan Ifeoluwa; Head, Mobile Advert, LASAA, Mrs. Olubukonla Ayodele; and the Senior Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on LASAA, Hon. Kunle Dabiri, at the launch of the Yr2026 Mobile Advert Permit done at the Agency in Lagos, on Monday

Tinubu Celebrates Akpabio at 63, Rejoices with Danjuma at 88

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

President Bola Tinubu has felicitated the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio on his 63rd birthday.

Equally, the President yesterday, sent a congratulatory message to former Minister of Defence, Lt General Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma as he clocked 88.

people with an uncommon penchant for building a better nation.

The President described the former two-time Governor of Akwa Ibom State as a patriot and dedicated servant of the

Tinubu, in a statement signed by him yesterday, stated, inter alia: “I rejoice with the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, today on his 63rd

birthday. Distinguished Senator Akpabio is a patriot and a dedicated servant of the people who has been unwavering in his commitment to building a better nation.

“I join family, friends, associates, and members of

Reno Omokri Cautions Nigerians Against Inflammatory Comments on Benin Republic

Sunday Ehigiator

Public affairs commentator and former presidential aide, Reno Omokri, has cautioned Nigerians against abusing the constitutional right to freedom of speech by making inflammatory or treasonable statements about political developments in neighbouring countries, particularly the Republic of Benin.

In a statement, Omokri urged citizens to exercise restraint in their public comments, noting that reckless

sustainable progress must rest on responsible operations. This ensures that scaling production does not compromise worker safety, community wellbeing, or environmental protection.

“ It reinforces a shift away from extraction at any cost towards sustainable value creation—a core requirement for any modern energy company seeking global relevance,” Ntia added.

Also, Managing Director of the NEPL, Nicolas Foucart, noted that NEPL’s recordsetting performance mirrors

remarks; especially on social media, could have serious legal and diplomatic consequences for the country.

He stressed that while freedom of speech is guaranteed under the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), it does not extend to public calls for unconstitutional changes of government, whether in Nigeria or other sovereign states.

According to him, such utterances go beyond free expression and amount to

the broader transformation unfolding across NNPC Limited.

“This is a story shaped by leadership that charts a clear course; by partnerships built on alignment and accountability; and by a workforce whose hard work is turning goals into measurable progress.

“ Our people, our processes, and principles are the real engines behind this success. We are building for tomorrow, not just celebrating today,” Foucart stated.

He added: “For Nigerians,

treason.

“There is no country on Earth where it is legal to publicly call for a change of government, except by democratic means,” Omokri said, warning Nigerians against what he described as flippant and unpatriotic statements made merely to gain attention online.

Omokri also advised Nigerians to allow the federal government to handle diplomatic and security-related developments in Benin Republic, noting that foreign policy and regional

this accomplishment means far more than increased barrels; it translates into greater national revenue, stronger energy security, and a more resilient economic foundation.

“NEPL has not only produced more hydrocarbons; it has reignited belief in what Nigeria’s energy sector can achieve with the right systems, culture, and dedication.”

NEPL is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the NNPC involved in the exploration and production of oil and gas resources on behalf of Nigeria.

stability require careful and informed engagement.

Highlighting the benefits of Nigeria’s political stability, he pointed to recent economic indicators, including a foreign reserve of $46.7 billion; the fourth highest in Africa, and sustained GDP growth of 4.23 percent in the second quarter of 2025 and 3.93 percent in the immediately preceding quarter.

the National Assembly to celebrate him and his decades of exceptional leadership.

“As the uncommon gover- nor of Akwa Ibom State, as his people fondly called him, he led a remarkable transformation of the state. He made Akwa Ibom a top competitor in the national economy, providing infrastructure and building one of the most iconic stadia in the country, which remains one of our best today.

“From the government house of Akwa Ibom, he was elected into the Senate. As a Minister of the Niger-Delta, Senator Akpabio made the development of the region a priority.

“As President of the Senate, he continues to foster executive-legislative harmony, promoting initiatives that deepen national development, peace, and security.

“As co-labourers in the service of our nation, I have

always admired his strength of character and ability to remain undaunted even in the face of challenges. I salute his unwavering belief in Nigeria and commitment to its progress.

“I celebrate this special day with Senator Akpabio and pray to God to grant him many years of good health, strength, and continuous leadership impact.”Meanwhile, the President in another statement signed by him, described General Danjuma as a distinguished statesman, soldier, and gentleman who served Nigeria with total loyalty.

Eulogising the celebrant, Ti- nubu stated, inter alia: “General Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma (rtd), who turns 88th today, is a distinguished statesman, soldier, and gentleman who, in peacetime and war, served our country with undivided loyalty.

Federal Legislator, Ogah, Rolls Out N1bn

Mega Empowerment for Constituents

Okoro in Umuahia

The member representing Isuikwuato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency, Hon. Amobi Godwin Ogah, has rolled out a N1 billion mega empowerment programme, the second edition, for his constituents, aimed at catalyzing economic development, boosting micro and small-scale enterprises and promoting self-reliance.

At the two-day event held at Onuaku Uturu Primary

School field in Isuikwuato Local Government Area of Abia State, to mark his second anniversary as federal lawmaker, Hon. Ogah handed out a wide range of items, including cars, minibuses, mini-trucks, tricycles (Keke), motorcycles, freezers, vulcanizing machines, electric sewing machines, grinders and business grants, among other support tools to artisans, traders, farmers, and young entrepreneurs.

Top government officials,

federal lawmakers, party leaders and thousands of constituents who gathered to witness the distribution of the livelihood sustainable items, adjudged the programme as the largest in the history of the federal constituency. Addressing the gathering, the first term lawmaker who is the House Committee Chairman on Infectious Diseases, told his constituents he would not renege on his resolve to prioritize their welfare.

DURING CELEBRATION OF WORLD TOILET DAY...

L-R: Director, Sanitation Services Department, Office of Environmental Services, Lagos State Ministry of the Environment & Water Resources, Dr. Hassan Sanuth; Brand Manager, Harpic, Dolapo Ajayi; Guest Lecturer and Professor of Applied Microbiology and Environmental Biotechnology, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ogun State, Prof. Ismail Tunde Onajobi; Managing Director, Lagos State Signage and Advertisement Agency, Prince Fatiu Akinolu; Director, Environmental Education Unit, Office of Environmental Services, Lagos State Ministry of the Environment & Water Resources, Mrs. Monsurat Banire; and General Manager, Lagos State Wastewater Management Office, Engr. Adefemi Afolabi, during Lagos State 2025 World Toilet Day celebration in partnership with Reckitt in Lagos… recently

Shettima: Tinubu Remains Focused on Addressing Nigeria’s Security Challenges

Says president poised to advance security establishment in country and beyond Receives NISS Course 18 faculty and participants

Vice President Kashim Shettima said President Bola Tinubu remained steadfast in tackling security challenges in the country, and was acting quickly and decisively to “frontally address the concerns”.

According to Shettima, the Tinubu government is determined to support the security establishment in Nigeria and beyond to discharge their responsibilities to the country. Shettima stated this yesterday when the faculty and participants of Executive Intelligence Management Course (EIMC) 18 of the National Institute for Security Studies (NISS) visited him at State House, Abuja.

Led by NISS Commandant, Mr Joseph Odama, representatives of the 78 participants were at the Presidential Villa to pres- ent the executive brief of their end-of-course report to Shettima, who received the report on behalf of Tinubu.

Speaking on the significance of the programme, which had participants drawn from MDAs within Nigeria and beyond, the vice president said he was impressed with the composition of the EIMC 18.

Shettima stated, “The security of Africa is a collective responsibility of all stakeholders given the peculiarity of the situation.”

According to him, “President Tinubu is working round the clock to address concerns in the security sector. It is absolutely es-

sential that we fuse as one to address these issues and all hands must be on deck to salvage the situation.”

The highpoint of the occasion was the presentation of the report titled, “Non-state Actors in Security Manage- ment in Africa: Issues, Challenges and Prospects for Peace and Development,” by representatives of the EIMC 18 participants.

Among recommendations made by the participants was the formal harmonisation and integration of a country-base security initiative as part of a broad strategy to strengthen the existing legal framework for peace and conflict resolution across Nigeria and Africa.

Earlier, Commandant of the NISS, Joseph Odama, told the vice president that the 18th edition of the flagship programme, EMIC 18, commenced on February 19, 2025, pointing out that it has “been a 10-month journey of intense intellectual discovery, strategic broadening and unparalleled professional fellowship.”

Stating that this year’s team was composed of 78 distinguished participants of the rank of Deputy Directors and above, Odama said they “were meticulously drawn from the military, para-military, law enforcement agencies and strategic ministries, departments and agencies of both federal and state“Ingovernments. significant testament to our pan-African mandate, we were privileged to host five African countries, which had earlier been mentioned.

With the graduation of the AIMC 18, the institute has proudly graduated 1,130 strategic“Theseleaders. are men and women who have been

us. Thank you.”

Adeleke Unveils Accord as Party of Choice

Adeleke unveiled Accord Party as the party of choice for his re-election. He made the announcement at the Banquet hall of Government House, Oshogbo, in the presence of national and state leaders of Accord Party.

The governor said, “I joined the Accord Party more than a month ago precisely November 6th as a platform to seek re-election in 2026. This was after weeks of consultation and deliberations with stakeholders and opinion

“Stakeholdersleaders. and residents of Osun State are aware of why we are taking this important decision. We intend to pursue a second term in office on the platform of the Accord Party to complete ongoing delivery of good governance and democratic dividends which have been applauded at home and abroad.

“We opted for the Accord Party because its mission of welfarism aligns with our passionate focus on citizens and workers’ welfare.

“I welcome our party leaders into the Osun State Government House. You are now part of us as I am also now part of you. We are united in progress and good intentions for the good people of Osun state and Nigeria at large.”

rigorously equipped to think critically and act decisively, as well as proffer innovative solutions to the most complex security and developmental challenges

Adeleke said, “At this historical point, our task is to sustain a united front as we prepare for the elections. We have a duty to ensure an inclusive leadership where the interests of all groups are cared for. Our party, Accord Party, is here to take over Osun governance and sustain the delivery of good governance in our dear state.

“Since I joined the party more than a month ago, I have been fascinated by the philosophy of this great party. The focus on people’s welfare should always be at the heart of public leadership. The primary essence of a government is the welfare and well-being of the people.”

He said, “As a governor, I have prioritised the welfare of our people, from workers to the entire citizenry. Day and night, we implement policies and programmes to elevate the well-being of our people. From infrastructure to social services, Osun has never had it so good in governance and service“Today,delivery. we unveil the new platform for the good people of Osun state. From Osun West to Osun East to Osun Central, this is our party, our new platform for victory come August next year.”

The governor added, “From Igbomina to Ijeshaland to Ifeland to Osogbo to Iwoland to Modakeke to Gbongan to Igbajo to Ikire to Ikirun to Ede and other lands of Osun state,

facing our nation and the continent at large.”

The commandant expressed the institute’s appreciation to Tinubu and Shettima for their

we must thumb up according to our collective desires for good governance.

“Osun voted for good governance in 2022 and they will support continuity in 2026. The mass of our people are for continuity and Accord is our party for victory next year.

“In accordance with the will of our stakeholders and to accord deep respect for the wishes of Osun people, I hereby accordingly declare for the Accord Party.”

PDP: Fubara’s Case is Self-inflicted

PDP’s NWC said Fubara inflicted on himself whatever he was suffering in politics.

In a statement by PDP National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Ini Ememobong, the party said, ‘’This news as pitiful as it is, is an exemplar of the old legal maxim Volenti non fit injuria, meaning ‘to one who is willing, no harm can be done’.

‘’Everyone who has fol- lowed the developments that culminated in this uneventful defection, will recall that the governor willingly travelled the path that took him to this destination.

‘’Having done so voluntarily, he cannot turn around and accuse our party, or any other person or group of abandoning or not protecting him.”

The statement said, “Whilst a person who is at a crossroads of

“visionary and pragmatic leadership”, saying the Renewed Hope Agenda is already manifesting in tangible progress across the country.

threats of existential proportion, will most likely suffer from temporary amnesia caused by trauma, the governor should have nothing less than praise for our party, civil society organisations.

‘’All Nigerians who freely stood up in his defence since this crisis started until he capitulated. It is our prayer that the governor should not suffer from Stockholm Syndrome, where a victim falls in love with his captor. In all, despite these, we pity the governor and wish him well.”

Ememobong stated, “The Rivers situation is a testament to the dysfunctional nature of our democracy, where individuals are bigger and stronger than institutions and can use the apparatus of the federal gov- ernment to obfuscate political life out of their opponents and bring them to their knees.

‘’Democracy is terribly threatened by acts of this kind, and all well-meaning people should unify in condemning this progressive decline of democratic norms.

‘’Finally, we reiterate to Nigerians and the global community that with the un- relenting disposition of the ruling party towards the attainment of a one-party state, and the constriction of the political space, democracy is under severe attack in Nigeria. Everyone must rise together to oppose this ignoble trip toward electoral authoritarianism.”

4TH AFRICAN STARTUPS CONFERENCE IN ALGIERS...

R-L: The Nigerian Focal Person to the AU Permanent Secretariat on the African Startups Conference, Dr. Caroline Nwosu; the Vice President of Moniepoint (Nigerian Startup Champion), Solomon Amadi; Nigeria Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr. Kingsley Tochi Udeh, SAN; members of Nigeria diplomatic mission in Algeria, Alwan Habu Abdulssalam and Odoje Emmanuel Adamu Jibrin, during the 4th African Startups Conference in Algiers, Algeria… recently

Fagbemi: FG Secures Conviction of 860 Terrorists in 8 Years, Nearly 900 Acquitted

Recruiting minors as fighters, spies by armed groups threatens national security, warns IG

Alex Enumah and Linus Aleke in Abuja

Attorney-General of the Fed- eration (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, yesterday, disclosed that the federal government had secured the conviction of over 800 terrorists in the last eight years.

Fagbemi stated that nearly 900 alleged terrorists were also acquitted within the same period. He made the revelation while

speaking with journalists in Abuja, shortly after he hosted the US Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights and Labour, Riley M. Barnes, and US Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills Jr.

In a related development, Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, warned that the recruitment of minors by armed groups — whether as fighters, spies or in any other role — constituted grave violation

of children’s rights and posed significant threat to Nigeria’s security.Fagbemi, who stated that the visit afforded the federal government the opportunity to explain the security situation to their guests, expressed happiness that the US delegation were able to see things for themselves.

United States President Donald Trump had threatened to send US military to invade

Ben I n Coup: T I nu B u Aver T e D

and Government, anchored his request on Section 5(5) of the 1999 Constitution, which mandated Senate approval for deployment of the armed forces on foreign missions.

He urged senators to grant “expeditious consideration” so that the armed forces could respond without delay.

Immediately after reading the letter, Akpabio referred the request to the Committee of the Whole for deliberation, saying the matter is “a national prior- ity with far-reaching security implications for Nigeria and the ECOWAS region”.

Senators subsequently reviewed the operational, legal and diplomatic dimensions of the planned deployment before giving the green light.

The senate president prom- ised that the approval document would be transmitted to the president immediately.

The attempted coup in Benin had further heightened concerns within ECOWAS, which had, in the past four years, witnessed multiple military takeovers in Mali, Burkina Faso, Guinea and Niger.Under Tinubu’s leadership, the regional bloc had repeatedly warned that unconstitutional changes of government posed an existential threat to West Africa’s stability and economic integration.

Only days before the senate received Tinubu’s request, ECOWAS had issued a strongly worded statement condemning developments in Cotonou and urging member states to stand firmly against anti-democratic forces.

Nigeria and Benin share deep security cooperation, especially along their expansive land borders, where joint operations target smuggling, terrorism and transnational crime.

The unfolding crisis presented a major test of that longstanding partnership and Nigeria’s readiness to assert leadership in defending democratic governance in the region.Lawmakers warned that failing to act quickly could trigger destabilisation that would spill into Nigeria, affecting border communities and potentially overwhelming security agencies with refugee inflows.

Akpabio summed up the chamber’s stance, when he said, “The impact this would have had on Nigeria in terms of the security of our brothers would have been terrible. We have acted swiftly, and in the national interest.”

ECOWAS: Nigeria’s Role in Averting Coup

Should be Standard to Safeguard Democracy

ECOWAS applauded Nigeria’s role in quashing the attempted coup in Benin Republic.Speaking at the opening of the 55th ordinary session of the ECOWAS Mediation and Security Council (MSC) at the ministerial level in Abuja, President of ECOWAS Commission, Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, lamented that with recent insecurity in the sub-region, it would not be out of place to say the region was in a state of emergency.

Extolling the contribution of Nigeria in truncating the overthrow of democratic governance in Benin Republic, Touray asked that Nigeria should be given a standing ovation by the gathering.

He stated the swift intervention of Nigeria’s military within a short period to stop the coupists, insisting that this should be the standard in the region if democracy must be protected.

The ECOWAS commission president said, “Events of the last few weeks have shown the imperative of serious introspection on the future of our democracy and the urgent need to invest in the security

Nigeria and quench what he believed to be genocide against Christians in Nigeria.

Fagbemi stated, “We have explained this to them when they entered Washington, but I’m happy that they are also here to see things for themselves. And what is important is to also appraise them that even though we have challenges in Nigeria, it is not religious and we have security challenges, and the government is doing

of our “Facedcommunity. with this situation, Excellencies, it is safe to declare that our community is in a state of emergency. For that, the sessions of the mediation and security council should be organised more regularly beyond the two ordinary ses- sions for the next one year. We must confront these threats with the attention they deserve.

“We must pool our resources to confront the threats of terrorism and banditry, which operate without respect for territorial boundaries.”

He called for constant meetings of the mediation and security council, beyond the two ordinary sessions, for the next one year, calling for an urgent need to confront these threats with the attention they deserve.

Touray said the region must pool its resources to confront the threats of terrorism and banditry, which operated without respect for territorial boundaries, while lamenting the scaring humanitarian figure as a fallout of insecurity within theHesub-region.

stated that the recent data from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees – UNHCR Regional Bureau for West and Central Africa

its utmost to ensure that these challenges are addressed.

“The one that concerns the Federal Ministry of Justice is about the prosecution of the people arrested in connection with extremism, and we are able to explain to them and tell them how far we are from what we are also doing. For instance, today, as we speak, the terrorism trial is still going on.

“I have been there today and I have taken one or two of the

as of October 2025 – showed approximately 7.6 million individuals forcibly displayed and an additional 1,094,742 refugees and asylum seekers.

The ECOWAS president said the different risk levels across the region demanded immediate and concerted action.

He listed the risk factors to include the persistence of military interventions (Guinea-Bissau and Republic of Benin just days ago) and non-compliance with transition norms in Guinea, as the country witnessed a military leader turning into a civilian leader).

He also highlighted other causes of humanitarian challenge to include growing erosion of electoral inclusivity across multiple states; expanding influence of terrorists and armed groups and criminal networks threatening regional stability.

Touray pointed out the need for constant monitoring of political situations within member states.

“This council needs to constantly monitor the political and security situation in our Community, to provide guid- ance and to enable regional action,” he said.

France Reveals It Provided Logistical Support to Thwart

cases, and I want to seize this opportunity to let you know that as of today, that is from 2017 to 2025, we have secured 860 convictions and 891 acquittals, that is, discharges.”

The AGF explained that the implication of the trial was that the government did not just arrest people and clamp them into prison but followed the due process of the law.

Continues online

Attempted Benin Coup

France provided intelligence and logistical support to Benin to help thwart Sunday’s coup attempt in the former French colony, officials from the French presidency said yesterday.

French officials said they also shared intelligence with Nigeria, which sent fighter jets and ground troops to its much smaller neighbour at Benin’s request, a Reuters report said. The unrest was the latest threat to democratic rule in the region, where militaries had in recent years seized power in Benin’s neighbours – Niger and Burkina Faso, as well as Mali, Guinea and, only last month, Guinea-Bissau.

“France provided support in terms of surveillance, observation, and logistics to Benin forces,” a French presidential adviser told reporters. “This support was done as part of regional efforts by ECOWAS,” the adviser said, referring to the regional bloc.

French officials declined to give more detail. French Presi- dent Emmanuel Macron spoke to the presidents of Nigeria and Benin on the phone over the weekend, his office said.

daNGOTE sUGaR UNVEiLs NEW PaCKs…

L-R:The Makaman Bichi, Alhaji Isiyaku Umar Tofa; General Manager, Dangote Sugar, North, Abdullahi Waya, President, Kano Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (KACCIMA) Usman Darma; Chief Executive Officer, Dala Inland Dry Port, Ahmad Rabiu, and a Member of KACCIMA, Aliyu Mustapha, at the unveiling of the new 100g and 25kg Dangote Sugar packs in Kano…recently

Soyinka Criticises Seyi Tinubu’s Large, Armed Security Escorts

Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka yesterday decried the large number of armed security personnel that he saw accompanying the son of President Bola Tinubu, Seyi Tinubu.

Soyinka, who spoke in Lagos while presenting an honourary award to famous poet and activist, Odia Ofeimun, who was honoured by the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism. Soyinka mocked the situation by saying that President Bola Tinubu should not have deployed Nigerian

Insecurity: Apostolic Faith Declares Daily Prayers

Fidelis david in akure

Worried by Nigeria’s worsening security crisis, the Ekiti State Area Overseer of the Apostolic Faith Church and member of the Board of Trustees in West and Central Africa, Prof. Joseph Obafatoba, has declared that only fervent national prayer can rescue the country from its current turmoil.

Speaking yesterday in Akure, Ondo State, as part of activities to mark the Ondo/Ekiti 2025 camp meeting, Obafatoba said the security situation has

deteriorated to a point where even small children are no longer satisfied with the state of the nation.

“I am not satisfied, our leaders are not satisfied, and even the little children are not satisfied. With what is happening in Nigeria now, our District Superintendent has directed that all members of the Apostolic Faith Church in West and Central Africa must go on their knees and pray. This prayer is stronger than any two-edged sword or any bomb. We believe it can pull down every stronghold troubling this nation,” he said.

Rotary District 9111 Honours Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi at 85

Rotary International, District 9111 delivered a spectacular celebration in honour of Doyen of past district governors in Nigeria, Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi’s 85th birthday in Lagos.

The evening combined glamour, fellowship and purpose, highlighted by the unveiling of a Name Gift Endowment Fund in the celebrant’s honour.

The event was chaired by Chief Samuel Bolarinde and graced by prominent personalities, including Rotary International President-elect, Yinka Babalola; Rotary International Trustee, Ijeoma Pearl Okoro; top

government officials like Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos, ably represented by his Commissioner for Special Duties, Hon. Olugbenga Oyerinde; Senior Advocates of Nigeria like Dele Adesina and Wahab Shittu, Nigerian Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies and Nigerian Pharmaceutical Society colleagues, led by the president, as well as a long list of Rotary leaders.

Speaking on the occasion, District 9111 Governor, Prince Henry Akinyele, called on both Rotarians and non Rotarians to donate to the noble cause, The Rotary Foundation (TRF).

soldiers and air force officials to Benin to foil Sunday’s coup there but should instead have asked Seyi Tinubu to go with his armed security escorts to foil the coup. He said: “Tinubu did not

have to look for Airforce and the military to deal with this particular insurrection. No. There are easier way to do it. Let me tell you where Tinubu should have looked for forces to quell that insurrection. Right

here in Lagos or in Abuja. There was no need to call the Airforce or the military. I do not know. I tell you what happened in one my visits about two months ago. I was coming out of my hotel

and saw what looked like a film set and said, oh they are shooting a film, and the young man detached himself from the actors and came over and greeted me politely and I said are you shooting a film.”

Coalition: Withheld Osun LG Allocation, Threat to Political, Socio-economic Devt

yinka Kolawole in Osogbo

The Coalition of Concerned Nigerian Citizens (CCNC), a non-political organisation, has stated that the crisis arising from the withheld local government funds in

Osun State is a threat to the political, socio-economic development, and wellbeing of the Osun people.

Speaking at a press conference, the coalition spokesperson, Raufu Sodiq, stressed that the continued

withholding of Osun State local government funds has affected all sectors of the state, calling for the issue to be addressed without delay.

The coalition, which remarked that with the

current situation, it has become increasingly difficult to sustain calls on the federal government to release the withheld funds, noted that funds are used for the betterment of the Osun people.

Court Sentences Police Officer to Death for Killing UNIJOS Student

seriki adinoyi in Jos

A Plateau State High Court in Jos has sentenced a police officer, Ruya Auta, to death by hanging or by lethal injection for killing a student of the University of Jos (UNIJOS), Rinji Bala, on May 13, 2020.

The sentence was delivered

on December 8 by Hon. Justice David Mann, who found the officer guilty of violating Bala’s fundamental right to life.

Speaking after the ruling, counsel to Plateau State Government, Garba Pwul (SAN), said: “It has been five years of efforts and tenacity to bring justice to

the deceased, the family, and even the government. Today, we have seen justice served.”

Pwul expressed hope that the ruling would serve as a deterrent to negligent security forces that misuse their rifles.

He said: “We hope that this judgment will serve as a deterrent to trigger-happy and dangerously negligent

uniformed men, and provide some measure of comfort to the deceased’s family.”

The court had earlier awarded a substantial ninefigure sum in damages to Bala’s family, declaring that his fundamental right to life had been violated by the actions of the security officer involved.

Kaduna Financial Inclusion Rises to 66%, Says Finance Commissioner

sunday Okobi

Kaduna State yesterday stated that it has increased its account ownership by 20 per cent in three years, adding more than 800,000 adults to the formal economy.

The state Commissioner for Finance, Ibrahim Tanko

Mohammed, who disclosed this in a statement made available to THISDAY, stated that financial inclusion in Kaduna State has now also reached 66 per cent of the resident population.

Mohammed noted:

“Kaduna grew at 6.67 percent per year over 2021-2024 (over

20 per cent total) while Nigeria overall grew at only 2.67 per cent per year over a similar period. More than 2.5 million accounts were opened; more than 800,000 adults joined the banking system for the first time; women’s inclusion climbed from 38 per cent to 47 per cent; and agent banking

expanded to over 2,800 active agents statewide.

“A hands-on, homegrown effort was crucial to these gains. Kaduna’s Financial Inclusion and Literacy Committee deployed state-led enrolment drives and built its own software linking 7.9 million NINs with BVNs.”

Dangote Sugar’s New Packs Gain Traction at Kano Fair

Marketers and participants at the just-concluded Kano International Trade Fair have endorsed the newly unveiled Dangote Sugar packs, describing them as convenient, consumer-friendly, and well-suited for both household use and retailing.

Dangote Sugar unveiled new pack sizes including 100g

sachets and 25kg bags aimed at increasing affordability and market penetration.

Commenting on the new packs at the Kano fair, Makaman Bichi, Alhaji Isyaku Umar Tofa said: “The Dangote new sugar packs will greatly make more affordable to the average northern population.

According to him, the redesigned and reasonably priced packs will enable more households, small retailers, and food vendors to access quality sugar without financial strain, thereby supporting both daily consumption needs and small-scale commercial activities.

Also speaking, a prominent

businessman and Chief Executive of Sambajo General Enterprises Limited, Alhaji Salisu Sambajo, said the 25kg pack is ideal for SMEs, bakeries, restaurants and distributors who require bulk but affordable quantities, making it easier for them to access quality sugar without high upfront costs.

Lookman Brilliant as Atalanta’s Comeback Win Deals Chelsea Blow

Osimhen fires blanks in Galatasaray loss to Balogun inspired Monaco

Duro Ikhazuagbe

Ademola Lookman was in action for 87 minutes as Atalanta came from behind to beat Chelsea 2-1 in Bergamo on Tuesday night.

While the Italian Serie A side climbed to third on the log with 13 points from six matches, the Blues dropped out of the Top 8 to 11th on 10 points. Chelsea’s hope of automatic qualification now depends on how the London club handle the two remaining games in the league phase.

Both sides went into this game with identical records in the league phase of this year’s tournament, having won three, drawn one and lost one to sit on 10 points. For large parts there was little to separate them in this game, too, although Chelsea got their noses in front in the first half when Joao Pedro turned in Reece James’ cross.

But Atalanta always looked a threat going forwards, with former Charlton and Everton attacker Ademola Lookman

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

causing problems.

In the second half, Atalanta upped the pressure and deserv- edly levelled when ex-West Ham striker Gianluca Scamacca headed in a cross. Alejandro Garnacho drove a strong effort straight at the goalkeeper but Atalanta got the winner late on when the Blues defence backed off only for Charles de Ketelaere to take full advantage with a driven strike.

Elsewhere, Victor Osimhen’s hope of extending his terrific run of scoring in eight successive ma- jor European games was halted as he fired blanks in Galatasaray’s 1-0 away loss at AS Monaco last night. American-born player with Nigerian ancestry, Folarin Balogun scored the lone winner for the French team.

In Milan, Dominik Szoboszlai’s 88th-minute penalty gave Liverpool a crucial win against Inter Milan in the Champions League.

BAL 2026: Igoche Mark Pledges Support for Mak Town Flyer

Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja

Basketball promoter and the initiator of the Mark D’ Basketball Championship, Mr. Igoche Mark, has vowed to provide all the necessary support for Mak Town Flyer (formerly Lagos Legends Basketball Club) as they prepare to represent Nigeria in the Basketball Africa League (BAL) next year.

He made the promise at a grand reception held in Abuja on Monday night.

While addressing the cur- rent national male basketball champions at the reception, Mark declared: “Your victory now is just the beginning, more victories will come. I have been with you on this journey, there is a bigger battle ahead, the BAL, and one thing I can assure you is that our support won’t end here. Everything needed to have an excellent outing in BAL will be provided.”

He expressed confidence in the team’s ability to excel,

lauding the club’s proprietor, Akerannan Manusseh Achii, a former Mark Mentos player, for his determination and motivational prowess.

He said Achii exhibited determination from the outset, adding his ability to motivate the team brought them to the Nigerian basketball summit.

“The same way you entered this league and you conquered, it is the way you will go to BAL and excel. I have faith that you will go to BAL and come out with a great result,” Mark said.

In his remarks, Achii recounted the emotional and challenging journey that transformed the team into national champions, describing the journey as tedious journey, while he bought the team just two and a half weeks before the league

“Gettingstarted.players, funding, logistics everything was tough. But I’m grateful to God and the players,” Achii stated.

Much of the build-up to the clash was dominated by the exclusion of Mohamed Salah from the Reds squad after he

claimed the club had “thrown him under the bus” and his relationship with manager Arne Slot had broken down.

And with the Egypt forward left back in Liverpool, Szoboszlai

stepped up to take the decisive late spot-kick after Alessandro Bastoni was adjudged, following a video assistant referee (VAR) check, to have tugged at the shirt of Florian Wirtz in the box.

Inter keeper Yann Sommer dived the right way, but the power of the penalty proved too much and Liverpool held on for a welcome three points after a turbulent few days at the club.

Iyaye Assures Stakeholders 2nd Niger Delta Games Will Be Bigger, Better

Executve Director of Finance and Administration of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Alabo Boma Iyaye, has assured stake- holders that the 2026 edition of Niger Delta Games will record a greater success than the much celebrated inaugural edition held this year.

Iyaye stated this on Tuesday while inaugurating the Main

Organising Committee (MOC) and Local Organising Commit- tee (LOC) of Edo 2026 at the NDDC Head Office, Eastern Bypass, Port Harcourt.

He eulogised efforts of members of both committees who were largely retained after they did “absolutely very well” in delivering a one-of-its-kind Games in Uyo, Akwa-Ibom State last April.

“We did absolutely very well at the first edition. There were cheers from the entire country, there was a celebration, and there was huge applause, simply because we brought the entire Niger Delta region together.

“We brought happiness and excitement to our region. We harnessed talents beyond oil production, beyond what

we are known for. We gave opportunities to the young ones and empowered them,” recalled Iyaye.

The former Rivers State Commissioner for Sports then charged members of the Committees to use the next edition of the Niger Delta Games to advance the objectives of putting together the multi-sport event.

Golf: Eben-Spiff, Ozoemene, Ajibola Crowned Lakowe Champions

Veteran’s categories, while Pat Ozoemene dethroned absent Fatumata Coker for the Ladies’ title.

Deji Alli, the Chairman of Mixta Africa, the developer of the host club, Lakowe Lakes Golf Club, describes the occasion as an “interesting atmosphere .”

He said the golf club, in its few years of existence, has made its mark in the

development of the game and has also contributed to the growth of internal tourism in the country.

“It takes a lot to keep a facility like this running, but we have been fortunate to have a dedicated team to drive the vision we have and a very

supportive community,” Alli added at the closing ceremony.

The two-day Club Championship event was the culmination of the 2025 season. The event also rewarded exceptional performances in the season-long players’ ranking (Order of Merit), which placed

Pat Ozoemene, David Maji and Henry Ogufere in the top three rank.

As for the Championship itself, 2024 Gentlemen winner and six-time holder, Peter Eben-Spiff, shrugged off the first-round scare from archrival Tunji Adebayo (76 gross),

who towered above him (77 gross) with one shot going to the final round.

“I thank Tunji Adebayo for his support and appreciate the level of competitiveness he brought to the event. It spurred me to be at my best. I owe this victory to him.”

BACK PAGE CONTINUATION

T I nubu, In S ecur ITY A n D r e SI l I ence the president to adopt a more aggressive posture. Tinubu has recently gone “guns blazing,” to borrow former U.S. President Donald Trump’s phrase, in an attempt to stabilize the country. This comes against a backdrop of renewed U.S. concern, with Trump once again designating Nigeria a “Country of Particular Concern.”

Recognizing the gravity of the moment, the administration has rolled out major reforms: recalling over 12,500 police officers from VIP duties, authorizing the recruitment of 50,000 new security personnel, and backing proposed legislation to classify kidnapping and hostage-taking as terrorism punishable by death. The National Assembly has equally intensified debates on more measures to confront the marauders devastating communities across the North and Middle Belt.

Yet meaningful progress will depend on one crucial factor: rebuilding the morale and capacity of the police. Poor remuneration, obsolete equipment, and years of neglect have crippled the force.

NEWS

As history shows—from Obasanjo to Buhari—incremental salary adjustments - have failed to address the problem. A

sustainable, inflation-indexed salary structure, alongside a security trust-fund model like Lagos’s LCSSC, may offer a more realistic path forward. Beyond funding, the government must also refine its classification of the threat landscape. Nigeria now faces three broad categories of Boko Haram: religious, political, and increasingly criminal ele- ments—such as those behind the Yobe and Niger State abductions—who hide under extremist labels to pursue profit. Then there is the strain that kidnapped the Chibok girls in 2017 whose modus operandi resembles the sect that struck in Niger state and some of their victims are still in their custody. Thankfully, 100 of the Niger state school girls abducted about a month ago have regained freedom.

A situation whereby schools are shut down in the kidnap-prone zones in the middle belt and north-east Nigeria to keep our children away from the outlaws, is unacceptable because the terrorists and bandits would have had their way stymying

Western education. Incidentally, the name Boko translated in the Hausa language means Western education is a taboo. With schools shut down the mission of the anti-social elements that are waging war against the state of Nigeria would have been accomplished.

Despite the worsening violence about a fortnight ago, (now ebbing) Tinubu has shown unusual resilience. He has neither deflected responsibility nor slowed momentum. Although, stability has not been achieved, attacks have begun to ebb in some areas and new security partnerships with the U.S. and France signal a shift toward more coordinated counter-terrorism efforts.

While critics continue to question his preparedness and political will, it is clear that Tinubu has moved national security from the margins to the center of governance. If these reforms materialize and sabotage is contained, Nigeria may finally regain ground against those who have kept it under siege.

Tinubu: Empowering Youth, Deep Personal Priority of My Government

Unveils new youth-empowerment drive FG announces start-up grants, digital work platform Nigeria’s youth are our demographic advantage, says Edun

President Bola Tinubu has stressed that empowering Nigeria’s youth remains a “deeply personal” priority of his two and half year-old government.

This is just as the Federal Government rolled out a new suite of digital-skills and enterprise-support pro- grammes aimed at preparing young Nigerians for global competitiveness.

Speaking at the launch of the second edition of the Nigeria Youth Academy (NiYA) Startup Grants and the unveiling of the NiYA Gig digital-work platform in Abuja, the President, represented by his Chief of Staff, Hon Femi Gbajabiamila, said youth empowerment is central to the nation’s future and the engine of his Renewed Hope Agenda.According to him: “From the earliest days of this ad- ministration, I made a firm

decision that Nigeria’s youth will not stand on the margins of our national development. This commitment is not politi- cal; it is personal”.

The President highlighted ongoing reforms to expand opportunities for youth-led enterprises, including easing tax compliance for small businesses, incentivising the digital and creative economy, and building a pipeline of young global service providers through the NiYA Academy, NiYA Startup, NiYA Jobs and the newly launched NiYA Gigs.Tinubu commended the Ministry of Youth Develop- ment for widening the programme’s reach after the debut edition drew more than 14,000 applications nationwide.

Earlier, Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawa- nde, said the administration is constructing a youth-empowermentcomprehensive ecosys- tem covering skills acquisition, enterprise creation and income

generation.

He announced grants of N1 million each for 200 youth-led startups and N500,000 each for 100 beneficiaries in the informal sector, describing the funds as “not loans, but

fuel for your journey.”

Olawande also launched NiYA Gig, a national digital- work platform intended to link young Nigerians to paid opportunities locally and globally, while highlighting the

success of initiatives such as the Nigerian Youth Help Desk and a WhatsApp AI Chatbot that has already engaged more than one million young people.

On his part, Minister of Finance and Coordinating

Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, said the Federal Government is preparing Nigeria’s youthful population for global competition by investing in digital infrastructure, skills training and innovation.

Senate Panel Grills Safe Schools Fund Coordinator Over Alleged N15bn Expenses

Senate has intensified its investigation into the utilisation of the N15 billion released in 2023 for the Safe Schools Initiative (SSI), questioning what lawmakers described as troubling gaps, unclear spending patterns, and possible misappropriation, particularly within the Nigeria Police, which received the largest share of the fund.

At a sitting of Senate Ad-hoc Committee on Safe Schools, chaired by Senator Orji Kalu,

Union Bank CEO Tasks Chief Audit Executives on Risk Models Amidst Global Wave Disruption

Oluchi Chibuzor

The Chief Executive Officer of Union Bank of Nigeria, Mrs. Yetunde Oni, has tasked chief audit executives of banks in Nigeria to embrace risk intelligence models driven with data amidst global economic wave disruptions affecting economies.

This wave, she highlighted includes, cybersecurity incidents that grow in scale and sophistication, heightened regulatory expectations, rising demand for sustainability and transparent governance.

She spoke recently at the 63rd Quarterly General Meeting of Association of Chief Audit Executives of Banks

in Nigeria (ACAEBIN), held recently in Lagos.

She noted the event themed, ‘Navigating the Next Wave: Audit Resilience Amid Emerging Risk and Regulatory Complexity”, reflects the realities shaping Nigeria’s banking ecosystem and indeed the wider global financial landscape.

lawmakers, at a closed-door session, allegedly grilled Hajia Halima Iliya-Ibrahim, National Coordinator, Financing Safe Schools Initiative, Nigeria.

THISDAY investigation revealed that the senators demanded full clarity on inflows, expenditure and the state of the programme intended to protect schools from terrorist attacks and mass abductions.

Iliya-Ibrahim, while al- legedly tracing the origins of the initiative to the 2014 Chibok schoolgirls’ abduction, outlined contributions to the CBN-domiciled Safe Schools Trust Fund by local and international donors, including the federal government, Nigerian business leaders, ADB, Germany, Norway, USAID, and UN agencies.

She was said to have also given a breakdown of the N15 billion released by the federal government in 2023, listing allocations as applicable. Nigeria Police, according to her, allegedly collected N6.225 billion; NSCDC, N3.362 billion; Defence Headquarters, N2.250 billion; Federal Ministry of

Education, N519 million; and DSS, whose specific figure was not disclosed during the session.

THISDAY gathered that tension allegedly mounted when senators confronted the national coordinator over what they considered disproportionate consultancy and administrative spending, based on earlier financial documents under review.

A South-west senator was alleged to have faulted what he described as a pattern where consultancy and operational expenses consumed almost half of the N4.44 billion in earlier records examined by the committee.

“You have used almost half of N4.44 billion for consultancy and operational expenses, and spent about N4 billion on the project itself. Don’t you think that is why you are not getting another budget?” he was alleged to have said.

But Iliya was said to have countered that the documents in question were from the 2014–2016 phase of the initiative and not from the 2023 funding cycle. She explained that the

Safe Schools programme as cur- rently structured commenced last year, when the N15 billion was released.

Her explanation sparked a sharp pushback as the South- west senator retorted, “You’re not doing us a favour. Please, withdraw that statement.” Other senators raised broader accountability concerns.

For instance, a North-west senator questioned the logic of allocating additional funds to security agencies that already received large annual budgets. He argued that disbursement should be performance-based and tied to community-level safety outcomes rather than funnelled through agencies with overlapping mandates, declaring further that the submissions lack credibility and“Fundstransparency. have been misappro- priated and we need to know. Anyone can draft this. The calculation of expenses raises serious concern, especially the amount spent on consultancy,” he stated, insisting that the programme’s records require forensic clarity.

LAUnCh oF niGERiAn ShippERS’ CoUnCiL’S EnTERpRiSE ConTEnT mAnAGEmEnT SYSTEm ...

L-R: Executive Secretary/CEO, Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Dr. Pius Akutah; Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola; and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, at the launch of Nigerian Shippers’ Council’s Enterprise Content Management System (ECMS) in Abuja, yesterday

MAgNuSONYIBE

Tinubu, Insecurity and Resilience

Awhopping one hundred billion (N100 billlion) naira has just been approved by National Council of state for the provision of training facilities for the police and other security agencies, just as the minister of defense, Mohamed Badaru Abubakar has just been relieved of his job and replaced with Gen, Christopher Gwabim Musa the erstwhile Chief of defense staff who had also been relieved of the job barely six (6) weeks ago. It will be remiss of me not to mention the presidential derective for the recall of police men /women deployed to VIP services and the authorization by President to recruit 30,000 into the police and 20,000 into the military which is short of the 100, 000 that l had recommended in an intervention in this column, published last September titled “The Politics of State Police”, where l noted that:

“Although the police are constitutionally mandated to maintain law and order, the scale of terrorism has forced the military to step in. Still, as many of us have long argued, Nigeria’s centralized police structure is inadequate for a country growing as rapidly as ours. Nigeria’s population has ballooned from roughly 40 million at independence in 1960 to around 240 million today—a 415% increase. Yet, police recruitment has not kept pace. The Nigerian Police Force currently has only about 300,000–400,000 personnel, far below the estimated 1 million officers required.

Clearly, Nigeria needs a more decentralized and agile police force. This justifies Tinubu’s latest move, effectively throwing the ball into the governors’ court. They must now decide whether to decentralize policing and assume responsibility as chief security officers of their states or to maintain the status quo where state police commands answer only to the Inspector General of Police in Abuja.

Since 2002, I have consistently underscored the importance of effective policing as a precondition for Nigeria’s social, political, and economic development. My advocacy

predates Tinubu’s administration and can not be dismissed as blind loyalty.”

To the relief of Nigerians, despite being somewhat belated, probably due to paucity of funds having inherited a broke government compelling him to prioritize pulling the economy back from the brink, there have been more far-reaching changes aimed at checkmating insecurity by President Tinubu.

These are: The discussion in plenary and movement of the bill to the next stage by the Nigerian senate classifying kidnapping, which has become rampant in our country as an act of terrorism punishable by death. The Senate President Godswill Akpabio drove the initiative. He read the main proposal saying “I bid for an Act to amend the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act to designate kidnapping, hostage-taking, and related offenses as acts of terrorism to prescribe the death penalty for such offenses without the option of fine or alternative sentences, and for related matters”.

It is quite welcoming that after three decades of opposing state police, former Inspector-General of Police Sunday Ehindero now says he supports it—his change of heart driven by new safeguards that

limit potential abuse by state governors. His reversal is not only significant but commendable, reflecting a continued commitment to national security long after leaving office.

Ehindero’s endorsement comes at a time when both federal and state governments are aligned on the urgent need to overhaul Nigeria’s internal security architecture. With rising insecurity across the country, the argument for returning the police to their constitutionally assigned role has never been stronger. What remains is for the National Assembly to amend relevant sections of the constitution and formally establish state police, which many states have already adopted informally through vigilante outfits.

As conventional wisdom goes: Security is everybody’s business. So, as part of my continued engagement on security reforms, I invite readers to revisit an earlier article of mine—“Police as the X-Factor in Nigeria’s Fight Against Insecurity”—which highlights why decentralizing the police is not just desirable but necessary. An excerpt is presented below:

Police as X-Factor in Nigeria’s Fight Against Insecurity

First published February 27, 2024

The question on the minds of many Nigerians today is whether the long- delayed decentralization of the police force is finally underway. With insecurity escalating nationwide, both federal and state authorities are yielding to calls for a policing structure that is more responsive, community-based, and adequately funded.

A PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) report shows that Nigeria spent N14.8 trillion on security in the past nine years. Yet insecurity persists. The bulk of this spending goes to the military, even though the police—not the armed forces—are constitutionally responsible for internal security. This misalignment has left communities exposed, and criminals emboldened.

Recent weeks have seen cases of mass

kidnappings, including the abduction of NYSC members in Zamfara, killings in Abuja, and the discovery of decomposing bodies in Imo State. Bandits have attacked military estates, abducted traditional rulers, and forced citizens to adopt bizarre survival tactics—including traveling disguised as corpses in ambulances to avoid being kidnapped Forest zones like Sambisa and others across the country remain strongholds for armed groups, making farming and rural life increasingly dangerous. These grim realities reinforce the need to decentralize policing. The idea is not new. Successive administrations—from Obasanjo to Yar’Adua and Jonathan—considered state police, and as far back as 1999, the federal government was already reviewing constitutional options. What is new, however, is the bipartisan urgency that now surrounds the issue.

On February 15, President Tinubu and the 36 state governors agreed to move forward with the creation of state police. This aligns with my earlier argument in January that decentralization is the most effective and immediate way to address Nigeria’s worsening security crisis.

With all tiers of government now aligned, Nigeria stands at a decisive moment. The task ahead is clear: legislate, implement, and empower a policing system that matches the scale and complexity of today’s insecurity.

Nigeria’s insecurity crisis continues to worsen, and President Bola Tinubu—though not its originator—now finds himself confronting its most violent phase. As I noted in my book Leading From The Streets, the roots of today’s turmoil run deep, shaped by decades of ethnic tension, separatism, and religious extremism. Disappointingly, nearly two years after that assessment that l made in the republished article, little has improved. Instead, violent crimes, mass kidnappings, and terrorist attacks have escalated, pushing

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