WEDNESDAY 10TH SEPTEMBER 2025

Natasha: Citing Pending Appeal Court Case,

NASS Blocks

Senator’s Resumption Despite Suspension Expiration

PDP condemns moves to stop her resumption Tells senator to get ready to resume at NASS

The National Assembly has formally declined Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s request to

resume her legislative duties in the senate, despite the expiration of her six-month suspension on

September 4, 2025. The country’s apex legislative institution cited a pending appeal at the Court of Appeal as the primary obstacle. Akpoti-Uduaghan, who rep-

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Edun, Oyedele Say No Plan to Implement 5% Fuel Surcharge in January

Explain commencement order must be issued, gazetted Presidential tax c’ttee chair reveals only 60,000km of 200,000km of roads tarred

Ndubuisi Francis and Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun and the Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, Taiwo Oyedele,

DSS Brokers Truce as Oil Workers

Call Off Nationwide Strike

Parties agree to allow unionisation based on freewill Unions ground commercial activities in states

How NUPENG, TUC insisted Dangote cannot form union for workers Narrate how Dangote team walked out on

18TH BANKING AND FINANCE ANNUAL CONFERENCE...

L-R: First Vice President CIBN, Mr. Dele Alabi FCIB; MD/CEO, GTB and Chairman Conference Organising Committee, Mrs. Miriam Olusanya, OON, FCIB; President and Chairman of Council CIBN, Professor Pius Deji Olanrewaju, Ph.D, FCIB; Governor Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr. Olayemi Cardoso FCIB; Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun; and Chairman, Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance and Other Financial Institutions, Mr. Tokunbo Abiru FCIB, at the 18th CIBN Annual Banking and Finance Conference in Abuja, yesterday

At CIBN Conference, Tinubu Urges Bankers to Boost Funding to Manufacturing Sector, Digital Innovations, Others

Hails CBN for actualising economic agenda, says country has competitive pricing regime for entrepreneurs to launch into other countries

Declares debt service now below revenue, inflation easing, and interest rates moderating Cardoso targets $1 billion monthly diaspora inflows as current value hits $600m

CIBN President: 16 listed banks raised over N2.5 trillion in fresh capital to strengthen balance sheets, net domestic credit to private sector reached N82 trillion in 2025

James Emejo in Abuja

President Bola Tinubu, yesterday, urged the banking sector to do more to support the country’s struggling manufacturing sector to boost its contribution to Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Following the recent rebasing exercise by National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), manufacturing sector’s contribution to real GDP stood at 9.62 per cent in Q1, compared to 7.62 per cent in 2024 and 9.76 per cent in Q1 2024.

Tinubu commended Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Olayemi Cardoso, for initiating policies that had brought stability to the foreign exchange (FX) market, as well as grown the country’s external reserves to about $42 billion.

The president spoke at the opening of the 18th Annual Banking and Finance Confer- ence, with the theme, “The New Economic Playbook: The Intersection of Banking, Policy,

and Technology,” organised by Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) in Abuja.

Tinubu’s assertions came as Cardoso said the apex bank aimed to boost monthly diaspora receipts to about $1 billion next year.

Cardoso said monthly diaspora inflows had drastically increased from about $250 million to around $600 million currently.

Tinubu, who was represented by Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, stated that though the rebased GDP continued to demonstrate growth, the contribution of the manufacturing sector remained low. He urged the banks to increase intervention to boost domestic production.

He said the country presently had a competitive pricing regime that would enable domestic entrepreneurs to export services to other parts of Africa and the world, at large.

Tinubu added that the

removal of fuel subsidy and the liberalisation of the FX market had created a new playbook, which Nigerians must take advantage of to further drive growth.

The president also tasked bankers to support and invest in emerging productive sectors, including the digital innovation and export services, where current opportunities lied.

The president said financial

technology companies (fintechs) had processed N37 trillion in mobile transactions in Q1,2025 adding that there is currently a movement in digital revolution, as people continued to embrace digital currency.

He said, “There is a movement, there is a digital revolution. So, many people now are not using the banking system to make ends.

“They’ve turned to stable

coin, they’ve turned to digital currency, and it’s important that the authorities, the capital market authorities, the banking authorities, get hold of this narrative and track it, report it, while it is still evolving.”

Tinubu challenged the banks to get hold of the emerging narrative early enough so as not to be left behind.

He said technology could help reduce operation costs

Presidency: 70% of Insecurity

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

The Presidency yesterday declared that 70 percent of security challenges facing the North Central geo-political zone could be solved through dialogue and not necessarily force.

Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community

Engagement (North-Central), Dr. Abiodun Essiet, who made this disclosure said nearly 70 per cent of security challenges in the North- Central could be tackled via non-kinetic means anchored on communities.

Speaking at a capac- ity building training for stakeholders across the

Nigeria, Angola to Sign 15 MoUs As 5th Joint Commission Begins in Luanda

michael olugbode in Abuja

Nigeria and Angola are expected to sign no fewer than 15 Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) at the ongoing 5th session of the Nigeria-Angola Bilateral Economic Joint Commission (BEJC) in Luanda.

Nigeria’s Minister of

State for Foreign Affairs, Amb. Bianca Odumegwu- Ojukwu, said the MoUs, when signed, would propel the existing bilateral relations between the two countries to a higher pedestal, and play very crucial roles in enhancing their mutual interest, strengthening domestic institutions, promoting

economic and social growth, and building capacity for friendly countries. She listed the areas covered by the MOUs to include: Establishing Nigeria-Angola Business Council; Economic and Technical Cooperation; Cooperation in Combating Illicit Production, Manufacturing, and Trafficking in

Narcotic Drugs, Psychotropic Substances, and their Precursors; Migration Partnership. Others are Cooperation Waiver of Visa Requirements for Diplomatic and Official Passport Holders; Coopera- tion on Transfer of Sentenced Person(s) and Cooperation in Correctional Administration and Reforms.

North-Central states held at the State House, Abuja, the presidential aide stated: “From our analysis, nearly 70 percent of the security challenges in the North Central can be addressed through dialogue, reconciliation, intelligence sharing, and community engagement, rather than through force alone”.

Reminiscing on the June 5, 2025 launch of the Presidential Community Engagement Peace Initiative (PCEPI) in Jos, Plateau State, Essiet stressed: “That the historic event was a significant step in our collective journey toward fostering unity, strengthen- ing social cohesion, and empowering communities to take ownership of their peace processes.”

She announced that, in line with Nigeria’s implementation of United Nations Universal Periodic Review (UPR) recommendations, her office was

The president stressed the need to expand the digital infrastructure, create regulatory frameworks and promote digital literacy. He said his administration remained focus on stabilising the macro economy, creating jobs and reducing poverty.

Continues online and engender a low interest regime.

in North Central States Solvable Through Non-kinetic Means

partnering the International Communities Organisation (ICO) on a project titled “Promoting Community Peace and Strengthening Social Cohesion in North Central Nigeria.”

At the heart of the effort, Essiet said, was a grassroots network that leaves no local government area behind.

According to her: “At the heart of this initiative is the establishment of a peace structure that will cut across all the 110 local governments in the North Central region.

“This structure will not just exist in name; it will be an active platform focusing on gathering and sharing intel- ligence, facilitating continuous dialogue, and helping us identify underlying issues and root causes of conflict. Ultimately, this peace structure will serve as the backbone of sustainable peacebuilding in our region”.

WORLD GAS SUMMIT IN MILAN...

L-R: Managing Director, Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG), Dr. Philip Mshelbila; Chairman, Senate Inter-parliamentary Committee, Senator Jimoh Ibrahim; and Deputy Managing Director, NLNG, Mr. Olakunle Osobu, at the World Gas Summit in Milan, Italy, yesterday

Shettima: Tinubu Govt’s Bold Reforms

Proof of Political Will in Economic Policy

Says Africa can turn supply chain disruptions, trade protectionism into opportunities for economic upliftment

Vice President Kashim Shettima has said the courageous and unavoidable reforms being undertaken by the administra- tion of President Bola Tinubu, which according to him are currently fixing Nigeria’s structural weaknesses, are a

proof of the power of political will in economic policy.

He, therefore, called on African nations to embrace the knowledge economy, saying it was a bridge to transform the continent’s economic growth and development through productivity beyond outdated explanations.

The Vice President, who disclosed this in Abuja, yesterday, at the opening session of the 66th Annual Conference of the Nigerian Economic Society (NES), noted that while Nigeria was not immune to the economic morass Africa had long been enmeshed in, the nation’s comforting prospect is

that it currently has a President with a listening ear.

According to Shettima: “Nigeria is, of course, not exempted from Africa’s economic tragedies. But our silver lining is the listening ear of President Bola Tinubu.

Under his leadership, this administration has embarked

NCC Moves to Bridge Skills Gap in Telecoms, Seeks Operators’ Inputs

Worried about the dearth of digital skills across organisations in the Nigerian telecoms sector, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), yesterday, held a stakeholders’ consultative forum in Lagos.

One of the most pressing challenges facing Nigeria’s telecoms industry is the shortage of indigenous talent to sustain sector growth.

Speaking at the forum, the Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, said since the liberalisation of the

telecoms sector in 2001, the telecoms industry has created more than 500,000 jobs, transformed connectivity, and enabled economic growth, yet the industry still struggles with digital skills deficit that threatens the telecoms sector gains.

According to Maida, studies, including the 2024 ITU assessment of Nigeria’s digital economy, highlight that while employers require about 30 per cent of advanced digital skills, only 11 per cent of currently employed workers possess them.

Maida, who was represented

CAPPA Commends FG’s

Gideon Arinze in Enugu

The Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) has commended the federal government’s decision to develop a draft policy that would earmark revenues from excise taxes on alcohol, tobacco, and sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) for health financing.

CAPPA described the initiative as a decisive opportunity for the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration to leave a legacy of sustainable funding for Nigeria’s fragile healthcare

by the Executive Commissioner, Technical Services at NCC, Abraham Oshadami, said the five critical roles such as desktop/support technicians, data analysts, ICT engineers, software developers, and data scientists, made up 25 per cent of jobs today, but explained that 27 per cent of the roles were already hard to fill, and that 29 per cent more would be required in the next five years.

“The skills required in our telecoms value chain can be grouped into four categories: Core Technical Skills – covering network engineering, 5G/6G

Health Tax Policy

system and to protect the health of Nigerian citizens.

Chairman of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee, Mr. Taiwo Oyedele had disclosed, at a recent national health-financing dialogue in Abuja, that the federal government was finalising a draft policy to channel excise-tax revenues from alcohol, tobacco, and sugary drinks into health financing.According to him, the policy will soon be submitted to the Minister of Health and Social

Welfare.

Reacting to the development via a statement by its Media and Communication Officer, Robert Egbe, CAPPA said that both local and World Health Organisation (WHO) reports have shown that Nigeria was reeling from grossly inadequate public health financing and grappling with the double burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), fuelled by the excessive consumption of sugar-laden beverages, salt, tobacco and alcohol by citizens.

deployment, fibre optics, spectrum management, and cybersecurity; Software and Data Competencies – including software engineering, AI, data science, cloud, IoT, blockchain, and analytics; Business and Strategic Skills – project management, regulatory compliance, policy, entrepreneurship, and digital business strategy; and Soft Skills – leadership, col- laboration, communication, and adaptability in a rapidly evolving sector,” Maida said.

on bold and inevitable reforms to address structural weaknesses that others before us only paid lip service to.

“These reforms testify to the power of political will in economic policy. Their painful but necessary consequences remind us that a malignant disease can only be cured by painful surgery. The wounds are temporary, but the recovery is permanent.”

The Vice President stressed the need for African nations to get rid of the old-fashioned approach to their economy and embrace structural transformation if they must revive human capital challenges and reverse unemployment on the continent.

He said, “We live in a world where a random citizen in Daura can outsource his services to a corporation in Dallas without seeing the inside of a plane or leaving his bedroom.

“But to catch up with this changing world, Africa must embrace structural transformation that reinvents its human capital and reverses unemploy-

ment.

“Poverty must be confronted head-on for the promise of this continent to be realised in the lives of our people. There is no justification for the low per capita income that afflicts our nations amidst the resources at ourShettimadisposal.”observed that though, “geopolitical conflicts, trade protectionism, supply chain disruptions, the energy transition, and the disruptive rise of artificial intelligence” may all seem like a threat to the continent’s economy, they are opportunities in disguise.

“They all paint a gloomy outlook. But each threat is also an opportunity in disguise. This is why a society such as yours exists: to light the path of a continent even in the darkest night,” he explained, just as he pointed out it is the mandate that the Annual Conference of the Nigerian Economic Society has been given “to find new pathways to solutions,” while the nation awaits the recommendations.

Renewable Energy: Experts Call for Collaboration to Drive Adoption of New Technologies

Kuni

To find lasting solutions to the challenges of energy in Nigeria, experts, particularly from the academia, converged on Abuja to explore and col- laborate to drive the adoption of new Speakingtechnologies. yesterday on the theme, “Co- creating circular micro-grid solutions for Nigeria’s sustainable energy future,” which was organ- ised by Circular Economy Powered Renewable Energy Centre (CEPREC), Professor

of Economics of Innovation at Warwick Business School, Giuliana Battisti, emphasised the importance of collabora- tion in implementing new technologies, such as circular microgrids.

She stressed the need for the adoption of new technologies, such as circular microgrids, noting that it requires a comprehensive approach that considers an entire ecosystem, which is doable by understanding the industry landscape which stakeholders could leverage

on to identify opportunities and challenges and develop effective solutions. She said by working together and developing the necessary skills and infra- structure, Nigeria could drive innovation and growth in the technology sector, while noting that the collaboration between government, universities, and businesses would be critical in achieving this goal and ensure that the country stands to be well-positioned to benefit from emerging technologies found in renewable energies.

DinnEr fOr ThE ExEcuTivE MBA clAss Of cAMBriDgE

JuDgE BusinEss schOOl...

L-R: Global Head of Research Incubations, Microsoft Research, Ade Famoti; Professor Esther Makinde; Chief Customer Officer, Interswitch Group, Ms Oremeyi Akah; Chief Executive Officer , Olusegun Obasanjo Foundation, Dr. Olalekan James Makinde; CEO Gold Lilies Global Services /Executive Producer of the movie “OSAMEDE”, Lilian Olubi and Global Business Manager , Risk Integrity & Technology, DNV, Emmanuel Anozie during a dinner for The Executive MBA Class of Cambridge Judge Business School hosted by the Lagos Chapter of the School Alumni at Crust & Cream, Victoria Island , Lagos on Monday

Shea Industry: Tinubu’s Bold Policy Will Drive Economic Renewal, Make Nigeria Global Leader, Says Idris

Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has described President Bola Tinubu’s recent temporary suspension of raw shea export as a policy that would catalyse economic renewal, accountability, national re-orientation and inclusivity.

Idris stated that the policy was a bold and strategic measure aimed at positioning the country as a global leader in the shea economy. He made the statement yesterday while speaking as Special Guest of Honour at the 20th Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) Northern Zonal Accountants’ Conference in Minna, Niger State.

The minister, represented by Director-General of Voice of Nigeria (VON), Jibrin Baba Ndace, added that the president’s initiative would ultimately open up the vast economic potential of Nigeria’s shea industry.

Idris stated, “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent

temporary suspension of raw shea exports is not a mere policy experiment but a bold and forward-looking measure aimed at unlocking the full potential of our rural economy.

“By insisting that more of our shea be processed locally, the President is ensuring that Nigeria, which accounts for over 50 per cent of the world’s shea production, does not remain a supplier of raw materials but becomes a global leader in high-value shea products.”

Idris, who hails from Niger State, the epicentre of Shea production in Nigeria, stressed that the state, would also benefit tremendously from the decisive initiative that would stimulate local investment, drive technology transfer, and accelerate the development of processing capacity.

“It will also bring about the creation of quality jobs for our youth and women in rural communities, boost foreign exchange earnings, and deepen Nigeria’s participation in the global value chains,” Idris said. He commended the National

Shea Products Association of Nigeria (NASPAN) for embracing the president’s vision, adding that “the federal government is providing the enabling environment to make it a reality.”

On the theme of the 20th ICAN Conference, “Socio-Economic Potentials, Accountability and National Re-Orientation: Unlocking Nigeria’s future,” Idris said accountability was the cornerstone of every thriving

society.

He said to unlock Nigeria’s future, citizens must collectively commit to doing things differently by “living by the right values, holding institutions accountable, and putting Nigeria first in all our actions”.

The minister also highlighted the ongoing reforms encompassing fiscal discipline, infrastructure renewal, digital transformation, and youth empowerment,

which he said were laying “the moral and institutional compass needed to unlock Nigeria’s vast human and material potentials”.

He said the construction of the Lagos–Calabar Coastal superhighway, the Badagry–Sokoto superhighway, the rehabilitation of the Eastern rail corridor, and the establishment of Regional Development Commissions, among others, demonstrated equitable distribution of

resources, guided by fairness and accountability under the present administration. Idris also reckoned that the federal government was leveraging the Treasury Single Account and the Government Integrated Financial Management Information System (GIFMIS) to tighten controls, reduce leakages, and restore discipline in how national resources were being managed.

First Lady Grants N47m Scholarships, Laptops to 47 Undergraduates

Says initiative devoid political undertone, about service to humanity Education minister lauds scheme as complementing FG’s education drive

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

Wife of the President, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has given N47 million and laptops to 47 beneficiaries of her pet project, Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) scholarship scheme, underscoring her

Plans for 2nd Edition of Ikogosi Marathon Race Unveiled

As Gov Oyebanji restates commitment to sports, tourism devt

gbenga sodeinde in Ado Ekiti Ekiti State Government, in collaboration with Ikogosi Mara- thon Initiative, has announced plans for the second edition of Ikogosi 17.5km marathon race scheduled for November 8, describing it as a major event designed to promote fitness, attract investment, and showcase the state’s natural endowment.

Speaking during a press conference in Ado Ekiti on Monday, Governor Biodun Oyebanji, who was represented by his Technical Advisor on Sports Development,

Dr. Olusola Osetoba, restated his administration’s commitment to sports and tourism development as a key driver of economic growth and youth engagement in the state.

He added that the Ikogosi race went beyond competition, as it provided a platform to promote healthy living while placing the state on the global sporting map.

According to the organisers, the 17.5km marathon will feature over 5,000 athletes and participants through scenic routes of Ilawe, with the finishing point at

the iconic Ikogosi Warm Springs resort, Ikogosi-Ekiti.

While assuring that his government would continue to partner relevant stakeholders to make Ekiti a sports and tourism hub, Oyebanji described the event as more than just a competition. He said it was a celebration of resilience, unity and excellence that reflected the Ekiti spirit.

The governor urged residents to welcome visitors warmly and showcase the state’s culture, values and peaceful atmosphere.

commitment to supporting education and empowering young Nigerians across diverse fields of study.

Each of the students, drawn from tertiary institutions across the country, got N1 million and a laptop to hasten their academic pursuits.

The recipients cut across various academic levels — five in 400 level, 39 in 300 level, two in 200 level, and one in ND II — and were studying courses ranging from medicine, law, and engineering to education, sciences, and the humanities.

Speaking during the cer- emony, the first lady stressed that the initiative was rooted in service to humanity, not politics.

She stated, “This is a scheme that we have to continue; this is not about politics, it is about people’s lives. Just like in the past when I gave out scholarships, I want to ask you, what do you also add to the table? You can grow and also look for extra things you can do that will not hinder your studies.

“We started in 2023. We want to know how you are faring and also advise you on how to move ahead. It is good that you are all still in school. It is more than that. What have you done with the first and second tranche?”

Mrs Tinubu urged the beneficiaries to make the most of the opportunity and hinted at plans to sustain the programme.

“It is not about the number, but it is about raising good and successful students that would be productive and add something to the table.

NGO to Empower 2,000 Frontline Health Workers in Katsina

francis sardauna in Katsina

A Non-governmental Organisation (NGO), CARE Nigeria, has revealed plans to empower 2,000 frontline health workers with relevant skills to deliver high-quality and efficient healthcare services in Katsina State.

The organisation disclosed

this at the ceremonial launch of its Enhancing Resilience in Frontline Community Healthcare (EnRiCH) project in Katsina State at the Government House, Tuesday.

The EnRiCH Project Coordinator, Dr. Rimaye Aminu Hamisu, while presenting an overview of the project, said it will empower 2,000

frontline health workers to deliver services to one million people across the state. He said the health personnel would be trained on financial literacy and leadership skills through digital learning platforms to provide services to the one million people in 200,000 households in three years.

Afreximbank, BOA Seal $1bn Deal for Nigeria’s Smallholder Farmers

Fidelis David in Akure

Nigeria’s smallholder farmers are set for a lifeline as the Bank of Agriculture (BOA) has sealed a $1 billion financing pact with the African ExportImport Bank (Afreximbank).

BOA’s Managing Director, Mr. Ayo Sotinrin, formalised the agreement with Mrs. Kanayo Awani, Afreximbank’s Executive Vice President for Intra-African Trade and Export Development, at the ongoing

Emmanuel Addeh, Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja, Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City, Sylvester Idowu in Warri, Gideon Arinze in Enugu, Fidelis David in Akure, Ahmad Sorondinki in Kano and Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), yesterday, called off its industrial action after the Department of State Services (DSS) brokered a truce between the federal government, oil industry stakeholders, and organisedTHISDAYlabour.gathered that the

issued a 14 day ultimatum to the federal government to rescind any plan to introduce any tax surcharge or risk a total shut down of the economy.

Edun, who addressed a press conference in Abuja, admitted that while the Tax Administration Act will become operational on January 1, 2026, the 5 per cent fuel surcharge, which is captured in the Act, will not automatically come into effect.

He explained the Tax Administration Act is among four legislative instruments enacted to boost transparency, simplify compliance for individuals and businesses, and modernise revenue collection.

Edun said: “But let me re-emphasise and underscore the following: The tax reform bills and the tax act will not become operational until January 1, 2026. And the 5 per cent fuel surcharge, which is mentioned therein, will not automatically come into effect.

“There is even a process before any such charge can come into effect. It requires a commencement order from the Honourable Minister of Finance, and this indeed must be published in a gazette.

“So it’s not automatic that we wake up on January 1 and there’s a new tax and it is going to be levied. No, there’s a whole formal process involved. And as of today, no order has been issued, none is being prepared, and there is no plan, no immediate plan to implement any surcharge.”

According to him, the

Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF) 2025 in Algiers, Algeria.

This was disclosed in a statement issued by Senior Manager, Head, Corporate Communication of BOA, Maikenti Akila, yesterday.

According to the state- ment, the landmark deal was endorsed under the leadership of Afreximbank President, Prof. Benedict Oramah, who has been at the forefront of mobilising resources to strengthen Africa’s

resolution followed a high-level meeting convened in Abuja with key government officials, representatives of Dangote Refinery, and leaders of major trade unions in attendance.

But before the agreement was reached, the industrial action embarked upon by the oil workers had grounded commercial activities in several states of the federation, subjecting motorists to long fuel queues and commuters to immeasurable hardship.

Aside from top officials of the Oluwatosin Ajayi-led DSS, it was learnt that Minister of Finance, Wale Edun; Minister of Labour and Employment, Mohammed

surcharge is a long-standing provision initiated in 2007 under the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) Act, and not a new tax measure created by the Tinubu administration, adding that its inclusion in the 2025 Act was part of efforts to consolidate and harmonise existing laws for clarity and ease of compliance.

The minister noted that the original purpose was that 40 per cent of the proceeds of that user charge would go to FERMA while 60 per cent would go to the states or the state equivalent of FERMA, otherwise known as the state road management agencies or whatever name or form.

“And we know how critical that is. Not just for safety of lives and property, for mobility, but of course for economic growth. As it is through the road network largely that goods are delivered,” he said.

The minister stressed that it was important to make the distinction, adding: “The inclusion of the surcharge in the 2025 Nigeria Tax Admin- istration Act does not mean an automatic introduction of new tax. It doesn’t mean fresh taxation automatically.”

Explaining why the surcharge appeared in the new Act, he said the inclusion of the surcharge in the 2025 Nigeria Tax Administration Act did not mean an automatic introduction of a new tax.

“The government is fully aware of the economic pres- sures of the time and will not take decisions that will make

agricultural value chains and intra-African trade.

It added that the facility would establish a National Smallholder Farmers’ Fund, designed to close financing gaps affecting smallholder farmers, who account for nearly 95 per cent of players in Nigeria’s agricultural value chain.

Under the scheme, BOA and Afreximbank would provide blended finance solutions to make credit

Dingyadi; Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha; and the Dangote Refinery delegation, led by Sayyu Dantata, were also present.

In addition, labour leaders, including NUPENG’s Williams Akporeha, Benson Upah of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), and Nuhu Toro of Trade Union Congress (TUC) also played critical roles at the meeting.

Following hours of delib- eration, the parties resolved to uphold existing labour laws, with emphasis that employees must not be compelled to join any union, and should retain the freedom to either affiliate

things even more burdensome. We don’t worsen the burden on Nigerians.

“Our priority is to strengthen tax governance, block revenue leakages, improve efficiency, rather than just levy new taxes, charges, and costs. Our economic journey in 2025 is marked by renewed microeconomic stability. There is growing investor confidence.

“There is an affirmation that we are in the right direction from development partners, partners, international observers, international rating agencies, among“Andothers. there is a continued momentum for structural reform that is taking this economy from the current levels of growth to

District, was suspended by the senate on March 6, 2025, over allegations of misconduct.

Strongly disagreeing with the senate leadership, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) condemned the attempt by Clerk of the National Assembly to bar Akpoti-Uduaghan from resuming at the senate after the six months’ suspension imposed on her by Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, expired.

In a statement by PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, the party said, “This reported action by the Clerk of the National Assembly smacks of a calculated attempt being orchestrated by the Senator Akpabio-led All Progressives Congress (APC)

more affordable.

The loans would cover the purchase of seeds, fertilisers, and agrochemicals, as well as mechanised services that improve efficiency and yields.

The fund would also support investments in storage, aggregation, and logistics infrastructure to cut postharvest losses while creating structured market linkages to connect farmers directly with buyers, processors, and exporters.

with or decline membership of any labour body.

Besides, other outstanding is- sues of contention were resolved, culminating in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) by all stakeholders. The agreement led to the immediate suspension of NUPENG’s strike action, which had threatened to disrupt petroleum supply and distribution across the country.

Specifically, all parties agreed to the unionisation of only employees of Dangote Refinery and Petrochemicals, who were willing to do so.

In a formal communique jointly signed by Assistant General Secretary of NLC,

higher and more inclusive levels of growth.

“So, it is our collective responsibility to translate the policies that are in place into better jobs, higher incomes, and improve public services and we need to ensure that the reforms that have been carefully defined and are evidence-based are responsibly implemented,” he said.

Also, the Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, Taiwo Oyedele, yesterday maintained that the proposed 5 per cent fuel surcharge was critical to fixing Nigeria’s deteriorating road infrastructure, but maintained that no date has been

Continued on page 36

Senate leadership to abridge the right of representation of the people of Kogi Central Senatorial District and deny them a voice at the highest law-making body in the country.”

It would be recalled that the Federal High Court had ruled that the suspension excessive and unconstitutional. But a subsequent appeal filed by the senate president prevented Akpoti-Uduaghan’s reinstatement.

In a letter dated September 4 and signed by Acting Clerk to the National Assembly, Dr. Yahaya Danzaria, the NASS stated unequivocally that no administrative action will be taken to facilitate her return until the Court of Appeal delivered its judgement.

“This deal represents a bold step toward building a sustainable future. It provides smallholder farmers with the resources they need to thrive, contributing significantly to national food security and economic growth,” Sotinrin said at the signing.

He added that the partnership was in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises food security and farmers’

Upah, and General Secretary of TUC, Toro, on behalf of NUPENG and organised labour, and Dantata, who represented Dangote Refinery, the parties stressed that it was agreed that the employer (Dangote) could not set up any other union.

The communique stated, “Fol- lowing the threat to embark on industrial action by the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) over the following points in dispute: Refusal of the management of Dangote Refinery and Petro- chemical Limited to allow their employees to be unionised by registered labour unions.

“A conciliation meeting was held at the instance of the Honourable Minister of Labour and Employment and it was revealed in the course of the meeting that: the management agreed with this fact and responded that they are not averse to the unionisation of their employees.

“After exhaustive deliberations, the following resolutions were reached by both parties:

“That since workers’ unionisation is a right in line with the provisions of the extant laws, the management of Dangote Refinery and Petrochemicals agreed to the unionisation of employees of Dangote Refinery and unionisation of employees of Petrochemicals, who are willing to unionise.

“That the process of unionisa- tion shall commence immediately and be completed within two weeks (9-22 September,

Part of the letter, obtained by THISDAY in Abuja yesterday read, “The matter therefore remains sub judice, and until the judicial process is concluded and the Senate formally reviews the suspension in the light of the court’s pronouncement, no administrative action can be taken by this office to facilitate your resumption.”

The acting clerk further assured the senator that she would be “duly notified” of the senate’s decision once the legal issues were resolved.

Akpoti-Uduaghan had in an earlier letter dated August 28, 2025 formally notified the clerk of her intent to resume duties upon the expiration of her suspension, arguing that her suspension, being for a

2025), and it was agreed that the employer cannot set up any other union.”

The MoU further stated that arising from the strike notice, no worker or employee of Dangote Refinery and Petrochemicals will be victimised.

In the same vein, the agree- ment stated that parties will revert to the labour minister a week after the conclusion of the engagement. “Based on the MoU, NUPENG agreed to suspend the industrial action with immediate effect,” the document explained.

Unions say Dangote’s Team Walked Out on FG Twice Before the meeting, NUPENG and TUC had narrated on both Arise Television and Channels Television what transpired on the first day of the meeting, when no agreement was reached. Akporeha said on Arise TV, “One major role of trade unions across the world is to ensure fairness, equity, and job security for workers in their various workplaces. What Dangote has shown over time is that he’s not prepared to have workers that will have a say in his “Andemployment. to us, we say that is slavery. The Direct Trucking Company Drivers Association (DTCDA) that you talked about, were asked to leave the meeting yesterday (Monday) because they are not known to law.

Continued on page 37

definite six-month period, should automatically lapse on September 4.

Her letter partly read, “Consequently, by operation of law and in accordance with the terms of the Senate’s resolution, I am entitled to resume my full duties as a Distinguished Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

The senator also underscored the importance of resuming office in time to catch up on legislative duties, attend to constituency matters, and prepare for the senate’s resumption from recess.

She insisted that delaying her return any further would infringe on her constitutional rights and the rights of her

Continued on page 34

Media briefing to unveil the h1 2025 edition of Knight franK’s...

L-R: Partner/Head, Valuation and Advisory, Knight Frank Nigeria, Sunny Akpodiogaga; Lead Research Analyst, Knight Frank Nigeria, Daniel Fabi; Senior Partner/CEO, Knight Frank Nigeria, Frank Okosun; Partner/Head, Property Management, Knight Frank Nigeria, Edith Aiyede; and Head, Marketing and Corporate Communication, Knight Frank Nigeria, Lanre Sonubi, during a media briefing to unveil the H1 2025 edition of Knight Frank’s Lagos

UK Pledges £19m to Boost Climate-Resilient Health, Education Facilities in Kano, Jigawa

As NASS affirms support for enhanced domestic health financing NEPWHAN urges more subscription into health insurance scheme

sunday ehigiator and onyebuchi ezigbo in Abuja

The United Kingdom has committed £19 million to support the development of climate-resilient health and education facilities in Nigeria, in partnership with the federal government, UNICEF, and the governments of Kano and Jigawa states. The announcement came on Tuesday during the inauguration

of 84 newly renovated facilities under the Climate Resilient Infrastructure for Basic Services (CRIBS) initiative. In another development, the House of Representatives Committee on Health its expressed readiness to back proposals to further raise allocation to the country’s health sector in the 2026 budget as a means of narrowing the funding gap created by dwindling support

from foreign donor support. In a similar vein, Network of People Living With HIV/AIDS In Nigeria (NEPWHAN) said it will mobilise more Nigerians to subscribe to the National Health Insurance Scheme as a means of securing funding for treatment of HIV positive persons in the country.

Meanwhile, the CRIBS projects included 39 primary healthcare centres and 45 schools, rede-

signed with climate adaptation measures to withstand floods, droughts, and extreme heat. Nigeria ranks second globally in climate-related risks to children, with millions affected annually by environmental hazards. The CRIBS programme seeks to address this challenge through cost-effective, scalable, and community-owned solutions that can be replicated nationwide.

Osun LGA Allocations: Osun Muslim Clerics, Stakeholders Urge for Calm

Osun State Muslim Stakeholders and League of Alfas yesterday pleaded for calm amid the ongoing crisis surrounding the state’s withheld local government funds.

Speaking at a press briefing held at NUJ Press Centre in Osogbo, Sheik Khozeem AbdurRaham, President and Mallam Abdul Ganiyy Sahid Esra, general secretary respectively described as “a media-driven misrepresentation of facts, political manipulation, and abuse of religious

influence” surrounding the contentious issue.

According to them, the crisis dated back to October 2022, when local government elections were held under the administration of Governor Gboyega Oyetola of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

He posited that these elections were nullified by a Federal High Court ruling in November 2022, leading to the dissolution of the councils by the newly sworn-in Governor Ademola Adeleke of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

However, the APC won an appeal in February 2025, resulting in the reinstatement of its elected chairmen and councilors. Political tensions rose sharply thereafter, culminating in the tragic killing of one local government chairman.

Despite the appeal court’s ruling, the PDP-led state government announced fresh local government elections on February 22, 2025 - a move deemed illegal by the Attorney General of the Federation and opposed by national security agencies.

NBS Partners INEC on Data Collation

The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) have resolved to partner together to make the data collated from the commission available to more Nigerians.

Speaking during a courtesy call to the management of the electoral body in Abuja, yesterday, the Statistician-General of the Federation, Mr. Adeyemi Adeniran, said the NBS has

the mandate to produce data on socio-economic and other areas in the country for the citizens so that government could use the data to plan, to make policies, and to evaluate policies that are in place.

According to him, it’s “not only data produced from the government, our data is also used by private organisations and companies. Our data is being used by other ministries and departments at agencies of government to plan their own

programs and activities at their respective MDAs. “So for us to be able to report adequately on all SDG indicators and goals, we need all kinds of administrative data produced by public institutions and government agencies.”

Adeniran said it was against this background that the NBS met with INEC’s management to see how they would collaborate together to ensure that they have data produced by INEC on NBS database and make it available for public use.

What followed was a legal standoff across multiple courts—from state high courts to the Court of Appeal and even the Supreme Court—resulting in conflicting interpretations.

While the Court of Appeal ruled in favour of the APC in one instance, it later refused to relist a related case, which the PDP and Osun State Government hailed as a legal victory.

Head of Development Cooperation at the British High Commission in Abuja, Cynthia Rowe, said the UK was proud to support Nigeria in building resilience in its essential services.

Rowe stated, “This £19m commitment demonstrates how climate-resilient infrastructure can improve access to basic services for vulnerable populations. We hope this model inspires broader replication across Nigeria.”

UNICEF Representative in Nigeria, Wafaa Saeed, described the initiative as proof of the power of collaboration.

Saeed said, “By investing in climate-smart infrastructure, we are not only protecting services but also empowering communities to safeguard their children’s future. CRIBS is a model for how we can build resilience where it matters most, at the frontline of service delivery.”

The CRIBS initiative was developed through a broad partnership involving the UK government, Nigeria’s federal and state governments, UNICEF, World Bank, World Health Organisation, Sextant

Foundation, JigSaw, Fab Inc, Crown Agents, and the UK Lafiya Programme.

The inauguration ceremonies in Kano and Jigawa featured ribbon-cutting, site visits, and community engagement, showcasing how climate-smart investments can safeguard lives and support children’s education.

Officials said the projects aligned with national and state priorities in climate ac- tion, health, and education, while highlighting the UK’s commitment to Nigeria’s efforts in climate adaptation and improved service delivery.

In his goodwill message at the stakeholders’ dialogue on Domestic Financing for HIV and TB, and Domestication of the HIV Anti Stigma Law in Abuja, Chairman, House Committee on HIV/AIDS, Hon. Amobi Ogah, said the federal government needed to take the lead in the effort to shore up domestic financing to support various healthcare interventions, including treatment of HIV positive persons in the country.

Edo State Government on Tuesday denied allegations that it has five percent shares in Ossiomo Power, an indigenous electricity generation and distribution company in the state, clarifying the power company was just a private firm and the state government was one of its customers. Ossiomo Power has been shut down since September 1st due to ownership tussle between the Nigeria partners

and the Jiangsu Communication Clean Energy Technology (CCETC).

It generates 95MW of electricity which it supplied to government buildings including Government House, Secretariat buildings, the NUJ, street lights and private organisations in the state.

Already, 115 subscribers of Ossiomo Power include the Edo State Government have indicated interest to switch back to Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC).

Speaking at a stakeholders

meeting with Ossiomo Power subscribers, Director General of the Edo State Electrification Agency, Saturday Omozokpea Egbadon, said available records showed the state has no shares in Ossiomo Power.

Egbadon said 80 percent of state government facilities have migrated to a dedicated line provided by the BEDC. He said management of Ossiomo Power was yet to officially inform the state government about troubles in the firm.

Email: deji.elumoye@thisdaylive.com

08033025611 sms only

Situating Spirited Efforts of DSS in Arrest of Ansaru Terrorist Leaders

While the spotlight often shines on the strategic arrests, it is the quiet precision, tireless dedication, and collaboration of the Department of s tate s ervices and other operatives behind the scenes that made the capture of a nsaru’s terrorist leaders possible, writes l inus Aleke .

The strategic capture of Ansaru’s top terrorist leaders may have made headlines, but behind the scenes, it was the quiet, meticulous work of the Department of State Services (DSS) that laid the groundwork for this pivotal breakthrough. For months, operatives tracked coded communications, infiltrated support networks, and monitored suspicious movement patterns — all while remaining invisible to the very targets they were pursuing. Their efforts dismantled the inner circle of a terror group notorious for prison breaks, kidnappings, and cross-border insurgency.

Covert intelligence gathering began long before the names Abu Bara’a and Mallam Mamuda became public. According to sources close to the operation, DSS operatives embedded in high-risk zones collected human intelligence from informants within the Ansaru network — individuals cultivated through months of trust-building and high-risk interactions. Satellite data and signal intercepts, analysed by DSS cyber-intelligence units, confirmed safe houses, drop points, and digital trails.

“It wasn’t luck — it was layered surveillance, patience, and precision,” said a senior intelligence officer, who requested anonymity due to operational sensitivities.

Perhaps most impressive was how the DSS managed inter-agency collaboration without compromising secrecy. The coordination with military units, local vigilantes, and even foreign intelligence partners was handled with surgical accuracy.

“Every movement, every decision, was timed to perfection. We couldn’t afford to lose the element of surprise,” the officer added. On the day of the arrests, DSS units were already in place, having mapped exit routes, escape contingencies, and support clusters. The leaders were apprehended without gunfire — a testament to how intelligence can save lives and prevent collateral damage.

Unveiling the arrested terrorist kingpins to the public during a press conference at the headquarters of the National Counter Terrorism Centre, Office of the National Security Adviser (NCTC-ONSA), the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, praised the immeasurable contributions of the nation’s top secret police.

According to him: “The DSS played a silent but decisive role. They were the eyes, ears, and mind behind the success of this operation.”

He added: “This is a clear example of how modern counter-terrorism relies on intelligence, not just force. Their work is unseen, but its impact is undeniable. As the nation applauds this milestone, it’s vital to recognise the shadow work of operatives whose names we may never know — but whose courage and intellect continue to safeguard Nigeria from within.”

The United States and the United Kingdom have also applauded the Federal Government and its security agencies — particularly the intelligence services — for the successful arrest of two senior leaders of the terrorist group, Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimina fi-Biladis Sudan, also known as Ansaru.

The U.S. Embassy in Nigeria, in a statement via its official X handle, described the operation as a major step in Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to combat terrorism and extremism. The Embassy praised the Nigerian security forces and described the arrests as a significant achievement.

The post read: “We commend the Nigerian government and security forces on the successful arrest of wanted #Ansaru

leaders, Mahmud Muhammad Usman (aka Abu Bara’a) and Mahmud al-Nigeri (aka Mallam Mamuda). This is a significant step forward in Nigeria’s fight against terrorism and extremism.”

Also, the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery, also issued his commendation on X, describing the operation as “an extraordinary and very significant success.” He applauded the security agencies and their leadership under the National Security Adviser.

“An extraordinary & very significant success. A major step forward in the fight against terrorism. Congratulations to the security agencies & officers involved under the leadership of NSA Ribadu,” Montgomery noted.

Aside from the U.S. and U.K. authorities, several local institutions, organisations, and stakeholder groups publicly commended the Department of State Services (DSS) and the National Security Adviser (NSA) for their role in the arrest of

the Ansaru terror leaders.

The Northern Youth Frontiers (NYF), in a statement, lauded President Bola Tinubu, the National Security Adviser (NSA), the leadership of the Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria’s armed forces, and the intelligence community for orchestrating the arrests.

The statement, signed by its National Coordinator, Sama Musa, described the arrest as “a decisive blow not just to Ansaru’s central command but also to other terrorist groups and their enablers in Nigeria.”

The leadership of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) also celebrated the bravery and professionalism of Nigeria’s security agencies, emphasising that the recovered digital evidence offers critical insight for dismantling terror networks and preventing future attacks.

The Union’s National President, Alhassan Yahya Abdullahi, in a statement, said the arrests signified “a turning point in the campaign to dismantle terror networks,” adding that the bravery and professionalism displayed by the security forces deserved national recognition.

Meanwhile, the Muslim Rights Concern

While public attention often gravitates towards the visible actors in uniform, this moment calls for recognition of those who work in silence — the operatives of the Department of state services (Dss) — whose covert intelligence, tireless surveillance, and calculated restraint laid the groundwork for this remarkable breakthrough.

(MURIC) also applauded the National Security Adviser, Mallam Ribadu, and the Director-General of the DSS, Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi, for the capture of the two notorious terrorist leaders who had long been on Nigeria’s wanted list.

Executive Director of MURIC, Prof. Ishaq Akintola, described the development as “a major blow to terrorism in Nigeria” and urged the government to consolidate the gains.

Describing the operation as one of the most successful security crackdowns in recent years, MURIC appreciated the operatives working in the shadows — “the lurking shadows at street corners” — for their sacrifices in safeguarding the nation. He stressed that the capture of the terrorist kingpins marked the end of a long manhunt for the two, who had previously evaded arrest by Nigerian security forces and international intelligence agencies.

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 northern states and the Federal Capital Territory has also praised the National Security Adviser, Ribadu, and the DSS for the arrest of two notorious Ansaru terrorist leaders.

Chairman of Northern CAN, Rev. John Joseph Hayab, who expressed this commendation while fielding questions from journalists in Kaduna described the arrests as a significant breakthrough in Nigeria’s counter-terrorism efforts.

According to him: “We do not want to be people who only grumble and accuse. We want to be people who, when we see what is right, we acknowledge it. The National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, deserves enormous credit for the deliberate, intelligence-driven operation that led to the arrest of some of Nigeria’s most wanted terrorists.”

Also, Arewa Think Tank (ATT), in a statement, said the operation was “quiet, deliberate, and intelligence-driven.”

The group further described the covert mission as one of Nigeria’s most consequential counter-terrorism victories, offering reassurance to communities in the affected areas.

On its part, the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), while applauding the capture, urged authorities to build on the success by strengthening community policing, intelligence gathering, and local stakeholder partnerships.

The Bloggers and Vloggers Content Creators Association (BAVCCA) specifically lauded DSS Director-General, Oluwatosin Ajayi, for the “surgical precision” of the operation and the professional restraint demonstrated by the operatives, who “executed the surgical operation without firing a shot.”

They also expressed appreciation for the strategic intelligence and capacity demonstrated under NSA Ribadu.

The Northern Ethnic Youth Group Assembly (NEYGA) similarly applauded NSA Ribadu for confirming the arrests abd praised the DSS’s covert modus operandi and emphasised its confidence in the agency’s leadership and operational discretion.

An Abuja-based lawyer, Pelumi Olajengbesi, also praised NSA Ribadu and the service chiefs for the synergy across security agencies that made the arrests possible.

He highlighted the new operational paradigm of collaboration—contrasting it with the inefficiencies of the past.

FOCUS

Proposed PIA Amendment: Killing the Gains in Nigeria’s Oil and Gas Industry

The proposed amendment to the Petroleum Industry Act, PIA, will not only set the nation’s oil and gas industry back by decades, but also erase the gains of the last five years. Samuel Ajayi writes.

As the Nigeria’s the oil and gas industry tries to rival those of other advanced countries, the signing of the Petroleum Industry Act, PIA, on August 16, 2021, remains a massive game changer. The PIA did not only reduce a lot of legal and operational bottlenecks from the operations of the upstream sector of the nation’s oil and gas industry, it also created an unprecedented confidence in the minds of foreign investors in the sector. One does not need to go far before realising what effect the PIA has had on the upstream sector of the oil and gas industry.

Between 2015 and 2019, about $70 billion investment came into the African oil and gas industry. Despite Nigeria holding Africa’s largest crude and gas reserve, Nigerian was able to attract only 4% of the $70 billion investment that came to Africa. The remaining 96% went to other African countries like Gabon and Angola. Industry sources told this newspaper that major international oil and gas companies operating in Nigeria took decision to take their investable funds to these other African countries and were even seconding their Nigerian staffs to these countries. Such were the disadvantages the nation was suffering due to absence of strong legal framework and effective legislation for the nation’s oil and gas industry. To experts, the signing of the PIA was a game changer. And the reasons for this are very obvious.

However, it seems some individuals and interests within the corridors of power are bent on destroying whatever gains the country has made since the passing of the PIA. Sources close to the corridors of power told THISDAY that an amendment to the PIA is being packaged as an Executive Bill.

For instance, the proposed amendment of Section 8 of the PIA states that “the Commission (i.e. Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, NUPRC) will act as the government representative in all model contracts attached to the licenses and leases contemplated in section 85 as well as replacing NNPCL as concessionaire in all subsisting Production Sharing Contract and Risk Service Contracts, and in this role, be responsible for evaluating and approving relevant work programs and for verifying and approving all contractor costs for the purpose of determining cost recoverable expenditure under all such contracts.”

An oil and gas expert told THISDAY said that this is not only an anomaly but stands logic on its head. His words: “This amendment simply implies that the Commission (NUPRC) will be regulating itself and simultaneously bid and award concession rights to itself. That is to say that NUPRC will now be sitting in judgment over its own bid and lease applications. This unusual dual role offends the impartiality requirement under Section 36 of the PIA and violates the basic principle in law (nemo judex principle). Summarily, granting the NUPRC the Concessionaire status in the PSCs completely undermine regulator credibility and will destroy investors’ confidence in the Nigerian Oil and Gas industry. Under the principle of separation of powers, regulatory agencies are to remain independent and focused solely on regulation, and guiding

policy implementation, rather than competing commercially with the entities they regulate.”

He added that with proposed amendment of Section 8 of the PIA, the Commission will become both the “regulator” and the “regulated” persona which upsets the principle of separation of powers.

“Where a regulator becomes both referee and player, it undermines transparency and credibility of the licensing regime, potentially exposing Nigeria to disputes before international arbitral tribunals or deterring foreign investment. And this weakens the stability of the oil and gas industry in Nigeria as it further obliterates the basis of predictability of investments in the industry.,” the expert stated.

To understand how this new amendment might harm the nation’s oil and gas industry, one may need to go back in time to 2014 as this was the last time there was any major investment in the nations deepwater. It is a well-known fact that deepwater investment is very costly and it is only the likes of Exxon, Shell and Chevron that have the financial wherewithal and the technology for this.

The last deepwater investment that was undertaken in Nigeria was in 2014 and it was the last Final Investment Decision (FID), until after the signing of the PIA in 2021. It must be noted that investment in oil and gas does not involve just one party but multiple parties who are investors. FID, according to experts, usually signals a concrete decision of the investors to stake their funds into the development of an oil and gas asset. It specifies what and what to be done and how they are to be done and how to fund them.

Between 2014 and the time when the PIA passed in 2021, there was no major development except Egina field development. The first oil from Egina field development came on stream in December 2018 and eventually came to the market in early 2019. Even the development of Egina field did not come easy. Major investors in that field development could not boldly stake their funds because they were skeptical. It took the intervention a Chinese oil firm, China

National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) for Egina field development to become a reality. This was primarily because CNOOC was hungry for investment, hence were ready to dare the risks of uncertainty of the Nigerian legal/fiscal frameworks, which others could not face. Clearly, the fear on the part of investors was that the Petroleum Industry Bill, as at then, was undergoing reviews and various legislative debates. So, there was no stability of legal and fiscal frameworks and so the government could wake up one day with a new legislation encapsulating a framework that might be different from the basis of the economics of their investment.

“There was no concrete legal framework as the last law governing oil and gas in Nigeria was enacted over 60 years ago. Petroleum Act of 1969 was the only law an investor could rely on. Even the Petroleum Act had been undergoing what could best be described as mutilation. One government would come and take one aspect of it and amend or adjust to suit some perceived preferences. There was no holistic law that definitely and specifically explained what happens when you want to invest either in the downstream or upstream sector of the oil and gas industry. No law even specified who was a regulator or not. The then Department of Petroleum Resources, DPR, was created to fill in the regulatory gap. But then, there were no specific provisions of the law backing the establishment of then DPR,” Ayokunle Victor, a senior petroleum engineer with one of the indigenous oil firmsTheseexplained. and many more are the major reasons for how the idea of the PIB (Petroleum Industry Bill) came about, which was meant to provide clarity and stability and give investors the confidence needed to take a plunge.

“Investors too had to do their economics and due diligence based on parameters of existing laws before coming in,” Victor added. “It was when they signed PIA in 2021 that you started seeing developments everywhere. As we speak today, Shell is

developing one deep water field called Bonga North and it is expected to come on stream in 2027 or 2028. That is a project with estimated recoverable reserve of over 500 million barrels of oil and oil equivalent”. The interesting thing is that it is not the Nigerian government that is funding the project. The funding is coming 100% from Shell and her partners who are parties to OML118 PSC. Sources say that Shell and Exxon are major parties in this ongoing Bonga North Development project. And the interesting thing is that they started developing this Bonga North project immediately after the PIA was passed. Before PIA, Shell did not show enough interest in the project. Findings also show that quite a number of other FIDs are on the table and are about to be taken. In fact, TotalEnergies is about taking FID to develop Preowei field which is in close proximity to Akpo and Egina fields.

“The ongoing Bonga North project alone has a total estimated development cost of about $5billon – the means about $5billion foreign direct investment into Nigeria. And this is a Production Sharing Contract, PSC. The underlining principle of the PSC is that the investor would bring money and technology, develop the field from the beginning to the end and then open the well and let oil start flowing. It is when oil starts flowing that government comes in to start sharing profit with the investor. Government will start taking royalty, tax and at same share profit with the IOC investors. The fundamental guiding rule in a PSC model is that risk is completely transferred to the investor such that after investment is made in field development, and oil does not flow in commercial quantity, the investor bears the loss all alone. This contractual principle is designed this way to protect the government from funding risk, because the government does not have the funds. It is the investor that does necessary seismic studies and draws conclusion that there is enough oil and gas in commercial quantity in the field,” Victor further explained.

He added that the tragedy is that when politicians come in, they do not understand these things. They come in and start putting political considerations above anything else.

“Let me tell you that removing the NNPC as the concessionaire would destroy the oil and gas industry in Nigeria,” he explained.

“All the commercial agreements for existing developments and investments had been executed and designated the NNPC as the Concessionaire and the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, NUPRC, as the regulator. If you make the NUPRC as the Concessionaire, going by what those pushing the amendment are planning, then you are saying that the NUPRC should be the regulator and Concessionaire at the same time.”

He als explained that if the PSC investor parties and the Concessionaire - NNPC has some disagreements, it is the NUPRC that should adjudicate between the two; and not the NUPRC being a judge over a case that it might be and definitely is an interested party.

POLITY

New Tax ID Law: Nigeria’s Boldest Step Yet to Fix a Broken Tax Culture

By Princess G. Adebajo-Fraser

Introduction: A Turning Point for Nigeria

Beginning January 1, 2026, Nigerians will face a new reality: no bank account, no business operation, and no access to financial services without a Taxpayer Identification Number (Tax ID or TIN). This reform is anchored in the Nigeria Tax Administration Act, 2025, signed into law by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in August. It is already being hailed as the most significant financial reform in decades.

The law makes tax compliance a precondition for participating in the financial system. While some citizens may initially view this as burdensome, the truth is that this policy represents a necessary, bold step toward building a sustainable national economy. For the first time, Nigeria is moving away from its dependency on oil revenues toward a citizen-driven taxation culture that is the backbone of prosperous nations.

Why This Law Matters

For decades, Nigeria has had one of the weakest tax compliance records in the world. Out of a population of more than 200 million, only about 10 million are registered taxpayers, while more than 60 million Nigerians operate bank accounts. This mismatch has crippled government revenue and left the nation overly dependent on oil earnings, which are volatile and shrinking in relevance in a climate-conscious global economy.

The numbers speak for themselves: Nigeria’s tax-to-GDP ratio is a mere 10%.

Ghana stands at 13%, Kenya at 16%, South Africa at 27%, and the global average is 34%.

In practical terms, this means that while Nigeria has the largest economy in Africa, it collects far less in taxes compared to its peers, leaving public finances in a constant state of crisis. This explains why Nigeria’s budget deficits have widened, borrowing has increased, and infrastructure remains underfunded.

By mandating Tax IDs for all financial transactions, the Federal Government hopes to close this dangerous gap, expand the tax net, and secure revenue to fund critical services such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure.

What the Law Says

The Nigeria Tax Administration Act, 2025 introduces sweeping changes:

1. Individuals: No bank account can be opened or operated without a Tax ID.

2. Businesses: From small informal traders to multinationals, every enterprise must register.

3. Government Agencies (MDAs): Must obtain Tax IDs before entering contracts.

4. Foreign Suppliers: Cannot transact in Nigeria without registering with the new Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS).

5. Financial Institutions: Banks, insurers, and stockbrokers are barred from serving anyone without a Tax ID (Section 8(2)). The Act also abolishes the Federal Inland

Revenue Service (FIRS) and establishes the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) as the new tax authority. This institutional restructuring signals government’s determination to enforce compliance and build a modern, digitized tax regime.

Call for Support

“This reform is long overdue. For too long, Nigeria has depended almost entirely on oil revenues while big multinationals operating in our country — companies generating billions — have escaped proper taxation. The new Tax ID law means such companies must now give back fairly to the nation whose resources and infrastructure they benefit from.

Take for example our federal highways, many of which are damaged daily by heavy-duty trucks, including those of major corporations like Dangote. Proper tax contributions from these companies could fund the repair and maintenance of such roads, improve public services, and even cover the budgets of entire states. Multinationals like MTN, DSTV, and large banks, who are generating so much revenue quarterly, ought to pay the correct amount of tax to the government. Those revenues can fund free healthcare and education initiatives for the people, as seen in other countries.

The low-income earners need not fear — they will not be eligible to pay tax, but they will still need to register for transparency. The real target is wealthy corporations and high-net-worth individuals who must now fulfill their civic responsibility to the Nation.

This is how it works in advanced nations like the United Kingdom, where the government relies heavily on tax to provide free healthcare, education, and world-class infrastructure. Why should Nigeria be Presidentdifferent?

Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration has taken a bold step to strengthen accountability and reduce dependence on borrowing. As patriots, we must all support this move and demand transparency in its implementation so that

Nigeria can finally build a taxation culture that delivers for her people.” - Princess G. Adebajo-Fraser MFR.

Lessons from Around the World

The argument for a strong taxation system is not theoretical; it is proven globally. Nations that thrive do so because they fund their budgets through taxes, not unsustainable borrowing or overreliance on natural resources.

United States: Tax revenues account for around 27% of GDP, funding Social Security, Medicare, infrastructure, and publicUnitedservices.Kingdom: About 33% of GDP is raised from taxes, paying for the National Health Service (NHS), free education, and publicScandinaviantransport. countries: In Norway, Denmark, and Sweden, tax-to-GDP ratios exceed 40%, allowing governments to deliver world-class healthcare, free universities, affordable housing, and generous social security.

The common denominator is simple: citizens pay taxes, and governments are held accountable to deliver welfare in return. Nigeria’s weak tax culture has prevented this social contract from taking root.

Implications for Nigerians

Bank Customers

From January 2026, no deposits, withdrawals, or transfers will be possible without a Tax ID. Citizens must register in advance to avoid disruption.

Small Businesses

Informal traders, who make up a huge part of Nigeria’s economy, will face new compliance obligations. However, proper registration may also grant them access to loans, credit, and formal recognition.

Corporate Nigeria

Large corporations will face stricter oversight to prevent tax evasion. Multinationals like MTN, DSTV, and major banks, whose revenues run into trillions of naira, will finally be compelled to pay their fair share.

Foreign Companies

Non-resident suppliers must register with the NRS before doing business in Nigeria, leveling the playing field for local companies.

Risks and Challenges

No reform comes without risks. Nigerians must be aware of the potential pitfalls:

1. Exclusion of the Poor: With 38 million adults unbanked, some may be excluded if the process is not inclusive.

2. Corruption and Bureaucracy: Without strong oversight, corrupt officials may exploit the registration process.

3. Awareness Gap: Millions risk missing the deadline if public education campaigns are not robust.

The success of this reform will depend on whether the NRS can build a transparent, efficient, digital-first system that minimizes human contact, speeds up processing, and ensures fairness.

Building a New Tax Culture

Nigeria must seize this moment to build a new taxation culture where: Citizens understand tax as a civic duty, notGovernmentpunishment.delivers value in return — better roads, schools, hospitals, and jobs. Corporations are held accountable to contribute fairly to the economy. This reform, if well-implemented, will reduce Nigeria’s reliance on borrowing, cut waste, and strengthen national sovereignty. It will also give citizens leverage to demand accountability, since the government will now be directly funded by the people.

What

Nigerians Must Do

1. Register early: Do not wait until the last minute.

2. Gather required documents: NIN, BVN, ID, address, and business records (if applicable).

3. Stay informed: Follow NRS guidelines and updates.

4. Think beyond today: Taxes are an investment in collective welfare.

Conclusion: A Bold Step Toward Progress

The New Tax ID Law represents more than a bureaucratic change. It is a test of whether Nigeria can move beyond oil dependency into a sustainable, people- driven economy. It is also a chance to demand that the government fulfill its part of the social contract by delivering visible, measurable improvements in public welfare. If successful, this reform will mark a turning point in Nigeria’s history — the birth of a true tax culture where every citizen and corporation contributes fairly, and the nation prospers as a result.

The National Patriots, emphasizes: “This is a bold step and deserves the support of all Nigerians. It is time for every citizen, every company, and every leader to recognize that taxation is the foundation of national progress. With accountability, fairness, and transparency, this reform can deliver a better Nigeria for generations to come.”

•Princess Gloria Adebajo-Fraser MFR, The National Patriots.

How Tired Land, High Interest Loans Hamper Bountiful Harvest for Women Farmers

About 70 per cent of Nigerians are engaged in agriculture in one form or the other, with women and girls in the overwhelming majority of this number. However, only 10 per cent of them own the land they farm, making life difficult and uncertain. Seun Akioye met some women farmers and they shared their pains and gains

Comfort Sunday rose from where she sat since the rains stopped, between two heaps of freshly harvested groundnuts; she shook off the sand under her and smiled. It was a smile of resignation, one that showed she had accepted her fate. “The land is dead,” she said for the umpteenth time. “If you put anything into the soil now and you are not careful, you won’t even see your money or any profit,” she said. Again, she smiled.

At 57 years, Comfort is strong; she seemed made for the type of work she does. Following a string of family tragedies, beginning with the loss of her father and ending with the brutal death of her husband 10 years ago, she stood alone, fought alone and now she seems to have bent the curve.

Today, Comfort is far from the broken woman who endured the news of her husband’s demise in the line of duty. An Inspector of Police, he had much going for him and his wife, but that dream was cut short by a ‘freak’ accident. He left almost nothing for his family, except the farm which Comfort had since ploughed alone.

“I have always been a farmer. I grew up in the family of farmers, and this is what I have always done even when my husband was alive. I am very proud to be a farmer. In the last 20 years, I’ve planted beans, groundnut and sometimes rice,” Comfort began.

She was sitting inside her nearly two acres of farmland in Jiwa, a rural community on the outskirts of Nigeria’s federal capital Abuja. In Jiwa, nearly half of the population are farmers, who have farmed the same land for decades until it was no longer profitable. In desperation, the women of Jiwa began to apply excessive doses of fertilisers to the soil until the prices were out of their reach. Without further option, they continued to plough whatever remained of the soil.

“Twenty years ago, this land was fertile,” Comfort said. A bag of freshly harvested groundnuts lay by her side. A few metres away, about six women were also harvesting, but as the sun began to rise, they moved under the shade of a tree, slowing down the work.

“You didn’t need to spend much to gain a lot from the land then, but now the land is sick, and we can’t even afford to buy fertilisers anymore. Even though we are willing to get a loan, we cannot, and those banks that offered us loans had high interest rates that we cannot afford,” she said.

Land for women farmers is a big problem

About 70 per cent of Nigerians are employed in agriculture and women make up most of that workforce, especially as smallholder farmers. However, barely 10 per cent of women farmers own the land they farm even though they make up about 80 per cent of the country’s agriculture workforce.

“Nobody will sell land to you as a

woman,” Comfort said. She had just finished giving instructions to her workers. The second bag of groundnuts was a quarter gone now. “I was hiring land before my husband bought this one. Even after he died, they tried to take it from me; we even went to court over it.”

The Ministry of Women Affairs recognised this problem and launched the National Women’s Economic Policy and Action Plan (WEE). It noted rather sadly: “Only one in five landowners in Nigeria is female. This accounts for only 10 per cent of all landowners in Nigeria. Women farmers also produce an average of 30 per cent less than their male counterparts.

“The scale of women’s engagement in the sector suggests that any initiative to empower Nigerian women and make them productive members of the economy must consider the agriculture sector.”

There are no conventions or laws that prevent women from land ownership, and international and regional instruments Nigeria has signed/ratified require equal property and inheritance rights, like the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), which Nigeria ratified in 1985, and the Maputo Protocol (Protocol on the Rights of Women in Africa), ratified in 2004.

But Nigerian women have largely been confronted by customary law and, even though the Supreme Court has made some landmark judgements against customary discrimination, like in Ukeje v Ukeje (Supreme Court, 11 April 2014), little appears to have changed.

Comfort was a victim. When her father died, she made a deal, one that struck at her pride and left her ego in the gutters. “My father’s farm was given to my brother. So, I made a deal with him. I had to appeal for a small piece of land to farm, from my father’s farm that I was cultivating before he died,” she said.

But she owns her land now, with all the advantages. “I can do my work without any disturbance. There is a big difference between

having land and renting one,” she said with her iconic smile. But not all the farmers in Jiwa are that fortunate. Others would have to move their farms after they have harvested the groundnuts because the owners of the land need it, or they have defaulted on payment of dues on the land, a situation which happens often and through no fault of theirs.

Bridget Joshua is one of them. For two days, she has been harvesting her groundnuts with the help of four other women farmers. The work must be finished today so they can move to the next farm to help with the harvest.

“This is how we do it since we cannot afford to pay workers,” she said. Bridget, 36 years and mother to six children, was sitting inside her farm. While she harvested her groundnuts, her maize stood in the field, half erect and yellow. She looked at what remained of her field of maize with a sad look and shook her head. “My maize is gone, they didn’t do well, I didn’t have money to buy fertiliser so this is how they are,” a quiet resignation in her tone.

Like Comfort, Bridget grew up as a farmer. Along with her husband, they had three acres of tired soil where they planted groundnut, maize, potato and beans. “I’m removing the groundnut to plant beans and that would be my last farming because the owner of the land wants to use it for poultry. I will have to find another land to rent for next season.”

All her hopes are hinged on getting five bags of groundnuts and selling them for good profit. She had borrowed a high interest loan to plant – as conventional banks wouldn’t give her a loan – and if she defaulted all her produce would be seized by the bank.

“I don’t have a choice,” Bridget said as she wrung her hands together and showed them to heaven. “Women farmers have many problems, this land is one of them. I have been given a quit notice for next year and I don’t

know what to do. The land is tired, but we can’t stop farming because we have nothing else to do.”

The four women agreed with her. Yossi Edward, Janet Innocent, Christina Joseph and Mimik Adama all have their fair share of pain and gain in the agricultural sector. None of them owned their lands, but unlike Bridget, they still had the tenancy to their farms. At least for now. But they all murmured at how life is nasty and brutish for women farmers and how they barely made ends meet.

Just a little loan

Comfort is not planning to sell her groundnuts. “There is surplus, so the price has fallen. I won’t make any gains if I sell now, but I will wait till next season. If I sell it now, it is labour in vain. What I need is about N100,000 to plant my beans,” she said.

But she will not consider the loan option, which she labelled “a trap” unless it is interest free. “I went to the bank and after a long time they agreed to give us loans but with conditions so tough we had to pass,” she said.

To make ends meet, Comfort is also selling honey and processed tomatoes which she takes to conferences. Bridget and her friends, however, believe in high interest loans and, except for a few times, they have been able to pay off the loans on time.

A report by the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) says formal banking services are frequently inaccessible to female smallholder farmers. This is because they lack collateral, deal with high transaction costs, or experience gender prejudice in lending processes. So, smallholder farmers like Bridget and others typically rely more on community lending programmes, cooperatives, and informal savings organisations than on banks.

Other reports affirm that while formal financial inclusion has risen overall in recent times, a gender gap of 8–9 percentage points persists, with women less likely to be financially included.

Also, EFInA’s Women’s Economic Empowerment Highlights indicate that only 5 per cent of women report access to formal credit; another 8 per

cent use informal credit; 2 per cent have insurance, showing the low depth of financial services for women.

And EFInA’s A2F report shows that since 2016, a borrowing gap of about 5 percentage points in favour of men has persisted, especially pronounced in rural areas where smallholders are concentrated.

Apart from loans, the women also need equipment, especially an oven to preserve their perishable crops against next planting season. They need fertilisers and help to win the war against insecticides and other crop-destroying organisms.

Smallholder farmers are suffering

“I am proud to be a farmer,” Janet Innocent said. “But we the small farmers are suffering. We need government to help us with small farming implements so we can produce more and feed the nation.”

Comfort shared her sentiment. She is the FCT coordinator of the Small Holder Women Farmers Organisation of Nigeria (SWOFON), a group with an estimated membership of over two million. The group is supported by Action Aid Nigeria (AAN) and it has been at the forefront of fighting for the rights of women farmers in the country. One of the most incredible advocacies was on land ownership and financial inclusion for women farmers. With chapters in the 36 states and the FCT, SWOFON has expanded the horizon for women farmers.

“Government is looking down on us. They would rather engage in white elephant projects than help us. It is the big farmers who have everything. I hope the government knows that all those big talks don’t get down to those who really need the help,” she said.

Things are not looking well for Jiwa women farmers this year. Lacking any scientific assistance, they are in a series of calculations and rely on nature to do the backbreaking work on their farms. But they love their jobs and are proud of it. “I’m proud to be dirty in the farm,” Comfort said.

Uche Amaonwu, Country Director of the Gates Foundation, thinks women farmers are “poised to play a significant role in the economic boom to come through agriculture, as they are dominant players in the food value chain – from farm to fork.”

The Gates Foundation has invested in smallholder women farmers, showing support for inclusive agricultural

development by supporting tools and technology that target specific needs of farmers in sub-Saharan Africa, like climate-smart crop varieties, livestock vaccines, and digital soil maps, which are made accessible and affordable to those who need them. The foundation also invests in developing and scaling up innovative support structures for smallholder food producers like Comfort and the other women. This ensures new options to earn sustainable income from their hard work.

In an interview, Amaonwu listed how Nigeria can turn back the hands and make farming profitable for women. He said: “Top on the list is policy reform to position women at the heart of decision making in agriculture. Next, we must improve their access to land for farming. Why can’t our women inherit land? Why should women not be able to lease land for family on the same footings as men?

“We also need to answer the question of finance and ramp up our existing drive on financial inclusion for women in agriculture. Let us advocate for increased access to credit, insurance, and other financial services tailored to women’s needs and capacities.

“Our women need capacity strengthening in the areas of training, skills development, market information and other avenues for value addition in agricultural processing. Next to this is access to markets. We should begin to provide market information, linkages to buyers and what is wrong if they can even export their own produce?”

Comfort’s immediate problem, however, is N100,000 to prepare for the beans farming, while Bridget is sulking over the underwhelming performance of her maize and the eviction notice on her farmland. Janet, Yosi, Mimik and Christina are hopeful that their groundnuts would yield much profit for them. But the profit is not to buy the necessities and vanities of life; first, they must pay up their debts and its high interest.

And they must also continue to flog the tired land, without fertilisers, battle insects that seek to destroy their crop and throw them into a bottomless debt, and then think about their little children, new clothes and shoes.

“You have to help us, talk to the government for us so that this time we will receive the help we need,” Yosi and Bridget told the reporter. Then they returned to the mountain of groundnuts and began to work, slowly at first then furiously.

Paraquitom: Celebrating Your Life, Story, Legacy and Capturing Your Essence for Future Generations BOOK REVIEW

Imagine possessing the power to encapsulate the very essence of your life in a way that deeply resonates with you and others. Envision reflecting on your personal journey over the past 30 years your triumphs, challenges, lessons learned, and growth achieved.

This is the inspiring vision behind Paraquitom, a groundbreaking concept designed to encourage individuals worldwide to document their unique life experiences, fostering a legacy that endures beyond a lifetime.

Understanding Paraquitom: A New Perspective on Life Narratives

More than just a word, Paraquitom symbolises the significant phases of a person's life, typically divided into three distinct periods. The first covers the initial thirty years, the second spans the subsequent thirty, and the third,

Paraquitom encompasses the following thirty years often when a person reaches around ninety years of age. This framework invites us to reflect on how we have transformed over time, capturing our evolving stories, lessons, and personal growth across each stage.

Traditionally, biographical documentation tends to occur late in life or after achieving career milestones, often focusing on the lives of prominent figures. However, success is rarely a straightforward formula. It is a tapestry woven from preparation, opportunity, perseverance, and sometimes, luck.

While no one's life story can be exactly replicated, there are invaluable insights to gain from both successes and failures lessons that can inspire and guide others.

The African Perspective: Embracing Our Narratives

For Africans, sharing our stories is more crucial than ever. Our narratives encompass not only triumphs but also struggles, dreams, cultural heritage, and the resilience that defines us. Yet, many individuals lack platforms to express their journeys, resulting in a loss of vital perspectives and collective wisdom.

Paraquitom was born out of this need a tool designed to help Africans and others document their lives incrementally over three decades. Imagine creating multiple editions of your story, each reflecting your growth and changing perspectives at different life stages.

At its core, Paraquitom celebrates the grace that sustains us the unique experiences that shape our identities and our shared humanity.

Crafting Your Personal Narrative

Creating your Paraquitom is both a privilege and a responsibility. It involves thoughtfully assembling a comprehensive record of your dreams, struggles, achievements, and the lessons that have shaped you.

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By embracing Paraquitom, you're not only documenting your life but also creating a guiding light for those who come after you. Your stories will serve as invaluable lessons helping others learn from your successes and setbacks, ensuring that your voice remains heard and appreciated.

This initiative invites us to weave Paraquitom into the fabric of African identity and beyond sharing our stories globally. We encourage the practice of recording our life stories every thirty years, creating a continuous record that benefits our children, grandchildren, and future generations. Your life is a profound story that deserves to be told. Through Paraquitom, you take ownership of your narrative, preserving it for eternity. Your journey is unique, and by sharing it, you affirm the importance of every individual voice.

The First Step: Leading by Example

It is with this vision in mind that Isaac Ebubechukwu has decided to write the very first Paraquitom 5. His motivation is to explain the concept clearly and to lead by example, demonstrating the power and potential of this meaningful exercise.

This inaugural edition is not meant to be the final word but rather a starting point a testament to the universality and adaptability of Paraquitom. The true success of this project lies in its acceptance and adoption by people worldwide.

The Paraquitom movement is more than just a book launch; it is a call to action. The official launch is scheduled for Wednesday, October 1st, 2025. More than a mere event, it marks the beginning of a global movement a collective effort to record, cherish, and share our stories. We invite you to be part of this inspiring journey.

Join the Movement

Let us come together to celebrate our lives, transform experiences into wisdom, and ensure that our stories are passed down through generations.

Paraquitom empowers each of us to document our journey, safeguarding our histories and enriching the collective human legacy. Your story matters. Your voice counts. Embrace Paraquitom and leave behind a legacy worth sharing.

www.thisdaylive.com

opinion@thisdaylive.com

BLENDING

SYMBOLISM AND SUBSTANCE

PRINCE AUSTIN KABARI argues that decades of injustice in Ogoniland are gradually being addressed

DEACTIVATING SOCIAL MEDIA ACCOUNTS

The recent removal of about 13 million accounts was in order, writes SONNY ARAGBAAKPORE

Ekpa’s case exposed the tyranny of lawlessness, contends PAT ONUKWULI See page 21

EDITORIAL THE RISING CASES OF SUICIDES

AFTER EKPA: BALLOTS, NOT BULLETS

Simon Ekpa’s six-year jail term in Finland is more than a foreign court ruling; it is a warning shot to Nigeria. His convictions for terrorism, tax fraud, and incitement show that chasing political goals through violence is not just illegal but doomed to fail. It reminds us that while pushing for Biafra’s self-determination by referendum is legitimate, violence only destroys its own cause. Nigeria’s Constitution guarantees free expression and association, but the way forward lies in ballots, dialogue, and justice, not bullets.

Nigeria’s Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Chief Lateef Fagbemi, underscored this point when he welcomed the Finnish court’s verdict. He described it as a vindication of the rule of law and a demonstration of the global rejection of terrorism in all its manifestations. His remarks recalled Montesquieu’s timeless reminder that “there is no greater tyranny than that which is perpetrated under the shield of the law and in the name of justice.”

In Ekpa’s case, the law has exposed not tyranny but the tyranny of lawlessness itself. The Nigerian state, by contrast, must ensure that its own application of justice does not become selective, punitive, or politically expedient, lest the shield of the law be used in the very manner Montesquieu warned against.

The Nigerian Constitution is explicit in its guarantees of freedom of association, assembly, and political expression. To advocate for self-determination, even for outright secession, is not by itself unlawful, provided it is carried out peacefully and within constitutional parameters. John Rawls, in his theory of justice, notes that “in a just society the liberties of equal citizenship are taken as settled; the rights secured by justice are not subject to political bargaining.” Nigerians must therefore recognise that the freedom to agitate for regional autonomy peacefully is a liberty secured by justice itself. What delegitimises a cause is not the aspiration, but the method.

Globally, examples abound of lawful agitation for self-determination. Scotland’s 2014 referendum, the amicable dissolution of Czechoslovakia, the break-up of Yugoslavia, and the birth of South Sudan all illustrate that the ballot, not the bullet, is the legitimate vehicle for determining the political destiny of a people. As H.L.A. Hart argued, the foundation of a legal system is not coercion but the acceptance of

rules as standards of behaviour. Ekpa, by resorting to coercion, rejected this principle, and his conviction is a natural consequence of that rejection.

By contrast, the continued detention of Nnamdi Kanu, despite numerous legal questions surrounding his rendition and trial, casts Nigeria’s own fidelity to the rule of law in a troubling light.

The Kenyan High Court has already ruled that his rendition was unlawful, unconstitutional, and a violation of fundamental rights. To persist in holding him without conclusive adjudication risks eroding the very legitimacy of Nigerian justice. Rawls cautioned that justice delayed or denied corrodes the foundations of a fair society, while Hart reminded us that the effectiveness of law depends on its moral authority. Kanu’s prolonged incarceration imperils both.

At the heart of separatist agitation lies the enduring question of marginalisation. Federalism, when functioning correctly, distributes power in a way that accommodates plural identities. In the United States, Germany, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom, federalism, or robust devolved governance, has provided a framework for inclusion.

In Nigeria, however, federalism has too often been eroded into a unitary structure, concentrating power at the centre and alienating those on the margins.

This drift fuels discontent, and no matter the rhetoric from Abuja, many communities, particularly in the Southeast, but also in other zones, perceive themselves as excluded from the Nigerian promise. In the South-east, the heavy and often conspicuous military presence, coupled with roadblocks that have become part of daily life, creates the impression of a region under siege rather than one embraced within a federal union. The continued incarceration of one of its most emblematic leaders only

reinforces this sentiment, breeding disdain, deepening alienation, and fostering a quiet but growing defiance.

The Nigerian Civil War remains a searing scar in the nation’s memory, a conflict in which millions of lives were lost to preserve the country’s unity. Mothers buried sons, children grew up fatherless, and entire communities were starved into submission, all in the name of keeping Nigeria as one. To allow today’s grievances to fester without redress would be to betray the memory of those sacrifices. Unity, purchased at such a terrible cost, must not be treated as a typical birthright but as a covenant requiring constant renewal through fairness, inclusion, and justice.

The lesson of Simon Ekpa is, therefore, justice has been served, not against the idea of Biafra, but against the reckless abandonment of lawful means in pursuit of it. The idea of Biafra, controversial as it may be, cannot be bombed into oblivion or legislated into silence. It must be engaged, confronted, and, if necessary, tested at the ballot box. For, as Montesquieu observed, “to become truly great, one has to stand with people, not above them.” Nigeria must stand with its diverse peoples, not over them.

The challenge before Nigeria is stark but not insurmountable. To preserve its unity, the nation must embrace fairness over force, ballots over bullets, and dialogue over repression. It must heed the wisdom of Rawls, who insisted that justice is the first virtue of social institutions, and of Hart, who reminds us that the legitimacy of law lies not in its power to punish but in its acceptance by the people. Justice for Ekpa abroad is instructive, but justice for Kanu at home is imperative. Only when justice is objective, swift, and impartial can it command respect across Nigeria’s many divides.

Peace, as Martin Luther King Jr. said, is not the absence of war but the presence of justice. For Nigeria, the way forward is unmistakable: to secure its unity, it must build a federal republic founded on fairness, governed by ballots rather than bullets, and sustained by dialogue rather than repression. Only then will the nation transform its diversity from a perpetual fault line into its greatest strength.

Dr. Onukwuli, a legal scholar and public affairs analyst, writes from Bolton, UK. Email: patonukwuli2003@yahoo.co.uk

PRINCE AUSTIN KABARI argues that decades of injustice in Ogoniland are gradually being addressed

BLENDING SYMBOLISM AND SUBSTANCE

On November 10, 1995, Nigeria etched one of the darkest chapters in its history when Ken Saro-Wiwa and eight other Ogoni leaders, now remembered as the “Ogoni Nine”, were executed after a sham trial. Their only crime was the audacity to demand justice, dignity, and protection for their land against decades of oil exploitation and environmental destruction. That execution, carried out under General Sani Abacha’s regime, reverberated across the globe, symbolising not just the silencing of dissent but also the lethal indifference of the Nigerian state to environmental justice and human rights. For nearly 30 years, the shadow of that injustice has loomed large over Ogoniland. But today, there is a glimmer of hope. Under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and with the determined efforts of National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, building on earlier, incomplete initiatives, Nigeria has begun to take meaningful steps to atone for the past and chart a new path of reconciliation, remediation, and renewal in Ogoni. The modern Ogoni movement began in 1990 when Ken Saro-Wiwa and the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP) launched the Ogoni Bill of Rights, demanding environmental protection, resource control, and political inclusion. Their calls gained global resonance, and on January 4, 1993, over 300,000 Ogoni staged a peaceful protest against Shell’s operations, an unprecedented grassroots mobilisation now remembered as “Ogoni Day.” The protest forced Shell to suspend operations but triggered a brutal military crackdown. Violence escalated, culminating in the murder of four Ogoni leaders in 1994, followed by the arrest and eventual execution of Saro-Wiwa and his colleagues. The killings silenced lives but not the movement. They left a moral scar that successive governments struggled to heal. Ogoni communities and leaders continued to demand remediation, inclusion, and justice, while the state offered intermittent initiatives. President Olusegun Obasanjo convened the Oputa Panel and established the Ogoni Reconciliation Committee under Rev. Father Mathew Hassan Kukah, but the outcomes were limited. President Goodluck Jonathan took a bold step by commissioning the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) to assess Ogoniland’s damage. The 2011 UNEP Report was damning: drinking water with benzene contamination up to 900 times above World Health Organisation safety standards, farmland destroyed, groundwater poisoned. It called for an initial $1 billion clean-up, lasting up to 30 years. Jonathan also launched the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP), but the agency lacked the authority to drive meaningful change. President Muhammadu Buhari later expanded HYPREP

and initiated cleanup projects. Still, bureaucracy, slow implementation, and limited community trust meant progress fell far short of expectations. To many Ogonis, government promises seemed like hollow words, deepening scepticism. Three decades after the martyrdom of the Ogoni 13, Ogoniland remained a symbol of neglect, exploitation, and environmental injustice. It is against this backdrop that the current efforts under President Tinubu stand out.

In January this year, Tinubu invited Ogoni stakeholders to the Presidential Villa, a symbolic but powerful gesture. More importantly, he tasked National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu with building consensus, signalling a break from the past. Instead of imposing decisions from Abuja, Ribadu established the Ogoni Dialogue Committee, chaired by Professor Don Baridam, which has since held town halls across Ogoni communities, amplifying voices that were previously ignored. Unlike previous half-measures, dialogue has been matched with action. The administration has launched the Federal University of Environment and Technology in Ogoni, the first of its kind in Africa, dedicated to environmental sciences and sustainability. More than a university, it stands as a symbol of federal commitment to addressing decades of ecological injustice. Work has also commenced on the Ogoni Industrial Park to diversify the local economy, reduce dependence on oil, and create job opportunities. Long-stalled projects, such as the East-West Road, which is vital for regional integration, are finally moving forward, alongside renewed investment in healthcare, education, and basic infrastructure. Symbolism has also been central. President Tinubu’s decision to grant a presidential pardon to the Ogoni Nine, coupled with posthumous national honours, represents one of the most significant gestures of reconciliation in Nigeria’s history. For the first time, the Nigerian state has openly acknowledged the injustice of 1995 and honoured the sacrifices of the Ogoni martyrs. While such actions cannot erase the pain of the past, they offer a long awaited moral atonement.

Prince Kabari, a Public Affairs Analyst, writes from Abuja

The recent removal of about 13 million accounts was in order, writes SONNY

ARAGBA-AKPORE

DEACTIVATING SOCIAL MEDIA ACCOUNTS

The deactivation of over 13 million social media accounts of Nigerians by government recently was received with knocks and cheers by the public.

Was it a wrong move? For a better understanding of the scenerio that led to the delisting, let us situate it properly.

Was the government empowered by law? The answer is yes.Was there enough ground for delisting? A yes is appropriate. Were the people notified of government intentions? The answer is a yes also.

So what went wrong.?

In 2024, Facebook, Instagram and others took similar actions by deleting millions of social media accounts on the ground that such users had violated the rules for the platforms.

Same last year, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) imposed a fine of $220m on Meta Group for infractions and violation of competition rules.

Meta went to court and lost.

So when the government in its wisdom decided to deactivate social media accounts of those violating ground rules, it was believed to have been done in good fate. The delisted accounts allegedly violated code of practice on offensive content.

The government’s action is contained in a ‘Code of Practice 2024 Compliance Report’ submitted by promoters of interactive computer service platforms such as Google, Microsoft and TikTok, among others.

The accounts shut down were on Facebook, Instagram ,Tik Tok and X(Twitter) for violating the code. Hadiza Umar, Nigeria Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) Director of Corporate Communications and Media Relations , said in a statement last week that 58,909,112 offensive contents were taken down from various platforms but commended Google, Microsoft, and TikTok for complying with the code of practice for interactive computer service platforms.

Umar said that the offensive contents were taken down from various platforms for violating the code of practice for interactive computer service platforms. This Code of Practice was issued jointly by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), and the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC). “The compliance reports provide valuable insights into the platforms’ efforts to address user safety concerns in line with the code of practice and the platforms’ community guidelines.”

There were 754,629 complaints registered across the platforms, while 420,439 pieces of content were taken down and re-uploaded following user appeals.

“The submission of these reports marks a significant step towards fostering a safer and responsible digital environment for Nigerian users.

“It also demonstrates the platforms’ commitment to ensuring a secure and trustworthy online environment for all.

“This achievement reflects the provisions of the code of practice, which mandates that large service platforms are registered in Nigeria and comply with relevant laws, including the fulfilment of their tax obligation, while reinforcing the commitment to online safety for Nigerians.

“While NITDA acknowledges these commendable efforts, we emphasise that building a safer digital space requires sustained collaboration and engagement among all stakeholders.

“We remain committed to working with industry players, civil society, and regulatory partners to further strengthen user safety measures, enhance digital literacy, and promote trust and transparency in Nigeria’s digital ecosystem,” Umar emphasized.

In July 2024,the FCCPC in collaboration with the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) imposed a whopping $220m fine on Meta Group,owners of Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp. Its offence was violation of data privacy of individuals and corporate customers.

Then analysts saw this as killing a fly with a sledge hammer. Earlier, Meta Platforms had justified the encroachment of privacy when it delisted and deactivated 63,000 Facebook and Instagram accounts allegedly being used by certain category of subscribers for scam activities including sextortion and what is commonly referred to as”yahoo” in Nigeria, thus starting a battle that will linger and consume the beleaguered consumers.

In imposing the $220m fine , FCCPC in a statement signed by its then acting Executive Chairman, Adamu Abdullahi, said that Meta had denied Nigerian users control over their data, shared data without consent, and abused its market dominance.

It said, “The final order also imposed a monetary penalty of $220,000,000.00 (at prevailing exchange rate where applicable) which penalty was in accordance with the FCCPA 2018, and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection (Administrative Penalties) Regulations 2020.”

Aragba-Akpore is a member of THISDAY Editorial Board

Editor, Editorial Page PETER ISHAKA

Email peter.ishaka@thisdaylive.com

THE RISING CASES OF SUICIDES

The authorities could do more to stem the scourge

For several years, the nation’s present socio-economic environment has been a predisposing factor to depression and perhaps suicide. There is enormous emotional and financial stress as well as pervading poverty and hopelessness. From the North to the South of the country, reported cases of suicide are now on the increase. As millions of people around the world therefore mark this year’s World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD), it is important for critical stakeholders in the country to join the ongoing conversation about the malaise.

Suicide is a major public health challenge, with more than 700,000 deaths each year globally, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO) which has chosen ‘Changing the Narrative on Suicide’ as triennial WSPD theme for 2024-2026. Changing the narrative, according to WHO “is about transforming how we perceive this complex issue and shifting from a culture of silence and stigma to one of openness, understanding, and support.”

fulfilling life after promptly seeking help. But the country is not doing enough to tackle this public health emergency, and it is responsible for the growing cases of suicides. Stemming the tide requires a multi-sectoral and multi-disciplinary approach involving various government ministries, agencies, and departments especially that of health, labour and employment, and social services.

There are many theories as to why many Nigerians are now taking their own lives. It is an established fact that impoverished individuals are a major risk group for depression. And depression, according to experts, is the most common reason why people commit suicide.

It is an established fact that impoverished individuals are a major risk group for depression

In Nigeria today, reports on suicide have moved from an occasional blip to a very disturbing trend. In 2019, the suicide rate in Nigeria was put at 6.9 per 100,000, much higher than 6.5 per 100,000 in 2012. It is not restricted to any demographic group as both the young and the old are killing themselves. According to the WHO, one in four Nigerians suffer from some sort of mental illnesses. With just few federal neuropsychiatric hospitals in the country, serious budget constraints, the exodus of many experts in search of greener pastures abroad, and ignorance, it comes as no surprise that suicides are on the rise. Unfortunately, there is nothing to suggest that there are efforts to tackle this health challenge.

Mental illness is nothing to be ashamed of. Like diabetes and heart disease, it is a medical condition which is treatable. Many people with mental health illness return to a productive and

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

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Letters to the Editor

Besides, the use of hard drugs (particularly Indian hemp, cocaine and even methamphetamine) are commonplace in the society, and one of the adverse effects is depression.

Indeed, medical practitioners under the aegis of the Society of Family Physicians of Nigeria, (SOFPON) have for years been raising concerns about the growing number of Nigerians living with depression. According to a SOFPON official, Dr. Blessing Chukwukwelu, in Nigeria, “only one-fifth of those with a depressive episode receive any treatment, and only one in 50 receives treatment that is minimally adequate.” She recommends that medical practitioners who see various cases of ailment at the Primary Health Centres should be trained on how to identify the symptoms of depression. While the authorities must begin to deal with this problem, there are also other reasons why people take their own lives and devastate members of their family and friends with shock. For instance, underlying mental disorders such as schizophrenia, excessive alcoholism, and drug abusive play significant role in triggering suicidal thoughts. To successfully deal with this problem, the authorities must do more to address the issue of stigma while an awareness campaign is also important for the prevention of social habits that are detrimental to mental health, especially among young people.

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.

SOLOMON ARASE AND FINALITY OF DEATH

The passing of Dr. Solomon Ehigiator Arase on 31 August, 2025 compounded my eternal mystery over the last 73 days. I had lost my immediate elder sibling, Ras Johnson Ikhide, the music activist, on 19th July, 2025. His untimely demise at age 53 was worsened by Arase's painful transition.

It was followed by a serious accident with a truck in my car on August 27th, 2025 on our death-trap called roads. I have been to hell and back! For a fact, I have never be afraid of death and its untimeliness, life's vanity and its vanishing entrapment. But I'm dreadful of death's irreversibility, the morbid conclusion and its absolute finality.

Death's finality can have a profound impact on those who are left behind. The irreversible nature of death,

where an individual's life comes to an end, and there is no possibility of revival or return, can be a difficult concept to grasp.

The moment of grief and bereavement are natural responses to death, as I'm experiencing the range of emotions, including sadness, anger, and acceptance over the passing of these two great souls.

Surviving this grief-soaked bitter moment reinforces my belief in families and friendship without which navigating the emotional and psychological impact of loss in the labyrinth of death would have been hugely depressing and traumatizing. Reflecting on the legacy of Dr. Solomon Ehigiator Arase and Ras Johnson Friday Ikhide is the finest ways to honor the cherished memories I shared with them for my weakened bones, soul

and spirit.

The shocking and sudden demise of Ras Johnson Ikhide reminds me of our shared belief system and parallelism of transiting from physical sphere into spiritual realm as he roams and reincarnates nine or ten times in a new form without inhibitions, in the vision of his prophecy, as a mirror through which humanity sees itself.

Losing Dr. Arase's philanthropic initiatives with thousands of indigent students as beneficiaries of his free scholarship program, and as one of the very best Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Nigeria has ever had is literally evicerating.

Erasmus Ikhide, ikhideluckyerasmus@gmail.com

Amid Tightening Stance,

An the back of its monetary tightening stance leading to high borrowing cost, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) raised an estimated N26.4 trillion via Treasury Bills (T-Bills) and Open Market Operations (OMO) between January and August 2025.

The CBN aggressive monetary tightening stance is aimed at mopping up excess liquidity, stabilising the foreign exchange and cooling inflationary

pressures that have persisted despite elevated interest rates and a recordhigh cash reserve ratio.

A breakdown of the N26.4 trillion raised by the CBN revealed that T-bills accounted for N9.47 trillion, while OMO accounted for N16.92 trillion. This represents 56.9 per cent Year-on-Year (YoY) growth when compared to N16.82 trillion in eight months of 2024.

T-Bills are short-term debt instruments issued by a government at

the primary market to raise funds and manage liquidity in the economy. They are considered one of the safest investments because they are backed by the government.

On the flipside, OMO is a monetary policy tool used by CBN to regulate money supply and liquidity through buying or selling government securities at the secondary market.

OMO bills also play a central role in helping the CBN influence short-

term interest rates and absorb excess cash from the system. By issuing these high-yield bills, the apex bank is able to sterilise liquidity, reduce inflationary momentum, and guide market expectations ahead of its next monetary policy decision.

U.S. investment bank

J.P. Morgan recently urged investors to exit long positions in Nigerian OMO bills, warning that global risks, driven by falling oil prices and renewed trade

tensions, could deepen Nigeria’s macro-economic vulnerabilities. However, the strong investor turnout, especially for longer-dated instruments such as OMO, indicates that financial institutions are willing to tie down capital in longer-term securities to capitalise on high yields while guarding against inflation.

The apex bank’s N9.47 trillion T-bills in eight months of 2025 is a decline of 4.3 per cent YoY as against N9.9 trillion T-bills raised in eight months of

2024, while amount raised via OMO moved from N6.92 trillion in eight months of 2024, about 144 per cent YoY growth to N16.92 trillion in eight months of 2025.

The longer-dated OMO instruments by CBN attracted yield above 20 per cent in 2025 while interest rate on 364-DAY T-bills auction in eight months of 2025 dropped to 17.44 per cent from 22.62per cent in January 2025.

Dike Onwuamaeze

The Lagos State Government is set to tackle post-harvest losses with a mega food storage facility that would be commissioned in December 2025, which has capacity to hold enough food items to meet demand for foods in the state for 90 days.

This facility, which is located in Epe, is part of

the state’s food security system and logistic hub.

This was disclosed by the Lagos State Commissioner for Agriculture, Ms. Abisola Olusanya, at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), “Agro-Allied Annual Fair Symposium” with the theme, “Agric Business in the 21st Century: Changing the Narrative.”

Olusanya, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture, Mr. Emmanuel Audu, also said that the state government is also signing agreements with farmers in food producing states in the country under its “Produce for Lagos” scheme.

She said: “We are building and transforming

our food system with the Lagos’ Food Security System and Logistic Hub at Epe. That system is designed to secure and hold food that can last for 90 days. The Phase One of this system will come on stream and will be launched in December 2025.”

She explained that this is the first tier in the state’s food security system

because our strength within the food value chain is market with our population of over 24 million people that need to be feed daily and regularly.

She also attributed the high rate of food inflation and the manner food prices could rose by more than 10 times within a year to lack of storage facilities that could tame

post-harvest losses.

“But this is what the Lagos food security system that can hold vegetables and perishable food items in good state is designed to do. Wastages and post-harvest losses in some instances count for about 50 per cent of food items that are produced or supplied to the state.

Expert Tasks Advertising Industry on Integrity, Digital Innovation for Sustainable Growth

Dike Onwuamaeze

The Business Unit Director and Digital Transformation Champion at mediaReach OMD Nigeria, Mr. Emmanuel Adediran, has urged the advertising industry in Nigeria to embrace integrity, digital innovation and talent development to unlock sustainable brand growth in Nigeria.

Speaking at the recent Brand Handlers Summit & Awards, at the Regency Hall, Ikeja, Lagos to an audience of industry leaders, marketing professionals, and

brand custodians, Adediran emphasised that, “Nigeria stands at the threshold of becoming Africa’s growth epicenter. But to realise this potential, we must reset our approach—focusing on value creation, collaboration, and a relentless commitment to both brands and consumers.”

He also stated that, “every brand that has weathered these challenging times deserves recognition. Yet, as we look ahead, we must address the realities of subdued consumer confidence, fragmented attention, and the urgent need for renewed trust.”

MTN Boosts Rivers Economy Through Bole Festival Co-sponsorship

MTN has lived up to its billing as a top-notch service provider and strategic partner for Nigeria’s economic growth.

The 2025 edition of Bole festival, held at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium, Elekahia, Port Harcourt, served as another opportunity for the network giant to contribute its quota towards boosting Rivers State’s internally generated revenue (IGR).

Adediran also outlined eight actionable strategies, with case studies, to drive the next phase of brand growth in Nigeria:

He said: “In today’s digital age, integrity is

Lagos

Ebere Nwoji

non-negotiable. Brands must double down on quality and authenticity to regain consumer trust.”

He also urged brands to leverage digital tools, especially the untapped

potential of AI in Nigeria, for sharper insights and operational efficiency.

Adediran closed his keynote with a rallying call: “True brand growth in Nigeria is no longer about

Group Business Editor

Eromosele Abiodun

Deputy Business Editor

Chinedu Eze

Comms/e-Business Editor

Emma Okonji

Asst. Editor, Money Market

Nume Ekeghe

Senior Correspondent

Raheem Akingbolu (Advertising)

Correspondents

Emmanuel Addeh (Energy)

KayodeTokede(CapitalMarkets)

James Emejo (Finance)

Ebere Nwoji (Insurance)

Reporters

Nosa Alekhuogie (ICT)

Peter Uzoho (Energy)

Ugo Aliogo (Development)

The service provider provided hitch-free network service at the venue of the glamorous festival, thus facilitating the success of the event which momentarily gave the garden city a fresh lease of life after months of political wrangling and its fallouts that culminated in penultimate Saturday’s local government council election.

Speaking with THISDAY at the company’s stand, MTN’s General Manager, Regional Operations, South Region, Ifeanyichukwu Udom, said their involvement in the festival as a co-sponsor was another way of connecting with their customers and supporting their livelihood and aspirations.

choosing between brand or performance. It is about multiplying both through relentless localization, digital innovation, and a steadfast commitment to trust and integrity.”

State Govt Disburses N1.52bn to 798 Retirees

The Lagos state government has said that it disbursed a total of N1.52 billion to 798 retirees of the state public service.

The state government said this is in line with its commitment to the welfare

of senior citizens and retirees with dedicated service to the state.

The retirement bond certificates worth a total of N1,520,223,053.19 were presented at the 110th batch retirement bond certificate presentation ceremony at Alausa, Ikeja.

The event was attended by hundreds of retirees who were physically present to collect the bond certificates.

Speaking during the ceremony, the DirectorGeneral of the Lagos State Pension Commission (LASPEC), Mr. Babalola Obilana, said the gesture

underscored Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s commitment to ensuring retirees receive their entitlements without delay. He said Lagos operates a pay-as-you-go pension system, enabling prompt settlement once documentation is completed.

Leadway Holdings Announces Acquisition of PAL Pensions

Leadway Holdings Limited, said it has concluded agreement with relevant authorities to acquire 100 percent equity interest in

Ebere Nwoji

Rating agency Agusto & Co, has assigned strong ratings to both Heirs Life Assurance and Heirs General Insurance.

Heirs Life Assurance (HLA), the Group’s specialist life insurance

Ebere Nwoji

Guinea Insurance Plc said it delivered an exceptional financial performance in the year ended December 2024 compared to 2023.

The company in 2024 grew its Profit After Tax by 96 per cent from N477.55

Pensions Alliance Limited. PAL, is one of the prominent licensed Pension Fund Administrators (PFA). The transaction, which includes the transfer of ownership by

business, was upgraded from “A-“ to “A” (longterm), with a short-term rating of “A1”. Heirs General Insurance (HGI), the group’s general insurance underwriter, was rated “A-“(long-term) and “A1” (short-term).

Both firms received

million to N936.55 million.

According g to the underwriting firm, in the year under review, Gross Premium Written grew by 35.6 percent rising from N2.17 billion in 2023 to N2.94 billion in 2024, driven by growth across key business lines and improved

FSDH Holding Company Limited (“FSDH”) and Africa Alliance Insurance Plc, marks a milestone consolidation in Nigeria’s pension industry.

In an official statement

to this effect signed by Niyi Abiola of Corporate Services department of Leadway Holding, the Managing Director Leadway Holdings Limited, Tunde HassanOdukale, said,

a “Stable Outlook”, reflecting the group’s financial strength, efficient claims management, and expanding market footprint, driven by customer-first innovations and digital capabilities. It further positions the group as a trusted partner, committed to simplifying access to insurance and ensuring long-term value creation. Agusto & Co. noted that the new ratings for both companies reflect the robust capitalisation, expanding market share, and operational resilience of the companies.

product penetration.

Insurance Revenue rose by 36.6 increasing from N2.08 billion in 2023 to N2.84 billion in 2024, reflecting the company’s focus on innovative, customer-centric solutions and enhanced service delivery.

Speaking at the 67th

Annual General Meeting, of the company, Chairman of the board, Mr. Temitope Borishade, stated that the 2024 results reflected not only the resilience of the company’s business model but also the collective commitment of its stakeholders and workforce.

Taming the Inflation Headwind

Arize Nwobu

Headwinds are factors that push against and create negative effects in an economy and tailwinds are factors that push forward and create positive effects in an economy.

Major headwinds against Nigeria’s economy include pervasive corruption, Insecurity, prebendalism and nepotism and high cost of governance featuring conspicuous consumption by the political class.

Other headwinds include the monoproduct and factor-driven nature of the economy, import-dependency structure of the economy, weak manufacturing and export base, smuggling and sabotage.

Others include infrastructure deficit, underutilisation of the mechanism of the capital market, dollar denominated debt burden which creates currency risk, high interest rate which hinders borrowing and growth of the real sector, exchange rate conundrum and inflation.

Inflation creates severe consequences in the economy. It erodes income and purchasing power and makes it difficult for citizens to afford basic necessities of life, discourages savings and investment, causes depreciation of exchange rate and in extreme cases it can render a currency useless and destabilise the economy.

Inflation and other headwinds can happen in an economy due to different reasons either internal or external or both.

In 2008 America witnessed a severe economic downturn due to the collapse of the US housing market and global financial crisis.

In 2016, Nigeria witnessed a recession which was noted as the worst since 1987 and was caused by the sharp fall in global oil prices and sabotage of oil infrastructure in the Niger Delta.

In 2022, there were spates of inflation in many countries and which the International Monetary Fund( IMF) attributed to the Covid-19 pandemic war in Ukraine and fiscal policies and further noted that food and energy were the main drivers of inflation across the countries.

In the United States, it was reported that inflation reached 9 percent in 2022 as prices shot through the roofs to unprecedented levels not witnessed in forty years and which caused Americans to panic.

In Venezuela, a country said to have the world’s largest oil reserves and was once the largest exporter of oil, but now with high poverty and extreme poverty, inflation reached 400 percent.

In Nigeria, inflation has been prevalent over the years since 2007 though at lower rates. But it kept increasing slowly and progressively until it became very pronounced and biting about three to four years ago. General causes of inflation in Nigeria include epileptic power supply, reduction in productivity, price of fuel, insecurity and reduced food production.

Other causes include higher taxes, government policies, dollar denominated debt burden, money supply, devaluation of the naira, global disruptions etc.

NCS Inaugurates 24th NEC Members, as President Pledges Continuity

Emma Okonji

Following its successful election held during the 19th International Conference in Kano, the Nigeria Computer Society (NCS), the umbrella body for all Information Technology (IT) professionals in Nigeria, at the weekend in Lagos, inaugurated the newly elected National Executive Council (NEC) members.

The NCS 24th NEC members that will drive the affairs of NCS for the next two years, included: the re-elected president and deputy president, Dr. Mohammed Sirajo Aliyu and Dr. Charles Onyeukwu respectively.

Speaking at the

inauguration ceremony, Aliyu promised to continue with the policies of the previous NEC, and assured members on collaboration between NEC and the entire NCS members.

He called for unity and understanding among members in the best interest of the IT profession, adding that his doors will remain open for advice.

The Provost, College of Fellows, Nigeria Computer Society, Mrs. Ola Owolabi, challenged the newly inaugurated members on the next step to take after winning NCS election. “After winning the election, what next, what are your plans.

Research by the Central Bank of Nigeria ( CBN) shows that once inflation reached above 12.5 percent or 13.0 per cent, it would retard growth.

Central banks will apply all possible policy options to tame the inflation headwind and successive CBN Governors have continued to apply the monetary policy tool to fight inflation.

Between 2007- 2013, CBN consistently pegged the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) at 12.0 percent when inflation rate was in the range of 10- 12 per cent and which caused inflation to drop to 8.0 percent and engendered macro-economic stability and growth.

Inflation spiked to 19.0 per cent in 2017 and CBN raised and consistently retained the MPR at 14.0 per cent and it effectively checkmated inflation which dropped consistently at different periods from 19.0 per cent in January 2017 to 13.34 per cent in March 2018.

Thereafter, inflation rate started rising and CBN continued to increase the MPR accordingly to tame the headwind. As the then CBN Governor noted: “as inflation continues upwards the MPC (Monetary Policy Committee) will always hike rates to curtail the pressure.”

The quantum of money in the system also continued to grow and

ATCIS Nigeria Kicks against 100% Hike in Passport Fee

Emma Okonji

Association of Telephone, Cable Tv, and Internet Subscribers of Nigeria (ATCIS Nigeria) has rejected the recent hike in international passport fees in the country, describing the hike as unwholesome.

The rejection is one of the push-backs against government’s decision to increase passport application fees to N100,000 for the 32-page passport and N200,000 for the 64-page passport effective September 1, 2025.

National President of ATCIS Nigeria, Hon. Sina Bilesanmi, in a statement, said the increment could not be justified

which fueled inflation. Money supply rose from N1.4 trillion in 2015 to N3.23 trillion in seven years up to 2022.

In 2024 it increased to N3.28 trillion and further to N3.96 trillion in March and by October 2024 the total amount of currency in circulation had reached N4.1 trillion.

The previous administration of late President Muhammadu Buhari was alleged to have “over-used the Ways and Means Window of the CBN in addition to external debts.

Former Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki once alleged that the federal government at a time printed additional N50 billion- N60 billion to top up the allocations to state governments and he also projected that the debt profile could rise to N16 trillion by end of 2021.

But the former Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Mrs Zainab Ahmed debunked Obaseki’s allegations and which the then CBN Governor described as “unfortunate and inappropriate.”

Printing money to finance government spending and incurring external debts causes inflation and devaluation and loss of confidence in the currency.

Former CBN Governor, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi was also critical of the economic management of the former and late President Buhari and also alleged the the federal government continued to print money.

Sanusi also criticised former President Buhari’s plan to borrow $30 billion at a point in time and noted that it would be difficult for the loan to be granted by any global financial institution because of the then prevailing multiple exchange rates.

CBN under the present administration of President Tinubu unified the exchange rate and removed fuel subsidy.

The story continues online on www.thisdaylive.com

at this trying times when Nigerian citizens are grappling with a myriad of policy-triggered economic hardships.

According to Bilesanmi, the decision is a sign of total alienation and disconnection of the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, and the ComptrollerGeneral of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Kemi Nandap, with the realities of the common man.

“We are appalled by this development. These officers of the federal government failed woefully to consider the economic hardships faced by many Nigerians before approving the fee hike,” Bilesanmi said.

Cardcentre Nigeria

Limited, a subsidiary of Chams HoldCo and Africa’s leading smart card manufacturer, is taking innovation and sustainability to the next level with the launch of eco-friendly SIM cards across the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

This pioneering initiative, developed in collaboration with MTN Nigeria, was officially unveiled in Lagos and marks a significant advancement in the country’s telecommunications sector.

“We are proud to collaborate with MTN Nigeria on this

innovative project. Our biodegradable SIM cards mark an important step toward a greener future for telecommunications,” said Lekan Latona, Chief Executive Officer of CardCentre.

“At MTN Nigeria, we are passionate about positively impacting both the environment and our communities. This partnership with CardCentre underscores our commitment to sustainability and innovation, while also supporting local businesses and stimulating economic growth through strategic alliances,” stated Tobe Okigbo, Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer at MTN Nigeria.

Gapstone, Netconstruct Partner to Build High Quality Affordable Homes in Lagos

Bennett Oghifo

Gapstone Developers Ltd, a subsidiary of Cruxstone Development and Investment Limited, and Netconstruct Nigeria Ltd, a real-estate development Company have signed a unique joint venture agreement to build affordable homes but without compromise on quality.

The joint venture agreement is for the construction of a residential estate known as Palmvale Homes that will consist of 400 housing units on 77,000 square metres of prime land.

Palmvale Homes is located along the Lekki-Epe Expressway, and it’s designed and built to have three-bedroom flats, three-bedroom terraces, fourbedroom detached houses, and maisonettes.

According to the Group MD of Cruxstone Group, Dr Adetoro Omotoye, “Each of

these homes fuses comfort and functionality, delivering a unique 21st-century lifestyle for local families, diaspora buyers, and savvy investors. “The number of houses are already done. We are just taking it to the next level in terms of development.”

He lauded their new partner, Netconstruct for their years of experience and large portfolio of projects, saying, “They have a lot of the huge database of clientele, so everybody is just bringing to the table years of experience, data, resources, expertise, a whole lot to make sure that we come out with a project and a product that is like number one.”

Omotoye said their ongoing initiative would help close the huge housing gap in the country “through providing houses that are more reachable to people. We have been playing at the luxury end, but now we are

dealing with houses that can be affordable. So that’s why we said let’s come into that space. Let’s come up with something that could help take care of that gap to a large extent.

“It’s also important that when playing in that space, it does not mean that we are scaling down on our quality. So for us, it’s still being able to play in that space, yet being mindful of our quality is always major. Watchword for us is also bring affordable houses, yet quality houses, it takes a lot of value engineering, thinking through and we’re working with people that can deliver effectively in that space. So we’re very hopeful. We’re very sure that we will deliver in that space effectively.”

The Chief Executive of Netconstruct, Mr Afolabi Oseni said their company’s headquarters is in Lagos and that they have good presence in Abuja “where we’ve delivered just under 4000

different houses, and the land in question here, which is called Palmvale is actually a parcel of land that we’ve owned for close to 20 years and we’ve actually started development, as Dr.

Omotoye mentioned to you.

But after seeing what they have done in the Victoria Island area, even their price brackets, it’s actually quite attractive, though it’s part of the 1% of 1% but

honestly speaking, it’s a very, attractive price. “And I also saw the commitment that they had, that they clearly demonstrated, towards the delivery of their units. I see a lot of passion in it.”

Professionals at PEWAN Confab Discuss Cyclical Economy, Air Quality Management, Sustainable Housing, Others

Bennett Oghifo

Professionals at the 2025 edition of the Property & Environment Writers Association of Nigeria (PEWAN) Conference, took turns to present their concerns about challenges in the Lagos State environment, including housing, and gave their opinion on how these challenges could be resolved.

The theme of the PEWAN conference was “The Place of waste management in Relation to the Lagos State Government’s THEME + Agenda” and “Air Quality Management in a Mega City like Lagos, Challenges and Policy Framework”.

Managing Director, Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), Dr. Olumuyiwa Gbadegesin said Lagos has over the years improved on its waste management and that it intends to do more in the years ahead.

Lagos, he said, wants to increase waste recycling rate to 30% in the next five years, stating, “Our current recycling rate is between eight and 10 percent. And we are pushing to achieve 25 to 30 percent over the next five years.”

He said modern waste management was no longer about disposal but was also central to economic value creation and environmental sustainability.

He said Lagos has a strategy

to build a 21st-century materials economy that would shift waste from being a cost center to a value-generating sector, and that central to this plan was the “development of an integrated Transfer Loading Station (TLS) and Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) network, embedded with performance-based contracts to ensure throughput and waste diversion.”

According to him, “A modern waste system is a materials economy: it converts a disposal cost into recoverable value, supporting MSMEs in collection, sorting, organics processing, and logistics.

“Africa’s circular economy potential represents USD 7.6 billion annually in recoverable resources not currently collected, demonstrating significant economic opportunity. The State’s concessionary pathway explicitly re-routes high-volume streams through TLS-MRF, creating predictable feedstock for recovery and a platform for private investment and green jobs.

“We are commissioning the TLS/MRF network to specification and embedding throughput and diversion covenants in operator contracts.”

In his presentation on air quality management, the General Manager, (LASEPA), Dr. Babatunde Ajayi said the topic was critical to the health and well-being of Lagosians.

Ajayi said, “As the Head of the government Agency saddled with the responsibility of safeguarding and protecting the environment against any form of environmental degradation, pollution or other infractions, I must note that air pollution is one of the most pressing environmental challenges facing our dear State today and we must work together for improvement.

“The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that air pollution is responsible for millions of premature deaths worldwide each year. In Lagos State, rapid urbanisation, industrialisation, and population growth have led to increased emissions from vehicles, generators, and industrial activities. This has resulted in poor air quality, which poses significant health risks to our citizens.

“You would recall that of the 6 - point Development Agenda of the Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo -Olu administration, popularly called T.H.E.M.E.S plus agenda, Pillars 2&3 occupy significant place among other pillars. That is, Health and the Environment. This is not by accident, it underscores the Administration’s commitment and preparedness for a lot of policy reforms from the beginning to improve on the environment, to fight pollution and maintain sustainable environment and quality public

health.”

He said, “The challenges we face in managing air quality in Lagos are multifaceted. These include: Vehicular emissions: Lagos has one of the highest numbers of vehicles in Africa, contributing significantly to air pollution.

Generator usage: The unreliable power supply in Nigeria leads to widespread use of generators, which emit harmful pollutants to the environment

Industrial activities: Our industrial sector contributes to air pollution through emissions from factories and other industrial processes. Most of our industries do not have Effluent / Air Treatment plants and few that have are either malfunctioning or no skilled workers to operate them. As a result , a large number of our industrial organisations discharge their raw Effluent into the environment or the water bodies, while they litter the environment with smoke from various manufacturing activities.”

Ajayi said, “In order to address these challenges, the Lagos State Government, through the Lagos Environmental protection Agency LASEPA has continued to implement various reform policies of the State government geared towards achieving a pollution-free and sustainable environment.

“Regulatory measures: We

have established emission standards for vehicles and industries

This is made possible through our collaboration with the Lagos State Ministry of Transportation,Vehicle Inspection service VIS and other regulatory agencies in the Transportation Sector

“Monitoring and enforcement: We monitor air quality and enforce compliance with regulations especially among industrial facilities in the State. This is to ensure that they all abide by the standard procedures

“Public education: We educate the public on the importance of air quality management. We organize annual Effluent Treatment and Air Abatement Workshop for all industrial facilities in the State to teach them the operational procedures of their Effluent Treatment Plants and Air Abatement treatment plant operations

“Collaboration: We work with stakeholders, including government agencies like the Nigeria Environmental Standard and Regulations Monitoring Association, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) industries, and civil society.

“LASEPA also carries out a lot of advocacy programs to promote cleaner energy, sustainable transportation, and green infrastructure.”

He said, “Managing air quality in a megacity like Lagos requires a multi-faceted approach. We must work together to address the challenges and implement effective policies to protect the health and well-being of our citizens.”

Discussing ‘Sustainability in Modern Housing and Urban Development’, Dr. Adesina Aladeloba, Chief Lecturer/ Dean, School of Environment Studies, Yaba College of Technology, who was the Guest Speaker, said there is a direct link between housing and waste management. Aladeloba said, “Certainly, the Process of Waste Management would require the involvement of ‘relevant’ stakeholders – urban/rural dwellers from whom the wastes are generated, Governments whose responsibility is to ensure safe and hygienic environments, the contractors who are Private Sector Participants/Operators; expected to generate income from waste disposals - in the application and practice of Waste Management without which same will become all-comers affairs, that is, not regulated. “This definitely is a recipe for chaotic atmosphere, where no individual or organisation will be interested in pumping funds into such activity; knowing the possibility of realising any return on investment (ROI) is very slim.”

AFMPN to Brainstorm on Harnessing Technologies for Smart Workplaces, Cities

Fadekemi Ajakaiye

The Association of Facilities Management Practitioners, Nigeria (AFMPN) is set to host a Conference that will bring together industry stakeholders to shape the future of facilities management. Themed “Future-Proofing Facilities: Harnessing Technologies for

Smart Workplaces and Smart Cities,” this event promises to be a game-changer for professionals in the built environment.

As the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, ESV. Stephen Ola Jagun, notes, “This conference is a call to action for all stakeholders in the facilities management industry. We

must come together to share knowledge, expertise, and experiences that will drive innovation and growth in our industry.” Joining Jagun on the Board of Trustees are esteemed professionals such as Dr. MKO Balogun, ESV. Okesola, and Engr. Tony Ekeazu, together with the President, Dr. Olumide Aina who are all committed

to advancing the profession.

According to a statement by AFMPN, the conference is scheduled for September 24-25, 2025, at the Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Lagos, and it will be a platform for professionals, contractors, suppliers, vendors, managers, engineers, architects, builders, developers, and government

officials to converge and discuss the future of facilities management. With its focus on harnessing smart workplaces and smart cities, the conference will explore the latest trends and best practices in the industry.

“This event is a must-attend for anyone looking to stay ahead of the curve in facili-

ties management. By bringing together industry leaders and experts, AFMPN aims to drive innovation, promote collaboration, and shape the future of the profession. Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of a community that is shaping the future of facilities management in Nigeria,” the statement said.

Don Urges Students to Embrace Vocational Skills for Self-reliance

Onuminya Innocent in Sokoto

In a bid to empower students and prepare them for the challenges of the modern job market, a lecturer in the Economics Department at Sokoto State University, Dr. Maria Abdullahi, has urged students to acquire vocational skills.

Speaking to students of the department, Abdullahi emphasised the importance of self-reliance and the need for students to look beyond white-collar jobs.

She stated that it is high time when the Nigerian economy is facing significant challenges, including high unemployment rates.

According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), the unemployment rate in Nigeria stands at over 33 per cent, with youth unemployment being particularly high.

Abdullahi said by embracing vocational skills

and training, students can gain practical experience, build their confidence, and increase their chances of success in the job market. Moreover, acquiring vocational skills can provide students with a sense of purpose and direction, helping them to navigate the challenges of the modern economy.

She further explained that in a rapidly changing world, students need to be adaptable, innovative, and proactive in pursuing their goals. By acquiring vocational skills and embracing a mindset of self-reliance, students can unlock their full potential and achieve success in their chosen careers.

Abdullahi’s call to action is not just a response to the current economic challenges; it is also a recognition of the changing nature of work. “With technological advancements and automation transforming the job market, students need to acquire skills

that are relevant to the modern economy. Vocational skills such as coding, digital marketing, and data analysis are in high demand, and students who acquire these skills will be better positioned to succeed,” she said.

The Nigerian government has also recognized the importance of vocational skills and has introduced initiatives to promote skill acquisition and vocational training.

The National Directorate of Employment (NDE) provides training and empowerment programs aimed at reducing unemployment.

Similarly, the federal government has established the National Skills Acquisition Programme (NSAP) to provide training and certification in various vocational skills.

In addition to government initiatives, there are various skill acquisition centers in Nigeria that offer training in diverse fields.

CreditPRO Obtains Operating License from CBN to Expand SMEs Lending

Dr. Edwin Idegwu, said the journey to the licence was years in the making.

CreditPRO Finance Company Limited has officially joined the league of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)-licensed financial institutions, following its formal launch in Lagos.

The firm, which began operations in 2019 under the name CreditPRO Business Support Services Limited operating with a Lagos State money lender licence, said the new milestone would enable it to scale its operations nationwide and deepen its role in supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Speaking at the official launching event, the Chairman of CreditPRO,

“When we started, we were not required to have a board under the Lagos State money lender licence. But we deliberately set up a Board of Directors because we wanted to build CreditPRO above minimum standards.

“That decision gave us stronger corporate governance, risk management, and credibility. Today, it has paid off,” Idegwu said. He noted that the CBN licence now places CreditPRO in a stronger position to earn the trust of investors, institutional partners, and clients.“CreditPRO is built on three pillars — stability, innovation, and impact.

“We want SMEs to have a dependable financial partner, we want to deliver smarter financing through technology, and we want to remain focused on enabling jobs and economic growth,” the chairman added.

On his part, the Managing Director of CreditPRO, Mr. Sola Adeyiga, recalled the company’s humble beginnings.“We started from an underground apartment in Omole Phase 1, Lagos State with just about N3 million in equity and N17 million in borrowed capital. Today, we have disbursed over N20 billion in loans to more than 2,500 SMEs and grown our portfolio to N1.5 billion, operating with the Lagos State money lender licence,” Adeyiga said.

Water Safety in Focus with Nestlé Water Quality Advocacy Campaign

Nestlé Waters has unveiled the Nestlé Water Quality Advocacy campaign; a bold initiative aimed at raising national awareness on the need for quality water across Nigeria. This campaign was developed in collaboration with the Organised Private Sector in Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (OPS-WASH).

Speaking at the launch, Business Executive Officer, Nestlé Waters and Premium Beverages, Mr. Olatunji Olutayo, highlighted Nestlé’s strong commitment to quality which is the foundation for the water quality advocacy campaign.

Speaking on Nestlé Waters

quality standards, he said: “Water stewardship is a priority for Nestlé Waters. By 2025, we aim for all our sites to be certified under the Alliance for Water Stewardship Standard, underlining our commitment to sustainable water use, community engagement, and responsible watershed management.”

National Coordinator, OPS-WASH, Dr. Nicholas Igwe said, “Water is life, yet millions of Nigerians are still unaware of the quality of the water they consume daily. This campaign is therefore about more than raising awareness; it is about

empowering people with the tools and knowledge they need to safeguard their health by safeguarding their water sources.”

Delivering the keynote address, the Honourable Minister of Water Resources & Sanitation, Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, represented by Mrs. Elizabeth Ugoh, Director, Water Quality Control and Sanitation, emphasised the government’s commitment to improving water quality nationwide and welcomed private sector collaboration in tackling water-related challenges.

Demand for Lafarge Africa, Others Lift Stock Market by N254bn

KayodeTokede

Investors demand for Lafarge Africa Plc and 35 others lifted the Nigerian stock market by N254 billion yesterday as the bourse continued its upward trajectory this week.

While Lafarge Africa appreciated by 6.15 per cent to close at N119.95 per share, the Nigerian Exchange Limited

All-Share Index (NGX ASI) gained by 401.36 basis points or 0.29 per cent to close at 139,796.11 basis points with the month-to-date and year-to-date returns settled at -0.4per cent and +35.8per cent, respectively. Also, market capitalisation gained N254 billion to close at N88.453 trillion.

On sectors, performance was broadly positive as the NGX

Insurance index advanced by one per cent, NGX Industrial Goods Index appreciated by 0.9per cent, NGX Banking index gained 0.4per cent, and NGX Consumer Goods index added 0.3per cent, while the NGX Oil & Gas index declined by 0.1 per cent.

Market sentiment remained strong, evidenced by a positive breadth with 36 stocks

advancing against 18 decliners. Regency Alliance Insurance recorded the highest price gain of 10 per cent to close at N1.43, per share. MeCure Industries followed with a gain of 9.92 per cent to close at N21.60, while eTranzact International up by 9.73 per cent to close at N12.40, per share.

DAAR Communications rose by 9.57 per cent to

close at N1.03, while Deap Capital Management & Trust appreciated by 9.52 per cent to close at N1.84, per share.

On the other hand, Unilever Nigeria led the losers’ chart by 9.79 per cent to close at N63.15, per share. FTN Cocoa Processors followed with a decline of 9.40 per cent to close at N5.40, while Ellah Lakes declined by 8.76 per cent

to close at N13.02, per share. Linkage Assurance depreciated by 6.85 per cent to close at N2.04, while Berger Paints declined by 6.33 per cent to close at N35.50, per share.

However, the total volume traded declined 30.46 per cent to 659.170 million units, valued at N12.510 billion, and exchanged in 25,334 deals.

Education

How Cowbellpedia 2025 is Inspiring Generation of Thinkers, Redefining Brilliance in STEM

The 2025 edition of Cowbellpedia puts sT e M in the spotlight as over 5,000 students across n igeria showcased problem-solving, speed, and creativity in a 14-week contest. The competition, which crowned Peace adewole and Kenechukwu a zuike as champions, underscored Cowbellpedia’s role in nurturing a new generation of innovators and strengthening interest in s cience, Technology, e ngineering, and Mathematics from an early age. Funmi Ogundare reports

The 2025 edition of Cowbellpedia, themed ‘The Mega Minds’, which was held recently, wasn’t just another competition; it was where the best young problem-solvers in the junior and secondary school categories showed their skills in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), general knowledge, and puzzles, while keeping viewers on the edge of their seats.

Peace Adewole of Welkins International School and Kenechukwu Azuike of St. Gregory’s College were crowned winners of Cowbellpedia 2025. Both champions walked away with a cash prize of N5 million each, an all-expense-paid educational trip to Kenya, and a year’s supply of Cowbell products, while their schools received laptops and projectors to support STEM learning.

This year’s edition of the popular STEM and general knowledge quiz show saw over 5,000 students from across Nigeria compete in a 14week intellectual contest that culminated in a high-stakes grand finale featuring 78 rounds of intense competition.

According to the World Bank, approximately 25 per cent of Nigerian university students graduate in science, technology, and engineeringrelated fields; yet, global assessments continue to highlight gaps in problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.

Cowbellpedia aims to build confidence and foster interest in STEM subjects from an early age. Students like Faith Odunsi and Munachi Ernest-Eze exemplify this journey. Faith, after impressing on the Cowbellpedia stage with record-breaking performances in 2018, went on to win the 2021 Global Open Mathematics competition, outperforming peers from countries including the US, UK, and China. Munachi, a two-time Cowbellpedia champion in 2015 and 2017, leveraged his success to earn a scholarship to study aerospace engineering at the University of Toronto. Their journeys highlight how national initiatives can nurture talent to excel both locally and internationally.

In this year’s edition of the competition, Peace Adewole, 14, was victorious in the junior category by answering a final-round question in just 0.52 seconds during the thrilling ‘Dignitary Shots’ segment. Kenechukwu Azuike displayed similar brilliance to secure the top spot in the senior category.

Haruna Salvin emerged as the first runnerup with N3 million, while Onyema Alexis, the only girl to reach the finals, claimed the second runner-up spot with N2 million. Anyaeji Arthur rounded out as third runner-up, earning N500,000.

In the senior category, Fopefoluwa Adegboye, Prince Orji, and Lyon Awhaisoba took second, third, and fourth places respectively, winning N3 million, N2 million, and N500,000. These

remarkable achievements highlight the talent, speed, and mathematical prowess of Nigeria’s young STEM enthusiasts. Cowbellpedia 2025 offered a total prize pool of N100 million, rewarding not only students, but also their teachers and parents.

The schools of the winners, first runners-up, and second runners-up in both categories also received laptops and projectors.

Parents and teachers also shared in the winnings. Mr. Beckley Adebayo topped the junior parents’ segment, winning N500,000, while Mr. Remi Adegboye led the senior parents’ segment, winning N500,000. Outstanding teachers, such as Mr. Babayode Samuel from St. Gregory’s College and Mr. Stephen Egbeyemi from Ambassadors College, walked away with N1 million each and brand-new laptops.

In his remarks, Francois Gillet, Managing Director of Promasidor Nigeria Limited, commended the finalists, saying, “You have done something great for yourselves. No matter what happens, you are all winners.”

UBEC Restrategises

Uchechukwu Nnaike

Executive Secretary of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Hajia Aisha Garba, has stated that the agency will explore new ways to improve efficiency, foster innovation, and deliver on its mandate.

Speaking in Lagos at a two-day retreat for senior staff-phase two, she said that the retreat was a critical step in advancing the commission’s goals of the 2025-2028 Strategic Blueprint.

According to her, the commission had taken important steps to enhance the quality of teaching and learning through the Teacher Professional Development (TPD) programme.

“We are equipping educators with the knowledge and tools they need to deliver better outcomes for children nationwide.

“Our mandate is ambitious because we

“The theme reflected the exceptional talents displayed by secondary school students, who were recruited through mini-Cowbellpedia school activations to broaden the initiative beyond the TV quiz, while equipping participants with real-world STEM skills.

“This year’s season raised the stakes, attracting over 5,000 students aged 11 to 17 from schools across Nigeria,” the marketing director explained. “From this pool, 132 students advanced to the elimination stage, 48 reached the quarter-finals, 16 qualified for the semifinals, and eight made it to the grand finale,” said Williams.

She added that the 2025 edition featured 78 rounds of rigorous intellectual contests, climaxing in a thrilling finale with four competitive segments: 60 seconds of fame, zone of power, questions from the Cowbellpedia bank, and the decisive dignitary shots.

“The Managing Director of Promasidor Nigeria, Mr. Francois Gillet, was present as a guest dignitary, adding prestige to the finale where finalists competed for the coveted top prize,” added Williams.

The Category Manager, Dairy, Mr. Donatus Ukpai, reiterated the company’s commitment to utilising the Cowbellpedia TV Quiz Show as a platform to nurture young Nigerian talents, promote academic excellence, and enhance STEM education nationwide.

Speaking on the motivation behind Promasidor’s consistent investment in STEM, he explained that the organisation views education as central to nation-building. According to him, the long-running Cowbellpedia initiative not only reflects Promasidor’s dedication to nourishing young Nigerians physically through its flagship Cowbell brand but also mentally by fostering intellectual curiosity and rewarding academic excellence.

“The brilliance displayed by students over the 14-week Cowbellpedia competition affirms that Nigeria’s future is bright,” the MD stated. “Our continued investment in STEM education is part of our mission to equip the next generation with the skills to solve real-world problems and drive Africa’s progress.”

He emphasised that the organisation remains proud to invest in the education sector, adding that empowering young Nigerians to become what the company describes as ‘mega minds’ is ultimately an investment in a brighter tomorrow.

The Marketing Director, Adebola Williams, described the 2025 edition of the competition as a groundbreaking celebration of intelligence and creativity among Nigerian students, adding that the theme was inspired by their brilliance and problem-solving capacity.

Speaking on the broader impact of the competition beyond prize money, he noted that Cowbellpedia was designed to inspire confidence in science and Mathematics, while encouraging critical thinking among students. “Cowbellpedia aims to inspire academic excellence, boost confidence in STEM subjects, and encourage critical thinking. Beyond the competition, it serves as a platform to showcase and nurture the potential of young Nigerians,” Ukpai said.

He said the winners of this year’s edition represented the best of what students can achieve when given the right opportunities, adding that their achievements not only inspire peers but also motivate schools to strengthen STEM education, while reinforcing the value of learning nationwide.

On the future of the initiative, the category manager disclosed that Cowbellpedia is evolving and may expand beyond Nigeria in the near future. He hinted that new segments would be introduced into the TV quiz show to enhance its impact.

“The Cowbellpedia TV quiz show is always a work in progress, and we’re looking for ways to ensure that the Cowbell brand brings value to the educational system, not just in Nigeria but across the world. More innovations will definitely emerge in the near future, and this will be made public in due course,” he said.

for Improved Service Delivery

are shaping the future of millions of Nigerian children. The way we plan, collaborate, and lead has a direct impact on what happens in classrooms across the country,’’ she noted.

According to her, over the past few months, there has been meaningful progress together with SUBEBs for the construction of over 4,900 classrooms, the establishment of 34 model and SMART schools, the provision of more than 353,000 units of furniture, and the impact on over 2.3 million learners. Garba said that the retreat will provide the commission the opportunity to reflect on the bigger picture of what has been done, further improvement and any need to change the systems, structures, and discuss ways of working together.

Garba added that the retreat will help the commission to align with key priorities to meet its annual commitments in coordination with stakeholders; strengthen teamwork, knowledge sharing, and interdepartmental collaboration to improve efficiency and foster innovation.

The UBEC boss charged the staff to engage, listen with openness, and think with courage as the event is an opportunity for them to align, connect, and strengthen the commission’s collective resolve.

The Deputy Executive Secretary Technical, Rasaq Olajuwon, said that UBEC must routinely assess its progress, confront systemic bottlenecks, and realign its strategies to ensure improved learning outcomes for every child.

“Given the federal government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which seeks to promote inclusive and qualitative development for all Nigerians,

the Federal Ministry of Education introduced the National Education Sector Renewal Initiative (NESRI) to revitalise the education sector and ensure more coordinated, accountable, and results-driven delivery.

Akinyemi added: “UBEC is fully aligned with this national agenda, particularly the commitment to achieving the 13 ministerial deliverables linked to the Basic Education Programme.”

Akinyemi stated that the participation of senior staff in the retreat signals its shared responsibility and commitment to UBEC’s reform agenda.

“The success of this repositioning effort depends on our collective will, collaboration, and dedication to delivering results that truly transform the lives of Nigerian children,” he said. At a two-day retreat, the management and senior staff brainstormed on repositioning basic education in the country.

Umar Abubakar: Sokoto is Fighting for Every Breath

Ex Secretary General/Registrar/CEO of the Nursing/Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) and Commissioner of Health, Sokoto State, Dr. Faruk Umar Abubakar tells Louis Achi the state’s health sector was in Intensive Care Unit, ICU, in 2023, before the current government and shares insights into what the administration of Governor Ahmad Aliyu is doing in line with its 9 Point Smart Agenda to reposition the sector

You are not a medical doctor, though a crucial stakeholder and professional in the sector. How did the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) react to your appointment?

The appointment of all commissioners is political, except that of the Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice, which the constitution lists the qualifications the candidate must have - specific number of years at the bar, etc. So, every other position is at the discretion of the governor and he is at liberty to appoint anyone that he believes would add value to his administration.

I am aware of that issue, but in my own case, my appointment was welcomed by the entire professionals in the health sector. And I want to believe it’s because they know my antecedents. Having been around for the last 35 years, I have established a very good working relationship with all the professional bodies and have utmost respect for every profession in the healthcare delivery system.

So, I wasn’t surprised they celebrated my appointment and have ever been very supportive. In return, I have been fair and respectful in my relationship with them. Take the issue of the new National Minimum Wage, I engaged with the governor and thankfully he agreed with me that they deserved to be better remunerated.

I am very proud to announce that today the Sokoto State Government pays better than the federal government, such that those who had wanted to leave have withdrawn their letters of resignation. The various professional bodies wrote the governor thanking him for approving a salary package that matches that of the federal government.

power? The governor has since approved the installation of solar power. We now have 24 hour light at the labour room, in the postnatal ward, and in the prenatal ward.

We have also acquired incubators for premature babies. There is also 24 hour power. We have embarked on a comprehensive rehabilitation of the wards. We have provided functional toilet facilities for families and visitors - the era of open defecation is past. We sank boreholes, with overhead tanks to ensure availability of water 2/4/7. Even though the hospital is almost 100 years old, we can make it functional.

To help in the general cleanliness of the hospital, I engaged the services of prisoners. We are working on the drainage system. The environment and general sanitation of the hospital has greatly improved. I know His Excellency is planning on building a new world class facility. The other thing I am working on is the attitude to work of our personnel. I have had series of meetings with them on the need to be diligent and caring in their work. They have no reason to be lackadaisical - especially as the government is prompt in payment of their salaries and allowances. I will no longer accept negligence of duty, where workers abandon their duty posts and leave patients unattended to. The abandoned amenity ward is receiving attention, same with the new theatre. It’s a shame that the equipment has been stolen. I intend to get the hospital functioning at full capacity.

So being a commissioner is about protecting and advancing the interests of your constituency and ensuring that they have the necessary working tools and a working environment that is conducive - which is what the governor has been doing since 2023. A doctor needs medical scientists, nurses, cleaners, pharmacists, etc., to function effectively.

You retired as Registrar/CEO of the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria. Against this background, how difficult was it for you to hit the ground running?

Having been in the health sector in the last 35 years, I would say yes, it wasn’t really difficult. Luckily, I started from the very scratch as a nurse, and I have worked in hospitals and interacted with all professionals in the healthcare system. So, I have a good understanding of the issues.

As an administrator, I understand the issues that must be addressed so that we can deliver quality healthcare to our people. I am lucky to have a governor who truly believes in delivering quality healthcare to the people. He has, for instance, approved my memo for the State Specialist Hospital to run internship programmes for radiography

accreditation. Sokoto State has more than 100 medical doctors who have graduated and they need a specialist hospital for their programmes. So, this initiative would solve a big problem for us. Just as we have about 270 medical students on the payroll of the stateTheygovernment. have been placed on Level 07, which is about N82,000 monthly. It’s the same with pharmacy students, medical lab scientists, etc. So, we are solving the problem of inadequate personnel and at the same time making life easier for the students and their families. We stand to benefit in many other ways because, being indigenes, they understand the culture of theOnpeople.admission they get scholarships, but once they start their clinical practice they are transferred to the Ministry of Health and the ministry will in turn transfer their documents to the Civil Service Commission, which would process and send their details to the Ministry of Finance for implementation. His Excellency has also paid the registration fees of all our foreign trained doctors. This has helped address the shortage of medical personnel.

From the needs assessment you carried out on assumption of office, what did you find out?

From the needs assessment I ordered and visitation of all the general hospitals in the 23 local governments I noticed inadequate manpower at the grassroots, a gap that was unacceptable. I equally found a health system that was on its

with obsolete equipment, decayed and uninhabitable wards.

Even the mattresses were torn into pieces and the beds broken. The first thing that we did was to urgently provide critical equipment and mattresses. We have equally procured nine ultrasound machines that will be distributed to the general hospitals - 3 for each senatorial district. Same with X ray machines, one for each geographical zone, so that investigations can be carried out at that level.

Our people don’t have to travel to Sokoto for such investigations. To date we have also procured about 240 beds, 240 mattresses, and 240 stands. I want to assure the people of Sokoto State that the governor has just started because he is more than determined to change the story. Governor Ahmad Aliyu means business when he says that health is a critical component of his 9 Point SMART Agenda.

The other benefit of my needs assessment is that it enabled me to come up with a strategic framework that would give us the direction to address the problems at the primary healthcare, the secondary and tertiary levels. So, very important is infrastructural development. We are going to tackle 10 general hospitals in the first instance and we have sent requests to the Ministry of Works to carry out an assessment to enable me make my submission to His Excellency.

I have visited the specialist and orthopedic hospitals. I must say that I was scandalized that the entire maternity ward was without light. How can doctors operate without

How many hospitals and healthcare centers does Sokoto State have?

We have about 824 primary healthcare centres, health posts and clinics across the 23 local government areas. In each of the 240 wards, we have a primary health centre; health posts and clinics in villages - that is what gives us the 824 facilities across the state. Presently, we have about 21 hospitals, meaning at least one general hospital in each LGA. We have two in Tambuwal. It’s only Dange Shuni and Wamakko LGAs that presently do not have general hospitals.

These were abandoned by the Aminu Tambuwal administration?

Yes, but the government is working assiduously hard to ensure that we have a general hospital in these two local government areas - Dange Shuni and Wamakko. The Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko administration in 2013 awarded the contract for the construction of the hospitals but it was unfortunately abandoned by the Aminu Tambuwal administration. Meanwhile we’re making efforts to ensure that all our general hospitals are renovated. We started with 10 hospitals. For the rest of the hospitals, His Excellency, the Deputy Governor, who is also the Commissioner of Works, has constituted three committees - one for each of the senatorial districts to assess the hospitals. So, we are awaiting the reports from the Ministry of Works. I am grateful to the governor for his unprecedented investment in the health sector. I can tell you that today, Sokoto is fighting for every breath and we are succeeding.

How Kenechukwu Okafor is Impacting Society ThroughVolleyball

Cleopatra Adeoye

Isat down with Kene in an age of screens and isolation. Lekki Volleyball Club (LVC), one of the most prominent volleyball clubs in Nigeria, is proof that sport still has the power to unite people, transform communities, and make positive social impacts.

Founded in 2017 by Kenechukwu Okafor, an economist with a passion for sports, the club has grown into a hub for talent, mental well-being, and economic empowerment.

Kene Okafor shared his inspirational story with us, taking us back to how his journey began with a clear vision born from his athletic youth. He was drawn to a wide range of sports, and though none led to a professional career, they instilled in him a profound appreciation for discipline, teamwork, and a shared mission. His time training with the Imo State Sports Council reinforced his observations about Nigeria’s raw human potential and the critical need for structure to harness it.

“I saw so much talent and passion, but it was often a lone effort,” Kene Okafor says. “I knew that with the right community and structure, we could not only build great athletes but also empower people.”

This conviction fuelled the creation of the Lekki Volleyball Club, a hub for community building and talent development. It’s a place where people of all ages, from young players to seasoned veterans, can come together. The mission was clear: to create a platform where individuals could learn discipline and resilience while building a path to compete at higher levels and represent Nigeria on global stages.

The journey was not without its struggles, from managing conflicting stakeholders and limited financial resources to securing proper facilities, but the unwavering spirit of the community kept the club moving forward.

“The determination of our members, the growing camaraderie, that’s what defines the LVC family,” he notes.

A Network of Opportunity

The LVC movement first took root in 2017, founded on the principle of bringing people together through the love of sport. This grassroots effort quickly gained momentum and was officially registered in 2019 as a sports non-profit organisation, solidifying its mission to impact lives beyond the court.

Over the years, the club’s success and vibrant community have attracted vital sponsorships, a testament to its growing influence. National brands like Malta Guinness, Milo, Nestlé, MTN, Pocari Sweat, Red Bull, Calypso, Avetium, TDA Couture, BOGO Beverage, and TravelBeta have partnered with the club, alongside local brands such as Yellow Sisi, Nudara, Optifit, and Ewami Essentials. With the support of these corporate partners and a thriving base of more than 150 registered members across multiple countries, LVC has awarded millions in cash prizes to athletes, reinforcing its commitment to development, empowerment, and community growth.

The impact of the Lekki Volleyball Club extends far beyond the physical benefits of exercise. It has become a crucial space for networking, bringing together professionals from various industries. Practice sessions and matches turn into informal networking events where ideas are exchanged and partnerships are formed in a relaxed, non-traditional setting.

The club’s simple yet powerful slogan, ‘cruise and volleyball’, perfectly captures its essence. “It signifies the relaxed, positive, and inclusive atmosphere we have cultivated,” Kene Okafor explains. “It’s about enjoying the

game, building friendships, and creating a supportive space where people can be themselves while engaging in healthy activity.”

He adds, “The court is a unique melting pot. We’ve seen countless business connections and tangible opportunities emerge organically. It’s a testament to the fact that we’re building a supportive professional ecosystem, not just a sports club.”

The club also provides a much-needed outlet for mental health and therapy. In a fast-paced world, many members view the club as a powerful therapeutic sanctuary, a positive atmosphere promoting a healthy mind and spirit.

Thelma Ogun, a long-time member, shares her own powerful story:

“My journey with LVC started as a means of escape during a very sad time in my life. Now, five-plus years down the line, it has morphed into me being part of a community of like-minded individuals who wholly support one another and are obsessed with the beautiful game. LVC has taught me the importance of community, discipline, and solid leadership. The physical activity, coupled with camaraderie and a positive atmosphere, acts as a powerful therapeutic tool, promoting a healthy mind and spirit.”

“People join us to unwind, de-stress, and escape the pressures of daily life,” Kene Okafor shares. “Laughter is shared, frustrations are released, and friendships are forged. It’s truly a place that contributes to the overall well-being

of our community.”

A Platform for Greatness

The club’s role as a vital support base was powerfully highlighted in the case of Theresa Emegwara, a Guinness World Record breaker. When she was embarking on her monumental GWR attempt, the Lekki Volleyball Club rallied around her, offering encouragement and a strong show of community support.

“When I was preparing for my world record attempt, LVC was more than just a club; they were my cheerleaders and my family,” Emegwara says. “Their support gave me the visibility and encouragement I needed to succeed.”

This act of solidarity demonstrates the deep bonds that exist within the club, where members celebrate each other’s successes and provide a safety net during challenging times.

When the club could not afford a DJ for social events, Kehinde Olatunji, a member and club PRO, stepped up, teaching himself the craft and using the club as his practice ground. “I started learning how to DJ and used the club as my practice ground,” he recalled, turning a challenge into an opportunity by becoming the club’s resident DJ. “The club gave me the platform to grow, and I will always be grateful for that,” he added.

Today, Kenny is a successful big-time DJ in Canada. “When one of us pursues a dream, we all stand behind them,” Kene Okafor states. “It’s a family united by a

shared commitment to lifting each other.”

LVC’s influence also reaches the larger community through its signature event, the Thunder Games. This initiative serves as a major platform for youth engagement across the country. With over 400 players and thousands of physical and virtual audience members, the Thunder Games have become a landmark event on Nigeria’s sports calendar.

“It’s a powerful example of how a vision can grow into a movement,” Kene Okafor says. “We’re showcasing the potential of grassroots sports and inspiring a new generation.”

The club’s success with the Thunder Games has also led to the birth of other impactful sports events, including the LVC London Games, the LVC Annual Beach Volleyball Tournament, and the LVC Cruise League, expanding its reach and influence far beyond its home base.

The tournament also creates direct business opportunities for vendors, providing local businesses with a direct market for their products and services. “This economic spin-off is a perfect illustration of our vision: using sport to fuel broader economic development and create a self-sustaining ecosystem of opportunity,” he adds.

To secure the future of the sport, Kenechukwu and his team have launched a grassroots volleyball training academy for kids aged 10–17. This programme is designed to identify and nurture talent from a young age, providing a structured pathway for the next generation of players.

By focusing on fundamental skills, teamwork, and discipline, the programme not only prepares young athletes for competition but also instils in them the core values that will serve them throughout their lives. It is an investment in the future of Nigerian volleyball, ensuring a continuous pipeline of skilled and dedicated players.

Looking ahead, Kene Okafor’s vision is that LVC will be a leading hub for nurturing talent, a connector of people, a shaper of character, and a creator of opportunities.

“I believe that through sports, Nigeria can reclaim its place on the global map,” he says. “Not just by winning games, but by nurturing talent, inspiring unity, and showcasing the indomitable spirit and resilience of our people. The story of Lekki Volleyball Club proves that one idea, backed by passion, can transform a community, one serve at a time.”

•Adeoye is a writer, media practitioner and public commentator with focus on business and social impact stories.

DISCUSSING INTRA-AFRICAN TRADE FAIR 2O27...

L-R: Director General, Lagos Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Dr. Chinyere Almona; Past President of LCCI and 2nd Deputy President, NACCIMA, Dr. Michael Olawale-Cole; Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole; and National President of NACCIMA/Chairman, OPSN, Dr. Jani Ibrahim, displaying the flag of IATF 2027... recently

BW Unveils BNCH to Transform Cash Management in Nigeria

New initiative to cut banks’ cash handling costs, risks Customers to gain instant value deposits at convenient retail locations Strategic rollout begins in Lagos, Abuja, Kano before nationwide expansion

Oluchi Chibuzor

Bankers Warehouse Limited (BW) has launched Bank Neutral Cash Hub (BNCH), a service designed to streamline cash deposits and withdrawals for customers while cutting costs for banks.

The initiative aims to enhance efficiency, mitigate risks in cash handling, and expand financial inclusion in high-density retail locations across Nigeria.

BNCH service is a cash management solution designed to reduce the need for customers to visit multiple banks’ branches for cash deposit (and withdrawal) transactions, thereby saving banks the cost of opening and operating new branches or multiple branches in close geographic proximity to high-density retail locations.

According to a report made available to THISDAY yesterday, the service was designed to col-

Osun,

lect cash from various retailers and individual customers at BNCH locations strategically placed in high density retail locations like markets, malls and shopping centers.

It stated that through the new solution, customers would receive instant value in their participating bank account, handling, transportation and warehousing of cash at our secure vault locations.

Each hub would serve as a secure lodgment channel for all customers, including agency banking operatives who may be desirous to transact volumes for their customers and/or bank their own cash at the end of a business day.

“Only basic depositor KYC will be required at the point of transaction; no customer pre-registration will be required by the participating bank or customers,” it explained.

It goal which aligns with that

of the Central Bank of Nigeria, is to “Improve operational efficiency in the cash management value chain in Nigeria.”

However, its key objectives include to, “reduce risks and cost borne by banks, merchants and huge cash handlers in the course of cash management activities, leveraging on shared services to enhance

cash management efficiency & deepen financial inclusion.”

The BW stressed that it is the logical choice to deploy BNCH, pointing out that the solution is expected to lead to cash management cost reduction as it leverages on shared services to provide more affordable and efficient currency management systems.

Additionally, it will bring about risk reduction for banks and their customers as it leads to location proximity, door-todoor collection and payment services would be built around convenience and risk mitigation. Furthermore, it will lead to a reduction in the number of unprofitable branches for banks, and ease of access for

multiple bank customers and non-bank customers; leverage on the vast industry expertise of BW spanning almost two decades; infrastructure availability – independent cash centers and vaults, with armoured trucks, note counting and sorting machines, IT Infrastructure and Software, etc – all deployment ready.

FIRS, EFCC Step Up Joint Efforts to Enforce Tax Compliance

Nume Ekeghe

The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have renewed their alliance to strengthen Nigeria’s tax compliance framework and

UNICEF Boost Fight

Against Sexual Violence with Equipment Handover for Succour Centre

Kolawole

The Osun State Government, in partnership with the Unit- ed Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), has taken another decisive step in combating sexual and gender-based violence with the high-level stakeholders’ engagement and official handover of essential equipment for the Sexual Assault Referral Centre (Succour Centre).

The event, held at the Governor’s Office, Abere, Osogbo, brought together

commissioners, development partners, security agencies, and key advisers to the governor.

In her opening remarks, the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Children, and Social Welfare, Mrs. Ayobola Fadeyi Awolowo, highlighted the Succour Centre as a safe haven where survivors of sexual violence can access medical care, psychosocial counseling, legal support, and protection under one roof.

She described the equip-

ment handover as a “gamechanging intervention that will enhance the Centre’s capacity to respond swiftly and effectively to survivors’ needs.”

The UNICEF representative commended the Adeleke-led administration for survivor-centeredprioritizing services and emphasized that the official handover of equipment reflects the power of partnerships in creating stronger systems of protec- tion for women, children, and vulnerable groups.

safeguard public funds.

Executive Chairman, FIRS, Dr. Zacch Adedeji, who led a delegation to the EFCC headquarters in Abuja, yes- terday, stated that stronger collaboration between the two institutions was critical to sustaining financial stability and restoring public trust in the revenue system.

“We cannot pursue 200 mil- lion Nigerians individually to do the right thing, but we want to put a system in place that will aid compliance,” Adedeji said.

“You can help us by let- ting people know that when they violate the law, there is a place you can keep them. On behalf of the President and Nigerians, we thank you for your support and seek even deeper cooperation.”

He added that the partner- ship was in line with the government’s push to boost non-oil revenue, strengthen fiscal discipline, and build credibility around tax administration.

Adedeji noted that volun- tary compliance would only improve if citizens could see how tax revenues were being used.

“The main advertisement of voluntary compliance is when people begin to see what we use the money we collect for. In achieving that goal, you are critical—not just in arresting defaulters but in supporting our Department of Fraud Risk, Assessment and Control to ensure value for money,” he said.

Ambassador Eniola Ajayi: All Countries Should Sign Up for Prohibition of Chemical Weapons

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

Nigeria’s nominee for the position of Director General, Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), Dr. Eniola Ajayi, has said it is important that all countries sign up to the convention against chemical weapons.

The Convention aims to

eliminate an entire category of weapons of mass destruction by prohibiting the development, production, acquisition, stockpiling, retention, transfer or use of chemical weapons by state parties.

State parties, in turn, must take the steps necessary to enforce that prohibition in respect of persons (natural or legal) within their jurisdiction.

Speaking to journalist in Abuja, Dr. Eniola Ajayi, who at different times was Nigerian Ambassador to Hungary and The Netherlands, said one of the main things ahead he would work to achieve as the Director General of OPCW is to ensure that all the countries of the world sign up to the convention so we get a universal convention.

PresentAtIOn Of AwArds tO BenefICIArIes Of egBIn POwer 10th sChOLArshIP

L-R: Head, Corporate Communications & Branding, Egbin Power, Felix Ofulue; Brand, Events & PCSR Specialist, Egbin Power, Stella Olugbemi; overall best student, Egbin Power 2025 Scholarship, Adekoye Samuel; CEO, Egbin Power Plc, Mokhtar Bounour, and the School Administrator, Powerfields Schools, Mrs. Ngozi Emezue, during the presentation of awards to beneficiaries of Egbin Power 10th Scholarship programme, held at Egbin Power Plant, Ikorodu, Lagos...recently

Atiku: ADC Mission is to Defend Nigerians from Tinubu’s Anti-democratic Forces

Chuks Okocha in Abuja

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and a chieftain of African Democratic Congress (ADC) has said the main mission of the

coalition party is to save Nigeria and Nigerians from the anti-democratic forces under the administration of President Bola Tinubu. Atiku stated this yesterday in an X post after meeting with

Senator Aminu Tambuwal, representing Sokoto South, and former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami.

“We will be unrelenting in defending the rights of every

Nigerian being harassed by anti-democratic forces of the Tinubu-led APC administration,” Atiku wrote.

He added, “The coalition that we are pushing is aimed at rescuing our democracy

from the stranglehold of this emerging dictatorship. We shall be deliberate in joining hands in saving our democracy.”

Earlier in September, the former vice president accused

IGP Applauds DEPOWA’s Full Scholarships for Children of Fallen Heroes

Linus Aleke in Abuja

Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, yesterday, applauded the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA) for introducing a landmark initiative to provide full scholarships for children of fallen heroes.

Egbetokun gave the com-

mendation while receiving DEPOWA’s leadership, which visited him at Force Headquarters, Abuja, on a courtesyPresidentcall. of DEPOWA and wife of the Chief of Defence Staff, Mrs. Oghogho Musa, who led other members of the association on the visit, explained that the scholarship

scheme would commence with the commissioning of the DEPOWA Future Leaders Academy, scheduled for September 2026.

She explained that the scholarships would benefit children of fallen heroes and also bolster national cohesion by admitting children from surrounding communities.

Rights Advocate Tasks Young Lawyers: Use Litigation to Demand Accountability from Govt

Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

Human rights lawyer, Festus Ogun, has charged young lawyers in Nigeria to take up the fight for accountability and transparency in govern- ment through Public Interest Litigation.

This as the activist has warned that the inefficiency of the country’s justice system poses a serious risk to both citizens and investors.

Ogun made the call at a Strategic and Public Interest Litigation Lab (Litigalab), or- ganised by the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) for young lawyers and students, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State capital.

Addressing the students and Young Lawyers, Ogun stressed that the responsibility of holding leaders’ account- able rests heavily on legal practitioners.

“The truth is that a lawyer must live in the direction of his people and for that reason young lawyers must take this initiative to defend the interest of the Nigerian public by us- ing the tool of Public Interest Litigation.

“If lawyers do not do it, who else will? We have made it a duty to charge young lawyers to take the bull by the horn by ensuring accountability and transparency in government through the use of Public Interest Litigation”, Ogun said. He noted that reforms do not

happen overnight but stressed that initiatives like Litigalab would inspire change. “I am very confident that change will come,” he added.

On the extractive sector, Ogun decried the slow pace of justice in Nigeria, contrasting it with swifter outcomes in international courts.

“The snail pace of justice is not limited to environmental degradation alone but all kinds of cases. Our country remains a serious risk unless we find the courage to restructure our justice“Investorssystem.no longer have confidence to come to Nigeria to invest because when there is a dispute it takes almost forever before it is determined”, he stated.

Mrs. Musa expressed appreciation to the Inspector-General of Police and praised the sacrifices of police officers in combating violent crime and contributing to international

constituents.

Despite that, the National Assembly maintained that the judiciary must take its course.

The matter now hinged on two legal proceedings pending before the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal.

The first was initiated by Akpoti-Uduaghan challenging the constitutionality of her suspension, and a cross-appeal filed by the senate president.

The stalemate underscored a broader debate on the powers of the legislature to discipline its members versus the right of elected representatives to unfettered access to their offices, especially in the absence of a final judicial ruling.

Until the Court of Appeal rules on the matter, Akpoti- Uduaghan remains effectively locked out of the red chamber, even as her suspension term has legally run its course.

PDP stated, “The attempt to use the National Assembly establishment against an elected Senator of the Federal Republic

peacekeeping.

A statement by Force Spokesperson, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, said the visit was themed “Thank You to Our Troops.”

of Nigeria in gross violation of the provisions of the Constitu- tion of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,1999 (as amended) and the Standing Rules of the Senate is highly provocative and constitutes a clear and present danger to democracy and overall stability of our country.”

Ologunagba further said,

“It also comes as parts of the antics being deployed severally by the APC-controlled Senate and the federal government to suffocate the opposition which further confirms the creeping totalitarianism in our country under the APC government.

“The reported action by the Clerk of the National Assembly against Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan further brings to the fore the allegations of attacks on the right of women and sustained attempts to stifle their voices as witnessed in the various accusations of harassment against women levelled against the current Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio over the years.

the Tinubu administration of using repressive tactics to stifle dissent. He alleged a “calculated assault” on opposition lead- ers, citing the police invitation of former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, and what he called attacks on other opposition figures as part of a broader move to weaken political rivals. Speaking through his Special Assistant on Me- dia, AbdurRashid Shehu Sharada, Atiku maintained that such actions were part of an orchestrated attempt to erode democratic freedoms and discourage credible opposition before the next general election.

“The PDP demands that the Senate President should come clean on the various allegations instead of seeking to use the National Assembly establishment to further harass, intimidate and keep Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan away from the Senate.”

The PDP spokesman said the extreme persecution of six months’ suspension unjustly imposed on AkpotiUduaghan, contrary to the Rules of the Senate, was more than enough and PDP stood with the people of Kogi Central and all well-meaning Nigerians in condemning the unwarranted renewed attack on Akpoti-Uduaghan.

He said, “Our Party strongly cautions the Clerk of the National Assembly to withdraw the said letter and play by the rules by being neutral as a bureaucrat and not allow himself to be politically entangled and used as a tool to undermine democracy and the Rule of Law in the National Assembly and Nigeria.”

2027: More Govs Will Join APC, Says Yilwatda

Chuks Okocha in Abuja and Olusegun Samuel in Yenagoa

National Chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, has said more governors in the country will join the party ahead of the 2027 general election.

Speaking during the Bayelsa State Chapter’s 12th expanded stakeholders’ meeting and endorsement for President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday in Yenagoa, the state capital, Yilwatda said because Tinubu had done well, more governors and senators had abandoned their parties and joined APC to ensure that the president wins overwhelmingly in 2027.

Yilwatda, represented by APC Deputy National Chairman, South, Chief Emma Eneukwu, stated that Tinubu was on the move to take Nigeria to a greater height.

Some key leaders of the Bayelsa State chapter of APC were conspicuously absent as the party endorsed Tinubu for

2027 presidential election.

Among key leaders that shunned the meeting were Min- ister of State for Petroleum (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, the governorship candidate of the party during 2019 governorship election, Chief David Lyon, and some key leaders loyal them.

It was gathered that the internal wrangling rocking in the party in the state, which led to the suspension of Lokpobiri and others members loyal to him, seems unending as both Lokpobiri and Sylva lay claim to party leadership in the state.

Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon Sheriff Oborevwore, and Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, recently dumped PDP and joined APC to support the president’s re-election.

Yilwatda said, “Our doors are still open, more governors are still moving in to our party, more personalities are still moving in, senators, members of the House of representatives, because of the caliber, integrity and the output of the person we make president.

“Other people who are running around trying to challenge the president in the 2027 election, but of course you know, when you have a lion and other small animals are barking, the lion doesn’t even take notice of them, he goes about his duties properly, that is what the president is doing.

“It is expected that dogs

will bark, it’s expected that opposition will speak and rise, but it is well assured that we have a product that even a blind man in this country will support overwhelmingly.

“I am very happy with the South-south geopolitical zone because all the governors that were in the other political parties before have seen the

quality of the character of the president and the person we are presenting and marketing to return as the President of the Federal republic.

“Because of what they saw in Mr. President, they have all abandoned their own political parties, and joined our great party, so that they can put hands together to move

Nigeria forward, and that is very“Fromcommendable. the South-east, we use the South-south as an example, because all the governors are very realistic, understanding, they have moved on abandon- ing their parties, just to make sure that their goal of making Nigeria a greater country is achieved.

Amnesty Programme Disowns Itsekiri Graduates of Novena Varsity

Insists they are not part of scholarship beneficiaries

Sylvester Idowu in Warri

The Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) yesterday disowned responsibility for payment of school fees of 5000 students of Itsekiri extraction in Novena University, Ogume, Delta State.

The PAP, in a statement, maintained the agency was not owing fees in the privately

Come 2026, Says APC Aspirant Husain

Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo

A two-term House of Representatives member in Lagos State and former Senator, representing Osun West Senatorial District, Senator Mudashiru Husain, yesterday posited he is politically grounded in Osun State to send Governor Ademola Adeleke away come 2026 governorship election.

The frontline gubernatorial Aspirant stated this yesterday while declaring his readiness to contest the forth coming governorship election in the

state at the All Progressive Congress (APC) State Secretariat, Osogbo.

The former National Commissioner on Population and Housing Census who made the declaration before the party stakeholders led by the APC Party Chairman, Tajudeen Sooko Lawal, also promised fairness, inclusivity if given the mandate.

He informed the All Progressives Congress stakeholders in Ejigbo Local Government and in the state at large that it’s the turn of

Ejigbo to produce the next governor of the state.

Senator Husain who equally remarked that apart from being grounded politically with experience in both house of Representative and as Senator of the federal Republic of Nigeria, said he is the major general amongst the other APC aspirants in the state.

He stressed that political structures and good templates are there for him to take over the mantle of the state come 2026.

owned Novena University or any institution within or outside the country.

The sole representative of Olu of Warri, His Royal Majesty, Ogiame Atuwatse III, to NNPLC, Mr. Collins Oritsetimeyin, had last weekend alleged that the Amnesty Programme was “indebted” to Novena University concerning “all Itsekiri students” who graduated from the institution purportedly under the programme’s scholarship scheme. He claimed, in a statement, that the alleged liability made the Olu’s palace to announce an

intervention to settle the “outstanding tuition and clearance fees” of all the affected Itsekiri graduates in the said institution. Reacting to the claim, however, PAP insisted that there were no records in Novena University and the Amnesty Office concerning award of scholarship to the said 5000 Itsekiri students of the institution.

It explained the report of an inquiry into the issue by previous heads of the agency revealed that the 5000 Itsekiri indigenes were sent to the management of Novena university by the Itsekiri

National Youth Council (INYC) in 2017 without the involvement of the PAPagency. noted that it was not conceivable for the PAP to take responsibility for the students who were not deployed by the agency.

“The management of PAP wishes to state unequivocally that it is not owing Novena university any tuition fees on account of the said Itsekiri graduates and any claim to the contrary is totally false, baseless, and represents an attempt to stand truth on its head.

Hammed Shittu in Ilorin

The opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kwara State has said the party relied on the general acceptability of the people of the grassroots and structures as demonstrated during the last local government councils’ elections to record a sound electoral victory in

the 2027 general elections in the state.

A PDP statement issued in Ilorin on Tuesday signed by the party’s state Publicity Secretary, Mr. Olusegun Olusola Adewara, said that, “the PDP will not wait for Abuja handshake before the party will win 2027 general elections in Kwara State”.

The party in an apparent re-

action to the recent comment by a former Ambassador to Japan and now a chieftain of African Democratic Congress (ADC) in the state, Prof. Yisa Gana, the PDP said, “It finds it laughable, Professor Gana’s false claim that PDP members are relying on a supposed “deal” with President Tinubu to take over Kwara State in 2027.

Meeting of the international ChaMber of CoMMerCe nigeria banking teChnique...

L-R: Director, The Institute of Export and International Trade, Dr. Mercy Femi-Olagundoye; President/Board Chair, The Institute of Export and International Trade,Dr. Bamidele Ayemibo; Chairman, Banking Commission, International Chamber of Commerce, Nigeria, Dr. Omolara Akanji; Vice Chairman, Banking Commission, International Chamber of Commerce, Nigeria, Mr Olu Vincent, Secretary General, International Chamber of Commerce, Nigeria, Mrs. Olubunmi Osuntuyi; and Director, The Institute of Export and International Trade, Mrs Ayotunde Adesanya, at the conferment of Honorary Chartered Trade Specialists on three Senior Executives of the International Chamber of Commerce Nigeria by the Institute of Export and International Trade during the meeting of the International Chamber of Commerce Nigeria Banking Technique and Practice Commission held in Victoria Island, Lagos. yesterday

FG: Road Projects Costing Less Than N20bn Will be Handled by Indigenous Contractors

Set to prioritise continuation of infrastructure funding exited by NNPC

The federal government has announced that henceforth road projects costing less than N20 billion will be handled by local contractors in furtherance of its new ‘Nigeria First’ policy. Also, as part of plans towards sustainability in project funding

fixed for the commencement of implementation.

Speaking on Channels Television, Oyedele dismissed speculations that the surcharge on fuel will take effect from January 2026, insisting that as long as it is not gazetted it cannot take off with the tax law.

He said: “The decision was made to put this in the new law and to put a commencement date that is going to be in the future, based on an order to be gazetted by the minister. So nobody will just spontaneously introduce the tax and create problems for the system.”

According to the chairman, the proposed fuel surcharge is intended to generate a dedicated fund for Nigeria’s deteriorating roads, not to add extra strain on households in the country, explaining that initial plans by the Federal Road Maintenances Agency (FERMA) to collect the tax directly was rejected.

“So, actually, I can tell you that before these tax laws were enacted and shortly after it was signed, there was already an attempt by the agency (FERMA) to even collect the tax and we had to say to them you can’t collect it.

and execution, the Ministry of Works has said that inherited projects hitherto funded by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) under the Road Infrastructure Development and Refurbishment Investment Tax Credit Scheme, will be Ministerprioritised. of Works, David

But Oyedele faulted the union over its threat, arguing that the surcharge was introduced by a previous government and not the administration of President Bola Tinubu.

He said: “TUC, which is planning to go on strike to say it should be removed, I don’t know what they want the government to remove, because it hasn’t been imposed, and there is no regulation that says it would be imposed from January. The TUC should have complained and protested when this was introduced in 2007.”

Speaking on concerns about inflation, Oyedele noted that the real economic burden comes from poor road networks and illegal taxes imposed during transporta- tion, stressing that Nigeria has about 200,000 kilometres of roads, with only 60,000 paved, making logistics costly, unsafe, and inefficient.

According to him, the surcharge will help the govern- ment with funds to maintain the roads, assuring Nigerians that the reform initiatives of the Tinubu administration will yield results, and asking for patience from Nigerians.

Umahi, made this disclosure during his inspection visit to the ongoing dualisation of the East-West Road (Section IIIA) from Eleme Junction, Port Harcourt to Onne Junction in Rivers State handled by Messrs RCC Nig Ltd.

Speaking during his visit, the minister stated that the Federal

concerned about the impact on inflation, I’m concerned myself,” he admitted. But we also know that around the world, road infrastructure is very important. Nigeria has about 200,000 kilometres of road, and only about 60,000 are okay. This is the major reason why transporting anything in Nigeria, whether goods or people, is costly and unsafe,” Oyedele argued.

He added: “If you look at the rural inflation of food and compare it with the inflation of food in urban centres, sometimes the difference is as high as 5 per cent. In most countries, that gap would be under 1 per cent. The majority of the issues are to do with the state of the roads and the multiple taxes being collected whenever you move goods around.”

Besides, Oyedele argued that the removal of fuel subsidies has opened fiscal space, emphasising that subsidy revenues alone are insufficient to close Nigeria’s infrastructure gap.

Umahi vows to hand over errant contractors to EFCC

Ministry of Works had compiled all the NNPC inherited Tax Credit projects for strategic priority funding, noting that the most critical projects within the national economic corridor would receive precedence in the hierarchy of prioritisation.

“We are inspecting projects of the federal government in Rivers

“Some of the strategies for this surcharge could be to time it at a period when there is an appreciation in the value of the currency. The naira gained 1 per cent yesterday alone; if the naira gains about 5 per cent and you put in this tax, nobody will notice the changes in the pump price.

“Or if the price of crude oil in the international market drops by about 5 per cent, you can also have it at that point,” he stated, maintaining that the funds from the surcharge would be ring-fenced and dedicated to fixing Nigeria’s failing roads.

“Then we can all focus this money to ensure that it is dedicated to fixing roads that can make all our lives better and bring down the prices of items,” he said, pointing to the success of the Road Infrastructure Tax Credit Scheme, which allows private companies to invest directly in road construction in exchange for tax credits.

State, and this particular one is the dualisation of Eleme Junction to Onne Port Junction by RCC. Recall that one carriageway was completed and commissioned, even though there are a few things we ordered afresh like the retaining wall and hanging drainage.

“For the second carriageway with some bridges and flyovers, work has started on it. Let me say that this is part of the NNPC Tax Credit that has been stopped in terms of funding by NNPC. But we have compiled all the NNPC inherited Tax Credit projects, and we presented as Ministry of Works to Mr. President.

“And Mr. President has graciously directed that none of such works should stop now. However, as the ministry, we are going to prioritise the

projects and look at the most critical of these projects within the national economic corridor like this one. And we are going to put it forward for immediate funding because the President directed that none of such projects should stop now,” a statement by the minister’s spokesman, Uchenna Orji, said. Umahi admonished contractors handling road projects under the Federal Ministry of Works to ensure speed, quality and compliance with specification and sustainability in project delivery.

He cautioned that the attention of the anti-graft agencies would be called to any case of violation of the regulations or terms and conditions set out under the contract of every project handled by the Federal Ministry of Works.

MTN Foundation Decries Emergence of Psychoactive Substances in Nigerian Markets

hammed Shittu in Ilorin

The MTN Foundation has expressed concern over the emergence of psychoactive substances in large quantities across markets in the country.

The Foundation, however, said most of these substances are purchased and consumed predominantly by the youth.

by Manager Sales and Trade Development, Kwara area, Mrs. Chinyere Ikechi, said, “Since we launched our Anti-Substance Abuse Programme (ASAP) in 2019, we have educated millions of people on the dangers of drug abuse across the country through targeted campaigns and interventions in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).” She also said, “We’ve also engaged youth in awareness competitions, conducted advocacy walks across states, facilitated teacher training, sensitised communities in collaboration with the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), and held stakeholder conferences, such as this one. E D un, O

“This is because the new law says you’re not the one to collect and commencement will not happen till the minister says so. There is nothing that says this tax will start 1st January 2026. People need to get that right,” he pointed out.

He admitted that although there are public worries that recent tax reforms could worsen inflation, improved road infrastructure remains essential to lowering the cost of moving goods and people.

“I know everybody is

He stressed: “Even with the removal of fuel subsidy… the huge gap we still have in terms of infrastructural development is not going to be addressed by those revenues alone.”

According to him, the sur- charge would be implemented with care to avoid stoking inflation or hurting vulnerable citizens, explaining that the implementation would be done at a time it is auspicious.

Oyedele stressed: “We have the road infrastructure tax credit that is done with the private sector; we can see the advantage. People who live in Apapa cannot make any complaints at all, because based on that policy, the likes of Dangote, NLNG, Lafarge, and MTN are fixing roads.

“There’s nothing that says we can’t have a similar arrangement for the private sector to be involved in ensuring that this money is efficiently utilised.”

Speaking in Ilorin, yesterday, during the Stakeholders’ Workshop on the imple- mentation of Anti-substance Abuse Programme Teachers Training in Kwara State, the MTN Foundation said, “we have not only refused to turn a blind eye but have also made it a priority to reduce the rate of first-time substance abuse among Nigerian youth.”

The MTN Foundation, who was represented at the event

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Nigeria’s Rising Debt: Don’t Deny the Truth, ADC Tells Abbas

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has reacted to the recent remarks and subsequent retraction by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, over Nigeria’s rising debt profile, describing his backpedaling as a missed opportunity for courageous leadership.

In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the party said the Speaker’s initial admission that the country’s debt has crossed critical levels was a rare moment of honesty from within the ruling party, but lamented that his quick withdrawal reflected the growing culture of political cowardice and legislative complicity.

The ADC warned that, with unchecked borrowing and a National Assembly it called “the most compliant in recent history,” Nigeria’s future was

being dangerously mortgaged with the full complicity of this National Assembly.

The ADC said it had received with cautious optimism the earlier remarks credited to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, regarding Nigeria’s ballooning debt.

The party said the Speaker’s admission that the country’s debt-to-GDP ratio has not only crossed the statutory threshold, but now stands at a staggering 52 percent, was not only a rare moment of honesty, but a validation of what the ADC and many patriotic Nigerians have long warned against.

It argued: “This government is mortgaging our future.”

The spokesman of the coalition party said: ‘’Our optimism was short-lived by the Speaker’s sudden recant of a rare demonstration of candour by a leader of the ruling party.

“Like a flame in the wind, the Speaker’s statement offered

Abuja–Kaduna Train Derailment: House C’ttee Issues 48 Hours Ultimatum to Transport Minister

Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja

The House of Representa- tives Committee on Land Transport yesterday, issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the Minister of Transportation, Sa’idu Alkali, to appear in person before it over the recent derailment of an Abuja–Kaduna bound train carrying 618 passengers.

The Chairperson of the Committee, Hon. Blessing Onuh, who expressed displeasure over the absence of the minister at the investigative hearing, stressed that it was unacceptable for the minister to, “turn his back on Nigerians at a time they need him most.”

Her words: “A toad does not run in the daytime for nothing. We are on recess, but many of us cut our breaks and came all the way from Lagos because of this national tragedy only for the Minister to snub the parliament.

“We take strong exception to this. Our brothers and sisters were endangered. This is not a joke. We are therefore suspending this meeting and mandating the minister to appear in person within 48 hours.”

In his submission, a member of the committee, Hon. Cyril Hart, lamented that Alkali, himself a former parliamentarian, chose to dishonour the House.

a momentary flicker of the truth, only to be quickly doused by political expediency. Rather than standing by his remarks and on the side of the people, the lawmaker chose to play

safe and be politically correct. “This, to us, is not only disappointing but troubling. If those in power cannot summon the courage to stand by the truth, even when it screams

all around them, how can we expect them to act in the interest of the people?

“Before proceeding on his vacation to Europe, President Bola Tinubu, just days ago,

assured Nigerians that the era of borrowing was over. He claimed that revenue projections had been met and the nation would henceforth live within its means.

DSS Broker S Truce AS oI l Worker S cA ll o ff N ATI o NWID e S T r I ke

“The minister asked them to leave the meeting. They even came to the meeting uninvited. And they were told that they were not a lawful organisation to organise workers in the oil and gas sector.

“And they were asked to leave the meeting. So, the appropriate organisations that should organise workers in the oil and gas sector are NUPENG, PENGASSAN, and there’s some other unions like that.”

Akporeha also said Dangote’s team walked out on the federal government team, which was trying to broker peace, twice.

“They walked out on the federal government, which was telling them the appropriate way to go about this issue,” he added on Arise TV.

TUC’s Toro described the walkout as an insult, stressing that the unions are not averse to negotiation.

Toro stated on Channels TV, “But the negotiations broke down at the point when the Dangote group staged a walkout. We saw that walkout as insulting, as unacceptable, because when you don’t sit on the negotiating table, how do you put the facts there? How do you look at people’s concerns?

“That, for us, was also a disrespect, not only to the entire labour movement, but to the Honourable Minister of Labour, who presided over the meeting, who would have thought that in negotiations, they would sit to listen to what the issues are and provide their defence. And at the end, we strike at the balance, which was absent in yesterday’s (Monday’s) meeting.”

Strike Grounds Commercial Activities in States

Although in several states, including Lagos and Abuja, the strike did not have much effect on daily activities, in many states, it halted commercial and social activities.

In Enugu, transport operations were grounded following the strike action embarked upon by NUPENG.

THISDAY checks showed that in the state, many filling stations within the metropolis were closed, a development that forced several transporters to buy petrol at exorbitant prices from black market dealers.

Drivers, who spoke to THIS- DAY, said they bought four litres for as much as N10,000 (N2,500 per litre), a development that increased transportation fares. Findings from commuters showed that distances that used to cost between N500 and N700 went up to between N700 and N1,000.

In Akure, the Ondo State capital, NUPENG shut down several filling stations in compli- ance with a national directive. The union members stormed filling stations along major roads in Akure, including Ondo Road, Oke-Aro, Oba-Ile, and Ilesha-Owo Expressway, shutting downAccordingoperations. to NUPENG Coordinator in the state, Adewale Adekunle, the action was aimed at resisting what they described as Dangote’s attempt to monopolise the petroleum system, which could lead to the loss of over 10,000 jobs.

“We don’t want Dangote to monopolise us the way he monopolised the cement industry,” Adekunle said, adding that the union would not stand idly by while the business mogul attempts to exclude them from the system.

Adekunle emphasised that NUPENG’s action was not driven by personal interests but a desire to protect the jobs and welfare of its members.

He said, “It is inhumane and unacceptable that over 10,000 workers could be rendered jobless.”Adekunle vowed that the union would continue to resist any attempt to undermine its members’ interests.

It was observed that the action resulted in significant fuel shortages across the state capital. Following the strike action, long queues formed at several filling stations, and many fuel outlets had restricted access, effectively creating an artificial scarcity of fuel.

There was partial compliance with strike action embarked upon by NUPENG and the Independent Petroleum Mar- keters Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) in parts of Delta State.

Most filling stations monitored yesterday either opened early in the morning between 5am and 6am before locking their entrances to motorists and later unlocking for sales to customers about 6pm to beat the monitoring task forces of their unions.

Delta State chapters of both unions had last weekend announced an indefinite strike beginning two days ago with a N1 million fine on defaulters.

The decision followed an emergency meeting held on Saturday, September 6, where both unions resolved to shut down all filling stations across the state from 6am on Monday until further directives were issued by their national leadership.

Although some stations put their entrances under lock and key, they made their products

available to black marketers around their operational areas.

In Benin, Edo State, the strike action embarked by IPMAN was not total. Areas visited saw a good number of the petrol stations open for business. Those that shut their stations were the independent marketers while the majority marketers and the NNPC stations were not affected.

Affected by the shutdown were mainly petrol stations within the city centre, while those largely at the outskirts of the town were open and seen dispensing fuel to customers at the official pump price.

But fuel prices remained unchanged in Kano State, despite the strike by NUPENG, as filling stations continued to sell fuel at the normal price. Motorists in the state enjoyed steady prices as fuel remained readily available at most filling stations across the state, defying the nationwide strike by the union.

Also, domestic users and other buyers were able to purchase fuel without facing the long queues and supply disruptions typically associated with industrial actions.

However, in places like Hotoro quarters, Maiduguri road, Zaria road, the majority of tanker drivers parked their vehicles along the road caus- ing congestion and making it difficult for other road users to access their destinations.

At NNPC outlets and other filling stations, such as AARano, A. Y Maikifi, Aliko, Matrix, MRS, Alihsan, Azman, and many others, fuel attendants were still struggling to sell the commodity, which was being sold for between N895 and N920.

COURTEsy VisiT… Chairman, Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) Zacch Adedeji(left),and Chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission(EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, during a courtesy visit by the EFCC boss to FIRS in Abuja...yesterday

Anambra Para-military Agency Operatives

Allegedly Kill Pregnant

Woman, Three Others

david-Chyddy Eleke in awka

Operatives of the Operation Clean and Healthy Anambra, also known as OCHA Brigade, a paramilitary agency in Anambra State, have allegedly shot dead a pregnant woman and three others.

Sources said the shooting may have been as a result of accidental discharge from an operative attached to the agency, while enforcing ban on street trading in Onitsha. It was gathered that the incident happened

Tragedy as Diphtheria Claims 10 Lives in Niger

Laleye dipo inminna

Ten lives (all of them children) have been lost as a result of diphtheria disease in some communities of Niger State.

According to reports, all the children died at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Bida where their parents rushed them to for treatment after the attack.

It was gathered that the deceased were from Agaie and Bida communities.

According to findings, shortage of drugs and prompt treatment culminated in the death of the children.

One source claimed anonymously that the figure is high because “children are

dying almost on a daily basis since the outbreak occurred.”

The source pleaded with the Niger State Government to hurriedly rush drugs to hospitals in Agaie and Bida Local Government Areas to stop the spread of the disease which could lead to more death.

“This is a matter of life and death, and timely action will not only curb the spread of diphtheria but also restore confidence in our healthcare system,” the source said When contacted, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tertiary Health Care, Dr. Mohammed Gana, confirmed the development but not casualty.

Norrenberger Gets Best Workplace in Financial Services Award

sunday Okobi

Norrenberger, a leading integrated financial services group in Nigeria, has been recognised and awarded as the Best Workplace in Financial -Nigeria 2025, by Great Place to Work (GPTW).

This marks the first time Norrenberger has received this award in the financial services category, further strengthening its reputation as one of Nigeria’s most people-focused financial institutions.

The management stated that the company has previously earned other recognitions from GPTW, underscoring its consistency in building an exceptional workplace.

Speaking on the recognition, the Group Managing Director of Norrenberger, Tony Edeh, said: “We are truly honoured to be recognised as one of the Best Workplaces in Financial Services in Nigeria in 2025.”

yesterday close to the popular Onitsha Main Market, at Emeka Offor Plaza on the New Market Road in Onitsha.

Though a pregnant woman was said to have

died instantly as a result of the shooting, the status of four other people involved in the incident was not ascertained, as other witnesses said they had been rushed to the hospital for treatment. Eyewitnesses said the incident occurred yesterday morning, sparking panic and outrage among traders and residents who fled the scene for safety.

One of the sources said: “This is heartbreaking. Four innocent people who left their homes this morning have been cut down in cold blood. Among them is a pregnant woman.”

Oborevwori Waives N200m Fee, Delta, FG Partner on Housing Devt

sylvester idowu in warri

Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, yesterday engaged in partnership with the federal government for the construction of a workers’ housing estate in Ibusa, Oshimili North Local Government Area

of the state.

To ensure the seriousness of the alliance, Governor Oborevwori, while receiving the management of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) led by its Executive Director, Loans and Mortgage Services, Dr. Mohammed Sani Abdul, presented a Certificate of

Occupancy (C of O) for the construction of a workers’ housing estate in the state.

He said the gesture was part of his administration’s commitment to partner the federal government in providing housing for workers in the state and in line with his resolve to improve on their welfare.

Oborevwori disclosed that the land, measuring about 10.1 hectares and situated at Core Area 2, Ibusa, was allocated for the development of a housing scheme under the collaboration of the FMBN, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC).

Atoyebi Urges Tinubu’s Appointees to Empower People, not Chase Wealth

sunday Ehigiator

The Convener of the BAT Ideological Group, Bamdele Atoyebi, has urged political appointees in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to prioritise empowering citizens over pursuing personal enrichment.

Speaking in Abuja during an interactive programme organised by the Tinubu Support Group (TSG), where the Minister of State for Education, Dr. Suwaiba Sa’idu Ahmad, was the guest, Atoyebi said effective governance must be rooted in building people who can in turn

drive national prosperity. He commended the session as “interesting and educating,” stressing that such platforms enable grassroots mobilisers to better understand government policies and communicate them to ordinary Nigerians. “If all ministers can come here

once in a while to tell us what they have done, it will help every member, because we are grassroots people. Without proper information, we won’t be able to sell anything to them. With this kind of information, we’ll be able to sell Asiwaju easily,” he said.

UNICEF Hands over Climate Resilience Health, Education Facilities to Kano

ahmad sorondinki in Kano

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has handed over climate resilient health and education facilities funded by the United Kingdom to the Kano State Government.

Speaking at a joint inauguration of the programme yesterday in Kano, the head of UNICEF office in Nigeria, Waffa Saeed, said the UK committed £19 million to develop the climate resilient health and education facilities in Nigeria.

She said the inauguration of the model facilities marked a significant milestone in demonstrating scalable, community-owned solutions to climate vulnerability that can be adopted by the federal and state governments.

According to her,

“The Climate Resilient Infrastructure for Basic Services (CRIBS) initiative is a pioneering and innovative programme that is piloting a new approach to protect essential health and education services from the growing threats of climate change.

Firm Launches Cost-saving Package for Freight Forwarders

Vanessa Obioha

OnePort 365, a global freight management solutions company, has introduced FreightSaver, a new product designed to reduce costs for sea freight forwarders in Nigeria. At a stakeholder

engagement session in its Lagos office, the company described FreightSaver as a timely solution for forwarders grappling with the high cost of delivering services to customers and other industry barriers.

Commenting, Country Director of OnePort 365, Seyi

Oluwatuyi, said: “What we have observed over the years is that most freight forwarders in Nigeria don’t participate in what happens upstream.”

“Upstream is where the bigger value is, where there are opportunities to make an impact on customers’ lives, save

tangible money, and deliver value in the process. From that observation, we have an existing network that offers highly discounted freight rates that we believe will be of value to freight forwarders in Nigeria and by extension, their customers,” he added.

Nigeria’s World Cup Qualification Now on a Cliffhanger

Calvin Bassey’s equaliser against South Africa not enough reprieve

Duro Ikhazuagbe

Nigeria’s hope of direct qualification for the the 2026 FIFA World Cup appears over following Super Eagles 1-1 draw with Group C leaders South Africa in Bloemfontein on Tuesday evening.

Only a brilliant revival in the two remaining games can guarantee Super Eagles route through the playoffs. That itself is no guarantee for Nigeria yet.

Only the best four of the runners up of all the nine groups will be involved in the playoffs from where the winner will head to a final continental playoff for the ticket to reach the World Cup. Super Eagles are not in reckoning for the best runners up of the group with two games to play.

Eagles’ Captain, William Troost-Ekong, in the 25th minute inadvertently gifted Bafana Bafana the opener when he cleared the ball into Nigeria’s net while attempting to stop a South African goal rush from inside the box.

However, Calvin Bassey re- deemed the situation with barely a minute to end of the first half when he jumped highest to nod

in a Fisayo Dele-Bashiru cross from the right flank. Although, many perceived that the ball bounced off Bassey’s arm before flying into South African net, the absence of VAR made the goal to stand.

Despite all the changes made by Coach Eric Sekou Chelle to Eagles, the second half was barely better than the first.

Chelle, who had already been forced to replace the injured Ola Aina with Bright Osayi-Samuel, rang the changes again at half-time, withdrawing captain Troost-Ekong and striker

RESULTS

Kenya 5-0 Seychelles

Namibia 3-0 São Tomé

S’Leone 2-0 Ethiopia

Tanzania 0-1 Niger

Zimbabwe 0-1 Rwanda

B’Faso 0-0

Cape Verde One Match Away from Reaching World Cup

Cape Verde are one win away from qualifying for the World Cup for the first time after upsetting continental heavyweights Cameroon 1-0.

The Blue Sharks lead the Indomitable Lions by four points with two rounds of fixtures remaining in Group D following a stunning victory secured by Dalion Livramento’s solo effort in the second half in Praia.

Elsewhere, Pape Matar Sarr scored the winner as Senegal

fought back from 2-0 down to beat DR Congo 3-2 and move top of their group.

And Egypt missed the chance to book their spot at the finals with two games to spare after a goalless draw in Burkina Faso.

Only the nine group winners in African qualifying are assured of a place at the finals, with the four best-ranked second placed sides entering play-offs for one spot at an intercontinental tournament next year.

Organisers Fix Dec 26 for GOtv Boxing Night 34

Flykite Productions, organisers of GOtv Boxing Night, have announced 26 December as the date for the 34th edition of the event. It will hold at Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos.

Tagged “Boxing Jams Music,” the year-end edition will once again blend elite professional boxing with live musical performances. Fans can look forward to thrilling bouts across weight divisions and electrifying performances

by some of Nigeria’s top entertainers.

Flykite Productions’ Chief Operating Officer, Bamidele Johnson, said the forthcoming edition will build on the event’s tradition of combining sport and music in a festivallikeHeatmosphere. assured fans of an unforgettable Boxing Day experience, with added entertainment elements planned.

Cyriel Dessers.

The introduction of Tolu Arokodare injected urgency into the attack, with the new Wolves forward narrowly missing the chance to put Nigeria ahead after breaking clear early in the second half.

Tempers flared midway through the second half when opposing coaches Chelle and Hugo Broos squared up on the touchline, adding extra drama to an already fierce contest.

Wilfred Ndidi hobbled off with an injury in the 68th minute, replaced by Crystal Palace’s Christantus Uche, while Ademola Lookman saw his best opening snuffed out when the ball stuck under his

feet in the box.

Catalogues of poor finishes and uncoordinated defending dogged Eagles play. They just were not good enough to take the three points from the hosts who were not equally any better apart from occasional brilliance Burley forward, of Lyle Foster and Mohau Nkota. Teboho Mokoena couldn’t also make any difference for the Bafana Bafana who were contented with the draw against Nigeria.

As things stand now with Nigeria having just 11 points with two games left to play have missed the Group C ticket.

South Africa are as good as grabbing the ticket with their 17 points lead. Only Benin Republic

with 14 points after defeating Lesotho in a late fixture, are left in contention for the ticket with the South Africans.

Should FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee takes action by deducting three points from South Africa for fielding an ineligible player against Lesotho in March, the Group C will go down to the wire, without Nigeria in reckoning.

Super Eagles performance in the eight matches played in this qualifiers leaves much to be desire. Five draws and just two victories are not he kind

Galatasaray Give Update on Osimhen’s Injury

Turkish Super Lig and Cup champions, Galatasaray, have provided more details regarding the injury Victor Osimhen sustained during Super Eagles 1-0 win over Rwanda in Uyo last Saturday.

The reigning Super Lig champions have confirmed that Victor Osimhen has suffered an ankle ligament damage.

In a medical bulletin released on Tuesday, Galatasaray’s team doctor, Yener İnce, revealed that scans at the club’s partner hospital showed “a moderate sprain (stretching and bleeding) was detected in Osimhen’s ankle ligaments and the necessary treatment has been initiated in order for our football player to return to the field as soon as possible.”

The 26-year-old Nigerian striker limped off in the first

half after a collision and did not recover in time to join Super Eagles squad in Bloemfontein for the clash with Bafana Bafana which ended 1-1 last night.

According to Soccernet.ng, a private jet sent by Galatasaray

flew the former Napoli and Lille forward back to Turkey on Sunday shortly after his international teammates headed to South Africa.

The timing of Victor Osimhen’s injury could hardly be worse.

Osimhen has scored three goals in as many qualifiers but has now missed five games in the campaign, including key fixtures against Lesotho, Zimbabwe, Benin and South Africa.

Ikoyi Club 1938 Ladies’ Golf Section Holds 50th Anniversary Tournament

In commemoration of her 50th anniversary, the Ikoyi Club Ladies Golf Section will on November 11 through November 15, 2025, hold a ladies open golf tournament to mark the milestone.

In a statement, the Ladies’ Captain, Mrs. Peggy Onwu, said that, this tournament is unique, as it marks 50 years

of commitment, skills development and building connections with ladies across Africa and beyond”.

This years Ladies Open, is THE 50TH! and represents a significant milestone in the Nigerian golfing landscape.

The event, with its international flavour, is guaranteed to garner the attention and interest

of a wide-ranging audience. The theme for this year’s unique tournament “The 50th”, is aimed at highlighting the prowess, resilience and organizational ability of a lady golfer, as exemplified in the ladies’ golf swing. It also aligns with Ikoyi Ladies golf theme for the year 2025 Go Beyond Golf and Golfing.

AT inTRA-AFRiCA TRADE FAiR...

PAT U TOMI

gu EST COL um NIST

In the Eyes of History

Ibegin with a confession. Approaching 70 leaves me almost in a continuous state of examination of conscience. What did I make of this gift of life. Is salvage of my wrongs possible? How will history judge the choices I made? Will my great grand children feel proud to call me a forebear? These questions weigh heavily on my conscience. It can therefore be understood that I feel strange before those who are without remorse for what we are handing our children as country and legacy.

Of course it is not all that find the wisdom offered in Chinese literary price winner, Zhou Daxin’s novel, The Sky Gets Dark Slowly, about aging, adequate warning to step with honor towards Biology’s victory over ego, greed and failed character.

As aging creeps up on the lucky, those of faith and know the Psalms, who let Ps 90:12, teach us to number our days, guide them to recognize the brevity and uncertainty of the course of man, so they can live purpose driven lives, must feel deep pain at where Nigeria is. Poverty capital of the world, lowest place for life expectancy on the planet, terrorism hotbed, etc. etc.

As I still manage to travel to countries that were our peers or were considered worse off when I was a swaggering teenager, now much better places to be called human, I quiver in remorse and bowed in shame.

A few weeks ago it was South East Asia. This last week it has been Morocco. The palpable progress and discipline of the human spirit that stare you in the face, so different

from when you first visited 40 years ago, tells a story.

To read from here of new plans in Nigeria, widely published, to abuse the electoral process and negate the will of the people yet again is to really wonder where sense, common or uncommon, has emigrated to. This from a dying brood that has had a lifetime of unfettered parasitic dwelling on the blood of the commonwealth. Has Nigeria not suffered enough from the desperation to lord it over a people that desire differently. Is it that those who have captured the Nigerian state do not feel the detriments of the crisis of legitimacy

their ways have caused which set back the hands of progress? Have they not ‘enjoyed’ enough the fruits of their abuse at such high cost for nation building and people living peacefully with their neighbours. It is true that many of the aging dinosaurs who have brought Nigeria to its current prostrate place in the college of its peers may not have the discipline of reading to have found redemption in Daxin’s novel or the Psalms but does the slowing down of the motion of their body parts as Biology comes forward with the truth of the brevity of life not remind them of the final words of Pope John Paul 11 before the bombs began to drop on Iraq: the judgment of Conscience, the Judgment of history and the Judgment of God.

As a student of Institutions in Human progress I wonder often how those who have played in them in a country of failing and declining institutions think of how they will be remembered. How does a highly educated person like Mahmoud Yakubu think of how he and his INEC glitches will be treated by history. In Singapore where Institutions grew strong men who thought they compromised often committed suicide. That they still walk with a swag in a country like Nigeria tell much of the collapse of

“The Paul Kagame option has been taken from me by time. But it is a time of hope. So I hope and pray. For the judgments that lie ahead of us all, complicit or of failed effort, and for dignity of those we failed”

culture. Our times have betrayed our race, yet again.

I deeply feel the sense of the failure of my generation. Out of relative obscurity, as Franz Fanon suggested, we found the mission of our generation. It is to redeem an Ubuntu people who had big houses with no doors before Europe happened to it because no one was left behind or had need to steal, but compromised and sold their neighbors into slavery.

It was our mission to redeem this error and save the black man from a looming thousand years of servitude.

But the emerging elite was overrun by politicians who compromised it all for houses in Europe and Private Jets the way their forefathers sold their brothers for a mirror and Brandy bottle, a few generations back.

May be there is room for aging wrongdoers to do a mea culpa. My trust in the judgement of judges and lawyers in Nigeria is waning; my fear for the courage of youth to see past immature material cravings to impress people they do not like, is increasing; and my pain for those who ignore George Santayana’s warning about ignoring history being a sentence to reliving its errors, is rising.

I can only hope now and pray. My limbs are not like they used to be. The Paul Kagame option has been taken from me by time. But it is a time of hope. So I hope and pray. For the judgments that lie ahead of us all, complicit or of failed effort, and for dignity of those we failed.

•Prof. Utomi, political economist and professor at LBS, is the founder of the Centre for Values in Leadership.