Cardoso: we have seen greater confidence in our markets, Naira now more competitive, increasing interests from investors
Says apex bank in better position to start rates moderation CPPE welcomes development, says in line with experts’ analyses
www.thisdaylive.com
We’ll allow court to determine the correctness or otherwise of their claim, governor insisted
Says Abacha-led forces cancelled election without his approval
Admits MKO Abiola won Nigeria's freest election
Tinubu to Babangida: Declaring Abiola's victory courageous act Gowon: How IBB restored my rank, honour after treason charge
Obasanjo tells ex-leader to expect good, bad, ugly reactions Jonathan: He's one of Nigeria's most charismatic leaders
Osinbajo: Why new book will not end debate on IBB’s years in power
Dangote: his policies liberated Nigeria’s private sector
Abdulsamad Rabiu: his time in power marked by bold reforms Over N16bn realised at book/presidential library launch
By Kayode Komolafe
The historical significance of what happened yesterday in Abuja should not be lost in responding to the momentous event of the launch of former President Ibrahim Babangida’s memoirs. The well-produced book is entitled “A Journey in Service: An Autobiography.” The occasion was also that of a fund-raising for the IBB Presidential Library, which is magnificently conceived.
It is not often that you have an incumbent president and former presidents and heads of state converging in an occasion of a book launch to discuss the past, giving hitherto unknown insights.
In a rare honour of Babangida, President Bola Tinubu sat for hours in the hall with former head of state, General Yakubu Gowon, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Former head of state, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, former President Goodluck Jonathan. Former President Muhammadu Buhari’s message was delivered by a representative.
The hall was also full of present and past governors, ministers, lawmakers, retired military and security officers, leading businessmen, traditional rulers and several other members of the socio-political and economic elite.
In his brilliant review of the book, former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo graphically demonstrated the intersections in the respective careers of the generals who later came to power at various historical conjectures. From the throw-back into history and instructive anecdotes freely offered, the wounds inflicted on one another became manifest. The wounds sometimes appear fresh when those affected tell their painful stories. These are stories of blood and sweat.
Meanwhile, the generals who live to tell their stories are lucky. A number of lives were lost in the episodes to which references were made.
Among those involved or who eventually benefitted from the July 29, 1975 coup against Gowon were Obasanjo, Buhari and Babangida. According to Gowon, the combination of the circumstances leading to the fall of the First Republic foisted on the military to take over power in 1966. He asserted that his ambition was to be an accomplished professional soldier. Yet, he became head of state at the age of 32 when his boss and the first military head of state, General Johnson Thomas Umunnakwe Agauiyi-Ironsi was killed in a 1966 countercoup. Gowon recalled again his story of how he was accused by the military government of Obasanjo of involvement in the February 13, 1976 coup in which the head of state, General Murtala Mohammed, was assassinated. For the following three years in which Obasanjo was in power Gowon was on exile. It was President Shehu Shagari who later brought Gowon back home and Babangida subsequently restored his rank. Incidentally, the story was told yesterday of how it was the same Gowon, a dazzling young captain, who inspired the military careers of Babangida and about a dozen other students from their secondary school in Bida, Niger State. Buhari continues to tell the story of the August 27 1985 coup in which his military government was toppled. He was incarcerated for over 30 months while Babangida, who succeeded him, was in power. At a point Obasanjo had to champion the advocacy for Buhari’s freedom.
Obasanjo still recounts his ordeal when he was jailed by the the regime of General Sani Abacha. Abacha, left behind as Chief of Defence Staff when Babangida stepped down on August 27, 1993, seized power in the aftermath of the disastrous end of the Babangida’s transition programme in 1993.
Even Babangida did not have it all rosy while Abacha was the maximum ruler in the land.
On page 293 of his book, Babangida gave a hint of the condition of things with him as follows: “The Abacha ascendancy understandably imposed its censorship and limitations on my retirement freedoms. It was a precarious time for me, but my faith in our country’s future and our people's resilience helped me cope with the stress of the period.”
Despite the wounds nursed by the generals in one way or the other they were united in honouring Babangida yesterday in what may appear as some positive signals on the horizon. Yet, some questions are bound to arise on the content of the book especially the wounds of June 12.
For instance, Babangida declares in the book that Bashorun Moshood Abiola of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) won the election in which his opponent was Alhaji Bahir Tofa of the National Republican Convention (NRC). He also, for the first time, says that his Chief of Army Staff, General Sani Abacha with his
faction in the military annulled the “freest and fairest” election in Nigeria’s political history. This is at least one reason why it is important that Babangida has written the book to give his own version of history. By the way, Babangida has always been conscious of his role in history as an individual in a process. This intellectual streak is manifest in some of his speeches while in office. For instance, while giving the theoretical thrust of the Babangida’s convoluted transition programme, Dr. Tunji Olagunju, Professor Adele Jinadu and Professor Sam Oyovbaire give a clue in their book, “Transition to Democracy in Nigeria (1985-1993).” The scholars, who advised the regime on the political transition, put things like this: President Babangida views governance as a trust. This fiduciary view presumes tolerance, moderation, accountability, consultation, participation, due process and commitment to human rights. He further believes in the institutionalisation of liberalism as a process to secure good and responsible government.” It is on this score that the verdict of history would possibly be passed on Babangida.
Will this latest positions stated by the former military president especially on the June 12, 1993 presidential election be sufficient to put a closure to some of the issues? Will these positions unite and heal the extant wounds inflicted on the nation’s political landscape? And more poignantly beyond the unity displayed by the elite, there were enormous human and material costs inflicted on the people in the June 12 crisis.
Contrary to the expectations in many quarters, Babangida actually says something new in the book. For instance, before now, he was not categorical on the truth that Abiola won the June 12, 1993 presidential election and that his right hand man, Abacha, led the group in the military that forced the annulment against the law enacted by his regime on the election.
Some critics of Babangida say that the former president has only confirmed the position of the Chairman of the National Electoral Commission, Professor Humphrey Nwosu, in his own book, “Laying the Foundation for Democracy in Nigeria: My Account, of the June 12, 1993 Presidential
Election and its Annulment.”
According to Nwosu , “the result of the June 12, 1993 presidential election would have conferred on President Babangida’s administration the greatest reservoir of legitimacy no regime had ever enjoyed in Nigeria. Undoubtedly, its annulment on June 23, 1993 created the greatest legitimacy problem toward the end of his administration and the problem so created still lingers till date. The critical questions to answer include the following: why was the presidential election which Alhaji MKO Abiola won decisively and which the two political parties affirmed at each level of collation annulled? Was the election flawed in any way? Was it rigged in any manner? Was it free and fair? Were the preparations put in place by NEC for its conduct shoddy?” By the way, Nwosu, who died recently, was never celebrated for his heroism in the June 12 story. Doubtless, the news now is that 32 years after, Babangida, who appointed Nwosu to conduct the election, has clearly answered these questions. The lingering question is still this: will Babangida’s book a closure to this tragic story?
For 32 years since he annulled the June 12 1993 presidential election won by his late friend, Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, the silence maintained by the former Military President, General Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida, had been interpreted variously.
Of course, his silence neither meant consent nor denial. But it had remained the very sore point even after the nation had tried to move past the June 12 episode, albeit not forgotten. June 12 remains a watershed in the annals of the nation’s body polity.
Year in, year out, many Nigerians had not only demanded an apology from IBB as the former leader is otherwise called; they also wanted him to admit his wrong on June 12 and then go ahead to atone for it.
But like a military tactician, who understood when to move forward or and beat a retreat, IBB refused to dignify any of the demands, many of them attacks on his person, with a response.
Even where he was believed to have been boxed to a corner in an interview, he always consciously refrained from any debate pertaining to the annulment of the June 12 presidential election.
While he had also played hide and seek in the last 32 years, one thing also stood the IBB leadership out. Much as he would not encourage a debate around the June 12 annulment, deliberately, he also did not shift blame or toss it around. He took responsibility and perhaps, waited till yesterday for a closure.
The likelihood that the decision to annul the June 12 presidential election
was not solely IBB’s, is high, given the nature of the military leadership at the time, which always deferred to its supreme body.
Each of his interviews preceding yesterday on his days in office also left a clue about the discomfort and emotional trauma he not only suffered but has had to endure over that singular action that almost cancel out the nation called Nigeria.
For a man, whose regime, in spite of its inadequacies, embodied staggering legacies of monumental proportion, the June 12 episode was a huge blight that had reduced him significantly.
This is because, not only was the election considered the freest and fairest in Africa annulled without any justification, a lot of innocent lives were lost to the movement for the actualisation of the Abiola mandate.
Although these crimes were not directly committed under his government, the fact that he paved the way for the murderous regime of General Sani Abacha to find its way to leadership, made him complicit, and he bore the pains of these events till yesterday, when he finally drew curtains on the June 12 episode.
IBB’s admission came at the launch of his autobiography, ‘A Journey In Service’, in Abuja, yesterday. In the 420-page book, Babangida devoted a page to the transition from military rule to democracy and the June 12 chronicle.
His words: “Although I’m on record to have admitted after the election that Abiola may have not won the election, upon deeper reflections, and a close examination of all available facts, particularly, the detailed election results which I published as an appendix to
this book.
“There was no doubt that MKO Abiola won the June 12 election. Upon closer examination of the original collated figures from the 110,000 polling booths in the country, it was clear that he satisfied the two main constitutional requirements for winning the presidential election.
“Mainly the majority votes and the geographical spread, having obtained 8,128,720 votes against Tofa’s 5,84,8247 votes and securing the mandatory one third of the vote cast in 28 states of the federation, including Abuja.”
According to him, he was pleased when “the (Muhammadu) Buhari administration finally recognised Abiola as a former head of state of Nigeria.
“Looking back now, the June 12 saga was undoubtedly the most challenging moment of my life and in certain respects, one of the most painful. If I had to do it all over again, I would do it differently.”
IBB described the annulment of the election as an “accident of history” that was “most regrettable”, stressing that, “The nation is expected to expect my impression of regret.
“As the leader of the military administration, I accept full responsibility for all decisions taken under my watch and June 12 happened under my watch. Oversights and mistakes happened in quick succession.”
Eighty-four years old this August 17, IBB is in the twilight of his days, and it is evident that the most important thing to him at this moment is, doing right by others and making up for his past mistakes as much as possible.
This, nonetheless, one major takeaway from his book launch, yesterday, was the quality of persons, who honoured him, including many of those who protested
against the June 12 annulment.
Clearly, this was proof that while many of them could see through his obvious failings, they could not, in good conscience, deny his contributions to the growth and development of the social unit called Nigeria.
From the economy of Nigeria to her politics and even the advancement of her social space, IBB had his footprints across the spectra, many of which are still abiding till date.
Intelligent and detribalised, IBB, as president, was intentional about Nigeria’s unity in diversity and did a lot to the best of his ability to hold the nation together until the indiscretion of the June 12 annulment.
It will, therefore, be cheeky to look away from the groundswell of his good deeds and keep judging him by June 12 alone. The human in him, which erred by annulling the June 12 election, has paved the way for a divine intervention, which yesterday sought atonement, and forgiveness.
If it has pleased God to keep IBB and preserve him till this day, in spite of all that he has had to endure on account of his own doings, then it is hard to put his quest for forgiveness at this time past the universe. It goes without saying that the annulment of the June 12 presidential election was a painful and thoughtless decision, perhaps, borne out of sheer arrogance in power.
But IBB’s resolve to put down his pride and seek the collective forgiveness of his dear native land, gives the June 12 experience a whole new meaning about a people bound together in love, even though they differ in tribe and tongue.
What makes Gen. Ibrahim Babangida tick? Why have Nigerians, from the ordinary to the high and mighty, found it difficult to ignore him? How did he bring the entire country under one roof, as it were, to arguably his first major event since leaving government in August 1993?
These are questions that will continue to linger in the minds of citizens and the international community, as they struggle to unravel Babangida the man, nay Babangida the enigma.
Popularly called IBB, the ex-Nigerian leader once again proved his enduring influence yesterday when he brought Nigeria’s political, business and military elite together at the launch of a book chronicling his years in power.
The event, held in an atmosphere thick with history and reflection, was more than just a literary gathering—it was a clear and undebatable proof of Babangida’s ability to command respect across political divides, even decades after leaving office.
The hall brimmed with dignitaries, past and present—former military heads of state, civilian presidents, seasoned politicians, business moguls, and traditional rulers, all drawn together by the towering legacy of a man who once held the reins of Africa’s most populous nation. Some had been his allies, others his critics. Yet on this day, they sat side by side, bound by a shared recognition of his role in shaping Nigeria’s modern political landscape.
Love him or hate him, but you can ignore the now old, tired, but still charming ex-soldier. It was a mosaic of leadership across generations. From those who once stood on opposing sides of history to those who could be called his allies, they all found themselves exchanging pleasantries, their past disagreements momentarily overshadowed by the weight of the occasion.
And so, yesterday Babangida did not just appear as a retired general or a former president—he stood gallantly as the bridge between Nigeria’s past and its future, a man whose name still carried the power to unite, if only for a few hours.
If anything was abundantly confirmed on Thursday at the book/presidential library launch in Abuja, it was that the man called IBB remains one of Nigeria’s most intriguing political figures, even 32 years after his military presidency. His legacy remains a mix of admiration and controversy.
While his legs are now too weak to walk, IBB still cultivates an aura of mystery, and to some, charm. Now in his twilight zone, the ‘evil genius’ has not lost his ability to captivate, charm and even bewitch his most ardent haters.
To be sure, Babangida left a complex legacy, some deeply controversial, yet others simply awe-inspiring. He introduced the controversial Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP), which he said aimed to revive Nigeria’s struggling economy.
To his credit, Babangida set up several institutions that have endured till today, including the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to combat drug trafficking and abuse; the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) to improve road safety in Nigeria and the now defunct Peoples Bank of Nigeria to provide financial assistance to small-scale businesses and rural entrepreneurs.
To return Nigeria to democracy, Babangida introduced a two-party system, leading to the emergence of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and the National Republican Convention (NRC). This was an attempt to simplify Nigeria’s political structure and reduce ethnic-based politics. He introduced Option A4, which was widely praised for its simplicity.
Babangida accelerated the movement of Nigeria’s capital from Lagos to Abuja in 1991, a move aimed at reducing congestion in Lagos and promoting national unity and expanded Nigeria's infrastructure and military strength.
Yet, his government was a mixed bag.
While Babangida initiated major reforms and institution-building, his government was also marked by corruption allegations, human rights abuses, and the controversial annulment of the June 12, 1993 election, won by MKO Abiola. A matter which was finally laid to rest yesterday. Or was it?
Self-styled “military president,” IBB left behind a legacy as complex as the man himself, a legacy of paradoxes, one would say. One trait he was known for was his ability to headhunt the best to work with him.
From Idika Kalu to Olikoye Ransome-Kuti; from Olu Falae to Onaolapo Soleye; from Jibril Aminu to Tony Momoh and then to Bolaji Akinyemi, these lieutenants of his made a mark.
One of Nigeria's most intriguing personalities, Babangida left with a mix of admiration and controversy, variously describing himself as one of Nigeria's most misunderstood leaders. By the time Babangida finally “stepped aside” in August 1993, he left behind a nation in turmoil. His refusal to fully relinquish power had birthed an interim government that collapsed within months, paving the way for Sani Abacha’s brutal dictatorship.
His once-promising reforms had been overshadowed by economic hardship, political instability, and deep-seated corruption. Beyond any doubt, Babangida remains an enigma—a leader who had the intellect and opportunity to set Nigeria on a path to greatness but ultimately flunked his legacies through indecision, self-preservation, and a failure to match ambition with genuine commitment.
His story is a cautionary tale of the fragility of power and the dangerous impact it could have on generations unborn when not wielded with utmost caution and sense of responsibility.
Babangida’s greatest test came with the June 12, 1993 election. He had successfully united Nigeria’s political elite under a democratic framework, yet his decision to annul the election unraveled much of the goodwill he had built. The very coalition he had nurtured turned against him, and his once-unified house of
power began to crumble.
Posterity will most likely judge him through the lens of his ambition, reforms, and controversies, weighing his contributions against the shadows of his missteps. He will be remembered not just for what he built, but for what he undid, a leader whose impact lingers in both Nigeria’s progress and its lost opportunities. His greatest undoing was one he did in one moment of hesitation, one fateful decision, that unraveled everything: His annulment of Abiola’s election. That singular act turned him from a reformer into a villain in the eyes of many Nigerians.
The election was not just any election—it was Nigeria’s fairest and freest, a rare moment when the people’s voice rang clear and unchallenged.
Whatever the true motive, Babangida’s decision shattered Nigeria’s fragile democratic dreams, replacing hope with anger, disillusionment, and a deep-seated mistrust in leadership. The consequences were swift and unforgiving…even till date. What could have been if he hadn't cancelled that poll. He was a man whose greatest political gamble failed spectacularly, a leader who had let ambition and self-preservation override the will of the people. His achievements, however significant, would forever be overshadowed by that singular act of annulment.
History would judge him not as the father of Nigerian democracy, but as the one who stalled its birth. And in that moment of hesitation, Babangida did not just lose power—he lost the chance to be remembered as the man who truly changed Nigeria for the better. Still, his ability to bring together Nigeria’s power players—whether in governance, business, or politics—remains one of his most remarkable feats. Even after leaving office, Babangida continues to be a political godfather, a man whose Minna residence has become a pilgrimage site for aspiring leaders seeking wisdom and endorsement. That is Ibrahim Babangida, a man loved and hated with equal passion.
Email: Goddy.egene@thisdaylive.com, 0803 350 6821, 0807 401 0580
L-R: President Bola Ahmed Tinubu greets former President Olusegun Obasanjo while former Military President, Ibrahim Babangida (middle) and others watch with keen interest at the IBB book launch titled "A Journey in Service" held at Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja.... yesterday
Lokpobiri says Nigeria can easily meet 2.06m bpd 2025 budget benchmark Heirs Holdings: Up to 60%
Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja and Peter Uzoho in Lagos
Major stakeholders in the Nigerian oil and gas industry yesterday gathered in Abuja to brainstorm on ways to chart a roadmap to accelerating Nigeria's crude production growth, which has been hobbled for about five years.
At the event, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri expressed optimism that Nigeria will easily meet the national budget's oil production benchmark of 2.06 million bpd this year, judging by the circa 1.8 million bpd recorded in January 2025 and the current average production standing at 1.7 million bpd.
The meeting tagged: “Nigeria Petroleum Industry Leadership Discourse” was convened by the Chairman of Heirs Holdings, Mr. Tony Elumelu under the aegis of Heirs Energies' and was themed: "Nigeria's Oil Production Growth Roadmap: Acceleration Imperatives”.
The forum had in attendance high profile oil and gas stakeholders, including Lokpobiri; Elumelu; Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Mr. Gbenga Komolafe and Chairman of the Organisation of Petroleum Export-
George Okoh in Makurdi
Benue State Government has said it would spend N194 billion on infrastructure, agriculture and food security respectively in 2025.
The Director General, State Budget Planning Commission, Prof. Jerome Andohol, stated this during the breakdown of the 2025 budget, tagged “Budget of Human Capital Development, Food Security and Digital Economy.”
ing Countries (OPEC) Board of Governors and Chief Executive Officer of FIRST E&P Limited, Mr. Ademola Adeyemi-Bero. Also at the conference were: The Chief Executive Officer of Seplat Energy Plc, Mr. Roger Brown; Executive Vice President, (Upstream) Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC), Udobong Ntia; Chief Executive Officer of Heirs Energies Limited, Mr. Osa Igiehon and Chairman of Shell Companies in Nigeria, Mr. Osagie Okunbor. Besides, the Executive Chairman of AA Holdings, Mr. Austin Avuru; Chief Executive Officer of Oando Energy Resources Limited, Dr Ainojie Irune; Group Chief Executive Officer of Transcorp, Dr Owen Omogiafor and Director at SLB, Dr Nosa Omorodion, amongst others, attended the event.
Speaking during a panel session at the forum, Lokpobiri recalled that Nigeria was producing about 1 million bpd when he became the minister, noting that production has increased to about 1.8 million bpd as of today. "In January, we produced 1.8 million barrels. Komolafe, the chief executive of NUPRC is the one who has the statutory authority to report what we produce on a daily and a monthly basis. He has the responsibility to send reports
He explained that the 2025 budget was prepared to accommodate the vulnerable, unemployed, and nano businesses.
Prof. Andohol maintained that the budget also provides for the construction of Skills Acquisition Centres in 3 senatorial zones for 600
IDPs, completion of a 360-capacity conference
at SEMA, and relocation of IDPs with livelihood support through agriculture.
to me and the report I have is that we had approximately 1.8 million barrels in January.
"It is true that the budget of 2025 is predicated on 2.06 million barrels a day and I want to assure Nigerians that this is doable. I've always told people that when I came, one of the briefs I got was that during COVID,
we got 2.5 million barrels. One of the reasons why we are achieving what we are achieving is because everything has changed in Nigeria", Lokpobiri stated. He recalled that for over a decade, there was no investment in the Nigeria oil and gas industry, saying but since the current administration came into
office, it has managed to change the perception about Nigeria, resulting in investments coming back to the sector.
Owing to reforms put in place by the current government, the minister said there has also been improvements in the security situation in the Niger Delta.
While commending the Nigerian military, the paramilitary and civilian contractors, he said the combined effort of these stakeholders have led to less infractions on the oil pipelines, leading to less theft and less pipeline vandalism. These, he said, led to the increased production being recorded.
The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), has again met with Nigeria's crude producers to ensure that challenges associated with supply of oil to local refineries are tackled.
At the meeting in Abuja, which also involved other key stakeholders in the country's oil and gas sector, the commission's Chief Executive, Gbenga Komolafe, said it was important to discuss the issues so as to enhance Nigeria’s energy security.
Komolafe, according to a statement
He
He
from the organisation, reassured stakeholders that while the commission remains committed to regulating the industry as mandated by law, it was also focused on fostering growth within the sector, to avoid arbitrary actions that could dissuade operators or hinder investments.
In January, the commission said it outlined a five-point agenda that would aid increased oil production in 2025, including effectively implementing initiatives to boost production by 1 million barrels and enhancing the transparency and accuracy of hydrocarbon measurement through
metering and cargo regulations.
In addition, it stated that others included: Digitalising upstream regulatory activities for better compliance, optimising unit costs per barrel to increase revenue and conducting licensing bid rounds to revitalise non-performing assets in line with the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021.
The CCE also revealed that the commission had developed a template to identify the needs of every participant within the value chain.
The template, he said, aims to address gaps by leveraging the capabilities of different players, thus fostering collaboration, networking and operational optimisation.
billion (10.63%).
The budget funding sources, according to the DG, will include N430.3 billion from the Federation Account, N35.6 billion from Independent Revenue (IGR), and N84.2 billion from Aids and Grants, and Capital Development Fund Receipts.
To ensure consistent supply of crude oil to domestic refiners, the commission noted that early this month, it announced that significant regulatory actions to enforce compliance with the Domestic Crude Supply Obligation (DCSO) had been put in place.
This, it said, included the development and signing of the Production Curtailment and Domestic Crude Oil Supply Obligation Regulation 2023 along with the implementation of a DCSO framework and procedure
guide.
The commission had emphasised that it would strictly enforce policies regarding implementation and defaults by oil companies and would not hesitate to deny export permits for crude oil intended for domestic refining if companies fail to meet their obligations.
During the meeting, Komolafe clarified that the reference to export permit denial was not a threat to legitimate industry players, but specifically directed at non-compliant operators who may seek shortcuts, and in breach of the law.
He emphasised that the government was committed to protecting the interests of investors but will not compromise on issues that could jeopardise energy security or undermine national interests.
According to him, the government has a stance on not interfering with product pricing, as long as prices remain reasonable and fair.
He expressed commitment to the willing-seller, willing-buyer option which aligns with international best practices and affirmed that the government would support the upstream sector's optimal functioning without resorting to price-fixing.
L-R: Managing Director, GEN Nigeria, Dr. Olawale Anifowose; President, CBN Staff Multi-purpose Cooperative Society Limited, Nkechinyere Ofili; Founder, Pro-Serve Integrated Services Limited, Kenechukwu Nwankwo; Director, Enterprise Development Centre(EDC), Dr. Nneka Okekearu, and General Manager, CBN Staff Multi-purpose Cooperative Society Limited, Pius Obianyor, during the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) by CBN Staff Multi-purpose Cooperative Society Limited, Pro-Serve Integrated Services Ltd and EDC in Lagos…yesterday
Shettima to govs, LG chairmen, others: it's time for urgent action
Says initiative will give all Nigerian mothers, children access to lifesaving nutrition interventions NEC commends 2025 Economic Management Team priorities
Deji
Vice President Kashim Shettima has charged state governors, ministers, local government chairmen and other stakeholders, including the private sector, to take urgent and decisive steps against the scourge of malnutrition in the country.
Shettima said the consequences of malnutrition transcended the health sector, forming the foundation of the calamities that limit productivity, learning and the nation's growth.
Shettima spoke on Thursday when he officially launched the Nutrition 774 Initiative at the 148th Meeting of the National Economic Council (NEC), at State House, Abuja. Beyond just numbers, the vice president said the stark statistics
indicating that about 40 per cent of Nigerian children under five were suffering from stunting, eight per cent from wasting, and 27 per cent from underweight represented the faces of children whose futures were at risk even before beginning their life's journey.
He said that was the reason the Nutrition 774 Initiative was a turning point.
Shettima stressed that President Bola Tinubu considered the initiative as a national priority that fulfilled his promise to Nigerians.
According to him, "By focusing on grassroots impact, we will ensure that mothers and children across all communities have access to critical nutrition support where it matters most.
"This initiative is, therefore, an invitation—an invitation to all stakeholders: our governors, ministers, local government chairmen, development partners, and the private sector—to take action. It is also a pledge to the people of Nigeria that we will not stand by while our children suffer the preventable consequences of malnutrition.
"President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, embraces this initiative not only as the fulfilment of his promise to the nation but also as a national priority—because a well-nourished population is a premium insurance for our future."
Describing the Nutrition 774 Initiative as the very first government-led intervention to combat malnutrition at a broader scale, Shettima
explained that it "is designed to improve coordination, financing, and accountability while adopting a multi-sectoral, community-driven approach.
"Through this initiative, every mother and child—regardless of their location—will have access to lifesaving nutrition interventions tailored to their unique needs."
The vice president appealed to all stakeholders to take the initiative seriously, as its success "rests on collaboration and the investments we all make to sustain it".
He stated, "I have no doubt that every stakeholder present today is prepared for the task ahead. The compact we sign today is not merely ink on paper—it is a commitment to the lives of millions of Nigerian
James Emejo in Abuja
Minister of State for Industry, Senator John Enoh, yesterday, called for dramatic decisions against multinational companies that had been profiting from the country over the years without adding economic value to Nigerians.
Speaking while inaugurating the Industrial Revolution Work Group (IRWG) in Abuja, Enoh said the country must stop creating jobs for other countries, else the employment generation strategy of the government would be defeated.
The minister said Toyota, for instance, had continued to benefit from the economy over the years without adding value to the auto industry.
He warned that if the development continued, "We may stop buying some classes of vehicles."
He said an inventory was currently being taken to ascertain companies that had refused to embrace backward integration, adding that unless bold measures are taken against them, it will continue to be business as usual.
He stressed the need to protect local industries and create a level playing ground for them to compete globally.
Enoh said most local companies were currently producing and could not sell, as they were challenged by unfair competition with no level
playing ground.
He said local firms were still challenged by policy and regulatory bottlenecks, power, and finance.
The minister said it was a shame that "we don't even have an industrial plan".
He said, "Today, we do not merely unveil a policy framework or convene a gathering; we ignite a transformative movement—one driven by the imperative to industrialise, innovate, and elevate Nigeria to global prominence.
"History has shown that no nation has ascended to economic greatness without establishing a formidable industrial foundation. The industrial powerhouses of our time – Germany, China, South Korea, and the United States – exemplify that economic sovereignty is deeply anchored in manufacturing, innovation, and value creation.
"Nigeria must now embark on this journey with boldness and clarity of vision. We are blessed with vast natural resources, an industrious and youthful population, and an entrepreneurial spirit that is second to none.
"What we require now is a deliberate, structured, and results-oriented industrial roadmap. Today marks the beginning of that journey."
Enoh stated that IRWG had the mandate established to design, champion, and implement industrial
strategies that will resurrect dormant industries, empower a next generation of manufacturers, and strategically integrate Nigeria into the global industrial economy.
He said, "This is not a pursuit of superficial aspirations; it is a quest for measurable, tangible, and paradigmshifting achievements."
However, former Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, Dr. Olusegun Aganga, in his keynote address, said lack of continuity remained the country's biggest problem, not planning.
Aganga said the country had good plans but remained short on
implementation.
He said monetary policy was not enough to address macroeconomic challenges in the country and called for deliberate measures to boost industrialisation and empower the citizens.
He said there was need to streamline customs processes.
Aganga said Nigeria stood on the precipice of transformation, and urged Nigerians to seize the opportunity with the determination and foresight it demanded.
He said the IRWG was not just another initiative, but the foundation of a new economic dawn.
children who deserve a future unshackled by malnutrition.
"The foundation we lay today will determine the strength of our nation tomorrow. As we embark on this journey, let us be guided by the certainty that no investment yields greater returns than investing in the health and well-being of our people."
On behalf of the 36 states, Governor AbdulRazaq Abdulrahman of Kwara State pledged the commitment and support of the state governments to the programme.
The local government chairmen and the representatives of other partners present at the launch pledged their commitment and support for its actualisation. Meanwhile, state governors and other members of the National Economic Council (NEC) commended the priorities of the Economic Management Team (EMT) for 2025. This followed a presentation of the 2025 EMT priorities by Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun.
Sunday Aborisade in Abuja President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, yesterday referred President Bola Tinubu's nominees for appointment as members of the National Assembly Service Commission to the Senate Committee on Establishment for screening. Akpabio read the President’s letter seeking their screening and confirmation at plenary.
Tinubu asked the red chamber to screen for confirmation, the appointment of Dr. Saviour Enyiekere as Chairman of the National Assembly Service Commission (NASC) for a five-year renewable term. Until his appointment, Enyiekere, an environmental specialist, was the deputy chief of staff to the Senate President.
Tinubu also approved the appointment of two commission
Bassey Inyang in Calabar
In an effort towards boosting intra, and interstate trade, and addressing bottlenecks that have long hindered business growth, the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), Oxfam, and key stakeholders from Cross River, Akwa Ibom, and Rivers States, have advocated more collaboration, and reforms to ease trade and empower small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
They made the call at a 2-day engagement which ended in Calabar, Cross River State on Thursday.
At the event organised by CISLAC in partnership with OXFAM, the participants focused on utilizing the Calabar Port for cross-border trade and enhancing the ease of doing business in the region.
The CISLAC Programmes Manager for Tax Justice, Environment, and Observation of Nature, Ayo
Omowu while highlighting the significant challenges faced by traders in the region, said the gathering aimed at empowering Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in South-South Nigeria. He said that a previous advocacy visit with the World Bank to Cross River’s Ikom border revealed over 54 checkpoints along trade routes; an activity that has led to massive losses as goods, including valuable agricultural produce like cocoa, cassava, and seafood, often spoil before reaching their destinations. He said it was discovered that the bottlenecks are due to the delayed transportation and excessive taxation.
Omowu emphasised the importance of partnering with state actors, particularly the ministries of commerce and trade, to address the challenges facing entrepreneurship across various states.
members from each of the six geopolitical zones. The 12 members are Suleiman Othman Hunkuyi and Hon. Yusuf A. Yusuf Tabuka from North West; Aminu Ibrahim Malle and Alhaji Lawan Maina Mahmud from North East. They also included Mark Hanmation Tersoo and Salihu Umar Agboola Balogun from North Central while Hon. Taiwo Olukemi Oluga and Hon.
Head of Legal Department NDIC, Abuja, Mr. Henry Ejemuta Fomah;
the 2024 NDIC Sensitisation
for
Secondus says Clark, Adebanjo left huge vacuum in democratic struggle Clark, a huge loss to Ijaw nation, Nigeria, says NDDC chairman, Ebie
The Senate and the First lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, yesterday, eulogised the late Afenifere Leader, Pa Ayo Adebanjo, and urged the federal government to name a national monument after him.
The red chamber also observed a minute silence for the departed politician and agreed to send a highpowered delegation to commiserate with his family.
The Senate took the decision following a motion by the Senator representing Ogun East Senatorial District, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, a former governor of the state.
In the motion seconded by Senator Abdulfatai Buhari, (APC Oyo North), senators commended the roles played by Adebanjo in the enthronement of the Fourth Republic from 1999 till date.
Buhari said, “He was very principled, always fighting for justice. I recalled his struggles for democracy. He has played his role and gone. May the Lord forgive his shortcomings.”
Senator Adegbonmire described the late Adebanjo as a great democrat, saying, “He is worthy of the honour that will be bestowed upon him. He was a man of conviction,” Adegbonmire stated.”
Senator Yunus Akintunde, described the late Adebanjo as a very strong member of Afenifere. “He commended affection and loyalty. A statesman. I support the prayers as moved,” He added.
Senator Tahir Monguno representing Borno North said, “We remember his role in the June 12 pan Nigerian mandate. I was among the few parliamentarians that stood with Pa Adebanjo for the restoration of that mandate.”
Senator Seriake Dickson said, “I condole with the family of our
departed leader. I condole with the people of Ogun State and the people of Ijebuland, my maternal home. One of our titans, an unapologetic leader, one of the finest democrat has departed Nigeria.”
Earlier in his motion titled: “Special Requiem for Late Pa Ayo Adebanjo,” Daniel said the late politician was a man of deep convictions, a principled leader, who never wavered in his pursuit of justice, equity, and the ideals of good governance.
“His commitment to the ‘Life More Abundant’ credo of our late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo defined the content and characters of his politics and activism. One cannot but recall the major roll he played during the NADECO struggle.
“While our paths may not have initially aligned during the 2003 Governorship Election, Pa Adebanjo, upon understanding the vision and policies of our administration, became one of our strongest and most consistent supporters despite not being in our party at that time.
“His loyalty was never transactional; once convinced, he stood firm with us through thick and thin. One of the most profound moments of his unwavering support was after my tenure in office as Governor in 2011.”
Mrs. Tinubu, who described Adebanjo, as a political leader, paid a condolence visit to the deceased family at his Lekki, Lagos residence, yesterday, where expressed gladness that she was able to see the late elder statesman shortly before he passed on.
While praying for the repose of his soul and that God keep his widow and family, the First Lady, in a release issued by her Media Assistant, Busola Kukoyi, emphasised that despite his political affiliation, Pa Adebanjo was still a family man.
In his remarks, the deceased's son, Femi Adebanjo appreciated Mrs Tinubu and noted that her visit was heart
warming.
Mrs Tinubu later met privately with the widow, Christiana Adebanjo.
At the same time, a former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Uche Secondus has described as a huge loss to the democratic family and the country, the demise of two great leaders, Pa Edwin Clark and Pa Ayo Adebanjo. Secondus noted that the exit of these great vocal advocates for democratic principles would leave a huge vacuum in the struggle for justice and equity in our society
According to Secondus, in a statement by his media aide, Ike Abonye, ''the two leaders of their ethnic nationalities stood out as outstanding patriots, who desired the best for their country.
‘''They were courageous and detribalised and fought for justice, equity and fairness without sentiment of tribe, religion or geopolitical interests,'' Seconds stated.
Chairman of the Governing Board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Mr. Chiedu Ebie, described Clark, as a compas-
sionate advocate of democracy, social justice, and national restructuring, who dedicated his life to these causes over several decades.
In a statement issued by his media aide, Jerome Utomi, Ebie expressed his sorrow over the passing of Clark.
He praised Clark as a steadfast advocate for democracy, social justice, and national restructuring, whose lifelong efforts had left an indelible mark on Nigeria.
Ebie extended his condolences to Clark’s family, acknowledging that although he lived a fulfilled and
glorious life, his passing represented a tremendous loss for the Ijaw nation, the Niger Delta, and Nigeria as a whole. He noted that Clark was a patriot, who played a pivotal role in nationbuilding.
Describing him as a man of many talents, the NDDC chairman recalled his vast contributions to governance, education, regional advocacy, and his enduring impact, particularly through the institutions he founded and the causes he championed. Clark’s legacy, said Ebie, would be remembered for years to come.
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission is consolidating movement of citizens of West Africa by inaugurating the second phase of the European Union (EU) funded project “Support to Free Movement of Persons and Migration in West Africa (FMM II)” to advance economic growth.
Vice-President of the ECOWAS Commission, Mrs. Damtien Tchintchibidja, reiterated the commitment of economic blog to ensure free movement and encourage commerce and economic development in the sub region at the inauguration of the FMM II in Abuja on Thursday.
The event was organised by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), in partnership with the International Labour Organisation (ILO), International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD) and the ECOWAS Commission.
The vice-president explained that the FMM is designed to promote the free protocol and movement of
persons, goods and services, as vision of ECOWAS for regional integration.
According to her, the initiative would demonstrate renewed commitment to ensure migration governance and regional mobility serve as pillars of development within the sub-region.
Tchintchibidja added that: “During the first phase of the project, we made significant progress in enhancing migration governance, strengthening boarder management and operational license to drive the free protocols.
“We reinforced migration governance, harmonised policies, strengthened border management systems, facilitation of labour mobility and supporting member states in aligning national policies with ECOWAS migration instruments.
“These achievements played key roles in enhancing regional security and economic mobility within our region, however, our work is far from over, benefits of migration must be fully harnessed.
“This requires structured, coor-
Michael Olugbode in Abuja
The Sudanese Government has expressed displeasure at the action of Kenya Government for allegedly acting contrary to international law and position by given tacit support to Sudanese militias.
The Sudanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a statement said it “regrets the Kenyan government’s disregard for its obligations under international law, the Charter of the United Nations, the Constitutive Act of the African Union, and the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide by hosting the event
of signing a so-called “political agreement” between the terrorist Janjaweed militia - responsible for ongoing acts of genocide in Sudan - and its affiliated individuals and groups.”
The statement added that: “Given that the stated objective of this agreement is to establish a parallel government on part of Sudanese territory, this move promotes the dismembering of African states, violates their sovereignty, and interferes in their internal affairs.
“This is, therefore, a clear breach of the UN Charter, the Constitutive Act of the African Union, and the established principles of the
contemporary international order.
“Furthermore, hosting leaders of the terrorist RSF militia and allowing them to conduct political and propaganda activities - while they continue to perpetrate genocide, massacre civilians on an ethnic basis, attack IDP camps, and commit acts of rape - constitutes an endorsement of and complicity in these heinous crimes.
“Equally, this action by the Kenyan government not only violates the principles of good neighborliness but also contravenes the pledges Kenya has made at the highest levels not to allow hostile activities against Sudan to be carried out on
its soil. It is, therefore, tantamount to an act of hostility against the entire Sudanese people.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs affirms that this propaganda stunt will have no impact on the ground, as the Sudanese Armed Forces, along with joint and supporting forces—backed by the Sudanese people—remain resolute in their determination to liberate every inch of Sudanese territory desecrated by the terrorist militia and its foreign mercenaries.
“Their swift and continuous progress toward this goal remains unabated.
dinated approach both at national and regional levels; we are optimistic FMM II will serve as vehicle towards addressing new-migration challenges, while capitalising on emerging opportunities.
“The FMM II will enhance mobility across borders in safe and orderly manner, through specific efforts to ascertain migration governance framework, enhance coordination mechanism, data driven policy making and integrated approaches.”
She stressed the need for collaborative efforts to ensure that migration contribute positively to economic growth, stability and social-coercion in the ECOWAS region.
Speaking at the event, the Head of Cooperation of the European Union (EU), Mr. Massimo De Luka, said the five-year project aims to maximise development potential of free movement of persons and migration in West Africa.
He noted that the project would be achieved through support of the effective implementation of the ECOWAS Free Movement of
Persons Protocol and the ECOWAS Common Approach to Migration. He said: “The basis for cooperation and coordination on improving free movement of persons and migration in West Africa has been established.
“The second phase will deepen the cooperation in enhancing migration governance and at the same time commit to regional integration.” Meanwhile, the Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture, Massandjé Toure-Litse commended the milestones achieved during the first phase to be in line with ECOWAS mission.
Toure-Litse was represented by Mr. Albert Siaw-Boateng, Director, Free Movement of Persons of ECOWAS Commission/Project Coordinator, West Africa Unique Identification for Regional Integration and Inclusion (WURI).
Toure-Litse said, “This milestone reaffirms our collective commitment to regional integration, migration governance and sustainable development, which are core principles that underscores the ECOWAS mission.”
The 2025 Ministerial Press Briefings has been revived with the Minister of Livestock Development, Mukhtar Maiha and Minister Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh, scheduled to present their scorecards today.
The Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation said yesterday that the event will hold at the National Press Centre in Abuja.
The Ministerial Press Briefing is in line with the directive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu that all ministers are expected to provide updates
on the achievements, policies, and programmes of their respective ministries. According to the Director of Press, Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, Suleiman Haruna, the initiative underscores the administration's commitment to transparency, accountability, and effective communication with the Nigerian public. Haruna said the parley is open to media stakeholders and the general public to participate in engagement designed foster a deeper understanding of the government’s progress and developmental agenda.
Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja
The US has refused to co-sponsor a draft United Nations resolution marking three years since Moscow's invasion of Ukraine and backing Ukraine's territorial integrity as well as demanding Russia withdraws its troops, three diplomatic sources have told Reuters.
Washington has also objected to a phrase in a statement the Group of Seven nations was planning to issue next week that would condemn Russian aggression, in a potential stark shift by Ukraine's most powerful Western ally.
The US refusal to agree to language that has been regularly used by the UN and G7 since
February 2022 comes amid a widening rift between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and US President Donald Trump. Trump is trying to rapidly end the war in Ukraine and sent a team to hold talks with Russia this week in Saudi Arabia without the involvement of Kyiv. Ukraine's allies have used the previous two February 24 anniversaries of the war to reiterate their condemnation of Russia's invasion but this year it is unclear how the US will approach it. At the UN, countries can decide to co-sponsor a resolution up until a vote. The 193-member General Assembly is due to vote on Monday, diplomats said. General Assembly
resolutions are not binding but carry political weight, reflecting a global view on the war.
"In previous years, the United States has consistently co-sponsored such resolutions in support of a just peace in Ukraine," one of the sources, who like the others requested anonymity to discuss sensitive matters, said on Thursday.
The first diplomatic source told Reuters that the resolution was being sponsored by more than 50 countries, declining to identify them.
A second diplomatic source who also requested anonymity said: "For now, the situation is they (the US) won't sign it." Efforts are ongoing to seek support from other countries instead, including the Global South,
the source added.
A spokesperson for the US diplomatic mission to the United Nations in Geneva did not respond to a request for comment.
The G7 is planning to hold a call on Monday, three sources said, but so far the US is objecting to language on "Russian aggression".
A statement issued by G7 foreign ministers last week contained no mention of Russian aggression but did refer to "Russia's devastating war in Ukraine".
The row is a major political crisis for Ukraine, which has used tens of billions of dollars of US military aid agreed under the previous US administration to weather Russia's invasion and also benefited from
diplomatic support.
The draft UN resolution, seen by Reuters, "calls for a de-escalation, an early cessation of hostilities and a peaceful resolution of the war against Ukraine ... in line with the UN Charter and international law".
It also "recalls the need for full implementation of its relevant resolutions adopted in response to the aggression against Ukraine, in particular its demand that the Russian Federation immediately, completely and unconditionally withdraw all of its military forces from the territory of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders".
Russia has seized some 20 per cent of Ukraine and is slowly but steadily gaining territory in the east. Moscow
32 YEARS AFTER, IBB ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY, REGRETS ANNULMENT OF JUNE 12 POLL
Almost 32 years after the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, Nigeria's self-styled military president, Gen. Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida, for the first time yesterday expressed deep regret over the annulment of the widely adjudged freest, fairest, and most credible poll in the history of the country.
Babangida, who spoke in Abuja at the unveiling of his autobiography, titled, “A Journey in Service,” and launch of his presidential library, admitted that the June 12 presidential election was the most credible, freest, and fairest in Nigeria's history. He said it was unfortunate that the administration that decided a near perfect electoral system could not complete the process.
Expectedly, the atmosphere at the Congress Hall of Transcorp Hilton Hotel, where the event took place, was abuzz with an air of anticipation as dignitaries from across Nigeria and beyond gathered for the official unveil-
ing of the long-awaited autobiography. The hall was adorned with elegant decorations, reflecting the significance of the occasion.
Distinguished guests, including President Bola Tinubu, former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, and ex-Heads of State Gen. Yakubu Gowon and Abdulsalami Abubakar, gracing the occasion.
The historic event was further enriched by the attendance of international figures, such as former Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo, who delivered the keynote address. Conversations filled the room, with attendees reminiscing pivotal moments in Nigeria's history and discussing the insights anticipated from Babangida's memoir. The event was not only a reflection on the past but also a convergence of thoughts on the nation's future, as leaders engaged in meaningful dialogue. But beyond the moment, which offered a window into the life and times of one of Nigeria's most influential figures, the impact of Babangida’s
actions and inactions had resonated beyond three decades, reshaping Nigeria's political, economic, and, even, international standing.
The annulment of the election –widely regarded as the freest and fairest in Nigeria’s history – was a seismic event that sent shockwaves through the nation’s political and social landscape. It was a moment that altered the course of Nigeria’s democracy, plunging the country into uncertainty, unrest, and a prolonged struggle for civilian rule.
In a rare display of national unity in 1993, setting aside ethnic and religious divisions, Nigerians elected Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, popularly known as MKO Abiola, as their president. Hope filled the air, the dawn of a new democratic era seemed imminent, and the people believed that their voices had finally been heard.
But when the military government under Babangida abruptly annulled the results, that hope was replaced by outrage, confusion, and a sense of betrayal. From Lagos to Kano, and other key parts of the country,
protests erupted.
Civil society groups, pro-democracy activists, and ordinary Nigerians demanded the restoration of Abiola’s mandate and in the weeks and months that followed, Nigeria teetered on the edge of chaos. The press came under siege, opposition voices were silenced, and the military tightened its grip, leading to a dark era of political repression.
The annulment also set off a chain reaction that would haunt Nigeria for years. Babangida’s hurried exit from power left a leadership vacuum, eventually leading to the dictatorship of Gen. Sani Abacha, whose reign was marked by brutal crackdowns and widespread human rights abuses.
The country, once on the cusp of democratic stability, found itself ensnared in a web of authoritarian rule. Abiola himself was arrested after declaring himself the rightful president, and he would later die in detention under suspicious circumstances. His wife was brutally shot.
But after decades-long silence on the events leading up to the annulment,
FAGBEMI TO ADELEKE: SHELVE PLANNED COUNCIL POLLS IN THE LIGHT OF CURRENT CRISIS
crisis.
Adeleke, who said this in a statewide broadcast, tasked politicians to abide by the rule of law even as he urged voters to peacefully exercise their rights at the Saturday local government elections.
This was as the Peoples Democratic Party Governors’ Forum (PDPGF), has taken a firm stance on the Osun crisis, declaring their unwavering support and loyalty to Adeleke.
Also, the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA), has called on the Inspector General of Police to immediately evict some members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who forcefully took over the local government councils in the state.
In the same vein, the Deputy British High Commissioner, Mr Jonny Baxter, has expressed deep concern over the growing insecurity in the state.
Fagbemi, based his advice on the grounds that any election conducted while the tenure of the current LG officials subsisted amounted to an illegality and nullity.
Osun State has been engulfed in crisis leading to the death of several persons, following the forceful take over of the LG secretariats in the state by sacked officials.
A Federal High Court had in 2022, sacked all the local government officials elected under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on the grounds that the process through which they emerged was unlawful.
Following their sack, Adeleke appointed caretaker committees to run the affairs of the local governments.
But in light of the judgement of the Supreme Court that barred states from running LGs through undemocratic officials, the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSIEC), had fixed local government polls for this weekend.
However, as preparations reached final stage, a Court of Appeal sitting in Akure, last week, voided the judgement of the Federal High Court that sacked the LG officials in 2022, leading to the sacked officials
returning to office. Unfortunately, their forceful occupation of the LG secretariats was resisted by supporters of the caretaker, leading to the political stalemate in the state and the loss of some lives.
Reacting, the AGF clarified that by the recent judgement of the appellate court, "the term of office of the elected officials has regained currency and will naturally run out in October, 2025."
Observing that the OSIEC had already fixed February 22, for the local government polls, Fagbemi submitted that, “Any such election that may be held will not only be invalid since the term of office of the elected officials just restored by the judgement of the Court of Appeal will still be running until October 2025, it will also amount to an egregious breach of the Constitution which Governor Adeleke has sworn to uphold.
"Again, the recent judgement of the Supreme Court which has validated and entrenched Local Government autonomy also strengthens the obligation on Governor Adeleke to ensure smooth, non-violent transition from one elected officials to another in accordance with the statutorily prescribed 3 year tenure.
"For avoidance of doubt, when proceedings and decisions of court are declared a nullity for lack of jurisdiction, it means they do not exist and have no effect whatsoever.
"It is my opinion that the Court of Appeal judgement of February 10, 2025 which is superior to any High Court decision, defines the legal position in this case and represents the only legally enforceable judgement and has the legal effect of returning the initially sacked local government democratically elected officials of Osun State."
Fagbemi added that the constitutional order, which existed before the dissolution must be restored immediately since the judgement upon which the governor acted to dissolve the democratically elected government has been declared a nullity
for lack of jurisdiction of the Court to have heard the case and made those orders.
The minister subsequently appealed to Governor Adeleke to "toe the path of law in this matter and not instigate unnecessary violence in Osun State. Nobody benefits from violence. It is, therefore, of utmost importance for Governor Adeleke to advice Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSIEC) to shelve the idea of proceeding with any Local Government Election now.
"My office will be happy to be available for any dialogue His Excellency may require on this matter in the interest of the peace of Osun State in particular and Nigeria in general," the minister added.
In a statewide broadcast in
Osogbo, Adeleke declared that peace had returned to the state after the recent face-off, which was a result of the illegal forceful takeover of local government secretariats by the courtsacked APC chairmen and Councilors, declaring that “Osun State is back to normalcy as one of the most peaceful states in the federation.”
The governor, who consoled the families and friends of those who lost their lives and those who sustained injuries in the illegal take-over of the local government secretariats by the court-sacked APC chairmen and councilors, said, “The unfortunate incident reminds us that abiding by the rule of law remains the best path for a peaceful Osun State.
the former Nigerian leader opened up yesterday, spilling the beans, as it were, and chronicled the happenings that led to the now infamous cancellation of the election.
He said, “Undoubtedly credible, free and fair elections were held on June 12, 1993. However, the tragic irony of history remains that the administration that devised a near perfect electoral system and conducted those near perfect elections could not complete the process.
“That accident of history is most regrettable; the nation is entitled to expect my impression of regret.
“As the leader of the military administration, I accept full responsibility for all decisions taken under my watch. And June 12 happened under my watch.
“Mistakes and oversights happened in quick succession. And I say in my book, in all matters, we acted in the supreme national interest so that Nigeria could survive.
“Our nation's march to democracy was interrupted, a fact that I deeply regret, but Nigeria survived and democracy is still alive, a testament to resilience and commitment to progress.
“This book is part of my personal story of what was national history. I did not travel alone. I undertake the challenging walk of leadership in the company of many patriots.”
Babangida said his eight-year administration confronted monumental challenges, and admitted that the reforms introduced by his administration also caused discomfort to Nigerians.
According to him, “I have had to contend with these questions all the time. When will you tell your side of the story? Understandably, our period of service is somehow evoked and rightly so, many questions and stories among our public.
“This book, which chronicles my experiences, decisions and challenges during our national service, tries to answer some of these questions from my modest perspective.
“My colleagues in arms and I presided over significant change and turbulent reforms. We confronted monumental challenges in the economy, the polity, foreign affairs and defence and security of our national life.
“We surmounted obstacles so as to change from the old ways. We encountered unusual obstacles and devised innovative solutions.
“We all thought to leave Nigeria a better place, and we found it after a great personal sacrifice, and in the face of significant challenges.
“I'm deeply aware of the inconveniences and sacrifices the public endure during this period. And I acknowledge and appreciate their resilience and commitment to progress.
“Although the reforms caused inconveniences to our people, we built lasting national institutions, some of which are still in place today."
In his revealing memoir, Babangida said forces led by his Chief of Defence Staff, General Sani Abacha, annulled the June 12 election without his authority. Babangida disclosed that he was in Katsina when the annulment of the election, won by Chief MKO Abiola of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), was announced by the press secretary to his second-in-command, Admiral Augustus Aikhomu, without his knowledge or permission.
On June 23, Babangida said he left Abuja for Katsina to commiserate with the Yar’Adua family over the death of their patriarch, Musa Yar’Adua, former Minister of Lagos Affairs and father of Umaru, the late Nigerian president who died in office in 2007.
In the words of Babangida, “The funeral had taken place, and as I got ready to leave, a report filtered to me that the June 12 elections had been annulled.
“Even more bizarre was the extent of the annulment because it terminated all court proceedings regarding the June 12 elections, repealed all the decrees
CITING POSITIVE MACROECONOMIC DEVELOPMENTS, CBN RETAINS MPR AT 27.50%, OTHER MONETARY TOOLS UNCHANGED
Ratio (LR) at 30 per cent.
Addressing journalists at the end of the two- day meeting of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) in Abuja, CBN Governor, Mr. Olayemi Cardoso, said the committee was unanimous in its decision to hold rates at current levels, having expressed satisfaction with recent macroeconomic developments, which were expected to positively impact price dynamics in the near to medium term.
Cardoso also said there had been greater confidence in the markets, a key ingredient that was missing in the equation.
He also said CBN was now in a better position to begin the process of moderating rates, adding that stability remains important, and “if investors do not see stability, they do not come to those markets”.
He said the naira was a lot more competitive, with increasing interest from international investors.
Chief Executive Officer of Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise (CPPE), Dr. Muda Yusuf, described CBN’s decision to pause the monetary policy rates as a welcome development, saying it is in line with the expectations
of most financial analysts.
Cardoso said MPC was particularly impressed by the stability in the FX market.
He, however, said members were not oblivious of the risk of persisting inflationary pressures driven largely by food prices.
The CBN governor said the committee recognised the recent rebasing of the Consumer Price Index (CPI) by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), which reviewed the weights of items in the consumption basket to reflect current consumption patterns.
Cardoso, who read the committee’s communique, added that the federal government had continued to improve security in food producing communities. Supported by other measures to enhance food supply, he said food prices were expected to continue to moderate.
He also said the committee agreed unanimously to continue to monitor both domestic and global developments to identify emerging risks and propose appropriate policy responses to mitigate the effect of associated shocks to the Nigerian economy.
The MPC further reiterated the
benefits of increased collaboration between the monetary and fiscal authorities, demonstrated at the recent Monetary Policy Forum organised by CBN.
The committee highlighted the benefits of the improvements in the external sector to exchange rate stability, including the convergence of rates between the Nigeria Foreign Exchange Market (NFEM) and the Bureau de Change (BDC), and urged the bank not to relent in its effort to boost market liquidity.
It acknowledged recent measures introduced by the central bank, including the Electronic Foreign Exchange Matching System (B-Match) and the Nigeria Foreign Exchange Code, to foster transparency, ethics and credibility in the market.
The committee was of the view that following major policy measures undertaken by the monetary and fiscal authorities, the flow of foreign direct and portfolio investments as well as diaspora remittances were expected to increase as investor and stakeholder confidence improved.
Cardoso also pointed out that the improvement in oil production,
which was 1.54 million barrels per day (mbpd) at the end of January 2025, will enhance the current account position of the balance of payments with the attendant positive impact on external reserves.
He stated that despite pockets of macroeconomic headwinds confronting the Nigerian economy, the banking system had remained robust and resilient.
MPC, however, urged the apex bank not to relent on its keen surveillance of the banking system, especially at a time of significant exogenous and endogenous headwinds. It called for close monitoring of the ongoing recapitalisation of the banking system to ensure the injection of quality capital as envisaged in the framework.
MPC acknowledged the various policies by CBN aimed at anchoring inflation expectations, easing exchange rate pressures, deepening financial inclusion, and improving the transmission mechanism of monetary policy. He said while the non-oil sector was expected to continue to lead output growth in the near term, sustaining
CONGRATULATIONS!
ENGR. CHUKWUEMEKA AGBASI (PhD; DIC; FNSE; FNIHTE; FNICE)
MANAGING DIRECTOR/CEO; FEDERAL ROADS MAINTENANCE AGENCY (FERMA), ON THE WELL-DESERVED AWARD OF OUTSTANDING PUBLIC SERVANT OF THE YEAR 2024 BY NEW TELEGRAPH NEWSPAPERS.
WE ARE PROUD OF YOUR ACHIEVEMENT IN SUCH A SHORT TIME.
SIGNED: AGBEBI '85 SET, UNIVERSITY OF NIGERIA, NSUKKA.
a member of the House of Representatives representing Kwande/Ushongo Federal Constituency in Benue State, Hon Terseer Ugbor, has sent a Save Our Soul message to President Bola Tinubu and nation’s security agencies over the nefarious activities of suspected Fulani herdsmen terrorising his home state. Deji Elumoye reports.
Amember of the House of Representatives, Hon Terseer Ugbor, has raised the alarm that suspected Fulani herdsmen have taken over 40 percent of the entire land in Benue State with thousands of people displaced.
Speaking in Abuja on the recent onslaught on Benue people by the herdsmen, Ugbor, who alleged that no fewer than 13 persons were massacred by the herdsmen on Monday, said their dastardly act has produced more orphans in the state.
He called on President Bola Tinubu and the security agencies to intervene before the people are completely wiped out from their ancestral homes.
The lawmaker further accused the Fulani herdsmen of a deliberate agenda to grab more lands that belong to Benue people.
Ugbor disclosed that from December 25, 2024, till the end of the year, the herders had a field day maiming the people and destroying the property of his constituents.
According to him: “As you may be aware, just recently we had the 2024 Christmas season, we had an attack where the bandit Fulani herdsmen in Kwande local government, which is a border community with Cameroon and this attack took place between December 25 all through to the new year.
“It got so bad that the bandits had the audacity to attack an immigration outpost in that community and burnt down this outpost, which was the only standing security presence that we had in that border community with Cameroon. This immigration outpost did not necessarily have equipment or arms to defend itself. It was more of an intelligence gathering output, but at least it provided a semblance of security presence in the place.
“In the course of that attack, the bandits took a detour, which took them into the Cameroonian territory, and the Cameroonian Gendarmes attacked them and killed so many of them. This thing became headline news in Cameroon, where they mentioned that the Nigerian Fulani bandits are killing and attacking the Cameroon military.
“So, this is something that has a very important international dimension that could become a crisis beyond our control and understanding, if we don’t take notes.
“And then recently, just yesterday (Monday), to be precise, there was another killing that took place by the same Fulani bandits, which are suspected to be based and camped around the Kashmibila area.
“From the last count, we heard that about 13 persons have been killed, and their bodies have been recovered. The Kashimbila area is where we have the Kashimbila power plant, the dam located. And also an airport that has also just recently been commissioned there. “And of course, there’s a university being built, and other national infrastructure coming up around that axis. And of course, with this international border, you will also be aware that the community in Turan in Kwande local government also has a United Nations refugee camp where the refugees from Cameroon, who are running away from the Ambazonian fighters, have been lodged for protection by the United Nations.
“So, this thing has a lot of dimensions to it that, if not checked, will become a major crisis point for our country, Nigeria, especially that region has also been recently found to have natural resources like gold, lithium and other precious stones. So there’s a lot of illegal mining going on in that region.
“Why I decided to call this press briefing is to let the government of the country, and, of course, the government of Benue state and our people at home to know that our region of Benue state is a border community with so much potential to become a major economic hub for Nigeria and the people of Benue state.
“We have clamored over the last few years, that the international border with Cameroon
through Benue state should be properly established, and the export processing zone, which was approved many years ago for that region, should be activated, and industrial activities and commercial activities opened up for the
region, so that, that region does not become a crisis hotspots, and the country can reap the benefits of international trade, reap the benefits of industrialization, with the presence of the power plant, with the presence of an airport, and
then with the natural resources and the access roads around the area, into the international community.
“It’s a very rich and prime area for economic activities and economic prosperity for Nigeria and for Benue state.”
Ugbor further said: “The major problem with this issue is the food insecurity that it is going to bring. And this has started to bring on our people in Benue and on Nigeria as a whole. Because as of the last information we have, over 40 percent of the arable farmlands in Benue state have been taken over by the Fulani bandits, and so our farmers are unable to go to their farms, and the production capacity and the production of the state has dropped significantly because of the loss of produce and the loss of farmland in Benue state.
“So, this issue is a really, really dire issue for our country, Nigeria, and for the people of Benue state as a whole. And not just for my constituency of Kwande/ Ushongo, but across Benue state, there are several other places like Agatu, Guma, Gwer East and Gwer West, where there are series of attacks going on on a daily basis. And this issue has gone on for over 10 years now without proper focus being put on Benue state, like it is being done across other regions in Nigeria. “So, this meeting is to make an appeal to the federal government of Nigeria under our dear President, President Bola Tinubu, who is doing very well in terms of stabilizing the country, in terms of reforms, policies and other areas of our national life.
NOTE: Interested readers should continue in the online edition on www.thisdaylive.com
Aminu Kadiri writes on how Governor Uba Sani is tackling insecurity and food security in Kaduna State as part of measures to revolutionise agriculture.
Kaduna State, once celebrated as Nigeria’s breadbasket, flourishing with fertile lands yielding all types of crops and livestocks. However, from 2016 to 2023, the shadow of insecurity; banditry, kidnappings, and violent clashes, cast a dark cloud over its agricultural legacy. Farms became battlegrounds, farmers fled, and fertile fields turned fallow.
Enter Governor Uba Sani, who is now sowing seeds of renewal. With a blend of robust security measures, modern farming innovations, and strategic partnerships, he is nurturing Kaduna’s return to its agrarian roots.
Last week, Sani convened a historic gathering of thousands of farmers and community leaders at the Murtala Square, Kaduna, where he unveiled the Dry Season Agricultural Empowerment Programme, a bold initiative that cemented his resolve to make agriculture a year-round enterprise and a cornerstone of the state’s development.
United by a shared mission: to transform the state into a bastion of food security and economic resilience through an ambitious year-round agricultural policy, the initiative represents a key stride in the governor’s comprehensive strategy not only to address hunger and unemployment but also to fortify the foundations of peace and stability he had layed across Kaduna. It is one of many bold steps he has taken to complement his broader efforts in fostering tranquility and prosperity in a state once beleaguered by conflict.
The meeting with farmers, stakeholders in the agricultural sector, strategic partners, community leaders, which was also graced by the Minister of state for Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, was more than a meeting; it was a clarion call to action, a rallying point for those who till the soil and nurture the land. Governor Uba
Sani’s message was clear: to make agriculture a sustainable, non-stop enterprise that transcends seasonal limitations, ensuring that Kaduna’s fields remain fertile, green and productive throughout the year.
The goal is to empower farmers in the state, not just to feed the state and beyond but to create a thriving agricultural economy that generates employment and uplifts communities. This initiative is a cornerstone of the governor’s multifaceted approach to address some of the challenges he inherited. Recognizing that peace and prosperity are inextricably linked, Sani has woven his agricultural policies into a broader framework aimed at restoring harmony in conflict-ridden areas- killing two birds with one stone.
The year-round agricultural policy goes beyond increased crops and livestocks; it is about transforming the very fabric of Kaduna’s rural
communities, where farmers are provided with the tools, training, and resources they need to succeed and to empower them to become agents of change in their own right. From modern irrigation systems to high-quality seeds and fertilizers, every component of the programme is designed to maximize productivity and sustainability.
The people are are not just cultivating crops; the are cultivating hope, resilience, and a brighter future for Kaduna State.
This is not merely a policy directive but a promise to the people, a promise to transform barren fields into thriving farmlands, to replace strife with stability, and to ensure that no family goes hungry.
While speaking at the event, Minister of State for Agriculture hailed Kaduna State as the pride of Northern Nigeria, commending the state government for its strategic prioritisation of agriculture and its decision to increase budgetary allocation to the sector. He said Kaduna State is setting an example for others to follow, urging farmers to seize the opportunities presented by the programme.
For Sani, his administration is not just prioritizing agriculture; agriculture is at the center of Kaduna State’s Development Agenda. So, he has by this initiative, allocated 10% of the total budget of the state 2025 to agriculture.
“As a subnational this is hugely significant because we have reached the Malabo target of investing 10% of national budgets in agriculture set by African Heads of State and Government in Equatorial Guinea in June 2014”, the governor remarked while addressing the crowd.
-Kadiri writes from Funtua.
NOTE:
Emma Okonji
Statistics have shown that Nigeria has a total of 257 Autonomous System Numbers (ASNs), which is a fraction of what most counties of the world currently have.
For instance, South Africa with a population that is far less than that of Nigeria, has over 800 ASNs, while developed countries like UK, US, and Italy, each has over 3,000 ASNs, through which they were able to expand their internet exchange points to boost internet connectivity across their countries.
Autonomous System Number is a globally unique identifier that defines a group or more IP prefixes run by one or more network operators that maintain a single clearly-defined routing policy.
In Nigeria, Internet Service Providers (ISPs), including content distributors, research institutions, educational institutions and financial institutions that use the internet for connectivity, are supposed to register with the African Network Information Centre (AFRINIC), the Regional Internet Registry (RIR) for Africa that assigns Internet Protocol (IP) resources known as Autonomous System Numbers, that will enable them interconnect with available internet exchange points to boost internet access and connectivity, but they are restrained by the limited number of ASNs that they currently have, which is put at just 257 for the whole of Nigeria.
Worried about the limited number of ASNs that Nigeria currently has, the Chief Executive Officer of Internet
eXchange Point of Nigeria (IXPN), the body that manages Nigeria’s Internet Exchange Points and promotes seamless connectivity and innovation with peering community, Mr. Muhammed Rudman, said the shortfall in Autonomous System Numbers is adversely affecting the growth and expansion of internet exchange points in Nigeria.
Rudman, who expressed this view during the annual members’ engagement forum, organised for its members in Lagos, called on the federal government to urgently intervene and come up with measures that will help populate ASNs in Nigeria.
“What Nigeria is facing today is that some states that have up to four ASNs, may have only two active Internet Service Providers,
and IXPN needs a minimum of three ISPs in a state, to set up an exchange point in that state. Nigeria is big in terms of population, but in reality, the networks providing internet access are very small.
Over 99 per cent of Nigerians that browse the internet, do so from their mobile phones, using the Mobile Network Operators’ (MNOs) platform, which is good, but when you want to really have volume of internet traffic, you need to have the fixed wired, the fixed wireless lines that generate internet traffic volume from the homes and offices,” Rudman said.
Analysing ASN distribution by sectors in Nigeria, Rudman said Nigeria has a total of 257 ASNs, with Internet Service Providers (ISPs) having 140, Content
Delivery Network (CDN) 1, Higher Educational Institutions (HEI) 24, Financial Institutions (FI) 22, Others 70, bringing the total to 257. He however said out of the 257 ASNs, only 37 per cent is connected to ISPs, while 63 per cent is not connected.
Giving further details of the connected and non-connected sectors, he said among the ISPs that have ASNs, 85 are connected to IXPN while 55 are not connected. According to him, only one Content Delivery Network (CDN) is connected, and out of the 24 Higher Educational Institutions that have acquired ASN, only one is connected to IXPN, while 23 are not connected. For the 22 Financial Institutions that have ASNs, only one is connected to
IXPN, which is the Central Bank of Nigeria, while the remaining 21 are not connected. For Others, which include churches, mosques, malls, electricity distribution companies, among others, eight are connected to IXPN, while 62 are not connected, bringing the total number of connected to 95 and non-connected to 162. Giving the categories of states that are connected to IXPN, Rudman said only six states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja, are connected to IXPN, with Lagos leading with 161 ASNs, followed by FCT (44), Ogun (7), Oyo (6), Kano (6), Rivers (5) and Osun (4).
talent base.
Boston Consulting Group (BCG), a management consulting solution team, has revealed that Nigeria has the highest funding provided to AI companies among countries in sub-Saharan Africa, indicating strong investor confidence and potential for scaling Artificial Intelligence (AI) initiatives.
BCG, in a report, explained that with substantial funding and robust talent pool, Nigeria is poised for AI-driven economic transformation, adding that Nigeria has the secondhighest number of AI specialists in sub-Saharan Africa, after South Africa, showcasing a robust and growing
According to the report, AI is already transforming industries and starting to reshape economies and is poised to shape the future of economic development over the next few years.
“The expansive scale of this growth makes AI an economic priority in every region around the globe,” the report said. However, the BCG research has established that most economies are underprepared for AI-driven disruption, as the study shows that over 70 per cent of the economies studied, scored below average in critical areas such as ecosystem participation, skills, and research and development.
BCG’s AI Maturity Matrix, a first of its kind study, offers a comprehensive overview of the AI landscape across 73 economies by focusing on two pivotal aspects.
First, it assesses each economy’s vulnerability to AI-driven shifts, such as job displacement and industry wide productivity gains. Second, it evaluates the preparedness of each economy to navigate the risks associated with AI, while leveraging its potential to stimulate economic growth.
The report offered recommendations tailored to the diverse groups to guide policymakers and provided an interactive dashboard for a more
detailed exploration of the analysis.
The first-of-its-kind study offers a broad view of global adoption, revealing that while most economies are gradually embracing AI, a small influential group of pioneers is emerging as global leaders. The handful of leading markets, according to the report, will stand to gain significant economic advantages and are uniquely positioned to shape how humanity will engage with this transformative technology.
The report listed six sectors that were most exposed to AI-driven changes to include: information and communication, high-tech goods, retail, financial services, public services, and motor vehicle
manufacturing.
“Economies with a high share of sectors that are most exposed to AI are among the world’s most exposed to disruption. These include Luxembourg (with financial services making up almost 30 per cent of GDP), Hong Kong (22 per cent financial services and 22 per cent business services), and Singapore (18 per cent business services, 16 per cent retail, and 14 per cent financial services),” the report said.
Giving detailed report on its findings about the Nigerian market, the report said: “Nigeria’s GDP is composed of sectors with both high and limited exposure to AI. Those with high exposure - retail and wholesale and information and communication constitute a large share of the country’s GDP, which comprise of 18 per cent and 17 per cent respectively. Whilst the country’s largest sector, agriculture, forestry and fishery, which makes up 23 per cent of the economy, has limited AI exposure.
“This aligns with the wider report findings that show that economies with industry sectors that are less susceptible to AI disruption are less exposed. Such sectors include construction, agriculture, and furniture manufacturing.
www.thisdaylive.com
opinion@thisdaylive.com
The government worked for it, argues ZUBAIR OPEYEMI
See page 20
DOLLAR BUREAUCRACY: THE ENEMY WITHIN
The more naira is shared in Abuja, the more expensive the dollar, reckons JOSHUA J. OMOJUWA
See page 20
EDITORIAL
THE PASSAGE OF ADEBANJO AND CLARK
The National Assembly should be careful with information on national security in order not to exacerbate anxiety, argues FRANK OKEKE
The security situation in Nigeria is one that many people in the country take with utmost seriousness, and which provokes much concern and worry, considering the climate of fear in which most of us live – even as our law enforcement keeps making spirited efforts to contain the situation. Yet, a regular rehash of our national reality, across many of its geographical spaces and communities, evokes narratives of numerous violent crimes, theft, carjacking, alongside the activities of militant groups, kidnappings, and also terrorist attacks by Boko Haram and similar franchises.
Many of these manifestations of insecurity spawn gory statistics that also find expression in numerous travel advisories pointing to alarming risk levels, and safety concerns that make many urge travel cautions to those close to them or within their spheres of engagement, on visits to Nigeria that are non-essential. Or even when essential, many are advised to take the strongest possible safety measures when in the country.
We keep witnessing the unfortunate fallout of this climate of fear in the restraint of investors from coming in to explore Nigerian markets, coupled with the recession of crucial foreign direct investments (FDIs) that could have eased our balance of trade situations, the pressures on the naira, and pervasive inflationary trends.
Hence, anything that could trigger further alarm around the country’s security situation should be really avoided. Which is why one was deeply alarmed about the recent mismanagement of information coming out of the National Assembly, particularly the Senate Committee on Public Accounts, which had raised a seeming outcry about the so-called missing 3,907 firearms from the armoury of the Nigerian Police Force.
across different franchises, alongside other conflict merchants, was the destabilisation of Iraq by Western governments, leading to the pouring in of arms and ammunition into West African through the Sahel. This gave oxygen to many criminal groups and actors that was used in prosecuting the insurgencies across the Sahel, into Northern Nigeria.
This is one memory that many will give anything not to have a reprise of in this time, which is why the information management around the purported missing firearms is quite dangerous.
But what could really be the facts of the situation? Is it that firearms from the Nigeria Police are really missing, or that they are unaccounted for, according to the explanations of the Nigeria Police Force?
attacks and looting of police facilities and armouries, resulting in the loss of arms.” More importantly, “however, every effort has been made to account for the arms that were taken, while many have been recovered back to the arms holding of the force at the moment.”
The statement went on to elucidate upon the management of firearms by the Police through its own internal processes: “Furthermore, the Nigeria Police Force has a statutory and annual internal auditing process in accordance with the provisions outlined in the Police Regulations, administrative instructions and standard operating procedures (SOP) which include stringent measures to ensure controlled movement and proper accountability of arms. Throughout our audits, there has been no outrageous record of unaccounted for or missing arms, as speculated in the 2019 report of the AuGF, despite some incidences that have been documented and managed.”
No matter the degree of ire one may bear against the Police authorities – and there is quite a spectrum of this out there, yet unresolved due to the lingering lack of trust between the public and law enforcement in the country, despite efforts being made towards pacifying this – we need to be careful with the way information is uncritically processed and disseminated in the country, so that we don’t deepen the climate of fear and create panic.
It is instructive to also heed the advice that came with the statement of the police authorities that, “It is important to note that the proliferation of misinformation, especially against institutions like the Nigeria Police have far-reaching consequences, including compromising public safety, damaging reputations, and hindering the NPF's ability to effectively maintain law and order.”
In an environment in which the security services are presently stretched thin in their struggles to contain the level of national insecurity, this is disconcerting news, as one immediately imagines that these arms would have found their ways into the hands of criminals who would use them in pursuing nefarious activities, especially at a time in our national life when the country is undergoing a serious economic crisis that has left many people in deep need and desperation!
Similarly, many will recall that one of the very significant factors that exacerbated the security situation in Nigeria’s North-East and strengthened the hands of various terrorist actors
In the first instance, according to clarifications now widely available in the public space from the police authorities, questions around the 3,907 firearms that were unaccounted for within the Police Force stem from a 2019 audit report by the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation (AuGF), which were actually not “missing,” as recently speculated or suggested.
And, according to a press statement issued a few days ago by the Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, “when auditors conduct visits to our armouries, they may not find all arms present at the time due to the issuance of weapons to personnel for operational purposes, many spanning to months depending on the nature of such operations. Consequently, this may lead to misconceptions regarding the accuracy of audit reports.”
Also, the authorities explained that, “It is important to acknowledge the challenges faced by the police during periods of civil unrest, during which several Police Officers were killed and their arms carted away, and some
More than just individuals and other social actors, institutions like the National Assembly need to be a lot more restrained and careful with information around national security that its members and committees put out to the public, so as not to exacerbate anxiety. It is, however, good that its Committee on Public Accounts still seeks to critically engage the questions raised on the unaccounted firearms at its subsequent sittings. And, the honourable thing to do thereafter would be to counter any negative information they might have inadvertently put out, towards allaying public anxiety.
Okeke writes from Jebba in Kwara State.
The government worked for it, argues ZUBAIR
That Nigeria’s inflation figures dropped sharply is to many, very surprising to the point that naysayers are openly doubting the authenticity of the figures and reality of the fall. However, we are not surprised because we have been watching the speeches, economic plans and actions which have yielded the present figures,
While some thought we were incurable optimists for believing that the country was actually turning round a recovery bend, the indicators and promises as well as assemblage of the team to handle each task woke in us the glimmer of hope and shafts of light from the end of the tunnel.
The drop in the inflationary rate was so sharp that it enjoyed banner headlines even among detractors of the government. Prior to the drop which stemmed from policy implementations, inflation was at 34.80 per cent but dropped to 24.8 per cent.
Explaining the achievement, the Statistician General of the Federation, Adeyemi Adeniran said that consumer index which measures rate of change in prices of goods and commodities had declined to the present figure.
While he further stated that urban inflation reduced to 26.09 per cent, rural inflation declined to 22.15 per cent which implied general drop in prices of goods and commodities, adding that rebasing which was done in simple terms meant updating the reference year used and changing the “basket of goods and services used to measure inflation” to better reflect current realities on consumer spending pattern. This he said was to ensure that inflation data reflects the economy’s current position and performance.
When for example President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was going round selling his programmes, he travelled abroad last April to address diaspora party members in the United Kingdom; he harped on the need to have hope which he was giving back to Nigerians where he specifically assured them that he had plans to bring down inflation.
“I campaigned on hope and have to rest on that hope and push for that hope for the Joy of everyone of us. The economy is looking good; we have inflation, don’t worry about that, yes we know we have the challenge of inflation, it is okay, we will bring it down. We are re-engineering, our revenue is getting better and we are taking our sovereignty and our respect back around the world. Not that they are doing for us, we are doing it ourselves. Whatever is happening to us we have to solve it by ourselves,” he told the gathering.
He was apparently talking from facts at his disposal; he did not even tell them about the increase in the country’s foreign reserve which hit over $40 billion recently, which is restoring confidence in investors. Indeed, during the sale of bond, it was oversubscribed within days which is a strong indicator that we are going back to where we want to be economically.
While the government at the center is doing all to restore better life to Nigerians, there has to be a buy-in by state governors and local government chairmen for there to be a total trickle-down effect to the remotest villages. There has to be a commensurate and deliberate attempt by other tiers of government to enthrone policies and programmes that are beneficial to the average person.
The Accountability Group also has had reports of people lamenting their loses for hoarding food items and other grains. For example in Kano, Nigeria’s grains capital, a man who stocked 1000 jumbo bags of maize at purchase price of N75,000 per bag was creating artificial scarcity hoping the price would rise so that he will rip off the people. He later discovered that prices of grains in the market had kept falling drastically. When he decided to bring out the bags of maize to sell, the price had dropped to N50,000 per bag.
The man in Kano may not be alone in hoarding food items which means that such Nigerians are creating artificial food inflation. However, it also happened with dollar speculators who were determining the price at which foreign currencies exchanged for the naira and when the government got its act right and the price fell, many licked their wounds.
We appeal to all Nigerians to be patriotic and ease things for the common man to feel the effect of government policies. We are sure Nigerians would not want us to go back into the essential commodities days where soldiers had to break into some warehouses hoarding commodities or the days where the masses marched on palliatives warehouses. We should all be our brother’s keeper by not hoarding in order to make excessive profits.
Another point which has caught the attention of the Accountability group is the grim statistics of budgeting in the country. 2023 figures from the office of National Bureau of Statistics reveal that governors appropriate to themselves budgets that exceed the internal revenues of their states, some to the tune of 200 per cent.
Development can hardly take place under such conditions which means that utilities provision will suffer since monies supposed to be used for it find their ways into offices of governors who always plead true federalism and even argue in courts that a federal agency lacked right to look at their finances.
Such budgetary system that places more money than the states generate in the office of the governor needs to be urgently changed unless they will apply them to public utilities and educational sector.
Some examples may suffice here; the 2025 budget of some states viewed against their 2023 internally generated revenue show disproportionate allocation to the governors’ offices above what the states generate. Oyo State’s allocation to the office of the governor in 2025 is N84.0 billion whereas their IGR in 2023 was N52.75 billion, representing 162 % of the 2023 IGR; Enugu State allocated N49.2 billion to their governor’s office which represents 145 % of 2023 IGR of N33.9 billion; Anambra allocated N46.7 billion to the governor’s office against their 2023 IGR of N33.5 billion which is 139% while Kogi allocated N43.5 billion in 2025 representing 162 % of their 2023 IGR of N26.8 billion.
Borno State allocated N28.2 billion to their governor’s office which represents 145 % of their 2023 IGR of N19.5 billion while Kebbi has N13.4 billion for the governor’s office representing 115% of their 2023 IGR of N11.7 billion.
Accountability Group believes that more money should be freed for development. Governors should feel for the people and have a change of mind to be utilitarian in their approach to governance.
Opeyemi is of the Accountability Group and writes from Abuja
The more naira is shared in Abuja, the more expensive the dollar, reckons JOSHUA J. OMOJUWA
If you were a regular on this page last year, this topic will look familiar. In April 2024, I wrote, “Dollar Bureaucracy: Cardoso’s Worst Enemy”. I was tempted to update that title for this piece to “Nigeria’s Worst Enemy” but I could not, because whilst a critical challenge for our country, it does not rank as our worst enemy. Although, its effects are so deep and far-reaching, it is up there as one of our greatest challenges.
In that article, I painted a scenario, representing WAEC’s famed Ciroma Chukwuma Adekunle as a businessman in Abuja. I cannot share my update to my previous theory without quoting this paragraph from the piece, “As part of his bidding process for contracts, Ciroma must source dollars to oil his bid. In this case, he is not the outlier, he is the norm. So, he knows to get as much of the notes as possible. When he secures the contract, he must raise new sums to fast track the bureaucracy needed to land him the necessary documents. When it comes time to get paid, let’s say a N10b contract sum, he could end up converting as much as 40 percent of that into dollars, to again reward the people who made it possible. This is done after sorting the dollars that’d ensure the procurement process isn’t hindered at all, or with minimal fuss. A whole chain of forex needs with zilch productive activity. It is hard to quantify, so you can’t compare it to forex pressure induced by foreign school fees payments. At least we know which one isn’t a criminal enterprise”
The exchange rate is sort of stable currently. Optimists will understandably want to see this as the effects of some government policy. It often happens that when the Naira makes these gains or during some period of stability, credit is immediately ascribed to some policy. Often times, we get to see the trend get reversed, reflecting that maybe it is not as much about these policies as it is about other factors. And it could be about policies too of course.
The current stability intersects a period where MDAs have not paid contractors for over four months or so. The budget is not being implemented at the moment. In essence, the average Adamu Chukwuma Adekunle has little to no liquidity of the Naira to chase the USD and then sort those and things that can only be sorted in FX. Why does the exchange rate skyrocket once large sums of Naira are disbursed to sub-nationals and MDAs?
Those who think Nigeria’s economic peculiarities defy economic principles may not be looking in the right direction, or they just prefer not to see what they are looking at. We’ve got to reflect a little more, assuming we genuinely care about addressing this challenge. One of the greatest challenges of managing our exchange rate is what some privileged people do with the Naira. If the Naira were a human being. Think of it as a bastard that no one wants to keep. And in this case, going by what some government departments and officials do, you could say even the mother does not want it. That’s a tragic and pitiable place to me.
Nigeria, as a country, isn’t itself far from that
reality. What is the solution? Maybe we start with acknowledging the source of the disease. These are theories of course. Just theories.
In science, to test if a theory could be true, you carry out an experiment. In economics, you hold other factors and test to see if a particular factor influences your variable. In practical terms, you cannot hold other factors. Several things are going on at the same time. As in the case of the exchange rate, all the factors are always at play. This then is not a claim that the dearth of dollar bureaucracy is the sole reason for the stability the Naira is currently enjoying. Anyone who is paying attention will admit though, it is certainly a crucial factor, and it aligns with a fundamental principle of demand and supply.
The more Naira is shared in Abuja, the more expensive the Dollar. What is chasing the Dollar in these periods? Usain Bolt? At relatively quiet times, like now, the Dollar is not being chased at scale, so there is less volatility in its movement. Credit to the CBN for introducing some measures that appear to be moderating the volatility too; measures helping to moderate money demand in real time. The FX Code and the Electronic Foreign Exchange Matching System (EFEMs) are designed to ensure a more transparent and efficient market for FX transactions. These measures will work better if state actors aren’t working their best to convert their Naira allocations to dollars.
One of my lasting memories of childhood is the image of “Made In Taiwan” on many products. My mind has been quite blown in the time I have spent in the Republic of China (Taiwan). Amidst its political quest with the mainland, Taiwan has managed to elevate itself into a developed country. I imagine this was not achieved with a sizeable number of its citizens consistently and repeatedly undermining it. This Taiwan miracle could only have been built on a collective commitment by its people and government to survive, by every means necessary. As it continues to negotiate its right to be, one can see that given a vision and a commitment to nurture a country that works, it may take time, but prosperity follows the path of doing more right things than wrong.
The real tragedy on our part is, we appear to do the right things at times, yet we are hardly consistent with those. We know that when it comes to getting things wrong, we are quite consistent. How can you tell that? What good things are we doing better today than we did decades ago? Can we at least save the Naira? We have more control over this than our actions suggest. We just need to match intention with behaviour.
is chief strategist, Alpha Reach/BGX Publishing
Editor, Editorial Page PETER ISHAKA
Email peter.ishaka@thisdaylive.com
Ayo Adebanjo and Edwin Clark, both lawyers and statesmen, deserve to be immortalised
The death of Chief Ayo Adebanjo, 96, and Chief Edwin Clark, 97, few days apart, has marked not only the end of an era in Nigeria but also that of a generation. The two men, who incidentally were both lawyers, embraced Nigeria as it was meant to be, experienced it as it once was and have regrettably left it as a nightmare that they spent their last days lamenting. Yet, in continuously dreaming new dreams of a prosperous fatherland and pointing younger leaders in the direction of the Nigerian ideal, they kept the hope alive that our country is worth fighting for. That is an enduring legacy that the present and future generations of leaders must embrace.
For the duo of Adebanjo and Clark, their patriotism shined through their utterances and actions. Their sense of nation defied ethnicity, religion, region and division. They relished our diversity, preached inclusiveness, social justice, equity and fairness. In recent years, despite their age, they longed for the day when future generations would live in a new Nigeria, an egalitarian society that we all can call home. It is because these men rose above petty interests and sectional creeds that they are being mourned by admirers across divisions.
They relished our diversity, preached inclusiveness, social justice, equity and fairness
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
Born on 10 April 1928, Adebanjo joined politics in 1943 as a follower of the late Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe but became a member of the youth wing of the Chief Obafemi Awolowo-led Action Group in 1951. He would later become one of the staunchest disciples of Awolowo. Following the political crisis in Western Nigeria in 1962 for which Awolowo was arrested, tried and jailed, Adebanjo was also charged with treasonable felony alongside 30 others. He fled on exile to Ghana. While he spent most of the Second Republic practicing his law profession, Adebanjo became politically active during the transition to civil programme that birthed the ill-fated Third Republic. At the commencement of the Fourth Republic in
T H I S D AY N E W S PA P E R S L I M I T E D
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA
GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, ISRAEL IWEGBU
DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS SHAKA MOMODU, PETER IWEGBU, ANTHONY OGEDENGBE
DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI
SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC OJEH
ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR PATRICK EIMIUHI
CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI
DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO TO SEND EMAIL: first name.surname@thisdaylive.com
1999, Adebanjo was the founding Deputy National Chairman of the Alliance for Democracy (AD) which won the governorship election in all the Southwest States of Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Oyo, Ekiti and Osun. As leader of Afenifere, a pan-Yoruba socio-political group, a member of the 1978 Constituent Assembly and the 2014 National Political Conference, Adebanjo was consistent in demanding a restructuring of Nigeria through the vehicle of a Sovereign National Conference. He shared this conviction with Clark. Born on 25 May 1927, Clark was the de facto leader of the Ijaw people, and foremost and courageous politician committed to the development of the Niger Delta region. He served as Midwestern Commissioner for Education and later, Finance from 1966 to 1975 before he was appointed Federal Commissioner for Information by the administration of General Yakubu Gowon. His political journey started during the pre-independence days in 1953 when he was elected as Councillor for Bomadi. He was an elected Senator in the ill-fated Second Republic. In 2016, Clark founded the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) along with other leaders with the objective "to dialogue with stakeholders and lobby for increased attention and implementation of restructuring, development and security policies by the Government of Nigeria.”
While Adebanjo and Clark may have gone, they left lasting legacies. To the younger generation of political activists, their lives and work should serve as sterling beacons of patriotism and selfless devotion to national good. To our present crop of leaders, let them mourn the loss of these great men but not bury their legacy of national idealism. It is perhaps self-defeating to lament that the generation represented by Adebanjo and Clark has become extinct. Instead, we should insist that the values they stood for and lived by should be replicated in our youth. What these great men deserve is beyond transient obituary and passing tributes. They should be immortalised.
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.
No matter how long man holds out, death eventually wins, returning to the earth that which it gave and sustained. But there are men who never die but only disappear physically to return again. Two of such men disappeared from Nigeria within days of each other.
First was Pa Ayo Adebanjo, the leader of Afenifere and deputy national leader of the Southern and Middle Belt Leaders Forum (SMBLF) who died on February 14, 2025. His death was followed by that of Chief Edwin Clark who was the leader of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) and national leader of the Southern and Middle Belt Leaders Forum (SMBLF) who died on February 17, 2025.
Within days of each other, both men embarked on a migration of a different kind. They joined their ancestors, exiting into the pantheon of great Nigerians who have exited the world before others, who in their lifetime wanted nothing but a better Nigeria. In a country where it is easy to conflate love for one’s tribe with trenchant tribalism, Pa Adebanjo had the rare presence of mind to be unashamed of his Yoruba heritage while leaving Nigeria’s position as first uncontested.
He especially showed he could hold up his convictions in the build-up to the 2023 general elections when he threw his weight be-
hind a candidate from another part of the country even though the leading candidate who is now Nigeria’s president is from his tribe.
That was Pa Adebanjo at his best—forthright, focused and fearless. How his counsel and courage will be dearly missed.
Chief Edwin Clark was only 33 when Nigeria gained independence from Britain in 1960. But before then, he had been only 29 when the country struck gold in Oloibiri, Bayelsa State in 1956. He was to go on to bear front-row witness to the first squirts of Nigeria’s prosperity. This was before the storm clouds took over, and oil exploration turned his beloved Niger Delta region into a veritable modern-day wasteland.
For Clark, Nigeria was refusing to commit to the responsibility that oil exploration came with and the environmental justice the unimaginable suffering of people in the region merited. If Clark’s fears were exaggerated by tribal affiliations, the jarring struggle of the Ogoni cleanup project since it was have projected him as a prophet.
His insistence that the Niger Delta region, the golden goose that laid the golden eggs, deserved better from Nigeria economically, but especially politically, found some culmination between 2007 and 2015 when Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan improbably became Nigeria’s vice president and then president. The unlikely ascent of
a little-known academic from a minority tribe as deputy governor of Bayelsa State to President was an unprecedented reward for the Niger Delta and Pa Clark was there by his side throughout, providing guidance.
Just like Pa Adebanjo, both men were caught in the crossfire of a country where tribal and regional sentiments often cloud national values and virtues, with patriotism giving way to provincialism and parochialism.
That both men were able to stay consistent across decades, clinging to their values even if by their fingernails pays glittering tribute to who they were at heart — towering national treasures.
More than national treasures, they were national monuments who refused to stay silent but were always at hand to provide timeless counsel. They will be greatly missed.
Unfortunately, Nigeria has stubbornly refused to get better. There is in place in and around the country’s corridors of power the kind of young men who ruined the biblical King Jeroboam with their jeroboam of poisonous counsel. The result of their tireless work is there for all to see in the broken and battered system Nigeria operates.
Ike Willie-Nwobu, Ikewilly9@gmail.com
Stories by Chinedu Eze
The Skyway Aviation Handling Company (SAHCO) Plc has donated medical equipment to the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). SAHCO said the donation was part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) to its immediate environment.
Executive Director, Cargo Services, SAHCO, Mrs. Boma Ukwunna, who represented the Managing Director, SAHCO, Mrs. Adenike Aboderin, while speaking at the event, regretted the effect of drug abuse in the society.
She, however, commended the NDLEA for putting in place effective measures to checkmate the influx of drugs into and out of the country,
hoping that the medical items would go a long way in enhancing the activities of the anti-grant agency at the command.
She stated that the NDLEA’s efforts had reduced the menace of drug trafficking in the society, noting that the items donated would assist the command in attending to suspects quickly, its staff and other stakeholders in the industry.
She said: “In Nigeria and world over, we know the menace of drugs and how we have had to contend with it, the impact on the society, especially on the Nigerian youths. I want to commend the commander for what he and his team have put in place to curb the menace in our airport and the country at large.
“The Managing Director of SAHCO as a mother and a citizen of Nigeria is ready to support the NDLEA to discharge its duties
diligently. As a company, we are completely beside and behind NDLEA to ensure that you implement your vision for the country. Whatever we have is just a token, it can never be enough, looking at the volume of work that you do, but we are starting from somewhere with this token.”
Some of the medical facilities donated to the MMIA Command by SAHCO included incubator, centrifuge machine, sphygmomanometer, weighing scale, poison box, lipid profile, meter, staining rack and ambu bags.
In his response, the Strategic Commander, NDLEA, MMIA Command, Mr. Usman Wadar, expressed delight with the donation by SAHCO, saying that the medical items would go a long way in improving its performance and enhancing its relevance.
Air Peace, Nigeria’s foremost airline and West Africa’s largest carrier, has announced its participation as an exhibitor at the world-renowned ITB Berlin, scheduled for March 4-6, 2025.
The airline said it would join over 10,000 exhibitors from around the globe at the prestigious international travel trade show to showcase its services, growth, and commitment to enhancing connectivity within Africa and beyond.
“Air Peace’s exhibition at ITB Berlin will highlight the airline’s exceptional
growth trajectory, its expanding route network, and its dedication to providing affordable, reliable, and safe air travel. As the leading airline in Nigeria and West Africa. Air Peace has been at the forefront of fostering seamless connections across Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and Europe, and its participation at ITB Berlin will spotlight the airline’s key role in shaping the global aviation landscape,” the company said in a statement signed by airline’s Head of Communication, Dr. Ejike Ndiulo.
Executive Director, Air Peace
Limited, Nnenna Onyema said: “We are excited to be part of ITB Berlin 2025, the global travel and tourism industry’s largest and most influential event. Our participation underscores Air Peace’s commitment to fostering stronger international partnerships, driving tourism, and advancing connectivity across continents. As we continue to expand our fleet and routes, ITB Berlin provides the perfect platform to showcase our vision and to connect with international partners who share our goal of making travel more accessible to all.”
Emirates SkyCargo has looked at its operations as it celebrated 39 years of operation and dislcosed that in 2024, it carried an average over 3,800 tonnes in and out of Africa every week, via 20 gateways.
The airline made this known as the logistics industry came together in Nairobi on Wednesday at Air Cargo Africa.
Emirates SkyCargo reaffirmed its near-four decade commitment to the continent. With an average of 3,820 tonnes carried in and out of Africa every week, the airline strengthens trade lanes and connects African manufacturers, traders and exporters with businesses all over the world.
Vice President, Cargo Commercial, Emirates SkyCargo – Africa, UAE and Middle East, Khalid Al Hinai, said: “Africa has been a priority market for
Group Business Editor
Eromosele Abiodun
Deputy Business Editor
chinedu Eze
Comms/e-Business Editor
Emma Okonji
Asst. Editor, Energy
Emmanuel Addeh
Asst. Editor, Money Market
Nume Ekeghe
Correspondents
Kayodetokede(CapitalMarkets)
James Emejo (Finance)
Ebere Nwoji (Insurance)
reporter Peter Uzoho (Energy)
Emirates SkyCargo since our first flight to the continent in 1986. Since then, we’ve gone from strength to strength. It is an exciting time to serve Africa, with the potential game changing policies such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) which is set to shape the region’s economic development and boost trade potential both regionally and internationally. As a facilitator of trade, we are committed to connecting underserved markets to global supply chains, creating reciprocal economic and business opportunities that strengthen global economies.”
Emirates SkyCargo first began operations to Africa in April 1986 – less than one year after establishing operations – with direct flights between Dubai and Cairo, Egypt. Over the 39 years, the airline steadily scaled
operations, increasing capacity, gateways, and frequencies to better serve local and global customers. Now, in 2025, Emirates SkyCargo operates eight scheduled freighters and 172 passenger planes into 20 destinations across the region every week. With over 145 destinations on its vast global network, Emirates SkyCargo facilitates the quick and efficient transportation of goods, supporting African businesses import and export their goods across the world.
Emirates SkyCargo said it plays an essential role in global trade, keeping goods moving to and from key African markets. In 2024, Emirates SkyCargo exported over 91,930 tonnes of perishable goods from African destinations, making it the largest commodity uplift from the region.
PalmPay, a leading fintech platform in Africa, joined in the celebration of Valentine’s Day to reward its customers with a 7-day campaign, giving back to its users in the most thoughtful ways.
Through shopping giveaways and luxury experiences, PalmPay stood out by showing that it truly values and appreciates the people who trust its platform every day.
During the campaign, PalmPay engaged its users on the streets of Lagos through vox pops, adding a personal touch to the celebration. Some lucky shoppers were treated to a delightful shopping experience, making their Valentine’s season
Chinedu Eze
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has disclosed how his quick intervention in putting a halt to the planned merger of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), helped in averting the consequences that would have befallen the aviation industry if the two agencies were merged.
The minister made the disclosure at the Gala Nite to mark the 25th anniversary of NCAA, which held last weekend in Abuja, NCAA is a regulator, which has oversight functions, while NAMA is a service provider in charge of the management of aerospace, providing communication, navigational and surveillance services to flight operations.
NCAA overseas the activities of other agencies like NAMA, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria and the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET), as well as the airlines and other aviation service providers in the country.
Keyamo said he utilised the opportunity he had at the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting to dispel the decision to merge the two agencies.
“Let me tell you my small story about the NCAA. Unknown to you and maybe known to a few people, the Oronsaye report is a document that contains recommendations for restructuring and rationalising the federal government of Nigeria’s agencies, parastatals, and commissions, and the report also recommended the merger of NCAA and NAMA. That was an attempt to kill the NCAA. That report was passed on, I think, from Jonathan’s government to Buhari’s government and then to the present government. The Oronsaye report was ready since Jonathan’s government, if I remember.
“And so throughout the tenure of Buhari’s government, we couldn’t consider that report. Incidentally, I was the only surviving minister from Buhari’s administration to this government. So, I was part of that government. And the report came up a few times in council but we couldn’t consider it.
“But guess what? It was one of the first items we considered in this government. So the Oronsaye report came up that day and I was ready with my battle axe. And so the president went on and on, considered every item in the Oronsaye report and asked council to vote,” the minister disclosed.
Keyamo explained that for each item they called out they would listen to the ministers that are in charge of the ministry and the planned merger in the ministry and they would come to a decision. The President called for merger of NCAA and NAMA as one body.
even more special.
One of the lucky winners at Buymore Supermarket, Rowland, who couldn’t hide his excitement, said: “I’ve never won anything before, so when I was selected for the shopping giveaway, I was completely shocked.” Grateful for the thoughtful gesture, he praised PalmPay’s generosity and expressed his eagerness to introduce his friends to the brand.
Meanwhile, at an upscale boutique, Charles received a luxury shopping experience worth N105,000, walking away with premium clothing items. Overwhelmed with joy, he said: “I never expected this! I’m so happy. Thank you, PalmPay.”
“And I raised my hand, I said, sir, I spoke for about five minutes. And because we have a wonderful President who listens to good counsel and good arguments, after I finished speaking, he said, item dropped. NCAA and NAMA would not be merged.
“So sir, (referring to foremost Director General of NCAA, Dr. Harold Demuren) like a good son, the baton you passed on to your son, I kept the baton alive by making sure that the NCAA did not die. If not by now we would be talking of a merger of NCAA and NAMA. So, today we truly celebrate the heroes and heroines of this very great body that has ensured that our skies remain very safe,” he said.
The Managing Director, Flight and Logistics Solutions Limited, Amos Akpan, said if the merger had taken place it would have compromised the function of NCAA as a regulator.
“Viewed from the perspective that NCAA is the sole regulator of all institutions and companies in the Civil Aviation sector, it would expose NCAA to compromise strict adherence to compliance of NAMA functions. It’s easier for personnel working in the same organisation to cover up their errors.
“NCAA has the role to inspect, certify, and carry-
out oversight checks on aeronautical installations by NAMA. How would NCAA indict itself if those installations are not up to required grades? or if they are not maintained to remain functional? We should work at strengthening NCAA as the apex regulatory organisation in the aviation sector because we need them to keep improving towards achieving their vision statement. This discussion about merging NCAA is a distraction, and if implemented it will whittle down the authorities implementation of its statutory roles in NCAR 2023,” he said.
Also reacting to the planned merger that was averted, a former Director of Operations and the Acting Managing Director of NAMA, Matthew Pwajok, said that it would have undermined the work of NCAA and at the same time give rise to conflict of interests.
“Well, it will be quite unfortunate if NCAA and NAMA had to be merged considering that a lot has been achieved by the separation of service provision and regulatory oversight. However, if it becomes absolutely necessary that two organizations are merged, then I would even prefer that NAMA and NCAT are merged rather than NCAA merging with any service provider.
“And I don’t really think merging organisations will save cost as being expected by government. The salary difference between NCAA and NAMA would mean the two organizations will adopt the highest salary structure and thereby increasing overheads rather than reducing cost. The expected reduction of directors will not amount to any significant cost reduction compared to salary adjustments that will be adopted after the merger. And if it becomes absolutely necessary that NCAA has to be merged, then I would rather say that NCAA merges with Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB),” Pwajok said.
At the Gala Nite, former Managing Director of NCAA, Dr. Harold Demuren, spoke about the commitment of many that contributed in making NCAA what it is today and who made sacrifices to realise the achievements that the agency has recorded over the years.
Demuren assured the minister that he has a good team at NCAA and then recalled how he worked with others to realise the Category 1 Safety Status from the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in 2010, which enabled US carriers to operate to Nigeria and Nigerian registered carriers to operate to the US.
He said, “I called some of these people at night when we were doing category one. My wife had to fight me that I could not sleep on the same bed with her, because I was calling young women at night. I got phone calls at night from America because of the time difference. They all responded very well and without them, we could never have attained category one. It is not a Demuren thing, it is a collective responsibility.”
Demuren also told the minister that aviation has become an engine of economic growth of every nation and therefore demand serious attention and in Nigeria, the sector has been so developed that you can connect many cities by air.
“Honorable Minister, your business people can leave Lagos, go to Abuja for a meeting with you in your office, at the same time, you move to Port Harcourt the same day, and they will still be back in Lagos the same day. It is only a aviation that can do that for you. And these are the people that make this happen, so, to you all, we pay our homage, you have done well,” he said.
Demuren also acknowledged the good work the minister is doing and called his attention to human capacity development, saying, “Aviation is changing, technology is changing every day. What we were doing years ago, what we are doing right now have changed. So, you need continuous training. Human capacity is crucial, without it, you can’t do anything. If you continue to train them, Honorable Minister, you will have a safer sky.”
Contrary to claims that the Nasarawa airport in Lafia was completed and ready to receive flight services, recent investigations revealed that the airport is yet to be completed, writes Chinedu e ze
It could be right to say that having an airport should not be the priority of Nasarawa State government, since the state is close to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja, spanning 129 kilometers between Abuja and Lafia, the state capital.
Nasarawa, like many other states in Nigeria, is not industrialised. Even though the state produces high yield in farming, subsistence farming is still largely practiced, and so the state does not produce enough food that would require quick evacuation, which would make an airport a critical requirement. But in spite of this layback, a whooping amount of the state funds has been committed in the airport, arguably a bad decision taken by the administration that built the airport.
However, investigation has revealed that the airport was not completed as at the time it was claimed to be, a move intended to compel the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to certify the airport to enable it begin flight service.
It was learnt that so much needed to be done in terms of critical infrastructure and manpower development, before the airport could be certified.
The ClAims
Former Governor of Nasarawa state, Umaru Tanko Al-Makura (2011-2019), whose government conceived the airport, stated recently that the airport was built up to standard, stating that aviation experts had praised the level of work and facilities put in place.
He was quoted as saying that deterioration may have set in because of period of nonactivity as a result of the takeover deal between the state and federal government.
“I know the negotiations were on, on both sides for the takeover of the project, I don’t know the status of the deal now, but what I can say is that if it has not been concluded yet, then there is the need to speed up the process so that the new owner can fix the anomaly.
“If on the other hand the takeover process has been concluded, I will like to use this medium to appeal to the federal government to urgently intervene by fixing the problem and putting the facility to effective use,” he said.
According to him, the airport is very essential and would add value to the economic well-being and revenue base of the country and Nasarawa State.
Al-Makura, who is also a former Senator representing Nasarawa South senatorial district, said the airport project was conceived because of the urgent need for the state to diversify its revenue sources in order to remain viable in the face of dwindling allocation from the federation account.
He stated that the facility would be of immense advantage to the federal government economically while also enhancing the revenue status of the state. It was also made public that the federal government was poised to take over the airport, but there has not been a firm action on that and observers said that it was a cushioning statement meant to divert attention from the huge resources already committed by the state government on the project.
Al-Makura had assured that the federal government would reimburse the state the sum of N N9,000,542,651,786.11, being the cost of the airport, but the Senior Special Assistant to the current Governor Abdullahi Sule on Public Affairs, Mr. Peter Ahemba, did not confirm any payment when contacted by the media.
“The money has not been released, but I can assure you that it will happen soon. Both sides are putting final touches to the document. As soon as that is done, the refund will take place. As you are aware, the federal government has been pushing through the various channels, including the National Assembly, to put the money together. I can tell you authoritatively that, that has been done and the money is just awaiting transfer,” he assured.
But that was similar to what the former Governor of Ebonyi State, Dave Umahi, told the people of Ebonyi State during the inauguration of what is now known as Chuba Okadigbo International Cargo Airport, Onueke. The then governor said the federal government would fully take over the airport and pay the state government the cost of the airport. The payment did not happen but by renaming
The entire project was to give the state a political voice and to increase the economic status by making it easy for investors to have safe and easy access to the state for businesses and other official engagement. Of recent year the security challenges has motivated the state government to adopt this all-extensive project to meet the needs of the moment.
the airport, it is indicated that the federal government might have taken over the airport without reimbursing the cost of the project.
UNviAble AirPOrTs
A top official of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) in the Public Affairs Department, told THISDAY that the agency cannot take in more airports but the federal government could force it to do so and stressed that most of the airports taken over from the states are unviable and even some originally owned by the federal government and under the management of FAAN are unviable, disclosing that only six airports among the 26 states under the management of FAAN are generating enough revenues above the cost of running them.
OPerATiNg NAsArAwA AirPOrT
Industry insiders told THISDAY that the only option Nasarawa state government has is to complete the airport and make it operational in order to justify the huge funds expended on it. THISDAY secured access to what it will cost to complete the projects and the facilities that will have to be completed in order to get the airport ready for operations, which will cost the state government about N3.4 billion.
Inside source told THISDAY that the Lafia airport was built by Nasarawa State government for the economic benefits of the populace and to attract both domestic and foreign investors, human mobility, transportation of goods and services. The operation therefore has been a non-schedule one all the while and no proper regulatory procedure.
“The entire project was to give the state a political voice and to increase the economic status by making it easy for investors to have safe and easy access to the state for businesses and other official engagement. Of recent year the security challenges has motivated the state government to adopt this all-extensive project to meet the needs of the moment. The site location of the airport is undulated with gullies and ridges surrounding it,” the source from the state said.
THISDAY learnt that the runway is of flexible pavement of length 2200m and width of 60m, including shoulders of 7.5m each side along the length. The turn pad is of flexible pavement as there is no serving taxiway from the ends because the taxiway is directly connected to the apron from the runway.
“The apron is a rigid pavement of
dimensioned 150x100m there are no adequate markings are faded or not standard as required. The terminal building is located close to the apron with control tower and fire station some meters away and in the same vicinity the landside car park is directly from the main entrance gate. The location of the generator/ electrical switch room to serve the airport is located close to the access road.
There is operational perimeter fence made of wire mesh with a paved access road round the aerodrome. The above are some visible and verifiable facilities physically seen in the airport, but has so many deviations in standard requirement for operations as being envisage by the state government expectations,” the inside source further said.
For the airport to meet the required standards to ensure safe flight operation, there are more essential facilities that must be built in the airport and some infrastructure already built but did not meet given standards must be rebuilt or modified. These include runway, taxiway, apron, generator/power supply, control tower, fire station, service and access road, operational perimeter fence, water hydrant, drainage, strips, blast pad, RESA (Runway End Safety areas) markings and signage. Also, in order to meet given accepted standard, there ought to be extended strips of 70m from the centre of the runway graded and compacted to meet the required operations of the intended use of the airplane. These areas were not properly defined on the aerodrome, as no proper drainage were not also cited as adjoining the runway edges with gully erosion threatening the surrounding.
THISDAY also learnt that the power generating structures and electric supply are inadequate and require upgrade of a standard building with attendant access road and security provision. The control tower is under construction with the concrete base erected and the cabin fabricated. The need to finish the project is required to upgrade the facilities requirement for the airport operation.
Other facilities that are inadequate or needs rehabilitation include the fire station, service road and access road to and from the airport, water hydrant and emergency water supply, investigation and determination of known physical manner.
Other facilities needed are departure hall, the terminal building, arrival hall, security control and training.
In order to save the money already invested in the project, the Nasarawa government must have to commit itself and go back to complete the project. This is very important so that the huge resources expended on the project would not be a waste.
Clement Nwoji
Nigeria has become notorious for serial building collapses to the extend that virtually no month elapses without one incident of collapse structure or the other with the associated loss of lives and properties.
This is despite in existence and interventions of concerned stakeholders and regulatory authorities such as the Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) which serves as the apex standards regulator nationwide, Nigerian Institute of Builders (NIB), Lagos State Materials Testing Laboratory Agency (LSMTLA), Nigerian National Standard for Building Materials (NNSBM), Nigerian Building and Road Research Institute (NBRRI), Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), Architects Registration Council of Nigeria (ARCON), Nigerian Institute of Builders (NIOB) and Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA). These, among other national bodies involve in one way or the other, attempt to ensure standardisation of building and construction materials in the country in line with international best practices to preempt incidences of collapse building and the consequential losses of lives and funds invested.
Though statistics are replete with countless number of collapsed buildings either in the local or urban areas in Nigeria, but the most devastating are those in the urban areas because of the magnitude of losses involved. While historical data from the Nigerian Building and Road Research Institute (NBRSI) indicates that between 2010 and 2021 alone, Nigeria recorded 199 building collapse incident; data from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) shows that 1,072 deaths and 387 injuries were recorded within the same period. These figures may be underestimated if taken into consideration the unreported incidences.
Suffice it to mention but few of them. On Sunday morning of March 10, 2024, a five-storey building collapsed at Garden Street Fegge, Onitsha, Anambra State. Even though there was no life lost but funds invested in the construction was lost. The cause of the collapse points to the developer who had obtained permit to erect three storey building, only to later exceed the limit by going further to erect five storey building.
The tragic incident of the collapse of a two-storey school building of St. Academy School Jos, Plateau state and the killing of about 22 students, leaving 132 others injured students, still left a traumatic experience in the
minds of the students. The building collapsed at about 9:45 am while the students were in their classes writing their promotion examinations on 12 July, 2024.
On July 24, 2024, five workers died when a building under construction collapsed at 13, Wilson Mba Street, Arowojobe Estate, Maryland, Lagos.
The building under construction collapsed at 3:49 am. Also, in October 27, a building collapse along Airport road within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja led to death of seven persons.
As these incidences of building collapse occur, experts have adduced some reasons responsible for the increasing waves of building collapses in Nigeria. These include Poor construction practices involving substandard materials, inadequate design, and shoddy workmanship; Lack of enforcement of building regulations through inadequate monitoring and lack of punishment for non-compliance; Aging infrastructure leading to deterioration of existing buildings due to lack of maintenance; Natural disasters like Flooding, earthquakes, and other natural occurrences; and above all, corrupt practices which entails bribery and deliberate negligence of building approval processes.
Despite the numerous causes of building collapses nationwide, these however are not insurmountable. The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) which is the national standards body responsible for developing and promoting national standards, ensuring compliance with international standards and providing certification and testing services for the economic development of the Country, has not relented in tackling headlong the causes of the protracted problem of building collapses.
Towards curbing the causes of building, bridge and structure collapses, SON under the leadership of its Director General and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Ifeanyi Chukwunonso Okeke, has been engaged in enlightenment and sensitisation campaign programmes. It was kick started in the South-East geopolitical zone covering Anambra, Enugu and Imo States to create awareness on the dangers of the use of substandard building materials and noncompliance to the relevant standards in the country. The latest of which, involved partnership with the National Association of Block Moulders of Nigeria (NABMON) in continuing efforts towards enforcing building codes regulations to ensure safe and sustainable construction practices in Nigeria.
Apart from the sensitization programmes, Okeke has consistently frowned at the rampant noncompliance to specifications and Codes of Practice by regulators and service providers in the building sector, which he observes constitute major reasons for the seeming erosion of confidence of Nigerians on some operators in Nigerian building and construction industry. Recently, following incessant building collapses, the SON Chief Executive Officer who advocated for stiffer penalties against culprits of collapsed structures, revealed some of the main causes of building collapses in Nigeria going by investigations conducted by SON.
According to him, some of the major causes of collapse structures include: Poor structural designs, quackery and unprofessionalism and inadequate or lack of soil testing. Others include poor construction practices and procedures, unapproved construction, wrong demolition process, lack of maintenance, negligence, use of substandard materials (steel reinforcement bars) as well as poor drainage around the collapsed buildings.
Okeke enumerated some of the Organisation’s
produced 168 Standards and Codes of Practice for the building and construction industry since 2004 for contractors to implement during construction. These are Nigerian Building Code (NBC), which has been in place since 2018 and covers the design, construction and maintenance of buildings; National Building Regulations Code (1992) regulating building construction, alteration and demolition and Nigerian National Standard for Building Materials (NNSBM) established to specify requirements for building materials.
These are complemented with the Nigerian Industrial Standard (NIS) products standards and codes of practice for use by practitioners in the building sector; Mandatory Conformity Assessment Programme (MANCAP) established to ensure products manufactured locally conform to the relevant standards as prescribed; Standards Organisation of Nigeria Conformity Assessment Programme (SONCAP) which is an offshore conformity processes to ensure that imported products are tested and conforms to the relevant standards before being imported into the Country; and Product Authentication Mark (PAM) which enables Consumer to check through QR Code or Short messages the authenticity of a product before purchase.
Among other standards set by SON are: Nigerian Industrial Standard (NIS) 117: 2004 specification for steel bars for the reinforcement of concrete; Nigerian Industrial Standard (NIS) 499: 2004 standard for iron and steel; Nigerian Industrial Standard (NIS) 588: 2007 testing hardened concrete Part 1: Method for determination of the compressive strength of concrete cores; Nigerian Industrial Standard (NIS) 585: 2007 standard for Concrete Admixtures – Part 1 – specification for accelerating admixtures, retarding admixtures and water reducing admixtures; Nigerian Industrial Standard (NIS) 156:1982 standard method for testing fresh concrete and Nigerian Industrial Standard (NIS) ISO 41001:2020 Facility Management System Standard and so on. Notwithstanding, the measures being taken to curb the incessant building collapses, the SON management led by the Director General, Dr. Chukwunonso Okeke, believes that it is work in progress, hence the continuous efforts.
• Clement Nwoji, a commentator on national issues, is based in Abuja
L-R: Head of Research, Sovereign Trust Insurance, Simeon Mensah; Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigerian (CIIN) Ambassador, Akorede Johnson; Registrar/Chief Executive Officer, CIIN, Mrs. Abimbola Tiamiyu; Managing Director, Consolidated Hallmark Insurance, Mrs. Mary Adeyanju; former HoD, Department of Insurance, LASU, Dr. Olufemi Abass; Chief Distribution Officer, AXA Mansard Insurance Plc, Jumoke Odulami; and representative of managing director, Sovereign Trust Insurance, Dayo Amusa, during the Ambassadors Project on Insurance Awareness organised by the CIIN in Lagos in collaboration with Lagos State University… recently
L-R: Chairman, Reach4Christ Initiative Steering Committee, Lagos State, Pastor Bayo Olugbemi; Chairman, Local Organising Committee, Light Up Lagos, Pastor Dele Jaiyeoba; Pastor-in-charge of RCCG Continent 3 and Middle East, Johnson Funsho Odesola; Vice Chairman, Reach4Christ Central Working Committee, Pastor Emmanuel Emefienim; and RCCG International Music Director, Pastor Kunle Ajayi, during a press conference on ‘Light Up Lagos’ in celebration of the RCCG General Overseer, Pastor E. A Adeboye’s
L-R: Member of the League of Airports and Aviation Correspondents (LAAC), Mrs. Nosa Aituamhen; mother of the bride, Mrs. Queen Eguaye; groom, Mr. Isaac Onome Kaizer; his bride, Eunice Ese Kaizer; father of the bride, Mr. Anthony Eguaye; and Chairman, LAAC, Mr. Idris Suleiman, at the wedding reception for the couple, Mr. and Mrs. Isaac Kaizer, held in Lagos… recently
after losing his mother to ovarian cancer, Stephen akintayo, the founder of Gtext Holdings, vowed never to experience poverty again. This personal tragedy ignited a relentless drive in him, one that fuels his ambitious pursuits even after his circumstances improved, writes
At just 39, Stephen Akintayo has built a reputation for himself, an enviable one for that matter. He owns one of the few real estate companies that have managed to keep a clean slate, Gtext Homes, which is a subsidiary of the conglomerate Gtext Holdings. Despite occasional attempts to tarnish his name, he has remained unscathed. Of course, such smear campaigns come with the terrain; that’s why he works with more than one legal firm with the renowned human rights lawyer Femi Falana SAN as his lead counsel.
In his office on a recent Wednesday morning, Akintayo, who hails from Ogun State but grew up in the northern part of Nigeria, explained how his company has maintained relevance in an industry where trust is such a hard currency.
“One of our biggest secrets is the transparency that we have used to run business,” he said. “Not every company keeps the media abreast of what they are doing. At Gtext, we always have something to do almost every two months. So when people see that level of transparency, they know that you are not hiding anything. I always say something: there is nothing about our business that I can’t say in public, so if you think you can blackmail us, we are way ahead.”
The tactic of blackmailing real estate developers or companies is rampant in Nigeria, mainly because the police are sometimes used to harass developers. Akintayo pointed out that issues surrounding real estate, particularly transactional issues, should be settled by the court, not the police because it is a civil case.
“It’s like that in Dubai; the police cannot do anything when it comes to real estate disputes; they will tell you to go to court.”
He also warned against sensationalising civil cases because “you are doing more damage to the system,” and corrected the wrong notion that there is so much money in the real estate sector. “A lot of those who are doing it right have been struggling financially. We have liquidity issues in the sector. If you see anybody living flamboyantly, they’re using investors’ money.”
Building a vision for 2035
It was in 2008 that Akindtayo founded Gtext Holdings, initially known as Gilead Balm. In more than a decade, the company has evolved into a conglomerate, serving different sectors from real estate to media to education to health to agriculture and other key areas, with the vision to improve sustainable and healthy lifestyles for billions of people around the globe. As its real estate subsidiary celebrates its 10th anniversary in October, Akintayo has set an ambitious 2035 vision, which includes building 25,000 green and smart homes, as well as 200 estate locations. There are also plans to expand its real estate business in the US with four more locations. Recently, the company announced digital platforms for its Gtext Homes and Gtext Lands for easy transactions and other improved services.
Akintayo’s go-getter outlook can be traced to his humble beginnings. He recounted his younger days, which were full of hardship, particularly the death of his mother.
“There’s a bit of an accident that drives what I do. The accident there is the death of my mother. It puts me in a different mental frame. She died of ovarian cancer because we didn’t detect it on time. We didn’t have the money to go for a checkup. She had five children and was the breadwinner. The day we were to bury her, I went to retrieve her corpse, and they gave me a death certificate and the receipt… because after a while, her stomach was like that of a nine-month pregnant woman.
“And so her colleagues at work, which is why we try to create a very healthy work environment. Gtext runs like a family because
I saw the impact of my mother’s colleagues. When they saw her emaciating, they all cried and decided to use their money to save her. They took her to a private hospital where the diagnosis showed that she had ovarian cancer. They did surgery but the cancer had spread. They told us we should expect her to die. Of course, I was angry. I saw the doctor as a devil and that there was nothing God could not do, but she eventually died.
“But to see that the entire cost of her medical care was N800,000 got me mad. Assuming I had that amount, at least we could have bought time for her to stay longer. She would have time to say goodbye. She died at a very sensitive time because, after her death, we went to my older brother’s wedding. She didn’t see any of that. It was at that point that I decided that anything legal that would give me money, I would do. I don’t care what anybody says. So that sent me on an adrenaline that I’ve not recovered from, even when things got better.”
Real Estate is Everything Through real estate, Akintayo is changing mindsets. For instance, he has decided to honour influential leaders in the country by
naming streets after them, starting with the founder of Coscharis Group, Cosmas Maduka. One of the streets in his Jasper Estate in Ibeju, Lekki, will be named after him, with an unveiling scheduled for March. Also, recently, he veered into filmmaking, which, according to him, would lead to his company developing themed parks and other infrastructure that would benefit the film industry.
“Real estate is everything,” he said, “Where we are now may be a commercial office, but it’s real estate, so also are hospitals, cinemas, malls, schools, and churches. So everything we do is real estate. So for us as Gtext, we kept it under wraps for a while, but we need to start opening up that we’re a 360-degree company. Every of these value chains we are touching — we’re going to have a school, more retail, cinemas, theme parks, golf courses, hotels, everything.”
“We’re just at the beginning,” he continued. “When I tell people we are beginning to grow, they think I’m trying to be modest, but it’s just the honest truth based on what we have in the pipeline. We are going to touch every single sector, including media, but we are moving gradually because we are
building a transnational business, not a one-man business.”
Most of Akintayo’s employees are younger people. His MDs are mostly younger people while the GMs are older. His formula is to pair both young and old generations to have a more diverse team. Moreover, Akintayo revealed that he is keen on rewarding loyalty. So those who joined the company as a younger person, and have endured harsh times are not relegated because there is a younger person that could fit the role. He, however, emphasised mutual respect for one another, irrespective of one’s age or role.
The businessman equally believes in empowering young people to help them run businesses, following the path of other influential leaders like Tony Elumelu.
“We are hoping that in the next 10 years, we will birth solid entities who have their own identity. Nobody would even care about me. They will just know me as the founder. But they can remember that this guy or lady has been in the system, we’ve known him or her constantly with this company for 15 years. We are aiming to build an institution.”
Chiemelie Ezeobi
In a defining moment for African storytelling and technological innovation, Makemation—Africa’s first feature film on the power of digital skills, data science, and artificial intelligence (AI)—is taking the world by storm.
Directed by Toyosi Akerele-Ogunsiji, the film captures the inspiring stories of young Africans leveraging cutting-edge technology to solve real-world problems across the continent.
For her, Makemation is more than just a film, but a bold statement about Africa’s place in the global digital economy as it showcases how young innovators are using AI-powered healthcare solutions, predictive analytics in agriculture, and digital finance tools to bridge critical gaps in development.
From Africa to the World as Makemation Goes Global
Makemation made history when it was screened at the 2024 Global Artificial Intelligence Summit in Saudi Arabia, a platform where world leaders in AI and
digital policy convened to shape the future of technology. The selection of an African film for such a prestigious event underscored the growing recognition of the continent’s role in global innovation.
Building on this momentum, the film is now set for a theatrical release in Nigeria and 20 other countries in April 2025, expanding its reach to audiences eager to witness Africa’s digital transformation firsthand.
The Vision Behind Makemation
At the heart of this cinematic revolution is Toyosi Akerele-Ogunsiji, a media entrepreneur, policy advisor, and advocate for youth development.
Through Makemation, she not only highlights Africa’s tech-driven success stories but also calls for greater investment in digital skills for the continent’s youth.
“Makemation is a story about possibility,” Akerele-Ogunsiji explains.
“It shows what happens when young Africans are given the tools and op -
portunities to innovate. This is not a futuristic vision—this is happening now, and the world needs to see it.”
With a mix of real-life case studies, dramatized storytelling, and expert insights, Makemation presents an authentic and compelling picture of Africa’s digital evolution.
Diplomatic Endorsement
The global recognition of Makemation has also drawn the attention of the United States, a key supporter of Africa’s technological advancement. In a move that highlights the intersection of cultural diplomacy and tech-driven development, U.S. Consul General William B. Stevens, last year hosted a private screening of the film, acknowledging its role in shaping the narrative around Africa’s digital future.
By showcasing Makemation to an exclusive audience, Consul General Stevens reinforced the U.S. government’s commitment to supporting Africa’s young innovators. The screening not only celebrated African ingenuity but
also opened doors for deeper collaboration between African tech leaders and their American counterparts in areas such as AI development, digital inclusion, and data-driven solutions.
Beyond being a cinematic achievement, Makemation is a call to action. It urges governments, private sector players, and educational institutions to invest in digital literacy and technology infrastructure. The film advocates for policies that empower young people with the skills needed to compete in a rapidly evolving digital world.
As the countdown begins to its theatrical release in April 2025, anticipation is high for Makemation as a movement that challenges outdated narratives about Africa, showcases the continent’s digital pioneers, and inspires a new generation to see technology as a tool for transformation. With global attention now focused on Africa’s digital future, Makemation is expectedly championing the way to Africa’s tech revolution.
Precious Ugwuzor
In a significant effort to support education and youth empowerment, Tonye Patrick Cole, mni, Politician and Co-Founder of Sahara Energy, and Hon. Mohammed Bello El-Rufai, Member representing Kaduna North Federal Constituency and Chairman, House Committee on Banking Regulations, have fully funded a N5 million scholarship for students of the University of Abuja.
The announcement was made during the Future
Leaders Forum, a thought leadership event themed “Leadership Pathways for Nigerian Youth.”
The Tonye Cole Scholarship Fund has been fully disbursed, with Hon. Mohammed Bello El-Rufai contributing N2.5 million, administered through an ad hoc committee comprising his aides and representatives from the Student Union Government (SUG).
Tonye Cole has matched this contribution with an additional N2.5 million, bringing the total fund to N5 million. Speak -
ing on the initiative, Hon. Mohammed Bello El-Rufai stated: “This pledge was inspired by my engagement with students at the Future Leaders Forum, a platform designed to mentor the next generation of Nigerian leaders.
“The first phase of the fund has been disbursed, and we are collaborating with the university authorities to ensure a fair and transparent selection process.
“This initiative is also a milestone in crossregional partnership,
as it marks our first collaboration with a Southern Nigerian leader—Tonye Cole—in providing scholarship support for students.”
The Tonye Cole Scholarship Fund will cover tuition fees for selected students, easing their financial burden during challenging economic times.
The selection process will be overseen by an ad hoc committee comprising representatives from Tonye Cole’s team, Hon. El-Rufai’s team, and the University of Abuja Student Union.
The Future Leaders Forum, an initiative of Tonye Cole, was hosted by SWA Global to equip young Nigerians with leadership skills, foster national unity, and strengthen the connection between governance, business, and civic engagement.
This scholarship initiative highlights the transformative power of collaboration in tackling Nigeria’s educational challenges and plans are underway to host future editions in different regions across the country.
SWA Global is a leading consultancy agency specialising in brand development, strategic communication, and innovation.
As a team of creators, strategists, and visionaries, SWA Global works closely with clients to uncover their unique stories, ensuring their brands leave a lasting impact. Their expertise spans from startups to established enterprises, driving success through compelling branding and engagement strategies.
Vincent
reenergising
The pleasant vibe of a huge Nigerian blue economy potential had been rising in popularity before the arrival of a full-fledged marine and blue economy ministry. Administration after administration touted sundry ideas on how to unfurl the latent capacity. They looked forward to a Nigerian maritime locale that would develop into a regional hub sought after by investors beyond the continent’s shores.
But it was President Bola Tinubu who took the bull by the horns, making a bold move towards a moment of fulfilment that had remained deferred for ages. He established the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, capturing the vision of a bubbly maritime economy under a formal institution with the specific mandate of driving its fulfilment.
The new fervour comes at a time when the Nigerian economy is in dire need of unplugging from a debilitating fate of near total dependence on oil rents.
Maritime presents a historically germane alternative, ultimately, a good way to turn from oil.
So, when the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) birthed the modular floating dock project, it was welcomed as a strategic investment primed to be the nucleus of a buoyant maritime economy. The floating dock came with the promise of driving the making of a thriving maritime destination.
The NIMASA floating dock, a national asset with the capacity to handle vessels up to 10, 000 metric tons, was purposed to operate under a Public Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement.
The benefits of the project are legion.
The floating dock will enable vessel owners dry-dock vessels domestically, thereby conserving foreign exchange and boosting indigenous capacity through ship ownership, construction, repair, manning, and other maritime essentials.
Other benefits include creation of job opportunities, provision of training opportunities for maritime students, and boosting maritime trade.
But the floating dock has faced deployment delays. Yet, it remains a veritable springboard for the actualisation of Tinubu’s blue
economy desires. It is a good ground for the administration to take its first step towards building the robust marine economy that Nigeria needs.
Last year, upon his appointment as Director-General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola assured his compatriots that the agency had renewed efforts to deploy the modular floating dock. Mobereola declared that the facility would surely be put into use.
He stated, “We are going to put the modular floating dock to very good use so that once it’s in operation, it will benefit the economy, seafarers, and NIMASA itself.
“We need to place the modular floating dock in an appropriate location. It is just a matter of time; we will soon get that done.”
Operation of the dock would require huge funding, and NIMASA may not be able to go it alone. Most African countries do not have floating docks due to the high cost in terms of acquisition and specialised infrastructure required for the operation.
Among the handful of countries in the continent that currently have floating docks, South Africa is said to lead, now followed
by Nigeria, with the N50 billion modular floating dock. Which makes investment of funds and political will into the operation of the modular floating dock worthwhile.
The NIMASA modular floating dock is a new technology, called modular because it comes with segments. There are only two of such in Africa. Nigeria is the second country in the continent, after South Africa, to have that type of floating dock.
The West African country of Ghana has pursued its floating dock ambition with funding support from the African Development Bank (AfDB).
Last year, Ghana sealed a $94 million syndicated loan agreement with financiers for a new ship repair dock, securing the $137 million capital required for the project located in the country’s western port of Takoradi. The consortium of financiers included AfDB, African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), East and Southern African Trade and Development Bank, and Petra Pension Schemes.
Executive Vice President, Intra-African Trade and Export Development Bank, Afreximbank, Kanayo Awani, said regarding the Ghana floating dock project, “The strategic location of this facility will provide ship-owners whose vessels trade within the Gulf of Guinea with world-class repair and maintenance services.”
Awani added that the financiers were confident that the facility “will enhance intraAfrican trade and foster regional economic growth and integration. By providing services that would have otherwise been lost to foreign shipyard repair facilities, the interventions… will retain much-needed foreign currency within the continent.”
With more than 70 per cent of cargo imported into West and Central Africa destined for Nigeria, and the country controlling a remarkable stretch of the Atlantic Ocean, Nigeria is certainly well positioned to reap impressively from not only the deployment and operation of the modular floating dock, but also expansion of the project.
The country can seek funding support from domestic and foreign entities.
NIMASA has secured the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) Continental Shipyard for the floating dock, and it has gotten the necessary approvals from the Federal Ministry of Transportation and the Infrastructure
Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), which regulates PPP arrangements, for the engagement of managing partners.
After several missed deadlines on deployment and operation, since arrival of the floating dock in Nigeria in 2018, confidence in the project among industry stakeholders, currently, may not be particularly high. Some are recoiling at the seeming inertia of an economic springboard.
The current situation has elicited cries of frustration.
But with the renewed effort by Mobereola, there is optimism growing around the modular floating dock project.
The floating dock can initiate the momentum Tinubu needs to launch his administration’s marine and blue economy strategy.
Mobereola has shown much talent for delivering results in public office. He has occupied various leadership roles in Lagos State, such as Managing Director of Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) (2003-2015) and Commissioner for Transportation (2015-2016).
Mobereola was Deputy Managing Director and Project Development Director at AFM Consulting Plc, London, and a Senior Economist at British Petroleum Shipping Limited, London.
He holds an MSc and a Ph.D in Transport Economics from the University of Wales, United Kingdom, and is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Transport, both in Nigeria and England.
He has exposure in the areas of social development and welfare, maritime safety and security management, and maritime piracy and transnational criminal activities from work and study.
Coupled with his extensive expertise, he has proven to be darn good at innovative leadership, and giving people reason to hope.
Mobereola has under his belt ample skills in transportation, business and strategic planning, operations management, consulting, and negotiation. These will come in handy as he navigates, under the guardian of Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, the path to deployment and operation of the NIMASA modular floating dock. The future of Nigeria’s marine economy has a lot riding on the successful operation of this floating dock.
Edited by nseobonG okon-ekonG |
Davidson Abraham may have found a way to sustainable betting by redefining the bettor’s journey; shifting the narrative from high-risk gambling to strategic and responsible betting. In simple terms, they would place their bets as usual, and if they lose, they could receive between 30 and 50 per cent of their stake back, either as bonus funds or withdrawable balance
In an ever-evolving betting landscape, innovation could play a key role in engaging bettors and ensuring long-term industry growth. Insured Bets is a concept that could revolutionise the betting experience by providing a safety net for bettors while potentially increasing customer loyalty and engagement. The betting industry has always been driven by risk and reward, and while this dynamic keeps the excitement alive, it also means that bettors face the possibility of losing everything they wager. Insured Bets could change this by introducing a new model where players receive a portion of their stake back even when they lose, making betting more sustainable and appealing to a broader audience.
Insured Bets is a conceptualised initiative that could operate under a single-tier membership called Premium. The idea is that bettors would receive 30 to 50 per cent of their stake back when they lose, offering a more secure and enticing betting experience. If implemented, this could help mitigate the risk of total loss, allowing bettors to stay engaged longer while betting platforms retain more active users. This initiative would not only attract more casual players who might otherwise avoid betting due to high risks but also encourage existing bettors to place wagers with greater confidence, knowing that they have a cushion in case of losses. Over time, this could foster a stronger sense of trust between bettors and platforms, ultimately benefiting both parties.
Premium could function as a membership programme offering exclusive benefits to serious bettors. For a fixed monthly or yearly fee, members could gain access to Insured Bets, ensuring they never leave the game empty-handed. This has the potential to enhance user confidence, encourage higher betting volumes, and drive revenue growth for betting companies. Beyond the cashback
incentive, Premium membership could offer additional features such as exclusive promotions, priority withdrawals, and boosted odds, further elevating the betting experience. Introducing a subscription-based model within betting platforms could create a new and consistent revenue stream, reducing the industry’s dependence on unpredictable wagering patterns. This stability could allow betting companies to reinvest in better odds, improved platform experiences, and responsible gaming initiatives.
For betting companies, the benefits of implementing Insured Bets could be significant. Offering a safety net could increase user retention, as bettors would
Nseobong Okon-Ekong writes that the adrenalinepumping excitement in sports betting does not necessarily translate to income; rather, the more even-paced play at the casinos may be where the money resides
At a stimulating lottery industry engagement of stakeholders by the rested National Lottery Regulatory Commission (NLRC), there was a bit of a debate on why the regulator demanded more financial commitment from casino operators than sports betting companies. Speaking from an informed position of one who sees all the transactions, the operator revealed that casinos make more money than sports betting operators.
What many may not have taken cognizance of is that while sports betting is largely seasonal, thus featuring periods of high and low tide income, casinos enjoy a steady flow of income from an enduring engagement that can only be determined by the player.
Sports betting companies have since overcome that obstacle by generating virtual games that may be played on and off-season. However, the
be more likely to continue placing wagers instead of withdrawing completely after a string of losses. The perception of reduced risk might lead to more frequent betting activity, thereby increasing overall transaction volumes. Additionally, the Premium membership model could generate a steady revenue flow independent of betting outcomes, giving companies financial predictability. Introducing Insured Bets could also help platforms stand out in a competitive market, attracting new users and strengthening their brand identity as customerfocused and innovative. As betting regulations evolve, companies prioritising responsible gaming and user satisfaction may find themselves in a
surrounding entertainment factors make casinos far more compelling to players. Sophistication in tools and players’ character has led to a huge migration of players to online platforms, whether as sports betting bettors or casino players. There is now a convergence of interests in the virtual space.
An analysis of prevailing gaming trends by Glimpse shows that online gambling is an industry that’s prone to explosive growth. Smaller companies operate at the periphery of the law and grow fast enough to get unfriendly attention from regulators. Even large companies are vulnerable when the rules change. This constant churn means that there is always room for new sites to arise. Novibet, a Greek gaming site rapidly growing in popularity, showcases these trends.
Online gambling, compared to the real-world variety, offers fewer opportunities for some kinds of cheating and advantage play; card-counting doesn’t work when shuffling is no longer imperfect, for example. The low overhead from online casinos means they can offer higher payouts and sign-up bonuses. A real-world casino has a near zero “bounce rate”: almost everyone who shows up will bet on something. Websites in high-monetization verticals have to pay up for traffic, and they use sign-up bonuses and favourable odds to keep their bounce rate low.
Meanwhile, the low cost of software relative to hardware means that they can rapidly extend gambling to new kinds of bets. On Novibet, gamblers can wager on casino games and sports games, but they can also place bets on the outcome of reality TV shows. For example, search interest in Novibet doubled during the three-month run of Big Brother’s 13th season. Flexible gambling sites can take advantage of the dynamics of TV: when sports aren’t available, reality TV is an affordable source of live entertainment.
Online gambling relies on trusted payment networks, and the cost of payments is often a significant component of their cost structure. Gambling, like adult content, is a high-risk payment category where chargebacks are more common, and the incidence of fraud is high, so the cost of processing payments is higher than for other kinds of commerce. For sites like Onlyfans, the payment processing fee is almost double Stripe’s standard rate. As payment companies get more comfortable with gambling, the number of payment options has risen, which acts as an implicit subsidy to the industry.
stronger position to navigate legal and industry challenges.
For bettors, Insured Bets could mean a more balanced and enjoyable experience. Risk mitigation is a major concern in gambling, and knowing that a portion of their stake could be returned may provide them with greater confidence to place bets without the fear of complete loss. This model could create a sense of fairness, making betting feel less like a high-stakes gamble and more like an engaging form of entertainment. The additional benefits of a Premium membership, such as exclusive promotions and tailored betting experiences, would further enhance their engagement. Over time, Insured Bets could redefine the bettor’s journey, shifting the narrative from high-risk gambling to strategic and responsible betting.
The potential structure of Insured Bets could be straightforward. Bettors would subscribe to Premium for a fixed monthly or yearly fee, granting them access to insured wagers. They would place their bets as usual, and if they lose, they could receive 30 to 50 per cent of their stake back, either as bonus funds or withdrawable balance. This process could repeat, allowing them to stay engaged and continue betting with a more sustainable approach. While the details and technicalities of implementation would require further exploration, the core idea remains: to introduce a model that balances risk and reward more equitably.
Insured Bets and Premium are currently conceptual ideas that could shape the future of responsible, engaging, and sustainable betting. If adopted, they might help betting companies differentiate themselves while providing bettors with a more secure and enjoyable experience. By fostering a system where bettors feel valued and protected, the industry could see significant long-term benefits, including increased trust, higher engagement, and a more responsible approach to betting. I invite industry leaders to explore the potential of Insured Bets and consider how they could be integrated into their platforms. Let’s discuss the possibilities of reshaping the betting experience.
The leadership of Nigeria’s National Single Window (NSW) project met with top officials of APM Terminals Nigeria in Apapa, Lagos, on Wednesday to gain insights into the port environment and secure the leading terminal operator’s support for the smooth rollout of the NSW project.
The National Single Window is a federal government initiative aimed at creating a centralized electronic trade platform designed to streamline trade processes for importers and exporters by integrating and harmonizing data from multiple government agencies through a single portal. The project seeks to streamline trade processes, reduce bureaucracy, and improve efficiency by consolidating data and documentation from various agencies into one system.
During the meeting, CEO of APM Terminals Nigeria, Frederik Klinke, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to facilitating trade at the port and supporting the NSW initiative.
“At APM Terminals, we recognize the importance of digitalization and efficiency in global trade. The National Single Window is a transformative initiative that will not only simplify the trade process but also enhance transparency and reduce bottlenecks in cargo clearance. We are ready to collaborate with the government and relevant stakeholders to ensure its success, leveraging our expertise and technological infrastructure to facilitate a seamless transition,” Klinke said. He further said that the National Single Window is “a key enabling factor for additional investment into the Nigerian port sector and goes closely in hand with APM Terminals’ proposed investments in the Lagos Port.”
Also speaking at the meeting, Head of Government Relations at APM Terminals Apapa, Olayinka Akinlade, highlighted the company’s advanced automation processes and digitalized customer interface.
“APM Terminals has invested significantly in automation to
improve efficiency and customer experience. Our operations are fully digitalized, giving customers the liberty to track shipments, make payments, and process their Terminal Delivery Order through an integrated online platform. By aligning with the NSW initiative, we can further streamline these processes, reduce physical interactions, and enhance the overall ease of doing business at the port,” Akinlade stated.
Director of the National Single Window, Tola Fakolade, expressed appreciation for APM Terminals’ openness and willingness to collaborate. He noted that the NSW team, inaugurated last year, is committed to simplifying trade facilitation processes and learning from past challenges to ensure the project’s success.
He said previous attempts to implement the National Single Window failed due to challenges ranging from fragmented technological systems, institutional bottlenecks, and inadequate technological infrastructure of some of the agencies.
Emmanuel Ugwu-Nwogo in Umuahia
Abia State is unrelenting in its efforts to achieve its target of generating N120 billion in internally-generated revenue (IGR) this year and is relying on technology to enhance a favourable outcome.
To this end, the government has through the State Internal Revenue Service(AIRS), deployed WHT-P, a payment platform for the seamless collection of withholding tax with staffs of the agency trained on its operation.
Abia Governor, Alex Otti
had in the 2025 fiscal policy gave IGR estimate of N100.6 billion but it was later reversed and jerked to N120 billion apparently in response to more windows of revenue collections and enabling technologies.
Speaking on the capabilities of the WHT platform now in use by AIRS, the Appmart Chief Technical Officer(CTO), Chief Anthony Umejiofor, said that the platform was aimed at improving tax compliance.
According to him, the withholding tax payers can register online at wht.abia.tax and validate their Abia State Social Identity Number(ABSSIN),
upload and review their WHT schedule, and make secure payments at any bank.
The Executive Chairman of AIRS, Professor Udochukwu Ogbonna corroborated the Appmart CTO on the effectiveness of WHT. He said that it was essentially created to trace the Withholding Tax payers, give them their full tax assessment to ensure they pay the appropriate tax.
‘What we did today was to create this platform so that all the Withholding Taxes paid are monitored by the AIRS to ensure that the full tax is paid and collected,” he said.
In a move to enhance financial inclusion and support small businesses, Accion Microfinance Bank has partnered with the Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN) to promote accessible and innovative financial solutions, with a special focus on empowering women entrepreneurs.
This initiative was announced during the bank’s first Customer Forum for the year 2025, which held virtually under the theme, “Unlocking Opportunities for Growth,” garnered the participation of Accion MfB’s Managing Director and CEO, Taiwo Joda; DBN’s Chief Operating Officer,
Bonaventure Okhaimo; Accion MfB’s Chief Commercial Officer, Stephen Olalere; and Chief Digital Officer, Paul Ehiagbonare.
Joda announced a new loan initiative developed in partnership with DBN, exclusively designed for women entrepreneurs. This new product, Joda said, reinforces the bank’s commitment to gender-focused financial inclusion.
Joda said, “This initiative marks a significant milestone in our loan offerings, ensuring that women have the financial resources needed to grow their businesses and thrive. With these enhancements, we are providing customers with a more efficient
and secure digital banking experience.”
On his part, Okhaimo, while speaking at the forum emphasized the importance of leveraging financial technology to drive business scalability. “We must find ways to harness these platforms to support MSMEs, enabling them to grow sustainably while contributing to the broader economy.”
Meanwhile, Acting Head of Marketing Communications at Accion MfB, Anita Oguni, expressed the bank’s commitment to supporting businesses, entrepreneurs, and individuals through tailored financial solutions.
The Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria, CITN, has reiterated active involvement of tax professionals in successful Implementation of the Economic Stabilisation Bill awaiting passage at the National Assembly.
The bills, once enacted, are expected to stabilise Nigeria’s economy and lay the groundwork for long-term inclusive growth.
President of CITN, Samuel Agbeluyi noted in particular that the progress of bill’s section requiring the establishment of tax agents to interface between tax payers and revenue authorities,
will rely heavily on level of commitment and expertise displayed by members.
Agbeluyi while speaking at the institute’s practicing licence certificate presentation ceremony in Lagos, recently, also reminded the newly certified members on the tasks ahead, urging them to maintain exemplary ethical standard in discharge of their duties.
He said, “All of you are critical to the implementation of this reform and the achievement of its objectives when implemented, rely heavily on the efficiency and professionalism you demonstrate “CITN being the sole body
chartered by Laws of the Federation of Nigeria to regulate the practice of taxation in Nigeria, will not compromise ethics, professionalism and continuous learning. We are firmly committed to ensuring that taxation remains a specialised and regulated profession, ensuring that only individuals with the required expertise and certification are authorized to practice”.
Also admonishing the practitioners, Managing Partner, BBC Professionals, James Obogwu emphasized need for licensed practitioners to structure their business in line with core principles of corporate governance.
Kayode Tokede
The Nigerian equities market yesterday bowed to investors’ profit-taking with a decline of 0.04 per cent, as the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in its first meeting in 2025 retained benchmark rates. At the end of the 299th MPC meeting held on February 19 and 20, 2025, the committee voted to hold the MPR at 27.5 per cent; retain the asymmetric
corridor at +500/-100 around the MPR; retain the CRR of Deposit Money banks at 50 per cent; retain the CRR of Merchant Banks at 16 per cent; and hold the liquidity ratio constant at 30.00 per cent.
The Nigerian Exchange Limited All-Share Index (NGX ASI) fell by 41.01 points, 0r 0.04 per cent to close at 108,568.50 basis points with the Monthto-Date and Year-to-Date returns settled at 3.9per cent and +5.5per ccent, respectively.
Accordingly, investors lost N25 billion in value as market capitalisation declined to N67.659 trillion. Sectoral performance was mixed as the NGX Oil & Gas Index dropped by one per cent and NGX Banking fell by 0.7per cent, while the NGX Consumer Goods Index advanced by 0.7per cent and NGX Insurance gained 0.1per cent. The NGX Industrial Goods index remained unchanged. Investor sentiment, as
measured by market breadth closed negative as 32 stocks advanced, while 24 declined. Abbey Mortgage Bank emerged the highest price gainer of 10 per cent to close at N3.41, per share. University Press followed with a gain of 9.78 per cent to close at N5.05, while Sovereign Trust Insurance advanced by 9.57 per cent to close at N1.26, per share. Regency Alliance Insurance increased by 7.58 per cent to close at 71 kobo, while The Initiates Plc added 7.23 per
cent to close at N4.30, per share. On the other side, Union Dicon Salt led others on the losers’ chart with 9.77 per cent to close at N6.00, per share. Deap Capital Management and Trust followed with 7.07 per cent to close at 92 kobo, while CWG lost 5.75 per cent to close at N8.20, per share.
Ikeja Hotels depreciated by 5.56 per cent to close at N11.90, while Tantalizers declined by 4.88 per cent to close at N1.95, per share.
The total volume of trades increased by 22.56 per cent to 421.256 million units, valued at N8.425 billion, and exchanged in 13,269 deals. Transactions in the shares of Ellah Lakes led the activity with 136.677 million shares worth N440.157 million. Zenith Bank followed with account of 22.979 million shares valued at N1.150 billion, while Guaranty Trust Holding Company (GTCO) traded 20.832 million shares valued at N1.307 million.
A Mutual fund (Unit Trust) is an investment vehicle managed by a SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission) registered Fund Manager. Investors with similar objectives buy units of the Fund so that the Fund Manager can buy securities that willl generate their desired return.
An ETF (Exchange Traded Fund) is a type of fund which owns the assets (shares of stock, bonds, oil futures, gold bars, foreign currency, etc.) and divides ownership of those assets into shares. Investors can buy these ‘shares’ on the
floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange.
A REIT (Real Estate Investment Trust) is an investment vehicle that allows both small and large investors to part-own real estate ventures (eg. Offices, Houses, Hospitals) in proportion to their investments. The assets are divided into shares that are traded on the Nigerian Stock Exchange.
GUIDE TO DATA:
Date: All fund prices are quoted in Naira as at 19 February-2025, unless otherwise stated.
L-R: Managing Director of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL), Chief Keston Pondi, receiving a plaque from the Commandant-General of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps
Abubakar Audi, during a visit to Tantita Headquarters in Warri yesterday.
Senate chides Benue Assembly for CJ, suspension of opposing lawmakers Defiant state assembly insists removal in order
Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja and George Okoh in Makurdi
The Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) has condemned the recent removal of the Chief Judge of Benue State, Justice Maurice Ikpambeae, for allegedly inciting the ongoing strike by judiciary workers in the state.
A statement signed by national president of JUSUN, Marwan Mustapha Adamu, described the action of the Benue State House of Assembly as a direct attack on judicial
independence and an affront to the rule of law.
But in related pushback, the Senate yesterday described as unacceptable, the decision of the Benue State House to remove the State's Chief Judge, Justice Maurice Ikpambese, holding that the Benue lawmakers carried out the action “without having recourse to the tenets of the law.”
Meanwhile, in another related development, a defiant leadership of the Benue State House of Assembly has insisted that the removal of the
State Chief Judge, Justice Maurice Ikpambese, was in line with the House’ standing rules despite an order from the National Judicial Council (NJC) that the removal of the Judge be reverted till an investigation on the allegation against the Chief Judge is carried out.
According to a statement signed by national president of JUSUN, "It is on record that the Chief Judge of Benue State is not a member of JUSUN and cannot incite an action he is not part of.
"This action by the Benue State House of Assembly is a direct attack on judicial independence and an affront to the rule of law," it said.
JUSUN said that judiciary is an essential pillar of democracy, and that any attempt to intimidate, coerce, or remove judicial officers for performing their duties is unacceptable.
It further stated: "The allegation that the Chief Judge is inciting a strike appears to be a deliberate ploy to silence the judiciary and undermine its role in upholding justice.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) yesterday arraigned 20 foreign nationals before Justice Musa Kakaki of the Federal High Court in Lagos for alleged involvement in cybercrime and attempts to destabilize Nigeria’s social and economic structure.
The defendants include 15 Filipinos, one Indonesian, and four Chinese nationals.
Some of the defendants are
Kayceelyn Remorin, Jonylyn Agulto, Donny Hermanto, Guo Bin, Darwa Esmael, Lari Jane Tayac, Jhena Samiento, Jessa Sai Chui, Rain Torida, Kimbaley Nisperos, Winnie De Jesus, Shairah May Reyes, Gladys Joy May Iba, Jean Calaga, Huo Wen Jie, Zhao Sui Tao, Gong An Penguna Yua, and Anjeannet Topacio, among others.
When the case was called, prosecution counsel N.K. Ukoha requested that the charges be read so the defendants could enter their pleas.
After the charges were read, all the defendants pleaded not guilty to the allegations.
Ukoha also requested that a plea of not guilty be entered for Genting International C.O. Limited, a corporate entity linked to the charges.
Since the company was not represented in court, Ukoha emphasized this as required by the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA).
The prosecution further requested the court to remand the defendants in the custody of the Nigerian Cor-
ActionAid Nigeria (AAN) has said there is an urgent need to address deepening inequalities driven by economic mismanagement, poor public service provisioning, and the escalating climate crisis in the country.
In a message to commemorate the 2025 World Day of Social Justice under the theme - "Strengthening a Just Transition for a Sustainable Future" - AAN lamented that rising living costs, underfunded gender-responsive public services, and worsening food insecurity continue to push more Nigerians into poverty, noting that these highlight the urgent need for systemic reforms that prioritise climate justice and social equity.
Speaking in Abuja, the Country Director of ActionAid Nigeria, Andrew Mamedu, emphasised that economic
growth must translate into tangible benefits for Nigerians.
He noted that: “The Nigerian government recently celebrated the rebasing of the economy, but for the average citizen, the pressing question remains: how will this translate into tangible improvements in their daily lives? The reality on the ground paints a grim picture - soaring inflation at 34.6% as of December 2024, a weakened naira averaging ₦1,600/$, sluggish GDP growth at 2.9%, and a staggering public debt exceeding $50 billion, accounting for over 40% of GDP.
“Despite increasing public expenditures, essential services remain underfunded, infrastructure is deteriorating, and over 133 million Nigerians are trapped in multidimensional poverty.
“These economic challenges not
only deepen inequality but also jeopardize the future of young people and generations to come. Without deliberate investment in climate-resilient public services and improved socio-economic policies, economic growth remains a mere statistic, disconnected from citizens' daily struggles."
He further stated that climate change is exacerbating existing inequalities citing that Smallholder farmers, who produce 70% of Nigeria’s food, are facing unpredictable rainfall, prolonged droughts, and devastating floods that destroy farmlands.
Yet, support for climate-resilient agriculture remains minimal. Nigeria’s 2025 budget falls short of the African Union’s recommendation to allocate at least 10% to agriculture, failing to equip farmers with the tools to adapt to a changing climate.
rectional Service pending trial.
Defendants’ counsel, Bridget Omoteno and B.A. Ukpai, opposed the remand request.
They asked the court for a short adjournment to allow the defendants to explore the possibility of a plea bargain with the prosecution.
After considering the arguments, Justice Kakaki granted the prosecution's request and ordered that the defendants be remanded in the Nigerian Correctional Service custody until the trial.
The judge adjourned the case till March 18 and 20, 2025, for trial.
The separate two-count charges against the defendants include:
“Instead of addressing the root causes of the strike, the government has chosen to scapegoat the Chief Judge, which is a dangerous precedent for judicial officers across the country.
"We call on the relevant authorities to prevail on the Benue State House of Assembly to respect the constitutional provisions that guarantee the independence of the judiciary. The removal of a Chief Judge should follow due process, not political interference or executive high-handedness.
"Furthermore, we urge all stakeholders, including the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), civil society organizations, and the general public, to stand against this abuse of power.
“If such actions are allowed to stand, it will erode public confidence in the judiciary and weaken our democracy".
Meanwhile, the Senate has mandated its Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters, to monitor compliance to directive already issued by the National Judicial Council directing the reinstatement of the CJ.
The resolutions of the red chamber followed its consideration and adoption of a motion titled: “Looming constitutional crises in Benue State stemming from purported removal of Chief Judge of Benue State: Urgent need for Senate Intervention.”
The motion was sponsored by Senator Abba Moro and co-sponsored by Senators Emmanuel Udende and Titus Zam.
Moro in his lead debate said the
Senate has noted that the National Assembly amongst other things, has the responsibility as the highest lawmaking body in Nigeria to protect and preserve the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to ensure compliance, prevent violations “ensuring that the Constitution remains the supreme law of the land.”
He stated that there is a looming constitutional crisis currently in Benue state and that if not nipped in the bud, “may spring to become a great threat to the democracy and the rule of the entire country.”
He said: “The said crisis stems from the purported removal of Justice Maurice Ikpambese, the Chief Judge of Benue State by the State House of Assembly without having recourse to the tenets of the law.” He noted that the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) states “explicitly in Sections 153 and 271 that the National Judicial Council (NJC) is the only body that authorizes the appointment and removal of State Chief“AndJudges. the constitution in the said sections go further to state the procedures for appointment and removal of State Chief Judges and anything outside the provisions of the Constitution is a direct affront to the Constitution and a danger to our democracy.”
He said that Section 292(1)(a) of the Constitution expressly provides “for the step-by-step procedure for the removal of State Chief Judges.
Sunday Aborisade in Abuja
The Barau Initiative for Agricultural Revolution in the North West (BIARN), an initiative of the Deputy President of the Senate, Jibrin Barau, yesterday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Bank of Agriculture (BOA) to enhance food security by creating a new generation of young farmers.
The partnership, according to a statement by his Media Adviser, Ismail Mudashir, aims to empower 558 young and mid-level farmers in the northwest region with N5m each.
The statement explained the initiative also aimed at transforming them into successful millionaires while
addressing food security, unemployment, and economic growth in the area and the entire nation.
The signing ceremony, which was held at the National Assembly, it added, was attended by Senator Barau and the BIARN team led by Professor Bashir Mohammed Fagge, the Chairman of the scheme's implementation committee, who signed on behalf of BIARN.
The BOA delegation led by Alhaji Alwan Ali Hassan, the Managing Director, signed on behalf of the Bank.
The statement read: “Under the scheme, each beneficiary will receive a loan of up to N5 million to cultivate maize or rice with high yields and proven high-profit margins.”
Speaking after the signing ceremony, Barau reiterated that the initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly in food security and youth empowerment. He also emphasised that the program will target youths, including holders of HND, bachelor's degrees, master's degrees, and PhD, who are currently unemployed.
Barau said: "First of all, let me begin by telling people in the northwest region of this country, indeed the entire Nigeria, that I decided to bring forward this initiative in line with the president's resolve to bring about food security in this country, and in line with his Renewed Hope Agenda.
L-R: Executive Commissioner, Operations, The Securities
Exchange Commission, Emomotimi Agama, and Director, Finance and Operations,
uliet Akoje in Abuja
The House of Representatives has resolved to investigate the recent allegations by a US Congressman that USAID was used to fund activities of Boko Haram and other insurgency groups in Nigeria
The House has set up a Special Committee to investigate the activities of non-governmental organisations in Nigeria, their real identities, sources of funding and what they spend their money on.
The lawmakers further urged the federal hovernment to engage with the U.S. Government through its Committee on Foreign Affairs to obtain a formal clarification on the matter and has also mandated its Committees on National Security and Intelligence, Defence, Foreign
POSITIVE MACROECONOMIC
Affairs, and Inter-Governmental Affairs to investigate the activities of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) operating in Nigeria, their identities, sources of funding, and how their funds are utilized.
These resolutions followed the adoption of a motion under urgent public importance, titled: "Motion of Urgent Public Importance on the Need to Investigate the Allegation
RETAINS MPR AT 27.50%, OTHER MONETARY TOOLS UNCHANGED the increase in oil production will enhance the contribution of the oil sector to GDP growth.
Cardoso further disclosed that the external reserves remained robust at $39.4 billion as of February 14, translating to an import cover of 9.6 months for goods and services.
In addition, he said the balance of payments had remained strong with a positive current account balance of $6.06 billion as at the end of the third quarter of 2024.
Cardoso said the naira had become more competitive, adding that rates have moderated while the differential between the official and black market has become insignificant following recent reforms.
He said measures had been taken to ensure that the FX market remained deep, open, and transparent, as well as guarantee easy entry and exit.
The CBN governor said, “There have been a series of measures, which have been taken from the outset, including, of course, wiping out the multiple exchange windows, which, quite frankly, if you recall, have cost the federal government, have cost this country an enormous amount of money. I mean, there we were in the past talking about the losses from the subsidy on PMS of between two and three per cent of GDP, while the actual losses from foreign exchange, multiple windows and subsidies, if
you like, is even more than that.
“So, our ability to close those gaps and ensure that we have a system that is more open, more transparent, our ability to take on the whole issue of diaspora remittances and IMTOs at some point in time…”
He said the several measures taken by the CBN had yielded positive outcomes.
He said, “What I will say, quite frankly, is that in measures we have taken so far in terms of orthodox monetary policies, we can see have begun to yield fruit. We can see that accretion to reserves has been consistent, and at one point in time, may I remind everybody that we achieved the highest level of reserves in the past three years at one point in time.
“We also continued to see inflation gradually beginning to decelerate. We can see that there's greater confidence in our markets, and that was something that was missing when we started this journey, and we can see that confidence is gradually returning to our markets, which shows that we are on the right course now.
“Obviously, as that happens, we are in a better position to begin the process of moderating rates because stability is very important, and if investors do not see stability, they do not come to those markets.”
Cardoso added, “So, our own objectives have been and will continue
Sylvester Idowu in Warri
The management team of Tantita Security Services Limited (TSSNL) and top hierarchy of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) moved to strengthen partnership in the fight against oil theft and other national assets.
The Commandant-General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Abubakar Ahmed Audi, visited the Tantita Security Services Limited (TSSNL) operational headquarters in Warri yesterday as part of efforts to deepen partnership with the private security outfit.
to be to achieve stability in the foreign exchange markets and the financial markets. That's our objective. And as long as that happens, we are confident that we will begin to see more investments coming in, which should spur the badly needed growth.”
CPPE applauded CBN’s decision to pause the monetary policy rates, saying it is a step in the direction.
Chief Executive Officer of the organisation, Dr. Muda Yusuf, said the decision was in line with the expectations of most financial analysts.
Yusuf said the recently rebased inflation computation by the National Bureau of Statistics showed a decline in inflation rate to 24.48 per cent, which is currently less than the MPR.
He said, “I think that it makes sense to retain the MPR, CRR and the Liquidity Ratio so that we do not further exacerbate the pressure of interest rate on businesses and citizens that have exposures to the banks.”
He also said Nigerians should now begin to see moderations on these rates going forward because it was also not appropriate to have MPR now being higher than inflation rate.
Yusuf stated, “It is tightening the noose too much on the investors in the economy.
by U.S. Congressman Scott Perry “That the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Has Allegedly Funded Boko Haram and Other International Terrorist Organizations" moved by Hon. Inuwa Garba at plenary on Thursday.
Garba expressed grave concern over Congressman Scott Perry's recent claim that USAID had been involved in funding Boko Haram and other terrorist groups operating in various countries.
He noted that Perry made the claim during the inaugural hearing of the U.S. House Subcommittee on Delivering on Government Efficiency, alleging that "$697 million (was spent) annually, plus shipments of cash funds in Madrasas, ISIS, Al-Qaeda, Boko Haram"
Garba emphasized that, given Boko Haram's dominant presence in northern
Nigeria, it is reasonable to assume that the group may have significantly benefited from this alleged funding.
"If true, this allegation raises serious national and international security concerns, particularly regarding external influences on Nigeria’s fight against insurgency and terrorism."
He further stressed that Nigeria has battled terrorism for over a decade, committing substantial resources to counterterrorism operations while seeking international cooperation and that the crisis has resulted in significant loss of lives, destruction of property, and the displacement of over one million citizens.
"Leaving the allegation uninvestigated could undermine Nigeria’s sovereignty, compromise national security efforts, and erode public confidence in the country’s fight against terrorism." Following the adoption of the motion, the House mandated its Committees on Legislative Compliance, National Security and Intelligence, Foreign Affairs, Inter-Parliamentary Relations, and Defence to ensure compliance with this resolution and report back to plenary within four weeks for further legislative action. It called on the media and the general public to remain vigilant and provide relevant information to assist security agencies in combating terrorism.
Addressing journalists after plenary session, Hon. Garba described the allegations as "deeply troubling and warranting a thorough investigation," given Nigeria’s prolonged suffering from the devastation caused by Boko Haram and other extremist groups.
The National Assembly has secured the assent of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to Bills establishing Federal University of Technology and Environmental Sciences in Iyin Ekiti, Ekiti State and Federal University of Agriculture and Development Studies in Iragbiji, Osun State. Leader of the Senate, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, revealed the decision of the president yesterday after the signing of the two legislations establishing the two universities at the State House, Abuja on Thursday. Bamidele had sponsored bills to establish Federal University of Technology and Environmental Sciences in Iyin-Ekiti Kingdom, Ekiti State and Federal University of Agriculture and Development Studies, Iragbiji, Osun State respectively in
Receiving the CommandantGeneral, the Managing Director of Tantita Security Services Limited, (TSSNL) Kestin Pondi highlighted the company’s achievements for the significant improvement in crude oil production and the restoration of aquatic life in the Niger Delta.
He said TSSNL, in conjunction with other government security agencies, have succeeded significantly in curbing oil theft and environmental degradation in its area of operations. "As of today, we have surpassed two million barrels per day in crude oil production. Our waters are now very clean and our people can fish again.
Before now, if you threw bread into the river, you would hardly see any fish eating it. But today, thanks to Tantita Security Services, the fishes are back", he said.
Pondi commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration for providing a level playing field for private security firms assisting in the fight against oil theft.
"When you give someone a job, another thing is to ensure fairness. We must appreciate the government for allowing us to operate effectively," he said.
The Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence
Corps (NSCDC), who visited Tantita headquarters, as part of his operational tour of the Niger Delta, acknowledged the company’s contributions to securing oil facilities.
"I am on a tour to assess security operations in the region and I must commend Tantita for its efforts.
"You are not the only ones securing pipelines, but you are doing well, particularly in terms of welfare. That is why we have maintained a strong collaboration.
"We will continue to work together because our ultimate goal is the same, ensuring safety and security in the oil sector," he assured.
2023 and 2024.
He had initiated with strong convictions that the two bills would bridge the knowledge gap in science, technology and innovation required for national development; promote environmental sustainability and climate action as well as enhance agricultural innovation and food security in the country.
Contingent upon their strategic national significance, the upper chamber passed the two legislative initiatives into laws and secured the concurrence of the House of Representatives, thereby informing the resolve of the president to give effect to the two legislations.
After the signing of the bills yesterday, Bamidele revealed the decision of the president, which he described as defining and significant in the quest of the president’s administration to address food insecurity and challenges associated with climate change in the country.
He therefore commended the president for approving the establishment of the two federal universities with specific mandate to address knowledge deficit in environmental technology and promote innovative research in food security and agricultural production.
Before the assent of the president yesterday, the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, had strongly recommended the establishment of Federal University of Technology and Environmental Sciences in Iyin Ekiti, Ekiti State and Federal Universities of Agriculture and Development Studies in Iragbiji, Osun State.
In a letter to the presidency on Wednesday, February 19, the education minister asked the president to approve the establishment of the two federal universities as passed by the National Assembly. With respect to the Federal University of Technology and Environmental Sciences in Iyin Ekiti, the minister said the Federal Ministry of Education “has reviewed the provisions of the bill and found that it meets all requisite guidelines and standards for the establishment of a Federal University of this nature.
"The university will specialise in technology-driven education and research, producing graduates equipped with 21st century skills in Engineering, Digital Innovation and Applied Sciences. It will drive Nigeria's industrialization by fostering homegrown technological solutions for economic growth and job creation.
"The institution will focus on environmental sciences, offering programmes that address climate change, renewable energy, waste management and sustainable urban development.
“It will serve as a research hub for developing policies and solutions that align with Nigeria's commitment to global environmental sustainability goals.”
On the Federal Universities of Agriculture and Development Studies in Iragbiji, Alausa specifically said the university would serve as a center for advanced agricultural education, research, and innovation, contributing to the country’s food security and sustainable agricultural practices.
L-R: Associate Deal Advisory, KPMG, Mirabel Semeglo; Chief Executive Officer, Maliyo Games, Mr. Hugo Obi; Partner, Technology Assurance, KPMG, Ijeoma Emezie Ezigbo; and Partner Transaction Services, KPMG, Mr. Amadi Lawrence, at the unveiling and launch of 2025 Africa Games Industry Report by KPMG, held in Lagos...recently
Iyobosa Uwugiaren in Abuja
The Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty (HRM), Omo N'Oba N'Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare ll, yesterday, took a swipeat the administration of former Godwin Obaseki, saying
hebrutalised the psyche of Edo people and underminedtraditional institutions in the state.
The Oba, who made this known in a congratulatory message signed on his behalf by the Esere of Benin kingdom, Chief S O Obamwonyi, said
the previous administration took Edo people for granted, and acted as if it had a personal vendetta against the traditional institution and the people of Edo.
Expressing satisfaction with the current administration of Senator
Monday Okpebholo, the monarch thanked the governor for correcting the anomalies of Obaseki, and bringing relief and succor to Edo people.
Reminiscing on how Obaseki “disregarded, disrespected and denigrated” the Benin traditional
institution, Oba Ewuare II noted that Obaseki used the instrumentality of his office to create a rift between the traditional institutions and the state government, disregarding traditional rulers and chiefs in the process.
"The psyche of the people of Edo
Chuks Okocha in Abuja Ambassador of the United States to Nigeria, Richard M. Mills, Jr, has refuted allegations that the United States USAID was used to fund the Boko Haram terrorist group, stating that the US government was the first to declare Boko Haram a terrorist group.
A Republican lawmaker, Perry, representing Pennsylvania, had during the inaugural hearing of the Subcommittee on Delivering on Government Efficiency in a paper titled, ‘The War on Waste: Stamping Out the Scourge
of Improper Payments and Fraud,’ alleged misappropriations of taxpayer funds, wherein, he said USAID was used to fund Boko Haram.
But Mills, after a meeting with Nigerian governors in the early hours of yesterday, refuted the allegations of using USAID to fund Boko Haram.
He said, "Can I answer the question about the Boko Haram? Let me be clear, there's no friend of Nigeria that has been stronger in its condemnation of the violence of Boko Haram and Boko Haram contempt for human life than the United States.
''We have labeled Boko Haram since 2013 a foreign terrorist organisation, a designation that was designed to block Boko Haram. from carrying out any asset transfers to United States, allows us to arrest and seize members of Boko Haram and allows us to cooperate in investigations with the Nigerian government.
''We, I can assure you, have policies and procedures in place to ensure that USAID funding, any of our assistance funding, whether it comes from USAID, the Department of Defense, the State Department, is
not diverted to a terrorist group like Boko Haram.
''There is absolutely no evidence that I have seen that has occurred, and certainly if we ever had evidence presented to us that a programme funding was being diverted to Boko Haram, we would immediately, investigate along with Nigerian partners.
''And so I just want to be clear that when it comes to Boko Haram, the United States stands with Nigeria and wanting to rid this country of the scourge that the organisation
FAGBEMI TO ADELEKE: SHELVE PLANNED COUNCIL POLLS IN THE LIGHT OF CURRENT CRISIS
“I particularly appreciate and commend our people for complying with my directives to stay away from local government secretariats. The compliance saved our state from further confrontations and casualties. It has returned the state of the living spring to its peaceful and loving nature.
“I regret to report to the good people of Osun State that the CourtSacked APC chairmen and councilors went back yesterday, Wednesday, 19th February 2025, to forcefully break into the various local government secretariats.
“I urged and directed everyone in Osun State to stay away from the Local Government Secretariats to avoid any confrontation with them. The rule of law, through the judiciary, will eventually resolve the matter peacefully. Please, let us be patient.
“Those who claim to have a court judgment that ordered their reinstatement should approach the court for the enforcement of the said order of court instead of resorting to self-help, which is illegal.
“The Nigerian judiciary has its enforcement procedure, which everyone must follow. If you have a genuine court order, follow the court enforcement protocols.
“As a government, we have read through the said judgment. We have submitted it to the best of legal minds for interpretation. There is nowhere a reinstatement order was issued. No matter the manner of misinterpretation, that judgment contains no consequential order nor any reinstatement directive.
“Most importantly, the judgment in the APP suit, which sacked the APC chairmen and Councilors, is still subsisting and alive. The appeal by APC against this judgment did not succeed at the Court of Appeal. The APC appeal was dismissed.
“If the occupying court-sacked APC chairmen and councilors chose to continue on the path of illegal selfhelp, I assure our people that the best route to resolution is the rule of law through the judiciary.
“I am committed to upholding the rule of law alongside the passionate observance of the constitution. We will allow the court to determine the correctness or otherwise of their claim. We have confidence in the democratic credentials of President Tinubu, who we know will always insist on the rule of law.
“I implore our people to continue to sustain the peace that has returned to our dear state. We need peaceful coexistence to expand our good governance delivery of the past two years. Osun state remains truly peaceful.
“Finally, I urge all registered voters to vote in the local government election of Saturday, 22nd February 2025, and to conduct themselves peacefully at all times,” the governor noted in the broadcast.
PDP Governors Back Adeleke
PDP Governors’ Forum, yesterday, took a firm stance on the ongoing local government leadership crisis in Osun State, and declared their support and loyalty to Governor
In a statement, the governors noted with deep concern the recent political violence in Osun State, which led to the loss of lives and the destruction of property.
The party, however, condemned in its entirety the resort to self-help by political players, whose conduct ought to have been guided by the provisions of extant laws in a democratic society.
The forum further noted with worry the resort to violence as a means of settling political and legal disputes and warns all those fanning the embers of discord to desist forthwith.
Chairman of the forum and Governor of Bauchi State, Senator Bala Mohammed explained that the concern of the PDPGF stemmed from the fact that Adeleke had earlier warned about the imminent breakdown of law and order and appealed to the responsible authorities to act to forestall this.
The forum commended the Osun State Governor for the timely warning in the form of statements he issued before the political actors resorted to violence, saying his action was a mark of exemplary leadership.
HURIWA to Police: Dislodge Unlawful Occupiers of Osun LG Councils Now
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA), has called on the Inspector General (IG) of Police to immediately evict some members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who forcefully took
over activities at the Local Government Councils in Osun State.
According to the rights group, the action of the APC members represented a dangerous precedent that must not be tolerated.
HURIWA made the call yesterday in Abuja, while addressing journalists on the illegal occupation of the council secretariats by the APC LG officials, who were sacked in 2022.
Its National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko,said the action of the sacked LG officials from the APC was done in blatant disregard for the rule of law, aided by the indifference of security agencies, was not only an affront to the judicial process but also a deliberate attempt to plunge the state into chaos and anarchy.
Recalling that a Federal High Court in OSU had in 2022 nullified the LG election that produced the sacked officials, HURIWA stressed that "contrary to the deliberate misinformation being peddled, the Court of Appeal did not reinstate the sacked local government officials.
"The Court of Appeal only struck out the PDP's case on technical grounds, holding that the suit was premature because no cause of action had arisen at the time of filing. This decision did not in any way invalidate the Federal High Court judgement secured by APP, which remains binding on all parties."
British Envoy Decries Insecurity in Osun
The Deputy British High Commissioner, Mr Jonny Baxter,has
represents,'' he said.
On his priorities as the United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Mills, said, ''We're going to be focusing on four key priorities over the coming years. The first is how to improve the business environment so there's more trade between the United States and Nigeria, more investment on both sides.
''Second, a new renewed focus on improving transparency accountability in this country, how to fight corruption and power. Nigerian voices that are fighting for more transparency here.
expressed deep concern over the growing insecurity in Osun State.
He stated this when he paid a courtesy visit on the Ooni of Ife, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, at his Ile Oodua Palace.
Speaking at the gathering, Baxter expressed deep concern over the deteriorating security situation in Osun State.
"I have known Osun State to be a peaceful place for the past 15 years.
Seeing and hearing about the destruction of lives and properties for political reasons is deeply condemnable," he remarked."
He further urged the Ooni, as the paramount leader of the Yoruba people, to take decisive steps to restore the peace and tranquility for which the state is known.
Emphasising the historical ties between Ile-Ife and Britain, he noted the similarities between Buckingham Palace and the House of Oduduwa. He appealed to the Ooni to strengthen this bond for the mutual growth of both cultural institutions.
"The first Governor of Western Nigeria Ooni Adesoji Aderemi was able to build a very strong institutional relationship with the Buckingham palace in London.
“This relationship was strengthened by your predecessor Ooni Okunade Sijuwade. Please, don't let the the bond break during your reign as the present Ooni of Ife and the overall king of Yoruba race," he said.
Responding on behalf of the Osun State Council Of Obas and Chiefs, the Ooni Ogunwusi condemned the violence and urged political actors
State was severely brutalised and traditional institution in the state was also undermined, insulted and almost destroyed.
"There seemed to have been a vengeance against Edo people for reasons better known to the perpetrators, which virtually took over the governance of the state before your Excellency took office," Oba Ewaure said. The revered monarch added that prior to the inauguration of Okpebholo, the traditional institution in the state, which formed a supportive part of governance, had been subjected to the most "avoidable meddlesomeness," which was a calculated attempt to destroy the entire fabric of the institution.
Oba Ewuare ll said the Obaseki administration orchestrated and undertook several steps to weaken the traditional institution, undermined, insulted and almost destroyed through the unwarranted attempt to appropriate ancient ancestral artifacts, which belong to the Oba of Benin.
in the state to prioritise peace over personal ambitions reminding the politicians that no one is bigger than the state.
"The destruction of lives and properties for political gains is unwarranted. Osun has been known for its peace and harmony over the years as the British Deputy Commissioner here has noted.
“I, on behalf of the Osun State Council Of Obas and Chiefs call on all politicians in Osun State to sheath their swords and remember that no one is greater than the state," Ooni Ogunwusi declared.
APC Chieftain, Expert Urge Tinubu to Prevail on Adeleke to Halt Saturday LG Poll
A chieftain of All Progressives Congress (APC) in OsunState, Hon. Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to prevail on Governor Ademola Adeleke of the state not to go ahead with the conduct of Saturday's local government election in the state.
Equally, an Abuja-based educationist and public policy expert, Mallam Sulayman Nafiu, has warned Adeleke, to respect the Akure Court of Appeal judgment reinstating sacked local government chairmen in Osun State. Oyintiloye, a former lawmaker, said since there was no vacuum at the local council areas, conducting local government election would be an aberration The APC chieftain said this while speaking with Journalists on Thursday in Osogbo.
The red chamber, yesterday, became rowdy when the Chairman, Senate Committee on the Diaspora and Nongovernmental Organisations, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, challenged the relocation of her seat in the red chamber without her knowledge.
Her protest pitted her against the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, who refused to listen to her because
she refused to speak from the seat that was newly allocated to her.
Tension started when AkpotiUduaghan, representing the Kogi Central, refused to accept the seat that had been reallocated to her.
She rejected the change in the sitting arrangement by not taking up another seat.
The Chief Whip of the Senate, Senator Mohammed Monguno had through a point of order cited sections of the Senate Standing Rules,
to justify the reallocation of the seat and another seat given to her.
Monguno explained that the changes were necessary to accommodate changes caused by some opposition members moving to the majority party, the APC. He said such changes fell within the constitutional prerogative of the Senate President. Monguno further emphasised that failure to comply with the new sitting arrangement could lead to penalties for
“improper sitting position.” including the possibility of being prevented from participating in Senate proceedings.
He noted that the reallocation was due to defections by opposition lawmakers, which had altered the sitting arrangement.
Quoting the Senate Standing Orders, Monguno stressed that any senator, who refused to comply with a seat allocated to him or her would not be recognised or allowed to contribute to debates.
Senate Presenter Godswill Akpabio sustained Monguno’s point of order.
However, when Akpoti-Uduaghan signified her intention to speak by raising her hand, Akpabio did not recongnise her to speak because she was not sitting on her newly allocated seat.
Obviously angry by the position of the Senate President, Akpoti-Uduaghan raised her voice in protest, in defiance to Akpabio’s refusal to recognise her.
She said, “I don’t care if I am
32 YEARS AFTER, IBB ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY, REGRETS ANNULMENT OF JUNE 12 POLL governing the transition and even suspended NEC!
“Equally weird was the shabby way the statement was couched and made.
“Admiral (Augustus) Aikhomu’s press secretary, Nduka Irabor, had read out a terse, poorly worded statement from a scrap of paper, which bore neither the presidential seal nor the official letterhead of the government, annulling the June 12 presidential elections. I was alarmed and horrified.
“Yes, during the stalemate that followed the termination of the results announcement, the possibility of annulment that could lead to fresh elections was loosely broached in passing. But annulment was only a component of a series of other options. But to suddenly have an announcement made without my authority was, to put it mildly, alarming.
“I remember saying: ‘These nefarious ‘inside’ forces opposed to the elections have outflanked me!’ I would later find out that the ‘forces’ led by General Sani Abacha annulled the elections.
There and then, I knew I was caught between ‘a devil and the deep blue sea’!! From then on, the June 12 elections took on a painful twist for which, as I will show later, I regrettably take responsibility.”
In the wake of the crisis, Babangida stepped down as president in August 1993 and installed an interim government, led by Ernest Shonekan, which Abacha would remove from power in November 1993.
Abacha later clamped Abiola into detention for declaring himself president.
Babangida, who did a national broadcast on June 24, 1993 to officially announce the annulment of the election, in his memoir, said Abacha had become a major force in a “factionalised” military and it was difficult to remove him when he stepped down from power.
The journey to the June 12 annulment began two days to D-Day, when a judge granted an injunction stopping the electoral commission from going ahead with the election. A group known as Association to Better Nigeria (ABN), led by Senator Arthur Nzeribe, had filed the lawsuit.
Babangida admitted in the memoir, published by Bookcraft Ltd., that Nzeribe was close to him, but denied supporting the activities of ABN.
He stated in the memoir, “From out of nowhere, on June 10, two days before the presidential election, the
same shadowy group, ABN, which had been campaigning for an extension of military rule, approached the Abuja High Court of Justice Bassey Ikpeme for an injunction to stop NEC (National Electoral Commission) from conducting the elections.
“Unknown to me at the time, Justice Ikpeme, who was relatively young at the Bench, had worked in the chambers of the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Clement Akpamgbo. Strangely, Justice Ikpeme, in the dead of night, in clear violation of Decree 13, which barred any court from interfering with NEC’s conduct or scheduling of the elections, granted the ABN an injunction stopping NEC from conducting the June 12 elections. There was confusion everywhere.”
Babangida said he quickly convened an emergency meeting of the National Defence and Security Council (NDSC), the country’s highest governing body, to discuss the way forward.
His words, “On Friday, June 11, as the NDSC meeting was going on, I learned that a Lagos High Court had ruled that NEC should go ahead with the elections. The NDSC meeting on Friday, June 11, only hours before the scheduled elections, was one of the stormiest meetings I ever conducted as President.
“Strangely, the Attorney General and Justice Minister, Akpamgbo, who was the nation’s chief law officer and who ought to know that the Justice Ikpeme court order violated an extant law (and was tacitly supported, it turned out, by some of my topmost military officers), advised that the elections be postponed in compliance with the Abuja court order. Professor (Humphrey) Nwosu (NEC chairman) insisted, to the dismay of my top military colleagues, that he had enough powers under the law to proceed with the elections.
“The arguments went on for hours in a tense atmosphere, peopled by some who wanted the elections postponed, among them the Chief of Defence Staff, General Sani Abacha, Lt-General Joshua Dogonyaro, and a few Service Chiefs.
“But I had my views bottled inside me! Even before Professor Nwosu presented his compelling argument, I decided that the elections should proceed, backed firmly by the Chief of Army Staff, Lt-General Salihu Ibrahim.” Babangida said he looked across the room where the meeting was taking place and said to Nwosu, “Go ahead with the elections. Go to your office, hold a world press conference and tell
everyone the elections will be held tomorrow as planned.”
The former military president said on June 16, Nwosu suddenly stopped the announcement of the election results even though the voting was peaceful and orderly.
Babangida wrote, “And then, on June 16, without my knowledge or prior approval, NEC Chairman, Professor Nwosu, announced the suspension of the June 12 election results ‘until further notice’.
“I knew instantly that certain fifth columnists were at work and that there was a need for extra care! And even after that suspension of the announcements of results, ABN obtained another ‘strange’ court order from Justice Saleh’s court in Abuja, stopping the release of the results of the elections.”
He wrote in the book, “Although I am on record to have stated after the elections that Abiola may not have won the elections, upon deeper reflection and a closer examination of all the available facts, particularly the detailed election results, which are published as an appendix to this volume, there was no doubt that MKO Abiola won the June 12 elections.
“Upon closer examination of the original collated figures from the 110,000 polling booths nationwide, it was clear that he satisfied the two main constitutional requirements for winning the presidential elections, mainly majority votes and geographical spread, having obtained 8,128,720 votes against Tofa’s 5,848,247 votes and securing the mandatory one-third of the votes cast in 28 states of the federation, including Abuja.
“Unfortunately, the forces gathered against him after the June 12 elections were so formidable that I was convinced that if he became president, he would be quickly eliminated by the same very forces who pretended to be his friends.
“While I accept that the unfortunate denial of his mandate amounted to a subversion of the will of the Nigerian people, I was petrified that if Abiola got killed, it could lead to a civil war.
“Having participated in one civil war, with all its horrors, pains and devastation, I wasn't prepared to see another.
“I am gratified that the Buhari administration finally recognised MKO Abiola as a 'former head of state’.”
Babangida described the annulment as a shocking and regrettable moment in Nigeria’s history.
He revealed that the annulment of the election also nearly cost him his life.
Narrating the theories that emerged over the annulment, Babangida wrote, “Tensions in the country were compounded by baseless conspiracy theories meant to justify the annulment. One such theory was that Abiola had pencilled down a list of top military officers to be dismissed upon assuming office as president.
“Another conspiracy theory was that the government had let the June 12 elections go ahead in the knowledge, based on security reports, that Tofa would win. However, once Abiola won, the government sought a way to frustrate his mandate.
“These were spurious theories circulated by those opposed to an Abiola presidency. Some persons, indeed, expressed their reservations about an Abiola presidency before the elections.
“There were times when, deep down inside me, even I feared that Abiola might not be an effective president. However, having allowed the process to go ahead in which Abiola appeared to have emerged victorious in an election deemed the freest and fairest in our country's history, I was committed to ensuring that the results should stand. To do otherwise would amount to a subversion of the will of the Nigerian people.
“But I also knew we were dealing with a delicate situation that could lead to national disintegration.
“The military was factionalised into rival groups between those opposed to the transition to civil rule, particularly an Abiola presidency, and those who thought the military should keep its word and hand over to a democratically elected government.
“The military was awash with rumours of plots by those who wanted to depose me to have Abiola installed and those who wanted to take me out violently to ensure that the annulment stayed.
“There were rumours of a third group, made up of sworn and implacable enemies of Abiola, a hard-line faction, who threatened that Abiola could only be president over their dead bodies! And if it meant taking me out violently to effect their threat, they were willing to do so.
“It was painful for me to discover later that apart from Abacha, some of my closest colleagues, particularly a Lt-General, were knee-deep in the plot to eliminate me.
“The only reason those disparate forces did not strike against me was that it was feared, and rightly so, that since I still enjoyed the support of a sizable proportion of the armed forces, any attack on the government or my person would lead to a bloodbath.
“The polarisation within the military was so fraught with danger that the best I could do in the circumstance was to project a united front as government in the face of the stiff opposition I faced as President.
“Although the annulment took all by surprise, as Commander-in-Chief, I took responsibility for it. In my speech on June 26, tepid and disingenuous as it may seem, I attempted to justify the annulment in the face of supposed nationwide widespread electoral malpractices' during the elections!
What mattered at the time to me as President and Commander-in-Chief
was the unity of the army and my conviction that if the army was united, it could safeguard the country from disintegration.
“After several brainstorming sessions with various groups, I contacted M.K.O Abiola to find a way forward. At one of my several meetings with Abiola, arranged this time by some traditional leaders, I offered Abiola an interim position pending when we could resolve the situation.
“Not surprisingly, Abiola turned down my offer. How could anyone blame him? Since he was convinced that he had won the elections that the annulment had denied him, it seemed overtly inappropriate to accept an interim arrangement.
“For him, it was a matter of once bitten, twice shy! At another meeting, this time a more private meeting of both families, I articulated that our lives were in danger of being snuffed out by lurking forces that wished both of us ill.
“Unfortunately, Abiola turned his back on any form of rapprochement with me and embraced the gimmicks of deceitful 'friends' who hid their real intentions from him.
“I read somewhere, I believe, in one of Abiola's newspapers that Abiola thought that the moment these 'friends' overthrew me, the elections would be de-annulled and that he would be installed as President by his coup plotting friends. As it turned out, Abiola was advised by these same 'friends' to leave the country to avoid death threats from fictitious military elements. Abiola's departure paved
silenced, I am not afraid. You have denied me my privilege.” Her protests led to tension and a rowdy session in the Senate, forcing Akpabio to instruct the Sergeant-AtArms to take charge and remove her from the seat in line with relevant sections of the Senate Standing Orders. One of the operatives of the Sergeant-At-Arms moved and stood beside the seat being occupied by Akpoti-Uduaghan and asked her to vacate it but she refused.
the way for his 'friends' to consolidate their conspiratorial positions, eventually leading to another military takeover.
“Without question, one of my biggest headaches at this time was Sani Abacha. I knew that Abacha was ambivalent about a return to civil rule. But I thought, in retrospect now, naively, that he would support our transition to civil rule programme. As I said earlier, Abacha and I had come a long way.
“We were good friends, and he had, indeed, been nice to me. As I have said elsewhere, he saved my life once and also risked his life to ensure that I took over in 1985. I could never forget those details.
“But it's also correct that he was a complex character. He was capable of bottling up a lot inside without giving a hint of where he was. And then, suddenly, the bottle bursts, and we begin to see a different person. I obviously didn't know everything about him!
“For instance, I was alarmed to discover that he and a handful of others mobilised negative opinions against me within the military, portraying me as the problem. That campaign was geared towards a violent military coup to remove me as President forcefully.” In his remarks, Tinubu acknowledged Babangida’s influence on his political journey, saying without Babangida’s leadership and reforms, people like him wouldn't have been in politics.
Speaking at the presentation of Babangida’s autobiography, and launch of his presidential library, in Abuja, Tinubu described the former military leader as a visionary who championed the inclusion of young, brilliant minds in governance. He said, "Whatever might have happened, the hallmark of the truth from our dear leader, father, uncle, General Ibrahim Babangida. Without you, people like me wouldn’t be in politics. Your progressive revolution encouraged young, brilliant people to participate in politics. We were with you in Dodan Barracks, and you inspired some of us."
Tinubu reminisced about Babangida’s leadership and the impact of his policies, particularly in economic and political development.
He praised the former military president’s role in fostering a new generation of bankers and politicians, and stating that the launch of his
L- R: Managing Director, Stevic Investment and Integrated Limited, Mr. Adetokunboh Awoyinka; Chief
Development, Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA), Mr. Rotimi Olatunji;
Officer, Confiance Insurance
Emirates SkyCargo, a subsidiary of Emirates Group, has said that one of the challenges faced by the company is freighting pharmaceuticals across the world because of the delicateness of the products and the certifications needed for approval to airlift such cargo.
Currently, Emirates SkyCargo transports over two million kilogrammes of pharmaceutical cargo
weekly, established 44 pharma corridors, which has prompted the airline to invest over $200 million on equipment and facilities to ensure pharmaceutical cargo gets premium priority and gets to their destinations timely and without damage.
This was disclosed by the Divisional Vice President of Emirates Skycargo, Badr Abbas, at the second day of the Air Cargo and Transport Logistics Africa conference which attracted over 4000 participants,
including investors, aviators and other stakeholders from 150 countries.
Fielding questions at the side lines of the on-going conference, Abbas emphasised that pharmaceuticals are delicately managed because it deals with human health, so, the airline always places top priorities on cargo of such nature and always ensures it is delivered as received in time.
He disclosed that Emirates had
invested in 15,000 square meters of good distribution practice (GDP)certified facilities in Dubai, a facility he adjudged as the largest and most advanced globally.
His words: “Pharmaceuticals are shipments and lifesaving. And we have invested around $200m to ensure they are handled with utmost care. Our state-of-the-art 15,000 square meters of GDPcertified facilities in Dubai are the largest and the most advanced
globally, equipped with temperaturecontrolled storage, cool dollies, and some custom innovations like water-resistant covers.
“So, all that is within our facility.
At Emirates SkyCargo, we are a proud market leader, transporting over two million kilograms of pharmaceutical cargo every week.
“So, our network of 44 Pharma corridors connects the world with consistently high cold chain standards, ensuring that lifesaving
presidential library is a testament to his legacy.
"When you look at the programme, some of the bankers and many of us here today, we saw the happiness of a visionary in Babangida. Thank you for what you are," Tinubu said.
Reflecting on his early political career, the president recounted a tense encounter with Babangida over the delayed inauguration of elected officials in the Third Republic.
He recalled how he challenged the former military ruler on the repeated postponement of their swearing-in, despite widespread anticipation.
Tinubu recounted, "One thing I cannot forget: you were in office, and you’ll recall we were elected. You kept on postponing the inauguration. You summoned us to Abuja, and when we became rancorous, you moved us to the International Conference Centre. I was not expecting to make any comment, I was just listening in my own radical manner, thinking, ‘This man will not inaugurate us again.’ But before we returned to the hotel, the hotel was locked – no key."
He recalled how, despite fears that his bold confrontation would land him in jail, Babangida displayed statesmanship by shaking his hand afterward.
Tinubu said, "I confronted you, telling you that you had an opportunity to make history that day. Why not inaugurate us? Why were you calling us back and postponing the inauguration? They thought I would end up in jail. But you came out at the end, shook my hand, and I can never forget that moment. You are courageous."
The president reaffirmed Babangida’s impact on his personal and political life, calling him a leader deserving of recognition.
He said, "That inspiration has been so impactful in my life. You deserve this day, and we celebrate you for what you are and what you have contributed to the history of this great country."
In a follow-up statement, Tinubu said Babangida showed unusual courage and patriotism by admitting that the late Abiola won the presidential poll.
He described the annulment as a watershed moment in Nigeria’s democratic history, stressing that
the former leader’s admission about Abiola’s victory will help to set the record straight.
The president said he will continue to do his best for the country by making tough decisions to reposition the economy.
He called on Nigerians to refocus their time, energy, and resources on building the country that remained their home and be more mindful of changes in global migration laws that could impede their dreams of a better life.
He stated, “I am glad about what is happening in America and Europe, the contradiction you have seen now. What is it telling us? It is telling us to wake up and make Africa a better place, particularly this country, Nigeria.
“I have seen the need to make some decisions on behalf of this country. I want to thank all of you for your mandate, patience, and perseverance. Whatever might have happened, we have heard the truth from our dear leader, father, and uncle, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida.”
Chairman of the occasion, Obasanjo, told Babangida to expect good, bad, and ugly reactions to the book he had written.
Obasanjo stressed that Babangida had not only contributed to history making, he had also contributed to documenting history.
He said, “You have not only contributed to history, you have contributed documenting to history. It is an important part of our nation building to keep accurate records.
“Please, don't be unduly worried about critics and put him down syndrome.
“The book will be reviewed, read, quoted, prayed and lambasted, and some will agree with you in part, and some will disagree with you in part, some may even wholly disagree with you.
“Why should you write the book? It is self-glorification, they will say. Controversy may even develop. It's all good for you and good for the book and for our nation building process.
“The more praised and condemned the book is, the better, because it means that it is being read, and that is what you write a book for, to be read. That is what justifies the discipline and effort that go into writing a book, which I
strongly believe this book is.
“There will be written records for history and for future reference. We should be able to glean what lessons and wisdom you acquired with the benefit of hindsight. There will be one other thing, reaction galore, again, it will be good, bad and ugly, but your duty must be, do, and you have done it.”
Advising Babangida to take any criticism of the book in his strides, Obasanjo said, “It may even be an indication of success, but take note of objective criticism.
“A chronic critic of mine, the late Tunji Braithwhite, may his soul rest in perfect peace, condemned a book of mine, and when asked if he had read it, he answered in the negative, he said he had not read it, and said that once the writer is Obasanjo it must be condemned.”
On his part, Gowon recalled how Babangida restored his rank after he was accused of taking part in the coup that overthrew General Murtala Muhammed in 1976. He also recalled when he visited Babangida's secondary school to enlist him and 14 others into the army.
Gowon stated, “And I learned that you are the one who made sure that Dimka either escaped rather than be arrested. And, of course, yes, the accusation of me being, either being the one who encouraged Dimka…
“Me, who had been trying all the time to make sure that other coups do not take place in Nigeria, and make sure that our army remained very loyal to the government of the day. And that was when I started trying to deal with the coup and to ensure that the government of the day see through it.
“Unfortunately, that did not happen until the civilian government at the time decided to let the military take over until they can restore loyalty and discipline.
“But let me say this, yes, I had a very rough time. I was even charged for treason. Can you believe that, however, such a force, that I certainly didn't believe that such a thing could happen.
“But, later on, the president rescinded that order, restored my rank, restored my honour.”
Abdulsalam said when they were in primary school, a soothsayer predicted Babangida would rule the country.
He said both of them later rose to the rank of general and also ruled the country.
Jonathan described Babangida as one of the most charismatic leaders in the country. He said Nigerians knew Babangida contributed significantly in terms of infrastructure development of the country.
The former president told Babangida, "We cannot write the history of Nigeria without dedicating a reasonable part to your service as the president of Nigeria."
The book reviewer, and former Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, said Babangida dealt with an array of issues in his book.
Osinbajo stressed that the issues included the Major Gideon Orka-led coup, a coup that took the life of Babangida’s Aide-de-camp and nearly took his own life and that of his wife, and how they escaped the coup.
The book, he said, also dealt with the controversy as to whether the government had surreptitiously taken Nigeria into membership of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in 1989.
Osinbajo stated that the author also dealt with the Babangida government’s Structural Adjustment Programme riot; the C130 air crash on September 26, 1992 in the swamps of Lagos, barely three minutes after taking off from Ikeja airport, which killed a total of 159 officers, including the crew and nine foreigners.
He stressed that Babangida devoted a full chapter to the transition to military rule and the June 12 saga.
Osinbajo said, “The author deals with all these issues, and for the first time, answers these questions fully. For example, he tells us, for the first time, who annulled the June 12 election. He gives his own reasons for the actions that he took, and he admits where he believes he was wrong.”
Osinbajo quoted Babangida as saying late Moshood Abiola, who contested the 1993 presidential election on the platform of Social Democratic Party, won the election.
However, he argued that the book will not end the debate surrounding the ex-general’s years in power, adding, “Despite the richness of his narrative, this book will not silence the debates or end the controversies surrounding
his years in power, especially the final chapter of his leadership.
“The questions will persist, the criticisms will continue, but that has always been the nature of the Babangida phenomenon. He remains, as ever, a force of history.”
President and Chief Executive of Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote, praised Babangida for implementing policies that liberated the private sector during his regime.
Dangote commended Babangida for his transformative policies that encouraged Nigerian investors to play prominent roles in the economy and, particularly, highlighted the abolition of import licences, which helped stimulate domestic industries.
These reforms, among others, ensured that Nigeria now has more private-sector involvement than any other country in Africa, Dangote said.
He said the shift led to contribution of 85 per cent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by the private sector, while the government contributed just 15 per cent.
He stated, “Your Excellency, I would like to express my sincere gratitude for all you have done for Nigeria. Many may not realise that you were the architect of the private sector in Nigeria. Anyone in the private sector who has achieved prominence today owes it to you, as you provided us with the necessary licences.
“In the past, we used to struggle to obtain licences through intermediaries, including Indians.”
Dangote recalled how Babangida’s policies facilitated the growth of Nigerian businesses, enabling them to thrive.
He said, “Your Excellency, in 1986, you abolished the requirements for import licences, and it was because of that decision that we were able to reach the highest levels of growth.
“I recall a day when you granted almost 30 of us banking licences. You also instructed five Nigerians to pay N1 million each for oil blocs.
“Your Excellency, I could continue to list all the reforms you introduced that liberated the private sector, which is why Nigeria has more private sector involvement than any other country in Africa.
“It is only in Nigeria where government contribution to GDP is a mere
treatments reach those in need reliably and efficiently. And also from these 44 Pharma corridors, four corridors are in Africa, and one of them is in Kenya.”
Also corroborating Abbas, the officer in charge of the airlines' pharmaceuticals cargo globally, Julian Sutch, recalled the COVID-19 pandemic era, stating that the airline was the biggest transporter of vaccines across the world with particular attention to African nations.
15 per cent, with the remainder being driven by the private sector.”
He expressed hope that future Nigerian leaders will adopt similar policies for the betterment of the country.
“I want to thank you once again, and I am confident that future leaders will continue to follow your example, working closely with the private sector,” Dangote told Babangida.
In his remarks, Founder of the BUA Group, Abdulsamad Rabiu, said Babangida's government was marked by bold economic reforms, stressing that by writing the book, the former head of state has demystified governance.
Praising the former president for exposing his legacy to public scrutiny, Rabiu stated that the library being planned was a monument to history. He also described Babangida as a transformative leader, saying many Nigerians have yearned to read his memoirs over the years.
Rabiu described Babangida as a true statesman and a soldier of soldiers, stressing that the library will serve as a bridge between the past, present, and future.
Over N16 billion was realised at the launch of Babangida's autobiography and presidential library, with the chief launcher, Rabiu, donating N5 billion, while the co-chief launcher and Founder of the TY Danjuma Foundation, Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma, donated N3 billion.
Africa’s richest man, Dangote, donated N8 billion to the IBB Presidential Library, to be paid at N2 billion annually over the four years scheduled for the project’s completion.
Dangote further pledged that if the project extended beyond that timeframe, he would continue to donate N2 billion annually until it was completed.
On his contribution to the IBB Presidential Library project, Dangote said, “Your Excellency, based on what I have observed, I believe this project will require at least four years to complete. I would like to contribute N2 billion each year for the next four years, amounting to N8 billion in total.
“Should the project extend beyond four years, I will continue to contribute N2 billion annually.”
L-R: Mrs. Pamela Okwesa-Nwilon; Social Communications Officer, Holy Cross Cathedral, Lagos, Rev. Fr.
Emanuel, during Service of Songs for late Mr. Bode Emanuel Esq, in Lagos…yesterday
Michael Olugbode in abuja
The need for Nigeria’s youths to embrace peace was brought to the fore at the 8th international conference on Love and Tolerance, organised by the Institute For Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) and a Turkish group dedicated to peace building, UFUK Dialogue.
The IPCR, UFUK Dialogue and other stakeholders gathered youths across the country in
Abuja yesterday to build the capacity of youths in Nigeria to promote peace and mutual respect and cohabitation.
Speaking at the conference with the theme “ Empowering Youth: Cultivating a Culture of Peace and Understanding”. Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, in his remarks noted that the Nigerian youths may be facing challenges at the moment but they have the opportunity of transforming
Wole Ayodele in Jalingo
Taraba State government has returned 198 rustled cattle intercepted in the state by troops of 6 Brigade Nigeria Army and local hunters back to their rightful owners.
Troops of 6 Brigade had on 27th of January, 2025 intercepted 222 cows and 58 sheep at Namnai village in Gassol Local Government Area of Taraba State which were believed to have been rustled from Kampanin Zurak in Plateau State.
Three suspects namely Sabiu Lawal, Haruna Ayuba, and Yusuf Mukawo, all from Kampanin Zurak were arrested by the troops in connection to the rustling.
Handing over the cattles to their owners in Jalingo on Thursday, the Chairman of the
Committee on Recovery of Stolen Cows to Owners, Dr. Aminu Jauro Hassan, stated that the committee was able to ascertain the owners of 198 out of a total 222 cows.
Dr Hassan, who is the Chairman of Jalingo Local Government Areas as well as ALGON Chairman in the State disclosed that the committee screened 52 owner groups using traditional methods to ascertain the veracity of their claims to ownership of the cows leaving 24 cows yet unclaimed.
He further disclosed that the owners of the rustled cows are from Ardo Kola local government area of Taraba State just as he assured the people that the committee would continue to announce to the public for the owners of the remaining cows to come for them.
John Shiklam in Kaduna
The Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) has restated its commitment to protecting depositors’ funds and ensuring financial stability in the country.
The Managing Director of the NDIC, Bello Hassan, stated this yesterday at the 46th Kaduna International Trade Fair.
Speaking at the NDIC Special Day of the NDIC, Hassan noted the role of the corporation in safeguarding bank customers over the years, particularly the most vulnerable.
He said: “For over three decades, the NDIC has played a critical role in protecting depositors and strengthening the financial system,” Hassan, who was represented at the event by the Kano Zonal Controller of NDIC, Ahmed Umar, explained that the NDIC core
responsibilities include insuring deposits in licensed banks, supervising financial institutions, managing distressed banks, and ensuring seamless resolution in the event of bank failures.
According to him, the corporation had consistently ensured prompt reimbursement to depositors when banks collapsed.
Commenting on the revocation of Heritage Bank operating licence on June 3, 2024, Hassan said: “Within four days, NDIC reimbursed depositors using their Bank Verification Numbers (BVN). We pay up to N5 million per depositor per bank from our deposit insurance funds.”
He further assured the people that creditors of defunct banks would receive payments once all depositors had been settled, stressing that NDIC’s systematic approach prioritises asset recovery and financial stability.
their lives through peace and love to change the country for the better.
The minister, who was represented by a former Nigerian
envoy to Australia, Anderson Madubuike, appealed for more patriotism among Nigerians, adding that the youth can still actualize their best potential.
The Director-General of IPCR, Dr. Joseph Ochogwu, in his remarks said 8th edition of the International Conference on Love and Tolerance
demonstrates the depth of understanding that IPCR and UFUK Dialogue have on the centrality of peace in national development.
Oluchi Chibuzor
As artificial intelligence continues to disrupt the workforce globally, the federal government and the National Universities Commission (NUC), have been advised to overhaul and delete academic courses across tertiary institutions overtaken by
artificial intelligence(AI) in today’s labour market. This is as he stressed the need for provision of funding for AI enabled education and policy for the country.
A professor of Labour Economics, Prof. Olukemi Iyabode Lawanson, stated these while delivering the 7th Professorial inaugural lecture
series of the 2024/2025 academic session of the University of Lagos (UNILAG).
Speaking on a theme, ‘To Everything There Is A Season: The Perspectives of a Labour Economist’, Lawanson said the government and the NUC must ensure relevant courses in today’s labour market are approved for Nigerian students. According to her, “On the part of the National Universities Commission (NUC) which is saddled with the responsibility of designing and approving the curricula being taught in tertiary institutions.
Sunday Okobi
Aka Ikenga, the Igbo Think-Tank, has lamented the peaceful transition of Yoruba foremost leader, Pa Ayo Adebanjo, which took place on February 14, 2025, “a day remarked for global celebration of love and sacrifice for humanity.”
In a statement issued and made
available to THISDAY yesterday by the group Director of Publicity and Communications, Mr. Collins Ugwu, the President of Aka Ikenga, Agbalanze Chike Madueke, mourned his death, saying: “In every death, humanity is diminished, but in Pa Adebanjo’s permanent sleep, Nigeria has lost a grapevine of conscience, planted on the banks
of integrity, and stood like an oak above every shrub. His roots of courage and irrepressible stamina for justice, equity and fairness to all, are so deep that even enemies marvel at a safe distance.”
Also, in a brief eulogy signed by the President and Secretary-General of the association, Ogbueshi MarkAnthony Nduka-eze, they stated
that: “We at Aka Ikenga in particular, the Igbo Nation specially, and Nigeria generally, grieve and mourn a life we cannot celebrate enough, because the denial of this giant tree of wealth in wisdom, whose shade as a truth telling canopy at every moment, is like unplugging the fresh water of revival at the heat of intense harmatthan.
The Ijaw Youths Network (IYN) yesterday said that those who blocked the National Assembly on Wednesday to protest against the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Dr. Dennis Otuaro, are street urchins assembled by desperate and corrupt persons from the region.
Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan
The IYN therefore, urged the President Bola Tinubu to ignore call by a faceless group, the Niger Delta Liberators and Ex-Agitators Forum (NDLEF), involved in the vanguard of peddling outright falsehood against the Amnesty boss.
In a statement issued by the
A member of the House of Representatives representing Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency, in Oyo State, Hon. Aderemi Oseni, has emphasised that the future growth and development of the country depend heavily on innovation and the effective management of information.
President and the Secretary of IYN, Frank Ebikabo and Federal Ebiaridor, the group was reacting to Wednesday’s protest by the NDLEF at the National Assembly, seeking for Otuaro’s suspension.
The group commended the President for his sustained support for the PAP and its leadership and indeed the Niger Delta.
The group said that those behind the sponsored protest are enraged by his refusal to open the coffers of the Amnesty Office to rogues who are used to swindling previous leaders of the programme through blackmail.
The federal lawmaker, while speaking as the Chairman of the 1st International Conference, organised by the Department of Information Management, Lead City University, Ibadan, pointed out that the theme, “Navigating the Future : Innovation in the Field of Information Management,” is a timely reminder of the essential role information management plays in shaping the destiny of the country. He underscored the importance of cultivating an environment where innovation thrives, stating that the era of disruptive technologies, big data, and knowledge management calls for a comprehensive reevaluation of existing approaches to information management.
The Head of Civil Service(HoS) of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack has held a special valedictory ceremony in honour of the Accountant-General of the Federation, Dr. Oluwatoyin
Sakirat Madein and the erstwhile Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Transportation, Mr. Adeoye Adeleye Ayodeji.
The special session was held at the monthly Service-Wide Meeting of the Head of the Service of the Federation with permanent secretaries, the Accountant-General
of the Federation, and the AuditorGeneral of the Federation.
Madein will be retiring from the service on March 7, 2025, while Ayodeji bowed out on February 8, 2025. In her remarks, Walson-Jack extolled the virtues of both retiring officers, describing their careers as exemplary and impactful.
She paid glowing tributes to Dr. Madein, describing her as a trailblazer and an icon of public service. She noted that as the first female Accountant-General of the Federation, Dr. Madein shattered barriers, championed financial reforms, and set new standards of excellence.
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Staff Multi-Purpose Cooperative Society Limited has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Enterprise Development Centre(EDC) of Pan-Atlantic University and ProServe Integrated Services Limited
to strengthen the cooperative as an economic tool for national development.
The MoU, which was signed at the EDC head office in Ajah Lagos yesterday was witnessed by the Managing Director, GEN Nigeria, Dr Olawale Anifowose;
President, CBN Staff Multi-Purpose Cooperative Society Limited, Nkechinyere Ofili; Founder, ProServe Integrated Services Limited, Kenechukwu Nwankwo; Director, Enterprise Development Centre, Dr Nneka Okekearu; and General Manager, CBN Staff Multi-Purpose
Cooperative Society Limited, Pius Obianyor.
According to the parties, the partnership is brokered by lead consultant Pro-Serve Integrated Service Limited. The firm is the business transformation consultant of the CBN cooperative.
L-R: The Olufaki of Ifaki-Ekiti, HRM Oba Adegbenro Falore; Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr. Niyi Adebayo, and former Governor of the state, Mr. Segun Oni, during a visit by a delegation of ifaki leaders to the governor in Ado-Ekiti...yesterday
Chinedu Eze
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) Aviation Securities (AVSEC) officials have arrested a passenger for allegedly stealing a phone and some money on board Air Peace domestic flight from Lagos to Port-Harcourt.
In a statement from the airline, signed by its Head of Communication, Dr Ejike Ndiulo, Air Peace expressed worries over the rising incidents of in-flight theft despite efforts by the airline to alert passengers. The incident happened on Wednesday, February 19, 2025. In a video that has gone viral on social media, the suspect, who attempted to resist arrest, was seen held by AVSEC security operatives who later took him away. In the video, other passengers on the same flight were shouting,
Segun Awofadeji in bauchi
Members of the Bauchi State House of Assembly have been called upon to commit themselves to make child nutrition funding part of their constituency project in order to address the problem of malnutrition in children in the state.
The Chief of Bauchi Field Office of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Dr. Nuzhat Rafique, made the call while addressing the lawmakers on Adequate budgetary Appropriation for Nutrition Intervention during a two- day advocacy and sensitisation meeting held in Jos, Plateau state yesterday.
She said that the child Nutrition Fund is an initiative designed to support government efforts in some countries that carry the highest number of children suffering from the problem of malnutrition.
Adding that Nigeria is one of the countries where there are high number of malnourished children
because of its large population.
Rafique stated that the fund (UNICEF) has been a partner to Bauchi state in addressing malnutrition through enhanced nutrition financing.
She explained that the UNICEF provides both technical and financial assistance to strengthen policies, improve service delivery and ensure the availability of essential nutrition commodities, including ready-to-use therapeutic food (RUTF) and multiple micronutrients supplements (mms).
Rafique, who commended the Bauchi state government for the continued collaboration, said without children, no future of any given society is guaranteed.
She recalled that in the last five years, there has been 2.9 per cent increase in severe acute malnutrition and seven per cent increase in moderate malnutrition in Bauchi state, saying action must be taken to curb the trend by expanding the investment in nutrition to save the children.
Raheem Akingbolu
The La Casera Company (TLCC), a leading beverage company and the pioneer of PET bottled carbonated soft drinks (CSD) in Nigeria, has unveiled a refreshed and vibrant new look for its SMOOV Chapman brand.
SMOOV Chapman was introduced into the Nigerian Market in September 2014 in a 50cl SKU but later made available in 35cl and 60cl SKU. It is also the first ready-to-drink Chapman in PET.
Speaking while unveiling the new look of the brand tagged “Fresh Label…Same Original Taste…SMOOVIT”, the managing director of the company, Mr. Chinedum Okereke, said: “The La Casera Company is excited to introduce our refresh SMOOV Chapman Label, which is a testament to our commitment to innovation,
commitment and sustainability.”
He added that in the company’s bid to keep satisfying customer’s needs, the company engaged one of the best label research agency to know what our esteemed consumers want for a label, and explained the result of the grand event.
He also stated that the brand was added to the TLCC portfolio to address the increasing demand in consumers’ choice of flavors.
In addition, the Commercial Director, Mr. Vishal Kaveti, said: “We have a new colorful and artistic label that speaks to all our key target audience, cutting across all socioeconomic groups, gender and age, but be assured that the taste and quality is same.”
He added that the new label is set to be rolled out and consumers can expect to see the new design in stores close to them.
“He stole a phone and money.” However, the suspect was also heard denying the allegation. Dr Ndiulo, who gave the aircraft number as P47190,
reiterated Air Peace’s commitment to passenger safety and security, adding that a decisive decision has been taken against the suspect in response to the situation.
“During the flight, a passenger was found in possession of a missing item following a thorough search conducted upon landing at Port Harcourt International Airport. The suspect was subsequently handed over to the airport police for further investigation and necessary action.
Ibrahim Oyewale in Lokoja
The Management of the Federal University , Lokoja, has ordered the indefinite closure of the University following students unrest that greeted the untimely death of five of their colleagues who lost
Ahmad Sorondinki in Kano
their lives in a fatal accident at Felele area on Monday.
The rampaging students have been blocking OkeneLokoja- Abuja highways since Tuesday morning protesting the death of their colleagues . This was contained in circular issued by Registrar and Secretary to governing council ,Mrs. Rebecca Okojie, and copy of which was made available to the journalists in Lokoja yesterday.
“The University following the unfortunate loss of the lives of five students to a tragic trailer accident at Felele
city centre on Monday, 17” February , 2025, students have barricaded the gates of the university despite magnanimous interventions from the the State Government as well as frantic efforts and appeal by the University Management for calm.
As part of efforts to promote agricultural productivity and enhance the livelihoods of rural communities especially women, the Kano State Government has begun implementation of the
second phase of its livestock empowerment programme valued at N2.3 billion under Agro-Pastoral Development Project (KSADP). The Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Dr Mamood Danjuma, disclosed this
while addressing newsmen yesterday in Kano.
According to him, the initiative aimed to empower beneficiaries with a comprehensive package, including livestock, feed, medication, and salt lick, to boost their economic stability
and improve their overall well-being. “911 beneficiaries are being supported with two rams each, feed for three months, drugs and salt lick, while 2,386 women are being supported with two goats and a buck goat in the poorest households in the state.
Emmanuel Ugwu-Nwogo in umuahia
In a bid to enhance the quality of governance in Abia State, a civil society organisation, the African Centre for Human Advancement and Resource Support(CHARS-Africa) has teamed up with the media to
campaign for transparency and accountability.
The partnership and campaign were birthed yesterday in Umuahia at a media round table themed: “Support to civil society advocacy towards strengthening key legislative frameworks for increased accountability and good governance in Abia State”.
The stakeholders reviewed the status of the extant legal frameworks that promote good governance and their application in Abia government business. These include the Public Procurement Act 2007, Fiscal Responsibility Act 2007 and Freedom of Information Act 2011.
Though the Public Procurement
Act 2007 was domesticated in Abia since 2012, it has largely been ignored by past governments and even the present administration is not fully implementing the provisions. Worse still, Abia has not deemed it necessary to domesticate the Fiscal Responsibility Act and the Freedom of Information Act.
David-Chyddy Eleke inawka
The Anambra State High Court has commenced hearing in a matter against three persons suspected to be involved in the mysterious disappearance of an Anambra businessman, Mr Benjamin Ezemma.
Ezemma also known as BigBen and co-founder of Dubai Estate in Awka went missing since November 12, 2024. He was suspected to have held a meeting with some people shortly before he went missing. However, the Department of State Services (DSS), which was investigating the disappearance
dragged three persons, Jeff Nweke, Nwokoye Tochukwu, and David Chukwuemeka Chukwunonso, to court, accusing them of the disappearance of the businessman. The suit, numbered AWK/6c/2025, was began yesterday, and presided over by Justice Ike Ogu at the Anambra Judiciary Complex in Awka. Two of the defendants, Nwokoye Tochukwu, and David Chukwuemeka Chukwunonso were brought in for arraignment by officials of the Nigeria Correctional Services (NSC), but there was drama as Mr Jeff Nweke arrived court in an ambulance, with drip attached to his body.
An indigenous information technology (IT ) firm, Cinfores Limited in collaboration with the Rivers State Ministry of Education and State Chapter of the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools
(NAPPS), has trained teachers on educational technology.
Cinfores Limited, developed a dynamic online platform called TeachersHub (www. teachershub.com.ng), dedicated to the continuous growth and development of teachers at every stage of their careers.
TeachersHub is an innovative
digital platform that serves as a vital bridge between traditional teaching methods and the rapidly evolving landscape of modern education.
The platform was officially launched yesterday during the third edition of the Compulsory Teachers’ Training Programme on Educational Technology Adoption, held at the
In his speech at the event, the State Commissioner for Education, Dr Ovy Chukwuma, encouraged the use of the TeachersHub platform and reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to quality education.
Leading real estate consultancy firm, Knight Frank and UK-based residential developer Mount Anvil have unveiled London’s newest boutique development, The Edit, to the Nigerian market at a well-attended business cocktail in Lagos recently. The partnership is
expected to offer savvy Nigerians the opportunity to own premium real estate in London, one of the world’s most sought-after property markets.
This partnership, according to Knight Frank, also offers an opportunity to a growing number of
Nigerian investors seeking stable and high-yield investment opportunities abroad, especially in real estate. Speaking during the launch event, Senior Partner/CEO of Knight Frank Nigeria, Frank Okosun, noted that the real estate sector had been significantly hit in recent years due to recession and unhealthy economic policies that have stifled investment, hence the need to lure foreign investors to Nigeria and vice visa through strategic developments like The Edit, which is London’s newest boutique development on the South Bank.
Fidelis David in akure
Government at all levels have been charged to develop policies that will inculcate comprehensive sexual education in Nigerian schools
I formerly known and addressed as eniOJukan iYanuOluWa rhODa now wish to be known and addressed as kunle iYanuOluWa rhODa. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.
I formerly know and addressed as Miss abia Peace chinenYe, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. ODue Peace chinenYe All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.
I formerly know and addressed as kelechi christian MaXWell, now wish to be known and addressed as kelechi christian ile All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.
I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Queenette nneaMaka OkeahialaM, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Queenette nneaMaka kelechi-OgbOnna. All former documents remain valid.
The general public should please take note
I formerly know and addressed as Daniel aJaYi OluWasegun, now wish to be known and addressed as aliu OlOkOObi All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.
to stem the growing number of unintended pregnancies among adolescent girls of between 15 and 19 years across the country.
Survey and statistics shows that in Nigeria, an estimated 23 per cent of adolescent girls of the age bracket have begun childbearing, of which 17 per cent have had their first child and five percent are pregnant with their first child.
To address the anomaly, a non-governmental organisation, HACEY yesterday commenced
I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Queenette nneaMaka OkeahialaM, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Queenette nneaMaka kelechi-OgbOnna. All former documents remain valid.
The general public should please take note
This is to confirm that the person bearing the name FOlarin OPeYeMi busaYO is the same as FOlarin busaYO OPeYeMi. And wish to be now known and addressed as FOlarin busaYO OPeYeMi All documents remain valid, general public should take note.
My correct name is sOlOMOn JOsePh chiMankPaM but in my WAEC, JAMB, Local Government Identification Certificate, NIN, and Birth Certificate my middle name was wrongly spelt as chiMaPa, chiManPa, chiMakPa, and chiMaMkPaM instead of chiMankPaM, and now wish to correct all wrong spelt names in my documents to chiMankPaM. All documents bearing wrong middle name remain valid. The general public should please take note.
a two-day training for students of tertiary institution in Ondo State to equip them as youth champions with practical digital media skills for Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) advocacy. The Programme Manager, HACEY, Olumuyiwa Olubukola while speaking at the event held in Akure the Ondo State capital said the essence of the campaign was to provide accessible, accurate, inclusive, and positive information to children and adolescents.
The Anambra State Executive Council (ANSEC) has commended the beneficiaries of the ‘1Youth, 2 Skills’ for training 1,000 additional youths as part of Governor Charles Soludo’s government innovation scheme for youth empowerment.
The Council applauded the ‘1Youth, 2 Skills’ beneficiaries at its second meeting of the year held at the Council Chamber recently in Awka, Anambra State.
In a release by the Commissioner for Information, Law Mefor, ANSEC observed that the initiative embarked upon by the beneficiaries marked the beginning of a new era and an excellent move towards attaining a skilled workforce and entrepreneurs in Anambra.
Edited by: MJO Mustapha Email deji.mustapha@thisdaylive.com
By: Spahic Omer/IslamiCity
Almighty Allah and His prophets are the answer
If man cannot do it on his own, as countless historical episodes validate, then who can?
The answer is simple: the Creator Himself, Almighty Allah, through His holy, chosen, and infallible prophets and His holy and failsafe revelations given to them. Allah, in His capacity as the Omnipotent Creator and Omniscient Master and Sustainer, is the only One.
Many people are not comfortable with and therefore repudiate the latter prospect. Nevertheless, let’s try to rationalize and put the subject into perspective.
If I know very little by my own discretion and must believe as well as depend on others to carry on with my life responsibilities, both trivial and substantial, what is inappropriate or wrong about believing in Almighty Allah and His Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him and his family) to know and experience more of life?
Why do I accept and believe what people tell me but cannot accept and believe what my Creator and His chosen one – the best of creation, specially nurtured for this purpose, Prophet Muhammad – tell me?
The case is straightforward. I believe, for example, that there is a planet called Saturn, that man landed on the moon, that my body contains around 30 to 40 trillion cells and has at least 34 major veins, that tigers’ night vision is about six times better than that of humans, and that COVID-19 was real and not a forgery, simply because somebody told me about those things.
At the same time, I believe that there is a Creator of the universe, that I have been created as God’s vicegerent on earth, that there are angels and jinn, that there is Paradise and Hell, and that there is the Day of Judgment when I will have to answer to my Creator for my deeds in this world, also because someone told me about these beliefs.
In the former case, I was informed—and convinced—by teachers, scientists, media, and colleagues. In the latter case, I was informed and convinced by the Prophet and the revelation given to him in the form of the holy Qur’an and his Sunnah as the exemplary life paradigm.
Now, I am truly perplexed about why the first scenario makes perfect sense, but not the second one. Why is trusting one person fine but not another? Why is believing in some things acceptable but not in others, and, positively, without any sensible rationalization or sound proof?
Trusting people versus trusting the Prophet
Let us now see whom we trust and whom we do not. We trust scientists, politicians, business leaders, scholars, media personnel, celebrities, professionals, and various other influencers, many of whom seriously lack trustworthiness and integrity. They are disoriented, confused, and dishonest, serving a range of egotistical, nationalistic, geopolitical, and ideological interests and agendas.
Yet, many are outright corrupt, immoral, and scandalous wretches. One needs not go further than looking at current world politics, business, media, sports, entertainment, pop culture, art, education, and scientism. It is hard to find someone in any of these fields who deserves a vote of confidence.
That is why today’s life in general, and what we conveniently call civilization in particular, signify a perennial battle between narratives. The issue is not about ensuring that the truth prevails, but rather the constructed and desired narratives. Just as the truth is the least wanted and fought for thing, the same goes for truthful and morally sound people, who are likewise least wanted and appreciated.
But who was Prophet Muhammad? Speaking not only spiritually and morally but also historically and factually, he was the best, most honest, kindest, wisest, most visionary, most honorable, and most trustworthy person that has ever lived. In addition to the Creator
and His revelation attesting to these qualities, those who lived with the Prophet—both friends and followers, as well as nonbelievers and out-and-out enemies - were firsthand witnesses.
Thus, the Prophet was called “al-Amin”, meaning “the honest and trustworthy one”, by his entire community years before he became a prophet.
Furthermore, the leaders of the rebellious Quraysh tribe admitted that they rejected following the Prophet not because he was a liar or a fraud—such a notion seemed impossible given his recognized personality, character, and legacy—but because they could not reconcile their strong nationalistic and tribal preferences with the just and benevolent principles of Islam. Even a Byzantine emperor acknowledged that never betraying trust and never telling lies were unmistakable signs of all prophets, including Muhammad. This is not all. There was nobody in history who could compare his legacy and impact with those of the Prophet. Despite constant religious and political attempts from all sides to undermine or discredit him, the Prophet’s reputation and the reputation of his Islam continue to grow. Fourteen centuries later, they are at an all-time high, while other religions, ideologies, and systems of life, along with their supporters, keep declining and disappearing from the scene.
Islamic civilization, initiated by the Prophet, was the greatest, most treasured, most productive, and most righteous in history. It is not an exaggeration to say that almost all goodness enjoyed by mankind today is directly or indirectly due to the Prophet, his values, and teachings – and of course the earlier prophets whose climax and ultimate actualization was the final apostleship of Prophet Muhammad.
The same civilizational spirit is still highly sought after today, standing as the only hope and answer for the beleaguered postmodern man.
The disgraceful role of societies’ elites It is no wonder that prophets were most fervently rejected by their societies’ elites (referred to in the Qur’an as al-mal’a). The reason was their realization that their sociopolitical and religious constructs— understood as narratives—were at risk. They were conscious of the fact that they could manipulate the masses only because of those constructs and the power of the mechanisms behind them.
If those were destroyed by the prophets, they knew that there would be little standing between people and the truth. Therefore, the struggle was to use all the tricks in the falsehood books to somehow portray the prophets as unworthy of trust and leadership, and that they, instead, deserved that mantle.
The hunt was always on for human weaknesses, ignorance, and gullibility. There was nothing different during the episode of Prophet Muhammad’s prophetic mission, and there is nothing different today when the creators and sustainers of evil world orders see in Muhammad and his followers the only rival and threat to their aspirations for world dominance.
By hook or by crook, the naïve masses must be kept away from the potential influences of Islam and within the clutches of ignorance, confusion, and fatalism.
Absolutely, people are entitled to know what is happening and decide their own destiny. It is up to them whether they want to listen to Prophet Muhammad – in his role as a crown and raison d’etre of existence and so, its savior – or to those who, behind their positions, authority, and wealth, hide their narcissistic, self-serving, dishonest, and unprincipled true selves. “And We have not sent you, (O Muhammad), except as a mercy to the worlds” (al-Anbiya’ 107).
“O Prophet, indeed We have sent you as a witness and a bringer of good tidings and a warner; and as one who invites to Allah’s (grace) by His leave, and as a lamp (torch) spreading light” (al-Ahzab 45-46).
Duro
Ikhazuagbe
Victor Osimhen’s dream of a UEFA Europa League title with Galatasaray faded last night after the Turkish giants forced Dutch side AZ Alkmaar to 2-2 draw in the second leg of the playoff round and crashed out of
the competition.
Osimhen and his Galatasaray teammates failed to upturn the 4-1 deficit from the first leg for Alkmaar to progress to the Round of 16 on 6-3 aggregate. The Super Eagles striker who did not play in the first leg due to his
suspension for two yellow cards had promised that Galatasaray will overturn that loss to reach the Round of 16.
However, instead of the Istanbul team taking the lead, it was Alkmaar that went 2-0 up in Turkey as a clearance bounced in off Seiya Maikuma
three minutes before half-time and Denso Kasius added a second 10 minutes after the break with a fine drive from distance Osimhen however pulled back a goal in the 56th minute before Roland Sallai gave Galatasaray hopes of redemption when he equalized
in the 70th minute.
All efforts by Galatasaray to increase tally failed as the hosts who needed three further goals to take the game into extra time were thwarted in every move by the Dutch side. Osimhen who scored five goals in the Europa League will now join
his teammates in shifting their attention to ‘The Intercontinental Derby’ against bitter city rivals Fenerbache on Monday. Galatasaray are six points clear of their rivals at the top of the table after 23 games. AZ Alkmaar on the other hand will face either Manchester United or Tottenham in the last 16 of the Europa League. The draw for the last 16 will take place today (Friday) at 12:00 GMT.
Three of Nigeria’s best forwards namely, Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray); Victor Boniface (Bayer Leverkusen) and Ademola Lookman of Atalanta have been nominated for the top award of the 11th edition of the Nigeria Pitch Awards.
Osimhen won the top Nigerian football award at the last edition last year in addition to also winning the King of the Pitch gong. The Napoli striker now on loan at Turkish giants Galatasaray was also the reigning CAF African Player of the Year.
However, Lookman who led Atalanta to win the Europa League succeeded Osimhen as Africa Player of the Year and is being tipped to also win the Nigerian Pitch Award.
Both players are also in the running for the King of the Pitch Award. The third nominee is Captain of the Super Eagles,William Troost-Ekong of Saudi Arabia’s Al-kholood FC.
Troost-Ekong is also nominated in the Defender of the Year category alongside Nottingham Forest’s Ola Aina and Calvin Bassey of Fulham FC.
For the Midfielder of the Year category, Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC), Frank Onyeka (FC Augsburg) and Leicester City’s Wilfred Ndidi are the nominated players for the award.
Remo Stars’ Kayode Bankole who has powered the Ikenne club
to the top of the NPFL is the homebased player in contention for the Goalkeeper of the Year award along with Maduka Okoye of Udinese and Stanley Nwabali of South Africa’s Chippa United
The trio of Rasheedat Ajibade of Atlético de Madrid Femenino; Asisat Oshoala of USA’s Bay FC and Chiamaka Nnadozie of Paris FC were also nominated for the Queen of the Pitch category with all eyes on Nnadozie to pick the award due to her stellar performance for both club and country in the past season.
For the Coach of the Year, Moses Adukwu (Edo Queens FC), Fidelis Ilechukwu of Rangers International FC and Daniel Ogunmodede Remo Stars FC are the nominees in that category.
There are several other categories of the award to be given out at the yet to be announced date.
Speaking at the media briefing to herald the award yesterday at BON Hotel in Ikeja GRA, Lagos, President of the Pitch Awards, Mr Sina Phillips, thanked the College of Voters who have remained steadfast over the last decade of the awards.
“As organisers, we are very proud of and deeply appreciative of our College of Voters whose decisions year after year have shown them to be true and selfless patriots.”
He said that the award process
Celebrates 7th Anniversary with Massive Rewards for
BetKing, Nigeria’s leading sports betting platform, is celebrating seven years of delivering world-class gaming experiences, transforming lives, and creating countless winners.
To mark this milestone, BetKing is launching an exciting reward campaign throughout February 2025 to appreciate its loyal customers with incredible prizes, including cash rewards, free bets, iPhones, PS5 consoles, and more.
Since its inception, BetKing has grown to become the best betting site in Nigeria, setting the industry standard for excellence, innovation, and customer satisfaction.
Managing Director of BetKing, Gossy Ukanwoke, emphasized the company’s commitment to growth, community development, and business empowerment: “Over the past seven years, BetKing has not only redefined sports betting in Nigeria but has also built a legacy of impact, innovation, and empowerment.
“Our journey has been fueled by the unwavering support of our customers, agents, and business partners. Through our community initiatives, agent support programmes, and empowerment strategies, we have created opportunities for thousands of Nigerians to grow their businesses and achieve financial independence.
“As we celebrate this anniver-
sary, we reaffirm our commitment to delivering the best gaming experiences while continuing to positively impact lives across the country.”
From a marketing perspective, the anniversary campaign is designed to excite and reward players with exclusive giveaways.
Nengi Akinola, Head of Marketing at BetKing, shared insights into the celebratory campaign; “BetKing is all about giving back to our customers, and our 7th anniversary is the perfect time to do just that. We are rolling out an exciting reward campaign, where players will have the opportunity to win fantastic prizes simply by engaging with our platform. From free bets to the latest smartphones and gaming consoles, we’re making it more rewarding than ever to bet with the best betting site in Nigeria.”
With one of the best sports betting apps in the market, BetKing continues to set the pace for user-friendly, secure, and rewarding gaming experiences. Customers can participate in the anniversary campaign by placing bets via the BetKing website or mobile app for a chance to win.
As BetKing celebrates seven years of excellence, the company remains committed to providing its customers with top-tier gaming experiences, unmatched rewards, and a strong commitment to community empowerment
has been designed in such a way that it will not only be transparent but also sustainable.
“This is why the award process transcend organizers’ personal influence while putting the responsibility
of deciding winners in the hands of professional journalists with many years of experience, knowledge and expertise in reporting and analyzing football.
The Nigeria Pitch Awards chief
organiser, also paid glowing appreciation to SIAO Partners who in the last decade have conferred integrity on the award through their diligent handling of the voting process leading to the winners emerging.
Elsewhere in the Europa League playoffs last night, Paulo Dybala scored twice as Roma fought back to beat Porto in a thrilling encounter and seal their place in the last 16 of the competition.
The first leg between two of the competition's favourites in the knockout round play-off had ended in a 1-1 draw, leaving yesterday's second leg in the balance.
Samu Aghehowa opened the scoring for Porto in the 27th minute with a brilliant overhead kick, but Roma levelled eight minutes later thanks to Dybala's fine finish into the bottom corner.
The Argentine striker was on the scoresheet again just four minutes later as his drilled strike put the Italians ahead.
Stephen Eustaquio was sent off six minutes into the second half for Porto following a review by the video assistant referee (VAR) after hitting out at Leandro Paredes, although the decision seemed harsh.
Months after an ill-tempered Africa Cup of Nations qualifying confrontation, Nigeria and Libya are back again in the sports arena. This time it is the qualification for the AfroBasket 2025. Unlike the October episode in which the Nigeria football team could not gain access into Libya, the tension is doused this time as the Nigerian basketball team, D’Tigers are already in Tripoli and will be taking on Libya in the opening Group B encounter
Ikoyi Club’s Sunday Olapade is presently the only Nigerian professional golfer in the 2025 Magical Kenya Open that tees off yesterday at the Muthiaga Golf Club.
He picked one of the three last tickets to the $2.5m European Tour event marking Nigeria’s return to top-flight golf event since Oche Odoh last led Nigeria’s campaign in 2021.
Olapade finished behind Deus Willy and Paul Chidale for the last three tickets at the Safari Tour Regional Qualifiers on Monday. Although his opening round at
of the three-day mini tournament.
Libya will this Friday (today) host Nigeria at 20.00 hours GMT (which is 9 pm in Nigeria). On Saturday, Nigeria will face Uganda at 6 pm Nigerian time.
The Nigerian team’s last match is against Cape Verde on Sunday.
The Libyan Ministry of Sports of
Muthiaga saw him posting +6 (a fourteen shots margin from the leading pair of J. Parry and B. Hubert, Olapade has his second round to make a fight for a stake in the winning purse and world ranking points.
“I will give it a fight. I will give it my best, but my joy is that I am able to speak for my colleagues back home with this performance here”.
He said the quality of professional golf in Nigeria has greatly improved of late and that is evidenced by the recent performances of Nigerian players
the Government of National Unity announced the start of preparations to sponsor and host “window 2 qualifiers” for AfroBasket 2025 – which is going to be held in Angola.
ADVERTISEMENT
The Ministry explained that the qualifiers would be held in the Grand Hall in Tripoli from February 21 to
across the continent.
Olapade who won both the Ivory Coast Open, Ghana Open and also bagged the biggest professional purse in Nigeria in 2024 in succession, said a lot of players of Nigerian descent can hold their on the continent if they get the right support.
Oche Odoh whom alongside Gift Willy are the standby players for the event yesterday said Olapade is an example of immense golfing talent that Nigeria boasts of.
“Olapade has been blazing
23 for the teams of the second and fifth groups. It adds that this step comes as a continuation of the series of Arab, African and international championships that Libya has hosted in recent years and the remarkable organizational and administrative success, as well as its keenness to embrace Arab and African sports in various games and championships.
since late last year especially with the series of victories he has recorded. I think the DP World Tour, Magical Kenya Open he is playing this week is the biggest feat of his career. I am very proud of him and I think he has more miles to walk on in his professional journey and as colleagues, we are here to cheer him.” The Magical Kenya Open, is one of the few European Tour event hosted on the continent and a good performance for Olapade could earn him placement in more European Tour schedules.
PANDEF to President Tinubu
“We observe with great concern the fact that the bill...South-South Development Commission (SSDC)...was submitted at the same time as others to Mr. President, is yet to be assented to. The non-signing of this law have a negative impact on the present state of peace in the Niger Delta and the favourable environment which it creates for the upsurge in the production of oil and gas in the country” --PANDEF Spokesman, Obiuwevbi Ominimini, urges President Tinubu to sign the bill into law.
Black History Month, being observed this February in the United States and many other countries around the world, including Nigeria, affords one the appropriate opportunity to share some thoughts on the rather consequential subject of systemic racism – racism of the kind that is not ad hoc, but seems built into the system itself. The irony of it, though, is that the persistence of racism in many of the concerned countries and situations is not necessarily for want of, but in spite of, efforts to eradicate it! In fact, one of the more baffling, and undoubtedly frustrating, realities confronting people and organizations working in this area has been the seemingly “die hard” nature of the problem, its resilience and persistence despite quite considerable effort over the years to eradicate it. It may actually be recalled in this context that jolted, and no doubt equally revolted, by the Nazi race theories and atrocities of the Second World War, the post-war world reacted, particularly in the West, by deploying considerable effort and resources into the fight to combat racism and racial discrimination, spearheading, for example, adoption by the United Nations of the landmark Universal Declaration Of Human Rights(1948) expressly condemning racism and prohibiting the adoption by Member States of racially discriminatory laws.
Yet, if we take the example of the United States, the truth, as recognized by President Biden himself upon his election in 2020, is that, despite the undeniable progress that has been made, especially in the wake of the great Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s and 70s, there remains an underlying systemic racism in society that refuses to go away and so continues to manifest itself in various ways on the ground: the George Floyd and George Floyd-type incidents, the near legitimization and “mainstreaming” of “white supremacy” ideologies and movements, showcased in the January 6th Capitol insurrection. In Europe, the mounting anti-racism campaigns by football authorities, particularly the FA in England, and the numerous racist avowals and incidents connected with ongoing anti-immigration protests speak to the same fact.
So, what is going on here and why? “Why have all the efforts over many decades failed to defeat or excise this social evil?” My book OF BLACK SERVITUDE WITHOUT SLAVERY, The Unspoken Politics Of The English Language, in proffering a totally new approach to dealing with the systemic racism problem, addresses this particular question by pointing out that the difficulty so far lies in the nature of the
problem and the efforts directed at it. I argue, inter alia, that racism, as people encounter it, is an outward expression of the perpetrator’s racial bias mindset, which no amount of clamping down on discriminatory acts, whether in jobs, schools, housing or social interactions, such as has been the case hitherto, can effectively address: only actions targeting the mindset can be relevant.
In order to effectively combat a negative mindset, one must first identify its origin and sustenance – its well-spring, as it were – and then tackle the problem at its roots. The book identifies language as a major repository, as well as purveyor, of racial bias, which then goes on, whether intended or not, to create a racial bias mindset in its users. Using the English language, the world’s dominant and virtually only global language, to illustrate this thesis, I demonstrate that embedded in it is a systemic denigration of “blackness” and corresponding glorification of “whiteness”, which is exemplified by expressions such as blacklist, black sheep, painting someone black, for example, and white list, white knight, white lie, and more. There is, in effect, a “blackness of bad/whiteness of good, badness of black/ goodness of white” narrative that runs through the language – and necessarily all thinking in that language - in which “black” basically denotes “bad” and “white”, in turn, denotes “good”. Such a narrative, imbibed over a period (often from birth), and reinforced by everyday usage, must undoubtedly create in users of the language a mindset that is conditioned, subconsciously at least, to shun “black” things while instinctively embracing things designated as “white”.
In such a scenario a black person becomes routinely subsumed – subconsciously or oth-
erwise - into the general category of “black”, and, therefore, “bad”, things, which, in turn, triggers the preprogrammed negative reaction in the other person, regardless of conscious intentions, leaving it to that person’s conscious mind, if aware and so inclined, to make the correction by separating the black person from the general category of “bad” “black” things. It actually may well be that the psychological inability to make this separation accounts for much existing racist disposition.
The white person, too, being also an integral part of the same conditioning system, and indeed its main beneficiary, would likewise get subsumed, subconsciously or otherwise, but this time into the category of “good” things, which, in turn, implicitly “entitles” him or her to favorable or “sympathetic” treatment - so much so that it may indeed form the psychological underpinning to the long-observed phenomenon of decidedly unequal treatment of black and white persons in law enforcement, not just by the police and prison authorities, but often even by judges.
Considering the processes outlined above, one can well perceive racism of the kind under discussion as a kind of social system into which people are indoctrinated by fate (i.e. birth) or by circumstance! As such, the people involved may actually be seen as being themselves entrapped by the system!
Coming now to solutions, it becomes apparent from the foregoing analysis that the key to resolving the systemic racism problem is the elimination of the “blackness of bad/whiteness of good” narrative and its related mindset. Effective action in that regard would be to delink the race-designating terms of “black” and “white” from all qualitative assessment functions in the language and, so, from figurative expressions such as those noted above. Substituting other terms not associated with racial designations for these two terms would render these terms value-neutral and, so, mindset irrelevant, while also ending their unintended racial bias reinforcement effect as part of everyday conversations. A random example of such substitution, strictly as illustration, could be something like dronche, for “black” and freen, for “white”, giving us expressions like “dronche sheep” and “dronche list”, in the case of “black”, and, in the case of “white”, “freen knight”, and “freen magic”, and so on. Of course, whatever new substitute terms are chosen will at first appear strange, unfamiliar and maybe even nonsensical, having by necessity no intrinsic meaning; however, with time and the requisite will these should all become normalized and, more importantly, imbued with the meanings we have chosen
for them, just like other invented new terms in the language: “Ms.”, “phishing”, “meme” and others, being examples.
The idea here is that upon successful implementation of such substitution, it would not be long before the older generation, no longer functioning in the “bad is black, good is white” milieu and mindset, would have this connection erased from its consciousness, while for the new-born generation no such linkage would have even existed in their consciousness, thereby leading us, in principle, to a complete and permanent solution of the systemic racism problem!
Conclusion
While no one can say for certain that successful implementation of the solution envisaged here would in and of itself solve all of society’s racism problem, its singular importance lies, nevertheless, in the fact that no fundamental or enduring resolution of the problem seems possible without addressing the underlying mindset issue that the solution targets!
The great merit of the solution proposed here, as argued above, is that it aims to be a real and permanent solution of the problem, rather than a palliative to douse the current crisis, as often happens. Furthermore, this is a solution that will be welcomed by all involved: no longer does the black person have to endure the psychological humiliation and stigma of sharing “labels” with everything bad, ugly and evil, while the white person will be relieved of the awkwardness of being compelled, for want of alternatives, to use terminology which they can sense is demeaning to the other person. Adding to the merits of this solution is the fact that: it costs next-to-nothing to implement, unlike other “social justice” undertakings!
It is important to note once again that the focus in this analysis on the English language is merely strategic: as the dominant international communications medium, it can do – and no doubt has already done - serious damage, spreading the narrative and mindset globally; it can, on the other hand, likewise positively transmit any correction through a large swathe of the global population. Moreover, any reform of English would exert enormous pressure for change on the other languages. This well-known French adage, for example, speaks volumes and requires no commentary: “La diable n’est pas aussi noir qu’ on le dit!”, translating essentially as “The devil is not as black as he is made out to be!”
#BADISNOTBLACK&VICEVERSA
•Dr. Okali, a former United Nations Assistant Secretary-General, is Founder-Chairman, Society for the Elimination of Racism In All Language (SERIAL) www.serialglobal.org.