The crisis in the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)
deepened yesterday as the SouthSouth Zone of the party rebuked the National Working Committee (NWC) for overreaching itself by
appointing a caretaker committee for the zone, insisting that the recent zonal congress held in Calabar, the Cross River State
capital was constitutional.
This is just as former vice president and presidential candidate of the PDP in the
advocates coalition to sack APC
2023 elections, Atiku Abubakar, has denied reports that he had dumped the party, saying he has no plans to leave the PDP. He renewed his support for a coalition of political parties
Sexual Harassment Allegations,
for misconduct, not sexual assault
Sunday Aborisade in Abuja
The Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, yesterday said the suspended senator representing Kogi Central, Mrs Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, traumatised him and the Senate with what he described as her "useless sexual harassment allegations".
This is just as the Senate Leader, Senator Bamidele Opeyemi, has insisted that the senator representing Kogi Central senatorial district was suspended for gross misconduct, and not because of the sexual harassment allegation she made against Akpabio.
Akpabio and the Senate had come under heavy criticism following the sanction handed out to the female lawmaker, who was suspended for six months by the federal lawmakers.
Speaking at an event to commemorate International Women’s Day (IWD), Akpabio, who maintained his innocence of the sexual harassment allegations against him by the female senator, described himself as her latest victim, saying her previous allegations had also turned out to be false.
He said: “It is only yesterday that I realised that what we are
Director General, World Trade Organisation, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala (left), and former German Chancellor,
Angela
Chuks Okocha in Abuja
Akpabio: Niger Delta Senators will Intervene in Rivers Crisis
The Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has promised to mobilise the senators from the Niger Delta region to resolve the lingering crisis in Rivers State.
Speaking at the weekend in Abuja when he received a delegation of the Niger Delta Ethnic Nationalities Youth Leaders’ Forum that paid him a solidarity visit, the Senate president told the delegation that, he and other Senators
from the Niger Delta would take up their request and see how they could bring peace to Rivers State in particular, as well as any other sub-national that needs a similar intervention.
Speaking further, Akpabio warned those he described as armchair critics to stop running uninformed commentaries on the Senate
According to the President of the Senate, individuals who are not well grounded in the rules of the Senate
should desist from such attacks on the Upper Chamber.
Akpabio wondered why people who had no idea of the rules of procedure in parliament were always the ones to run uninformed commentaries on television on matters they knew nothing about.
Akpabio noted that the Senate’s action against Senator Natasha AkpotiUduaghan was a unanimous decision. He wondered why people were not
bothered to know why there was no dissenting voice in the Senate on the matter.
Responding to an earlier comment by the leader of the delegation and President of Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Jonathan Lokpobiri, that the first time a Niger Delta indigene was made a Senate President was 46 years ago, Akpabio said the people of Niger Delta would not toy with this position of Senate President no matter the mischief
others within the opposition rank and file attempted to do. He said: “The Senate President of today is not representing himself alone. He is representing people who are very crucial to the economic life wire of this country.
“So, when people gang up and conspire, I hear voices from Adamawa shouting, I hear voices from Kwara State shouting, I hear some young people from the South-west being used
for something they don’t know; they don’t know the rules of the Senate; you can't be a herbalist and start quoting the Bible; you won’t know what to quote. “If you have not studied the Bible or you have nothing to do with Christianity, you cannot claim to know the Bible more than the Pope. In the same vein, if you are not an Imam, you cannot begin to quote the Quran.
WE ARE TRAUMATISED BY AKPOTI-UDUAGHAN’S SEXUAL HARASSMENT ALLEGATIONS, SAYS AKPABIO
talking about only happened when there was a change of seat. That is when hell was let loose, and all sorts of allegations came up, only after the change of seat and change of committee, which my senators know to happen from time to time.
“This is said to have happened on December 8, a day before my birthday, which was celebrated in the stadium in 2023. So, from the 8th of December 2023, I never heard; my wife never heard; no Nigerian ever heard - even the
husband never heard any issue of sexual harassment until her committee was changed and then her seat was changed.
“Have you ever wondered about the trauma caused by that same woman on the other people she has accused in the
past? None has been proven so far. Do you even wonder about the trauma this caused to the 10th Senate and the image of the Senate with all these useless allegations? I have refrained myself from making a statement.
SHARP RISE IN IMPORTS, STEADY EXPORTS PUSHED NIGERIA’S FOREIGN
source.
However, despite maintaining a trade surplus, the country’s trade balance declined significantly.
The surplus for the quarter stood at N3.42 trillion, reflecting a 34.9 per cent drop from the previous quarter.
The decline was largely attributed to the continued increase in imports and a marginal drop in export earnings.
The NBS report stated: “Nigeria’s total merchandise trade stood at N36,604.83 billion in Q4 2024. This represents an increase of 68.32 per cent compared to the value (N21,747.40 billion) recorded in the corresponding period of 2023 and a rise of 2.20 per cent over the value recorded in the preceding quarter (N35,818.35billion).”
Total exports in Q4 2024 were valued at N20.01 trillion, marking a 57.7 per cent increase compared to the same period in 2023.
However, exports declined by 2.55 per cent from the N20.54trillion recorded in the previous quarter
Crude oil continued to dominate Nigeria’s exports, accounting for 68.87 per cent of total exports with a value of N13.78 trillion.
This represented a 33.7 per cent increase from Q4 2023 and a 2.8 per cent rise from Q3 2024.
Other key exports included Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), petroleum gases, superior-quality cocoa beans, and urea, which contributed significantly to Nigeria’s non-oil export revenue.
The Netherlands emerged as Nigeria’s largest export destination, receiving N2.09 trillion worth of goods, representing 10.44 per cent
to defeat the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027.
The NWC had on Friday rejected the zonal congress of the South-South Zonal Executive two weeks ago and appointed a caretaker committee headed by Mr. Emma Ogidi from Delta State. But reacting to the appointment of the caretaker committee and the nullification of the zonal congress, the South-South Zonal Publicity Secretary, Prince Etim Isong, in a statement, insisted that the decision of the PDP NWC to invalidate the zonal congress ran against judicial precedents that allowed states and zonal structures of the party to organise themselves.
He argued that the PDP operates under a well-defined constitution that provides clear guidelines for the smooth operation of the party at all levels.
“The recent statement by the National Publicity Secretary, Hon. Debo Ologunagba, announcing the purported appointment of a South-South Zonal Caretaker Committee is a gross violation of the PDP’s Constitution and an affront to the rule of law.
''The PDP Constitution explicitly outlines the processes for electing zonal officers and managing zonal
of total exports.
France followed with N1.91trillion, while Spain recorded N1.74trillion. India and Indonesia were also among the top five export partners, with N1.60trillion and N1.41trillion in trade, respectively.
These five countries collectively accounted for 43.7 per cent of Nigeria’s total exports during the period.
Total imports in Q4 2024 rose sharply to N16.59 trillion, reflecting an 83.2 per cent increase from the N9.05 trillion recorded in Q4 2023. Compared to the previous quarter, imports increased by 8.57 per cent from N15.28trillion.
However, mineral product imports declined, falling from N5.84 trillion in Q3 2024 to N4.92 trillion in Q4 2024, indicating a reduced reliance on imported mineral fuels.
Agricultural imports reached N1.09 trillion in Q4 2024, representing a 53.4 per cent rise from the same period in 2023.
Raw material imports surged to N2.11 trillion, marking a 118.2 per cent year-on-year increase. Manufactured goods imports recorded the highest growth, reaching N8.47 trillion, an increase of 113.3 per cent from Q4 2023.
China remained Nigeria’s top import source, accounting for N4.61 trillion or 27.8 per cent of total imports. India followed with N1.90 trillion while Belgium, the United States, and France contributed N1.39 trillion, N1.06 trillion, and N601.28 billion, respectively.
The agricultural sector recorded strong growth in Q4 2024, with total agricultural exports valued at
affairs. According to Section 28(2) (b) of the PDP Constitution, the Zonal Congress is the only body empowered to elect officers of the Zonal Working Committee.
''Furthermore, Section 28(3) provides that the zonal congress shall meet at the instance of the National Vice Chairman from the zone. Additionally, Section 27(2)(c) clearly defines the Zonal Executive Committee as the only organ empowered to summon the Zonal Congress and prepare its agenda, while Section 27(3) mandates that the meeting of the Zonal Executive Committee shall be at the instance of the National Vice Chairman.
''In strict adherence to these provisions, on February 15, 2025, the South-south Zonal Chapter of the PDP held its Zonal Executive Committee meeting in Benin, Edo State, at the instance of the National Vice Chairman from the Zone, Chief Dan Osi Orbih, as required by Section 27(3) of the PDP Constitution.
''During this meeting, the Zonal Executive Committee approved February 22, 2025, for the meeting of the Zonal Congress, in line with Section 27(2)(c). On the said date, the Zonal Congress, exercising its powers as provided
N1.54 trillion, reflecting a 232 per cent increase from the same period in 2023.
Superior quality cocoa beans were the most exported agricultural product, accounting for N836.2 billion.
Standard quality cocoa beans followed at N269.3billion, while sesamum seeds were valued at N202.9billion.
Other notable agricultural exports included natural cocoa butter at N104.6billion and shelled cashew nuts at N30.8billion.
Europe remained the dominant market for Nigeria’s agricultural exports, accounting for N986.7 billion, while Asia received N474.4 billion worth of agricultural products.
The Netherlands and Malaysia were the top buyers of Nigerian cocoa beans, while China and Japan imported significant quantities of sesamum seeds.
Total exports in the solid minerals sector were valued at N60.7 billion, reflecting a 69.2 per cent increase year-on-year but a 21.9 per cent decline from Q3 2024.
Cement clinkers and tin ores were the dominant solid mineral exports, with major trading partners including Cameroon and China.
Imports of solid minerals, mainly plasters from Egypt and Tunisia, were valued at N111.8 billion during the quarter.
Manufactured goods exports stood at N494.2 billion, marking a 110.3 per cent increase year-on-year but a 52.5 per cent decline from Q3 2024.
The top manufactured goods exports included unwrought aluminum alloys, dredgers,
in Section 28(2)(b), duly elected officers of the South-south Zonal Working Committee, including Chief Dan Osi Orbih as National Vice Chairman and Barrister George Turner as Zonal Secretary.
''Prior to the conduct of this congress, the party informed the Independent National Electoral Commission which sent its staff to monitor the exercise in compliance with the provisions of the Electoral Act,” he explained.
Isong said it was shocking and unacceptable that an officer of the NWC, Ologunagba, who claims to be a lawyer, would overreach his constitutional mandate to announce a purported appointment of a Zonal Caretaker Committee to assume positions that are not vacant.
“By the provisions of Section 33(2) of the PDP Constitution, only the National Convention, as the supreme controlling organ of the party, enjoys the powers to invalidate the actions or decisions of a zonal congress.
''Furthermore, Section 29(2) (a) stipulates that the National Working Committee is responsible for the day-to-day administration of the party at the national level and operates under the control of the National Executive Committee.
and cathodes. Most of Nigeria’s manufactured goods exports were shipped to Africa, followed by Asia and Europe.
Meanwhile, manufactured goods imports surged to N8.47 trillion, with aircraft parts from France and photovoltaic cells from China among the most imported items.
Trade with African countries remained robust, with total exports valued at N2.04 trilion, while imports from the continent stood at N514.96 billion, representing just 3.1 per cent of total imports. South Africa, Ivory Coast, and Senegal emerged as Nigeria’s top trading partners within Africa.
Within ECOWAS, Nigeria exported goods worth N1.18trillion, while imports from the region were valued at N77.1billion. Ivory Coast ranked as Nigeria’s largest ECOWAS export destination, followed by Senegal, Togo, Ghana, and Benin Republic.
The most exported products to ECOWAS included petroleum oils, electrical energy, and cigarettes, while crude palm oil and petroleum bitumen were the most imported products from the region.
The report indicated that 98.8 per cent of Nigeria’s exports in Q4 2024 were transported by sea, with Apapa Port handling 89.6 per cent of total outbound shipments.
Air and road transport accounted for minimal shares of total exports. On the import side, maritime transport remained dominant, accounting for 90.2 per cent of inbound shipments. Apapa Port continued to serve as Nigeria’s major entry point for imports.
While Section 29(2)(b) empowers the NWC to act on behalf of the NEC in emergencies, it explicitly states that such actions are subject to ratification by the NEC. In other words, the NWC cannot hide under the guise of an “emergency” to perpetrate illegality,'' the zonal publicity secretary further explained.
According to him, this is not the first time the NWC attempted to overstep its bounds, adding that judicial precedents had consistently reaffirmed the limits of its powers.
He recalled that in 2012, the Adebayo Dayo-led State Executive Committee of the Ogun State Chapter of PDP dragged the NWC to the Federal High Court in Lagos in suit number FHC/L/ CS/347/2012, over the powers of the State Executive Committee to conduct the Ogun State Congress without the directive, involvement, or sanctioning of the NWC.
According to him, the Ogun State chapter of the party got a favourable judgment against the NWC, which was upheld by the Supreme Court.
He added that in 2016, the Federal High Court in Lagos, in a judgment delivered on suit number FHC/L/CS/636/2016
“Look at these beautiful women. They have come across me so many times. Have I ever harassed any one of you? Or is the person thinking that you are not beautiful?”
Natasha Suspended for Misconduct, Not Sexual Assault Allegation, Senate Leader Insists
Meanwhile, the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi, has insisted that Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended for gross misconduct, and not because of a sexual harassment allegation she made against Akpabio.
In a statement issued yesterday, the lawmaker representing Ekiti Central Senatorial District said false narratives were being circulated by certain media organisations on Akpoti-Uduaghan’s six-month suspension.
Bamidele stressed that AkpotiUduaghan was suspended solely for her persistent acts of misconduct, blatant disregard for the provisions of the Senate’s Standing Orders 2023, and gross indiscipline.
“The authority of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria firmly rebuts the deliberate misinformation and false narratives being circulated by certain media organisations regarding the six-month suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti Uduaghan.
“Let it be unequivocally stated that Senator Uduaghan was suspended solely for her persistent acts of misconduct, blatant disregard for the provisions of the Senate Standing Orders 2023 (As Amended), and gross indiscipline—nothing more, nothing less,” Bamidele explained.
He described the reports suggesting that the female
reaffirmed that the power to summon congresses resides with the party’s respective executive committees, relying on the 2012 judgment.
“In 2020, the Uche Secondus-led NWC instituted a fresh suit on the same subject before Justice Iyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court in Abuja. Justice Ekwo dismissed the suit as frivolous, noting it had been determined in 2016, and ruled that only the executive committees at the respective levels are empowered to summon congresses at those levels,” he added.
He called on all party leaders, stakeholders, and members in the South-South Zone to disregard what he described as this illegal action and continue to work together in the overall interest of the party, in line with the provisions of the PDP Constitution and the rule of law.
Atiku Debunks Defection Report, Advocates Coalition to Sack APC
Meanwhile, Atiku has denied reports that he had dumped the PDP and renewed his support
senator’s suspension was due to allegations of sexual harassment as completely untrue, misleading, and a calculated attempt to distort the facts.
“If Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan had strictly followed our guiding principles, the Senate would have treated her petition based on merit in line with its practice. But she never obeyed the established practices of the institution where she was serving,” the Senate leader added.
He further said that the Kogi lawmaker’s suspension was a decision of the committee of the whole Senate following the submission of a report by the chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions, Senator Neda Imaseun, adding that, “the report found her guilty of violating Sections 6.1 and 6.2 of the Senate’s Rules and recommended her immediate suspension.
“The disciplinary action was a response to her repeated violations of legislative decorum, including 1. Refusing to sit in her assigned seat during plenary on 25th February 2025, despite multiple pleas from the Minority Leader and other ranking senators - an act of open defiance and disorderly conduct.
“2. Speaking without being recognised by the presiding officer in clear violation of parliamentary practices and procedures on 25th February 2025.
“3. Engaging in unruly and disruptive behavior, obstructing the orderly conduct of Senate proceedings.
“4. Making abusive and disrespectful remarks against the leadership of the Senate. 5. Defying and refusing to comply with the summons of the Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges mandated to investigate cases of misconduct,” Bamidele explained.
for a coalition of political parties to defeat the APC in 2027. Recently, various reports suggested that Atiku was considering leaving the PDP in preparation for the 2027 presidential election.
The reports said he was finalising moves to join the Social Democratic Party (SDP).
Reacting to the reports in a statement yesterday, Atiku’s media office said the former vice president remains a bonafide member of the PDP and that the reports were a complete fallacy without any logical basis.
The statement stated that he was busy organising a strong coalition to ensure that the ruling APC is ousted from office by 2027.
''We wish to clarify that the so-called news of Atiku defecting to another party is a total fallacy that holds no merit in logic,'' said the statement signed by Mr. Paul Ibe.
The statement noted that “Atiku had persistently called for a coalition of opposition political parties in Nigeria ahead of the 2027 general election to oust the incompetent and pain-inflicting All Progressives Congress, to give Nigerians a new lease of life.''
Chuks Okocha in Abuja
CELEBRATING INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY...
At 2025 IWD, Tinubu, First Lady, Atiku, AbdulRazaq Hail Nigerian Women’s Resilience, Hard Work
President Bola Tinubu; his wife, Oluremi; former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Kwara State Governor, Alhaji AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, yesterday celebrated Nigerian women for their resilience, hard work, and achievements in celebration of the 2025 International Women’s Day.
In a post on his X handle yesterday, Tinubu said, “Happy International Women’s Day to our mothers, daughters, sisters—your strength fuels Nigeria’s future. Together, we rise!.”
On her part, the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, honoured women globally for their resilience, hard work, and achievements in celebration of the 2025 International Women’s Day.
In her message commemorating the day, Mrs Tinubu encouraged women to cherish and support one another.
“Today, on International Women’s Day, we celebrate the strength, resilience, and achievements of all women and girls across Nigeria and the world.
“The theme for this year serves as a powerful reminder of the need to reaffirm our commitment to building a society where every woman and girl can thrive, free from discrimination and limitations.
“I believe it is time for women to make this happen. Let us all endeavour to lift each other up, one woman at a time,” she said.
Former Vice President, Atiku in a statement in support of women’s rights, called for greater empowerment and inclusion of women in governance.
Atiku disclosed this in a statement on X.com yesterday as he commemorated International Women’s Day.
Atiku wrote, “On this special occasion of International Women’s Day, I extend my heartfelt appreciation to the resilient, hardworking, and courageous women of Nigeria.
“Women are the backbone of our society and play indispensable roles in our homes, workplaces, and governance. Their contributions to nationbuilding are immeasurable, and today, we celebrate their strength, determination, and achievements.”
Atiku also expressed concern
Sahel Think-Tank on Security Meets Zulum to Study Borno Model
A think tank on security in the Sahel region, known as the Alliance of Sahel Institute for Security Studies, along with members of the Norwegian Institute for Conflict Resolution, met with Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, to explore the innovative security strategies implemented by the Zulum’s administration to tackle insecurity in the state.
At a meeting held in Maiduguri yesterday, the alliance sought to leverage the Borno Model, a community-driven approach to combating insurgency, as a blueprint for other Sahelian nations facing similar challenges.
The Sahel region, which stretches across several countries, including Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, has faced a surge in violence over the years. The think tank, comprising experts and policymakers from across the Sahel region, was led by the Special Adviser to the
Nigerian Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Hon. Aliyu Ibrahim Gebi. Part of the delegation were the Coordinator of Operation Safe Corridor, Brigadier General Yusuf Ali; General Aime B. Simpore from Burkina Faso; Mahamadu Togota from Mali; and Moureima Adamou Noma from the Republic of Niger.
In his remarks, Zulum stated that the Borno Model is one of the most successful security and reintegration strategies in the world, noting that about 300,000 insurgents and their family members had surrendered to the authorities.
Zulum emphasised that to earn the confidence of the people, his administration has executed several projects, including schools, hospitals, markets, and livelihood support for those affected by insurgency.
The governor added that in the last six years, the Borno State Government has established several infrastructures across the three senatorial zones of the state.
over the ongoing suppression of women’s voices in leadership positions within Nigeria citing the recent suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. He wrote, “It is deeply concerning that in a democratic society, attempts are still being made to silence the voices of women in leadership. The recent suspension of
Senator #NatashaAkpoti is an unfortunate example of such suppression, which undermines the principles of fairness, representation, and gender inclusivity.
“Women must be encouraged and empowered to participate fully in governance, not stifled when they dare to lead.”
Kwara State Governor,
AbdulRazaq, the governor in a statement issued and signed by his Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Mr. Rafiu Ajakaye, celebrated women in the state and across the world for their resilience, creativity, and the joy that they bring to every space they occupy.
He said: Women are critical stakeholders in our society and in our quest for sustainable
development. They (women) play important roles in development, social cohesion, and progress.
"Our administration recognises this, and we have continued to promote initiatives, policies, and legislations that protect the rights of women and offer equitable opportunities,” the governor said.
CBN Explains Appointment of New Directors
Insists exercise merit-based, women accounted for 35% of appointments
James Emejo in Abuja
The selection process for the appointment of 16 new directors of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to head key departments was more rigorous than previous exercises and based purely on merit, sources at the apex bank have explained yesterday.
The appointments, which took effect from March 3, came about nine months after the bank relieved the previous directors of their appointments.
Prior to the final selection, the central bank had in September 2024 published an internal advertisement seeking to fill strategic departments that were headed by coordinators.
According the CBN, the exercise was a total departure from the past, as it deployed the services of renowned global consultancy firm PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) to ensure a bias-free exercise.
Although the bank has yet to issue a formal statement on the appointment, sources who pleaded anonymity, said the two-phase appointment process was devoid of ethnic or religious
sentiments, clarifying that only the best candidates were selected from among eligible deputy directors within the apex bank.
One of the CBN sources stated: “No objective-minded person at the CBN will criticise the transparency in selecting the new directors, nor will anyone question their pedigree within the system.
"If you go around the departments, the consensus is that the management got it right this time. It was a merit-based process in the management’s renewed commitment to transparency."
A breakdown of the recent appointment indicated that over 35 per cent of those appointed were women.
These included Dr. Rakiya Yusuf (Payment System Supervision Department), Dr. Adenike Olubunmi Ojumu (Medical Services Department), and Dr. Aisha Isa-Olatinwo (Consumer Protection Department).
Others are Mrs. Rita Ijeoma Sike (Financial Policy and Regulation Department), Mrs. Monsurat Vincent (Strategy
Management and Innovation Department), and Mrs. Omoyemen Avbasowamen JideSamuel from the Information Technology Department.
Others appointed as directors were Mr. Hamisu Abdullahi of the Banking Services Department; Dr. Usman Moses Okpanachi (Statistics); Dr. Obom Victor Ugbem (Monetary Policy); and Mr. Farouk Mujtaba Muhammad, who will oversee the Reserve Management Department.
Also, Dr. Adetona Sikiru Adedeji, who previously served as the acting Director of Banking Supervision, is now the substantive Director of the Currency Operation and Branch Management Department. Similarly, Mr. Mohammed-Jamiu Olayemi Solaja, who oversaw the activities of the Currency Operations Department before the exercise, now leads the Other Financial Institutions Supervision Department.
In addition, Mr. Musa Nakorji is the new Director of the Trade and Exchange Department, while Mr. Kayode Olarewaju
Makinde is now the Director of the Procurement and Support Services Department.
The appointments, which took effect from March 3, 2025, also included Mr. Ibrahim Hassan, who heads the Development Finance Institutions Supervision Department and Dr. Olubukola Akinniyi Akinwunmi of the Banking Supervision Department.
These new directors join the existing corps of substantive directors listed on the central bank's website.
Also appointed were the apex bank’s Secretary and Director, Corporate Secretariat, Mrs. Rashida Jumoke Mongonu; the CBN Legal Adviser and Director Legal, Mr. Kofo Salam-Alada; Director, Human Resources Department, Mr. Muhammad Abba; and Director, Risk Management Department, Dr. Blaise Ijebor.
Others are Dr. Omolara Duke (Financial Markets); Aderinola Shonekan (Research); Mrs. Lydia Ifeanyichukwu Alfa (Internal Audit); Mr. Musa Itopa Jimoh (Payments System) and Mr. Musa Rabiu (Finance).
Tinubu Rejoices With Age-long Ally, Friend, Yemi Osinbajo at 68
Deji Elumoye in Abuja
President Bola Tinubu has rejoiced with his longtime ally and friend, former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, on his 68th birthday. Osinbajo was Nigeria's vice president from 2015 to 2023.
The president, in a statement issued yesterday by his Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, noted that Osinbajo, a Professor of Law and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), worked
harmoniously with President Muhammadu Buhari to deliver good governance and critical infrastructural projects for the country.
President Tinubu recalled how Osinbajo proved his mettle when he briefly acted as president while President Buhari was on a medical vacation in the United Kingdom.
Describing him as a close ally, friend, and brother, the President affirmed that as Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice in his administration as Lagos
State governor, Osinbajo partnered with him to institute many political and judicial reforms in the state, using the instrumentality of the law.
President Tinubu acknowledged that Osinbajo exercised his "democratic right and freedom" in 2023 when he contested alongside him for the presidential ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
According to the president, "Professor Yemi Osinbajo will always remain my friend and associate. He served our country
meritoriously as vice president to that patriotic leader, President Muhammadu Buhari. "He made all of us in the All Progressives Congress (APC) proud by working collaboratively and harmoniously with the president without rancour."
President Tinubu joined Osinbajo's family, particularly his wife, Dolapo and children, friends, and associates, in wishing the erudite professor many more years of good health and a future filled with continued success and achievements.
Michael Olugbode in Abuja
Hammed Shittu in Ilorin
L-R: Deputy Senate President, Jibrin Barau; Minister of Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Imaan Ibrahim; President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio; Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele; and Deputy Senate Whip, Onyekachi Nweboyin, during the celebration of the International Women’s Day at the National Assembly…Friday
MOURNING A GREAT OFFICER…
To Curb Rising Inflation, FG Raises N2.72
Trillion from T-Bill Market in Two Months
Kayode Tokede
The federal government, through the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), raised N2.72 trillion worth of Nigerian Treasury Bills (NTBs) in the first two
months of 2025, which is about an 8.6 per cent decline over the N2.97 trillion raised in the first two months of 2024, the apex bank has revealed. The apex bank tightens its monetary policy through higher
interest rates and large NTBs auctions, which curb rising inflation and stabilise the foreign exchange rate.
The CBN in its ‘Government Securities’ data, disclosed that it planned to raise an estimated
N1.52 trillion from the investing public witnessed a subscription rate of N9.68 trillion and eventually settled for N2.72 trillion in the period under review.
NTBs or T-Bills as they are
Chief Judge Bows to Pressure, Reassigns Nnamdi Kanu’s Case to Another Judge
Alex Enumah
The Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, has bowed to the pressure by the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, and his legal team and reassigned his case to a different judge.
Kanu’s lead counsel, Aloy Ejimakor, disclosed this development in a statement yesterday in Abuja.
Kanu had previously requested that Justice Binta Nyako recuse herself from presiding over the seven-count terrorism charge brought against him by the federal government.
While Justice Nyako stepped down and transferred the case file back to the Chief Judge for reassignment, the file was later returned to her—a move that Kanu strongly opposed.
On February 20, Kanu’s legal team wrote to the Chief Justice of Nigeria,
Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, seeking her intervention.
Ejimakor revealed that on Friday, March 7, the legal team received two official letters regarding Kanu’s case—one from the Chief Justice of Nigeria and another from the Chief Judge.
According to him, the IPOB leader is ready to face his trial because he is convinced of his innocence.
He added that Kanu expressed sincere gratitude to the Chief Justice of Nigeria for her sound administrative discretions and the dispatch with which she responded to their request.
“Yesterday, before the legal team conducted our routine visitation to Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, we received two separate official letters regarding his case. The letters are momentous and somewhat pyrrhic.
“One letter was from the Honourable Chief Justice of Nigeria,
responding to a recent letter we had written to her, seeking her prompt administrative intervention (as the administrative head of the Nigerian judiciary) on the matter of a proper and lawful reassignment of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s case, following the recusal of the judge that was conducting it.
“The other letter was from the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, informing us that the case has been reassigned to another judge of the Federal High Court,” the statement read.
Upon receiving the letters, Ejimakor noted that Kanu instructed his legal team to publicly express “sincere gratitude to the CJN for her sound administrative discretion and the promptness with which she responded to their request.”
“He also expressed his profound appreciation to members of the
general public who publicly supported our righteous demands that Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s case be reassigned to another judge, as the law demands.
“To be clear, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu has always been ready to stand trial because he is firmly convinced of his innocence. However, the perverse events of the past six months (from September 2024, when the recusal happened) posed significant dangers to his constitutional rights, particularly his right to a fair and speedy hearing.
It was in light of this that we resorted to taking extraordinary measures to ensure that his case is properly reassigned and conducted by the law.
“Now that the authorities have taken the initial steps to uphold the law, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and his legal team will take stock and focus on zealous preparation for his defence,” Ejimakor explained.
sometimes called, are short-term debt securities issued by the government to make up for budget deficits and fund projects.
In Nigeria, NTBills are issued by the apex bank on behalf of the federal government. By tightening its monetary policy through higher interest rates and large NTBs auctions, the CBN aims to curb rising inflation and stabilise the foreign exchange rate, thereby fostering a more balanced economic environment.
The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the CBN increased its interest rate by 870 basis points to 27.50 per cent from 18.75 per cent in 2024 to combat rising inflation.
This led to an equal increase in the yields of Treasury bills compared to la st year.
However, the MPC members retained the interest rate at 27.50 per cent in its first meeting in 2025
in a move to reduce the payment burden.
The apex bank has been scaling back on elevated discount rates offered on NTBills amid strong demand and the fact that the benchmark interest rate has raced ahead of the country’s headline inflation.
THISDAY observed that the stop rate for long maturities NTBs dropped to 18.43 per cent at the end of February 2025 auction from 22 per cent when CBN carried out its first auction in 2025.
Also, the stop rate for 182-DAY closed in February 2025 at 18 per cent from 18.50 per cent January 2025.
Despite the liquidity congestion in February, sentiment in the NTBills space was predominantly bullish, mostly due to the impact of the rebased CPI, which affected the dynamics of the Nigerian fixedincome market.
Transcorp Group Reports 107% Revenue Surge, 132% PBT Increase
Festus Akanbi
Nigeria’s leading listed conglomerate, Transnational Corporation Plc, better known as Transcorp, has reported an impressive financial performance for the year ended December 31, 2024, with revenue surging by 107 per cent to N408 billion from N197 billion in the previous year.
Cent
Increment in Local Content
Automobile Manufacturing: FG Promises 30 Per
The federal government has promised to increase local content in automobile industry manufacturing in the country to 30 per cent.
The Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, John Enoh stated this at the launch of electric vehicles for transportation by New Electric Vehicles (NEVs) in Abuja, at the weekend,
"If you look at Mr. President's eight-point agenda, agenda seven speaks to the mandate of the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, and that is the diversification of our economy through industry, through digitilisation, through creative arts, through manufacturing and through innovation.
"Those milestones, the first is to
increase the local content of locally manufactured vehicles by about 30 per cent, to see whether we'll be able to produce locally at least one million vehicles. I mean, to see how we can increase the number of jobs that are available in this sector to about 200,000.
"And most of all, to see how we can increase the local production of electric vehicles by 30 per cent," he added.
He congratulated EVs for their disruptive innovation, adding: "Yes, electric vehicles are the future. But that future starts today. We must promote that future today and try to make sure that we achieve it."
The Minister of Science, Innovation, and Technology, Uche Nnaji praised the initiative, and emphasised the government's commitment to support local
manufacturing and sustainable energy.
"We have lithium in abundance here in Nigeria, so Mr. President is already doing it. We are doing value addition to our raw materials. So, the lithium we have here, will be processed and used as a battery for this vehicle," he stated.
He also spoke concerning power supply, highlighting ongoing efforts to expand renewable energy infrastructure.
"Today, if you look at our budgets, we have what is called mini-grid all over the place. In less than three or four months, you start seeing our hospitals, our institutions being powered by solar.
"Again, we are saving the environment, we are putting in a noncarbon emission infrastructure. So we are creating power everywhere."
The founder and CEO of NEVs, Mosope Olaosebikan emphasised the company's commitment to drive sustainable mobility in Nigeria and Africa.
"Tonight is more than just a product launch. It’s a revolution, a disruption, a declaration to the world that Africa is not waiting for the future. We are building it, charging it, and driving it ourselves," Olaosebikan added.
According to him, their major challenge was people's perception about EVs and the sustainability of the industry.
The Executive Vice Secretary (EVC) of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Khalil Suleiman, promised NEVs the necessary support needed to sustain the electric vehicles industry in Nigeria.
The audited financial results show robust profitability, with profit before tax rising by 132 per cent to N136.7 billion, compared to N58.8 billion in 2023.
Profit after tax recorded a significant 188 per cent growth, reaching N94.1 billion from N32.6 billion. Also, operating income increased by 83 per cent to N149.0 billion, driven by strong operational performance and strategic expansion.
Earnings per share improved significantly to N1.45 in 2024, up from N0.40 in 2023, highlighting strong value creation for shareholders. The company declared a full-year dividend of N10.1 billion, translating to N1.00 per ordinary share.
Speaking on the results, the President/Group Chief Executive Officer of Transcorp, Mrs. Owen D. Omogiafo, commented, "Our 2024 financial performance reflects the sustainable value creation strategy of Transcorp Group. We have been able to consistently record impressive growth across all indices year on year, despite the challenging macroeconomic environment."
According to her, "In the sectors we operate, we have delivered consistent growth by leveraging operational efficiency, strategic investments, and an uncompromising focus on value creation for our shareholders. Looking ahead, we will deepen our growth trajectory by seizing emerging opportunities, and strengthen our position across Nigeria’s power, hospitality, and energy sectors, even as we consider more sectors that take us closer to our purpose of improving lives and transforming Africa.”
Operating expenses rose by 105 per cent to N62.8 billion, reflecting inflationary pressures and ongoing investments in capacity enhancement. However, net finance costs declined by 45 per cent to N12.4 billion following the full repayment of foreign currency loans, contributing to an improved gearing ratio of 21 per cent from 32 per cent in the prior year. Total assets expanded by 42 per cent to N751.6 billion, up from N529.9 billion in December 2023, while shareholders’ funds increased by 45 per cent to N271.7 billion, bolstered by retained earnings from higher profitability.
Oghenevwede Ohwovoriole in Abuja
L-R: The lawmaker representing Bayelsa West Senatorial District, Senator Seriake Dickson; Deputy Inspector General of Police (South-South), Mr. Basil Idegwu; former President Goodluck Jonathan; Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri; Mr. Macwen Jitoboh, and Barbara Jitoboh, the widow of the late Deputy Inspector General of Police, Moses Jitoboh, during her husband’s funeral at Trofani community, Sagbama Local Government Area of Bayelsa State…yesterday.
IN COMMEMORATION OF WOMEN’S DAY...
Nigeria's N930bn February Fuel Imports Threaten Local Refining
Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja
Nigeria imported petrol and diesel in February 2025 valued at about N930 billion, despite rising local refining capacity, raising questions as to the economic sense behind the licensing of oil marketers to bring in fresh petroleum products.
Data on the importation of the fuels last month, showed that aside from the N930 billion bill in February, oil marketers licensed by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), imported products worth N5.5 trillion between October 2024 and January this year.
However, this development is taking place despite the growing capacity of the Dangote Refinery as well as the Port Harcourt Refinery owned by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC). Both
refineries produce petrol.
In addition, the Warri Refinery as well as other modular refineries scattered mostly in the Niger Delta, refine diesel locally.
In February this year, the petroleum products import licensing body, the NMDPRA, argued that it had continued to approve oil marketers to bring in products, to address shortfalls in the country. It disclosed that the local refinery only meets 50 per cent of daily fuel consumption, justifying the continued importation of petrol to meet the deficit.
Executive Director of Distribution, Systems, Storage, and Retailing Infrastructure of NMDPRA, Ogbugo Ukoha, told journalists: “Just before the current administration came in, the daily PMS (Premium Motor Spirit) supply sufficiency was always more than 60 million.
“In fact, averaging about 66 million
Belgian Ambassador Seeks UNESCO’s Recognition for Kano Durbar
Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja
The Ambassador of Belgium to Nigeria, Pieter Leenknegt, has urged the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) to recognise and protect the Kano Durbar and project it globally.
He made the appeal yesterday at the Cultural Canvass Arts and Festival Exhibition held in Abuja.
The envoy urged UNESCO to facilitate the exposure and global recognition of the Durbar in order to make it famous and help write Nigeria’s name in the contemporary cultural world map.
“Before, it was your contemporary novelists and musicians that were getting world famous and taking the world by storm; before, the world at large even got to know about your festivals.
a day for PMS. And following Mr. President’s withdrawal of subsidy, the announcement of May 29th, 2023, we immediately saw a steep decline in consumption. And between then and as we speak, we’ve continued to do plus or minus 50 million.
“Of these 50 million litres averaging for each day, less than 50 per cent of that is contributed by domestic refineries. And so the shortfall in accordance with the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) is sourced by way of imports. So just for clarity, what I’m saying is that the contribution of local refineries towards the sufficiency is less than 50 per cent.”
But President of Dangote Industries Limited (DIL), Aliko Dangote, also
speaking in February, said that his refinery holds over 500 million litres of petrol and N600 billion worth of total petroleum products in stock.
A Business Consultant, Mr Dan Kunle, agreed with this position, stating that the sustained import dependency by Nigeria could erode recent gains in the stability of the naira.
In all, the import data for February 2025 indicated that Nigeria brought in 701.75 million litres of petrol and 265.88 million litres of diesel during that month.
Based on landing cost estimates from the Major Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria (MOMAN) as of February 20, the total import
bill in February is believed to have exceeded N650.8 billion, while diesel amounted to over N278.5 billion.
The fuel tanker vessels came mainly through Lagos and Port Harcourt, Calabar, and Warri ports.
The NNPC Group CEO, Mele Kyari had stated that the company had not imported petrol this year.
“These significant import figures come at a time when local refining output is increasing. Two of NNPC’s four refineries, in Warri and Port Harcourt, have reportedly resumed operations, while private refineries such as Dangote Refinery, Waltersmith, and Aradel are actively producing.
“Despite these positive
developments, the continued largescale importation of refined petroleum products underscores structural bottlenecks in the industry, including logistics challenges, production scale-up issues, and supply chain inefficiencies,” Kunle explained. According to him, reducing import reliance will require accelerated refinery optimisation, competitive local pricing structures, and strengthened regulatory frameworks to incentivise domestic supply over costly imports. Kunle stressed that the continued large-scale dollar-denominated imports could reverse these gains that the naira garnered in the last few months, putting additional pressure on foreign exchange reserves.
NAFDAC Destroys N100bn Fake Drugs, Others
Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan
The National Agency for Food Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) yesterday destroyed counterfeit pharmaceuticals and other products worth about N100 billion at Moniya dump sites in Ibadan, Oyo State.
Adeyeye reiterated the commitment of NAFDAC to ensuring that food, drugs, cosmetics, medical devices, chemicals, packaged water, and drinks are safe, wholesome, and effective for human consumption.
presence of unregistered products, banned products such as Analgin, and controlled substances such as Tramadol 225mg, among others, which are part of the things making our country unsafe in terms of security.
The envoy declared himself as a privileged observer who will be happy at the transformation of cultural assets in the Nigerian journey in the coming years, vowing to be a staunch defender, supporter and publicist of the country after his stay in Nigeria.
The facilitator of the exhibition, Emmanuel Adeolu Sholate, said the event was to create a platform for various artists, in modern tradition and futuristic art, to exchange ideas and give opportunity for the world to meet the country and project its festivals.
The exhibition was graced by several dignitaries, including filmmaker, Tunde Kelani, who delivered the keynote address and the Special Assistant to the Minister of Women Affairs on Creativity and Innovation, Ruqayya Mohammed, as well as a representative of Minister of Youth Development, Obinna Nwaka.
I remember very much three months before coming to Nigeria, and not really knowing how I would spend my weekends here, I met somebody who had worked here for the UN, and he showed me pictures of the Durbar and Kano, which was totally new to me. So, this is something that is not as exposed, not as famous yet, and of course we hope that the UNESCO-facilitated recognition will help to make them famous,” Leenknegt said.
The Director General of the agency, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, who performed the exercise at the dumpsites in the Akinyele Local Government Area (LGA) of the state, said the affected products include, Analgin, controlled substances such as Tramadol 225mg, among others.
Represented by the Director of Narcotics, Yedunni Adenuga,
She said: “The products that were classified as illicit, expired, and banned were confiscated during a raid on three markets in the country.
The recent discovery of counterfeit and other products in these three major markets in the country is mind-boggling.
“Our recent enforcement activities at the Idumota, Onitsha, Ariara, and Ezeuku open drugs market were mind-boggling.
“The discoveries made of the
“This operation could not have been made possible without the support of the National Security Adviser (NSA), Malam Nuhu Ribadu, who graciously approved the use of over 1,000 security personnel, including the military, police and Department of State Services (DSS).
“During the three weeks exercise, several suspects were apprehended. Further investigation is being carried out, and those found culpable will be sanctioned.”
Earlier, the Director of Investigation and Enforcement, Shaba Mohammed, disclosed that raids were carried out on three markets.
Mohammed described selling drugs in the open market as an illegal and punishable act under the law.
“It is a punishable offence to sell the drugs in an open market. Also, it is illegal for people to hawk drugs inside the vehicle, kiosks, and open markets,” Mohammed explained.
“Today, we are witnessing the destruction of expired falsified, controlled, unregistered, and banned medicines removed from Idumota Open Drugs outlets. The estimated street value of these products is N100billion.
Plateau Hits N30bn Annual IGR, Sets New Target of N50bn
Seriki Adinoyi in Jos
Chairman of the Plateau State Internal Revenue Service, Mr. Wayas Jim Pam, has said that the state recorded a significant growth in revenue generation under Governor Caleb Mutfwang’s administration.
Pam added that the state recorded significant revenue growth, surpassing N30 billion for the first time in its history.
Addressing the press in Jos, Pam said: “When this administration started in 2023, I joined halfway through the year, and a lot has happened since then. In 2022, the total revenue generated was N15.9 billion. By the end of 2023, we were able to increase
it to N25.8 billion. However, as of the close of business last year, we recorded N31.14 billion in revenue.
“This is the first time Plateau State is exceeding the N30 billion benchmark in revenue generation.”
He added that looking ahead, the state government has set a total revenue target of N52 billion for 2025.
“We began 2025 on solid footing and in January, we collected about ₦3.3billion, one of the highest amounts ever collected in a single month compared to last year when we generated about ₦1.6billion in January, this represents a significant improvement in revenue generation.”
Pam noted that federal allocations to the state have declined due to debts
incurred in previous years, many of which were taken when the exchange rate was much lower.
He said: “Federal allocation to the state has been declining, mainly due to debts incurred in previous years.
We are now exploring our Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) potential, and I must commend Governor Caleb Mutfwang for taking bold steps to do things differently. The entire revenue system is transforming, and we are identifying untapped revenue sources.”
He cited the mining sector as an area where the state had been losing substantial revenue, despite high levels of mineral extraction.
On tax evasion, he lamented that some wealthy individuals living and
running businesses in the state were paying their taxes elsewhere.
“We have high-net-worth individuals in Plateau State who refuse to pay taxes here. Some of them reside and run businesses in Plateau, yet claim their tax jurisdiction is in other states. This is absurd. The tax law states that individual tax assessment is based on the place of principal residence”, he explained. Pam noted that the Revenue Service was strengthening collaboration with key agencies, including the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), the National Population Commission, and the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit, to improve tax compliance through data-driven assessments.
L-R: Administrative Manager, Dotmount Communications, Onimi Momoh; Executive Director Dotmount Communications, Anna Ochigbo; Chief Executive Officer, Rock Realty Today Bukka, Dr. Ibukun Adebayo; and Business Development Manager, Dotmount, Ruqayya Ahmed; during the International Women's Day forum for gender equality and women's empowerment in Abuja….yesterday
PHOTO KINGSLEY ADEBOYE
WE STAND WITH YOU…
PDP Govs Deny Backing El-Rufai, Obi’s Presidential Ticket in 2027
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum has said its members were not working for the tickets of the former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir el-Rufai, and former governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi, for the 2027 presidential election.
support any aspirant who wins the party’s presidential ticket.
In a statement issued by the forum’s Director General, Emmanuel Agbo yesterday, the PDP Governors’ Forum, led by Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, declared that the party’s governors would
Gov Eno Defends Udom, Says EFCC Vilifying His Predecessor, Insists Fraud Allegation False
Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja and Okon Bassey in Uyo
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has described as untrue, the N700 billion fraud allegation levelled by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against his immediate predecessor, Udom Emmanuel, by the Network against Corruption and Trafficking, which is being probed by the anti-graft agency EFCC.
This is as the All Progressives Congress (APC) said the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, was not involved in any smear campaign or in instigating the country’s anti-graft agencies against Emmanuel.
Governor Eno while speaking at a town hall meeting in the Abak area of the state yesterday, said he didn’t know where the group got the figures from, stressing it could not have been from Akwa Ibom State because the state did not have such figures.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governor condemned what he described as a vilification of the past governors of the oil-rich South-south state since the return to democracy in 1999.
Eno said: “I begin to feel that how we treat our leaders after they have put in all their efforts to serve can be very discouraging.
“We have done this consistently from Obong Attah, even the distinguished Senate President (Godswill Akpabio), we also vilified him; we went to EFCC.
Now, we are doing it to former
Governor Udom Emmanuel.”
The governor said subjecting leaders to fraud probes after they have served their people well in office would discourage those currently in office from giving their best whilst in service.
“I’m already expecting that it will happen to me but what this does is to discourage leadership; it discourages you from giving your best, from burning out yourself because at the end of the day, the people don’t show you that gratitude,” he said.
“When a man has served his state meritoriously like Governor Udom Emmanuel did, honestly, should be honoured, and should be respected. “I don’t see a place for this kind of vilification that is going on; it is not correct – I don’t believe it should go on.
“It is not correct, it is not truthful and we need to just dismiss it with a pinch of salt,” he added. On Tuesday, March 4, 2025, operatives of the EFCC detained Emmanuel for alleged N700 billion fraud.
This followed the petitioner’s allegations of money laundering and diversion of funds preferred against Emmanuel, who was Akwa Ibom State governor from May 2015 to May 2023.
The petitioner alleged that Emmanuel received N3 trillion from the Federation Account in eight years but left a debt profile of N500bn and unpaid ongoing projects worth N300bn. He was also alleged to be unable to account for N700bn.
It was previously reported on some media platforms that five PDP governors were backing the 2027 ticket of el-Rufai and the Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, Obi, within the All Progressives Congress (APC).
In response, the forum condemned the report, labelling it as an unpleasant and
provocative publication.
“It is incumbent on the PDP governors’ Forum through its leadership anchored by the Governor of Bauchi State, Senator Bala Mohammed, to openly denounce and in very strong terms, the unpleasant and provoking publications and rumours being peddled ad nauseam by negative forces and their agents who cannot absorb the temerity of this Forum to
question their incapacities in leadership by performing above the limits imposed by their failed economic policies and programs, which have left the ordinary Nigerian with nothing other than poverty and financial hardship down to the remote locations.
“Unsatisfied with the results their clones have gotten in the low-willed fac-
tions they keep financing within our party structure, they have proceeded with confrontation on the governors towards creating a one-party entrapment, intending to split the opposition and thereby cripple democratic institutions and values through questionable adoptions and misinterpretation of the law, all to strangle the lifeline of our nation to enforce dictatorship and one-party rule.
Navy Destroys Four Illegal Refineries, Confiscates 107,350 Litres of Stolen Crude
Sylvester Idowu in warri
In furtherance of the war against crude oil thieves and economic saboteurs in the Niger Delta and South-west part of the country, the Nigerian Navy, under Operation Delta Sanity 2, has confiscated over 107,350 litres of stolen crude oil and its by-products.
The Director of Naval Information, Commodore Aiwuyor Adams-Aliu, who made this known yesterday, said the operations conducted
in February in Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Bayelsa, Ondo, and Delta states were a continuous demonstration of the Navy’s unwavering commitment to safeguard Nigeria’s maritime domain and eradicate Crude Oil Theft (COT).
Noting that the successes contributed positively to the increase in Nigeria’s crude oil output, the Naval spokesman stated that Nigeria’s daily production has risen to about 1.75 million barrels per day thereby confirming the effectiveness
of Operation Delta Sanity as attested to by NNPCL.
Detailing the operations, he said, “On Saturday, 1 February 2025, a wooden boat laden with 19 by 250 litres drums of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) being smuggled to the Republic of Cameroon was seized around Effiat Creek, Akwa Ibom State.
“On Wednesday, 5 February 2025, a wooden boat laden with 14 by 250 litres drums of PMS being smuggled
to the Republic of Cameroon was seized around Ebughu Creek of Akwa Ibom State.
“On Sunday, 9 February 2025, a fibre boat laden with about 1,000 litres of stolen crude oil was seized around Buguma and Tuma general area of Rivers State.
“Also, on Sunday, 9 February 2025, a large wooden boat laden with about 5,000 litres of products suspected to be stolen crude oil was seized around the Opotumbi general area of Rivers State.
INEC: Future of Democracy Tied to Women’s Participation in Electoral Process
Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) yesterday said that the future of democracy is deeply tied to the empowerment of women and their full participation in the electoral process.
The commission said it was committed to creating an environment for women
to participate and be active collaborators in shaping the nation’s electoral landscape, adding that gender equality will remain its priority in all areas of its work.
In a statement issued to mark International Women’s Day by the Director of voter Education and Publicity, Victoria Eta-Messi, the electoral body said it was committed to breaking
down the barriers women face, including societal expectations, lack of support systems, and gender-based violence.
It urged all Nigerians to join in advancing gender equality, not only in the electoral process but across all aspects of life, adding that when women are empowered to take leadership roles and given equal opportunities,
Nigeria’s democracy will be stronger, governance will be more inclusive, and the future will be brighter for everyone. The commission said it was working on policies that would encourage greater participation of women at all levels of the electoral process, from candidates to voters, from election administrators to party representatives.
Plateau Lawyers Fault Police Report on Parradang’s Death
Seriki Adinoyi in Jos
Plateau Lawyers Bar Forum (PLBF) has decried the manner the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command recently disclosed the death of the former Comptroller General of Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), David Parradang, saying it fell short of professionalism.
In a statement signed by its Chairman, Ledak Dazuk Dafer, the forum said they found the release of graphic images of the deceased to be highly inappropriate.
Dafer said such actions by the police not only demonstrate insensitivity but also undermine the dignity of the deceased and infringe upon the family’s right
to mourn privately.
“The language used in the press release was both explicit and definitive. It included images of the late former CGI taken during the preliminary investigation, stating that the police “secured the area, took photographs, and collected all relevant evidence to preserve the integrity of the crime scene.”
The decision to publicly share photographs of the deceased and detailed information about the incident is unprofessional and erodes public trust in law enforcement.
Dafer said such actions do not align with the ethical standards expected of a respected institution like the Nigeria Police Force.
Chuks Okocha in Abuja
L-R: The federal lawmaker representing Enugu West, Senator Kelvin Chukwu; the Alema of Warri Kingdom, Chief Emmanuel Uduaghan; his wife, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan; the lawmaker representing Bayelsa West, Senator Seriake Dickson; lawmaker representing Abia Central, Senator Augustine Akobundu; and the lawmaker representing Niger South, Senator Peter Jiya, when opposition senators paid a solidarity visit to the Uduaghan family in Abuja…Friday
Dangote, NNPC Petrol Price War Thickens Amid Concerns
The ongoing petrol price war between the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited and Dangote Refinery, understandably for control of market share, is having a positive impact on Nigerians and the country’s downstream oil and gas industry. However, while this development is good for the market, relevant industry regulators must be on alert and watch out for the possible emergence of a cartel of few players to fix prices against the standard market practice, Peter Uzoho writes
It has been an interesting time for the downstream sector of the Nigerian oil and gas industry since the eventual removal of petrol subsidy by the current administration in a bid to entrench a deregulated regime controlled by market forces with thriving competition.
In operationalising the new regime, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC)since the resumption of refining operations at the Port Harcourt and Warri refineries, and Dangote Refinery, have since engaged in stiff competition in a fight for control or retention of market share, particularly in petrol. Both have been adjusting their petrol prices lower, often in response to the other’s earlier action and Nigerians have become the ultimate beneficiaries considering the impact of petrol prices on commodity and transport costs in the country.
Last Monday, NNPC, albeit with no official communication, adjusted its petrol price down to N860 and N865 per litre in Lagos and Abuja, respectively, from the previous N945. This came a few days after the Dangote Refinery had reduced its ex-depot petrol price from N890 to N825 per litre, making it the second price reduction in the new year, and the third one in a space of two months.
In a public notice on the price slash, Dangote announced that the retail prices at filling stations owned by its three official off-takers -MRS, Ardova (AP), and Heyden will be N860, N865, and N865 per litre, respectively.
The price reduction has led to motorists and other consumers swarming NNPC”s filling stations and those of MRS, AP, and Heyden selling Dangote products, in search of cheaper fuel as other marketers sell higher with less patronage.
Nigerians, Downstream Sector as Ultimate Winners
In what has now been described as a price war between the NNPC and Dangote Refinery, many analysts and industry experts have said the lowering of prices in quick succession was anticipated as a key attribute of a free market where the consumers and the downstream sector become the ultimate beneficiaries. For Nigerians, apart from having cheaper petrol, which will reduce their energy cost amid the spiralling inflation in the country, they also now have freedom of choice amid many marketers of the products.
The downstream oil and gas industry is also benefiting from the price war as it has helped to eliminate the emergence of a monopoly in the sector. In the past, NNPC was the sole importer and supplier of petrol in Nigeria while the government determined prices against the standard market practice, with a huge burden on the nation’s economy, and lots of associated corruption and inefficiencies.
Weighing in on the ongoing price war, the Petroleum Retailers Outlet Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) said the recent petrol price reduction by the Dangote refinery and NNPC filling stations will help tame inflation.
According to the National President of PETROAN, Dr Billy Grillis-Harry, the reduction of price by NNPC was expected to alleviate the financial burden on Nigerians amid rising inflation.
“This price reduction will be a huge relief to many Nigerians struggling to make ends meet,” Gillis-Harry stated.
He maintained that the reduction in petrol price was expected to positively impact Nigerians in terms of decreased transportation costs, making it easier for people to commute and transport goods.
“Lower transportation costs will lead to reduced
food prices, making it easier for Nigerians to access affordable food,” he added.
He also applauded Dangote refinery for agreeing to refund N65 to retail outlet owners affected by the price reduction.
The refund initiative follows Dangote Refinery’s recent reduction of its gantry price from N890 per litre to N825 per litre. The refinery had said customers who purchased petrol at higher rates than the advertised prices from its key partners were eligible for a refund.
“The refund amount is N65 per litre on over 200,000 metric tonnes of PMS purchased by marketers at the old gantry price. Dangote has absorbed a N16 billion loss to implement these refunds, demonstrating its commitment to fair pricing and consumer welfare.
“The refund initiative will also positively impact retail outlet owners, who will benefit from reduced prices and refunds. Many retail outlet owners purchased PMS at a higher rate before the price reduction, and the refund will help mitigate their losses.
“We commend Dangote Refinery for this initiative, which will help reduce the financial burden on our members,” Gillis-Harry added.
Sharing his thoughts on the development, a former Chairman of the Major Energies Marketers Association of Nigeria (MEMAN), Mr. Tunji Oyebanji, told THISDAY, Exclusively, that the ongoing competition and lowering of prices was not surprising as it was foretold that deregulation was the best regime for the downstream sector.
“Well, it’s nothing surprising to me because I’ve always told you that once the market is deregulated, there will be competition and it will force the prices down. I’ve been saying this for years in trying to justify why there should be deregulation,” Oyebanji said.
Regulators Must Watch out for Price Fixing, Others
But beyond the benefits of the ongoing price war between NNPC and Dangote, Oyebanji raised concerns about the danger of pricing some marketers out of business due to their inability to survive because the basis of the price cuts was not yet known.
This, he explained, may lead to the emergence of a few players forming a cartel to fix prices against market standards, and that over time, prices may go beyond the reach of the consumers because only a few players exist.
He called on the regulators of the industry which include the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) to look beyond the ongoing price war and watch out for an attempt by any few players to collude in fixing prices.
Oyebanji further said, “Some people may even be selling below their cost to drive other people out of the markets. So, the only challenge is that usually, typically, where this happens, when people have now been driven out of the market and there are now only a few players in the industry, then the opposite starts happening because it’s a stuck position.
“The opposite is that when there are only a few players left, some people have been driven out of the market. So, you may now find what is happening in the cement sector happening in the downstream sector. Like the cement, there are only three players now, there’s Lafarge, there’s Dangote, and BUA Cement. They then determine the price. So, you may find that the opposite happens and prices are not as low as they should be.
“Another thing is that we are going to make sure the price doesn’t go as low as this. So, the regulators need to be sure that people are not colluding on the price.
“But what the government should not allow is to be cooperating on price. That price war is
bad because it may look good when the price is going down. But people can also combine and hold prices. Maybe the price, if there was competition, should be lower than it is.
But because of all the players, they are now few. They now agree together and say, don’t let us allow it to go below N900. So, regulators need to be on top of this area.”
Analysts Back Price War
In his intervention, the Managing Director of Financial Derivatives Company (FDC), Mr. Bismarck Rewane, said Nigerians will benefit more from the seeming petrol price war between Dangote refinery and NNPC as fuel prices were expected to decline till June 2025, giving room for more economic stability.
Rewane stated that the downward trend in petrol prices means “we might begin to see some stabilisation” depending on what happens in the global oil and currency market.”
“This will offer a breather for Nigerians who are paying over triple to buy the same litres of fuel two years after the removal of fuel subsidies that have kept prices artificially low.
“In a price war, nobody wins; the consumers win in the short run, and then eventually, the market goes back to where it should be. But, at the end of the day, between now and June, the price leadership will be firmly established,” Rewane said.
The economist also explained that Dangote Refinery’s reduction in the pump price of petrol was due to production cost efficiency, among other factors.
On his part, financial analyst and Chief Economist at SPM Professionals, Mr. Paul Alaje, said that the price of petrol may drop to between N650 and N800 per litre if the price war or competition between Dangote Refinery and NNPC continues.
Alaje warned of risks if the price war between the two big players fails to continue.
Petrol station attendant dispensing fuel
FINANCE
CBN: Reinforcing Vision of Strong, Resilient Financial System
Since his appointment, the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Olayemi Cardoso has continued to drive his vision to uphold regulatory excellence and strengthen Nigeria’s financial system. Under his leadership, the CBN continues to set high regulatory standards to protect Nigeria’s financial ecosystem and ensure its alignment with global best practices, writes Festus Akanbi
By fostering a strong culture of compliance and strengthening risk management frameworks, the Central Bank of Nigeria’s leadership goal remains to protect Nigeria’s financial sector while ensuring its resilience and credibility locally and internationally.
To achieve these goals, the apex bank has reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining a transparent and resilient financial system by reinforcing regulatory compliance and risk management across Nigerian financial institutions.
The financial sector regulator recently held a high-level Mandatory Compliance and AntiMoney Laundering (AML) Training Workshop in collaboration with Citi, in Lagos.
During the event, the Special Adviser to the CBN Governor on Compliance, Ms. Shola Phillips, emphasised the need for strict adherence to global banking standards to sustain confidence in Nigeria’s financial sector.
“Regulators expect financial institutions to maintain dynamic, risk-based AML/ CFT programmes that are responsive to the evolving financial environment. Proactive engagement with regulatory developments and the integration of innovative compliance solutions is essential for institutions to meet these expectations effectively,” Phillips stated.
The training, attended by compliance officers, trade operations specialists, and correspondent banking teams from various financial institutions, provided critical insights into global regulatory trends, emerging financial risks, and strategies for sustaining correspondent banking relationships.
Managing Director of Citi’s Correspondent Banking Group, Siobhan Ni Ealaithe, highlighted the critical role of robust governance frameworks in mitigating risks. She underscored the necessity of Know Your Customer (KYC), Know Your Business (KYB) and Know Your Transaction (KYT) protocols in preventing illicit financial activities.
Stephanie Bailey, Head of EMEA AML Risk Management for Foreign Correspondent Banking, provided a stark assessment of financial crime risks, noting that over $3 trillion in illicit funds flow through the global financial system annually. She urged financial institutions to strengthen due diligence measures, leverage technology-driven risk assessments, and uphold transparency in all transactions.
Speaking recently to bankers, Cardoso said the ethics and professionalism of bankers and treasurers are under constant scrutiny.
According to him, the apex bank introduced the FX Global Code for all authorised dealers and market participants to ensure full compliance with regulations.
He urged the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) to take the lead in upholding and demonstrating the highest standards in the industry.
“At the central bank, we have intensified surveillance of market activities to ensure compliance and eliminate bad actors who attempt to undermine the system. Together, we must build a market based on strong governance and transparency. As regulators, we will maintain a zero-tolerance approach to compliance violations,” he said.
Banking Sector Remains
Robust
Cardoso explained that the banking sector remains robust with key indicators reflecting a resilient system.
“The non-performing loan ratio remains within the prudential benchmark of five per cent, showcasing strong credit risk management. The banking sector liquidity ratio comfortably exceeds the regulatory floor of 30 per cent, a level that ensures banks are maintaining adequate cash flow to meet the needs of customers and their operations. The recent stress test conducted also reaffirmed the continued strength of our banking system,” he said.
To ensure that our banking system can effectively support the growth of our economy, efforts to strengthen banks’ capital buffers were announced in 2023 with a two-year implementation window.
“I am pleased to note that a significant number of banks have raised the required capital through right issues and public offerings well ahead of the 2026 deadline! I believe that the banking sector is in a strong position to support Nigeria’s economic recovery by enabling access to credit for MSMEs and supporting investment in critical sectors of our economy,” he said.
In the same vein, Other Financial Institutions (OFIs) hold significant potential to drive productivity and economic growth by expanding access to credit and financial services for underserved individuals and businesses.
To unlock this untapped potential, the CBN aims to strengthen key institutions—particularly Primary Mortgage Banks (PMBs) and Microfinance Banks (MFBs)—to enhance their efficiency and impact.
“Our strategy includes implementing model mortgage foreclosure laws to stimulate lending and reduce delinquency, integrating PMBs and MFBs into the GSI platform to minimise non-performing loans, and leveraging Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) more effectively to provide increased on-lending facilities to well-managed OFIs,” he said.
Cardoso explained that the Nigerian payments ecosystem has been ahead of many advanced economies, yet has not always received the recognition it deserves.
He said that many innovations that other countries are only now experiencing have been part of our system for years. We must celebrate these successes, as they contribute to building our global reputation.
“Nigeria’s dynamic fintech ecosystem has driven financial inclusion and positioned the country as a hub of innovation in Africa. Despite a challenging external environment, Nigerian Fintechs continue to shine, attracting significant foreign investment and several have achieved global unicorn status this year,” he stated.
Recapitalisation of Banks
The ongoing recapitalisation of banks comes with several benefits to the economy, including helping the lenders take bigger risks by banking underserved markets, Cardoso said.
He spoke in Lagos at the 2nd International Financial Inclusion Conference 2024, with the theme: “Inclusive Growth—Harnessing Financial Inclusion for Economic Development”.
The CBN boss said it was in line with its efforts to deepen financial inclusion, the apex bank introduced new minimum capital requirements for banks.
He said: “This strategic move ensures that banks are well-capitalized, enabling them to take on greater risks, particularly in underserved markets. With stronger capital bases, banks can provide more loans and financial products to Micro Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), rural communities, and other vulnerable segments that have previously struggled to access formal financial services”.
The CBN had on March 28, 2024, announced a two-year bank recapitalisation exercise which commenced on April 1, 2024, and is expected to end on March 31, 2026.
The recapitalisation plan requires a minimum capital of N500 billion, N200 billion, and N50 billion for Commercial Banks with International, National, and Regional licenses respectively.
Cardoso said the recapitalisation policy not only strengthens financial stability but also serves as a catalyst for inclusive growth.
“By enabling banks to extend more credit to MSMEs, we enhance job creation and productivity. Furthermore, with increased capital, banks can invest in technology and innovation, crucial for driving digital financial services such as mobile money and agent banking. These technologies are key to breaking down geographic and economic barriers, bringing financial services to even the most remote areas,” he stated.
With less than 14 months to recapitalisation deadline, banks have stepped up preliminary consultations on the prospect of business combinations.
Analysts said there have been “more talks around mergers and acquisitions” as banks consider alternative options to fresh capital raising.
They said while the banks are expected to flood the market with offers, many of them have seen the inevitability of mergers and acquisitions.
The CBN approved the first merger and acquisition deal between Providus Bank and Unity Bank in 2024. Access Holdings Plc, Ecobank Nigeria, and Jaiz Bank Plc have met the new minimum capital requirements.
The CBN is the final signatory in a tripartite capital verification committee that includes the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC).
e-Payment Transactions
Soar
Electronic payment transactions in Nigeria rose to $702.6 billion in 12 months ended December 31, 2024, a report from the Nigeria Interbank Settlement System (NIBSS) has shown.
The e-payment data reached an all-time high and was the first time to hit the quadrillion mark.
According to NIBSS industry statistics on the e-payment report, the value recorded on the NIBSS Instant Payment (NIP) represents a 79.6 per cent increase over the $400.5mn recorded in 2023.
Although the e-payment data shows a steady increase throughout the 12 months of the year, the highest value was achieved in December 2024 when Nigerians spent a total of $76.7bn over electronic channels.
This came as the all-time high monthly record on the NIBSS electronic payment platform. Also, the volume of transactions processed by NIBSS for the year jumped from 9.7 billion in 2023 to 11.2 billion in 2024. This represents a 15.5 per cent rise in the volume of electronic transactions year on year.
Stakeholders insist that the surge in e-payment transactions can be linked to the recent cash crunch experience and the cashless policy of the CBN limiting the amount of cash that can be withdrawn daily.
While pushing for the full use of the epayment system, the CBN said for Nigeria to actively play on the world stage, “our payment system must be successfully benchmarked against the global best practices, as in most developed nations of the world”.
Cardoso
ETIM ETIM argues that a biometric census will likely eliminate the controversies that trailed previous exercises
How many hours a day, should anyone work? asks RAJENDRA ANEJA
IN PRAISE OF WORK NIGERIA’S FIRST BIOMETRIC CENSUS
Ibefore the 2027 general elections, paving the way for a more reliable and accurate enumeration of its citizens which, in turn, conduces to result-oriented economic reforms and planning. The last census was held in November 2006. Last week, the management of National Population Commission (NPC) briefed President Bola Tinubu on its readiness for the exercise. The President promised to set up a committee to review the N980 billion budget proposed for the exercise. Tinubu stressed his commitment to ensuring adequate and reliable figures from the census to augment development planning, and this explains why he opted for biometric census rather than the conventional census.
A biometric population census is a modern method of conducting census and it incorporates use of biometric technologies to collect and verify demographic data. While a conventional census only counts the number of people in each household under various socioeconomic classifications like gender; religion; ethnicity; income groups, etc., a biometric census goes further and obtain unique physical or behavioural characteristics such as finger prints; facial recognition or iris scans to identify and verify individuals. I should note that in Nigeria, religion and ethnicity are not included in the census questionnaire.
NPC seems prepared for the exercise. It has already produced digital maps for the country; procured digital tablets; demarcated the whole country and trained staff. Biometric devices and software are part of outstanding items to be procured as soon as the government gives the go-ahead. All that remains is for President Tinubu to proclaim the date for the next census – the first since 2006 – and the counting will commence. Biometric census has many benefits. It does not only help ensure that each individual is counted only once, thereby reducing errors and duplicates, it also provides an additional layer of security, making it more difficult for individuals to provide false information. Our previous censuses have been controversial due to suspicions that the numbers from some parts of the country were excessively bloated. Using biometric technologies would considerably reduce, if not eliminate, such problems.
In addition, the biometric technology will add to the efficiency of the exercise as biometric data can be collected and processed quickly, reducing the time and resources required for data collection. Biometric data can also be used to create unique identification numbers, enabling
governments to better track population dynamics and provide targeted services. Since Nigeria has already embarked on national biometric data collection through NIMC, data from the biometric census would be incorporated to the national data base.
At the NPC meeting, the President asked NIMC to be part of the budget review. He noted that biometric census will help the governmenttoplanforemployment,agriculture and food sufficiency and promised to engage with development partners for assistance. ‘’So many problems come up without adequate data’’, he said. It’s quite baffling that Nigeria has not been able to conduct a census in almost two decades. The delays have been largely due to funding difficulties, insecurity in certain areas and the COVID-19 pandemic. But the benefits of census are too important to overlook.
Biometric census in particular enables governments to make informed decisions; develop effective policies and focus on services, such as healthcare and education, to those who need them most. Biometric data provides a transparent and accountable way to collect and manage population data and help governments respond more effectively to natural disasters and other crises. Related to reliable census is birth and death registration. A lot of births are not recorded in many states of the federation, making it difficult to measure population growth and other indices. It is the responsibility of governors to partner with officials of NPC in their states and launch an advocacy programme to encourage regular birth and death registrations.
Nigeria has a long history with population census even before the country was created in 1914; and as a citizen, I have been counted several times. It was first conducted in 1886 by the British Colonial government, specifically in the Colony of Lagos. Although limited in scope as it covered only Lagos, it marked the beginning of a series of censuses that would be eventually expanded to cover the whole country. The last exercise was in 2006. I was first counted as a baby in the 1962 exercise. I have faint recollections of the 1972 census conducted by the Gen. Yakubu Gowon government soon after the civil war. Gowon needed an accurate data to implement his post-war reconstruction and rehabilitation programme. In 1991, the Babangida regime conducted another exercise and I was counted in Ikoyi, Lagos. It was followed by the 2006 exercise carried out by the Obasanjo administration when I was counted in Lekki, Lagos, this time, with my wife and children. I look forward to the next one - a biometric census - that would, hopefully, eliminate those controversies that have trailed the previous exercises.
The illustrious British philosopher Bertrand Russell authored an erudite essay, “In Praise of Idleness” in 1932. Now, Indians are debating whether they should work 70 hours or 90 hours per week. Mr. Narayan Murthy, Chairman of Infosys, a leading Information-Technology company, opined that citizens should work 70 hours per week, for India to realise its developmental goals. Then Mr. S.N. Subrahmanyan, Chairman of the foremost construction business Larsen and Toubro, opined that Indians should work for 90 hours per week. The social media went into a ballistic epilepsy against their views.
In a corporate career of over 50 years, I have yet to meet a person who attained success, without working 10 to 12 hours per day. The people who achieved remarkable success, always slog even more 12 hours per day, six to seven days a week. Successful people, whether artists, managers or businesspeople, work throughout the day and even the night. They do not know respite. Even when they sleep, they subconsciously think about their work.
Success is a highly elusive mistress. It demands absolute commitment and dedication. Business leaders, writers, prime ministers do not work 9 am to 6 pm. Their minds work, literally for 24 hours on their missions. Their minds are boiling cauldrons of ideas and thoughts. A brain is not an electric switch, which can be switched on or off. It works ceaselessly at the conscious and subconscious level.
Many people talk about a work-life balance, these days. Sure, you may play some tennis or golf every week, to keep fit. However, when people enjoy and love their work, it becomes a passion. It does not remain work anymore. It is bliss to work on something meaningful. For instance, a person may be constructing a new factory, which will create jobs and skills. Then, this mission can inspire additional endeavours. You are benefiting the country, even if it is in a small way. Clock watchers can never succeed. Professionals on the fast-track, work with their minds, but also with their hearts.
Some decades ago, I worked in a department in a company, where everybody worked about 11 to 12 hours per day. We also worked on Saturdays, which was an official holiday, from 9 am to 3 pm or so. Then my boss told me to work on Sundays also, from 10 am to 4 pm. This would mean about 70 to 80 hours of work per week.
I was living alone. I told my boss that I needed the Sunday, to get organised for the following week. However, he refused. He said he would issue written instructions to me to work every Sunday. I did it. I was young. I was learning. Despite the hardship, I followed his instructions. Now years later, I yet treasure the lessons of those tough days.
The attitude towards work is also determined by the era and circumstances in which the young are born and brought up. During the era of 1950s to 1970s, people had to slog to provide for the basics in their families. Buying a refrigerator or a car, were celebrated events. However, the generations born in the 1980s onwards,
begin life with an advantage. Their parents have provided for the essentials in their lives. They begin their careers with an infrastructure of homes and cars. Some of the parents, particularly who are in business, provide for their children with lifelong savings. However, the best gift a parent can give to his children is to teach them to dream big and strive continuously. The younger generations, who inherit wealth, should never take their station for granted. Success must be nurtured daily.
Work brings money. Sustained work can bring more money. Then a person can provide a more comfortable life to his family. Moreover, many people cannot work after the age of 70 to 75. Most countries do not provide age-old insurance or pensions to senior citizens. They fend for themselves. So, if a person has worked hard and saved some moneys, his old age can be manageable.
In many Western countries, social benefits and pensions are attractive. Then, local people do not want to undertake physical tasks like cleaning, gardening, waitressing, etc. So, these countries bring expatriates to do these jobs. Gradually, these expatriates want the local social benefits and citizenships. Then, the balance of power starts changing, resulting in social tensions. Now, if people in these countries valued the dignity of labour, there would be no need to import labour. There is no embarrassment, in working with one’s hands. It makes you, a person of all seasons.
Only the rich of the world, who are born wealthy or marry riches, can follow Bertrand Russell’s advice and remain idle. They are born with mansions; they inherit affluence from previous generations. They saunter through life. They do not have to worry about bills. I would have loved to have been born rich. It would have been gorgeous to live in the mountains, with beautiful flowers, birds and books as friends. I would focus on my hobbies like writing or acting, even if they brought me no money. Alas, most of us, must work for a living. We must pay grocery, electricity and telephone bills every month.
Work keeps a person busy. As our ancestors warned, an idle mind is the devil’s workshop. People who work relentlessly, eventually succeed. The person who rolls up his sleeves and gets the job done, is the winner. William Davies, in his poem, “Leisure” had proclaimed, “A poor life this if, full of care, We have no time to stand and stare.” Perhaps. However, for most of us, the advice of Mahatma Gandhi is most appropriate, “Work is worship.”
As the poet Robert Frost wrote, “The woods are lovely, dark and deep, But I have promises to keep, And miles to go before I sleep, And miles to go before I sleep.”
Aneja was the Managing Director of Unilever Tanzania. He is an alumnus of Harvard Business School and the author of “Rural Marketing Across Countries.” He writes from Mumbai, India
Editor, Editorial Page PETER ISHAKA
Email peter.ishaka@thisdaylive.com
THE ‘SEAT RESERVATION FOR WOMEN’ BILL
We must intensify the pressure to have more women and girls in parliaments
The 2025 International Women’s Day (IWD) 2025 was marked yesterday all over the world with the theme, ‘For ALL Women and girls: Rights, Equality, Empowerment’. Instructively, this year’s IWD is coming at a period when the highest legislative organ in Nigeria is embroiled in a sexual harassment allegation between a female member and its presiding officer. Without prejudice to the outcome of the ethics committee’s investigation on the matter, the issue of sexual morality among our high public officials needs to be taken more seriously. By treating sex as sport or entertainment in the public space, the value of womanhood is being reduced. Our women should not be playthings in the hands of those with power, position, money and physical prowess.
SeatReservationBill
fallen by 19 per cent compared to the last assembly. Women constitute only 3.6% of the Senate, with just four female senators, and 4.7% (16 women) of the House of Representatives. The highest number of women ever to be elected to the National Assembly is 36 in 2007—nine in the Senate and 27 in the House of Representatives.
Gender equality is not just a human rights issue, it is essential for the achievement of sustainable development and a peaceful, prosperous society
Meanwhile, despite the near parity in voter registration by gender, women’s representation in electoral politics in Nigeria is negligible. The House of Representatives Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu is crusading for a change, with a bill on Seat Reservation for Women. It is intended to open the space for women political participation in parliament. “Democracy thrives not merely through elections but through inclusion,” Kalu said at the public presentation of the National Women Leaders Forum’s operational guidelines. “When half of our population remains underrepresented in the halls of power, our democracy is not just weakened—it is incomplete.”
We share Kalu’s position. In Nigeria, women’s representation in competitive politics is shaped by culture and patriarchy. To compound the problem, there are voter’s bias and society’s distrust towards female politicians. Limited resources have also added to shut out many women in politics. That explains why women representation, after more than two and half decades of continuous democratic practice, is still abysmal. Even the Temporary Special Measures bill, co-sponsored by more than 80 House of Representatives members in the ninth assembly failed to make an impression. Representation in parliament is heavily lopsided in favour of men, and sliding. For instance, the number of women in Nigeria’s 10th National Assembly has
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Indeed, according to the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), Nigeria ranks in the bottom 10 globally in women’s representation in national parliaments. But the poor representation is not restricted to the National Assembly. The situation is far worse in the state houses of assembly across the country. As revealed by recent reports, in 15 states across the country, there is not even a single female lawmaker in their assemblies. This is to say the least, shameful. “The Seat Reservation for Women Bill which I am proud to sponsor, seeks to change this narrative,” said Kalu. “By reserving seats for women in the National and State Assemblies, we aim to dismantle systemic barriers and create a legislature that mirrors the diversity of our nation. This is not about charity—it is about justice, strategy, and national prosperity.”
The campaign is inspired and modelled on successful initiatives in countries such as Rwanda and Senegal, where women’s representation has risen to about 40 per cent, which is above the 35 per cent affirmative action adopted in Beijing in 1995. Nigeria must learn from those countries. Gender equality is not just a human rights issue, it is essential for the achievement of sustainable development and a peaceful, prosperous society. Circumscribing access to opportunities, in this case to parliament for women, who make up about 50 per cent of the population is counterproductive for the development of our society. As it is, critical stakeholders in Nigeria must come to terms with the fact that our women and girls deserve a better deal. They have proved wrong the erroneous notion imposed by patriarchy that women are inferior to men. We must therefore join the efforts to fight all forms of discrimination that continue to keep them and our country down. For more voices of women to be heard in parliaments across the land, they should be aided to break the “power gap.”
Letters in response to specific publications in THiSDAY should be brief(150-200 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 (950- 1000 words). They should be sent to opinion@thisdaylive. com along with the email address and phone numbers of the writer
LETTERS
CHIEDU EBIE AND THE IKA NATION
The Ika nation in Delta North Senatorial District will probably forever be grateful to Chiedu Ebie, Chairman, Governing Board of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) for the numerous infrastructural projects he has attracted there. Ebie has engraved his name in hearts of Ika people with life-changing projects he has brought to the town.
On Friday, February 28, 2025, the NDDC Board Chairman gave impetus to his commitment to bettering lives of the people when he inspected some ongoing NDDC funded critical projects he attracted to Ika Federal Constituency for the benefits of the people, assuring that the Commission will prioritize the people’s requests. Some of these projects include: the ICT centre at the Faculty of Law, University of Delta (UNIDEL), Agbor, with modern computers and state of the art infotech equipment; the inspection of construction project at the first phase of the failed portion of Umunede/Umutu Road by
Pan Ocean Flow station, at Owa-Alidinma, Ika North-East Local Government Area of Delta State, among others.
Arriving at the University of Delta, Mr Ebie and his entourage were received by the Institution’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Stella Chinyere Chiemeke, alongside other principal staff of the University. While the University leadership expressed delight for the visit and NDDC’s contribution towards quality education delivery in a conducive environment, Professor Chiemeke specifically thanked Ebie for his good work, and lauded the projects through the NDDC. “I have acknowledged your huge intervention projects through the NDDC in my speech delivered on the just concluded 4th Founder’s Day of the institution. We will continue to thank you, and as Oliver Twist asks for more.
“For now, you have done enough for the Faculty of Law. I will appeal that you come
to our aid in other areas such as providing the institution with buses. We are proud of you and your outstanding leadership quality at the NDDC. This is a testament to your track records”, the V.C. noted.
Mr. Ebie expressed joy over the completion of the installation of the ICT Centre as it will enhance learning. Ebie, a former Delta State Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, and former Secretary to the State Government (SSG), further assured the institution’s leadership that all their requests on behalf of the institution would always be granted, appealing to the management of the Institution to at all time ensure a high standard of learning.
From there, Ebie and his entourage moved to inspect the first phase of construction of a failed portion of Umunede/Umutu Road by Pan Ocean Flow station, Owa-Alidinma. The NDDC Governing Board Chairman appealed to
the contractor to ensure that quality job is done in ways that will properly check flooding ravaging the area. He told newsmen that the exercise will continue through the long stretch of the road down to Ute Erumu where another major part of the road has reportedly collapsed. It would be recalled that under NDDC’s “Light Up Niger Delta Programme’’ Mr. Ebie attracted thousands of solar streetlights to Ika Federal constituency thereby boosting economic and social activities which make life and living easier for the communities.
In April 2024, during the second Founders Day celebration and fundraising for Ika Language and Cultural Research Centre of the University of Delta, Ebie instituted a yearly award for the best graduating medical student at the University.
Utomi, Port Harcourt
Jerome-Mario
INTERVIEW
NGML Expands Gas Dominance, Seals 20-year Deal with Ssonic
In this brief interview with Peter Uzoho, the Managing Director, NNPC Gas Marketing Limited, Justin U. Ezeala, gives details of the recent landmark Gas Sale and Purchase Agreement (GSPA) between NGML and its Unincorporated Joint Venture (UJV) partner, NIPCO Gas Limited, with Ssonic Petroleum Limited for natural gas supply to Ssonic Petroleum’s proposed Liquefied Natural Gas plant at Lekki Free Trade Zone in Lagos. Excerpts:
What’sthe significanceof thisdealwith SSONICdeal?
The signing of the 80mscf Gas Supply Agreement (GSPA) between NNPC Gas Marketing Limited (NGML) and Ssonic Petroleum Limited is significant for so many reasons. First, it continues to amplify NGML as the leading gas marketer of choice.
How?
We are able to provide gas solutions across a broad spectrum of the gas value chain by maintaining a vast portfolio of gas suppliers and services. This leverage means that we will continue to dominate the gas market in Nigeria and exceed our customer expectations. Secondly, discerning investors in the large scale gas projects like LNG have come to regard NGML as a trusted and reliable partner able to provide consistent and value for money solutions.
You know, this deal is a Gas Sale and Purchase Agreement (GSPA) between NGML and Sonic Petroleum Limited. And it is for 20 years.
Isitrenewableafter20years?
Yes, it is
Ofwhatstrategicvalueisthisto NGMLgrowth?
The signing of the current agreement
with Ssonic also showcases the quality of staff and level of expertise available to NGML. Together with our partner, NIPCO, we have commissioned a City Gate in Lekki Free Trade Zone and stand ready to reticulate gas throughout the Lekki FTZ.
Isthisthefirstofitskindorthere areothers?
If you mean the first of this type of landmark deal, no, it is not at all. We’ve been involved in such strategic deals over the years. You
will recall that the present Gas Supply Agreement with Ssonic Petroleum Ltd comes just a few months after a milestone gas supply agreement for 100mscf was signed by NGML and Dangote Refinery. No, it’s not the first landmark deal.
Navigatingthisdealmusthavebeen interesting. Howdidyoucometoinkit? It was tough negotiations, and at the end of the day, we are delighted that Ssonic Petroleum Ltd chose the value proposition from NGML and its partner NiPCO. I wish to congratulate Ssonic Petroleum Ltd, our partner NIPCO and all the team in NGML for this truly amazing achievement.
Under the terms of the agreement, the NGML-NIPCO UJV is to supply 80 million standard cubic feet per day (MMSCF/D) natural gas to the LNG plant for a 20-year period.
Intermsofdomesticutilisation,what arewelookingat?
Gas supply to the LNG plant will further boost the domestic utilization of natural gas for the industrial and economic development of the nation. NNPCL continues to lead efforts in promoting the use of natural gas; a cleaner, cheaper and more environmentally friendly fuel. NGML will continue to lead the efforts to fully actualise the federal government’s vision for an outstanding future of industrial growth driven by gas. Our team is available for more partnerships in this regard.
Unravelling That Zion Testimony Debacle
It was just a few days ago that the news broke about a young Lady named Loveth, who shared her fairy tale testimony of her grass-to-grace leap and divine turnaround that landed her into becoming a proud owner of a mansion in a notable estate in faraway Enugu State. The testimony has a root in a prophecy given during the Open Heaven ministration of Evangelist Ebuka Obi, Spiritual Director of the Zion Prayer Movement Outreach in February 2024. The young lady later returned to share her testimony of success that appeared to align with the earlier prophecy, but sadly, her testimony was discovered to be untrue.
To the unsuspecting public, so many questions beg for answer: is the testimony sponsored or voluntarily self-orchestrated? For those thinking that the ministry could be peddling false testimonies I ask, is it reasonable that they would spend one whole year orchestrating it, considering they air about twenty or more per service, two times a week? What would the Church stand to benefit from such a scheme – attract more members, considering the membership is already overflowing? Is this an isolated case or are there many of such cases? To the best of my knowledge, this is an isolated case among the multiples of outstanding testimonies featured on the church’s platforms.
The Zion Prayer Movement Outreach has
become a great brand renowned nationwide and in the international community. The active members are in millions and branches in so many nations of the world. To my mind, such a ministry has grown beyond the need for orchestrated testimonies. The Law of large numbers alone ensures there are too many quality testimonies to feature, without the need for any shenanigans. The real challenge is screening out the best.
Under the leadership of the highly anointed Evangelist Ebuka Obi, the Zion Ministry has zero-tolerance for obscenity, fraud, demonic consultations and all form of vices. Evangelist Ebuka’s crusade style of puritanism has earned him open confrontation with Native Doctors especially of eastern confraternities. Sadly, his puritanism has also earned him envy and hatred from the established fellow clerics of the Christian faith. Some have openly confronted him while others are still acting covertly. Attempts have been made on his life without success and it is not surprising this new tactic of Blackmail may be part of their arsenal.
Evangelist Ebuka Obi’s uncompromising practices, coupled with the huge success of the ministry in just over a decade has made him and the ministry the subject of acrimonious envy. It is the destiny of success that it always attracts detractors. Attacks on successful people and movements is not a new phenomenon. In fact, as far back as the times of Christ on earth, His ministry was subject to so many
attacks and the establishment sought to kill Him! The comfort comes from the realisation that when you are on God’s mission, nobody can terminate it until God Himself is done!
In today’s Christianity, especially the Pentecostals and Charismatics, the working of miracles are very essential in planting and promoting new brands. But the solidification of brands rely more on structures, protocols and sound doctrine. This fact answers the question of whether the ’fake’ mansion testimony of Miss Loveth was orchestrated by the ministry or Evangelist Ebuka Obi. It would be shocking that an already well established brand with up to 10 million members worldwide, would be desperate to that extent. This same Ministry handles testimonies in multiples every service day (Wednesdays and Sundays). What would be the need for faking testimonies when the ministry already has more than enough to handle during the limited broadcast times?
Evangelist Ebuka Obi is a self-disciplined man who has openly challenged his colleagues to the test of chastity. He requests any one of them who can confirm to have never indulged in sexual sins to come out in the open! He has also been a scourge and thorn in the flesh of fraudsters, popularly called yahoo-yahoo! Is that the kind of person who would now be orchestrating testimonies?
To those who would question why the ministry did not carry out due diligence before accepting and sharing the Loveth story, the
blunt answer is that they actually did enough by requesting for the evidence of her claim, which she presented in video format. It was this video evidence that actually exposed her lies eventually. So, rather than condemn, we should praise the Ministry, more so as crime detection is not their core competence or responsibility! That is for the police. Those who also question why an ‘all-seeing’ Prophet did not know a plot was being hatched against him should consider that it is the prerogative of God to reveal things to his Servants at His own time and for His own glory alone! Sometimes, God allows both the tares and the wheat together for the purpose of a good harvest.
The questions to ask ourselves is how many of us can run a business with 10,000 customers without an issue? These Men of God we keep disparaging carelessly run congregations with countless members from all walks of life. We must appreciate their industry and efforts to keep our society same and pious.
As to the case of Loveth, we should be satisfied that the police has already been involved. They are the right authorities by Law to investigate all forms of crime. Conjectures, speculations, rumours and other negative emotions do not help but rather detract the course of genuine investigations. Let the general public allow the professionals do their job this time around.
Ezeala
Dan Aibangbe
Glitz Ent E rtainm E nt
Alma Asinobi: Attempting a Guinness World Record is Pushing Me Out of My Comfort Zone
Travel creator Alma Asinobi, who recently announced her ambitious attempt to break the Guinness World Record by visiting seven continents in 70 hours, has admitted that the journey is pushing her out of her comfort zone.
The 26-year-old globetrotter, who got her first passport in 2019 and has since travelled to 30 countries, described the attempt as a gamble. “There are so many factors that are out of my control,” she explained.
One key challenge is that Guinness World Records prohibits her from using private or chartered transportation.
“Whether by air or land, I can’t take a private jet – not that I have one, but I can’t take a private jet if I wanted to,” she quipped. “I have to rely on the schedules of flights. So, if there are delays, weather constraints, suspensions, I’m literally at the mercy of the schedules and weather conditions, and a bunch of other things.”
Despite these hurdles, Asinobi sees this as one of the reasons the record attempt is so significant for her.
“Personally, it’s pushing me out of my comfort zone, and not in the most obvious way right now. It’s in the sort of way that I’m learning to accept things that I can’t control, and that’s part of life. I’m doing this very loudly in front of everybody, knowing very well that lots of things are outside of my control. Things might not go as planned, but I’ve ensured that I have made all the plans possible.”
Asinobi, who is set to embark on the adventure on March 15, emphasized that her motivation goes beyond personal achievement. She wants to raise awareness about passport privilege.
“I do not think it’s something that’s talked about enough for something that affects up to half of the world’s population. At least 50% of the world’s population is close to the low mobility passport umbrella because the very few countries you can visit are either visa-free or with a visa on arrival. And even if you want to get an e-visa, they’re asking for a lot of documents that you may not even have access to.”
Having faced visa rejections herself, Asinobi has witnessed firsthand the challenges that many travellers endure. She believes that visa applications should be handled with more dignity and hopes that improved diplomatic relations will ease these difficulties in the future.
To meet the record requirements, Asinobi must go into the city upon arrival in each continent and take a photo with a notable landmark. While this adds another layer of complexity—since many landmarks are far from airports—she remains optimistic that she will achieve her goal.
IWD: Showmax Celebrates Women’s Stories
In celebration of International Women’s Day which was marked yesterday, March 8, Showmax offered its diverse audiences a collection of movies and series that celebrate the resilience, strength, and complexity of women’s experiences. The streamer is committed to amplifying the voices of women through storytelling. By providing a space for narratives
that showcase the realities of womanhood, whether through tales of survival, triumph, or self-discovery
The collection includes ‘It Ends With Us,’ based on Colleen Hoover’s bestselling novel. The story follows the character Lily Bloom, played by Blake Lively, as she navigates the complexities of love, trauma, and self-empowerment. The film sheds light on the difficult choices women face in unhealthy relationships and serves as a testament to the power of self-worth and breaking cycles of abuse.
Similarly, ‘The Cleaning Lady’ offers an unflinching look at survival and resilience through the eyes of Thony, a Cambodian doctor who finds herself working for the mob to protect her son. The series is an exploration of a mother’s love and her determination to create a better future, even in the face of overwhelming obstacles.
Showmax Nigerian Original, ‘Kabiyesi,’ is a Yoruba drama inspired by the true story of Orompoto, the only female Alaafin of Oyo, who ruled in the 16th century. The series follows Princess Aderiyife as she navigates palace politics, power struggles, and the expectations of a male-dominated world to secure her place in history. ‘Kabiyesi’ brings to life a significant yet often overlooked chapter of Yoruba heritage, highlighting resilience, leadership, and the complexities of tradition.
Beyond scripted dramas, reality television also offers a lens into the lives of dynamic, ambitious women.
Sunky O Explores Lagos Nightlife in ‘The Other Side of Midnight’
Lifestyle influencer Ojulari Olasunkanmi, popularly known as Sunky O, has released his debut book, ‘The Other Side of Midnight,’ offering a deep dive into the world of Lagos nightlife. The book was unveiled through a two-part launch that highlighted its fusion of intellect, culture, and the high energy that defines the city after dark.
The launch began at Roving Heights bookstore, Landmark, Lagos, where insightful discussions explored the book’s core themes—the economic and cultural power of nightlife, the structures that sustain it, and its role in placing Nigeria on the global entertainment map.
Hosted by Swit Ope, the event drew influential figures such as Bukky George-Taylor, Beverly Osu, and Madhiya, alongside literary minds, cultural enthusiasts, and industry stakeholders.
The celebration continued at Library Club, VI, Lagos, where industry leaders and nightlife innovators gathered for an evening of conversation and networking over Laurent Perrier champagne, reflecting the essence of a city that never sleeps.
With a wealth of stories about Lagos nightlife, Sunky O aims to challenge misconceptions and offer a fresh perspective on its significance.
“Lagos nightlife is more than music and parties; it’s a thriving economy, a hub for power moves, and a subculture that defines our global identity,” he said.
Sunky O is no stranger to documenting the nightlife scene. Before ‘The Other Side of Midnight,’ he created the acclaimed documentary series ‘Nightlife in Lasgidi,’
which provided a behind-the-scenes look at the industry’s cultural, social, and financial makeup. The series earned an AMVCA nomination for Best Documentary (Unscripted), laying the groundwork for deeper conversations explored in his book.
Driven by a desire to shift negative perceptions, Sunky O emphasised that nightlife is more than entertainment—it’s an economic force shaping Nigeria’s global presence. “Lagos nightlife has transcended being just a place of leisure. It’s where business deals happen, where culture is shaped, and where Nigeria makes its mark on the world,”
Asinobi also revealed another GWR she is attempting. This time on getting the most signatures on a single piece of travel memorabilia. She is hoping to get more than the required 500 signatures on the Nigerian flag, making it the first to visit the seven continents. of in with Ebonylife Island, lighthearted filled was crew, series far-reaching socioeconomic continuing of
‘Grind’
Returns for Second Season
The second season of ‘Grind’ has returned in full swing, kicking off with a season premiere at Ebonylife Place, Victoria Island, Lagos.
The premiere, a lighthearted gathering filled with camaraderie, was attended by the cast, crew, and industry insiders.
‘Grind’ is a Nigerian series highlighting the far-reaching effects of poor socioeconomic conditions, continuing its exploration of survival, identity, and moral dilemmas through the lens of its lead character, Tarela, a young woman balancing life between her religious upbringing and the stripping industry.
Starring Roseanne Chikwendu, Uzor Arukwe, Eso Dike, Tamara Sindio-Apaun, Harriet Akinola, Steve Enagbere, and Daniel Abua, and Directed by Orire Nwani and Joshua Tso-Tso, the series follows her fight to support herself and her family.
Executive producer and lead
Roberta Orioma noted the expanded production scale. “For season two, we had way more locations than in season one because we are in a far better place to tell the story the way we wanted.”
Orioma also spoke on the portrayal of Tarela’s profession. “With ‘Grind,’ there is a negative connotation with Tarela’s profession, but what we are trying to do with the series is not to excuse it but to show the human angle— these people come from homes, they have families, and they have dreams they are fighting for, just like everyone else.”
Co-director Joshua Tso-Tso added, “The conversation around ‘Does our heroes conform to what society demands or not,’ that journey is something that always appealed to me. The subject matter this series addresses with the characters finding themselves in that world is interesting and a big part of our reality we don’t acknowledge.”
‘Grind’ season two is now available to watch on Prime Video.
Vanessa Obioha
Iyke Bede
roberta Orioma.
Sunky O
Kabiyesi
Alma Asinobi
actress
Chief OprAl BensOn
An Ageless BeAuty
Old age is often associated with frailty and forgetfulness, but that cannot be said of Chief Opral Benson, who appeared to be both agile and sharp-minded, with a clear recollection of things around her. Vanessa Obioha spent an afternoon with her and captured her essence
•Beauty is Something Which One Should Really Pay Attention to
lady offered.
Within a few minutes, Chief Benson emerged, dressed in black tights and an orange top. Her face was fresh and clean, as if she had just finished a beauty routine, without any makeup. I rose to greet her; she responded and asked me to sit down. Then came a barrage of questions that threw me off balance for a moment.
“Who are you?”
I introduced myself.
“How can I help you?”
I explained that I was there to interview her.”Apparently, she was not properly briefed about the interview.” mention the interview to her. She didn’t like that, as she prefers to be informed of her meetings in advance. She also felt she had given too many interviews already—what more could be said about her that wasn’t already out there?
Indeed, there is much about her in the public domain. Whether it’s her heritage as a member of the aristocratic Americo-Liberian community in Liberia, courtesy of her paternal great-grandfather and grandfather, who were immigrants from South Carolina, or how she changed her name from Opal, given to her by an aunt, to Opral because she felt the meaning of Opal—a precious stone—did not resonate with her. Or perhaps it’s her establishment of the Opral Benson Beauty Training Institute, which continues to operate today. She has also made significant contributions to female empowerment and has played important roles in the cultural sphere. Her multiple chieftaincy titles attest to her influence. Her business card boldly displays them all: from Iya Oge of Lagos and Yeye L’afin of Ode-Remo to Iya Mokun and Iya Mosa of Egbaland.
Recently, she clocked 90 and drums were rolled out to lavishly celebrate her for her attainments.
Her home also speaks volumes of her love for art and culture. From the ground floor to the top floor, there are clusters of captivating cultural artifacts and paintings. Her expansive living room boasts numerous pictures of her with friends and families, capturing precious moments.
Another well-known chapter of Chief Benson’s life is her marriage to the late former Minister of Information, Broadcasting and Culture in the first post-independence government, Chief Theophilus Benson (also known as T.O.S. Benson). Their love story has been recounted many times in the media.
Having returned to Liberia from the United States, where she earned a bachelor’s degree and a Master of Arts in Education from Morris Brown University and Atlanta University, Benson had already gained notable status in her country, including a role in the Department of Agriculture. In 1961, she was appointed Assistant Secretary General of the Monrovia bloc of African States conference, in preparation for the formation of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), now known as the African Union (AU).
It was during her work at the conference that she caught the attention of the late minister. A simple hello soon blossomed into a union, and by 1962, they were happily married. Her husband, however, passed away in 2008, at age 90—the same age Chief Benson had turned on February 7, 2025.
course, we cannot help that, and our ages were different.”
Old age is often associated with frailty and forgetfulness, but that cannot be said of Chief Benson, who appeared to be both agile and sharp-minded, with a clear recollection of things around her. She still climbs the stairs of her home daily, unaided. When I attempted to help her rise from the sofa, she declined and stood up by herself.
In one corner of her large living room is a stack of newspapers and magazines. There are also books, including her biography, which captures her essence. She gave me a brief overview of the things she enjoys doing—and no, cooking is not one of them.
“I like to read a lot. I read newspapers every day, I read magazines,” she said. “And I have a beauty shop which will do, more or less, train young people how to look after themselves and other people. So I go there sometimes, I like to do that; and interact with younger people. And what else do I like to do? I like to make sure that I know what is happening in the country, because I have a few friends that I might talk to in case I’m not around for this thing or that thing, and they’ll tell me what is happening. I just want to be part of society.”
When asked the last time she visited Liberia, she wasn’t slow in remembering that she was there four years ago to visit family.
To clear any doubt about her mental sharpness, she said: “People in this country expect that when you’re 90, you’re supposed to be retired, but I’m still climbing up these steps, going to my office, doing what I want to do. Most times I sit over there”—she pointed to a section of the living room—“by that window, get some fresh air, and do other things.”
A notable aspect of Chief Benson’s life is her long-standing passion for beauty and fashion for which she holds the chieftaincy title of Iya Oge of Lagos. She is regarded as a pioneer in the Nigerian beauty industry, particularly with the establishment of the Opral Benson Beauty Training Institute. Over the years, the institute has evolved and become a place where people of all ages learn the art of being presentable.
“You must always look right, look proper—not the way I’m looking now, as I wasn’t expecting you,” she joked. “But I believe that the beauty and fashion industry is very important.”
She continued: “I think what the younger generation learnt from me is that one has to look and behave the best way that they can. Look better, behave better. All of that is beauty. So that if you’re a beautician, you can help other people to bring themselves forward and look okay. And I think that this is the reason why I went into beauty training. To make people feel that they are special.”
Her concept of beauty is even more instructive.
“Beauty is something which one should really pay some attention to because the more you do beauty, the more you are respected; the more people like you, the more you make contributions to young people. And I think beauty is an industry that really has grown in Nigeria and in Africa for a long time, and I think it should continue to do so. So beauty is something that we should never throw away.”
As the interview came to a close, Chief Benson shared her thoughts on Nigeria’s future.
Rule number one: You do not schedule a meeting without letting Chief Opral Benson know ahead of time. I learned this firsthand when I arrived at her palatial home in Oniru, Victoria Island, one Friday afternoon. Apart from a group of men who seemed to be her security personnel seated
in the large compound, the place was quiet. I briefly introduced myself to the gateman, who called the house to inform them that Chief Benson had a visitor. I was later ushered in by a man who seemed to be one of her assistants. He introduced me to a lady who escorted me into the grand living room where Chief Benson often spends her time.
“Sit down, she will join you soon,” the
“There are many memories of him,” she later told me, “because with him, we went to a lot of places together. I got to be a part of his hometown, which is Ikorodu. I went there to visit with him. We stayed there sometimes. We had a building that we used to stay in, and he’d been a former Minister of Nigeria. There were a lot of activities that he attended, and rather, he performed himself. So I’m always part of it because I’m part of whatever he does. So I really, really, really, was sad when he left me and went away. But of
“I want to make sure that everybody will continue to respect Nigeria. This country deserves a lot of respect from all the people; younger people, older people. The country has done a lot for everybody that has come through it. What I want to see is that it should not fall apart. And if more people want to get involved in pushing Nigeria forward, they should do it. Because I think Nigeria is a very special country in Africa, and it should really be promoted by all of those people who feel that they are Nigerians, or they love Nigerians or have families in Nigeria. So I think that Nigeria is really on top and should continue to move forward.”
Benson
Opral and her late husband, Chief TOS Benson
with KAYoDe ALFreD 08116759807, E-mail: kayflex2@yahoo.com
Trying Times for Emmanuel Udom
Udom Emmanuel is one of the few with a reputation as a leader of integrity, free from the stains of corruption that have plagued many Nigerian politicians. But the former governor of Akwa Ibom State now faces allegations of mismanaging public funds. With a staggering N700 billion unaccounted for, his contact is now on the speed-dial of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The accusations stem from reports that during his eight-year tenure, Emmanuel received N3trillion from the Federation Account but left behind a debt burden of N500 billion and unfinished projects worth N300 billion. These figures have raised questions about financial transparency in his administration.
This is not the first time Emmanuel’s financial dealings have come under scrutiny. In 2019, the Accountant-General’s report exposed questionable expenditures, including inflated costs for government vehicles, aircraft maintenance, and fuel. Investigations revealed that some of these budget overruns were justified using claims of software errors—explanations that seemed weak in the face of evidence. The unresolved nature of these past financial irregularities makes the present allegations more significant.
Beyond questionable spending, his administration was also linked to several failed public investments. Peacock Paints Limited, a project that received N526 million in state funding under his watch, collapsed due to mismanagement and alleged corruption. Funds meant for revitalisation were misappropriated, leaving the company in financial ruin. Similarly, billions of naira were allocated to a “Government Special Development Project” that left no visible footprint. These past incidents now serve as a backdrop to the current scandal, strengthening suspicions that the financial mismanagement was not incidental but systematic.
The political and legal implications of this unfolding situation cannot be ignored. If the EFCC’s investigations substantiate the allegations, Emmanuel could face not only reputational damage but also legal consequences. Public sentiment remains divided—some view him as a victim of political witch-hunting, while others argue that his past actions make these allegations unsurprising.
...Amazing lifestyles of Nigeria’s rich and famous Time for Lucky Aiyedatiwa to Implement
There is only so much that luck can accomplish on behalf of a person. Time eventually comes when the handle of opportunity must be grasped to effect change and make impressions. For Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, that time is now. Having traversed the bare heights of power with providence’s wings, the man must now sit down to implement legacy projects.
To be sure, Aiyedatiwa has already taken significant steps in governance. He recently approved the recruitment of over 1,000 teachers to address the long-standing staff shortages in public schools, particularly in rural areas. He also paid the WASSCE fees for thousands of students, showing the breadth of his commitment to improving education. Nevertheless, these initiatives must be part of a broader, sustained agenda to match the mark of stellar governance.
The kind of governance that endures in the hearts of the people is not measured by isolated achievements. It is one guided
by a deliberate and consistent effort to leave lasting improvements. This means infrastructure, healthcare, and economic development must
be met by equally bold interventions; while not leaving out urban renewal, rural road construction, and job creation.
Also recently, he distributed some very fine vehicles to local government chairmen, something analysts see as a practical move to enhance grassroots governance. This is good, but there is more to do in the area of accountability and well-defined development plans at the local level, so that his efforts will not be symbolic rather than transformative.
The man is also clearly invested in inclusive governance, so there is much to do in the area of economic empowerment, particularly through entrepreneurship and job creation. This is critical for Ondo’s long-term growth, especially because the state is known to house a lot of small businesses. Investing in industries and creating a favourable environment for investors can go a long way than bits-and-pieces projects.
History only remembers those who take decisive action. Luck may have brought Aiyedatiwa this far but work will be what defines his tenure.
Awele Elumelu: Conquering Tokyo, One Stride at a Time
champions before, but none quite like Dr. Awele Elumelu. One step after another, she redefined endurance, proving that if it is true strength, it will not be loud but unyielding.
The Tokyo Marathon is no ordinary race; it is a trial of spirit, a crucible where the determined are separated from the merely ambitious. Awele took to its 42.195-kilometre stretch not as a jogger lost in the rhythm of leisure, but as a woman who runs with purpose, turning each mile into a statement of resilience.
She landed in Tokyo like a whisper before a storm. She was graceful, unassuming, yet brimming with an unshakable resolve. The city of neon dreams and ancient discipline had met
She is easy to mistake for just another enthusiast, clad in running gear and blending into a sea of competitors. But to see her run is to understand that she is more—an entrepreneur, a strategist, a woman whose discipline on the track mirrors the precision with which she leads.
From London to Berlin, from New York to
Chicago, Awele has left her mark on the world’s most grueling races, yet each finish line is never an end—only a stepping stone to the next. So, this time, through the streets of Tokyo, past its historic temples and gleaming skyscrapers, she carried more than just her ambitions—she carried the weight of inspiration.
Seeing her run, few would think that this woman is an African business leader, Chairperson of Avon Healthcare Limited, wife of one of the most illustrious business geniuses in the world, and mother of—not two, not four, but—seven children.
Measure it however you want; it is clear that Awele does not just cross finish lines—she elevates them. She has done it with business, with her pursuits in the medical line, with her family, and with her marathon racing. Tokyo is hers now—not just as a race completed, but as proof that the will to achieve is boundless.
Bosun Tijani’s AI Vision: Nigeria Leads The Race of Africa’s Digital Future
Dr. Bosun Tijani, Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, has seen the future, and it speaks the language of Artificial Intelligence. Fresh from the AI Action Summit in France, he isn’t just returning with notes from highlevel meetings—he’s bringing back a bold ambition: to place Nigeria at the forefront of Africa’s AI revolution.
This just isn’t about technology for Tijani; it’s about positioning Nigeria as a leader in the global digital economy. He sat with Google CEO Sundar Pichai and President Bola Tinubu, not for pleasantries, but to discuss real investment, real strategy, and real transformation. AI is moving fast, and Tijani knows Africa cannot afford to be a spectator.
An African summit on AI is a necessity. Tijani has spent his career building innovation ecosystems, from CcHUB to driving policy at the ministerial level. He understands that if
Nigeria doesn’t step up now, others will set the pace.
Remove all the fancy algorithms and futuristic jargon usually associated with AI. Tijani’s plan sees jobs, industry, and national competitiveness, with AI improving governance, unlocking new business models, and boosting economic growth. All hands are already on deck to keep Africa from just consuming AI instead of actively building and shaping its future.
At the AI Action Summit in France, ethics, inclusivity, and regulation dominated the discussions. But it was clearly a wakeup call for Tijani. If AI will benefit Nigerians, it must come through our languages and cultures, and help address unique challenges. It’s why linguistic diversity in AI is a topic he won’t let slip through the cracks.
Organising an African AI summit means Nigeria must lead from the front. Leave
conference hosting for others. Tijani is interested in bringing global players to the table while building Africa’s own AI talent and research ecosystem.
Seyi Tinubu: Gradually Becoming a New Political Titan
Seyi Tinubu is stepping into his own political space, not as a mere extension of his father’s legacy, but as a leader with his own growing influence. Even though he is actively working to strengthen President Bola Tinubu’s accomplishments, his recent engagements, particularly during Ramadan, frame the portrait of a budding politician crafting his path.
Seyi has had a strong presence in Kano and Kaduna during this holy month. Sharing Iftar meals with everyday citizens and engaging with influential figures like Alhaji Aminu Dantata and Sheikh Ahmad
Gumi, Seyi is showing that he understands grassroots politics.
Unlike many political heirs who remain confined to privileged circles, Seyi is making direct connections with the people. His Renewed Hope Youth Engagement initiative seems to be a calculated effort to position himself as a bridge between the ruling class and the youth—Nigeria’s largest voting bloc.
Seyi’s visit to Governor Uba Sani in Kaduna was just as strategic. Little wonder the governor happily pledged to consider creating a Ministry of Youth Development. So, while critics may dismiss his efforts as mere political theatre, such tangible outcomes suggest a deeper understanding of governance.
Beyond state visits, Seyi’s approach carries
the subtlety of a long-term game. The man is not simply imposing himself with loud declarations. Instead, one sees a steady but sure integration into existing structures, winning goodwill through action. How else can Seyi’s ability to sit with both APC and opposition figures, as seen in Kano, be explained? Are these not hints of a leader who values pragmatism over partisanship?
Political relevance is not inherited; it is earned. By engaging with students at Ahmadu Bello University and ensuring that his outreach extends beyond elites, Seyi is doing what many before him failed to—building a political identity that resonates beyond his surname.
Aiyedatiwa
Tinubu
elumelu
Tijani
Bukola Saraki: A Political Leader Seen in a New Light
Nobody forgets the first time they meet Bukola Saraki. It’s never just a handshake and a polite nod. It’s a moment—one that lingers long after the conversation ends. Some recall his wit, others his candor, but most remember how he makes them reflect on their own aspirations.
These days, Saraki is not just the former Senate President or the ex-Governor of Kwara State. He’s evolving—less the politician bound by party lines, more the statesman with a vision. His recent call for an open investigation into the AkpabioNatasha controversy wasn’t about taking sides; it was about protecting the Senate’s dignity.
Unlike many politicians who vanish into obscurity once out of office, Saraki has remained relevant—not by stirring controversy, but by offering clarity. His social media isn’t filled with attacks or grievances; instead, he celebrates Nigerians excelling in their fields. That alone says a lot about his priorities.
If political grudges were a currency, Nigerian politics would be a billionaire’s club. Yet, Saraki has managed to sidestep
unnecessary conflicts. While others trade barbs, he opts for diplomacy. Even in Kwara, where political temperatures can rise like Jollof rice on high heat, he remains a steadying force.
One would think that being out of government would mean stepping away from the people. Not for Saraki. He continues to be a pillar of support in Kwara, engaging with communities and lending his voice to issues that matter. Power, it seems, was never the glue holding him to public service.
As Nigeria grapples with governance challenges, the onus has fallen on leaders like Saraki to keep politics from becoming a battlefield, a do-or-die affair. This is why the man’s evolution from a politician to a nationalist is something to celebrate as it means that he is prioritising nationbuilding over personal ambition.
So, what’s next for Saraki? Perhaps another office, perhaps not. But if history is anything to go by, he won’t be far from the national conversation.
Aliko Dangote Becomes New ‘Darling of the Masses’
Every great movie needs a hero and a villain. In Nigeria’s latest blockbuster, the man in the white cape is Aliko Dangote, billionaire industrialist, while the long-time antagonist, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), is scrambling to stay relevant. The battlefield is the price of petrol and the weapon is a price war that has the masses cheering.
For years, Nigerians have groaned under the weight of expensive fuel, courtesy of a near-monopoly controlled by NNPC. The company dictated prices, and citizens had no choice but to comply, that is, until Dangote Refinery stepped into the scene majestically, slashing the price of petrol like a knight wielding a sword. Suddenly, NNPC had to do something unheard of— reduce its price to compete.
Dangote’s refinery dropped its petrol price to 825 per litre, forcing NNPCL to cut its own from 945 to 860 in Lagos. And for the first time in decades, Nigerians saw a real battle in the petroleum sector.
To prove it isn’t just about profit,
Dangote went a step further, offering refunds to marketers who had bought petrol at higher prices before his reduction. That’s 16billion swallowed in losses. NNPCL, meanwhile, is being forced into reactionary moves, proving once again that monopoly breeds complacency, while competition fuels innovation.
The coming days will be interesting. Will NNPCL finally invest in refining locally instead of relying on imports? Will Dangote’s refinery maintain its pricing strategy? Or will both parties reach a silent truce and hike prices again once the public stops watching? Nigerians, ever the skeptical audience, will keep their eyes on the screen.
For now, the masses can breathe, even if just a little. Transport costs may dip, food prices could ease, and businesses might finally get a break. The lesson here is simple: competition, not monopolies, drives progress. And in this unfolding drama, Dangote is the unexpected protagonist that everyone wants to win.
Fear Grips Meranda Loyalists in Lagos Assembly
be described as a political thriller. Just weeks ago, he was cast out in dramatic fashion, replaced by Mojisola Meranda. Now, in a twist worthy of a Nollywood blockbuster, he has reclaimed his seat, leaving Meranda’s loyalists staring at an uncertain future.
For 49 days, Meranda and her supporters savoured their victory, thinking they had turned a page in the Assembly’s history. But power is a fickle mistress, and Obasa’s return has shattered their illusions.
The hand of the All Progressives Congress (APC) elders loomed large over this reversal. The lawmakers may have removed him with a two-thirds majority, but their party’s godfathers had the final say. Any dreams of independence within the assembly have been swiftly crushed.
The so-called reconciliation meeting after Obasa’s return was little more than theatre, according to some. Lawmakers who had opposed Obasa sat through the session with forced smiles, their discontent barely concealed. The man they ousted strolled in late—critics say it
Royalty and fashion have always shared a stage, but Queen Ronke Ademiluyi-Ogunwusi has ensured that African fashion takes centre stage on a global platform. More than a queen, she is a visionary who has merged heritage with haute couture, making African fabrics, designs, and creativity impossible to ignore.
Her journey began long before the crown. Being a London-trained lawyer, Queen Ronke could have chosen a quieter path, but passion led her to establish Africa Fashion Week London and Nigeria, platforms that have given countless African designers a stage to shine. With each show, she weaves the past into the future, showing how African fashion is about identity, not just art.
Even beyond the catwalk, the Queen is shaping industries and lives. Through the Adire Oodua Textile Training Hub, she revives ancient textile traditions while equipping women and young people with the skills to build sustainable careers.
The Queen’s influence also extends beyond Nigeria’s borders. Whether it is London or Brazil, she has set up strong bridges between African fashion and the world. Thanks to partnerships with global institutions like Parsons School of Design and Henley Business School, she has global credibility, as does her mentoring schemes.
is an unsubtle reminder of who now controls the clock.
Obasa’s next move will be crucial. Analysts believe that his reinstatement alone is not enough—he must now consolidate his grip on power. Reports suggest he is already working to reinstate Olalekan Onafeko as Clerk, a move that could deepen divisions. Meanwhile, the lawsuit against the Assembly lingers, a ticking time bomb that could disrupt the fragile truce.
For Meranda’s loyalists, the writing is on the wall. Some may attempt to mend fences, but others will find themselves sidelined or worse. The Speaker’s return is not just about reclaiming a position; it could quickly become about reasserting dominance.
As the dust settles, it is clear that credits cannot start rolling yet. The story has not ended. The Assembly may have returned to its former leadership, but the scars of this battle remain fresh. For those who once celebrated Obasa’s fall, the future cannot be more uncertain.
But who says that Queen Ronke’s vision is limited to clothing? She tells Africa’s stories through theatre, literature, and leadership programs. Queen Moremi The Musical, watched by over 30,000 people, is just one example of how she brings history to life. Through books and scholarships, she is helping young girls know their heritage and see possibilities beyond the expected.
Her dedication to women is evident in everything she does. Whether through the QMA Fund, which supports female entrepreneurs, or the Conference of Oloris, where queens discuss how to uplift rural communities, she proves that true leadership is about service. In her hands, fashion has blossomed as a soft tool for impressionable transformation. As she continues to expand African fashion’s global influence, Queen Ronke is not just wearing the crown— she is redefining what it means to be a queen. By blending tradition with innovation, she is guaranteeing that Africa’s heritage is not just remembered, but worn with pride across the world.
Saraki
Ademiluyi-Ogunwusi
Dangote
Meranda
Obasa is back! The once-ousted Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly has returned in what can only
ebeNezer obeY: A woNDerfUl meeTING
Still on Obasanjo’s birthday. As we walked into the reception hall within the giant complex of the Chief Obasanjo Presidential Library, the sweet melodies of the Juju music Commander-in-Chief Ebenezer Obey hit us.
I immediately turned my head and saw the legend. Chief Commander was live on the band set. He was seated in a very comfortable cushion seat, dressed in white, and with the microphone, looked very regal. I quickly begged to take a picture with him. His voice was still as melodious as ever, the tunes aligning with his rendition and the power of his engagement was unmistakable.
It was a huge surprise for me because as a small boy in Shomolu, his tunes didn’t miss me. I didn’t understand his Yoruba but the sounds used to just mesmerize me as they wafted through the giant loud whispers of the record sellers that dominated the Shomolu of my youth. It was a powerful reunion I tell you as I sat beside him and put my arms around him. A great Nigerian, I tell you, a great one.
AkpAbIo vS NATASHA: THe beAT
GoeS oN
This pantomime is still going strong. Senator Natasha appears in the Hall with her obviously overwhelmed husband in tow who now proceeds
o lusegun o basanjo: Happy b irthday Sir
During the week, the great Chief Obasanjo reportedly celebrated his 88th birthday. Well, it was Chief Amosun, the former Governor of Ogun State, who threw in doubts as to Baba’s real age at the book launch heralding the birthday. So that is who we should hold to account. He revealed at the book launch that while we were officially celebrating Chief Obasanjo’s 88th birthday, he believed that the real age is closer to 100.
Anyways, it was a huge event and almost every powerful ex-warlord was in attendance. I saw Senator
to plant a kiss on her.
Kogi women hit the streets demanding Akpabio’s resignation, Akwa Ibom women hit the streets asking Senator Natasha to leave their son.
Senate officials hit the media to defend their boss. One goes on ARISE TV and in a very heavy and thick Igbo assent proclaims – I was in the car ooooo, I didn’t see or hear Senator Akpabio harass her ooo.
Female senators have also hit the airwaves. The Senate committee calls her petition – dead on arrival, she stands up on the floor to continue her bullying of the Senate President who in a brittle attempt to correct her, gets shouted upon by this fiery damsel. More people are coming out who claim to have suffered same fate as Akpabio -Reno Omokri. It is now looking like, at this pace, only Catholic priests would escape this allegation and in all of these, the Senate is distracted.
Not only distracted but also losing focus, as the Senate President was also reported to have kissed his wife too in retaliation.
Finally, Akpabio has now presided over his own case and Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan has now been suspended in nothing but a disgraceful gang up against a collective irritant. Na here we all dey with our popcorn oo.
ITA-GIwA: A mATrIArCH weIGHS IN
Wabara, Chief Ben Obi and so many yesterday’s people that I almost lost count. Peter Obi walked in with that same black cloth he has been wearing since the last election; pretended to sit in the audience - I don’t know why he likes doing that thing - as if he is humble. Na lie, it’s just another attention-seeking gambit. Anyways, he landed at the high table which had Chief Adebutu, the flamboyant Governor Adeleke who was looking so fresh and very eager to perform, former governor of Osun, Oyinlola, and
You see life. Mummy suddenly closes down Echoes of Calabar, her ubiquitous restaurant in Lagos where fresh afang is served. You all know my love for afang, hence my attachment to that restaurant. The fish served there are “imported” from Oron waterside.
Anyways, she suddenly packs her bags, relocates and promptly stops taking calls. Then all of a sudden, she surfaces on ARISE TV to speak about this ongoing sex scandal. Well, she is eminently qualified to speak as a woman, a senior senator and a politician of repute. I must say that she made a lot of sense.
Her understanding of the standing rules of the Senate was very evident and from her submission, it was clear that this “eaglet” senator was just stepping on rotten tomatoes as she plodded along.
On the matter of the sexual harassment, Mummy made a point: a female at that level cannot be shouting harassment as it shows weakness. I agree, but social media people did not o. Come and see abuses. Please someone should kindly beg Mummy not to go near comment sections, she will lose appetite.
The abuse and attacks were overwhelming but her point was clear – you could not have fought such stridently to emerge and now be shouting sexual harassment. It shows weakness, lack of comportment and carriage, and it’s
others.
It was a grand occasion as the whole hall was filled to the brim and the birthday boy, resplendent in white, reminded all that his classmate in primary school who was also in attendance stole his “epa” in school. The hall burst out in laughter. At the reception were different types of delicacies including amala, ewedu and gbegiri. Let me wish one of Africa’s greatest sons a huge birthday greetings even as we pray for longer life and continuous good health. Thank you.
true.
For those of us who are in this women matter, the first rule is comportment. There is a way you carry yourself with dignity and elegance that even the vilest of predators will think hard before engaging.
This is my position but it is more or less what Mama Bakassi was trying to say in that interview and if there is anybody to beat on this position, please let me know because I have her contact. Make una leave me alone.
SeYI TINUbU: I’m GeTTING reAl CoNfUSeD
Ok, me I don’t know again o. People have been sending me videos of this “fine bobo” arriving with the full compliments of security, getting fêted in Kano by a large crowd with musicians proclaiming him as a saviour and also with him visiting soon-to-be Nobel nominated author, IBB.
People are wondering exactly what is going on. What is the game plan? They are calling me to ask and I am wondering why me. I don’t know the man o; never met him and not in any way interested in whatever concerns him.
But this last one that I saw really drew my attention. Breaking fast in Kano with both APC and one other party people and arriving like Donald Trump is giving us mixed signals o.
Soetan
Obasanjo
Natasha obey
Ita-Giwa
I really hope we are not beginning to get another biblical Absalom matter on our hands o because if Seyi continues like this, he will be more popular than his father o and we may start to hear “give us Seyi.” My advice to the young man who seems to be very eager to etch his name in our national psyche is to ignore the political gatherings and matters and face philanthropy. I tell you, my brother, that is where the mass is. Use sports, music and philanthropy as vehicles to reach the masses and then move the huge goodwill gathered there to influence political outcomes.
Imagine if you hosted an international football tournament in Kano and brought in world-class teams like Real Madrid, Juventus and Arsenal to play Kano Pillars and Rangers of Enugu. Just imagine how the whole place will scatter. Imagine hosting that Anthony Joshua world title defense in Abeokuta with local young boxers taking turns to train and spar with the world’s best, or bringing Jay Z and Davido and the rest to jam in Uyo.
Jim Nwobodo and MKO Abiola used this strategy to the end and see where it got them - one governor and senator, the other the undisputed icon of democracy. So, all these appearances in political gatherings with bodyguards “plentier” than the ones guarding the King of Saudi Arabia, and taking salutes on parade grounds is making people to wrinkle their nose and say “what is wrong with this one?”
Just try this my style and see the wonders it will do for your image, political weight and the rest. Thank you.
FolAke SoeTAN: HeroINe oF THe power STrUggle
I didn’t believe it when the first clips of the attack on the Ikeja Disco office started rushing out. Then reports started flooding in that some military personnel later identified as operatives from the Air Force Base in Ikeja were the ones responsible for the attack. As the day unfolded and the whole thing started being clear, I started to panic.
Folake Soetan, the Managing Director of Ikeja Disco is a childhood friend and the woman is too beautiful and delicate to be left to a marauding number of Air Force personnel who although find it hard to attack insurgents would quickly rush this assignment with glee I placed a call to her and she picked and said: “Edgar, it’s being sorted”. Brave woman and at night, her hubby Dipo, reached out that she was now in the office. My people let me not say what’s on my mind on this matter.
How is an attack in defenceless civilians who are working around with screwdriver and testers going to solve whatever is the rashes on the backs of the Nigerian Air Force? Granted there are sensitive military equipment on the base that need power but at the same time, the company also has obligations to keep itself as a going concern. So this attack, reminiscent of the mad-dog incident of the MKO Abiola fame, is now to mean what? Will this now solve the problem of the debt or even make you a more respected fighting force? This is an act of cowardice, beating and maiming civilians as reported.
Mbok, the luck there is that I was not in Lagos otherwise the story would have been totally different, I tell you. Whatever happened to amicable conversations and communications, all these misdirected gra gra can just be very annoying.
Too many battlegrounds to fight o, but it’s always at bus-stops, in beer parlours and places like this that we will be seeing full power. This is not in any way good abeg. Please the authorities should look into this matter and kindly help us make sure it never happens again o.
Our MD is too delicate for this kind of wahala- person wey fine like Bianca, na him una dey pursue go inside car booth as we hear. Not good, embarrassing and quite shameful. Oya come and beat me
too. Mshewww
IbrAHIm bAbANgIDA: greATeST oF All TIme
Now I wanted to title this – IBB the GOAT. But I know that before I reach Shomolu I would have received thousands of koboko. I don’t even think Editor sef know the meaning and that is why I quickly just write am in full. See, we do not know how to sell ourselves. Instead of abusing IBB all around for writing that “crap,” we should repackage him and his book and sell it right to the world. See, IBB is the biggest-selling author of all time in the world. How many people have written one book and raised N17billion at a go? Oya answer na. James Hadley Chase? Barack Obama? William
ITUAH IgHoDAlo’S
‘FIcTITIoUS’ weDDINg
This pastor is a very handsome man and women will always want his attention, that is a fact. Pastor is a widower and the mourning period is over. Recently, we have been inundated with reports that the pastor could be taking our very own Nollywood actress, Kate Henshaw down the aisle. Social media is excited as Kate is one of the most iconic, well-bred and dutiful role models in that industry. A union between these two would be magic, even though I don’t see how the pastor will have the stamina to cope. You know Kate, she na gym rat. If you see her videos in the gym ehn, pastor will need much more than Psalms to climb that mountain of Gethsemane.
But pastor, in an interview, said “nothing like that.” He reportedly said that people are using the story to make money
and when they finish, they should come and pay tithe. Well for me, I am giving pastor an ultimatum. If by July 4, which is my 56th birthday, I don’t see any sweet young thing in his arms, I will do a national competition to find a wife for our dear handsome pastor. My advice sir, is that we have many clusters where you can get very beautiful and well brought up Nigerian women. I can get suitable candidates from the Senate, Nollywood, the Presidency and even slay queens. Yes na. So, my dear pastor, let’s not joke with prostate cancer. Yes, o one Doctor on radio said that to avoid the ailment, we must “do” 21 times a month. Some of us have exceeded that and are clocking like 36 a month, conferring immunity on us. This is why this mission of securing a wife for pastor is now a critical health issue. Lol
Shakespeare? The Clintons? Oya talk na.
No book has attracted more attention than this “wahala” wey he called a book.
How many books have caused me more heartache, tears, regrets, and curses than this book? Even Salman Rushdie’s controversial book no reach this one. IBB should be nominated for a Guinness Book of World Records slot.
One book, one thousand earthquakes, one book garnering the total budget of Taraba State in one sitting. One book bringing together archenemies to sit on one table and be smiling. It’s like when Pele came to Nigeria during the Civil War and they did a detente for him.
Tinubu and Atiku postponed their fight, OBJ postponed shelling Tinubu and everybody gathered to praise the author.
I think a strongly worded letter should be written and signed by our President to those people that used to give the Nobel Prize to immediately announce IBB as the winner of this year’s Nobel in fictitious literature.
Mbok, the man try and I am sorry to go back to it again. I am writing inside Ibom Air on a flight to Abuja and as the turbulence hit me, the economics of the book hit me – N17bn for a book written by a ghostwriter with IBB picture on top? Mbok, where is the Guinness Book of World Records o? Nigeria has another entry; not only Hilda Baci with her afang can enter this book. We have another one o. Kai.
UmArU kwAIrANgA: AN ASSUreD DeSTINY
Alhaji is the Chairman of the huge NGX, the main stock exchange in the country. You guys know that I used to be a stockbroker so I still remain very interested in happenings there. Alhaji with his team, comprising some of the most brilliant ever capital market operatives – Temi Popoola whose suits used to shake me those days, Nonso Okpala, a possible successor to the sweetly talented Tony Elumelu, and Mohammed Garuba (if you have not met this market expert, you will not understand the markets) - have all combined to work magic at the exchange.
Come and see their latest results. Everything going up by over 100%. The figures are massive, leading to a declaration of historic dividends for shareholders. See, there is nothing transparency, clarity of purpose and capacity cannot do in an enterprise. They took over a sick giant - a giant that was suffering epileptic fits with its best hands jumping ship almost daily - and with a clear sense of purpose, they effected a massive turnaround that has made the NGX one of the most profitable in the world.
These are the kinds of people that should write a book that we can read, not some gap-toothed person. Mbok, congratulations Alhaji Kwairanga and your team. Let me also mention my brother Tony Ibeziakor before he calls me and say “Edgar, why you no put my name?” and also Clifford, their image maker who I consider one of the very best in this country. Well done guys, this is what Nigeria will be when the next generation of leaders emerge. Hope still dey.
Ighodalo
The c omical r eturn of m udashiru Obasa
Nigerians are hoping that one day, the full story behind the intrigues and shenanigans that abruptly ended Mojisola Meranda’s brief tenure as Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly will be told.
Thirty-five members of the 40-member House of Assembly elected Meranda to lead them after they removed Mudashiru Obasa, who at the time was reportedly frolicking in the faraway United States of America.
Nigerians are being made to believe that Obasa, who was unanimously rejected by his colleagues, single-handedly fought his way back into the system.
This narrative is far from the truth. Meranda was indeed forced to resign by the powers that be after several of their threats and even more meetings failed to shake the resolute 35 lawmakers who strongly stood by their decision to elect Meranda as Speaker.
Not even threats of failure to get another term ticket would move the lawmakers. The powerful Governing Advisory Council (GAC) could not muster enough strength to resolve the logjam.
According to sources, the two elders of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bisi Akande and Segun Osoba, former governors of Osun and Ogun states respectively, had express instruction from the top to restore Obasa. Strange as this seemed, the two former governors reportedly convened a meeting at the Lagos Governor’s House in Marina, during which the assembly members were again asked to vote. Unshaken by the presence of the leaders, 35 of the lawmakers reportedly chose Meranda and vehemently rejected Obasa’s return.
However, and surprisingly, the leaders and the GAC members present brought out their last cardparty supremacy.
In addition, they ordered that the lawmakers hold a plenary the following day, being a Monday, during which Meranda would resign and Obasa would make a return.
The state APC chairman, Hon Cornelius Ojelabi, and other GAC members were present at the plenary, probably to ensure that their instructions were carried out to the last.
To political watchers and, indeed, most discerning minds, the return of Obasa was not
His
Aisha Achimugu, an Abuja-based businesswoman and Chief Executive Officer of Felak Concept Group, a firm that is into civil, structural and transportation engineering, is one of the highly respected employers of labour in the country.
Undoubtedly, the serial entrepreneur that deals in exploration, production and distribution of petroleum products, has made and continues to make huge contributions to the nation’s economy.
She has proved to be someone who matches street smartness with book wisdom.
Brick by brick, Achimugu has built a vast layout of opportunities for young Nigerians and has demonstrated that greatness can be earned through diligence and hard work, making her great impact in various sectors.
At different times, the Founder and President of SAM Empowerment Foundation has also been duly recognised for her industry and philanthropy within and outside the country.
Interestingly, last night March 1, family, friends and fans shared in the joy of the 51-year-old, who holds a degree in Accounting from the University of Jos and a Master’s in Business Management from the University of Belize, when she bagged the award of Entrepreneur of the Year at the Sun Newspapers Awards ceremony.
If there was a category for Philanthropist of the Year, Achimugu would have also carried away the award for her humanitarian gestures that had impacted millions of people and communities in Nigeria over the years.
From her younger age, the serial entrepreneur has shown shrewdness and resilience in her businesses. She holds firmly onto the words of Theodore Roosevelt Jr., the 26th President of the United States, who says, “Keep your eyes on the stars, and your feet on the ground.”
Today, she rubs shoulders with other world-class and renowned business moguls as she has gradually built her career to the international stage.
For obvious reasons, Oba Saheed Elegushi, Kusenla III of Ikateland, Lagos, has always been in the news. Though he doesn’t go out of his way to seek cheap publicity, the monarch is always a delight to news hounds any day.
Famously called King Gucci, the handsome Oba Elegushi, who is known for engaging in the celebration of life, is well-connected. Indeed, he has organised several shindigs that turned out to be the talk of the town. Little wonder, his friends
and associates always have high expectations anytime the handsome king throws another superlative party in celebration of this attainment because partying comes naturally to him.
But this time around, it is to be something unusual when he celebrates his 15th anniversary of ascending the throne of his forebear in April.
As gathered by Society Watch, instead of throwing parties and merriment, the monarch has decided to give back to society. This is a remarkable show of commitment to community development and empowerment. So, he has allocated N200 million to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and students in the Eti-Osa area of Lagos State.
The initiative aims to provide financial assistance and resources to local entrepreneurs and students, helping to stimulate economic growth and enhance educational opportunities.
The funding will be distributed through
Business m ogul, Taiwo a folabi, is at it a gain!
Efficacious businessman Dr. Taiwo Afolabi has grown to become a familiar name in the shipping business in Nigeria. He can hold the candle for anyone else in the industry owing to his brilliance.
The billionaire businessman has a Midas touch, as anything he touches turns to gold. Apart from shipping, the Ogun State-born business mogul has his hands in various sectors of the economy, including maritime, hospitality, freight, oil and gas among others, situated within and outside the country.
Many are still in awe of his Marriott Hotel in GRA Ikeja and for many years to come, history will be kind to him for spending more than 10 billion to put Nigeria on the map of Africa’s best and most luxurious hotels and accommodations. The hotel, since it was opened four years ago, has redefined the hospitality industry in Nigeria, thus
making the businessman a dominant factor in the hospitality business.
After opening Marriot with a bang in 2021, sweeping all awards, the success has triggered the need for an expansion, which is the upcoming Courtyard by Marriott, planned to be a 100-room next door to its more exclusive sister brand.
As gathered, the ground-breaking ceremony for the new hotel was done last week in the presence of some eminent personalities across the nation.
Courtyard by Marriott is one of the brands under the Marriott Hotel flagship and the concept is a more affordable brand done bistro style for business and luxury travellers.
It is built on a smaller property space compared to the upper-class Marriott brand in lower-demand areas. But it would still have all the
When Irish-born stand-up comedian and actress, Deirdre O’Kane, said “Work hard, play hard, dream big, love loads, laugh as much as you can, and give back,” she was probably referring to the Managing Director, Vine Morris Group, Chief Obiora Obiwulu. This Anambraborn businessman works hard and knows how to make money. He is tremendously wealthy and never blinks when spending it. After all, money is meant to be spent.
The billionaire, known for having an eye for luxury, extended this to his parties. This, he displayed recently when he celebrated his 50th birthday. The real estate guru made sure to pull out all of the stops and splash out a seven-figure bucks for the 50th birthday exclusive soirée, held at the Balmoral Convention Center Federal Palace Hotels and Casino, Lagos.
The business mogul and his beautiful wife, Chiamaka, showcased their true sense
various programs designed to support innovation, entrepreneurship, and academic excellence.
This initiative is also a testament to his belief in the potential of our youths and the resilience of our entrepreneurs. It not only marks a significant milestone in the Elegushi monarch’s reign but also reinforces the foundation’s commitment to driving positive change within its area of focus.
Other activities lined up to celebrate the milestone, which will be held between April 18 and 27, 2025, include the public presentation of a book on the history of the Ikate-Elegushi kingdom, conferment of honorary chieftaincy titles on eminent Nigerians, as well as a cultural festival and an anniversary banquet.
Oba Saheed Elegushi was installed as the 21st Elegushi of the Ikate kingdom on April 27,
world-class facilities expected of a Marriott Hotel. It is expected to be completed in 24 months.
of hospitality and were indeed perfect hosts at the shindig. Everybody had a taste of their unique hospitality. The drinks flowed endlessly as if it dropped from Heaven. It was such an unforgettable moment. The creme de la creme that was at the venue would not forget the bash in a hurry, confirming that this was one of the best shindigs they had attended in a long time. But the celebration was not all about merriment.
The real estate top-shot earlier used his birthday to also showcase his creative talent. He wrote and launched a book, titled ‘Entrepreneurial Mindset’. The book was launched on February 7 at the Oriental Hotel in Lagos. It was revealed that the man, fondly called Agbalanze Okwuoma Kpolu Ozubulu (Deity that speaks good and does good work in his hometown), has positively impacted the lives of many in his hometown, Ozubulu, Anambra State.
Obasa
elegusgi
Achimugu
Afolabi
Obiwulu
surprising.
Gestapo-style action of invading the assembly and breaking into the Speaker’s office was a perfect rehearsal of the actions of the leaders.
Turning Passion into a Career: Inspiring Story of Tokini Peterside-Schwebig
In the spirit of women’s history Month, Tokini Peterside-Schwebig, the founder and creative director of art X Lagos, was recently featured in a career talk series moderated by hotshot journalist Lola ogunnaike. Yinka olatunbosun reports
Acarefully curated evening with a room full of women began with shared moments of reunion and white wine sipping. In trickles, these women in the creative sector converged on a cafe in Ikoyi named The Gather House for an inspiring moment with two great women: a renowned journalist and a leading cultural entrepreneur.
Lola Ogunnaike, a Nigerian-American who was the face of African Voices, a series on CNN, is certainly not a newbie to high-profile interviews, but that evening, it was more of a heartfelt conversation than just an efficient delivery of a professional task. She kept the mood light by allowing her guest to speak freely—almost as though the entire audience was on a yacht, travelling through time with Tokini Peterside-Schwebig, who Ogunnaike affectionately dubbed “the Beyonce of Visual Arts in Nigeria” for a largely private lifestyle. Tokini’s penchant for arriving early has a way of surprising a latecomer. It’s arguably one of her admirable work ethics and personal brands, which she didn’t need to amplify for her young female audience. Her first class law degree was an intellectual validation of her mental preparedness for hard work but not exactly a compass for her next career trajectory, as she would later reveal.
She would immerse herself in self-discovery, out-of-box thinking and channel all her creative energy into something innovative. What’s most appealing about Tokini’s experience was the fact she didn’t try to present a polished façade of who she was. Of course, she had her vulnerable moments when she wasn’t sure of what her
and journalist,
next career step would be after completing law school in the summer of 2007.
“I think in January 2008, I sat my parents down,” she disclosed. “I was not 100% clear. I didn’t have all the answers. But then I gave myself until June 2008 to figure it out. And so I sent a timeline.”
Not even a telescope could have given a clue to what the future held. First, she had to decide where to live and work between London and Lagos and the choice was seamless. Lagos had a burgeoning art scene that needed strong PR professionals.
Hence, she tried her hand at almost everything. From lifestyle writing to karaoke nights, her youth was quite a buzz. She even considered becoming a lawyer for the entertainment industry due to interests in culture and creativity but eventually volunteered in various industries, including fashion and publishing, to gain experience. For her, working on projects with friends who aspired to creative careers, balancing law studies with creative pursuits, and learning anthropology, colonial history, and French all played a part in her career maturation. She contributed to NEXT Newspapers.
“I was going to all the restaurants around Lagos and doing food reviews and praising places and lambasting places,” she recounted, tongue-in-cheek.
Later, she consulted for brands including Hennessy Artistry on media and communications and was later employed as Head of Communications and Events on the great feedback from the outcome of the project she executed for the brand.
As she dug deeper into the creative scene, she saw a gap in the way art is marketed. Tokini, who always had a flair for sales, recalled how
she made a huge profit from selling stick-on tattoos as a pupil in school. That experience, combined with her interaction with the arts through international travels and interpersonal relationships, opened her eyes to possibilities. In retrospect, she recalled a project she did for an entrepreneurship class at INSEAD, involving friends and colleagues.
“The truth is the true artist needs to be freed to create,” she continued. “They cannot be running their business. They cannot be thinking about talking to clients. And so I was that person that understood their vision, who they wanted to be, and what they wanted to do, and then we just started moving together. I took as much as I could off them. So, I became the interface between the art and the business because these were incredibly creative individuals wanting to build something substantial, wanting to have relevant, important careers from home. And there were probably very few people around at that time who could provide the support for these creatives.”
But at first, she walked the talk. She was the typical salesman, with flyers in hand, visiting offices in Lagos. In retrospect, Tokini emphasised the importance of authenticity, networking, and building a strong team to achieve success in the creative industry.Despite initial reluctance, she pursued her creative interests, volunteering in various sectors.Armed with a 2014 MBA from INSEAD, Tokini later founded Art X Lagos, an art fair aimed at placing Lagos on the global art map. The fair, which began in 2016, has grown significantly, attracting international visitors and fostering a vibrant local art scene. For her, it is important to balance being present in the moment with constantly documenting experiences for social media.
While reflecting on the importance of every phase in life as an opportunity for learning and growth, she found it gratifying to see more young people pursuing their creative passion especially now that societal stigma against such is fast eroding. She grew alongside like-minded individuals as well as mentors who shaped her career transition. Tokini reminisced on the Temple Museum and Bogobiri days with reference to mouth-watering “goat curry,” securing a confirmation nod from Tola Akerele, the General Manager and CEO of the National Theatre, Lagos, who stood—with a smiling face—a few metres away from the interviewee’s seating area at The Gather House.Tokini recalled her pivotal moment with her collaboration with Maki Oh, a fashion brand founded by a former classmate in primary school, Amaka “Maki” Osakwe.
“Maki had finished fashion school and came straight back to Nigeria. There were not very many fashion brands that she would go to to work. She decided she was going to show her graduate collection in Nigeria. We were introduced again by a mutual friend, and by the way, I had not seen Maki at this point for about 10 years. So, we sat down together and spoke for six hours. And she was like, ‘You get the type of artist I’m trying to be.’”
Consistently, Tokini built her image as a professional with a Midas touch on creative projects. She established Art X Collective and began researching and planning for Art X Lagos, aiming to create a significant cultural event in Nigeria. The idea for Art X Lagos, inspired by experiences and observations in the art world, started with Tokini’s visit to the Venice Biennale and collaborating with creatives in music, fashion, and other art forms. She emphasised the importance of being in the moment instead of being preoccupied with capturing images and videos for social media while missing out on great opportunities for networking.“I was always out there, meeting people, curious, having conversations, asking questions and very passionate. And we still have a lot of talented people in Nigeria.”
Peterside-Schwebig
Founder, Art X Lagos, Peterside-Schwebig (left),
Lola Ogunnaike, at The Gather House, Ikoyi, Lagos
DeBebs’s Art of Mangrove Conservation
Renowned artist and scholar, Dr. John Edwin DeBebs, on Wednesday, March 5, unveiled 30 stunning paintings of the Niger Delta’s mangroves, believed to be the third-largest in the world, in a solo exhibition themed The Intersecting Worlds of Climate Change, the Mangroves, and Art.
The exhibition, holding at The Wings, along Ozumba Mbadiwe Street on Victoria Island, Lagos, is supported by the National Gallery of Art, the National Council on Climate Change Secretariat, Atlantic Marine, Oando Clean Energy, and Crimson Fusion, and will run until March 18. Notably, the exhibition will also be showcased at the United Nations General Assembly in New York, USA, underscoring its global significance.
Curated by Oriiz Onuwaje, the works are a rendition of the tropical flora in a celebration of their tenacity in the face of adversity, their
EXHIBITION
pivotal role in shaping the ecosystem’s delicate balance, and their cultural relevance as protector of the land and people of the Niger Delta.
The mangroves of the Niger Delta serve as fenders to the vast network of rivers and creeks that criss-cross the Niger Delta, defending the shoreline with their turgid web-like roots and preventing water from encroaching into the land, thereby safeguarding the delicate communities that call this ecosystem home.
Beyond this, the mangroves also absorb carbon at an exceptionally high rate from the environment around them, naturally rejuvenating the environment and eliminating the adverse impacts of climate change.
The Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwase III, during his keynote address at the
opening ceremony of the exhibition, stated that the exhibition represents the ability of art to not only showcase beauty but serve as an instrument of advocacy on the ecological significance of the mangrove. He therefore urgently called on fellow leaders in the Niger Delta to collectively take a stand against foreign interests that seek to exploit the mangrove, defend its integrity, and harness its potential for the collective prosperity of the Niger Delta region.
“While the world praises their value, some seek to slice our land into invisible pieces,” the monarch said. “We use this moment as a first clarion call. We would not stand by while our mangroves are battered away in the guise of offsetting carbon credits by foreign interests who neither understand the significance nor bear the cost of its destruction.”
The Olu of Warri also declared that the time had come for the legitimate custodians of the mangrove to assume their responsibility to safeguard, conserve, and utilise this vital resource for the welfare of their people and the sake of posterity. He also underscored
the transformative power of art, noting that it not only mirrored life but also served as a catalyst for change.
“Dr. DeBebs,” he said, “has masterfully captured the soul of our mangroves translating their silent cries unto canvas. Let these serve as both inspiration and warning. The time for passive observation is over and the time for decisive action is now.”
He issued a clarion call to fellow leaders from neighbouring communities, including the Ijaws, Urhobos, Nembes, Ilajes, Ibanis, and other custodians of the Niger Delta, to unite in the quest to safeguard the region’s mangroves. He proposed the establishment of a framework to prevent unchecked exploitation and ensure that economic benefits accruing from the mangroves are prioritised for local communities. The Olu of Warri underscored the imperative that their land, heritage, and future remain inalienable.
With regard to the exhibition, he expressed his aspiration that it would galvanise a movement, heighten awareness among the populace, and herald the commencement of a concerted effort to protect the mangroves. He envisioned that the exhibition would be recorded in history as the watershed moment that marked the beginning of a unified defence of the mangroves.
The paintings, executed in a lush kaleidoscope of colours, capture the entwined roots and tranquil waterscapes that define the mangroves.
Meanwhile, for DeBebs, this exhibition marks his return to the public stage after a long hiatus following a life-changing encounter in 1995, when he survived a shooting accident and underwent a spiritual transformation. His return to the visual arts, driven by his newfound purpose and faith, reflects a deeper commitment to using his talents for a higher purpose. Hence, the exhibition serves not only as an artistic celebration of the qualities of the mangrove but also as a redirection of focus from the Niger Delta as a region plagued by crisis to a home to nature’s beauty.
“These paintings,” he declared, “show that in the midst of the unrest that is reported in the world about the Niger Delta, it is a place of great aquatic beauty.”
Onuwaje emphasised the importance of raising awareness about the Niger Delta Mangroves, saying, “What you see here today is a way to tell the world that the Niger Delta mangroves, being the third largest in the world, need to be preserved and hold greater value for the world than the Amazon.”
Witstart Academy Empowers 1,000 African Students
Yinka Olatunbosun
Ayoung visionary businessman, Ayobami Oluwatoyin, is set to give back to his African roots by empowering no fewer than 1000 African students through Witstart Academy.
Through his academy, Witstart Academy, Ayobami has announced a groundbreaking distribution of 1,000 free copies of his newly published book, The Student Entrepreneur: Building Profitable and Global Businesses from African Institutions to Students in Nigerian Institutions. This initiative is part of a broader mission to nurture entrepreneurial talent and equip students with the tools to succeed in business.
Contributions will fund student participation in the UBC and help expand the academy’s reach, ensuring more students have access to critical resources and mentorship.
“As an entrepreneur, I’ve seen how the right coaching and resources can transform lives,” he said. “Africa’s future lies in the hands of its youth, and by investing in them, we’re shaping a legacy of growth and innovation.”
With over seven years of expertise in brand design, strategy, and business coaching, Ayobami Oluwatoyin has established himself as a transformative force in entrepreneurship.
Recently earning a distinction in his master’s
in entrepreneurship from a prestigious business school in Manchester, England, Ayobami is now channelling his wealth of knowledge and experience into empowering the next generation of African entrepreneurs.
Under the Undergraduate Business Club (UBC)—an arm of Witstart Academy focused on undergraduates—this young entrepreneur aims at expanding this initiative to 20 institutions, including universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education. The ambitious goal for 2025 includes supporting 6,000 students in launching their businesses. The initiative kicks off with an intensive three-month mentorship programme where Ayobami will personally coach the first 1,000 students.
The areas of focus in the book include building businesses from scratch, turning ideas into actionable plans; Effective Marketing and Customer Acquisition: Strategies to gain and retain customers, as well as Cashflow Management and Pricing Models: Foundations for financial success.
“As an entrepreneur, I’ve seen how the right coaching and resources can transform lives,” he said. “Africa’s future lies in the hands of its youth, and by investing in them, we’re shaping a legacy of growth and innovation.”
Esther Oluku
Tisun Creek, one of the paintings featured at the exhibition.
Ayobami
IN THE ARENA
As Insecurity Threatens NYSC Scheme
The recent abduction of a member of the National Youth Service Corps, Rofiat Lawal, has again exposed the dangers facing young Nigerians undergoing the mandatory one-year national assignment and re-ignited the debate on the need to scrap or reform the scheme, Davidson Iriekpen writes
it was cheering news for the family and friends of the kidnapped member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Rofiat Lawal as she recently regained her freedom.
Lawal, who was honouring the mandatory one-year national service after graduating from the university, was kidnapped along the Benin-Ore Expressway while en route to Ibadan, Oyo State, from Benin City, Edo State, to resume at her place of primary assignment.
The abductors were said to have demanded N20 million ransom, but following the backand-forth negotiations, the kidnappers reportedly reduced the ransom to N5million.
After four days of harrowing experience in captivity, Lawal regained her freedom after paying N1.1 million that was raised through the collective efforts and generosity of a few persons.
Narrating her ordeal, Lawal disclosed that her abductors, who were Fulanis, threatened to force her into marriage and take her to Sokoto if her family refused to pay a ransom.
She further revealed that one of the kidnappers took her NYSC uniform and wore it.
Lawal was not the only corps member whose family had to part with huge sums of money for the freedom of their children from the kidnappers’ den.
Many Nigerians and groups have been calling for the scrapping of the NYSC scheme due to the nationwide insecurity, which has made the mandatory service life-threatening.
In recent months, at least 12 corps members have been kidnapped for ransom, highlighting a growing threat to young Nigerians serving in the corps.
For instance, on August 17, 2023, eight corps members were abducted in Zamfara en route Sokoto from Uyo in Akwa Ibom State. Some of the youths were in captivity for between five to 11 months before they finally regained their freedom after paying millions of naira as ransom.
Last November, corps member, Aisha Shittu, posted to Kaduna State, was kidnapped from her apartment at Baba Saura Estate, Maraba Rido, in the Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State. The kidnappers had demanded N500 million from her family.
In December 2023, the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ) reported that at least 83 corps members were kidnapped across the country in the previous decade.
It noted specifically that in the last five years, the frequency of kidnapping of corps members increased drastically compared to previous years.
Sixty-three out of the 83 victims were reported kidnapped between 2018 and 2023. Rivers State recorded the highest number of cases, with at least 40 corps members kidnapped since 2013.
Sources have reported that kidnappers have made at least N80.1 million from the abduction of corps members alone between 2023 and 2025.
Despite NYSC’s claims that some of these victims were released through security efforts, accounts from survivors and their families consistently point to ransom payments by relatives of the victims before securing their freedom.
The NYSC has continued to endanger the lives of young Nigerian graduates, sparking concerns about the relevance of the scheme, in the face of daunting insecurity.
Established in 1973 by Decree No 24 by the then head of state, Gen. Yakubu Gowon (rtd), when “national unity” was a priority, its objectives were to help reconstruct, reconcile, rebuild, and reintegrate the country after the Nigerian Civil War (1967-1970).
By posting young Nigerians to areas outside their states of origin, they would have the opportunity to know
the country better, interact with other ethnic nationalities and communities, and thereby foster national integration. Moreover, they were to bring their skills to bear in those communities. The community service component of their service was deemed important to help provide sorely needed basic services and infrastructure in the rural areas.
Its defenders and many communities across the country testify that over the years, corps members have provided services such as medical services, engineering and social works in areas these skills were unavailable or in short supply.
Some corps members stay back after their service year and engage in inter-ethnic marriages.
In the past, nobody would have imagined any harm on corps members. In the 1980s, 90s and early 2000s, the NYSC uniform was treated with respect and dignity even by armed robbers.
Nigerians assisted corps members with free ride, free accommodation, free foodstuffs, among others.
But in the last 15 years, the situation has changed dramatically.
Corps members are no longer treated with dignity but are being killed and abducted for ransom.
But has the NYSC achieved its main objective of fostering national unity and integration?
For Gowon and other defenders of the scheme, the goal of “national unity” remains
on course.
However, Nigerians have continued to be divided along ethnic and religious lines, making mockery of the scheme.
They have never been so divided as they are now, despite the efforts to use the NYSC scheme to unite Nigerians.
Again, the incessant abductions and killing of corps members in the country have made the NYSC scheme unattractive to many young Nigerians.
In the riots that accompanied the 2011 presidential election, mobs killed over 800 persons in several northern states. Among them were youth corps members, deliberately targeted because they were non-indigenes.
In 2016, a corps member was killed during a rerun election in Rivers State, while many of them were exposed to harm during the 2019 elections.
Others have been kidnapped or died on the country’s dilapidated roads while commuting to and from their places of service. In the last election cycle, about 21 cases of corps members being attacked by non-state actors while performing their lawful duties were recorded. In the past, travelling long distances by road was safe for corps members, unlike now that the highways have become unsafe.
The situation has become so bad these days that every prospective corps member is scared of collecting their call-up letters, especially if they cannot influence their postings.
Nobody wants to risk his or her life travelling to certain parts of the country for fear of insecurity.
Recently, due to the escalating security threats, the NYSC withdrew corps members serving in Mbaa, a volatile community in the Kwande Local Government Area of Benue State.
Armed herders have made life really difficult for the people of the state in the last eight years.
“Why should any sane country risk the lives of its own young ones just because of the national unity narrative, which never existed anywhere?” one analyst passionately asked.
It is not surprising that many Nigerians now feel that this programme has outlived its usefulness.
If the government is not willing to scrap the programme, it should allow graduates to serve in their states of origin or the closest neighbouring states.
p OLITICAL NOT e S Controversial Closure of Schools in the North
The governors of Bauchi, Kano, Katsina, and Kebbi states came under fire last week over their decisions to close schools during the holy month of Ramadan. Non-Muslims believe that the closure, which would also affect their children, will definitely disrupt education and worsen the already dire learning conditions in these states.
Theycannotbelievethatwhileschoolsremainopenin countrieslikeSaudiArabiaandtheUnitedArabEmirates (UAE), they closed in Nigeria.
It is therefore not surprising that many believe that religion is used as a political tool in Nigeria instead of a medium to preach righteousness, fear of God and enforce good governance.
A review of National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) data
showedthatKatsina,Kebbi,Kano,andBauchistateshad someofthehighestpercentagesofout-of-schoolchildren in Nigeria. UNESCO recently reported that Nigeria is home to the highest number of out-of-school children globally. Giventhedrawbacksfacedbychildreninmostnorthern states, triggered by rising insecurities, which have obstructedtheeducationofyoungpersonsintheregion, many have considered the action of the governors as simplydespicableandunreasonableasitwillexacerbate the education crisis in the region.
Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), in a statement jointly signed by its President and the Secretary,MostRev.LuciusUgorjiandMostRev.Donatus A. Ogun, respectively, had stated that the development
raisedseriousquestionsaboutthesecularnatureofthe country and the rights of all citizens.
Also in a statement issued on Monday in Kaduna, the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 Northern States and Abuja, Rev John Hayab, condemnedtheclosure,sayingitwouldnegativelyimpact seniorsecondarystudentspreparingforexaminations.
Aformerpresidentialcandidateandactivist,Omoyele Sowore,alsoquestionedtherationalebehindtheclosure of schools, arguing that even Saudi Arabia, the spiritual home of Islam, does not shut down schools during the fasting period.
The victims of the decision of the governors are not onlytheseniorsecondarystudentspreparingforexams organised but Nigeria.
Youth corpers
Mohammed
NOTES
Legal Burden on Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Suspension
The six-month suspension slammed on the Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha AkpotiUduaghan by the Senate contradicts the judgments of the courts on the suspension of Ali Ndume, Ovie Omo-Agege, Dino Melaye and other federal and state lawmakers, ejiofor Alike reports
Despite the position of the Court of Appeal in the case of the Speaker of Bauchi State House of Assembly Vs Hon Rifkatu Samson Danna (2017) 49 W.R.N that a lawmaker is a representative of his people whose membership of the House is guaranteed by the Constitution and not by any other person or persons, the Senate and its leadership have continued to use suspension as an instrument to oppress, intimidate and whip lawmakers into line.
The Court of Appeal, while ruling on Danna’s suspension, had declared that “the conduct of the appellants (state lawmakers) is the tyranny of the majority against an elected minority of the Bauchi State House of Assembly.”
Sadly, the National Assembly has continued to ignore the position of the courts on suspension of lawmakers as the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions last Thursday recommended a six-month suspension for the lawmaker representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, over her dispute with the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, following her alleged violation of the Senate’s rules.
A few hours after the committee submitted its report, the Senate quickly adopted the recommendations and slammed a six-month suspension on the lawmaker, depriving her senatorial zone representation in the Red Chamber, in violation of the Constitution, which guarantees that each of the 109 senatorial districts in the country shall be represented in the upper legislative chamber.
The lawmaker had earlier accused Akpabio of sexual harassment.
Her suspension for six months has raised legal issues as it is also in breach of various court judgments in the previous cases involving Senators Ali Ndume and Ovie Omo-Agege, as well as Dino Melaye and 10 other members of the House of Representatives, as well as Bauchi and Ondo states’ lawmakers.
Senator Abdul Ningi, representing Bauchi Central Senatorial District, and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Population, was also suspended in March 2024 for three months for alleging that the 2024 budget was padded to the tune of over N3trillion.
Though the National Assembly had severally argued that it is part of its rules to suspend any of its erring members, Order 67 (4) of the Senate’s Rules states that an erring legislator can be suspended for only 14 days.
When the Senate on March 30, 2017, suspended Senator Ndume for 90 legislative days for not “conducting due diligence” before filing a petition against the then Senate
President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, Justice Babatunde Quadri of the Federal High Court in Abuja nullified his suspension, declaring the action illegal, unlawful and unconstitutional.
Delivering judgment in the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/551/2017, which Ndume filed, the judge said the suspension was in violation of Sections 68 and 69 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and Article 13(1) of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act CAP A9 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.
The judge consequently ordered the Senate to pay the plaintiff his outstanding salaries and allowances.
But on April 13, 2018, the Senate suspended Senator Ovie Omo-Agege representing Delta Central Senatorial District, for 90 legislative days over his comment that the National Assembly’s process of amending the Electoral Act 2010 seeking the re-ordering of the 2019 general election was targeted at the then President Muhammadu Buhari.
Again, Justice Nnamdi Dimgba of the Federal High Court in Abuja nullified
the suspension, saying that while the National Assembly has the power to discipline its erring members, a legislator could not be suspended for more than 14 days.
He ordered that all the entitlements and allowances due to the lawmaker be paid to him.
Similarly, the House of Representatives had in 2010 suspended Dino Melaye and 10 others for submitting a petition to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), alleging criminal diversion of funds by the Dimeji Bankole-led leadership of the House.
But in a suit filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja through their lawyer, Mr. Femi Falana (SAN), the court held that under the rules of the House, it cannot suspend a member for more than 14 days.
In 2020, an Ondo State High Court annulled the indefinite suspension of a member of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Tomide Akinribido, by the assembly leadership.
In the build-up to the 2020 Ondo State governorship election, the state assembly suspended four lawmakers: Akinribido; the Deputy Speaker, Iroju Ogundeji; Favour Tomomowo, and Wale Williams.
Delivering judgment on a suit filed by the lawmakers through their lawyer, Banjo
Notes for file
Ayenakin, Justice Ademola Bola ruled that the Ondo State House of Assembly acted arbitrarily by exceeding its power.
While noting that the lawmaker violated house rules, the judge ruled that the suspension of any member cannot be more than one legislative day or a plenary sitting.
In an earlier judgment given by the court on the suspension of Ogundeji, Williams and Towomowo, Justice Bola said the suspension violated sections 90, 91, 106 and 117 of the 1999 and awarded N5million each as compensation for the treatment meted out to them by the assembly.
Also, a Bauchi High Court presided over by the state Chief Judge, Justice Ibrahim Zango, had in May 2013 equally ordered the reinstatement of a female member of the state House of Assembly, Mrs. Rifkatu Danna (PDP-Bogoro), who was suspended in June 7, 2012.
He also directed the House to pay the lawmaker all her salaries and entitlements, which accumulated during her suspension. Danna, who challenged the action of the lawmakers through her lawyer, Falana, was suspended for publicly criticising the decision of the House to relocate the headquarters of Bogoro Local Government Area from Tafawa Balewa to Bununu.
But the judge nullified the suspension, saying that the constituency she represented was robbed of meaningful democracy dividends during the period of her suspension.
When the state lawmakers appealed this decision, the Court of Appeal upheld the lower court’s judgment, insisting that the female lawmaker, not being an employee of the House, can neither be suspended nor her entitlements be withheld.
While citing Section 111 of the 1999 Constitution, the appellate court ruled that: “The fixing of salaries and wages of the respondent lies within the province of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission under Section 111 of the constitution, certainly not the 1st and 2nd appellants. The 1st and 2nd appellants have no right to interfere with the salaries and allowances of the respondent serving as a member of the Bauchi State House of Assembly.”
Despite this plethora of cases and judgments, the Senate has continued to intimidate and silence dissent voices among its members with suspension and denial of their benefits as if the lawmakers are the employees of the leadership of the Senate.
The events of the coming weeks will reveal if the six months suspension of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan will stand.
Unanswered Questions by p olice on parradang’s Death
The Nigeria Police should further clarify the circumstances surrounding the way and manner the former Comptroller-General of theNigerianImmigrationService(NIS),David Shikfu Parradang, died in Abuja last week.
Initial reports quoting a counter-insurgency expert, Zagazola Makama, claimed Parradang was abducted in the Area 1 axis of Abuja in the early hours of Tuesday.
The report said after being trailed from a bank where he had withdrawn money, the assailants took the cash from him before eventually killing him.
But the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command, in a statement by its spokesperson, Josephine Adeh, dismissed Makama’saccount,clarifyingthatParradang was not killed by kidnappers but died in a hotel room after a female visitor had left.
According to the statement, the retired immigration chief checked into a hotel at Area 3 Junction, Abuja, around noon on March 3, 2025, after paying ₦22,000 for a one-night stay.
The police added that shortly after, a female visitor arrived at the hotel, whom Parradang directed the hotel staff to escort to his room.
According to the statement, the woman reportedly left the premises around 4 p.m, while Parradang remained in his room throughout the night.
However, around 4 a.m. the next day, a concerned military officer, who was a friend of the deceased, went to the hotel to check on him.
The statement further stated that upon arrival, the officer, accompanied by hotel staff, discovered Parradang unresponsive, seated in a chair.
A photograph of Parradang dressed in shorts
and white singlet and seated motionless on a chair inside the hotel room went viral on Wednesday. However, though the police promised an investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death, the police account has raised many questions. Doesn’t the hotel have a CCTV camera to identify the female visitor? Did the hotel staff flout the normal practice of calling or checking on customers before allowing their visitors to leave hotel premises? How did the military officer trace Parradang, who was presumably dead, to the hotel?
Whatistherelationshipbetweenthemilitaryofficer and the female visitor and when was the last time he spokewithParradang?WhywashevisitingParradang at 4a.m. in a hotel instead of waiting until the normal visiting hours later in the morning?
Having insisted that Parradang was not another victim of insecurity, the police should address these unresolved questions.
parradang
Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and Akpabio
From Determination to Distinction: The Journey of ABU’s Best Graduating Student
Yakubu Isah
In the esteemed walls of Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, a remarkable achievement was celebrated. Abubakar Al-ihsan Muhammad, who graduated with a remarkable CGPA of 4.95, emerged as the best-graduating student in the class of 2025. This outstanding feat is a testament to Abubakar’s unwavering determination, hard work, and perseverance. His remarkable journey is a powerful inspiration to others, demonstrating the rewards of dedication and resilience. Notably, ABU’s rigorous academic standards made this achievement all the more impressive.
The announcement of Abubakar Al-ihsan Muhammad as the best-graduating student of ABU’s 2025 signalled a bout of excitement at the Mamman Kontagora Square, located at the University Main Campus in Samaru, Zaria. Friends, family, and lecturers alike celebrated his achievement, acknowledging the fruits of his labour. For Abubakar, this moment was not just a personal triumph but also a testament to the support and guidance he received along the way.
In a glee of excitement, Abubakar pays tribute to his family, friends, lecturers, and all those who made his journey to success possible. In particular, he acknowledged the exceptional foundation laid by his alma mater, the Nigerian Tulip International Colleges (NTIC) by fostering a culture that emphasises hard work, resilience, and perseverance. His formative years were spent at NTIC, where he cultivated a passion for learning that would stay with him throughout his academic career. He indeed acknowledged that the “foundation, instilled in him by NTIC, would later prove instrumental in his pursuit of academic excellence.”
According to Feyzullah Bilgin, the Managing Director of NTIC, the feat recorded by Abubakar Al-ihsan Muhammad, a member of the NTIC class of 2017, is a testament to the institution’s commitment to providing a solid educational base, which has empowered numerous students, including Abubakar, to achieve their full potential.
“The NTIC model is anchored on academics and morals. We strive to provide our students with a well-rounded education that prepares them for success in all aspects of life.” This approach, Bilgin noted, helps students develop the skills, knowledge, and character necessary to excel in their chosen fields.
Bilgin further emphasised that NTIC is more than just a school. “NTIC is a community where young minds are nurtured academically and prepared to excel through various innovations and teaching models,” he explained. “We have a mechanism in place to monitor and evaluate progress, identifying areas of improvement in their studies. This holistic approach ensures our students receive the support they need to thrive.”
Reflecting on his formative years in secondary school, the joyous lad reminisced, “ The institution instilled in me invaluable skills such as strategic planning and critical thinking, which were instrumental in shaping my academic success at ABU, where I was further challenged by the university’s rigorous academic environment and exceptionally high standards.”
One of his former teachers, Kehinde Olushola, Head of the Mathematics Department at NTIC, fondly recalled Abubakar Al-ihsan’s time at the institution. “I had the pleasure of teaching Al-ihsan in SS2, and I can attest that he embodied the NTIC spirit of dedication and academic excellence. He was undoubtedly one of our top performers during his time here, graduating in 2017.” Olushola further noted that Al-ihsan’s dedication made his outstanding achievement no surprise to the NTIC community. “We are extremely proud of his remarkable academic achievement, and he remains a shining example of what the NTIC strives to nurture in its students”
According to available information, the NTIC’s commitment to its students transcends their time at the school. Through a robust alumni network, NTIC fosters a lifelong connection with its graduates, offering guidance, support, and encouragement as they pursue their academic and professional goals, a rare attribute in the educational sector in Nigeria.
“NTIC is a family,” Abubakar Al-ihsan emphasized. “The school has been in touch with me even after graduation, and I appreciate the support. I’m not the only one who has benefited from this support system; many of my fellow alumni, have also gone on to achieve great things.
As Abubakar Al-ihsan progressed through his academic journey, his determination only intensified. “For me, every challenge was an opportunity to grow and learn,” he noted. “I faced numerous challenges, but each served as a stepping stone, propelling me toward my goals.” This unyielding mindset earned him a place among the top students in his class, and eventually, the entire university.
Abubakar Al-ihsan’s impressive academic record culminated in a remarkable achievement: he graduated with a cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 4.95 out of a possible 5.00 in Electrical Engineering, replicating an
earlier feat recorded in 2017 by Al-Amin Bugaje, an ex-NTIC student, and from the same department in ABU. This outstanding feat is a testament to his exceptional academic abilities and his dedication to achieving excellence. He says his recipe for success was straightforward yet potent: a blend of tireless effort, discipline, and an insatiable thirst for knowledge. “I devoted countless hours to studying, attending lectures, and engaging in stimulating discussions with my peers,” This infectious dedication inspired those around him, sparking a ripple effect of academic excellence and motivating others to reach similar heights.
Similarly, in 2017, another NTIC graduate, Al-Amin Bugaje, made his mark at ABU, graduating as the overall best student in 2017 with a cumulative CGPA of 4.93. Interestingly, Bugaje attributes his success to the importance of rest, a lesson he learned during his time at NTIC. Bugaje also credits NTIC’s emphasis on extracurricular activities for his well-rounded personality. His appreciation for NTIC runs deep, as he reflects on the opportunities, he received during his time there. “I enjoyed 100% scholarship during my stay at NTIC from JSS one to SS3,” he said. “NTIC has been instrumental in shaping me into the person that I am today. It created a nurturing environment to develop my potential and a warm environment to explore. To that, there is endless gratitude, and I thank them very much for the opportunity.”
Al-Amin Bugaje currently holds a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Machine Learning for Power Systems from the Imperial College London. His academic achievement serves as another testament to the strong foundation laid by NTIC, which has empowered its alumni to excel in their chosen fields. Fatima Akinola is another exemplary NTIC graduate who has made her mark in the academic world. Fatima emerged as the best graduating student from the Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto in 2017, shattering a 42-year-old record as the first female to achieve distinction. Fatima Akinola also shared her journey at the NTIC and how it remained invaluable to date. “I attended Federal Government College, Sokoto and while in my Junior Secondary School, we went for
the Cowbell Mathematics competition and I represented my school. I came first in Sokoto State, then I moved on to the national level of the competition in Lagos. I was in the queue when the teacher that accompanied students from Nigerian Tulip International College, Kano approached my dad because my dad and my teacher followed me down to Lagos.”
“He told them about a scholarship that was for students in their school and how he would love for me to just try it out. He offered to conduct the examination in Sokoto and he did. I took the examination and they offered me a 100% scholarship to study at the school.” Today, the rest is history as Fatima went further to achieve the rare feat of graduating with a perfect grade of 4.0/4.0 in Mathematics from Marshall University, USA.
The success stories of Abubakar Al-ihsan Muhammad, Al-Amin Bugaje, and Fatima Akinola are just a few examples of the many students who have passed through the walls of the NTIC since its inception in 1998. This consistency has demonstrated its commitment to academic excellence and character development by providing a world-class education that emphasizes critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity. With a strong emphasis on science and mathematics, NTIC is fostering a culture of innovation and inquiry among its students. Furthermore, its sponsorship of the Annual Mathematics Competition in Nigeria since 2003 in collaboration with the National Mathematical Centre, underscores its dedication to promoting mathematical excellence and inspiring young minds.
As the country continues to navigate the complexities of the 21st century, the contributions of NTIC and its alumni will undoubtedly play a significant role in driving progress, innovation, and growth in the educational sector and beyond. The NTIC stands as a paragon of academic excellence, setting the standard for other schools in Nigeria. With over two decades of excellence, NTIC has revolutionized the educational landscape, combining innovative teaching methods, cutting-edge facilities, and a supportive environment to foster academic excellence and character development. Its impact on the educational sector extends beyond its walls, influencing the broader education community and contributing to the growth and development of Nigeria’s future leaders.
Isah writes from Auchi, Edo State.
Muhammad
Special Interests and Nigeria’s Development: The Lessons from Femi Badejo @ 70 Symposium
The word, ‘interest,’ is a critical definiendum of political sovereignty in international relations. It is the most important dynamic in foreign policy making and implementation within the framework of which one talks about ‘National Interest.’ But what is national interest? What makes an interest national? People, grosso modo, talk about political, socio-cultural, economic, partisan, etc. interests. When are they of national character? And perhaps more interestingly, the mentees of Professor Babafemi A. Badejo, astute scholar and international functionary, played host to a symposium in his honour. It is entitled ‘Professor Babafemi A. Badejo at 70 Symposium.’ ‘Politics is Interests: Interrogating the Role of Special Interests in Nigeria’s Development’ was the theme. The Symposium took place on Tuesday, March 4, 2025 at the Tayo Aderinokun Lecture Hall, University of Lagos. At the Symposium, the concern was not basically ‘national interest’ but ‘special interest.’ Again, what makes an interest special? Is an interest special when the powerful men in any given stratum of society are involved? Is it special or extraordinary when members of the Legislature or the Executive are involved? And true, both the notion and concept of national interest are, at best, controversial and ambiguous as it is variously defined by the Power, Behavioural, and Marxist, Schools of Thought.
In Nigeria, can it be rightly argued that sovereign Nigeria has any national interest or interests? Has Nigeria any concrete foreign policy objective? Bola A. Akinterinwa has edited a three-volume book on Nigeria’s National Interests in a Globalising World: Further Reflections on Constructive and Beneficial Concentricism (Ibadan: Bolytag International Publishers (BIP), 2007). The first volume is on “Contending Issues in Nation-building,” which underscores the domestic questions. Volumes 2 and 3 explicated some identified national interests in the second, third and fourth foreign policy concentric circles. The interests as identified by the various contributors, were not special apart from seeing some of them as core national interest. What is a special interest other than being a selfish interest?
Politics of Special Interests
Politics of special interests cannot be clearly understood without firstly explicating the concept of interest and national interest because the notion of national interest is, at best, ambiguous and that of ‘special interest’ cannot but also be so. Ordinarily speaking, an interest is about a purpose and its fulfilment.
Etymologically, interest was essentially about self-preservation and the State, as conceived by Thomas Hobbes. After him, in the 19th century, interest was equated with individuals and collective actors, like the social classes and fractions, in such a way ‘as to apply to any group with identifiable common, economic or social advantages to protect,’ to borrow the words of Professor Assis Asobie of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (Humphrey Assis Asobie, “Nigeria’s National Interests in a Globalising World: A Theoretical Perspective,” in Bola A. Akinterinwa, ed., Nigeria’s National Interests in a Globalising World: Further Reflections on Constructive and Beneficial Concentricism, Volume 1, Contending Issues in Nation-building (Ibadan: Bolytag International Publishers (BIP), 2007, p. 3 et s.).
Put differently, national interest used to be associated with the State and self-preservation before the concept was used to refer to the social classes in the 19th Century.
Quoting Marshall, Professor Asobie has it that ‘a sense of individual or social or national identity must be developed before the person or the social group or the nation can have a conception of his/her, or its, self-interest. In this sense, interest can “only be defined subjectively rather than objectively.” Additionally, and more importantly, Hans J. Morgenthau says the ‘objectives of foreign policy must be defined in terms of national interest and must be supported with adequate power.’ In this regard, the national interest of any given state ‘can only be defined in terms of national security and national security must be defined as integrity of the national territory and its institutions.’ George Kennan, who is also of the same realist or power
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school of thought like Hans Morgenthau, agreed with him that it is national interest, and not moral principle, that essentially should guide a nation’s foreign policy and external relations. However, as regards what the relationship between national interest and moral principle should be, every nation should conduct its foreign policy in accordance with both its national interest and the moral or ethical principles inherent in the spirit of its civilisation, but, at the same time, a nation should not try to impose its moral principle on other nations.
What is noteworthy in the discussion about the relationship between national interest and foreign policy is that they are both governed by the principles expounded by the power, behavioural, and Marxist, schools of thought. Thus the power school is most relevant in our discussion of special interests and the Babafemi Badejo @ 70 Symposium and the reasons are not at all far-fetched. Morgenthau’s position is largely predicated on Hobbes’ theory of the State which is about absolutism of the State, the need for absolute respect for discipline, law and order. On the contrary, Kennan’s position is based on the liberal theory of the State as explicated by John Locke who is a constitutionalist, advocating a limited government defending individual liberty.
With the overview of the relationship between foreign policy and national interest, it should also be noted that the current imbroglio between the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio and SenatorAkpoti-Uduaghan, is not simply a critical issue in Nigeria’s development but a clear manifestation of the position of the realist power school. It raises how Nigeria is governed by special
Nigeria’s political system and its laws unnecessarily protect special interests to the detriment of the National Interest. For us, special interests specifically refer to the elite or powerful people’s interests. Christians in Nigeria openly complain about the 1999 Constitution in which the words Muslim and Sharia are mentioned several times but without mentioning anything about Christianity for once. A system that makes equity inaccessible cannot expect to have justice. It is a barbaric unfairness and unacceptable injustice for the representatives of some electoral constituencies to be made superior to the representatives of other constituencies. No representative of any given constituency should normally have the right to suspend another entire community. Any House or Senate rules that enable the suspension of any Representative or Senator should be promptly revisited and expunged. Any suspended constituency should have the right of rejection of such a suspension. A decent Senate must learn to be truly distinguished by letting the people of Nigeria know the truth and extent of dignity of their leaders and not by using unnecessary technical arguments of manu militari to intimidate anyone. The suspension was enabled by the existence of special interests. Special interests should not be superior to national interest in the
interests, without due regard for implications for foreign policy and national interest. It is largely a selfish and special interest that is detrimental to the national interest. In fact, it does not include the people’s interests. The cases of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan versus the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, on the one hand, and the annulment of the June 12, 1993 election Results by former military President of Nigeria, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, on the other hand, are good illustrations of our observations here. The place of special interest in the foreign policy administration of US President Donald Trump is another relevant good example. At the level of the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio and Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, it is a case of competing special interests that apparently undermine the national interest under the pretext of Senate Rules. Godswill Akpabio belongs to the power school and he uses the power to get whatever he desires with reckless abandon. Akpoti-Uduaghan belongs to the behavioural school, placing emphasis on moral principles. She levied allegations of sexual harassment against the Senate President which he denied but which raises more questions than answers. The senatorial wisdom is that such allegation should not have been raised by any Senator in the Senate. One Senator ridiculed the allegation by submitting that Akpoti-Uduaghan had six children from six different men. Even the amiable First Lady of Nigeria, Remi Tinubu, indirectly indict Akpoti Uduaghan, in her solidarity message with other women on their international day, by advising that women should not dress in such a way as to attract men and that women should stop sexual harassment by any one by stopping harassers at their first attempt. Most unfortunately, the nature of the special interests involved has not enabled the Senators and others to go beyond their myopia and selfishness. Under a normal circumstance, an accused, even if presumed innocent, cannot sit over his or her own case to judge. It is like a case of a mediator, having well known partisan interests but still seeking to mediate a dispute in which he or she is involved. The Senate President, if he has any integrity to protect, ought to have stepped aside to allow for objective investigation. If he comes out clean, then the accuser can then be appropriately sanctioned. Akpoti-Uduaghan claimed the conscious disregard for her entitlement to the right provided under Order Ten of the Senate Privileges. She asked for the application of the Order but was not listened to.
Senators argued that she violated the rules of the Senate but the same Senate President refused to comply with Order Ten. In essence, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was sanctioned and suspended for six months in a manu militari fashion. No one was interested in her allegations. No one listened to the fact that her bill on the Ajakuota steel industry was rejected five times before the Senate President was appealed to, to let go. No one was interested in finding out why Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan opted to sit on her newly allocated seat? No one was interested in her not standing up when the Senate President was entering the Chamber. Even some women came out to suggest that men have promiscuous character, and therefore saying that sexual harassment is not a big deal. What about the NDDC woman who said she once slapped the same Senate President when he harassed her? The Senate President and his followers cannot but have special interests in accepting to undermine Order Ten on privileges of Senators. Our point here is that the use of brute power by the Senate President Akpabio falls under the category of special interests. Akpabio did not act in the national interest, but on the basis of selective rules. And true enough, the suspension of Akpoti-Uduaghan is also the suspension of the entire people represented. In this case, is the suspension in the national interest? These questions and observations largely explain why the Professor Babafemi Badejo @ 70 Symposium is of essence and from which lessons should be drawn.
Lessons from the Symposium
Before learning lessons from the symposium, let us first provide an exegesis of the symposium and the annulment of the June 12 1993 election results which constitutes a good manifestation of special interest and not national interest. First, we contend here that, as much as Nigeria’s development setbacks are ascribable to leadership and followership, as well as to bad governance, the truth remains that the so-called national interest and special interests, which are nothing more than individual selfishness, are the very apparent bane of the Nigerian society. Professor J. S. Cookey noted in his Political Bureau’s Report in 1987 that corruption and indiscipline began to be the bane of the Nigerian society as from 1967. In other words, from 1967 through 2025, there are 58 years. How do we explain that Nigerian leaders and their followers have not been able to nip corruption in the bud since 1967? This is one major root cause of Nigeria’s political chicanery, socio-economic instability, and institutional corruption.
In the words of Badamasi Babangida, at the public presentation of his autobiography, A Journey in Service ‘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. More important, he added, ‘mistakes, oversight, and missteps happened in quick successions, but as I state in my book, in all matters, we acted in the supreme national interest so that Nigeria could survive.’
mania of General Babangida whose presumed supreme national interest suppressed the overall interest of the people
Badejo
while still holding my hand and my husband was behind on his phone.”
She alleged that it was at this point that Akpabio made the indecent proposal. “He got to this particular sitting room and he said ‘do you like my house’. I said, of course sir. He said ‘now that you are a senator, I’m going to create time for us to come and spend quality moment here. You will enjoy it’. At that point, I just pulled away… that I don’t understand what he meant.” AkpotiUduaghan also alleged that when she met Akpabio at his office to ask why he was repeatedly stepping down her motions, the senate president told her she could enjoy a whole lot if “I just take care of him”. Now, these are grievous allegations that should not be conflated or confused with seating arrangement.
Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension and the withdrawal of the incredibly sumptuous privileges top Nigerian government officials enjoy would not be the first in our history, so I am ready to live with that. Many senators and reps have been suspended in the past and more will be suspended in the future. Even if she is suspended forever (as long as it is legal), I am ready to stomach it. From all indications, they were chummy, so something went wrong and I suspect half the story has not been told yet. “Her husband is our friend,” senate leaders keep saying, even letting out a state secret that he was asked to nominate someone for a position — a privilege usually reserved for the gods. What I cannot accept — and, I would suggest, Nigerians should vehemently reject
BY FIRE, BY FORCE
On Thursday, men of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) invaded the headquarters of the Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company (IKEDC), vandalised its offices and brutalised its officials. Why? The NAF base in Ikeja was reportedly owing N4 billion and Ikeja Electric disconnected their power supply. Ikeja Electric has a lot of bills to pay — for every N1 revenue it collects, it has to pay power generation companies (who also have to pay their gas suppliers), the transmission company (TCN) and the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC). I used to think air force is the “gentlest” of the armed forces. And for those praying for military rule, I hope they enjoyed the taster. Impunity.
— is the trivialisation of sexual harassment allegations. People are lining up to defend Akpabio one after the other. His wife took the extraordinary step of filing a defamation suit against Akpoti-Uduaghan. Have you noticed that not a single senator, male or female, has spoken in favour of Akpoti-Uduaghan? Is it because no one wants to lose out of the senate “ogbono” soup in this Tinubu economy? Or are there other reasons we need to know? Many social media warriors are tearing Akpoti-Uduaghan to pieces (and some are well paid for the hatchet job) but her supporters are putting up a great fight as well.
My real concern is the allegation of sexual harassment. This must be fully probed. Her petition was first dismissed out of hand over procedural lapses. She has re-presented it. The senate must be seen to do a diligent job of investigating the allegation. It is a sacred duty they owe not only to themselves but also to Nigerians. I know many things are wrong with our country (for which Nigeria has been written off as “finished” by many people). Still, we should not accept that this is the best we can be. No, Nigeria can be far better than this and it is matters of this nature that can benchmark our place in the comity of civilised nations. No attempt should be made to sweep these grave allegations away. By the way, I am not suggesting that Akpabio sexually harassed her. I cannot in all conscience conclude that the allegation is true or false. It could even be a misunderstanding on both sides — perhaps how Akpoti-Uduaghan felt is different from what Akpabio meant, and
vice-versa. I don’t know. I can’t say. I am ready to give both parties the benefit of the doubt. That is why the allegation should be thoroughly investigated. We must resist any attempt to sweep it under the carpet. We must reject any attempt to dismiss it based on technicalities. We must ignore every attempt to downplay the saga by referring to the past conducts of both senators. Every case is unique. Whatever the outcome of the investigation may be, certain things need to be established going forward. Nations use events like this to reform their systems. For one, the national assembly must come up with a robust sexual harassment policy. The world is changing (whether we like it or not). There are certain expressions that we have to avoid or withdraw if considered inappropriate. In fact, the policy must be universally applicable across Nigerian institutions and offices. Nigeria is not an island. You may get away with an inappropriate comment in Abuja but get punished in Aberdeen. By the way, I do not suggest that Akpabio is guilty but it is quite important to put down the marker. Without prejudice to the outcome of the investigation of this saga, we may need to update provisions on sexual harassment in the code of conduct for public officials. This should include punishments for making false claims: we should not take it for granted that everyone who alleges harassment is telling the truth. There should be safeguards so that justice is not miscarried. Our laws must also institute independent mechanism for probing and punishing sexual harassment
And Four Other Things…
CRAZY DEMONSTRATION
The comedy show at the Lagos house of assembly peaked on Monday with the resignation of Mojisola Meranda as the speaker and the reinstatement of Mudashiru Obasa, who had previously been removed by 32 out of the 40 members. Our version of democracy which Fela called “demonstration of craze” and “crazy demonstration” was fully televised. Even though all the actors and their godfathers and guardians were cut from the same cloth and none of them can claim a higher moral ground, I think they went too far with the comedy show. We are not even pretending to have any respect for democratic tenets again. We are dancing naked in the market place. Disgusting.
THE SAVOURY FALL IN FOOD PRICES
year-on-year.
The logical question to ask is why the significant and atypical drop in food prices in Nigeria. To President Tinubu and his agriculture ministers (Senator Abubakar Kyari and Senator Aliyu Abdullahi), the answer is straightforward: the administration’s policies and interventions in the sector are working. Another official explanation is that the improvement in security in some parts of the north has translated to increase in food production, which then is leading to supply surpassing demand. It is possible that both are valid and reinforcing explanations. But it will be good to anchor such discussions on data. Policy should not be speaking and working without relevant data. For example, how many more hectares of land have been brought into cultivation due to improved security? And if we are seeing the fruits of Tinubu policies/gains, what particular policies are we talking about and how and by how much have they impacted the total outputs of the different food items? Without data and proper tracking, it will be difficult for government to know which policy is working, what it should do more or less of and how it can sustain the gains. There have been some other explanations, ranging from the lifting of the ban on importation of food across land borders, the pausing of payment of duties and taxes on some imported food items (that is if that well-lauded presidential promise was allowed to eventually happen), the firming up of the Naira, and reported pausing of bulk purchase of grains that UN and US agencies distribute to IDP camps etc. The combined effect of these factors would be a
fall in demand and rise in supply, leading inexorably to fall in prices in line with basic economics. Signalling could also be at play here. The continuous fall in prices could have prompted/nudged the farmers and traders storing up grains and other produces in their warehouses and barns for future higher prices to start offloading their stocks in order to cut their losses in case prices plunge further. This could contribute to increasing supply, further forcing prices down.
In the absence of actual evidence, we can file all these under speculations for now. However, if one of the factors that have made the difference is the lifting of the ban on food importation/eventual implementation of the waiver of duties on rice, maize and other items, then it is gratifying that common sense finally prevailed. A good case must be made for protecting farmers. But the way to protect farmers is not by punishing the rest of the population with high food prices. If you protect farmers with unbearably high, and consistently soaring, food prices (when it is clear that we are not producing enough to meet demand), you are clearly and gratuitously inflicting pains on the many to protect the few.
Farmers are better protected when they can produce more from the same parcel of land and with the same or less effort or even subsidies on inputs and support services. Most citizens, including farmers, suffer from high food prices because even farmers cannot realistically produce all the food they consume. So, high food prices will catch up with them too. It is bad policy to continue to prioritise the
RIP, OKUPE
Dr Doyin Okupe, spokesman of the National Republican Convention (NRC) in the annulled third republic and former spokesman to Presidential Olusegun Obasanjo, died on Friday a few weeks to his 73rd birthday. He had survived a number of critical health challenges in recent years, even to the point of death. The last time we met, I think in 2022, he said he was working on his memoir. He had a title already. I tried to sign him on to CableBooks, our publishing arm, and we agreed to take the discussion further but, regrettably, we didn’t. He has now died without telling us his story, which I believe would be very rich and revealing. I pray that his family would be comforted. Amen.
welfare of the producers (farmers) over and above the welfare of the consumers. We need to balance the two, and we need to constantly keep a trained eye on the risk to national stability. A country with consistently high food prices is just an acre away from trouble.
We need to properly understand the drivers of the current fall in food prices to ensure that it can be sustained. But we equally need to acknowledge that we have a lingering food security challenge. Nigeria steadily ranks low on global measures of food security. Our country was ranked 110 out of 127 countries on the Global Hunger Index for 2024 and 107 out of 113 countries on the Global Food Security Index for 2022. In November 2024, three UN agencies (UNICEF, FAO, WFP) claimed that as many as 33 million Nigerians could be food insecure this year. Also, the Cadre Harmonise projected that 33.2 million Nigerians may experience critical food and nutrition insecurity during the lean months of 2025. This is a 25.3% increase on the figure for the corresponding period of last year.
Despite accounting for 25% of our aggregate GDP and employing more than 30% of our labour force, Nigeria’s agricultural sector is not in fine fettle. It is a sector characterised by low productivity (a measly 1.19% GDP growth in 2024), low yields (our farmers produce less from the same size of land than their counterparts even in the subregion), and lingering supply gaps (we don’t produce enough to meet internal demand for even for food items like yam that we are the world’s leading producer). The sector continues to be
and abuse of office. The senators have not behaved in a way that will make the public trust them to do justice to this allegation. I have only seen key senators take turns to divert attention from the issue at hand.
Outside the sexual harassment allegation, I think the senate (and the house of reps) should improve its broadcast system. AkpotiUduaghan complained that those sitting at the back are at a disadvantage when it comes to being recognised to talk. This sounds trivial, but it is still a point to note. The cameras should be positioned in a way that every senator can be well captured. No senator should be gravely disadvantaged. This looks tiny, but it can address a problem. It may even make some senators stay awake during plenary. However, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s complaint that some of her motions are stepped down or not listed is neither here nor there — every senator experiences that. Finally (trust me to not let this go without a comment), do you notice that in this crisis, the senators are of one accord? No Hausa, no Fulani, no Yoruba, no Igbo, no southerner, no northerner, no Christian, no Muslim, no male, no female, no APC, no PDP, no Labour Party. The same thing happened when they all got the latest SUVs in 2023. This has reinforced my belief, or theory, that Nigeria is fundamentally divided into two: the elite and the rest of us. It is lowly Nigerians that abuse and kill each other over religion and region. The elite play sectional sentiments only when their interests are threatened. Otherwise, they are a fraternity. May we understand this truth someday.
NO COMMENT
How are the mighty fallen! The PDP will not be fielding a candidate in the Anambra governorship election holding on November 8. In my record, this is the first time the party would not be fielding a governorship candidate in any state since 1999. Alhaji Abdullahi Ganduje, the APC national chairman, poked fun at his former party on Friday, but I would say the joke is on our democracy. The PDP, as the ruling party, expanded mostly by using state power to woo or cajole opposition figures. The APC is doing the same. Competitive democracy suffers body blows when there is limited opposition. Come, was it not the same PDP that once threatened to rule Nigeria for 60 years non-stop? Wonderful.
hobbled by inadequate support system (extension services, credit, mechanisation, high-yield and pest-resistant seeds) and limited infrastructure (rural roads, irrigation, storage and processing facilities etc), all of which are further compounded by banditry and other forms of insecurity. The sum of all these is that even when agriculture remains our largest employer of labour, it is not pulling its weight. The farmers are operating at mostly subsistence level, struggling to eke out respectable living. Nigeria remains food insecure and the needed structural transformation is yet to happen. You can draw a direct line between the state of our agriculture and the state of economic development of our country.
While it is important to note and celebrate the unusual fall in food prices now, we should ensure that it is a trend that can continue. But we should not lose sight of the bigger picture. We need to make the agricultural sector more productive, position Nigeria to be more food secure, free up more hands for manufacturing and services sectors, and put Nigeria on a firm development pathway. We need to see fixing our agriculture as a necessary step to fixing Nigeria. We need to upgrade food security to the status of national security. Section 16 A of the 1999 Constitution (one of the amendments of 2023) mandates “the State to promote and sustain activities that enhance food security”. Section 16(2)(d) already affirms a “right to food and food security.” We have to take food security as seriously as other countries that have made progress have. We don’t have to wait for a major upheaval to start prioritising this.
ENGAGEMENTS
Running on Empty
Agiant question mark seems to hang over the Nigerian political landscape. Everybodyseemstobeaskingeveryone else this single question: What is going on? Suddenly, all seems quiet and clueless from the choir of government. The affairs of state seemfrozenintoahumdrumofroutineandmiserable predictability.There are no new excitements. No new programmes and policy initiatives. Behind the ritual of state affairs, the usual FEC meetings, the goings and comings of the presidential motorcades and the boring unintelligible pronouncements of ministers andotherseniorofficialsofstatebearingfancytitles, you get a feeling that perhaps government is not at home. But this is only in the zone of governance and policyformulationandimplementation.Yettheurgent concernsthatfiredthemindsofthepeopleatelection time remain largely unaddressed.
Foranadministrationthatisnotquiteyettwoyears old,thepresentbarrennessofideasandprogrammes is not only disturbing. It is tragic. Worse still, for an administration that has finally branded itself as engaged in a reform of the economy, the dearth of ideas can be worrisome.
Let us admit that a few big things have been showcased. There has been a grand fanfare about anAlaskanhighwaythatwillstretchfromthebeaches of Lagos to the pristine sands of Calabar. Hundreds of thousands of bags of rice and beans have been distributed among state governments for onward distribution to hungry people. A hurriedly assembled studentloanschemehasbeenshoe-hornedintoplace without any serious thought as to how the loans will be recovered.
TheTinubugovernmentinsiststhatitisonareformist path. The essence and definition of this reform orientationistounleashanavalancheofhardshipson the people. A litany of taxes, price hikes, tariff hikes, levies and surcharges on practically everything that means anything to ordinary people has been has been imposed. Gasoline prices have since multiplied manifold.ThederegulationoftheNairaexchangerate has since thrashed the Naira exchange rate towards its present struggle to catch a breadth. Nearly every price of every service or good that means anything to anyone has skyrocketed to a level where most Nigerians have resigned themselves to fate. People have since learnt to live life by the day and take what each day brings as their lot, often turning their eyes only to bare essentials.
The lack of new ideas and initiatives in the area of governance and policy has been counter balanced by sporadic dress rehearsals in the area of political activityatthelevelofthelegislatureandthestates.Of course political life allows no vacuum. In the absence of concerted effort and purposive momentum, something happens.The political space has in recent weeks assumed a mix of comedy and potentially dangerous drama.
At the Senate, a female senator popularly called Natashahasseizedcentrestage.ShehasaccusedMr. Akpabio, the Senate President of doing what weak men with access to big money and immense power often do in high places. Mrs. Natasha has accused Mr. Akpabio of sexually harassing her. Her evidence for now remains scanty and doubtful. The relevant Senate committees have used technicality and legislative bureaucracy to befuddle what is ordinarily a straightforward ethical transgression at the height of power in the Senate.
Eventhesimple proceduraltidinesstobringforward her accusation properly before the relevant Senate committeehasbeenflawedbyabitofcarelessnesson her part. Her sympathizers and those of Mr. Akpabio have since thronged the premises of the National Assembly, desperately angling for public attention. No one is sure where this charade could lead. But the brickbathasledtoNatasha’shastysuspensionforsix months by the ethics committee of the Senate. The public is perplexed that a Senate that is known for tardiness in moreserious matters of statelegislation was in such a hurry to suspend Natasha in a matter of hours.
Theuproarisnotyetoverinspiteofthesuspension order. If Madam Natasha does manage to advance a serious enough substantiated allegation against Mr. Akpabio, then the Senate President could find himself quite busy untangling his lofty apparels from a woman’s complicated underpants.
Fornow,thereisnocertaintyastowhattheNatasha situation is all about and where it could lead. Some say it is politics. Others insist it is a business deal to wring some cash off the vaults of the allegedly
•Tinubu
loaded Akpabio. A minority feel Akpabio is too fond of the sniff of highly polished and perfumedwomenfolk thathecanhardlyresist their lure. Ready evidence is drawn from his untidyencounterswithMs.JoyNunieh,former Managing Director of the NDDC. The odium of that earlier scandal is still heavy in the air of the current drama.
For whatever it is worth, the Senate’s Natasha versus Akpabio absurd theatre is just one sign that the Tinubu presidency is running out of steam and ideas. A political space that is serious with urgent national issues such as we have in abundance would have no time to waste on matters of pants and bras in highly placed places.The Natasha distraction is just one big evidence that our politicallifeasanationisfastrunningonempty.
Elsewhere in the states, governors and power moguls are busy testing their nerves in advance of 2027. In Lagos, factions in the dramaofpoliticalincumbencyandsuccession tested each other’s nerves. House Speaker Mr.Obasahadtakenacasualvacationabroad. On his way back to the country, he found that there was no royal welcome awaiting him at the premises of the Lagos State House of Assembly where he had been holding sway as a powerful Speaker and de facto political emperor. Before he could unpack his bags, his colleagueshadimpeachedhiminabsentiaand elected Mrs. Meranda as Speaker in his place. He hardly understood what hit him. He began to feverishly work the phones to call the most important numbers in the politics of Lagos state. An atmosphere of instability and uncertainty enveloped the Alausa secretariat of the state government especially the precincts of the House of Assembly.Two hidden hands were pulling the strings of the Assembly leadership apparently in a dance withoutaname.Theimpressionthatthehands of the state governor were behind the ouster ofObasawaspalpable.Butthen,hewasousted by a vote by 30 out 35 members of the house. Hewasclearlyunpopularamonghiscolleagues, accused of many sins including high handedness, arrogance, insensitivity to the needs of the other members. Obasa was rumoured to
be disrespectful of the youngish popular governor.
ThecounternarrativewasthatObasadidnotneed topaythegovernormuchattentionsinceheseemedto havetheearsofahigherpoliticaldeityinAbujawhose wish is the law in the affairs of Lagos. Uncertainty reignedinLagosforweeks.Obasasathomeandkept threatening to reclaim his speakership toga at the appropriatetime.AnemboldenedObasathreatened to invade and overrun the Assembly premises in a bid to reclaim his throne.
The state police command initially took over the premises. Legislators stayed away. Workers who were doing the biddings of the new speaker were roundedupandtakeawaybythepolice.Nooneknows whose orders the State police commissioner was obeying or enforcing. A few days down the line, the statepolicecommissionerlosthiscommandandwas sent off into anonymity by higher police authorities. The hidden hands replaced the police presence at the Assembly premises with goons of the DSS who made it obvious that they were not in Alausa to play silly games with local politicians.
Afewdayslater,anemboldenedMr.Obasareturned to the Assembly premises in a triumphant march to stage a comeback to the office of Speaker while poor Mrs. Meranda was placated with the lowly innocuous office of Deputy Speaker. There was no obvious change in the disposition of the majority of the Assembly members. The simmering crisis in Lagos seemed to have been ‘nicely’ resolved. But the political signals seemed quite loud and obvious.
Lagos politics is not likely to be the same in the rest of the present tenure of both the governor and his president boss and enabler. We have just seen a hooded dress rehearsal of what might happen to the ruling APC in the state come 2027. Many say thatthepresidentshowedhishandsintheinsistence on Obasa as Speaker for reasons that many are too frightened to name. Days after the resolution of the crisis, a heavy overhang of dejection was detectable on the faces of opposition legislators who did not like Obasa’s tenure and the manner in which he was reinstated or reimposed. If this disquiet lingers and flows into the contest for power and supremacy in Lagos in 2027, then the governorship succession race in Lagos is likely to be slightly more bumpy than before. It is likely to be more than a wrestle and more ofacivilwar.Evenmorefrighteningistheuseorabuse to which the security agencies are likely to be put by
political gladiators. In nearby Osun State, a more gruesome drama of political existence played out. The famed dancing governorofthestatewasnotinanylaughing,singingor dancingmood.Heneededtotakeoverthegrassroots by staging an impromptu local government election process.Achallengewaslurkinginthedarkopposition APC led by the former governor who happens to be a cousin of the President. Another former governor, Mr. Rauf Aregbesola, had similarly fallen out of favour with the former governors, now Osun’s man in Abuja. Proxy wars among the followers of these gladiators wasexpectedanddidtakeplacenastily.Itwentbloody and claimed a few casualties in the Osun countryside. Butthedancinggovernorandhisgangsweptthepolls. This is merely a dress rehearsal of what lies ahead in the state come 2027. Osun promises to be a theatre of blood and nasty sweat for many reasons.They say it is the actual home state of the president who has never stepped forward to claim ancestry. Nor has he disowned the immediate past former who claims to be his cousin and seems still bitter about his sacking by the dancing governor and his train. For now, the dancing governor could resume his dance steps while rehearsing for the fire next time.
Riversstateisasomewhatdifferentandmoretragic instance of politics in the absence of development and governance. The state seems to have settled into the status of a place where there is hardly any governance or development since the last two years orso.SinceMr.NyesomWikereluctantlyhandedover the keys of the government house in Port Harcourt to Mr.FubaraandrelocatedtoAbujaasTinubu’semperor of Abuja, the state has hardly known an unbroken week of peace, sanity let alone any semblance of governance and normalcy. Politics has taken centre stageinthelivesofthepeople.Itisnotthepoliticsthat promotes development, good governance or healthy partisanship. It is the political equivalent of warfare. Impeachments and threats thereof. Multiple court cases and foolish litigations. A state legislature that has been burnt down or demolished or both. Local warriors brandishing ancient amulets and invoking primordial myths and loyalties. Free brandishing of dangerous weapons in the centre of Port Harcourt while trade, commerce and public service take a back seat.Politicalcontractorsandhabitualtroublemakers have seized the political space and come to town in occasional menacing war dances and rehearsals of ancient battle dance.
Mr.Fubara,poorgovernor,hasbeenkeptbusybyMr. Wike and his cohorts who have been busy picking and choosinggodfathersandeldersandchangingthemlike nastyunderpants.Inturn,otherwiserespectablestate elders have found themselves changing allegiances andallianceswiththecontendingpartisansdepending on which faction sends them the fattest bundle of cash under the cover of night.
Inallofit,thepoliticsofbadmannershastakenover Riversstateattheexpenseofnormalcy,development and the normal business of governance. If indeed Mr. Fubarasurviveshisfirsttenurewithoutimpeachment, that would probably be his most spectacular achievementinoffice.WhenthestoryofRiversstatebetween 2023 and 2027 is written, it would simply be that there was a governor that occupied the office but was never allowed to govern the state for one day.
In the latest round of judicial somersaults on the politics of the state, the Supreme Court has just ruled thatthestatebedeniedthestatutoryfederalrevenue allocation.Thereasonisostensiblythattheembattled governorhasusedthejudiciarytoexcludethemajority of state legislators from the legislative functions of thestate.Asaresult,hehashadanAssemblyof5pass the state’s 2025 budget into law while the majority of law makers were legally excluded. The Supreme Court’s argument is that our democracy was never designed to be without a legislative oversight.
The 23 Local government chairpersons have similarly been declared null by the Supreme Court, necessitating fresh Local Government elections now scheduled for sometime in August. As matters stand now, the political future of Rivers state is more uncertain than it has ever been.
Taken together, these political motions without movement have provided the Tinubu presidency with a growing camouflage of activity in a polity with an embarrassing degree of governance and policy inactivity. Worse of all is the near absence of intellectual stimulus and original thought on even the most mundane problems confronting the nation. Nothing kills a nation than addiction to boredom and humdrum.
Edited by: Duro Ikhazuagbe
email:duro.Ikhazuagbe@thisdaylive.com
Aina, Awoniyi in Action as Forest Condemn City to Ninth Defeat
Salah’s brace shoots Liverpool 16 points clear at the top
preMIer LeAGUe
Both OlaAina and Taiwo Awoniyi were in action yesterday as CallumHudsonOdoi scored late in the second half to earn Nottingham Forest a crucial 1-0 Premier League victory over fellow Champions League hopefuls Manchester City at the City Ground.
While Aina was in action for all 90 minutes duration of the game, Awoniyi had a cameo appearance for Forest, coming on as a 87th replacement for Chris Wood.
With seven minutes of an otherwise uneventful contest remaining, Hudson-Odoi collected a magnificent Morgan Gibbs-White pass in his stride before beating City goalkeeper Ederson at his near post to send the home fans into ecstasy.
In a game billed as crucial in the race to earn a spot in Europe’s premier club competition next season, City had the better opportunities before the interval but lacked the pace or ingenuity to breach the home side’s dogged defence.
A powerful Nico Gonzalez effort which flew narrowly wide of Matz Sels’ right-hand post was the high point of a drab first half, and there were few signs of improvement early in the second period despite Forest’s greater urgency.
After Nico Dominguez volleyed an Anthony Elanga cross straight at Ederson within seconds of the restart, HudsonOdoi had a low effort tipped on to the post by the Brazilian midway through the second half.
Pep Guardiola introduced
Kevin de Bruyne and Omar Marmoush with 20 minutes remaining but there was little in the way of goalmouth action in the latter stages until HudsonOdoi’s moment of inspiration.
Guardiola and his players can have few complaints with the outcome as they slipped to a ninth league defeat of a tumultuous season - their joint-most in a single campaign under the Spaniard.
Third-placed Forest move four points clear of City, who stay fourth but could be overtaken by Chelsea if the Blues beat struggling Leicester City on Sunday.
Elsewhere, Mohamed Salah scored two penalties as Liverpool came from behind to beat rock-bottom Southampton 3-1 for the second time this season and move 16 points clear at the top of the Premier League.
The Reds were miles below their best after their energydraining late win at Paris StGermain on Wednesday - but all that matters at this stage of the season is results.
This takes them one step closer to the title and leaves Saints still in danger of the lowest Premier League points total ever.
The visitors allowed themselves to dream when Will Smallbone took advantage of a huge mix-up between Virgil van Dijk and Alisson to slot in from a tight angle.
But Reds boss Arne Slot made a triple substitution at half-time and Liverpool were much improved. Darwin Nunez, perhaps fortunate not to be one of the ones replaced at the break, slotted in from Luis Diaz’s cutback.
And then the Uruguayan striker was fouled by Smallbone for a penalty, which Mohamed Salah predictably dispatched with style.
Rivers United Close
Gap with NPFL Leaders Remo Stars
Rivers United are now eight points adrift of Remo Stars after they pipped Niger Tornadoes 1-0, while the NPFL leaders fell 2-1 at Bendel Insurance in Benin City.
Rivers United have 46 points from 28 games, while Remo Stars are on 54 points.
Match winner for Rivers United yesterday was Samson Obi, who hit target in the 83rd minute.
Insurance climbed to seventh position in the standings on the back of a
2-1 home win over Remo Stars. They now have 41 points.
In Saturday’s third game, Lobi Stars started life in their third home ground this season on a losing note when they fell 1-0 to Ikorodu City courtesy of a late Shola Adelani strike in Enugu. It was their 14th loss of the season.
They are rooted to the basement of the table with 23 points, eight points from safety.
Ikorodu City shot to third on the table with 44 points.
Flamingos Defeat S’Africa 3-1, Put One Leg in Final Round
Nigeria’s U17 girls, Flamingos, on Saturday defeated their hosts, South Africa’s Bantwana 3-1 to put a firm leg in the final round of the qualification series for this year’s FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup final Four-goal scorer at the FIFA U17 Women’s World
OTH er FIXTU re S
Uganda v Kenya
Botswana v Algeria
Sierra Leone v Guinea
Cameroon v Ethiopia
Tanzania v Zambia
Benin Rep. v D Congo
Cote d’Ivoire v Burundi
Cup in the Dominican Republic last year, Shakirat Moshood finished with aplomb in the 20th minute to put the 2022 FIFA World Cup bronze medallists ahead at the Lucas ‘Masterpieces’ Moripe in Pretoria, before Harmony Chidi, who scored 13 goals in the qualifying series for last year’s finals, made no mistake from six yards as Nigeria was awarded a penalty.
Bantwana kept the Flamingos in their sights when they also converted a penalty two minutes after the break, courtesy Malebana, but the prolific Harmony Chidi took Nigeria out of South Africa’s sights with a third goal in the 68th minute.
Both teams will clash again, in the return leg, at the Remo Stars’ Stadium in Ikenne-Remo on Saturday next week, with the winner
U17 wOrLD CUp
advancing to the final round of the series, where all four winners will qualify to join hosts Morocco as Africa’s
flag-bearers at this year’s FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup, 17th October – 5th November.
Barcelona Match Called off
Following Death of Team Doctor
Barcelona’sLaLiga match against Osasuna on Saturday night was postponed at the last minute following the death of the Catalan club’s first-team doctor Carles Minarro Garcia.
The game was scheduled to start at 20:00 GMT but was
called off around 20 minutes before kick-off.
Fans had had already arrived at Barcelona’s Olympic Stadium as Hansi Flick’s side prepared to extend their one-point lead at the top of La Liga against their 11th-placed visitors, before news of the postponement was announced on the big screen.
“FC Barcelona is deeply sad-
dened to announce the passing of first-team doctor Carles Minarro Garcia this evening,” the club said in a statement.
“For this reason, the match between FC Barcelona and CA Osasuna has been postponed to a later date.
“The FC Barcelona board of directors and all staff extend our heartfelt condolences to his
family and friends during this difficult time.”
An Osasuna statement added: “Osasuna wishes to convey its deepest condolences to the family of Dr Carles Minarro Garcia and would like to send a warm hug to all the staff of FC Barcelona, as well as to its fans, at this difficult time. May he rest in peace.”
Duro Ikhazuagbe with agency report
Callum Hudson-Odoi (left) squeezed past Ederson in goal for Manchester City as Nottingham Forest condemned the Citizens to their ninth defeat in the Premier League this season
Nigeria’s Shakirat Moshood celebrating her opening goal for the Flamingos during the U17 World Cup qualifier against South Africa’s Bantwana in Pretoria...on Saturday evening
“The release of sensitive information and images of Mr. Parradang amounts to a violation of existing laws, regulations, and norms relating to the treatment of deceased individuals and the dissemination of information during ongoing investigations” – Plateau Lawyers Bar Forum condemning the manner the FCT Police Command disclosed the death of the former Comptroller General of NIS, David Parradang.
simon.kolawole@thisdaylive.com,
With Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP, Kogi central) suspended by the senate for “misconduct” and “refusal to comply with the seating arrangement” in the red chamber, may we now carefully proceed to the substance of her allegation against Senate President Godswill Akpabio? We need not be distracted from the serious allegation against the nation’s No 3 citizen. From what I have seen so far, it is quite obvious that the Nigerian society does not yet take sexual harassment allegations seriously. We still appear to be living in an age when those who allege sexual harassment are subjected to ridicule and reproach. I propose that we have a rethink over this cynical attitude. But contrary to what you might have been reading, Akpoti-Uduaghan was not suspended for making a sexual harassment allegation against Akpabio. That is why it is dangerous to take your cue from social media. Someone even commented: “How can Akpabio preside over his own case?” Such profound ignorance could be misleading and contagious — this was obvious in the subsequent comments and positions canvassed by prominent opinion leaders. No, Akpoti-Uduaghan was
not suspended for making the allegation. She was suspended for her conduct at the senate plenary on February 20, 2025 when she relentlessly tongue-lashed Akpabio over the new seating arrangement. When I watched the video, I knew she was going to be suspended. Anywhere in
the world (and I stand to be challenged on this), as soon as the person with the gavel bangs it to call you to order, you just have to shut up, otherwise there will be consequences. It is a parliamentary practice dating back to centuries. In a court of law, as soon as the judge calls you to order with the gavel, you have to obey. I did not need any special skills to predict that Akpoti-Uduaghan would be suspended. Nonetheless, there is something about the national assembly leadership that views dissent as mutiny. The lawmakers behave like a close-knit confraternity: a dissenter is sent out — into the cold.
There is a publicly known sequence of events culminating in Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension. On February 20, she — on full volume — told off the senate president for moving her seat. Senator Mohammed Monguno, the chief whip, said it was to accommodate senators who recently defected from the PDP to the ruling APC. He read out the relevant rules. Akpoti-Uduaghan sprang to her feet to talk, but Akpabio refused to recognise her. He ordered that she be ejected from the chamber as she kept talking. Her microphone was muted but she continued to talk. The infraction was not that she objected (people often object) but because she refused to be moved and kept berating Akpabio.
Days after the heated confrontation with
Akpabio, Akpoti-Uduaghan said her seat was changed to silence her. “Changing my seat was just a chance of silencing or alienating me from being seen. Sitting position is important. The nearer you sit… positions you near the camera and gives you an added advantage to be called upon to contribute to debates,” she told a radio station based in Abuja. “Ordinarily, I’m already sitting at the very back. But then, I was now moved suddenly without any notice. Without any information, my seat was moved to the far corner, a part where the cameras don’t capture.” This sequence of events was what was televised and known to the general public.
However, on February 28, Akpoti-Uduaghan dropped the nuclear bomb on ARISE TV. “Mine is the case of a student being punished by a lecturer for refusing to sleep with him,” she said, before going into details. “It all started on 8th December, 2023, which was a day before his birthday and mine — we are birthday mates. We all moved to his house in Uyo at about 8pm. He held my hands and he said he wanted to show me round his house. My husband was walking behind us, just the three of us. We were walking around from room to room. He showed me the beautiful interior. I noticed that he hastened his pace
And Now to the Petition Proper WAZIRI ADIO
The Savoury Fall in Food Prices
Recent stories in some national and foreign media outlets as well as informal surveys indicate that the prices of some staple food items have been falling across Nigeria. This is noteworthy for three reasons. One, the decline in prices is not all due to seasonality: prices are not falling just because all the affected food items are in season or because there is a glut in supply from ongoing harvest. Two, the Ramadan period usually coincides with high food prices because of surge in demand as most consumers would normally stock up on food for, and in anticipation of, the fasting period. So, a noticeable fall in prices of food items at this period bucks a known trend. And three, a persistent rise in food prices poses a constant risk not just to individuals struggling to feed themselves but also to the stability of the country. Nigerians and Nigeria need this price break.
This is thus a major and welcome relief. And the President Bola Tinubu
administration should take the glory, as long as the administration will not try to shift the blame if and when food prices start rising again. I have written many times in the last 20 months or so about the danger of high food prices in a country where food alone accounts for about 60% of household expenditures. With food inflation around 40% (before the CPI rebasing), my greatest fear was a food protest that could spiral in many ugly directions. We narrowly escaped one of such last August. It is therefore important to acknowledge this tasteful moment, give kudos where it is due, and pray and hope that food prices (and cost of living in general) will continue to track down. But we need to go beyond prayer and optimism. We need to fully understand the drivers of this positive trend, and ensure that we pay more serious, systematic and sustainable attention not just to food prices but also to the larger issue of food security. We shall return to this shortly.
A number of media outlets have documented the notable fall in food prices
in the last few weeks. I have seen stories and surveys in Daily Trust, BusinessDay, Nairametrics, ThisDay, The Guardian, TVC, Channels and Aljazeera, among others. I have also spoken to a few people in the food business. Prices of most raw food items that in and out season are falling while those of processed and packaged food items and fruits are not falling yet or, in some cases, are still rising. The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) publishes two important reports that should help with concrete data: the Cost of a Healthy Diet (COHD) report and Selected Food Prices Watch. These reports, especially the latter, should have current prices of major food items, and should show shifts in prices on monthly and yearly basis. We look forward to the most current issues of these reports.
Ahead of the release of these reports, we can safely work with the surveys by media houses. Aljazeera reported that the prices of some grains crashed by as much as 40% in the past few weeks. On 26th February, BusinessDay highlighted noticeable fall in the prices of beans, yam,
rice, tomatoes and garri, ranging from a decline of 23% for imported rice to 70% for tomatoes. In its monthly price survey, Nairametrics stated that the price of a 50kg bag of garri fell by 10%, a medium-sized tuber of yam by 15%, a basket of pepper by 29% and a bag of dry onions by 43%. The Guardian, on its part, reported the decline in prices as follows: 39% for a bag of beans, 40% for a heap of 120 yams, 42% for a bag of millet, 66% for a bag of maize and 71% for a bag of sorghum. While prices of certain items like eggs, fruits, beverages and packaged/processed food items are yet to come down probably due to lag effect, the decline in the prices of major raw food items is significant and should be duly recognised. This is more so when it also bucks the global trend. According to the FAO Food Price Index, the prices of globally-traded food commodities in February 2025 increased by 1.6% month-on-month and by 8.2%
