Amaechi: Tinubu Trying to Scare Govs
Who May Not Support Him in 2027
feud between Fubara, Wike about
Deji Elumoye, Linus Aleke, Folalumi Alaran in Abuja, Chinedu Eze in Lagos, and Ibrahim Oyewale in Lokoja
Former President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday rejoiced with President Bola Tinubu on his 73rd birthday, and used the occasion to appreciate the president for his role in making him two-time president of Nigeria.
Others who rejoiced with President Tinubu include former military president, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (rtd); the President of Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio; the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas; his deputy, Benjamin Kalu; Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Ondo State Governor, Mr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa; Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo; Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State and the Minister for Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, who described his vision and dedication to Nigeria as inspiring.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian military, through the Chief of Defence Staff
Chuks Okocha in Abuja and
Ibunge in Port Harcourt
NESG Seeks Realisation of 2.2m Barrels Daily Crude Oil Production Target for 2025 Budget Implementation
Festus Akanbi
The Nigeria Economic Summit Group (NESG) has urged the federal government to ensure the realisation and sustenance of crude oil production level of 2.2 million barrels per day (bpd) for the implementation of the 2025 budget.
The Chief Executive Officer of NESG, Dr. Tayo Aduloju, stated this weekend at the group’s media interaction on the
presentation of the group’s strategic vision for 2025 and the private sector macroeconomic outlook in Abuja.
Aduloju said Nigeria had seen fluctuating crude oil production levels over the years, with three key production benchmarks: 1.1 million bpd, 2.2 million bpd, and 2.8 million bpd.
He noted that these different production levels had impacts on the Nigerian economy, adding that targeting a crude oil level of 2.2 million
bpd was “not ambitious.”
“Hitting 2.2 million bpd crude production, regardless of the crude oil price, is necessary for the budget to be realistic.
“The government has shown since it came into office that crude production moved from 1.1 million bpd to 2.2 million bpd, and even to 2.8 million bpd.
“This shows that the government can achieve 2.2 million bpd if our trajectory
is an incremental movement in daily oil production. It means it’s possible,” he stated.
Aduloju, who also unveiled
“The Arc of the Possible”, NESG’s strategy for driving Nigeria’s economic development, reiterated that 2.2 million bpd was “not ambitious,” noting, “it’s within the arc of the possible”.
“The Arc of the Possible” underscores NESG’s commitment to actionable solutions that unlock
growth and prosperity with clear targets across key sectors in the short to medium term.
NESG boss explained that achieving the target would lead to a positive impact on the economy, particularly in stabilising the foreign exchange market by generating more foreign earnings.
This, he noted, would also boost government efforts on deregulation, liberalisation of the downstream sector and effective regulatory governance. He, however, said that the federal government needed to ensure political stability thrives in the country to sustain 2.2 million bpd.
Aduloju called for quick intervention in ensuring stability returns to Rivers State and continued funding of government security improvement plans because of its significance to the nation’s oil production and the economy generally.
IN A TELEPHONE CALL, BUHARI REJOICES WITH TINUBU AT 73, APPRECIATES ROLE IN MAKING HIM PRESIDENT
(CDS), General Christorpher Musa, has also felicitated Tinubu on his 73rd birthday anniversary celebration.
According to a statement issued yesterday by Buhari’s spokesperson, Mallam Garba Shehu, the former president, in a telephone call to Tinubu on Friday, underscored the bond between him and Tinubu.
Buhari said he and the members of his family are in prayers for Tinubu for long life, good health and the successful administration of the country.
The former president said his family and himself remain indebted to President Tinubu and the other leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the invaluable contributions they made towards the formation of the party and catapulting him to the presidency for two terms after failed attempts in the past, and in helping to produce another APC administration with Tinubu himself at its head.
“No doubt, the annals of the country will not be complete without bringing into mention, and a recognition of the varied and numerous roles of President Tinubu
as an entrepreneur, a party stalwart, a staunch activist, party organiser, party builder, a reliable ally and a serial winner of democratic elections.
I am truly proud of my association with the Asiwaju,” Buhari explained.
Buhari also used the opportunity to wish the president, his family, and the nation a successful completion of the Ramadan fast and a happy and joyful Sallah (Eid).
In his statement, entitled: “Asiwaju of the Universe, Happy Birthday,” Babangida stated that he also joined millions of Tinubu’s admirers, associates, supporters and fellow Nigerians to celebrate him with a pat on the back.
Babangida wrote: “There comes a time in the life of a nation when uncommon personality and courageous disposition form the basis for appreciating the essentials of problem-solving leadership.
“With your rich background in the struggle for the emancipation of the ordinary Nigerian, coupled with your commitment to deepening democratic values in Nigeria, your history speaks for your persona,” the former military president said.
Babangida added: “You have come to lead Nigeria at a very trying time in our nation’s history, but your leadership intervention thus far, has been very remarkable, bold, resilient and encouraging.
“Only those who have been there know exactly the grit required to lead Nigeria and Nigerians.
“Mr. President, let me assure you of my support and solidarity always.
“Even though the challenges facing us as a nation may be daunting, you have shown equal commitment to contend with the realities that stare us in the face.
“I can easily recollect when our paths crossed in the late eighties when the government I ran was trying to birth democracy.
“You have remained consistent to your ideals, principles, and democratic values to date, which is why Nigerians entrusted you with the mandate to lead them at this auspicious moment. A result-driven and utility leader like you fits the present challenges, especially with the kind of innovations and policy thrust of your administration, so far.
“You must not be tired or
discouraged in providing the desired leadership to move the country forward.
“You have shown grit, gusto and gravitas in your leadership emanations, and the courage you have exemplified speaks to your capacity to take uncommon decisions.
“Mr. President and the Asiwaju of the Universe, as I fondly call you, congratulations on your 73rd birthday celebrations,” Babangida said.
On his part, Akpabio described the president’s passion for Nigeria’s progress as contagious.
“As Senate President, I have had the privilege of working closely with you, and I must say that your passion for Nigeria’s progress is contagious,” he said.
The Senate President said that as the president of Nigeria in the last two years, Tinubu had demonstrated astute leadership, as he advocated for democratic values and bold economic reforms that had started to yield dividends.
On his part, House Speaker, Abbas, in a congratulatory message issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Musa Krishi, said Nigeria is
IN MAJOR BOOST TO CAPITAL MARKET, TINUBU SIGNS INVESTMENTS AND SECURITIES BILL 2025
Some of the salient provisions of the Act is that it expressly prohibits Ponzi, and other unlawful investment schemes and also prescribes stringent jail terms for promoters of such schemes.
The new law equally addressed existing restrictions vis-a-vis raising of funds from the capital market by states to allow for greater flexibility in this regard.
It also clearly recognises virtual/ digital assets such as cryptos and investment contracts as securities.
Among others, the SEC DirectorGeneral, Dr. Emomotimi Agama; and the Director of the Institute of Capital Market Studies, Nasarawa State University and President of the Capital Market Academics of Nigeria (CMAN), Prof. Uche Uwaleke, have applauded the new law.
Speaking on the key highlights of the Act, Agama said: “The Act enhances the regulatory powers of
the SEC in a manner comparable with benchmark global securities regulators.
"These enhanced powers and functions ensure full conformity with the requirements of IOSCO’s Enhanced Multilateral Memorandum of Understanding (EMMoU), enabling the SEC retain its ‘Signatory A’ status and enhancing the overall attractiveness of the Nigerian capital market."
He cited other notable provisions of the ISA 2025, such as the Classification of Exchanges and inclusion of provisions on Financial Market Infrastructure, adding that the Act classifies Securities Exchanges into Composite and Non-composite Exchanges.
He explained that a Composite Exchange is one in which all categories of securities and products can be listed and traded, while a Non-composite Exchange focuses on a singular type of security or product.
Agama noted that there are
also new provisions on Financial Market Infrastructure such as Central Counterparties’, Clearing Houses and Trade Depositories.
The Act also expanded the definition and understanding of Securities, and explicitly recognises virtual/digital assets and investment contracts as securities and brings Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs), Digital Asset Operators (DAOPs) and Digital Asset Exchanges under the SEC’s regulatory purview.
According to Agama, ISA 2025 equally has “Comprehensive Insolvency Provisions for Financial Market Infrastructure," which introduces provisions that exempt transactions facilitated through or otherwise involving financial market infrastructure from the application of general insolvency laws.
There is also Management of Systemic Risk which introduces provisions for the monitoring,
management and mitigation of systemic risk in the Nigerian capital market.
Also incorporated in the Act, he said, is the “Expansion of the Category of Issuers to the Public."
According to him, the Act expands the categories of issuers, as a key step towards the introduction of a wide range of innovative products and offerings as well as the facilitation of “commercial and investment business activities”, subject to the approval of the Commission and other controls stipulated in the Act.
The SEC DG disclosed that the Act contains a new part which provides for the regulation of Commodities Exchanges and Warehouse Receipts, adding that these provisions are essential to allow for the development of the entire gamut of the commodities ecosystem.
Continued on page 18
AMAECHI: TINUBU TRYING TO SCARE GOVS WHO MAY NOT SUPPORT HIM IN 2027
the former HoS’ allegation that the suspended governor masterminded the bombing of the Rivers House of Assembly complex in 2023.
Speaking yesterday in an interview with DW Africa, Amaechi insisted that the emergency rule imposed on the state by President Tinubu was unconstitutional.
Amaechi argued that the president’s move has instilled fear in governors, “that if you are not careful, the president will remove you”.
He added that Fubara has “no security responsibility” over the Rivers State crisis and that the suspended governor was being punished for an offence he “did not commit”.
“It is between the president and the FCT minister. The president wants a power grab. They want to frighten governors who may not support them in 2027. So, there is a rumour everywhere that if you are not careful, the president will remove you,” the former Rivers governor said.
“If the president said it is because of insecurity because they blew the pipeline, what about parts of the country where there is insecurity? Is the president saying
they should impose an emergency rule on him too? They can’t because he is a democratically elected president. Nobody can impose an emergency rule on him because there is serious insecurity in the North-east, North-west — even in South-east and South-west.
“Rivers State governor has no security responsibility; it rests squarely on the president. So why punish a man who did not commit an offence?” Amaechi queried.
He called on the residents of the state to “resist the president”, adding that the resistance should be done “by democratically protesting against the president”.
On the feud between Fubara and Wike, the former governor said it is all about money sharing.
He said: “The fight between the current governor of Rivers State and the FCT minister is about sharing money. If not, what is the quarrel? Nigerians don’t dislike corruption anymore. I’ve not seen anybody on the street querying what the problem is. Can both of them speak to the public and tell us what the problem is?
“We are now denied democracy. Rivers State is the only state in the country currently not enjoying democracy. They have imposed military rule on us.
“Secondly, the president acted outside the Constitution. Section 188 states how a governor can leave office, either by death, resignation, or impeachment. It didn’t say that one day you wake up and a man called the president of Nigeria will throw you out of office, which makes democracy unstable.”
The former minister stressed that the president had a hand in Rivers’ situation because he wanted to wield power by ousting governors who may not support him in the 2027 general election.
Suspended
Governor, ExHoS, Wife Clash over State Assembly Bombing
Meanwhile, the former HoS, Dr Nwaeke, on Friday accused the suspended governor of masterminding the destruction of the state assembly complex and the bombing of the Trans
Niger Pipeline in Bodo, Gokana Local Government Area and subsequent attack on the oil pipeline in Ogba/Egbema/ Ndoni LGA, all in the state.
But a few hours after the former HoS’ interview went viral, his wife, Florence raised the alarm over the safety of her husband, whom she said was invited to Abuja by a friend.
In a viral video, Mrs Nwaeke alleged that some powerful politicians asked her husband to implicate Fubara, in a N15 billion fraud.
She insinuated that her husband made the statements credited to him under duress.
She said her husband had earlier informed her that he resigned because some people brought documents to him where he was asked to implicate the suspended governor in a financial fraud.
However, Mrs Nwaeke was said to be under duress to retract her initial statement on how her husband was allegedly invited to Abuja and forced to accuse the suspended governor of the N15 billion scam.
But in a new twist, Nwaeke has
lucky to have a democrat and patriot in the person of President Tinubu as its leader at this critical point in the country’s democratic journey.
The speaker commended the first citizen for taking some bold initiatives aimed at turning around the fortune of the Nigerian state, such as the removal of subsidy from petrol, among other reforms.
The Deputy Speaker, Kalu, has also congratulated Tinubu for his courage in taking some painful but necessary steps to stabilise the economy.
In a congratulatory message issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Levinus Nwabughiogu, Kalu lauded Tinubu’s efforts to develop the geo-political zones in Nigeria through the creation of regional development commissions.
Ondo State Governor, Aiyedatiwa, in a congratulatory message issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Ebenezer Adeniyan, said under the Renewed Hope administration of Tinubu, his state has witnessed unprecedented federal presence and support, including infrastructural projects and appointments.
Governor Uzodimma, on his part, said Tinubu’s leadership has opened the door to Nigeria's new era of growth and sustainable progress across all sectors.
In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary/Special Adviser (Media), Oguwike Nwachuku, the Imo State governor prayed for the wellbeing of the President, asking for divine blessings of long life, good health, and wisdom so that Tinubu will continue to steer Nigeria towards greatness.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian military has also felicitated Tinubu, on his 73rd birthday and prayed to God to continue preserving him and his family to steer the country towards a brighter future.
The Lagos State Government, led by Governor Sanwo-Olu, celebrated the president with thanksgiving services and prayers held simultaneously at the Chapel of Christ the Light, Alausa, and Lagos Secretariat Community Central Mosque, Alausa, as well as other religious centres in the five divisions
denied the claims by his wife that he was kidnapped.
Nwaeke stated that contrary to her assertion, he is safe in Abuja where he had gone to voluntarily report himself to security agencies over developments in Rivers State.
In a video released in the early hours of yesterday, the former HoS, who claimed to be TRANSCORP in Abuja, dismissed his wife’s claim as false, stressing that she had been misled and given a script to read.
In a swift reaction to the HoS’ allegations, Fubara, through his Chief of Staff, said the former HoS was compromised, stressing that his allegation was aimed at fulfilling Nwaeke’s promise to those who may have paid or coerced him to lie against the governor.
Fubara, also in a statement he personally signed, countered Nwaeke’s allegations.
Fubara said: “First, on the claim that he was aware of my discussions and plans to support Bala Mohammed's alleged 2027 presidential bid, it is laughable that Dr. Nwaeke would be
of the state.
A statement personally signed by the CDS, General Musa, on behalf of the Service Chiefs and the entire Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN), stated that the military remains loyal and committed to the president's ideals and aspirations for a safer nation where citizens and their businesses can thrive.
The CDS noted that the successes achieved so far in the fight against insurgency, terrorism, economic sabotage, and other criminalities could not have been achieved without President Tinubu’s immense guidance and purposeful leadership.
"As you celebrate, we are confident that the Almighty God will guide, protect, and provide you with sound health and additional wisdom to steer the ship. We seize this opportunity to continue pledging our unending resolve to submit to our constitutional responsibilities and ensure a safer, more peaceful nation,” Musa added.
In his message, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Keyamo, described Tinubu as the “Aare Ona Kankafo” of all political and democratic struggles in the land.
“It will take decades before Nigerians truly and fully understand and appreciate the value President Tinubu has brought into our democratic space in all ramifications and the audacity with which he has taken on some of our key systemic challenges as a nation, root and branch,” the minister added.
Also in his birthday message, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, described President Tinubu as a transformative leader whose vision and courage will leave an indelible mark on history.
In a statement signed by Alake’s Special Assistant on Media, Segun Tomori, the minister stated that Tinubu’s life journey is truly a testament to God’s faithfulness and grace.
The Leader of the Senate, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, in a statement by his Directorate of Media and Public Affairs, described Tinubu as a courageous reformer and fearless patriot.
part of any high-level political meeting as Head of Service, much more sitting in my alleged night meetings with Bala Mohammed and militants as he claimed. However, none of such meetings were ever held.
“The truth is that the whole world knew when the Bauchi State Governor, as Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party Governors Forum, visited the state, and there was nothing secret about the visits”.
Fubara stated: “It is also ludicrous for Dr. Nwaeke to claim that he was aware of my meetings to encourage attacks on oil pipelines and other national assets in the state, as there was no time, I held any meeting with militants or any criminal group to destabilise the state. It is on record that I have been at the forefront preaching peace in the state even in the face of obvious provocations”.
He explained: “The truth is that Dr. Nwaeke has been compromised, and whatever he is saying is only aimed at fulfilling his promise to those who may have paid or coerced him to lie against me”.
ISLAMIC CLERICS PRAYING FOR TINUBU @ 73…
An assembly of Islamic clerics at the 73rd birthday prayers session for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Kaduna... yesterday.
Atiku, Northern Senators, House, Kano Govt Condemn
Edo Killings, Seek Prosecution of Perpetrators
Police debunk rumour of attack on Igbo passengers in Kano
Okocha, Juliet Akoje in Abuja, Adibe Emenyonu in Benin-City, Onuminya Innocent in Sokoto and Ahmad Sorondinki in Kano
A former vice president and presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 general election, Atiku Abubukar; the Northern Senators Forum and the House of Representatives have condemned the killing of 16 travellers, said to be hunters, at Udune Efandion in Uromi, Edo State.
However, the Kano State Police Command has dispelled a rumour circulating on social media platforms alleging an attack on an 18-seater bus carrying Igbo passengers in the state.
The Kano State Government and the Edo community leaders living in Kano, including Sarki Edo in Kano, Fred Akhigbe, and the Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Professor Abdullahi Sale,
have condemned the Edo killings.
The former Governor of Sokoto State, Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, has also described the incident as "shocking and disheartening."
The tragic incident, which occurred last Thursday along the Uromi/Ubiaja Road, has sparked calls for justice.
The Edo State Police Command’s Public Relations Officer (PRO), Moses Yamu, had on Friday announced the arrest of 14 suspects in connection with the killing.
According to the police, a truck transporting 25 travellers from Elele, Rivers State, was intercepted by a vigilante group in Uromi.
“During the stop, some travellers were found with locally made dane guns, which raised suspicion among the vigilante members,” Yamu explained.
He said tensions escalated when some vigilante members raised the alarm, accusing the travellers of being
Senate Leader Justifies Emergency Rule in Rivers, Says It’s in National Interest
Gbenga Sodeinde in Ado Ekiti
The Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele has justified the ratification of the state of emergency slammed on Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu.
The Senator representing Ekiti Central Senatorial District argued that his colleagues ratified the proclamation in spite of public outcry against it in national interest, and not on the basis of partisanship, or pandering to the whims and caprices of the presidency.
Speaking while being awarded an honorary Doctoral Degree in Law by the Ekiti State University, Ado Ekiti yesterday, Bamidele said the nod given to the presidential proclamation was in defence of their oaths of office to always work wholeheartedly for Nigerian interest.
He added that the National Assembly as a pivotal arm of government sworn to an oath to collaborate and work with other arms to bring radical socio-political and economic development to the nation, saying their action was in full alignment with this onerous duty.
He promised Nigerians that the Senate under the leadership of Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio,
will continually work in collaboration with the executive arm to uplift the nation to an enviable height in all economic spheres.
Bamidele assured that the parliamentarians won't prioritise personal interest over and above public interests.
"Before I close this remark, let me quickly reflect on the proclamation of the state of emergency in Rivers State by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and its ratification by two chambers of the National Assembly.
"For this laudable decision that prevented further descent into anarchy in Rivers State, the National Assembly has been subjected to all forms of toxic criticism that do not portray us well before the comity of nations. But what exactly do we want as a people?
"A federation that functions for all?
Or a federation that relapses into an intractable crisis? We must recognise that emergency rule is an extraordinary measure, and it must be treated as such in the interest of peace and security. As stipulated in Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) that the National Assembly is required to provide its details.
suspected kidnappers.
According to him, the claim quickly fuelled mob action as enraged community members and passers-by attacked and lynched 16 of the occupants.
“The truck conveying them was also set on fire,” Yamu added.
He explained that police operatives from the Uromi Division rescued 10 of the travellers, two of whom had sustained injuries.
In his reaction, Atiku, who condemned the killings through his media office, also sent his condolences to the families of the victims.
He said justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done to restore public confidence in the country’s security institutions.
Similarly, in a statement issued in Abuja by the Chairman of Northern Senators Forum, Senator Abdul’aziz Yari, the lawmakers described the incident as “deeply disturbing and saddening.”
He said, “These individuals, who were travelling to the Northern part of Nigeria, were tragically stereotyped as Fulani kidnappers and brutally murdered in a despicable manner.
“We strongly condemn this heinous act, which is a clear violation of the fundamental human rights of the victims.
“We urge the Edo State Government to take immediate action to identify and prosecute the perpetrators of this gruesome murder,” Yari explained.
In a separate statement released on his social media handle, Tambuwal expressed deep sorrow over the tragic loss of lives, extending his heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims.
Tambuwal, who represents Sokoto South senatorial zone in the Senate, urged security agencies and relevant authorities to launch a comprehensive and impartial investigation into the incident, calling for swift justice for the victims.
On its part, the House of
Representatives, in a statement issued yesterday by its spokesman, Akin Rotimi, described the killing as a grave violation of human rights and the rule of law.
The lawmakers acknowledged the directives of President Tinubu and Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State, instructing security agencies to conduct an urgent investigation.
Meanwhile, the Kano State Government, in a press statement signed by the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Ibrahim Waiya, said the killing of the travellers must be met with an unwavering response from security and judicial institutions.
"The Uromi tragedy, sadly, is not an isolated event but part of a broader and alarming trend of vigilante violence across the nation. This culture of impunity can only be countered by decisive action—both punitive and preventive—to reestablish the rule of law," the commissioner added.
Also speaking at a press conference
yesterday in Kano, the Chairman of the Edo Community in the state, Mr Phillip Tomoh, alongside Akhigbe, described the attack as unlawful and unwarranted.
"We strongly condemned the incident that occurred in Uromi, Edo State, where travellers (hunters) were attacked and killed"
Similarly, the state Chairman of NAHCON, Professor Abdullahi Sale, has expressed sadness over the killing, insisting that Nigerians must embrace one another as brothers and sisters for national development.
In a similar development, the Kano State Police Command has dispelled a rumour circulating on social media platforms alleging an attack on an 18-seater bus carrying Igbo passengers in the state. In a statement, the Police Public Relations Officer (PRO), SP Haruna Kiyawa, promised that an investigation has commenced into the source of the fake news, to bring those responsible to justice.
Eid-el-Fitr: Sultan Declares Today as Celebration Day
The Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Muhammad Sa'ad Abubakar, has declared today, March 30, 2025, as the day for the celebration of Eid-el-Fitr, marking the end of Ramadan.
The declaration followed the report of the National Moon
Sighting Committees, which confirmed the sighting of the crescent moon in several locations across the country.
The Sultan, who is also the President-General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCSIA), congratulated the Nigerian Muslim Ummah on the occasion and wished them Allah's guidance and blessings.
He further explained that the crescent Moon was sighted and confirmed by seven Emirs in Nigeria.
"The report received by moon sighting committees added that Emir of Argungun, Zazzau, Shehu of Borno, Emir of Daura, Emir of Dutse, all confirmed the moon sighting in their various locations,” he said.
He urged Muslims to continue praying for peace, progress, and development in the country and wished them well during and after the celebration. With this declaration, Muslims across Nigeria will celebrate Eid-el-Fitr today, marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan.
Dangote, Adenuga, Rabiu, Others Named in Forbes’ 2025 African Billionaires List
Aliko Dangote, Mike Adenuga, Abdulsamad Rabiu and Femi Otedola have been named in Forbes’ 2025 billionaires list in Africa.
There are only four Nigerians named in the list published yesterday. Forbes said Africa’s 22 billionaires saw their fortunes rise to $105 billion from $82.4 billion that it was in 2024 for 20 billionaires.
According to Forbes, Dangote, the owner of Dangote Petroleum Refinery, occupies the top spot in Africa with a
net worth of $23.9 billion from $13.9 billion in 2024
The international magazine attributed the increase in Dangote’s wealth to the valuation of his refinery, which was added to the calculation of the net worth. Adenuga, Chairman of Globacom, a telecommunication company in Nigeria, is in fifth position in Africa with a net worth of $6.8 billion.
With a $5.1 billion net worth, Rabiu, Chairman of BUA Group, is ranked
sixth position in Africa. In the joint 16th position is Otedola, Chairman of the First Bank of Nigeria (FBN) Holdings Plc, with $1.5 billion net worth.
“South Africa had the largest number of billionaires this year, with seven, followed by four from Nigeria and four from Egypt,” Forbes said.
“The list also includes three billionaires from Morocco, one from Algeria (Isaad Rebrab), one from Tanzania (Mohammed Dewiji) and one (Masiyiwa) from Zimbabwe. “Our list tracks the wealth of African billionaires who reside in Africa or have their primary business there, thus excluding Sudanese-born billionaire Mo Ibrahim, who is a UK citizen; and South African Nathan Kirsh, who operates out of London and has his business in the US and UK “Net worths were calculated using stock prices and currency exchange rates from the close of business on March 7, 2025.”
Onuminya Innocent in Sokoto
Chuks
HONORARY DOCTORATE DEGREE AWARD...
L-R: Chairman, Senate Committee on Appropriation, Senator Olamilekan Adeola; Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin; President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio; Leader of the Senate, Senator
Bamidele; Vice Chancellor of Ekiti State University, Prof. Joseph Ayodele; and Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, during the conferment of Honorary Doctorate on Bamidele at the 29th convocation of the Ekiti State University, Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State…yesterday
Despite Challenges, Zenith Bank, GTCO, UBA, Ecobank Record N4.38tn PBT in 2024
Kayode Tokede
Despite the challenges in the operating environment, four big financial institutions operating both in Nigeria and across the globe generated N4.38 trillion profit before tax in the 2024 financial year, about 72.4 per cent increase over the N2.54 trillion declared in the 2023 financial year.
The four financial institutions are: Zenith Bank Plc, Guaranty Trust Holdings Company Plc (GTCO), United Bank for Africa Plc (UBA), and Ecobank Transnational Incorporated (ETI). Access Holdings Plc, however, awaits
the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to approve its 2024FY before releasing it to the investing public.
With profit before tax on the increase, the four financial institutions saw total assets at N118.38 trillion in 2024, representing an increase of 54.5 per cent from the N76.6 trillion recorded in 2023 with Ecobank contributing about 36.6 per cent.
In 2024, these financial institutions were faced with a range of challenges, stemming from internal economic factors and global financial trends.
Notable challenges include: currency volatility and foreign exchange
shortages, double-digit inflation and rising interest rates by the CBN; digital transformation and cybersecurity threats, and competition from Fintech and Mobile Money Operators (MMO). Other challenges are power and infrastructure challenges, talent acquisition/retention, and geopolitical and global economic factors.
In the period under review, THISDAY gathered that these financial institutions leveraged interest income earned from investing in high-yield government securities, interest income from loans and advances to customers, and foreign currency trading, among others to drive
profit before tax.
It was also gathered that Zenith Bank in 2024FY emerged as the most profitable financial institution in Nigeria, followed by GTCO. Zenith Bank in 2024FY declared N1.33 trillion profit before tax, up by 66.7 per cent from the N795.96 billion declared in 2023, while GTCO posted N1.27 trillion profit before tax, representing an increase of 108 per cent from N609.31 billion declared in 2023.
The Group Managing Director/ CEO, of Zenith Bank, Dr Adaora Umeoji, in a statement stated “This year’s performance underscores our
Atiku Tackles Wike, Defends Choice of Okowa as Running Mate, Says Learning Without Character Useless
Chuks Okocha in Abuja
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has defended his choice of former Delta State Governor, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa as his running mate in the 2023 presidential election, and reminded the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, that learning without character is useless.
Atiku was reacting to a statement by Wike's media aide, Lere Olayinka that Atiku lied in the month of Ramadan by not stating the facts on how Okowa was chosen as his presidential running mate.
According to Olayinka, the FCT minister scored 13 votes, while Okowa scored three votes.
But Atiku’s Media Office said in a statement yesterday that: ''Leadership
is not only about numbers; it is about temperament, dignity, and the ability to unify. A man may boast of numbers, but if his conduct lacks grace and humility, those numbers are empty.”
''Once again, facts have been twisted in a desperate attempt to rewrite history.
Mr. Wike, through his spokesperson, claims that he had 13 votes from a committee set up to recommend a vice-presidential running mate, while Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa had only two.
''Let us be clear: There are no laid down rules or laws on the selection process of a running mate. Committees, consultations, and recommendations are advisory in nature. The final decision rests solely and exclusively with the presidential candidate, in this case, Atiku Abubakar. It is a constitutional and strategic choice, not a popularity
contest,'' Atiku’s media office said in a statement.
According to the statement, ''assuming, but not conceding, that Wike had 13 votes and Okowa had two - just like universities confer degrees ‘in learning and in character’ — one must ask: What is the worth of votes if character scores a zero?
''We make no apologies for choosing Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa as the running mate in 2023. That decision was based on a combination of intellect, composure, and statesmanship.
''We have been vindicated by Mr. Wike’s public conduct in Rivers State where he once served as governor and in Abuja since becoming FCT minister, which has made it abundantly clear why he was unsuitable for the role of vice president in a ticket meant to
unify, not divide.
''We urge Mr. Wike and his social media spokesperson to resist the temptation to sermonise about religious piety during Ramadan and Lent, too, while simultaneously fanning the flames of discord. Let us not reduce sacred periods to a tool for petty political jabs.
''The task of rebuilding our party and our nation is a serious one. It is time to move beyond bruised egos and focus on what truly matters: The future of Nigeria and the wellbeing of its people!'', the statement explained.
"While we understand that bitterness often finds expression in a misplaced aggression, we must remind Mr. Wike and his team that a bitter heart isn’t capable of charity, nor does it inspire unity, healing, or truth.''
Military Denies Feeding Troops of Operation Fansan Yamma with Poisonous Food, Contaminated Water
The Nigerian military has denied a report alleging that the military authorities were feeding troops of Operation Fansan Yamma with poisonous food and contaminated drinking water in Zamfara and Katsina states.
An online news portal had reported that Nigerian soldiers deployed to Operation Fansan Yamma in the North-west operational theatre, especially in Katsina and Zamfara states, condemned the food provided to them, describing it as
poisonous and inedible, stating that even a street child would refuse to eat it willingly.
They also lamented the absence of meat in their meals, the non-payment of allowances and unsafe drinking water.
The report quoted a soldier as saying: "The food is so bad that even an Almajiri can't eat it with happiness; I swear. That's not food, it's poisonous and disgusting. It's also without meat and tasteless."
The soldier lamented the nonpayment of allowances, stressing: "We are fighting bandits, risking
our lives, but unfortunately, we're suffering from poor feeding and non-payment of our allowances when due."
But the military, in a statement signed by Coordinator, Joint Media Coordination Centre, Operation Fansan Yamma, Lieutenant Colonel Abubakar Abdullahi, refuted the allegation, describing it as “not only false but also grossly misleading.”
"Operation Fansan Yamma wishes to clarify that all meals for troops are prepared by trained cooks from the Nigerian Army Corps of Supply and Transport, who strictly adhere
to the highest standards of hygiene and nutrition.
"Additionally, the Nigerian Army Engineers ensure a steady supply of clean drinking water through constructed boreholes, fully compliant with all hygienic regulations. If these allegations were true, our troops would not remain healthy, alert and capable of consistently achieving operational successes in the theatre."
Reacting to the alleged unpaid allowances, the statement said the Defence Headquarters has been diligently addressing the matter.
unwavering commitment to innovation and customer-centric solutions.
“We will also remain focused on deepening financial inclusion, enhancing service delivery, and creating value for our customers and stakeholders.”
On his part, Group Chief Executive Officer, GTCO, Mr. Segun Agbaje in a statement, said; “Our strong performance for 2024 underscores the resilience and depth of our business, driven by a welldiversified earnings base across our banking and non-banking subsidiaries, all of which are P&L positive.
“Our capacity to generate sustainable high-quality earnings, maintain strong asset quality, and drive cost efficiencies reflects the soundness of our long-term strategy and disciplined execution. We have also prudently provided for all our forbearance loans, well ahead of the June 2025 timeline, whilst fully accruing for the windfall tax, further strengthening our balance sheet and enhancing financial resilience.
“We will continue to deepen our relationships with customers, leverage technology to deliver cutting-edge financial solutions, and accelerate the growth of all our business verticals—Banking, Funds Management, Pension, and Payments—to unlock new opportunities and create more value for our shareholders."
While Ecobank announced N N980.68 billion profit before tax in 2024, a growth of 160.5 per cent from N376.49 billion in 2023, UBA reported N803.73 billion profit before tax in 2024, about 6.08 per cent growth over the N757.68 billion recorded in 2023. UBA’s Group Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer, Oliver Alawuba, who expressed excitement at the results, stated that the 2024 financial performance demonstrates the bank’s continued focus on driving earnings growth, preserving asset quality, expanding business operations, and deepening market share.
Akpoti-Uduaghan Petitions Police over Alleged Forged ‘Recall’Signatures
The Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has written a petition to the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and the Kogi State Commissioner of Police, Miller Dantawaye, accusing some people of forging signatures in the petition to recall her from the Senate.
A group of people from her district, led by Charity Ijese, submitted over 250,000 signatures to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abuja. They want Akpoti-Uduaghan removed from office. This came after she was suspended from the Senate on March 6 for alleged misconduct.
On Tuesday, INEC confirmed it had received the recall petition. However, the electoral body said the petition was missing important details like contact addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses of the petitioners. By the next day, INEC informed Akpoti-Uduaghan and Senate Presiding Officer Akpabio that these details had been updated.
Later, videos appeared on social media showing politicians in Kogi State signing the recall petition. This raised questions about the authenticity of the signatures. Victor Giwa, the head of AkpotiUduaghan’s legal team, stated that they have officially reported the alleged forgery to the police.
“Firstly, we are aware that those signatures were forged, and it is the act of APC members in Kogi State, who are desperate to remove her. Secondly, we are prosecuting the case in court. We have written our petition regarding the forgery, and we are submitting it to the Inspector General of Police, the Kogi State Commissioner of Police, and INEC. Before 1 pm today (Friday), they would have received it.” He further explained that they took the petition to the police becuase forgery is a criminal matter.
“INEC does not have the materials to examine a case of forgery. What they are expected to do is compare whether the signatures correspond with the ones signed by the owners. But we are alleging that it is a case of forgery, and only the police can handle cases of forgery. Let the petitioners present the signatures, and let the police subject them to forensic tests for us to confirm that they were not forged,” Giwa added.
Now that the petition has been submitted, INEC is expected to check the signatures against the voter records in each polling unit. However, Giwa insists that before INEC can continue with the recall process, the forgery allegations must be addressed, especially since a related court case is still ongoing.
Linus Aleke in Abuja
Opeyemi
CONFIDENCE-BUILDING MISSION...
Wale Edun: Govt Revenue Increased by 20% in 2024
Ndubuisi Francis in Abuja
The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, has disclosed that the federal government reported a 20 per cent increase in revenue in 2024, alongside a reduced budget deficit and a decline in debt servicing as a percentage of revenue.
Edun made the disclosure during a virtual briefing, "highlighting significant progress, key priorities, and strategic initiatives to drive
sustainable growth and development in the country," a statement issued yesterday by the ministry’s Director for Information and Public Relations, Mohammed Manga. The statement said the minister's briefing provided a detailed overview of Nigeria's economic stabilisation efforts, which have yielded notable results over the past 18 to 20 months.
"According to Edun, the economy has pulled back from the brink of a fiscal crisis, with Nigeria recording 3.84 per cent GDP growth in Q4
2024—close to the 3.4 per cent annual target—while inflation began to ease, revenues increased, and the exchange rate showed signs of strengthening.
"Edun reported a 20 per cent increase in government revenue last year, alongside a reduced budget deficit and a decline in debt servicing as a percentage of revenue.
"He reiterated the government’s commitment to responsible spending, stronger fiscal management, and efforts to raise the tax-to-GDP ratio to 18 per cent over the next 18 months
- through improved compliance, digitisation, and broadening of the tax base.
"The minister emphasised that the next phase of economic growth will be driven by private sector investment. A N1trillion low-interest mortgage fund -backed by both public and private financing - will soon be launched to stimulate the housing sector.
"Additionally, pension funds and institutional investors are being mobilised to finance 5,000 kilometres of roads under the Highways
Management and Development Initiative," the ministry’s statement added.
On crude oil, trade and external positioning, the statement stated that while reaffirming Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to diversify the economy, Edun noted that oil revenue remains essential.
According to the statement, Edun added that plans are underway to expand domestic refining capacity to 1.2 million barrels per day and ensure a secure, investor-friendly operating
environment in the oil sector.
"He also encouraged exporters to focus on domestic and regional markets to cushion the impact of global shocks, including recent tariff policies introduced by the United States," Manga said. On youth empowerment and innovation, the statement explained that with an average national age of 16.9 years and over 600,000 graduates annually, the minister underscored the urgency of youth-focused economic policy.
The United Kingdom has increased visa fees for students, tourists, and other travelers, a move that will affect Nigerians and other international applicants seeking entry into the country.
According to the UK Home Office, the fee for a student visa has been raised from £363 to £490, representing a 35 per cent increase.
The cost of a six-month visit visa has also risen from £100 to £115.
Other visa categories, including work and family visas, have also been adjusted.
In a statement, the UK government said the increase was necessary to sustain its immigration
system and fund public sector wages.
“It is right and fair to increase visa application fees to ensure that the costs of running the immigration system are met by those who benefit from it,” the Home Office stated.
The increase has sparked concerns among students and travel consultants.
Despite concerns from affected applicants, the UK government insists that the adjustments are necessary.
“The changes will help maintain a sustainable and efficient immigration system,” the Home Office added.
A Nigerian travel consultant, Adeola Ogunsanya, described the hike as a major challenge for many aspiring students.
Critics of My Educational Background Have Been Put to Shame, Says Oborevwori
Sylvester Idowu in Warri
Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, has said those who questioned his educational qualifications during the 2023 electioneering campaign have been put to shame.
Oborevwori who stated this yesterday at the Government House, Asaba, when members of the Executive Committee of the Alumni Association of Ambrose Alli University, AAU, Ekpoma, Worldwide, paid him a courtesy visit, said: “I am proud that I graduated from that University and that I am the first to be a governor from that University.”
He said: “Some persons who were bent on tarnishing my image during the 2023 electioneering campaign, went around saying that I did not go to school.”
The governor, during the visit, bagged the Ambrose Alli University Alumni Association Hero’s Award, and the Ambrose Alli University Alumni Association Award of Excellence.
Oborevwori said: “I am greatly honoured for the Hero award and the award of Excellence that you bestowed on me. I sincerely appreciate everything.
“I have a lot of regard for Ambrose Alli University (AAU). There was a time during the political season when they said that I did not go to school. You know, in politics, there is a lot of blackmail.
“I did a full-time programme at AAU. I am a man with excessive local content. I believe in Nigeria and this state.
Peter Obi Denies Link with APC, Condemns Toxic Politics, Blackmail
Chuks Okocha in Abuja
The presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 elections, Mr. Peter Obi, has dismissed reports linking him with the All Progressives Congress (APC), noting that he is not a member of the ruling party nor intending to be a member.
This is just as the National Chairman of the LP, Mr. Julius Abure, has stated that the party’s federal lawmakers have not made any financial contribution since the 2023 elections.
Reacting to a report circulating on social media where he alleged that
On the issuance of securities by sub-nationals and their agencies, salient provisions of the Act addressed existing restrictions in respect of raising of funds from the capital market by states to allow for greater flexibility in this regard.
Agama noted that the Act introduced the mandatory use of Legal Entity Identifiers (LEIs) by participants in capital market transactions.
This stipulation is designed to improve transparency in the conduct of securities transactions and expressly prohibits Ponzi schemes and other unlawful investment schemes, while prescribing stringent jail terms and other sanctions for the promoters of such schemes.
In a bid to strengthen the Investments and Securities Tribunal,
his name was mentioned in an APC gathering yesterday, Obi said, “Let me make it unequivocally clear: I do not engage in toxic politics, blackmail, or any form of political manipulation.
“My name should not be associated with such narratives. For the avoidance of doubt, both now and in the future, I am not a member of the APC, nor am I an intending member.
“My stance on politics has always been rooted in integrity, fairness, and issue-based engagement. I firmly believe that all political parties should assess aspirants solely on their competence, capacity, and compassion — qualities
the Act amended some key provisions in the repealed ISA 2007 pertaining to the composition of the Tribunal, constitution of the Tribunal, qualification and appointment of the Chief Registrar as well as the jurisdiction of the Tribunal to enhance the ability of the Tribunal to optimally discharge its mandate.
Agama praised Tinubu for his assent as a transformative step for the capital market, saying that the ISA 2025 reflects a commitment to building a dynamic, inclusive, and resilient capital market.
“By addressing regulatory gaps and introducing forward-looking provisions, the new Act empowers the SEC to foster innovation, protect investors more efficiently and reposition Nigeria as a competitive destination
essential for building a better Anambra and a better Nigeria,” he said.
Obi, however, advised that elections and primaries should not be reduced to toxic narratives or personal attacks, noting that political choices should be guided by credibility, vision, and the ability to deliver real change, not by dragging individuals into toxic discussions, blackmail, or needless controversy.
“As for the former governorship aspirant of the Labour Party in Anambra State, Valentine Ozigbo, I maintain that he, like every other aspirant, should be evaluated based on these key leadership
for local and foreign investments.
"We commend all stakeholders within and outside the capital market community for their unwavering solidarity towards the achievement of this historic milestone and solicit their continued collaboration in respect of the effective implementation of the ISA 2025 for the benefit of our economy."
Agama lauded the roles of the National Assembly and the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy of Nigeria, as well as the Minister of State for Finance for their invaluable contributions to the realisation of this groundbreaking project.
Also reacting to the new law, Uwaleke said it will spur capital market growth in the country, describing it
qualities in his new political party.
“Furthermore, primaries, whether conducted through voting, interviews, selection processes, or any other democratic method, must be free, fair, and credible.
“Every aspirant who is a legitimate member of a party deserves a fair chance to contest without bias or blackmail. As we approach the Anambra State governorship election in November, I sincerely hope that all parties, including mine, will ensure a transparent and democratic process, and engage in credible, fair primaries,” he assured.
as a welcome development that promises to modernise Nigeria’s investment and securities laws, improve regulatory oversight, protect investors, and support emerging financial technologies.
He recalled that the replacement of ISA 2007 with the ISA 2024 had taken several years primarily on account of legislative, political, and economic factors.
"Notwithstanding the long delay, Nigeria can now boast of a modernised and globally aligned regulatory framework, which has addressed key issues such as digital assets, investor protection, and financial market infrastructure, all geared towards boosting investor confidence and strengthening the capital market in Nigeria," Uwaleke said.
Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja
L-R: Third Secretary, Chinese Embassy, Wang Haotian; Assistant Comptroller General, Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), FU Nwanneka; Second Secretary, Ciren Dunzhu; Deputy Comptroller General, NIS, A. Ayeni; Deputy Ambassador, Zhang Yi; Comptroller General, NIS, KN Nandap; First Secretary Li Jian, Deputy Comptroller General, NIS, AJ Umannah, and Assistant Comptroller General, NIS, AM Haliday, during a courtesy visit by a delegation from
the Chinese Embassy to the Nigeria Immigration Service Headquarters, Abuja…Friday
Editor: Festus Akanbi
08038588469 Email:festus.akanbi@thisdaylive.com
Experts Re-Ignite Conversations on Acceptable Corporate Governance Culture in Nigeria
In a country with a history of poor corporate governance culture and the attendant business collapse, enlightened public conversations like the recent one at the Lagos Business School, where renowned governance experts converged to deliberate on the Nigerian situation, may be the game changer the country has been waiting for, reports Festus Akanbi
There seems to be a consensus among watchers of the nation’s economy that the problem of poor corporate governance is a recurring decimal whenever a list of business challenges in Nigeria is drawn. This is because the trend has shown that as companies focus on rapid growth, they often neglect essential goverand investor distrust.
Corporate governance is the system of rules, practices and processes by which a company governance is critical to the success of any business. According to the Corporate Finance Institute, it is a system that guides the conduct of the people within an organisation, as well as the direction of the organisation itself.
Analysts believe that while it is easy for governance, it is often challenging for small businesses to adopt good corporate governance. It has been linked to the reason many
Good governance is universally acknowledged as a critical factor in the progress and development of any nation.
In Nigeria, both the elite and the common people share this profound understanding of governance’s impact on the country’s trajectory. This is why corporate governance faces challenges including corruption, weak regulatory frameworks, and a lack of enforcement, hindering economic growth and investor
In the past few years, the lack of good corporate governance in Nigerian business organisations has led to widespread corrupgovernment, investors, and other stakeholders.ing practices, as seen in the case of Cadbury
Similarly, the collapse of banks like Oceanic Bank and Intercontinental Bank was said to have been driven by insider abuses, weak risk management, and regulatory failures. Poor governance has also enabled tax evasion and diversion of corporate funds, depriving the government of much-needed revenue for infrastructure and social services. Investors, due to corporate collapses and stock market instability, discouraging further investment in the economy.
Employees and other stakeholders bear the brunt through job losses, pension fund mismanagement (as seen in the National Pension Commission scandals), and unethical labourness environment where businesses struggle economic growth remains sluggish due to the lack of transparency, accountability, and ethical leadership in corporate entities.
Unveiling the AFG Model
These were some of the issues that triggered a public conversation at the Lagos Business School (LBS) recently, where a renowned corporate governance expert and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Professor Fabian Ajogwu, unveiled the AFG Model, aimed at helping organisations address the realities of modern corporate, institutional and governmental landscapes, at the public lecture themed ‘Balancing served as the platform for the presentation of the latest book by the learned silk, titled:
The Deputy Vice Chancellor of the Pan-Atlantic University, Dr. Peter Bamkole, in his welcome remarks, underscored the importance of corporate governance to both organisations and society at large. He remarked, “Corporate governance, as we all know, is the bedrock of responsible leadership, organisational success, and economic sustainability.
“It provides a framework for transparency, accountability, and ethical decision-making, ensuring that busitrustworthy and resilient. This work, by Professor Ajogwu, is a timely and practical guide that distils decades of experience into real-world insights, case studies, and strategic lessons for profesThe book is an indispensable resource that will equip you with the knowledge to navigate governance complexities
According to the former Vice-Chancellor of the Pan African University, Professor Juan Manuel Elegido, “Too often, corporate governance is approached as a checklist, with minimal regard for how those principles translate into practice. Ajogwu, however, prompts readers to consider the broader implications of governance on corporate culture and ethical decision-making. This calls attention to the fact that governance is not just about compliance or avoiding legal pitfalls; it is about creating a culture of accountability,
And as the Chairman, Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc, Sola David-Borha puts it, “The strength of corporate governance rests on the character of the individuals who are entrusted to uphold its principles. A quote from George A. David, Chairman Emeritus, Coca-Cola
Hellenic Bottling Company AG, captures this point. ‘We do the right thing not because someone asks us to do so but because we
Another narrative put forward is that the modern business environment is increasingly volatile and uncertain. In this dynamic governance has become a critical imperative for organisational success and sustainability. This is because the capacity of an organisation to succeed and survive over the long term is contingent upon its implementation of good corporate governance practices. However, is constantly evolving as best practices are and opportunities.
Prof. Ajogwu argues that the dynamism of corporate governance is driven by factors such as the changing global landscape, evolving business practices, regulatory pressure, and heightened public awareness following a series of corporate scandals. He argues further that priorities are also shifting from shareholder primacy to considering a broader range of stakeholders, including employees, communities, and the environment. This explains the assessments to integrating environmental, social and governance (ESG) considerations into the corporate governance framework.
The senior lawyer therefore emphasised the and power to a more purposeful approach to business, presenting case studies of local and international organisations that have
He said his model promotes governance practices which align with integrity, fairness, and accountability, insisting that governance is about people and conduct, not just systems and policies, while behavioural governance focuses on leadership, corporate culture, and stakeholder engagement. He believes that governance should go beyond compliance to
align with a higher purpose. This, according to him, ensures businesses act responsibly, thereby maintaining public trust.
ability
as the main driver of business, Ajogwu’s key drivers of business. He stated, “The third
responsibilities, ethics and sustainability. A purpose-driven governance model is increasingly relevant for businesses seeking long-term sustainability and success. Shifting ensures organisations consider their long-term impact and sustainability. With a purposedriven model, organisations acknowledge stakeholders. The ‘4 Ps’ of corporate sustain-
According to him, these three factors aloneable. He therefore made a case for the rule of law, which he stated is a positive multiplier, and anti-corruption, with corruption being a negative multiplier.
He noted, “The Rule of Law provides the legal framework that ensures governance operates within established regulations, promoting fairness, justice, and accountability. It underpins ethical decision-making and by ensuring consistency and predictability
in governance, undermining ethical leadership, economic stability, and institutional credibility. Therefore, governance frameworks must proactively address corruption through transparency, internal controls, and stakeholder accountability.
L-R: Pioneer Dean of the Lagos Business School and pioneer Vice-Chancellor of the Pan-Atlantic University, Professor Albert Alos; Prof Fabian Ajogwu (SAN) and Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Pan-Atlantic University, Dr. Peter Bamkole at the public lecture and presentation of the book, “Reflections on Corporate Governance,” by Prof Ajogwu in Lagos
ABDULAZIZ
ABDULAZIZ pays tribute to President Tinubu at 73
There is need for government to transit from a military-centric strategy to a comprehensive approach that tackles the underlying causes of instability, argues JOSHUA OCHEJA
NIGERIA’S UNSTABLE NORTH-WEST HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MR PRESIDENT
As I readied myself to anchor a special Iftar dinner in honour of His Excellency
President Bola Tinubu holding this evening thoughts about the man race in my mind: What is unique about the President? What do I admire about him? What are the memorable moments with him?
The story of the rise of Bola Tinubu from humble beginnings to the pinnacle is largely well known. There is no point regurgitating it. However, observing and working with the man up close brought to the fore his many attributes that contribute in shaping his worldwide, his character, his leadership acumen and aided his rise to the top.
First, President Tinubu is very human and humane. He is human in the sense that he is humble, authentic and true to himself. No airs, no pride, no cosmetics. He relates well with his old friends, associates and staff in a convivial atmosphere devoid of haughtiness associated with people in power. He shares jokes less than he scorns. He could be stern and soft making sure that work atmosphere is not bereft of humanity or too jovial to be mistaken as laissez faire. He is generous with laughter when it is evoked but could be too sober in addressing serious issues that you’d wonder if he would breakdown. That’s the human part.
President Tinubu is also very humane. As a person, he is generous and compassionate to those he could reach with his hands. He never forgot friends or families of dead associates and colleagues. He kept to that even with his current tedious job. His good heart makes him the last person to hurt. Instead, he ignores. The President certainly bears no evil intentions against anyone or a collective. The story of his large-heartedness is well told that it warrants no repeating here. He accepts prodigal sons back with forgiving smile.
An important lesson from his life is steadfastness and perseverance. They brought him to where he is. President Tinubu, like the proverbial person who has been there for long, has surely seen a lot. He had seen changing times: real and fake smiles, shifting alliances, broken loyalties, back-stabbing, gang-ups, yet he remained focused and patient. Like the Rock of Gibraltar he remains unshaken and unperturbed. But God works in mysterious ways. For example, some of the arrowheads of Tinubu’s estrangement from a government he helped form in 2015 are today out in the cold. But while
he took the unfortunate happenings of that period with steely resolve and perseverance, they are took weak to persevere being out of the table. While he was mature and statesmanly, they are crying hoarse like a kid deprived of precious doll. As a leader, the President amazes me with his resolve to take bold even if costly decisions. He embodies the principle that leadership is not about taking popular decisions but about taking right decisions even if painful and inconveniencing. Like a physician on duty, President Tinubu’s administration of some painful reforms were not contemptuous of the feeling of the people, as some analysts alluded. They were, rather, out of courage to take necessary actions to stop the hemorrhage of our country. The hemorrhage may favour those of us now but if not stopped it would certainly prove fatal for our future.
The President was conscious that those actions were not popular. In fact, he was not unconscious that they could be costly politically like it was seen happen in many countries. But the statesman that he is, he chose the country over himself. AlhamdulilLah! Mr President is being proved right with the emerging light from the economic tunnel.
On the occasion of Mr President’s birthday I pray fervently for better health and greater wisdom as he steers the ship of the nation to the shore of progress, stability and development. Happy birthday, Sir.
Abdulaziz is a Senior Special Assistant to the President and member of the Presidential Communication
The prevalence of security threats in North-West Nigeria could be attributed to the spill over of conflicts from neighbouring countries. According to historical records, one of the earliest religious conflicts in North-West Nigeria was the Maitatsine Riots, which occurred in Kano State in 1980, resulting in significant loss of lives and destruction of properties. The Maitatsine sect, a radical Islamic group founded by Muhammad Marwa, a Cameroonian immigrant, emphasized a return to pure Islamic practices and rejection of Western influences. This highlights the vulnerability of Nigeria’s porous borders, which has perpetuated instability, enabled the proliferation of ungoverned spaces in the North West, and compromised national security with far-reaching consequences.
This region, comprising seven statesKaduna, Kano, Sokoto, Katsina, Kebbi, Jigawa, and Zamfara - is particularly vulnerable due to its extensive borders with the Niger Republic, which has become a conduit for instability. Furthermore, Niger Republic’s porous borders and instability have fostered an environment conducive to the spread of extremist ideologies, including those from Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) and the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (ISGS). This underscores the need for a nuanced understanding of these regional dynamics to inform effective security strategies in North-West Nigeria.
Niger Republic’s complex political history is deeply intertwined with its geography, making regional dynamics crucial to its stability. The country’s Hausa ethnic group and widespread use of the Hausa language have created cultural and linguistic ties with North-West Nigeria. This has enabled the spread of ideologies and influences, including extremist ideologies from countries in the Sahel region, including Libya. Yes, Libya is considered part of the Sahel region.
The Sahel region spans several countries in West Africa, including Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Chad, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, and The Gambia.
Although Libya is often associated with North Africa, its southern region is culturally and geographically part of the Sahel. Southern Libya has been a hotspot for extremist ideologies, with cities like Kufra, Sabha, and Murzuq hosting groups like Ansar al-Sharia, Islamic State (IS), and Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM). These jihadists have exploited the region’s porous borders, lack of governance, and economic instability to recruit, train, and launch attacks into neighbouring countries, including Mali, Niger, and Chad. They thus continue to perpetuate regional instability and insecurity.
The Lakurawa militia, responsible for widespread violence in North-West Nigeria,
originated in Niger Republic, with ties to the Islamic State Sahel Province (ISSP), formerly known as Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (ISGS). Initially gaining acceptance in Sokoto State as a self-defence group against bandits, their relationship with local communities deteriorated due to ISSP’s strict governance, imposing harsh Islamic law interpretations.
The proliferation of ungoverned swathes of hectarage in Nigeria by criminal elements from neighbouring countries is driven by a complex interplay of factors, including institutional weaknesses, security lapses, and infrastructure deficits. The lack of a clear strategy by the political leadership has further exacerbated the issue, enabling extremist groups to exploit these vulnerabilities. Poor infrastructure, such as inadequate roads, electricity, water, and healthcare, has hindered economic growth, perpetuated poverty, and created an environment conducive to extremist activity. Military intervention alone is insufficient, as it only addresses symptoms rather than the underlying root causes.
Effective border security is crucial in addressing the security challenges in the North-West. However, despite the presence of paramilitary organizations at the borders, a comprehensive border security strategy remains elusive in the region. The lack of reliable data on border points aggravates this challenge, with estimates based on assumptions rather than empirical evidence. This ambiguity hinders efforts to counter threats from groups like Lakurawa and other militias operating in the region.
Border security and ungoverned spaces are intricately linked. The porousness of border security, poverty and ungoverned spaces are linked as stimulants to terrorism with weak border security allowing for the free flow of illicit activities into ungoverned spaces, which in turn provide safe havens for criminal elements, insurgents, and terrorists. It enables smuggling and trafficking, fuelling instability in vacant stretches of the national space. At the same time, the lack of state presence in these areas makes it difficult to establish effective border security measures. This dynamic has contributed to regional instability, as insecurity spills across borders, underscoring the need for a comprehensive approach to address the trio of border security, poverty and unpoliced spaces, particularly in North-West Nigeria. Nigeria’s current border security measures are woefully outdated and ill-equipped to address the complexities of evolving security threats.
Ocheja, a scholar, specializes in the intricate military histories of Nigeria and Africa
Team
Editor, Editorial Page PETER ISHAKA
Email peter.ishaka@thisdaylive.com
HOLDING ALL ELECTIONS SAME DAY
For years, THISDAY newspaper has practice of holding the general election on multiple days in Nigeria because of borders, declaration of holidays on days the exercise, deployment of military troops and a disproportionate number of police and security personnel, etc. These are some of the issues we where elections are conducted almost as war. And for these reasons, we endorse the ongoing discussions in the National Assembly for Nigeria to join many other countries where general elections are held in just one day.
Last Thursday, a bill seeking to mandate the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct all elections in one day passed second reading at the Senate. The bill aims to reduce time for conducting elections, declaration of results and
the National Assembly and assented to by the president, all elections in the country, including and state assembly would be conducted on the same day. Under the current arrangement, elections are held on different days. While the presidential and National Assembly elections are Houses of Assembly elections are held on another day, usually two weeks apart.
At a period like this when the country is
as it is done in many other countries, including therefore consider Senator Saliu Mustapha’s bill a system, it sometimes takes between three to during which all economic—and sometimes throughout the country.
Of course, there are also those who argue that free elections under the existing staggered formula, there is no assurance that the electoral body would get it right if all elections were held in one day. That may be a legitimate concern. But in lending support
It is indeed noteworthy that shortly after the 2011 general elections, former INEC Chairman, Professor Attahiru Jega suggested the idea of holding all elections in the country on the same noted that the existing arrangement is wasteful in terms of energy, time and money. We share Jega’s
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First and foremost, the current system is not cost almost always shut down elections were held with all the attendant economic implications. There is also turnout of electorate usually postponement that has almost become a tradition perhaps more fundamental, is the notorious fact that once the presidential and national assembly bandwagon effect.
it is practiced, it would take care of the waste and allegations of manipulation usually associated with staggered polls. The main concern has always been whether INEC will really get its act together to ensure that all logistics problems in terms of management of ballot papers and being encountered will be eliminated prior to
West African countries, with a multiplicity of political parties competing for power.
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LETTERS NIGERIA AND
many times in Nigeria. Each experience is a jolt, a shot of tears, grief, shattering of self esteem and hurt feelings. Sadly, the ghost refuses to go away, returning like the mythical ogbanje to haunt our peace. It’s about those who would not obey the laws. They are a special breed, a species of super
rights and no responsibility. For these citizens and might is right. In their outlandish world, the only condition for peace to reign is their perpetual right to preferential treatment. It does not matter if the rule in question is one that borders on No, the system must shift, the land must stand still for these super breed of Nigerians to pass. Citizens at their lawful tasks must bow or be bruised for not indulging these delusions.
ABOVE THE LAW SYNDROME
had the misfortune of encountering three demonstrations of this rascality. On 6th March, the premises of Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company to terrorise the staff. The Punch, whose correspondent, Dare Olawin alongside a TVC photographer and another reporter were caught up in the brutalisation, presents some insights woman and some men in mufti seized the office beating the workers and other people sighted on the premises. The roads leading to the office day to molest those within the premises of Ikeja these electricity workers? Spokesman of IKEDC, Kingsley Okotie, said the company disconnected the airforce base after it’s energy indebtedness hit N4b. “It’s on record that in the last 10 years,
N4b. And arrangements for payment in terms
contrary, Air Officer, Logistics Command, AVM Adeniran Ademuwagun reportedly promised responsible made accountable. declaration that “what happened was quite unfortunate and certainly will not happen again,” (ThisDay, March 7, 2025), would become stale news, thunderstorm broke again. Soldiers from 15th Field Engineers Regiment Eko Electricity Distribution Company, Badagry Injection Substation. Sunday Oduntan of the Association of Nigeria Electricity Distributors told Vanguard (March 16, 2025) that the ‘soldiers took the Distribution System Operator and a
Proton Security Officer to their barracks where they were beaten before being released at around 4am.’ And what was the crime of these Nigerians? “Their claim was poor electricity supply to their barracks in the last one week, despite the fact that their Commanding Officer, Lt Col S. Lawan, was duly informed of the ongoing Transmission Company of Nigeria upgrade in Agbara.” The third scenario is taken from a story in an online media, The Whistler, of March 10, 2025. It centres on the stance of a hospitality business at Aba, De Latinos, that consistent with company from entering the facility with prepared consumables. The proprietor, Mr Emmanuel Okenini presented this account. “It all started when a police officer in mufti attempted to IfeanyiChukwu Afuba, afubaifeanyichukwu@gmail.com
The Resilient Mothers of Chibok
The world remembers them as the Chibok women - mothers whose daughters were torn away by the terrorist group Boko Haram in one of the darkest moments in Nigerian history on April 14, 2014. But on a recent afternoon in Ikoyi, Lagos, they were celebrated not for their loss, but for their resilience. Vanessa Obioha captured the indomitable spirit of these remarkable mothers.
We want the world to see us as strong women, regardless of what we have been going through
It was easy to spot the women at the gathering in Alliance Française, Ikoyi. Unlike the other well-heeled guests, their modest appearance and northern roots quietly set them apart. Some may have passed them by without a second glance but after the screening of ‘Mothers of Chibok’ a documentary film by the award-winning Joel ‘Kachi Benson’ at the ongoing iREP International Documentary Film Festival, they became the true stars of the day. Most of the attendees wanted their contacts, while others proudly took photos with them.
The ovation they received was more than polite applause; it was a deep acknowledgement of their courage and endurance. These were the few mothers featured in Benson’s documentary, flown to Lagos alongside some of their children. They represented just a fraction of the many Chibok mothers who are still waiting for their daughters’ return. Even before the screening began, their presence was recognised and celebrated by notable figures in the full packed viewing hall like the Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, Jumoke Oduwole, the Danish Consul General, Jette Bjerrum, and other distinguished personalities. April 14, 2014, started like any ordinary day for Yana Galang, Ladi Lawan, Lydia Yama, and Maryam Maiyanga. But by nightfall, their lives had changed dramatically. Yana’s daughter Rifkatu, Ladi’s daughter Aisha, Lydia’s sister, and Maryam herself, who was a student at the Government Girls Secondary School, Chibok, Borno State, were captured in one of the most notorious acts of the terrorist group Boko Haram. Through the documentary, the
said, her voice filled with both sadness and pride.
Despite her modest income of just N10,000, Ladi’s belief in education remains unshaken. “My daughter was taken from school, but that doesn’t stop me from sending her siblings to school. I go out of my way to look for money,” she said. “I believe that education is important because it will give them the freedom and liberty that they want.”
through their door once more.
Maryam Maiyanga: The Returnee
Maryam’s story differs from the others because she was among the students captured by Boko Haram. Now returned with her son, Ali, Maryam has faced a different set of challenges. The stigma surrounding her return has been difficult to overcome, and Ali, often reserved, faces the burden of his background. In the film, Maryam is shown resuming her education, but she struggles with balancing school fees and hospital bills for her child.
audience came to see the humanity behind the headlines—ordinary mothers, each with a unique story of loss, perseverance, and hope. Instead of simply recounting their grief, Benson portrayed these women as faces of courage and resilience, capturing moments rarely shown in the media. In the over one-hour film, we see these women as sole providers for their households. They farm, work tirelessly to raise income, and send their remaining children to school. They laugh, they play, and they carry on with hope, refusing to let their circumstances define them.
Ladi Lawan: The Teacher
For Ladi, whose daughter Aisha is yet to return, the journey has been filled with mixed emotions. As a teacher, weaver, and farmer, she holds her family together with sheer will.
“Even when you are laughing, once you remember that your daughter is still missing, the joy will disappear. Sometimes you can’t sleep or eat,” Ladi reflected.
At moments when the weight of loss is overwhelming, she prays and calls her daughter’s name as if she were still there.
Every day, Ladi rises early to teach at school and then heads to the farm, working tirelessly to support her family. Now left with four children, two of Ladi’s daughters have finished school and are married. With the help she has received so far, she has sent her son to university, and her youngest, Asmau, who accompanied her on this trip, is still in primary school.
“If Aisha was here, I wouldn’t have to worry about all these things because she would help with the farm and take care of her younger siblings,” she
Her hope is that ‘Mothers of Chibok’ will reignite the push for the rescue of more girls. “Many think that all the girls have been released, but it’s just a few. The families are still hopeful and waiting for their daughters to return home.”
More importantly, Ladi would love to be seen as a woman of courage and endurance.
Yana Galang: The Unrelenting Leader
Like Ladi, Yana is still waiting for her daughter, Rifkatu, to return. Yana has often led other mothers to welcome their rescued daughters, hoping each time that her child would be among them. The return of every girl brings communal joy but also serves as a stark reminder of those still missing.
A poignant scene in the documentary shows Lydia’s sister’s return. While celebrating her release, the women eagerly ask about the fate of their daughters, desperate for any news. The responses are often heartbreaking. Many of the girls, forced into marriage, face uncertain futures, with some losing their husbands during military raids. Others, like Maryam, return with children.
Yana’s leadership among the mothers has been both a source of strength and heartache. She has kept the memory of their lost daughters alive and mobilized the women to continue demanding answers. But each day without Rifkatu takes its toll. Still, Yana remains unrelenting, driven by hope and the belief that one day, her daughter will walk
Fortunately, the federal government stepped in, sending Ali to a boarding school where he could live more freely, away from the shadows of his past.
Lydia Yama: The Emotional Return
For Lydia, the wait was filled with unimaginable pain and uncertainty. Her sister, one of the Chibok girls, was finally released in 2022.
“I faced a lot of challenges; from crying to starvation to sleepless nights,” Lydia recalled.
Yet in all of this, her hope remained intact. “Even when people said the girls were no longer alive, I woke up every day believing that my sister would return.”
She described the disbelief that overcame her when she first saw her sister’s picture. “I felt like I lost my mind. I didn’t know how to react. They showed me her picture first before they brought her to me. I was like, is this my reality?”
Her sister returned with two children, and though initially traumatised, she is now adjusting well to life back in the community. Lydia continues to work, quietly supporting her sister’s transition and maintaining hope for the girls who have yet to return.
“Most of our livelihood is farming, that’s what has been keeping us going and coping with the challenges. We want the world to see us as strong women, regardless of what we have been going through,” she said.
While Ladi, Yana, Lydia, and Maryam may not appear on the Forbes List or dominate headlines, their strength and courage over these years are worth celebrating. They embody the resilience of the human spirit and most importantly, the unconditional love of a mother.
Lydia Yama
PHOTOS: Kelechi Amadi-Obi
Maryam Maiyanga Yana Galang
Ladi Lawan
with KAYODE ALFRED 08116759807, E-mail: kayflex2@yahoo.com
...Amazing lifestyles of Nigeria’s rich and famous
John Obayuwana Honoured
When luxury puts on its finest garment, what the perceptive observer should see would not be wealth but vision, refinement, and an unrelenting pursuit of excellence.
John Obayuwana, the man behind Polo Luxury Group, embodies these qualities with rare distinction. His recent honour as Luxury Personality of the Decade stamps this as true.
Obayuwana’s journey is one of audacity and elegance, going from 1991 when he founded Polo. Back then, the idea of luxury retail in Nigeria was nascent. But the man saw beyond the present and built a brand that would set the gold standard for sophistication. Today’s Polo is a behemoth housing brands such as Rolex, Cartier, and Chopard.
This honour from Marketing Edge does not merely recognise a man but an entire philosophy of excellence. Under Obayuwana’s leadership, Polo has flourished into something representing trust and exclusivity. In other words, it is all because Obayuwana is ceaselessly committed to quality that even the expectations of Nigeria’s luxury connoisseurs have been elevated.
Beyond commerce, Obayuwana’s influence stretches into philanthropy and nation-building. A quick look at his contributions to economic development and social impact opens the window towards a leader who sees true wealth for what it really is: a legacy. Whether it is funding education projects or shaping policies through strategic think tanks, his impact is undeniable.
The man’s ventures eclipse Polo. His marks are all over the industries of construction, energy, and engineering. Yet, at the heart of his empire is a deep appreciation for beauty and craftsmanship. It is this dedication that has kept Polo ahead, maintaining its place as Nigeria’s most distinguished luxury retailer for over three decades.
Recognition may be inevitable for a man of Obayuwana’s stature, but it is never taken for granted. The award ceremony at Polo Towers in Lagos was more than a moment of celebration—it was a reaffirmation of a life’s work built on integrity, precision, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Few individuals shape an industry the way he has.
A New Dawn for Ekiti as Tinubu Establishes Federal University
The people of Iyin Ekiti have long dreamt of a federal university. When President Bola Tinubu signed the bill establishing the Federal University of Technology and Environmental Sciences, it was only natural for the town to erupt in celebration.
With the establishment of the new university also came the appointment of a capable hand, Senator Binta Garba, appointed by President Tinubu as ProChancellor and Chairperson of the university’s Governing Council. She has decades of experience in politics and administration, so she brings the kind of seasoned leadership that can shape a fledgling institution into a powerhouse of learning and research.
Garba’s journey has been anything but ordinary. Being a trailblazer in Nigerian politics, Garba represented Adamawa North in the Senate and served three consecutive terms in the House of Representatives. With her ability to manage complex governance structures, she is just the right person to have laying a strong foundation for the university’s success.
In an era where climate change and
digital transformation shape economies, the institution is set to produce graduates equipped to tackle real-world challenges. Tinubu’s vision, backed by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele’s persistence, places Ekiti at the centre of Nigeria’s knowledge economy.
Beyond academics, the university’s establishment is an economic gamechanger. More jobs, improved infrastructure, and increased commercial activity will ripple through the region. For a state known as the “Fountain of Knowledge,” this addition strengthens its reputation as a hub of intellectual and technological advancement.
The new leadership team, including Vice-Chancellor Prof. James Olugbenga Aribisala and other principal officers, has been tasked with setting high academic and administrative standards. Their success will determine whether this university becomes a breeding ground for excellence or just another federal institution struggling under bureaucratic weight.
With student admissions set to begin in September 2025, the clock is already ticking. Expectations are high, but
with a leader like Garba
and a community eager to embrace the institution, Ekiti’s newest university may well exceed them.
Tony Elumelu Gets Appointment in IMF
Heirs Holdings Founder and Group Chair, Tony O. Elumelu, has been appointed by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to its Advisory Council on Entrepreneurship and Growth.
Elumelu, Africa’s leading advocate of entrepreneurship and whose Foundation has funded, mentored and trained over 25,000 African entrepreneurs since 2015, champions entrepreneurship as the engine for the economic transformation of Africa.
A self-made entrepreneur, Elumelu’s embracing of entrepreneurship is fundamental to his concept of Africapitalism, his belief that Africa’s private sector can and must play a leading role in the continent’s development, making long-term investments, that deliver social and economic value.
The Advisory Council comprises global business leaders, policymakers, and academics, dedicated to identifying and addressing regulatory barriers to entrepreneurship. Its mandate is to recommend policies that enhance resource allocation, stimulate innovation, and catalyse sustainable private sector-led economic growth.
Elumelu will be instrumental in ensuring that Africa’s entrepreneurial potential is central to global economic policymaking.
Other members of the Council include: Harberger Professor of Economics, University of Chicago, Professor Ufuk Akcigit; Saudi Ambassador to the United States, HRH Ambassador Reema Bandar Al-Saud; Chair, CEO, and Co-Founder of Salesforce, Mr. Marc Benioff; Executive Chair, Banco Santander, Ms. Ana Botín; Chairman, Tata Group, Mr. Natarajan Chandrasekaran; Chief Executive, Vodafone Group, Ms. Margherita Della Valle; Founder, Chairman and CEO, Vista Equity Partners, Mr. Robert Smith and Argentine Minister of Deregulation and State Transformation, Mr. Federico Sturzenegger.
Speaking at the inaugural meeting of the Advisory Council on Wednesday 26 March 2025, the IMF Managing Director, Kristalina Georgieva, noted: “The Council brings together a group of leading thinkers and practitioners in business, finance, academia, and policymaking to share their views and experiences on how macroeconomic and financial policies can provide a supportive environment for innovation, entrepreneurship, and productivity—key ingredients for a thriving private sector and strong economic growth.”
Will the New Coalition’s Game Plan Work Ahead of 2027?
Nasir El-Rufai—all these are rumoured to be among the primary players seeking to challenge President Bola Tinubu’s rule. But while the idea of unity excites many, undercurrents of ambition and division peek through that may derail the collective effort.
At the heart of the coalition’s strategy is the unspoken contest for power. Atiku’s northern supporters argue for his candidacy, while Obi and Amaechi’s southern camps remain steadfast in their demand for power to stay in the south. ElRufai is like a boat in the midst of a storm. How can these competing interests form anything but a delicate and potentially divisive tension?
Critics have already noted that any success from the coalition would rest on its ability to match and merge divergent interests. But whispers abound that the players are not even sure of what political party flag to wave or ride from. The responses from the public have also been interesting.
Some view this coalition as a breath of
fresh air for Nigeria’s stagnating democracy. Still, others question its viability in the long term. It seems that few members of the public are deceived. As the coalition’s actors seem to be drifting between personal desires and national interest, it is clear that striking a needed balance continues to elude them. How will they fulfill this camouflage mission then?
This is where the analogy of a house divided finds its relevance. In the quest for 2027, the coalition risks becoming an echo of past failed attempts, where personal interests destroyed any hope for real progress. But history has also shown that when such alliances hold together, the result can be transformative.
Thus, as 2027 approaches, the stakes are high. A coalition weakened by internal strife could easily be steamrolled by Tinubu’s APC. However, if the group manages to unite and compromise, it may yet become a formidable challenge. Only time will tell if the political will for unity outweighs the personal ambitions threatening to splinter it.
With the shadow of Nigeria’s 2027 elections almost upon us, a political coalition is quietly but steadily taking shape. Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rotimi Amaechi,
Garba
Elumelu
Atiku
at the helm
Governor Adeleke Ticks All the Boxes in Osun
Osun State is one of those places where political promises dissolve into thin air once uttered. But Governor Ademola Adeleke is a refreshing exception. Where others hesitate, he delivers. Where others made promises, he has brought clean water, fixed roads, and is letting communities see real, tangible improvements.
Water is a basic necessity and should not be a luxury. But for many in Osun, it’s been just that. Adeleke tackled this by dropping boreholes in every ward. No bureaucracy, no endless deliberations—just clean, drinkable water for the people.
Infrastructure is where many leaders stumble, but not this one. With 20km of roads constructed across the state and abandoned projects revived, Osun’s arteries are flowing again. The once-forgotten Osogbo/Ikirun/ Kwara boundary road is seeing a new lease of life, easing movement and trade. All because a governor recognizes that a good road does more than connect places—it connects possibilities.
What about light which has returned to communities long resigned to darkness?
Denzel-Armani, Von Blake Honour Obi Cubana with New Singles
In celebration of Chief Obinna Iyiegbu, popularly known as Obi Cubana, on his 50th birthday, Zeof Records artists Von Blake and DenzelArmani are set to release two new singles titled ‘Cubana-Zuorah’ and ‘Sweet Money.’
‘Cubana-Zuorah’ is a musical tribute that reflects Iyiegbu’s journey of selfactualization, mastery of his craft, and unyielding Igbo spirit. The song pays homage to his resilience, highlighting his rise from humble beginnings—starting with a garden lounge to building the renowned Cubana Group. This journey
of transformation is captured in various aspects throughout the track.
While ‘Cubana-Zuorah’ is a blend of contemporary Ogene infused with Trap, Pop, and Folk sounds, ‘Sweet Money’ leans into the Afropop rhythms of DenzelArmani and Von Blake.
The two songs are “a tribute to a man who has impacted positively on the lives of many in Igboland, in Nigeria, within and outside the African continent at large,” reads a statement from the record label.
The singles will be available on all platforms on April 3, 2025.
Rural electrification projects, transformers, and electrical materials have ensured that more homes can turn on a switch and see the glow of progress.
Healthcare, too, has been transformed under his watch. With 18,000 people receiving free surgeries and medical treatment under the Imole Surgical and Medical Outreach, families no longer have to choose between health and survival. Add to that 3,000 new enrollees in the Osun Health Insurance Scheme, and the message is clear: well-being is non-negotiable.
Development is not just about projects; it’s about people. When N518 million is presented to 40 communities for infrastructure, it’s not just money—it’s empowerment. When pension arrears dating back to 2016 are paid, it’s not just financial relief—it’s justice. A leader who remembers the past while shaping the future earns the trust of his people.
Adeleke’s approach is simple: fix what’s broken, improve what exists, and dream beyond limitations.
Folly Coker’s Grand Farewell: The Man Who Moved Tourism Forward
Chief Folorunsho Coker walked into the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority’s Village Hall on Tuesday, not as a man leaving his post, but as one whose work had made him unforgettable. The room swelled with applause,
When the doors of Lagos open up completely to the new culinary landmark that is Graceful Basil Aroma (GBA), the streets may stop boiling. Presently, it continues to do so at the news of GBA’s launching on April 1, 2025, at the Total Grace Oil and Gas Complex, Lekki. With the restaurant’s promise of wholesome, homestyle meals, this new spot is guaranteed to stand out in this city that never stops moving.
According to reports, GBA is not just about food; it’s about philosophy. Its menu, crafted from high-quality ingredients, offers meals that are both nourishing and deeply satisfying. For Lagosians balancing long hours and endless traffic, this is more than convenience—it’s a relief.
Behind this ambitious project is Basil Agboarumi, a man born in Imiegba, Edo State, whose early years were marked by hardship. He hawked everything from pap to fish and meat pies, trudging through
laughter, and an unspoken understanding— this was a farewell, but also a celebration of a man who had reshaped Nigerian tourism.
Over the past eight years, Coker’s leadership transformed the NTDA from a bureaucratic body into a force that actively shaped the nation’s tourism narrative. He didn’t just manage; he created. The enactment of the NTDA Act, digitalisation efforts, and global partnerships ensured that Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage reached audiences far beyond its borders.
His vision was never confined to boardrooms. Tour Nigeria, one of his signature initiatives, painted the country as an adventure worth taking. From festivals that honoured traditional cuisine to campaigns that placed Nigeria’s landscapes on the global map, Coker understood that tourism was not just about places—it was about stories.
His colleagues spoke of him not just as a leader, but as a mentor. Under his watch, the Authority expanded its organogram, creating jobs and increasing staff training. “He didn’t just tell us what to do; he showed us how to do it,” one staff member recalled emotionally.
Graceful Basil Aroma (GBA): A Bold New Chapter in Lagos Dining
When a man turns 60 and the heavyweights of politics, religion, and diplomacy troop in to celebrate him, it says something. Such was the scene at Emeka Ihedioha’s birthday, where a roll call of Nigeria’s political elite reaffirmed that he is still a force to reckon with.
Coker’s impact extended beyond policies and projects. Industrial peace flourished under his tenure, and relationships between staff and management improved significantly. He was known for his ability to unite people, urging them to rise above divisions and work toward a common goal—making Nigeria a premier tourist destination.
In his farewell speech, he spoke with the same conviction that had defined his tenure. Gratitude laced his words as he urged the NTDA team to uphold professionalism, reject tribalism, and embrace the spirit of collaboration. “We built this together,” he said. “And together, you must carry it forward.”
As he steps into a new phase, his legacy remains intact. Nigeria’s tourism sector is stronger because of his work, and those who gathered to honour him knew they had been part of something extraordinary. The applause that followed him out of the hall was not just for what he had done, but for the journey he had made possible for others.
the streets before the sun had fully risen. That experience did not just toughen him—it gave him an unshakable sense of purpose.
His story, however, is not one of struggle alone, but of triumph. From his beginnings as a bus conductor and street vendor, Agboarumi worked his way into corporate leadership. As CEO of Skyway Aviation Handling Company (SAHCO) Plc., he helped steer the company through the challenges of a global pandemic. Today, his credentials are impeccable, but his entrepreneurial spirit remains as sharp as ever.
Lagos, a city of over 20 million, is never short of places to eat. But GBA’s arrival proves that there is still space for innovation. With fast food often sacrificing quality for speed, and high-end dining out of reach for many, GBA fills a crucial gap.
More than a restaurant, GBA is an extension of Agboarumi’s philosophy: that success is not just about making money but about creating something that enriches lives. So, as the opening date nears, anticipation builds.
The presence of Olusegun Obasanjo, Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and others at the Abuja event was no mere formality. These are men who measure their words and movements carefully. Yet, they all converged to honour a man whose tenure, though abruptly ended, still reverberates in discussions about governance and integrity.
Atiku, with his usual candour, described Ihedioha as a steadfast ally— one who has remained unwavering even when political tides turned unexpectedly.
President Bola Tinubu’s message carried a similar weight, acknowledging Ihedioha’s contributions to legislative and executive governance. Such recognition from different political divides signals that, regardless of party affiliations, he is viewed as a key player in the nation’s democratic evolution. Political careers fade, but influence—when built on substance—endures.
Beyond politics, Ihedioha’s administrative strides in Imo State remain a reference point. His commitment to transparency with policies like the Treasury Single Account was not just governance by the book; it was governance with intent. Even the National Bureau of Statistics recognized Imo as Nigeria’s least corrupt state under his watch—no small feat in a nation where governance is often a spectator sport.
A man’s worth is often measured not by the positions he has held, but by the void his absence creates. Despite leaving office in 2020, Ihedioha’s governance style and policies still shape discussions in Imo.
They say the palm tree bends in the storm but does not break. At 60, Ihedioha stands tall—not just as a former governor or legislator, but as a statesman whose relevance refuses to wane. If birthdays serve as a mirror, his reflected a man whose past and present remain politically significant, with the future still unwritten.
Ihedioha
Von Blake and Denzel-Armani
Coker
Adeleke
Agboarumi
Dr. Ajayi, Onadele Families Find Love
JUSTICE KEKERE-EKUN: HOW ARE YOU MUMMY?
I have a huge and tremendous respect for mummy. As you all know, she is the sweet wife of the eternally-respectable former banker and highly-admired elder statesman, Mr. Kekere–Ekun, who I do not joke with.
It is as a result of this that I have really refrained from commenting or saying anything as things continue to go “one kind” with our judiciary.
Another reason why I have pulled back is the fact that I really do not understand how the system works, what stops at her table and what does not. As I don’t want to look illiterate, I keep quiet. But the boil is now turning to cancer, I must now shout. As mummy is the most visible amongst the possible leaders of the space, I come for her.
My dear Justice Kekere-Ekun, like I have said, I do not know which one is your own or which one that is not your own but the fact that the judiciary is facing an all time low popularity, stymied in a hugely scary lack of confidence by the general public makes one to be more than worried. When the judicial levers collapse in the way it is looking, then we are facing anarchy. I tell you, it is so bad that nobody is even interested in going through the tedious process of seeking judicial intervention and have decided to girdle things in their own way. Those who are still civilised will set up community committees to adjudicate, others face babalawos’ and juju, others jungle justice while the vast majority just remain silent all because justice is now a very strange
word in our lexicon.
The tediousness of the judicial system coupled with its colourful outcomes have made us all now begin to resort to self help instead of throwing yourself into the labyrinth that is your judiciary with unsure outcomes.
Are we going to wait for the public to start stoning judges and pouring them pure water? Did you see my brother Mike Asuqo’s cartoon where the judiciary was epitomised by your face firmly in the pockets of one big politician.
My dear mummy, I know of you as being a strict and principled champion of legal rights, can you kindly firm up and do something or better still, if it’s too much, just resign and go so that your reputation and legacy doesn’t get browned.
I really am picking my words for obvious reasons but I write with a heavy heart. It’s all so sad, the judiciary seems to be gone with the wind. Sad
NATASHA AKPOTI–UDUAGHAN GOING, GOING, GONE?
This is classic. You have a problem; you go to the source. We have just seen a report from INEC that they have received the petition for her recall. Initially, they claimed that the petition was not well documented but later reported that everything is intact now so the process will continue.
This is strategy at play and must be commended. But that said, let me state it here very clearly that Senator Akpabio has lost me now.
When this whole thing started, I was with Senator Natasha and then when she
The late Dr. Tosin Ajayi and Mrs. Helen Prest Ajayi have announced the engagement of their daughter, Oluwatomisin A jayi, the son of Mr. Bola Onadele Koko and Mrs. Fadeke Onadele, T’Oluwase SéSé Onadele.
The new lovebirds will be getting married in the coming days.
Oluwatomisin Ajayi’s mother, Mrs. Helen Prest Ajayi is a mother, lawyer, author, literacy advocate, philanthropist, and lifestyle expert, while her husband died in 2020.
Mrs Ajayi had gained widespread recognition after securing the prestigious Miss Nigeria crown in 1979. She later pursued higher education at King’s College London and successfully attained a master’s degree in law.
Following a successful 20year career as a lawyer, Helen decided to temporarily step back from her professional life to dedicate herself to r aising her three daughters.
Mr. Bola Onad ele Koko is the MD/CEO of FMDQ OTC PLC and has over 20 years’ financial services experience.
pulled in the sexual karassment kini, she lost me and now that the issue of the recall has come on board, Akpabio has lost me.
Going for her recall clearly justifies her position that she is being silenced. She has made her position very clear, the Senate Committee on Ethics is sitting, cases are in various courts and suddenly a case of recall is on the table and championed by people who have dotted lines to her persecutors.
My advice to the fair lady is to also look for a way to trigger the same treatment for Akpabio if she has the muscle. This would be tough sha, since the man is looking like a goliath, especially in that his senatorial district where the women have been recorded to run around with one wrapper screaming that he is the messiah.
With the way Nigeria is, the recall of this obviously inexperienced lady is very inevitable and even though I am pitying her, I must say that she brought this on to herself trying to weaponise feminism with a sexual harassment that has come without any iota of evidence.
While pitying her, let me even say that her cheerleaders, like the one they have called smelly mouth, are the real culprits. They goad, push and provoke women like Natasha instead of sitting them down and giving them constructive advice.
Senator Ita-Giwa made some sense but was shouted down, today womanhood has been totally derided all on the table of an inconsistent and woeful projection of its might.
Real women should now stand up and
fight for Nigeria and throw up better role models away from these pancake and “smelly mouth” activists who really have nothing to offer but a meaningless push that achieves nothing. Thank you.
ATIKU ABUBAKAR: AKPABIO ON HIS MIND
The former Vice President has “killed” the Senate President - oh he is very corrupt and a known abuser of women, he lamented in a recent interview. Mbok, this Akpabio sef get mind oo. All these on him and he is still there, carrying gavel with a smiling face and in his very deep Akwa Ibom accent still presiding. The days of honourable men have long gone. They are all dead and gone. Not one honourable man in power- yes, I have said it, come and beat me.
Honourable men now just sit in their terraces reminiscing past glory days when they ruled the roost.
Mbok, would a man like Akpabio be elected into the local council as a clerk in the 60s or even the 80s?
Reputation is no longer a currency in Nigeria, for if it was, would we even be contending with a personality that is so tainted?
As an Akwa Ibom man, I refuse to be ashamed because I had shouted at inception that although this was the highest, we as a people have ever reached in public office, we threw up the ”wrongest” of personalities to represent us. Even if all these allegations come to naught, the reputation is gone, legacy wiped out and when the history of this epoch will be written, it will be seared with two words – corruption and sexual
Natasha Akpoti
Kekere-Ekun
Atiku
T’Oluwase (left) and Oluwatomisin
Ibru
harassment.
Everywhere you go - ohhh I slapped him. You turn the other corner – he held my hands and whispered into my ears. The next corner – he has a doctor where he tests them for HIV before bedding - all sorts of stories both real and fake. These are just some and countless more in the rumour mills that one cannot mention here.
Self-control is a virtue that we men must learn. Nigerian women are some of the most beautiful and alluring in the world and people like me have suffered in their hands because of the relative weakness we have when it comes to their matter. But at the level that Akpabio is operating, he cannot afford to be showing these alleged weaknesses to the extent that in every discussion about him, it’s his zippers instead of his contribution to national development that is the order of the day.
Mbok, ndito Akwa Ibom, nko ini akem se ikpi dakada etang iko me ete mi. I am sorry I had to enter my native tongue, the shame is too much, so I had to send a secret message to our people to do something. Akwa Ibomites are today covered in the foul smell of hubris. Really sad.
CECILIA IBRU: NURSERY
RHYMES IN A BOOK
Aghhhhhh!!! That was my first reaction when I saw the report in the book. The big mummy of banking has written a book o. Her experience from hospital to prison. You see, na Obasanjo start this matter and IBB took it to another level, pulling in billions. And now mummy banker has bucked the trend and released a book.
Snippets that I have seen didn’t disappoint me. What I read was just an ode to the emotions; a push towards currying public pity in a strenuous attempt to rewrite history.
Oh, she was having serious chest pains, her heart was beating irregularly and she had just landed in Abuja and her hand was shaking and she called her doctor who asked her to come back immediately to Lagos and she was rushed to the hospital to meet the great Dr. Ajuluchukwu who happens to be my in-law, and when the reports came in, the doctor screamed and the diagnosis was –heartbrokenness.
You know how Nigerians like to do follow follow. Before you know it, you will start to be seeing books everywhere. Obasa, Wike and even the traffic warden at Falomo will all write their books and embellish it with all sorts to make a compelling reading.
Shebi we have been lamenting that our reading culture is poor. Well, all these will reverse that. My own suggestion is that all these books from these kinds of authors should be made compulsory reading in our prisons, it will go a long way to “reform” them. Mbok, make una let me rest abeg.
PASTOR FEMI LAZARUS: STIRRING THE HORNET’S NEST
The controversy has been burning- the fight between the pastors and the gospel singers. The partners in “crime” have been at each other’s throats. The pastors say that the gospel singers are offending by charging so much, and the gospel singers on their part are saying – no, we deserve to be paid and like you, will not wait till heaven to get our rewards. We too want to drive a Rolls Royce.
The matter got to a crescendo when the above mentioned pastor released an invoice from a gospel artist asking for N15m as fee amongst other luxuries to come and pour sweat and spit on the congregation. In retaliation, great singer, Timi Dakolo, weighed in by also exposing the great man of God who charged a “low” $150 per person to teach bible. While the fire was going on, people like me were throwing in petrol. I weighed in – mbok if you people can buy N1.7billion car for you eternal GO and be living a hedonistic lifestyle that would make the richest of pop stars green with envy, mbok what is a paltry N15million to pay the one that will rehearse, pay session men, rent equipment, buy costumes and jump up and down over night in their funny crusades?
For my effort, I was severely abused, warned and threatened – Edgar touch not the anointed- that is what they always tell me and I will reply, “I never see the anointed yet o. When I see am, I will not touch, for now, if you bring any of them near me, na slap.”
Timi and his brother Femi later reconciled – their business. The issue on the ground is still hot – where is all the money coming from and what kind of accountability can we put in place and who regulates this sector because my brother na major sector of the economy. LIRS, FIRS, where are you?
As I write, Duchess has gone for a five-day crusade, meaning that no other room activity and the House of Representatives wants to ban porn. So you see my frustration.
LANRE ALFRED: AN AMAZING OUTING
The invite read South-west games and I became immediately excited. Sports were a part of our growing up years in Lagos. Football, boxing, and table tennis were the main thing. We thronged the national stadium and the boxing rings at the Army Sports Camp in Shomolu to watch games. In my youth, I watched Bash Ali, Okorodudu and the Mobil classics with a penchant. Today all that is gone. So, when I saw the invite, I said I would attend and then I saw the name - Lanre Alfred.
Lanre is an iconic journalist, an arrowhead in the soft sell genre. Lanre with the gods – Dele Momodu, FAJ and Mayor Akinpelu really triggered my interest in media, especially Lanre who I had followed from City People to THISDAY and then to his online platform,
KAYODE FAYEMI: ALL HAIL THE PRESIDENT
Mbok, I laughed and nearly fell off my seat. The former two-time governor of my favourite state, Ekiti, had just called me. “Edgar, when did you write what you wrote o,” he said in his deep voice. Aghhhhh, my Lord, it’s almost two days oo.
“Edgar, you have put cocaine in my pocket o. I have received calls from all over the world o and I have been swearing to everybody that I have not seen you in three years.”
My people, you know me na, I just woke up that morning and looked at the whole thing again and wrote an essay on my Whatsapp suggesting Mr. Fayemi as our replacement for president. That is the cocaine I put in his pocket o.
The whole place went agog. Even me, my phone did not stop ringing and the reason is very obvious. The sitting President will go for a second term. Mr. Fayemi belongs to his school of
thought – well so it seems – so this suggestion was truly setting him up as a target within their cabal.
The man had to quickly and very strenuously deny me –Edgar, I told them that shey you people know Duke, he just says his own and says come and beat me. I didn’t send him o, I don’t even know him o.
Well, Mr. Fayemi did not send me o, I have not seen him physically for three years and the last time I saw him was when I went to brief him about my play ‘Fajuyi’ which was driven by celibacy. I had not had sex in weeks and started hallucinating and Mr. Fayemi’s image kept appearing in my head and I wrote about it.
I will be having sex in the coming week and after that, let us see if Mr. Fayemi will still hover in my head as a convenient replacement for this train wreck. So, guys, make we dey see. Thank you.
positioning him very firmly in the pantheons of the great.
I rushed to the Onikan Stadium opening event very late as per Lagos wahala but the rushes of the opening ceremony that I later watched showed that it was indeed a magnificent outing.
The contingents filed out in dazzling colours, the entire stage holding the mercurial Saheed Osupa with the hugely engaging Gbenga Adeyinka holding sway.
I saw my brother Lekan Fatudo, the Lagos State Sports Chairman. Lekan has been working some miracles since he emerged. His partnership with Yemi Edun berthing the table tennis classics and now this South-west games? All coming from leaders who are less than 50 years in age shows that there is truly hope.
Well done Lanre and his team.
CHIKE OGEAH IS STILL STANDING
It has been one year since the passing of the elegant Funke Ogeah. Funke is Ogbuefi Chike Ogeah’s late wife and to mark the solemn occasion, Chike held a very private and quiet service in her honour at the well-apportioned Ebony Vaults where I also buried my wife, Mena Joseph Edgar.
As expected, a very elegant audience appeared. I saw Babatunde Fashola, the former Governor of Lagos, Pastor Ituah Ighodalo, Olumide Akpata and that pastor that they “drove out” from Redeemed Church and a rich crowd of Ikeja GRA people.
Funke was a sweet lady and her passing touched a raw nerve amongst the people who knew and loved her.
As the ceremony was ebbing, I seized the opportunity to go visit Mena’s grave. It was still very beautiful and the flowers had withered. I stood there for a second and had some nice conversations with her and then turned and walked away with small tears in my eyes.
Not easy sha.
ADEGBULUGBE HITS 70
The Chancellor of Joseph Ayo Babalola University, Arakeji in Osun State, Professor Anthony Adegbulugbe, will be 70 on Wednesday, April 2. The shy academician is the first son of his parents - Evangelist Victoria Adegbulugbe and Pa Adegbulugbe who were major pillars of Christ Apostolic Church in the old Western Region of Nigeria. He too is a major pillar in the Christ Apostolic Church in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
Professor Adegbulugbe graduated with a B.Sc in electrical engineering from the University of Ife, (now Obafemi Awolowo University) in 1976 with a First Class and Grade Point Average (GPA) of 5.0 on a scale of 5.0. He furthered his education at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), where he earned a D.Sc. in nuclear materials engineering with a minor program in energy planning and management in June 1981. Throughout his career, Professor Adegbulugbe has been actively involved in shaping energy policies and plans for Nigeria. He played a crucial role in designing the Energy Master Plan for Nigeria. Professor Adegbulu gbe’s professional history includes a range of positions and projects. Adegbulugbe has also been involved in consultancy projects, including the Renewable Energy Masterplan for Nigeria and the evaluation of energy infrastructural needs and the role of the private sector in the oil, gas, and power sectors.
He is a member of prestigious professional bodies, including the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Knowledge Networks for Sustainable Energy in Africa (KNSEA), the International Association of Energy Economists (IAEE), and the Africa Energy Policy Research Network (AFREPREN). He is the Chairman and Chief Executive of Green Energy International Limited, an indigenous energy company in Nigeria that provides oil and gas for the domestic market and supports local host communities.
Professor Adegbulugbe is married to an equally shy Afolake, first daughter of Professor John Omoniyi Abiri (June 9, 1937- April 17, 2024), the Obapero of Abiri Kingdom in Ile-Ife in Osun State.
Fayemi
Inside the ‘Insane’ Birthday Bash of Ghanaian Billionaire
Vanessa Obioha
Afew years ago, Richard Nii Armah Quaye, a Ghanaian businessman whose rags-to-riches story is sometimes described as incredible, was relatively unknown. But last weekend in Accra, Ghana, Quaye, fondly known as RNAQ, was the talk of the town. From the Kotoka International Airport to the Kempinski Hotel in Gold Coast, everyone seemed to have his name on their lips.
The reason for the rave was not farfetched. Quaye, a serial entrepreneur and investor, was celebrating his 40th birthday in grand style and invited prominent celebrities from across Africa to join in the festivities. Nollywood celebrities like Richard Mofe Damijo, Rita Dominic, Ramsey Nouah, Ini Edo, Shaffy Bello and others were among the A-listers in attendance.
Ghanaian movie icons like Chris Attoh, Van Vicker, John Dumelo, Adjetey Anang, and James Gardiner were also present, alongside dignitaries like The Ga Mantse King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, businessman Dr. Ernest Ofori Sarpong, media mogul Dr. Osei Kwame Despite, and legendary footballer Samuel Osei Kuffour. Even Hollywood actress Sheryl Lee Ralph graced the event with her presence. Ghanaian celebrity Joselyn Dumas and Nigerian media celebrity, Toke Makinwa were the hosts of the night.
If the guest list was any indication of Quaye’s success, the venue further confirmed it. He chose the iconic
Independence Square for the occasion—a site typically reserved for historic events. Quaye, however, was determined to make a bold statement. Although he didn’t use the entire square, the area he transformed for the party was nothing short of spectacular.
With over 400 staff working to bring his vision to life, the open space was reimagined as a fairytale-like castle, featuring four distinct entrances themed in red, aquamarine, nude, and gold. Each section was elegantly decorated, with backdrops, flowers, and chandeliers that evoked a magical atmosphere. The aquamarine hall, for example, featured aquatic animals on screens both at the entrance and as part of the backdrop, creating an immersive experience. To ensure no moment was missed, additional screens were set up throughout the venue.
The stage was another marvel. Designed to accommodate all performances, a regal spot was reserved for the birthday man. while reserving a kingly spot for the man of the moment. White couches were arranged for VIP guests, where celebrities like Bello and Waje relaxed as the night unfolded.
Although the event was scheduled to start at 7 p.m., the real festivities didn’t begin until midnight. As this reporter discovered, it’s common for Ghanaian events to run late into the night, often ending in the early hours of the morning. Even after Davido’s 5 a.m. performance, the party continued with an after-party.
With a lineup of artists from Nigeria, Ghana, and Tanzania, Quaye’s birthday bash turned into an impromptu concert. Musicians like Queen Efya, Kidi, Diamond Platnumz, and King Promise performed medleys, each set lasting more than 15 minutes. The guests transformed the celebration into a dance floor, especially
when DJ Faculty amped up the energy with crowd favorites.
But the musicians who brought the house down with their performances were Sarkodie who is known as The Landlord in his hometown, Stonebwoy who brought the dancehall flavour and Davido who closed the party. Each of these music stars had the guest up on their feet, singing along and rocking their bodies to their energetic and melodic sounds.
Also entertaining the audience were a group of carnival dancers. They danced to the popular Brazilian song ‘Mas Qué Nada,’ often alternating between Samba sounds and afrobeats such as when they seamlessly transitioned to Wizkid’s ‘Kese.’
Quaye, who owns Ghana’s largest record label, Links, proved that he’s not only a businessman but also a showman. He frequently joined performers on stage, dancing, embracing his guests, and sharing celebratory toasts.
Beyond the entertainment, Quaye made a few memorable statements during the night, from his regal entrance to receiving luxury cars gifted by his
business partners. Playing the gracious host, he personally greeted guests at their tables, exchanging pleasantries and making everyone feel welcome.
For outsiders, the opulence of the event might raise eyebrows. But Quaye who is the founder of Bills Micro Credit and Quick Angels Limited is reportedly a shrewd businessman whose claim to wealth is through hard work and determination.
While honouring him, his partners described Quaye as a successful entrepreneur and accomplished businessman, emphasizing his belief that business acumen is essential for Africa’s economic transformation. They also highlighted his significant contributions to youth development in Ghana, and praised his diverse business strategies, noting his unflinching optimism in making ventures profitable.
Gardiner hailed him for using his entrepreneurial skills to sell Ghana.
“He’s an inspiration to the young people out there, to aspire to be like him and achieve this much.”
For many guests, the lingering question was: if Quaye’s 40th birthday was this extravagant, what will his 50th look like? Only time will tell, but it’s certain the wait will be worth it.
Ramsey Nouah, Ini Edo and Quaye
Davido performing on stage
Diamond Platnumz
The birthday king, Richard Nii Armah Quaye
Quaye
Richard Mofe Damijo
Sarkodie entertaining guests at Quaye’s party
ARTS & REVIEW ARTS &
A PUBLICATION
A Fair full of Experiential Encounters
The +234 Art Fair has returned to Lagos’ vibrant art scene, building on last year’s success with an exciting lineup of events, exhibitions, and discussions celebrating art and patronage. Okechukwu Uwaezuoke reports
Since the +234 Art Fair made its grand entrance into Lagos’ vibrant art scene last year, torrents of expectations have been swirling around its imminent return this year. While its comeback was almost a foregone conclusion, the focus has shifted to how the organisers will build upon last year’s success and ensure the event’s long-term sustainability. Already with the assurance of its purpose-built venue at the Ecobank waterfront premises on Ozumba Mbadiwe Street in Victoria Island, the stage is set for an even more impressive outing.
The choice of this year’s theme, Championing Patronage in Nigerian Art, should, therefore, be deemed a logical step towards this objective. “In Nigeria, we are surrounded by extraordinary creative talent,” writes the art fair’s founder, Tola Akerele, in a letter published in the exhibition’s catalogue. “But we also know that talent alone isn’t enough. Artists need room to breathe. They need systems that support, communities that care, people who don’t just admire from afar – but lean in, invest and stay.”
Akerele, who is also the general manager and CEO of the National Theatre, extends the concept of true art patrons far beyond collectors who acquire artworks, fund careers, and fuel passions. In her opinion, they should also include the friends who purchase who coax budding talents, the siblings who who invite others to partake in the beauty of art. In these everyday acts of kindness, she discerns the building blocks of a thriving creative ecosystem. Each gesture, no matter how small, whispers to the artists that they are valued, their voices matter, and their presence is felt.
Rooted in a celebration of art and patronage, the fair’s opening on Thursday, March 27, which was headlined by a keynote address – titled “The Future of Art Patronage: Building Inclusive and Sustainable Collector Networks” – by the US-based Eboni Gates, was preceded on Wednesday, March 26, by
was serenaded by Amma Abena and Live Band performance.
sponsored VIP party, two more exclusive events took place. On Friday, March 28, the AFC VIP party was held at the VIP lounge from 4 pm. The following day, Saturday, March 29, a by-invitationonly sponsors VIP event, sponsored by Balvenie, took place from 6 pm.
The AFC VIP party was preceded by a workshop on “Telling Stories with Afegbua and Omotayo Otitoju. This was followed by a panel discussion, “Murals and the City: The Role of Patronage
in Public Art”, featuring Osa Steven, Polly Alakija, Divine Momoh, and Mr Waduud, moderated by Papa Omotayo, a UK-based artist and architect.
On Saturday, the sponsors’ VIP event was preceded by a workshop, “Art and Identity: The Power of Your Own Story", facilitated by Nicole Asinugo and Sophie Bouillon. A panel discussion, “Art Meets Commerce: Patronage through Branding”, moderated Aina and William Chechet.
The +234 Art Fair has an exciting lineup of events still to come. Today, Sunday, March chat with Hakeem Adedeji, a performance
by Ibejii, The Dew Centre -Dew after Dark. On Monday, March 31, two thoughtprovoking panel discussions will take place. of Lifelong Patronage”, will feature Adeniyi Adenubi, Jibril Enakele, Nancy Keshinro, and Osahon Okunbo, moderated by Nicole Asinugo. The second discussion, “Art in the Age of Innovation: Rethinking Patronage for Digital Creatives and Photographers”, will feature Dayo Adedayo, Osinachi, and Ade Adekola, moderated by Anthony Azekwoh. The art fair will culminate in a Tiger beersponsored closing party at the Masterclass Hall from 5 pm.
Meanwhile, the annual event, organised in partnership with Ecobank, AFC, and Craneburg as the primary sponsor among a slew of others, has resonated deeply with young art enthusiasts. This has cemented its position as one of the most popular and highly anticipated local art events in recent memory. has carved out a unique identity, setting it apart from other events and leaving a lasting impression on attendees.
While some may argue that the fair draws inspiration from its competitor, Art X Lagos, this does not diminish its impact. In fact, the +234 Art Fair seems designed to give Art X Lagos a run for its money. Notably, the fair’s scheduling at the end of March also breaks away from the traditional October-November period, which had become the established local art season.
Its credibility is rooted in its impressive curatorial team, which collaborates with the LagosPhoto team, led by Azu Nwagbogu. Notably, LagosPhoto has expanded its operational base to both the Benin Republic and Nigeria, with this year’s thought-provoking theme being “Incarceration”.
Also, the art fair’s inclusive approach to diverse range of mediums – including paintings, drawings, mixed-media works, sculpture, photography, and digital art – the fair caters to a broad spectrum of artistic interests. Additionally, its focus on prioritising artists over galleries provides a unique and enriching experience for art enthusiasts.
One of the stands at the art fair featuring photography
Another stand at the art fair
IN THE ARENA
Unbridled Obsession with 2027 Elections
Despite Nigeria’s current challenges, the self-centred political class seems more focused on the 2027 elections than addressing critical issues affecting the masses and fulfilling their campaign promises to their constituents, Davidson Iriekpen writes
With just less than two years into the tenure of the current administrations at the federal and state levels, the focus of the political class has already shifted from governance to the 2027 elections.
In well-functioning democracies, once a new government is inaugurated for a four-year term, it immediately begins fulfilling campaign promises. It is not until after three and a half years that the focus shifts to re-election.
But this is not the case in Nigeria where immediately after a new government resumes office, rather than face governance squarely, its agents and political party surreptitiously begin to plot for the next elections.
In no time, the chants of “No Vacancy in Aso Rock in…” or “No Vacancy in Government House in …” become common in the media.
Though President Bola Tinubu has not spent two years in his first four-year mandate, the political atmosphere in the country is already charged and tense over the 2027 elections with some sycophants already drumming support for him for 2027.
Even the president had on many occasions informed Nigerians that his focus is not on 2027 yet, but on how to deliver good governance to the people, his body language and the political intrigues coming out of the Presidency do not discourage the subtle re-election campaigns. His failure to call some of his aides championing the clamour for 2027 to order lends credence to his subtle and tacit approval.
In December 2023, Daniel Bwala, President Bola Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Public Communication and Media, while speaking in his capacity as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Presidential Campaign Council spokesperson in the 2023 general election, declared that even if Tinubu was given 30 years, nothing would work in Nigeria.
Ironically, the same Bwala has made a U-turn today, claiming that nobody can defeat the same Tinubu in 2027 due to his impressive achievements.
Also, some serving governors, in their second term, have abandoned governance to eye the presidency when they still have over two years to provide dividends of democracy to their people.
In some states, governors who are in their first term have shifted focus to re-election, leaving governance to suffer.
Professional politicians with governorship and senatorial ambitions have become a distraction to the current occupants of these offices, turning the heat on them, while good governance is relegated to the background.
Sadly, all these are playing out when the ordinary citizens, whom they claim to serve, are facing the worst times of their lives. With inflation, insecurity, kidnapping, armed robbery, joblessness, and hunger becoming the norm, life remains miserable for the common people.
Yet, the preoccupation of the political class is how to get another term in office or anoint a successor and amass public funds to fund the next election.
The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, had set the tone for 2027 when after the September 21, 2024 governorship election in Edo State, he said his party would use its template in the Edo governorship election to win the November 16 elec-
tion in Ondo and also take over Anambra, and other states in the South-east.
Even when he led members of the National Working Committee (NWC) of the APC to a stakeholders’ meeting in Akure before the governorship election in the state, Ganduje vowed that APC would capture Ondo and other Southwest states, stressing that the strategy to be deployed to win the Ondo election would be kept under wraps.
He noted that taking over control of Ondo and Osun states would boost the re-election bid of President Tinubu, who is from the region, in 2027.
“In this geopolitical zone, we must deliver 100 per cent in favour of APC. Therefore, Ondo State, you must be at the forefront, the two other states – Oyo and Osun – we will capture them, but I will not reveal our secret. We are strategising. Everything must be 100 per cent behind President Tinubu,” he said.
Many observers had viewed his utterances as ominous signs that INEC would not deliver a credible election any time soon.
In recent times, the visits of President Tinubu’s son, Seyi, to influential northern leaders and politicians have raised the tempo of political activities ahead of the 2027 elections.
While these visits have been described as Ramadan outreach and the Renewed Hope Youth Engagement initiative, many observers see them as a calculated political move to strengthen his father’s political influence in the North.
The premature focus on the next electoral cycle, less than two years into the tenure of this administration, is a distraction to the current occupants of elective offices and a disservice to the Nigerian people who entrusted them with the mandate to govern them for four years.
Having lost out in the previous elections, it is not out of place for the opposition parties to begin to strategise, align and realign or plan a coalition far ahead of the 2027 general election.
But the priority of those already in government should be to allow their good works to speak for them instead of losing focus with reelection bids.
The attention being given to the elections coming up in 2027 by elected political actors in the current administration at the federal and state levels may jeopardise the fulfilment of the campaign promises made before the 2023 general election.
Politicians must prioritise good governance over their selfish ambitions. The primary duty of elected officials is to serve the people for four uninterrupted years.
By allowing their ambitions to overshadow their responsibilities, they are betraying the trust reposed in them by the electorate. This is why the political class should set aside their personal ambitions and focus on delivering tangible results and meaningful change for the Nigerian people.
As Nigerians approach the 2027 elections, the nation’s future and its citizens’ wellbeing depend on the decisions and actions taken by those in positions of power. It is a matter of duty for the political class to rise above their self-interests and work towards building a better and more prosperous Nigeria for all.
Politicians need to jettison their 2027 ambitions and concentrate on governance. The Nigerian electorate deserves better, and it is up to the political class to deliver on their promises and uphold the principles of good governance and democracy.
POLITICAL NOTES Pitfalls of Appointing LG Administrators in Rivers
A recent report claiming that the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd) was planning to appoint administrators to take charge of the 23 local government areas (LGAs) in the state has raised concerns on the commitment of Ibas and the presidency to maintain neutrality in the political crisis in the state.
Though neither the sole administrator nor the presidency confirmed the report, the allegation that most of the appointees are in the political camp of one of the feuding parties in the crisis has raised further apprehension in the state.
If this development is true, it will lend credence to the allegation that President Bola Tinubu declared the state of emergency to hand over power and political structure of the state to one of the feuding camps.
Many residents of the state who are clamouring for permanent peace would want the sole administrator to run the LGs with the neutral career public servants he met in office instead of appointing the loyalists of one of the two political camps in the state to run the councils.
Ibas has already directed the Heads of Local Government Administration (HLGAs), across the 23 LGAs of the state to submit reports on functions of the councils, the number of staff on the nominal roll, sources of revenue for the LGAs, and other relevant details, not later than last Wednesday.
Apart from violating the Supreme Court judgment, which prohibits the appointment of caretaker committees to run the LG councils in the country, appointing partisan persons to run the 23 councils in the state will plunge the
state into crisis.
Already, a group, the Rivers Emancipation Movement, has vowed to take to the streets if Ibas appoints administrators to take charge of the 23 local government areas of the state.
The group, in an open letter addressed to Ibas and sent to journalists in Port Harcourt, last Monday, expressed worry over the plot to appoint administrators in the councils.
A civil society organisation, Pilex Centre, has also condemned the alleged plot to appoint administrators for the 23 LG councils in the state, describing the plot as “unconstitutional and a clear instance of illegality breeding illegality”.
For peace to reign in Rivers State, power should not be handed over to one of the warring camps through the backdoor.
Tinubu
BRIEFING NOTES
As N’Assembly Battles Image Crisis
This is not the best of times for the Senator Godswill Akpabio-led 10th National Assembly.
While the Senator Ahmad Lawan-led 9th National Assembly was perceived as the worst rubber-stamp legislature since the return of democracy in 1999, the present federal lawmakers suffer reputational damage due to the many allegations against them.
They are also perceived to have failed to subject the executive to the necessary checks and balances required in a democracy.
It would be recalled that barely 24 hours after the House of Representatives last Wednesday passed for second reading the bill for the removal of immunity for the Offices of the Vice President, governors, and deputy governors, the lawmakers on Thursday rescinded their decision on the proposed legislation, following what sources close to the lawmakers described as an order from the executive arm of government.
However, the current federal lawmakers should be more concerned about its image.
The image crisis got to a peak with the sexual harassment allegation by the suspended lawmaker representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, against the Senate President, Akpabio.
Akpabio and his supporters have denied the allegation, as she provided no credible evidence to support her claims.
Akpabio’s wife, Unoma has also filed multiple lawsuits at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, against her, claiming N250 billion in damages for alleged defamation.
Responding to the court action in a letter dated March 1, 2025, which was addressed to Mrs Akpabio, the suspended senator’s lawyer, Mr Victor Giwa, claimed that: “Our client has concrete evidence to substantiate her allegations.”
While Nigerians are awaiting her concrete evidence, she has since escalated the allegations at the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) meeting in New York, which she attended.
At the IPU meeting on March 11, she raised the allegations of sexual harassment against the senate president to the embarrassment of the National Assembly and the Nigerian government.
The senator is yet to return to Nigeria, having raised the alarm of her alleged planned arrest on her return. This, however, hasn’t stopped her from escalating her allegation to the international audience, causing
more reputational damage to federal lawmakers.
In an interview with the BBC, Akpoti-Uduaghan alleged that Akpabio repeatedly made sexual advances towards her in and out of the Senate chamber — and sometimes before other senators.
She has also formally filed a petition before the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC), seeking the disbarment of the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions, Senator Nedamwen Bernards Imasuen from the Nigerian Bar.
This fresh allegation has caused more havoc to the image of the Senate. In the petition, she alleged that Senator Imasuen was permanently disbarred by the New York Supreme Court, Appellate Division, Second Department, on May 10, 2010, following a complaint by Daphne Slyfield, a client who accused him of misappropriating legal fees and multiple breaches of professional
New reports also emerged in the media claiming that the federal lawmakers received bribes to endorse the state of emergency declaration in Rivers State.
But Akpabio, in a statement issued by his spokesperson, Eseme Eyiboh, described the bribery allegation as an attempt to blackmail lawmakers.
The Deputy spokesman of the House, Hon. Philip Agbese, also described the allegation as false, malicious and emanating from “the pit of hell.”
While Akpabio said he hosted senators at his guest house for an Iftar meal but that no money was shared, the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on FCT, Mukhtar Aliyu Betara, reportedly admitted that he shared $5,000 with members of his committee as a “Sallah gesture” and not as an inducement to support the emergency rule in Rivers State.
But former President Olusegun Obasanjo has insisted that the lawmakers received bribes to ratify the state of emergency.
In a video clip that went viral, Obasanjo
told a member of the House of Representatives, Ikenga Ugochinyere, that he had direct knowledge of the payments.
However, Ugochinyere, who denied the reports that federal lawmakers were paid $200,000 each to support the emergency rule, said: “Nobody gave anyone $200,000. That is just what I want to correct.”
Despite his denial, Obasanjo insisted: “You can say anything. I heard it from the horse’s mouth. You can deny it; that is alright, but I heard it from those who got it and told me that they got it. If you didn’t get it, then maybe your case is different. Don’t tell me what I know. Most of your members who got it told me that they got it.”
Obviously worried by the damage the allegation caused to the image of the National Assembly, a former President of the Senate, Dr Bukola Saraki had warned that the Senate, as a vital institution, must be protected from any actions that could tarnish its reputation.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has also accused the leadership of the National Assembly of corruption.
Atiku spoke on Wednesday in an interview with ARISE News Channel, stating that he was not surprised at how the senate approved the state of emergency.
He said: “I was not surprised because I know the leadership is corrupt, and I have no apologies for saying that.”
As the Senate grapples with reputational damage following sexual harassment allegations against the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio by the suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, Ejiofor Alike reports that further accusations of financial inducements to approve a state of emergency in Rivers State have exacerbated the National Assembly’s image crisis conduct.
The damaging assessments by such important personalities were evidence of the federal lawmakers’ declining reputation, no matter their business-as-usual posturing.
This development should worry the Nigerian government given the incalculable damage to Nigeria’s foreign image.
Former President Goodluck Jonathan recently expressed worry over the current bad image of Nigeria.
“I always plead with our people that whatever we do affects everybody and sometimes we do things and we think that it doesn’t affect us.
“Why is it that our passport is not valued that much? Why is it that Nigerians are not given the kind of treatment we’re supposed to receive at international airports?
“Sometimes, we think it’s because of ‘yahoo’ boys or 419. Not only them; yes, they are part of the problem. But whatever happens in the country, decisions that are taken by the executive arm of government, decisions that are taken by the parliament, and judicial decisions affect everybody,” Jonathan reportedly explained while responding to the state of emergency in Rivers State.
Who Will Save Akpoti-Uduaghan?
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) last Wednesday notified the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio and the suspended Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan about plans by the latter’s constituents to recall her.
The notification followed a letter written by the petitioners to the commission, providing their detailed addresses.
The commission, had in a statement issued on Tuesday by its National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, acknowledged receiving the petition.
However, hope rekindled for the embattled senator’s supporters when INEC pointed out that the petitioners failed to provide the necessary addresses, phone numbers and email addresses, as required under the
commission’s Regulations and Guidelines for Recall 2024.
But Akpoti-Uduaghan, through her lawyer, Victor Giwa, in a letter dated March 26, accused INEC of compromising its neutrality by offering guidance to the petitioners, insisting that INEC should have outrightly rejected the petition.
To confirm her fears of the commission’s alleged bias, the suspended senator was few hours later notified by the commission that it had received the contact details of the petitioners.
With this development, INEC has set the stage for the fastest recall process in the political history of the country.
This has raised suspicions about the neutrality of the commission, and also demonstrated that strong forces are after the suspended senator.
There are speculations that a prominent politician in the state who is facing corruption trial in the
courts is being prepared to replace her.
Since Akpoti-Uduaghan made allegations of sexual harassment against Akpabio, she has been facing many battles, which even the courts could not save her.
Though the suspended senator had secured a court injunction from Justice Isa Dashen of the Federal High Court, Lokoja, barring the commission from accepting the recall petition, the court vacated the order barely 48 hours later following an oral application by counsel to INEC, Abdullahi Aliyu (SAN).
Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja had also previously issued an interim order on March 4, halting the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions from proceeding with disciplinary action against her but the Senate ignored the order and suspended her for six months a day later. However, the same Senate Committee declined to deliberate on her sexual allegation petition, claiming that the matter is in court.
Akpabio
INTERNATIONAL
Africa’s Recidivist Self-Enslavement: Mortgaging
DRC’s Sovereignty with Mineral Deals
To which world will Africa belong in the foreseeable future? Many people strongly, but wrongly, believed that the timeAfrica belonged to the primitive world has been thrown into the garbage of history. However, we observe that, sooner than later, a new world cannot but be created in order to accommodate Africa alone in the world. It should be recalled that many worlds exist based on different criteria. Which world will there be for Africa? Firstly, the world has been geo-politically divided by the equator. The equator, at the point of Kiribati, divided the earth into two hemispheres: Northern and Southern. This is one world of two hemispheres. There is also the world defined by politico-economic factors which divided the world into three: First, Second, and Third, Worlds. Politically, it was a Cold War era definition in which the United States, the NATO and its allies were considered as the First World. The usage of the Second World was reserved for Soviet Union and its allies (the Communist Bloc: Soviet Union, China, Cuba and allies). The countries that claimed non-alignment policy were referred to as the Third World. In the three cases, the definienda for the classification was political alliance or the camp to which one belongs. Put differently, economically, the first world is the developed world in terms of industrialisation and level of democratic freedoms, while the Second World referred to the Communists with centrally-planned economies. The Third World is made up of countries that were considered poor or under-developed. Even when the notion of ‘developing nations’ was introduced to replace ‘Third World’ because of its ambiguity, some observers still came up with the idea of a Fourth World. Whatever is the case, the first Cold War era has ended. Another one is in the making. And perhaps more interestingly, there is still the World defined by regions and that is the UN-defined world of eight regions. In this regard, Africa is considered a region even though the 1991 Abuja Treaty Establishing the African Economic Community redefined Africa to be of Five Regions. With the deepening selfenslavement policies in Africa, and particularly in the DRC, Africa may no longer have a region peculiar to it except in terms of self-ruins.
Congolese Self-Enslavements
The DRC is deepening self-enslavement with its natural and mineral resources by over emphasising the factor of immediacy to the detriment of long-term national survival. The DRC is believed to have about $24 trillion in untapped raw materials, and therefore, one of the richest in the world in natural resources. In other words, the DRC is potentially, but not yet manifestly, rich. The DRC does not have the capacity required to mine its resources and have to depend on friendly developed countries for the exploitation of the resources. As of 1960, the DRC had a GDP per capita of about $220 only. The per capita income declined to $197 in 1961 and increased to $235 the following year. It increased further to $376 in 1963. The years 1964 and 1965 witnessed a decline of about 4%. According to IMF sources, the per capita income declined from $380 in 1960 to $240 in 1990. This was making one step forward and two steps backward.
The DRC which could not boast of five medical doctors in 1960, has an economy that is almost entirely based on the extraction of minerals of which copper and diamonds were and still are the main export minerals. As of today, the DRC is still seen as a country plagued by decades of war, sexual violence, and widespread poverty. Should God be blamed for endowing the DRC with abundant natural resources? Should the Congolese leaders be blamed? Should the colonialists be held responsible? If the colonialists exploited Africa, enslaved Africans, and carted away their sources of wealth, how do we explain and understand the invitation to the United States of Donald Trump to come and perpetuate what the colonialists did that were annoyingly condemned? Why self-enslavement again? Is there any European ‘juju’ being used on Africa? Why is Africa a victim of Euro-American magic? It is against this background that the issue of DRC’s extension of a kind invitation to
the United States to come and exploit Congolese mineral resources in exchange for military aid and assistance is explicated today. It is also against this same background that we raise the issue of conflict between DRC’s national sovereignty and African Union (AU)’s supranational sovereignty. In our view, the invitation is nothing more than self-re-enslavement even though many see it as a trade barter. Without jot of doubt, President Donald cannot but be happy with the DRC’s proposal because it falls under Trump’s foreign transactional policy. Besides, the United States needs the strategic raw material badly to be able to respond to current global challenges.
The development clearly points to a bleak future for Africa for various reasons. First, Nigeria’s Commissioner for External Affairs, Dr Okoi Arikpo, led African counterparts in the campaigns against the exploitation of African raw materials exclusively for the development of Europe. There is nothing wrong in exporting raw materials to earn foreign exchange. However, when the exportation is done to the detriment ofAfrica’s long-term development agenda, something must be wrong. Additionally, if Africa as a collective says emphasis should be on intra-Africa development, in terms of collective sovereignty, and the DRC, within the context of her national sovereignty, has little regard for the long term preservation of national resources, it means that national sovereignty is competing seriously with African supranational sovereignty. This also has the potential to antagonise the promotion of regional integration as a tool of evolving a United States of Africa in the mania of Ghana’s
If not, how do we explain the fact that the mining sector has dominated the Congolese economy since 1910?
The Katanga Copper Belt’s cobalt reserves were put at five million tonnes and Congo is still considered a terra cognita of poverty. How do we explain the DRC as having the largest diamond and gold deposits in the world, as well as possessing the second richest copper region, with 70 million tonnes, only coming after Chile, and the same DRC is yet to boast of world class development? The per capita income of the DRC in 2020 was put at $546.43. This is not commensurate with the country’s wealth. In 2022, it was $665 but declined to $649 in 2023, that is, a 2.32% decline. Unfortunately, the DRC is ranked among the five poorest nations in the world. Different reports have it that 73.5% of the people of the DRC lived on less than $2.15 per day in 2024. It is shameful. Shame on all African leaders. Shame on Congolese leaders for being divinely endowed, but selfishly engaging in what the French call ‘gaspillage’ (wastefulness). Instead of seeking an end to the rebellion and seeking national reconciliation devoid of self-arrogance, giving concessions to allow for national development, laying the foundations for fairness and justice in political governance, as well as sharing national or common patrimony on the basis of equity, force and manu militari approaches are being used. This cannot provide any lasting solution. There is nothing to suggest that any US military assistance can stop the quest for equity in the management of national resources. African leaders should not only have the fear of God but also seek to worship Him with common sense
Kwame Nkrumah.
As such, Africa’s future cannot but be bleak because of the disregard for public concerns. The reckless exploitation of Africa’s natural resources to the advantage of Africa’s elite, but to the detriment of the people’s interest, has increasingly been of major concerns to several observers. Kieron Monks of the CNN has explained ‘why the wealth of Africa does not make Africans wealthy.’ Even though the Katanga province in the DRC has enormous deposits of diamond, gold, tantalum, tin, tungsten, etc. the problem remains that it is still the elite that are always enriched with the mining of the resources. Consequently, African leaders should learn to first remove the impediments to peaceful co-existence, ensure good governance, and discourage the use of force in the DRC. The war cannot be helpful to the purposes of regional and continental integration.
In the words of Monks, ‘Katanga saw a spectacular mining boom around the turn of the century, when President Laurent-Désiré Kabila and then his son, Joseph, licensed international mining companies to tap its treasures.’ We do not have any qualms with licensing some mining companies to exploit DRC’s natural resources if the dividends would also accrue to the ordinary Congolese. When the riches generated are only meant for the Congolese elite and the prospectors, there cannot but be problems, crisis and conflicts. In fact, Monks further explained the problem as follows: ‘from 1999 to 2002, the Kabila regime transferred ownership of at least $5 billion of assets from the state-mining sector to private companies or benefit for the state treasury, UN investigation found. The bonanza coincided with a ruthless crackdown on dissent.’
The crackdown of the dissent was to the extent that when, in 2004, a civilian group protested against an Australian firm, Anvil Mining, in Kilwa Village, accusing it of making much huge profit without rewarding the local workforce, the Congolese army ‘crushed the uprising and killed around 100 people, many by summary execution, according to a UN report. This situation was made possible because of the simultaneous wielding of commercial and political power by the prospecting Western governments. Tom Burgis of the Financial Times reportedly in his book, The Looting Machine, said the ‘Western governments are not supposed to wield commercial and political power at the same time, and certainly not to use one to benefit the other.’ However, both powers were consciously merged by the Western governments.
As explicated by Burgis, an investigative journalist that has served in Lagos and other African cities, ‘in colonial States… the British or Portuguese would cultivate a small group of local people who would fuse political and commercial power to control the economy. When the foreign power leaves, you are left with an elite that has no division between political and commercial power. The only source of wealth is mines or oilfields, and that is a recipe for ultra-corrupt States.’
Burgis could not have been more correct in his observations. Are the Kabilas not colonial elites? Why should complaints by the people against an Australian multinational not be investigated and objectively addressed? Why should heavy weapons be used against the people to the extent of their summary execution, and 100 people being killed for asking for extension of mining dividends to the workforce? If the colonialists exploited and enslaved Africans, why should the same Africans accept to be used for the implementation of the same colonial policies of enslavement? Why condemn colonial exploitation but replacing it with African elite exploitation? Is it not better to condemn the act of exploitation than condemning the exploiter? If it is not better and there is the need to condemn both the act and the exploiter, shouldn’t the condemnation be in defence of the national interest of the people?
Mortgaged National and Supranational Sovereignty
Many people condemn the enslavement and colonisation of Africa. In fact, several scholars blame the colonialists for Africa’s development setbacks. Most unfortunately, however, never has there been any decolonisation. Colonisation has only been repackaged and represented to the colonised for re-evaluation and approval. And true enough, Africa has only moved from political colonisation to technologized colonisation. Africa’s admiration for technology is to the extent that users of such technology cannot live without it. Mobile phones and personal computers are cases in point. Africans buy aircraft but the servicing is hardly done in Africa. The CKD (Completely-Knocked-Down) parts are made available outside of Africa.
And perhaps more disturbingly, as far back as the 1960s, James Ngugi made it clear in his Weep Not Child, that a Whiteman is always a Whiteman but a Blackman is never a Blackman. What makes a Whiteman what he is always and why is a Blackman not what he truly is? Why is Nigeria fantastically corrupt? Why is it that Nigerians are always well trained at home, here in Nigeria, and they cannot perform well, but when they ‘Andrew’ or ‘Japa’ themselves out of the country, they end up always becoming the primus inter pares? The Nigerian virus that always make the environment inclement for Nigerian professionals to thrive at home, and thereby compelling them to export themselves to developed countries cannot be different from the viruses in the DRC (Democratic Republic of Congo) which has called for foreign exploitation of Congolese mineral resources.
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Tshisekedi
NEWS
Wike’s Supporters Dare Gov Diri, Vow to Go Ahead with Rally
The organisers of the planned rally scheduled in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital in support of the Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, have dared Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State, vowing to go ahead with the rally, despite the governor’s opposition to it.
During a meeting with Bayelsa elders and security agencies, on Wednesday, the governor had raised concerns that the rally could trigger violence.
He urged the security agencies and stakeholders not to encourage anything that could lead to the breakdown of law and
The Obasewa of Ife and a Fellow of Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), Chief John Agboola Odeyemi, will be 86 on Friday, April 4, 2025.
He is the Chairman and Chief Executive of JKN Limited and JAO Investment Company Limited.
He also serves currently on the board of Emzor Pharmaceutical Ltd, Kinley Securities Ltd and Cutler Hammer Nigeria Limited.
He served on the Board of a number of other companies and he was the Chairman of Ecobank Nigeria Ltd from September 2006 to March 2010; was Chairman Refuge Insurance Company Limited and Obafemi Awolowo University Investment Company Limited from January 2007 to December 2012. He was also a Director of Oasis Insurance Plc, Multimalt Limited, Sowsco Well Services Limited and Kajola Integrated Investment Company Limited.
Odeyemi was the past President of Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, past President of Nigeria Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture and was
order in the state.
But reacting in a statement, which his Media Assistant, Kelvin Loveday-Egbo, issued yesterday on his behalf, the South South Zonal Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), George Turnah, who is the lead promoter of the rally, said arrangements for the programme were in top gear.
Expressing shock over the governor’s comment, Turnah said ethnicity has no place in politics, adding that the rights to freedom of association and peaceful assembly are constitutional.
He said the rally is planned in solidarity with President Bola
Chairman, Nigerian Accounting Standards Board 1990 - 1995 and past President, Ife Development Board 1995 - 2004.
He was a member of the National Political Reform Conference February to July 2005; Member of the National Privatisation Council (Bureau of Public Enterprise) October 2004 - October 2006; Member of the Committee on The Assessment and Monitoring of the Millennium Development Goals, June 2005 - October 2006 and was founding Member of the Governing Board of UNESCO Institute of Science, Technology and Innovation Centre in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Odeyemi was honoured by the Federal Government of Nigeria as Member of The Order of The Federal Republic (MFR) in 2005.
The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations’ PR Clinic/Monthly Meeting holds on Thursday, April 3, 2025 at Eko FM Multipurpose Hall, Agidingbi, Ikeja where the Chief Consultant, TPT International Limited, Adetokunbo Modupe, will do justice to the topic- PR Reset: Reinventing Yourself for the Evolving PR Landscape.
Tinubu and the FCT minister.
Turnah also dispelled the governor’s notion that he was collaborating with a former governor to create instability in the state.
Turnah stated that he has no intention to politically destabilise Bayelsa or any other state, adding that he leads a grassroots political movement called New Associates aimed at mobilising support for Tinubu’s administration in the South-South Zone, devoid
of ulterior motives.
In a promo flyer seen in Yenagoa, the promoters of the rally listed the Wike; Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, and Managing Director of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Chief Samuel Ogbuku, among others, as some of the eminent Nigerians that will attend the rally.
He said: “The organisation is set to officially launch in Bayelsa on April 12, 2025, and the
arrangements are in top gear to ensure a hitch-free outing, including formal notifications to relevant security organisations in the state as required by law.”
Turnah told Diri that the Ogbia leaders and elders he asked to call him to order were the same leaders who, in 2019, requested him not to support the governor’s ambition at the time, a request he said he ignored.
“I am not only a member of the PDP but also a serv-
ing Zonal Secretary of the party in the South-South; I wonder which other office the governor was accusing me of occupying if I am not a member of the PDP.”
Expressing concern over the governor’s anger regarding his personal choice of political association with Wike, Turnah noted his constitutional right to freedom of association.
He insisted that this is not the first time he had made personal political choices.
First Lady, Barau Urge Empathy, Unity at Eid-el-Fitr
As Muslim faithful mark the joyous occasion of Eid-el-Fitr, the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu and Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Jibrin Barau, have called for empathy, love, and unity among Nigerians.
In her message to commemorate the end of Ramadan, the First Lady emphasised the importance of compassion and generosity, urging Nigerians to uphold the values
Labour
of peace and tolerance that Islam teaches.
She also encouraged the faithful to remember those in need and extend a helping hand during this festive period.
“Let this Eid be a time of empathy, love, unity, and compassion towards one another, as we continue to uphold the values of peace, tolerance, and generosity that Islam teaches,” she said.
Senator Tinubu expressed hope that the blessings of Ramadan would bring harmony to the nation and
strengthen the bonds that unite Nigerians as one people.
She also prayed for divine acceptance of the fasting, supplications, and good deeds observed during the holy month.
“As we mark the end of Ramadan 1446 AH, a month of devotion, sacrifice, and self-reflection, I join our Muslim faithful across Nigeria in celebrating Eid-el-Fitr 2025.
“I pray that the Almighty Allah accepts our fasts, supplications, and good deeds and may He reward
us abundantly for our dedication and sacrifice,” she added.
The First Lady concluded her message with warm wishes for all Nigerians, saying, “I wish you all a joyful and blessed Eid. Eid Mubarak!”
On his part, the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau, rejoiced with Muslims in the country on the successful completion of this year’s Ramadan Fast, urging them to carry forward the lessons of the blessed month.
Party Screens Muoghalu, Nwosu for Anambra Guber
Chuks Okocha in Abuja
The two Labour Party governorship aspirants for the Anambra State governorship election, Chief George Muoghalu and Sir John Nwosu, have been screened and confirmed for the party’s primaries slated for April 5, 2025.
In a statement by the National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, said the Screening Committee, led
by its Chairman and the Deputy Minority Whip of the House of Representatives, Hon. George Ozodinobi on Friday screened the two aspirants after which it submitted the result to the leadership of the party.
The spokesman of the party said that Hon Ozodinobi praised the two aspirants for being true party members and also commended them
for their track records and loyalty to the leadership of the party.
He assured them of the party’s non-partisan approach towards its selection process and its commitment in ensuring that the best aspirant emerge.
“We will work according to the laid down rules and we want to assure you of highest
level of transparency throughout the process of the selection.
“We will work to ensure that we approach the election as a united house, without rancour. It is going to be a brotherly context where everyone in the party will join our flag-bearer in the onerous task of campaigning and winning the November governorship election for the salvation of Anambra State.”
2027: Okowa Makes Case for Oborevwori’s Re-election
Immediate past Governor of Delta State, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, has called on all Deltans to rally behind Governor Sheriff Oborevwori in 2027.
Addressing party faithful in Ika North East Wards 3 and 4, Boji-Boji Owa, yesterday, Okowa stated that Governor Oborevwori has demonstrated love for all Deltans and has initiated policies that are adding value to the lives of the average Deltan.
Okowa, who expressed joy at the massive turnout of party faithful in the two wards, took a swipe at the few PDP members who left the party despite their achievements and successes, which were largely traceable to the empowerment they received while in the PDP. He said he is aware of the antics of those looking to deceive others, but expressed confidence that
party members knew those who truly meant well for them and their communities.
Okowa further expressed joy at the decision of the party leaders in the local government to initiate a monthly contributory scheme aimed at empowering the people.
He said, “It’s a thing of joy seeing party leaders coming together to extend N100,000 grants to each of the 100 persons drawn from the two wards.”
He added, “N100,000 might not be too much considering the state of the economy, but I do not have any iota of doubt that it will have an impact on the very micro businesses of these our people, even as it will also aid and encourage our farmers.”
“The beauty of this process is that the party leaders have assured that two wards will benefit from this gesture every month going forward,”
Segun James
Globacom’s Deputy Chief Operating Officer, Bisi Koleosho (middle), Senior Manager, Corporate Social Responsibility, Ufuoma Dogun (first left); Head, Corporate Social Responsibility, Jumobi MofeDamijo (third left) and Head, Enterprise Business, Lawrence Odediran (second right) with some beneficiaries of Glo Foundation’s Food Drive initiative held at Ikota Community, Ajah, Lagos…yesterday.
Sunday Aborisade in Abuja
Odeyemi
My Account of June 12, 1993 Presidential Election and its Annulment’, was published by Macmillan Nigeria. It was presented at the Abuja Sheraton Hotel and had in attendance Akilu, the man reputed to have arrested and slapped him. I looked forward to devouring it, although I felt he was telling the story too late. By the way, both Akilu and Nwosu used the occasion to deny that the professor of political science was arrested and manhandled in 1993.
But I was generally disappointed with the book. We did not wait for 15 years for Nwosu to come and tell us that the president and commander-in-chief of the armed forces was not to blame for the annulment. Babangida himself had taken responsibility in interviews. More so, he stepped aside in August 1993 and conveniently left Abacha behind as minister of defence and, technically, commander-in-chief. This allowed the Goggled One to sweep away the interim national government, led by Chief Ernest Shonekan, in a matter of 83 days. Abacha had saved Babangida by foiling the Orkar Coup in 1990. This 1993 arrangement looked like a case of one good turn deserving another.
My conclusion after leafing through Nwosu’s book was that Babangida had his nudes, so he felt obliged to defend the former president till his dying days. I also believed Babangida was preparing to launch a comeback into politics and had sent Nwosu ahead to help in rehabilitating him in the minds of Nigerians. In one word, I wished Nwosu had not written that book at all. Silence is golden. I began to view him differently and the respect I had stored up for him in 15 years started evaporating. But years down the line when
IBAS’ RIVERS
Bob Marley sang it: “Give them an inch they take a yard/Give them a yard they take a mile.” Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, the emergency administrator of Rivers, is recreating the state in his own image. Standing on President Tinubu’s mandate, he has sacked all Siminalayi Fubara’s political appointees — as if the governor would not return. He fired the SSG, the chief of Staff, commissioners, board members, special advisers, special assistants and senior special assistants. He appointed a military officer, Commodore Aminu Shehu, as chief of staff, and is now more or less probing the councils. This is somebody that was brought in to stabilise the state. What next? Remove the chief judge? Agenda.
I watched his interview with Sahara TV, my hard line on him began to dissolve. I could see that he put in a decent shift under the difficult circumstances he found himself.
The irony of it all is that it was Babangida’s memoir, ‘A Journey in Service’, published last month, that finally made me cut Nwosu some slack. To me, Nwosu appeared to have been quite brave in going ahead to conduct the June 12 election despite the body language of the powers that be following the late-night injunction issued by Justice Bassey Ikpeme. From similar narrations by both Babangida and Nwosu, it was clear that senior members of the National Defence and Security Council (NDSC) — the highest ruling body in the country then — did not want the election to go ahead despite the illegality of the injunction stopping the election. The NDSC appeared divided but the consensus was clear.
The easiest thing for Nwosu to do — were he to be, indeed, complicit in the annulment plot — was to put things on hold until the injunction was vacated, even though the electoral laws had clearly stated that no court had the power to entertain matters concerning the conduct of the election. But in the end, was it not court injunctions that were relied upon by Babangida to annul the election? We should resist the temptation to discount the fact that Nwosu insisted on conducting the election despite the implicit and explicit opposition from the military authorities. Nwosu specifically recounted that Babangida told him he was on his own if he went ahead to announce the winner.
Abacha was obviously more straightforward than Babangida in his
opposition to Nwosu’s position. At a meeting with the NDSC after declaring the first batch of results, Nwosu recounted: “I told them to allow us to complete the exercise. Abacha screamed at me when he heard this. He told me who do I think I was. He said I was not a member of the national security council and that I went ahead and held an election even after the court had declared it illegal.” This was Abacha’s way of telling Nwosu: Are you a baby? Can’t you read our lips? Do you expect us to talk with the whole of our mouths? Unlike Abacha, Babangida was typically playing the Pontius Pilate and going through the corners.
Perhaps half the story has not been told, but with what is in the public domain, Nwosu did his best to serve Nigeria within the context of a brutal military regime that was notorious for curtailing civil liberty, arresting activists at the slightest provocation, closing down media houses at will, and sacking political appointees without any compunction. It may also be of interest at this stage to point out the fact that the NEC actually filed an appeal in Kaduna on June 20 to quash the various injunctions against the June 12 election and submitted the full results to the court. Guess what happened next?
Babangida (or is it Abacha?) dissolved the commission and sacked Nwosu as chairman on June 23.
June 12 election aside, Nwosu did many things. He was a political scientist who performed many experiments to improve the electoral system. He first brought back the open ballot system, mandating voters to queue behind the posters of their candidates and be counted. The idea was to avoid inflation of figures but it ended up killing the secrecy of ballot, eroding
And Four Other Things…
OBI AND OBA
I almost passed out when I watched a video in which Mr Peter Obi was speaking glowingly about how democracy flourished under President Olusegun Obasanjo. And to make matters worse, the audience erupted in applause. Only those who don’t bother to check their facts would take Obi’s eulogy seriously. Where do we even start from?
Is it the illegal impeachment of dissenting governors, sometimes by six lawmakers?
Is it the abduction of a governor and the withdrawal of his security? Is it the declaration of a meaningless public holiday in April 2007 to stop the Supreme Court from delivering a ruling that was going to favour Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, his estranged deputy? Amnesia.
JUSTICE FOR TEEJAY
Mr Adetunji Opayele aka TeeJay, the 32-yearold co-founder and CTO of Bumpa, was reportedly knocked down on his bike on March 4, 2025 along Ozumba Mbadiwe, Victoria Island, Lagos. There is much to be said about the motorist but a sad part for me is that in the year 2025, there are no functional emergency services in the so-called “Centre of Excellence”. Many motorists refused to help the bleeding and unconscious victim to the hospital, apparently to avoid police trouble. Above all, several hospitals turned him back maybe because of who would pay the bills. He eventually died. What a sad, sad, sad story. When are we going to start valuing human life in this country? Sickening.
AT 73, PRESIDENT TINUBU’S ACTS OF COMPASSION IN LEADERSHIP
remarkable decisions since May 29, 2023, in which he has demonstrated rare acts of compassion and good leadership, which is worth enumerating. Many would easily cite the students’ loan initiative for indigent students being implemented by NELFUND and CREDITCORP, which offers credit facilities to Nigerians to own consumer products and other assets. They will talk about the new N70,000 National Minimum Wage and the approval of three yearly review instead of the earlier five years, and the huge sums of money going to the states in the name of monthly allocation, which he told the governors to “spend on the people, not to spend the people”. However, several other interventions exist besides these.
One crucial example is President Tinubu’s decision to subsidise 80% of the cost of kidney dialysis treatment for all Nigerians. According to health officials, this unprecedented effort has seen kidney dialysis treatment crash in over ten Federal Medical Institutions across the country from an average of N50,000 per session to N12,000, making renal care affordable for multitudes of Nigerians. The participating Institutions include FMC Ebute-Metta Lagos; FMC Jabi, Abuja; UCH Ibadan; FMC Owerri; UMTH Maiduguri; FMC Abeokuta; LUTH Lagos; FMC Azare; UBTH Benin, and
UCTH Calabar, among others.
The second, which is equally notable, is the establishment of three funds totalling N200 billion to support businesses across Nigeria, namely the Presidential Conditional Grant Scheme (PCGS), the FGN MSME Intervention Fund and the FGN Manufacturing Sector Fund.
The Bank of Industry (BOI) has been appointed as the executing agency of the funds, vested with the responsibility of administering the programme. The Presidential Conditional Grant Scheme is a N50 billion-grant plan to support eligible Nano Business owners. It will be disbursed to a minimum of 1,000 beneficiaries, especially women and youths, per Local Government Area in the 774 LGAs of the country and the six area councils in the Federal Capital Territory. According to the Bank of Industry, the target nano businesses include traders, food vendors, ICT businesses, transporters, artisans, and creatives.
The third of such intervention that is also worthy of mention is the President’s approval of automatic employment for 774 National Health Fellows, a pivotal initiative led by the Federal Ministry of Health to foster sustained improvements within Nigeria’s healthcare system. At the event held at State House Conference Centre, Abuja, on March 6, President
the principle of free choice (imagine the possible consequences of husband and wife openly voting for different candidates). He also introduced staggered presidential primaries, by which a party did not have to hold its primary on a single day. It was held in states in different rounds, based on the timetable.
There was serious criticism of the open ballot system as voters complained about intimidation while commentators said it was archaic and regressive. Nwosu tinkered with it and came up with the modified open ballot system (MOBS) which is still in use today. Ballot boxes used to be inside polling booths. This created room for multiple voting and stuffing. With MOBS, voting would be in secret but ballot boxes would be in the open. Everyone could see that no stuffing is taking place. Asked at a press conference why he changed his mind after having defended the open ballot system and declared it as the best, Nwosu replied: “My friend, can’t a good thing give way to a better thing?”
Nwosu also came up with the Option A4 system (which many mistakenly refer to as open ballot till this day). Through Option A4, presidential candidates had to go through four stages before they could pick their party’s tickets. First stage was to contest and win at the ward level, after which they would contest and win at the local government level (stage two) and then proceed to contest and become the state’s flag bearer (stage three). The final (fourth) stage was the national convention, where all the flag bearers from the states would contest for the party’s ticket. No matter the controversies postmarking his life and death, Nwosu was a thinker. He served Nigeria creditably.
NO COMMENT
After using voice vote to determine two-thirds of 360 members in endorsing the state of emergency in Rivers state, the house of reps has been pretty much busy trying to justify the billions of naira we pour into their pockets yearly. On Wednesday, they passed two bills for second reading, a vital legislative stage. One strips the vice-president, governors and deputy governors of immunity. The other bill abolishes the death penalty. If you thought they knew what they were doing, you were giving them too much credit. Less than 24 hours later, our honourable lawmakers gathered again and rescinded the bills. That is the level of diligence that goes into lawmaking in Nigeria. Hahahaha.
Tinubu uttered soothing three words to the fellows who will monitor the Primary Healthcare Centres across the country’s 774 local government areas: “You are hired.”
Those words and the health fellowship programme emphasised his administration’s commitment to strengthening the country’s healthcare system. A deafening applause from the fellows and those present at the event had greeted that declaration by Mr. President. The employment of these fellows, selected from each of the local councils, stemmed from the recommendation of the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Ali Pate.
Offering some insights into the bold initiative and the rigorous selection process, which essentially highlights its significance, President Tinubu said: “This programme is a transformative initiative that underscores my administration’s commitment to harnessing the immense potential of Nigeria’s greatest asset—its young people. With over 60% of Nigerians under 30, we boast one of the most energetic, resourceful, and dynamic youth populations globally. This presents unparalleled opportunities to drive innovation, economic prosperity and social transformation.”
Also relevant is the Federal Government’s plan to raise N1 trillion in housing funds to boost access to mortgage and tackle Nigeria’s housing deficit. Housing sector
stakeholders and Nigerians have widely applauded this plan. MOFI has raised about N250 billion to kickstart the fund, which will be given at a single-digit interest rate. Some commentators may argue that these decisions and interventions represent the kernel of the government’s responsibilities: looking after the security and the general well-being of the people. That the Tinubu government is merely doing what is expected of it. But these policies and actions wouldn’t matter if there had not been such abject neglect of the fundamental problems for years. Critics often forget that long before now, particularly during the industrial age, the leadership paradigm of the time used to see compassion as a weakness, along with other “soft” leadership skills.
Compassionate leadership is now the gold standard of intelligent, practical, and people-centric leadership. Any organization or anyone desirous of success in leadership must embrace this. President Tinubu knows this so well. Compassion had been his second nature even before he got to leadership positions. As a gift for his 73rd birthday, the President deserves commendation for embracing this ideal.
•Rahman is Senior Special Assistant to President Tinubu on Media, Publicity and Special Duties.
ENGAGEMENTS
Our Democracy and Its Vagrant Elite
Inrecentweeks,weseemtohavebeenwrestling with the very idea of democracy. After all, our politicalsystemhaspassedthroughtheWestminster parliamentary system and over three decades of theWashington type presidential system. There is a prolonged assumption that we are indeed a thriving democracy and ought bynowtohavecometotakecertainissuesforgranted. But on a daily basis, our politicians and political elite seemmoreconfusedabouttheessenceandmeaning of democracy itself. This is clearly an illustration of thevagrantandunseriousnatureofourpoliticalelite. Surprisingly, however, our political elite has this curious habit of returning to interrogate our democratic credentials ever so frequently. Last week, a major gathering of consequential political voices gathered in Abuja to nark the 60th birthday offormerHouseSpeaker,EmekaIhedioha.Itwasyet another opportunity to interrogate the efficacy of ourdemocracyandindeedthe veryappropriateness of our democratic route.
Former President Mr. Olusegun Obasanjo, chairman of the occasion was his predictable cynical self, skeptical as ever. about the appropriateness of Western democracy for Africa. His contention was essentially a cultural conservative reservation about the alien roots of democracy as practised in most African countries. Bishop Kukah in the role of keynote speaker asked the question as to whether democracy has failed in Africa. Former Sokoto Governor Aminu Tambuwal was definitive in disagreeing. For him, democracy has not quite failed in the country or indeed the continent. Peter Obi was non equivocal in asserting that democracy has failed totally in Africa. Segun Adeniyi was typically journalistic in saying that democracy has neither succeeded nor failed in Africa. He instead zeroed in on the individual foibles of the political leadership as unserious mascots of democracy in Africa. Other voices found weaknesses in the practitioners of our democracy, insisting that nothing is wrong with the variousconceptsofdemocracyaspracticedinNigeria or indeed Africa.
Pitfalls like corruption, disruptive governance, abuses of due process by politicians have combined togivedemocracyabadname. Inalloftheseattempts tounderstandthefailingsofdemocracyinourcountry, politicians and the elite have tended to uproot the concept of democracy from is European roots.The fact of mouthing democratic concepts and systems is unfortunately not likely to make us a democracy. Oursocietyhasbotpaiditsdues.Wehavenotpassed throughtheeconomiccrucibleofevolvingaproductive economyfirstbeforeexploringthemostaptsystem of government. In Europe, the Industrial Revolution and the tyranny of kings and oligarchs preceded the rise of democracy. Similarly, economic independence and the emergence of a politicalconsensusamongtheurbanelitecreatedthe necessity for popular democracy as an alternative to monarchical absolutism.
It was this combination of forces that compelled Europe to behead and dethrone kings and queens and overthrow or reform the monarchy in favour of elective popular governance. Representatives of the people took over power through a system of representative democracy to ensure that the taxes paid by the productive populace were spent by representative governments to fund social programmesandservices.Themodernnationstatewas bornonthefoundationsofelectivedemocracybased onthepopularmandateofeconomicallyempowered citizens.With democracy, subjects became citizens. Citizens acquired rights and rulers were compelled to accountability to ‘the people’.
Elsewhere especially in Asia where democracy later took roots, it was the rise of authoritarian military regimes which suppressed workers rights, whittled down civil rights, forced people to fight for therightstheywantedtoenjoyandassiduouslygrew the economies to create the wealth and prosperity thatempoweredpeopletodemandcertainrightsand privilegesoffreedomandrepresentativegovernment. LikeinEurope,itwastheempowermentofthepeople thatforcedthemtodemandcertainrightsespecially the right of citizenship and political representation. In each of these instances, democracy was not a ‘given’ handout or arrangement. It was not an organized syndicate or arrangement agreed upon by a departing colonial order and its successor local political elite of trade unionists, traditional rulers and western educated elite as in most African countries. Democracy in either the European West or Asian dictatorships did not emerge in and of itself but as a consequence of compulsive economic and social forces.
In the Nigerian instance, our ‘democracy’ has transformed from an arrangement of colonial selection to one cultivated by self- appointed military dictatorships. Representatives of the people have been selected whether by a colonial order or by animposedmilitarydictatorship.Thepopular masseswereliterally‘invited’orcooptedinto the democratic wagon and taught the rituals ofperiodicelectioneering.Consequently,our democracy has hardly had organic roots in and among the people. At best, the people have been ‘invited’ during election cycles to the seasonal political agenda, told major issues in contention and the major personae contending for power. In the post election periods, the politicians disappeared to the centresofpowerfromwheretheylorditover the masses until the next election season.
In most of Africa and in Nigeria especially, therehasnotbeenaprocessofconsciousness creation about the rudiments of democratic culture. At best, democracy has been merely a dialect of political speak.
Democracy is not however a voluntary self-generating force. It is an outcome, a momentum unleashed and driven by social and economic forces of a historical nature such as happened in Europe and Asia. The driving forces include an urgent compulsion by productive working people who demand accountabilityfortheirhardearnedtaxmoney. It is the vortex of pressure by the masses which wanted their views and perspectives heard and reflected in the way the society wasgovernedandmanifesteditself.Taxation is guaranteed by representation.That is the basis of accountability in governance which confers power on the people. Therefore, when modern constitutions and other social contract documents begin with the expression “We the People”, it is a consciousexpressionoftherealpowerofthe people as tax payers, citizens and voters. It is the people’s power of tax money, the power of labour power and the exertions of workers
as an orgnized force that propels the economy. It is in addition the momentum of the cultural solidarity andthewillfulsurrenderofthepowerofindependent self- defense in preference for collective security embodied in an elected sovereign. We the people hereby surrender unto you the right and power to preside over us and protect us from one another and from hostile others!
That is the foundation of the Social Contract, the intangible contract that binds the broad majority to the sovereign elected authority who wields state power on the collective behalf of the “people”.Thus is born the modern nation state as the foundation of world order.
Democracy does not give birth to itself nor does it protect and sustain itself. It has certain guardrails in the nature of institutions which it needs to operate and survive. The elected sovereign is a guided executive authority. That authority is guided and guardedalongthepathoflawandorderbyajudiciary of trained honest judges and a battery of lawyers. An executive not guarded or guided by a judiciary is bound to degenerate into an unregulated anarchy, the lawless Hobbesian state of nature in which the laws of nature reign and bloody violence rules the affairs of men.
Inturn,electedconclavesrepresentingthepeople asaconstituentwholeareempanelledasparliaments andassembliestoensurethattheaffairsofthestate reflect the interests of the majority and diversity of the public.
The collective feedback voice of the people is wielded through the power of the media- the agencies of the mass media which function as the unofficial monitor and regulator of the conduct of stateanditsofficials.Itdoesnotmatterwhetherthe media is the legacy print and electronic media that we have since come to know or the contemporary socialmediaplatformsinwhicheverymanisamedia ownerandpractitioner.Thefunctionsofthemediain ademocracyremainbasicallythesame-moderation and modulation of public opinion in the service of the enlightened governance of the state.
The rest of the society whose interests and opinions matter in the progression of the society is what has come to be known as civil society, that
amorphous collective of chattering voices in the market of society that is usually the first to gather at the venue of protests against bad governance. It can be organized into pressure groups and interest groups or show up facelessly as a mob.
The guardian elite of a democracy consists of both the practicing political elite and the broad spectrum of enlightened voices-professionals and interested others with an abiding interest in the survival of the society either as a functioning state or thriving democracy. An elite cannot possibly be illiterate or ignorant. An illiterate or ignorant national elite is a danger to itself and to the perpetuation of the society it pretends to serve and represent. A national elite must share a common commitment to the wellbeing and continuity of the society. When a bunch of vagrants, casual thugs and unemployed political jobbers control the commanding heights of the political space, the result is a perennial confusion as to the meaning and plight of democracy. Mob rule could be mistaken for democracy.
Whenilliteracy,ignoranceandlackofenlightenment dominates a political space, even the simplest challenges of routine democratic practice are presented assystemicearthquakes.Thebudgetprocessisoften rigged in favour of paddings by the legislators just as the executive muzzles its way through questionable bills. Legislators are not certain how to vote for simplelegislations. Debatesonthefloorofparliament are either not held at all or are muzzled through the nefarious power of open bribery. Or legislators as licensed thugs scream their way through troublesome sessions.
The executive frequently read or deliberately misinterpret the constitution to serve their narrow political interests. Both unfortunate features have beendisplayedrecklesslywiththePresident’srecent declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State. Those who are still troubled by the present sorry stateofdemocracyinNigeriashouldlook even harder at the character of our national elite especially those who call themselves politicians. The time is approaching when we shall ask our political class to educate us on whether politics in Nigeria is a career, a vocation, a profession, a trade or part time unregulated business.
South-west Games 2025: A Spectacle of Glory, Legacy, Triumph
Sanwo-Olu, AdenugaAbiodun,Elumelu,othersbaghonours
Sunday Ehigiator
March 28, 2025, the Onikan Stadium, nestled in the heart of Lagos Island, echoed with the roar of an ecstatic crowd, their voices cresting like the Atlantic waves over the sprawling cityscape. It was not just another evening at the stadium complex but the climax of the South West Games 2025, a fiesta that began with fervent anticipation and culminated in the crowning of champions.
Pulsing like a coliseum of dreams, the stadium trembled with an energy so electric it seemed as though the entire city of Lagos pulsed in harmony with its fervor. From the towering floodlights that cast golden beams across the pitch to the sea of jubilant fans whose voices fused at a deafening crescendo, the tournament reached its apogee in an unforgettable closing ceremony—a kaleidoscope of pomp, passion, and sheer athletic brilliance.
From the moment the sun kissed the Atlantic horizon to the final whistle that sealed history, Onikan Stadium became the pulsating heart of an unforgettable spectacle as the finest young athletes from across Nigeria’s southwest region stood at the precipice of destiny. The games had been a festival of youthful exuberance, where under-18 athletes from across the six southwestern states—Osun, Ekiti, Ondo, Ogun, Lagos, and Oyo—showcased their raw and refined talents.
The air grew thick with enchantment as cultural troupes swirled onto the pitch, their attires ablaze with the hues of Yoruba heritage. The earth trembled beneath the thundering drums of the bata, the rhythms calling forth the spirits of ancestors as the legendary Eyo Masquerades emerged, their regal white agbadas billowing, as they moved like custodians of Lagos’ storied past, weaving tradition into a concerto of sports splendor.
A Festival of Culture and Sport
At the first light of dawn, the city had braced itself for a spectacle unlike any other. The final day began as the city stretched awake, its heartbeat synchronized with the anticipation of a spectacle. By 10 a.m., the President of the Organising Committee, Dr. Lanre Alfred, led his team into the arena, their steps purposeful, their mission resolute. This was not merely a closing ceremony—it was the coronation of a new age of sports in Nigeria’s southwest. By 12 p.m., Alfred, led his team to the centre stage, setting the grand ceremony in motion. Then came the moment that sent the audience into a frenzy—the Director General (DG) of the Lagos State Sports Commission (LSSC), Lekan Fatodu, ascended the stage.
The air quivered with spectator anticipation as he declared the closing ceremony open. “This is the dawn of a new sporting renaissance,” he declared. “A movement that will redefine sports in Nigeria, unlocking a reservoir of talent and charting the course for a new generation of champions.” Fatodu hailed the tournament as a revolutionary initiative, a movement that had not only discovered talents but also redefined the landscape of youth sports development in the region.
And then, the true magic began. The final match began as all great finales do—on a crescendo of skills, colours and sound. A whirlwind of fireworks erupted into the Lagos sky, painting the heavens with fiery streaks of crimson and gold, as if the very gods of Olympus had taken an interest in the spectacle unfolding below. At the heart of the spectacle was the final contest—a high-stakes football battle between Lagos and Ekiti States. Every pass was a stanza in the poetry of the pitch, every tackle a fierce proclamation of desire, and every goal a thunderclap of destiny. The turf became a battleground where young warriors wove magic with their feet, their movements a ballet of grace and power. Every sprint was a declaration of intent, every pass a whisper of strategy, every goal a resounding proclamation of dominance. Then came the moment of reckoning.
A last-minute strike, a ball arcing through the air like an artist’s final brushstroke on a masterpiece, sent Lagos into rapturous delirium. The stadium erupted into cheers and tears, as the captain of the Lagos team hoisted the golden trophy skyward, his arms trembling with the sheer weight of victory and destiny.
Foremost politician and publisher of Ovation Magazine,
Bashorun Dele Momodu, Chief Folly Coker, Zulu Authority, and Seyi Oyefeso who represented of the Managing Director (MD) of First Bank, Olusegun Alebiosu, presented the trophy to the overall winner of the tournament, Lagos State. With hands trembling yet unyielding, the captain of the Lagos State team ascended the podium, the golden trophy gleaming under the camera lights. He lifted it high, his face a portrait of unfiltered elation.
In that singular motion, he carried the dreams of every young athlete who had graced the tournament, their aspirations woven into the very fabric of victory. The stadium erupted in a single deafening roar of joy. From the terraces to the streets beyond, Lagos Island quaked with celebration, the echoes of victory rolling through the coastal belt and beyond.
A Host State’s Crowning Glory: Rapture of Victory, Honours Well-deserved
Lagos proved its dominance with outstanding performances, particularly in Table Tennis and Boxing. In table tennis, Lagos clinched 5 Gold, 2 Silver, and 0 Bronze medals, securing an emphatic 1st place. Ogun amassed 3 Gold, 4 Silver, and 3 Bronze, thus emerging 2nd overall. Ondo won 3 Gold, 3 Silver, and 4 Bronze medals to emerge as the 3rd best state overall.
As the air thickened with the celebration of triumph, a moment of pure spectacle unfolded as the Asiwaju Cake was unveiled—a towering confection of culinary artistry. The Director General of the Lagos State Sports Commission, Lekan Fatodu, Oyefeso, who represented First Bank’s MD, Olusegun Alebiosu, the President of the South West Games 2025, Lanre Alfred, flanked by dignitaries, athletes, and esteemed guests, guided the blade through the heart of the masterpiece.
Amid the celebration, the organisers paid homage to those whose vision and dedication had made the Games possible. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, whose unfaltering commitment to grassroots sports had set the foundation for this monumental event, was honoured as the Grand Patron of Sports Leadership & Excellence. Under his stewardship, sports had become more than just recreation—it had become a vehicle for empowerment, a gateway to global recognition for young, talented Nigerians.
Senator Adeola Yayi was named the Champion of Grassroots Sports, a testament to his relentless advocacy for youth development through athletics. Dr. Mike Adenuga Jr. GCON, CSG, Cdr L.H., a titan of industry and philanthropy, was recognized as the African Pillar of Sports, a fitting tribute to a man whose investments in Nigerian sports had reverberated across the continent empowering active and retired athletes. Bashorun Dele Momodu, who received the award on behalf of Adenuga, was equally honoured as the Custodian of Sports Heritage, a recognition of his tireless efforts in documenting and promoting the stories of Nigeria’s greatest sports icons.
Hon. Kunle Soname was named the Torchbearer of Sports Innovation, a title befitting a man whose pioneering efforts in sports business had changed the landscape of Polo Tourney and Nigerian athletics. The list of awardees read like a who’s who of visionaries and champions—Governor Dapo Abiodun MFR, lauded as the Grand Patron of Southwest Sports; Dr. Awele Elumelu, a driving force behind sports health and wellness initiatives; Senator Tokunbo Abiru FCA, an advocate for youth engagement through sports; Nduka Obaigbena, whose media empire had consistently spotlighted the importance of Nigerian athletics; and Governors Ademola Adeleke, Seyi Makinde, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, and Abiodun Oyebanji, each recognized for their contributions to fostering a sporting culture in their respective states. But beyond the accolades, the night belonged to the athletes—the young men and women who had bled, fought, and conquered over the past two weeks.
They had not only competed; they had told stories with their bodies, their speed, their strength, and tenacity. They were the true heartbeat of the South West Games 2025, the embers that would ignite the future of Nigerian sports.
As the closing ceremony reached its peak, the stadium was once again electrified as the Army Band belted out remarkable tunes once again. Its rendition, raw and insistent, poured over the crowd like a river bursting through a dam, setting off a tidal wave of song and dance. At that moment, the South West Games was no longer just a sporting event. It had become something more—a movement, a legacy, a living, breathing testament to the unbreakable spirit of the Southwest.
Amid the pageant, Dr. Alfred beamed before the roaring crowd, his eyes ablaze with the fire of a man who had seen his vision come to life. “This dream does not end here,” he declared. “Preparations for the next edition have already begun. The South West Games is here to stay—year after year, we will continue to unearth and nurture the finest athletes Nigeria has to offer.”
Alfred praised the young athletes who diligently competed in an arena of dreams spanning football, volleyball, basketball, tennis, boxing, and archery. Some met the ecstasy of victory, their names now etched in the annals of history; others bore the agony of near triumph, their tears an unspoken promise to return stronger. A revolutionary beagle had been sounded, a promise incised into the heart of the southwest and Nigerian sports—that from these Games, from this movement, new champions would rise.
L-R: Chief Dele Momodu; Mrs Abiola Aregbesola; Deputy Director of Sports, Lagos State Sports Commission, Akogun Lanre Alfred; Director General, Lagos Sports Commission, Hon. Lekan Fatodu; and Chief Folly Coker
L-R: Mrs Emmanuella Ayinde-Wasiu; Akogun Lanre Alfred; Executive Director of First Bank, Seyi Oyefeso; Director General, Lagos Sports Commission, Hon. Lekan Fatodu
Atiku to Wike
“Leadership is not only about numbers; it is about temperament, dignity, and the ability to unify. A man may boast of numbers, but if his conduct lacks grace and humility, those numbers are empty” –Former Vice President Atiku justifying his refusal to appoint FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, his running mate in 2023 presidential election
SIMON KOLAWOLE
In Memory of Humphrey Nwosu
Dead or alive, Professor Humphrey Nwosu always evoked extreme emotions. I am not by any chance surprised by the outbreak of controversy over whether or not to immortalise him. The former chairman of the National Election Commission (NEC, now INEC), who died at 83 and was buried on Friday, is best known for conducting the June 12, 1993 presidential election. The watershed election was annulled by Gen Sani Abacha, the minister of defence, while Gen Ibrahim Babangida, the president and commander-in-chief of the armed forces, watched helplessly and innocently from his balcony. (If you believe that fantastic story, you can as well believe I am the Queen of Yugoslavia.)
elections.
On Wednesday June 24, Babangida told the nation that the annulment of election, based partly on the need to “protect the judiciary” (don’t laugh). By the way, fake news did not start in the age of social media. The best sites for fake news in those days were newsstands where, depending on the algorithm, you could be served the best rumours and conjectures tailored to your taste. We were told then that as Nwosu insisted on announcing the remaining results, he was arrested by soldiers and given the beating of his life. As a result of the torture, the “bloggers” at the newsstands explained, Nwosu was taken ill and could not continue with the announcement. We believed it.
sent the political editor, Raphael Duru, to Nwosu’s village in Anambra state to search him out. The professor of political science chased him away, shouting: “Leave me alone!”
For long, there was some frustration about Nwosu. Nigerians had many questions lined up that only he could answer, but he refused to come out. Who was really behind the annulment? What role did Babangida, in particular, play? What were the roles of Abacha and other top military officers? Why did Nwosu suddenly stop announcing the results? Why did he not go ahead to announce Abiola as the winner in spite of the court injunctions since the electoral laws expressly ousted judicial jurisdiction? Was it true that he was arrested and manhandled by Brigadier Halilu Akilu, the director of the dreaded Directorate of Military Intelligence (DMI), for insisting on announcing the results?
I recall that on Monday, June 14, Nwosu announced results from 15 states, 11 of which were won by Bashorun MKO Abiola, candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP). The highlight was Abiola’s victory over Alhaji Bashir Tofa, candidate of the National Republican Convention (NRC), in his own backyard. Abiola did not only win Tofa’s ward, but he also won Kano state. It was total humiliation for Tofa Continued
and sweet victory for Abiola, whose backbone in Kano was Alhaji Abubakar Rimi, the former governor. On June 16, NEC suspended announcement of results citing a court injunction, although the electoral laws ousted the jurisdiction of the courts in the conduct of the transition
I pitied Nwosu, whom I saw as the last man standing in a dishonourable and duplicitous military government bent on truncating democracy and holding on to power. He thereafter disappeared from the public eye, perhaps out of trauma, perhaps out of remorse. He refused to grant any media interview. In 2001, when I was editor of TheWeek magazine (a weekly publication founded by Alhaji Atiku Abubakar), I thought Nigerians should hear from Nwosu. A story is best enjoyed from the horse’s mouth. I
TUNDE RAHMAN
GUEST COLUMNIST
In 2008, he announced that he had written a book on the election. He picked an interesting date for the presentation: June 12 — exactly on the 15th anniversary of the election. The book, titled ‘Laying the Foundation for Nigeria’s Democracy:
At 73, President Tinubu’s Acts of Compassion in Leadership
Empathy is a defining feature of leadership and one of the qualities a good leader must have. How a leader acts at every point always gives us a sense of how he has internalised and embraced this important virtue. On Tuesday, February 4, President Bola Tinubu approved a whopping N758 billion to settle longstanding pension liabilities under the Contributory Pension Scheme for federal workers nationwide. The approval, given during a Federal Executive Council meeting in Abuja, was a historic decision. It marked a watershed moment in Nigeria’s pension administration. It was the first time the Federal Government would commit funds to the Pension Protection Fund, a statutory provision designed to augment pensions for low-income earners.
Apart from clearing all pension increases since 2007, President Tinubu’s intervention also settled the shortfall in university professors’ pensions, ensuring retired university lecturers receive their full
salary as a pension.
Reacting to that decision, PenCom’s Director-General, Ms Omolola Oloworaran, expressed appreciation to the President “for his bold and compassionate leadership in resolving these critical pension issues.”
The fund had been left unfunded since its inception in 2014. Oloworaran has done a yeoman’s job thus far as PenCom boss. Among other things, she had brought this pension matter to President Tinubu’s attention.
Veteran labour activist Comrade Issa Aremu, the Director-General of Michael Imoudu National Institute for Labour Studies, described the decision as a timely act of compassion, statesmanship and good governance. On the sideline of the 2025 Ramadan Annual Lecture organised by the Nigeria Television Authority (NTA) Ilorin, Comrade Aremu said while successive governments accumulated pension obligations, it was commendable that President Tinubu boldly cleared the slate of pension arrears.
“The N758 billion is the most impactful
measure of the Renewed Hope Agenda in the labour market after the 2024 National Minimum Wage Act,” he said. Aremu urged state governments to emulate the Federal Government in settling the claims of pensioners in the states as millions of retired workers suffered avoidable delays and low pension incomes.
Federal or state workers will significantly reduce their propensity for cutting corners over fear of life after retirement if they are sure of their pensions. This is a way of fighting systemic corruption. Indeed, those who have experienced or witnessed the agony pensioners endure before receiving their pensions after years of service to their fatherland will understand the importance of the President’s decision.
Instructively, President Tinubu’s action was not driven by a quest for public acclaim. It stems from a profound conviction shaped by understanding what leadership entails.
The President turned 73 on Saturday, March 29. The celebration was low-key with special prayers in Lagos and Abuja. He had
urged Nigerians to join him in offering prayers for the country and himself as a way of celebrating his birthday. President Tinubu will also clock two years in office in exactly two months from now. Since the inception of his administration, he has ticked all the right boxes in offering leadership driven by compassion and committed service, as it should be in the corporate world and government. Compassionate leadership contributes to positive organisational cultures conducive to personal and professional success. Compassionate leadership is a cornerstone of intelligent leadership that requires selfawareness, emotional intelligence, and the willingness to lead by example. As renowned psychologist Jasmin Mogahed rightly noted, “Compassion is to look beyond your pain, to see the pain of others.”
Apart from the N758 pension bond, President Tinubu has taken many
Nwosu