Monarch summoned to appear on Tuesday over incident during Sallah celebrations
There were speculations that the invitation might be in connection with an attack on his entourage during the Sallah celebrations. The state police command had arrested one Usman Sagiru in connection with the alleged killing of a vigilante member, Surajo Rabiu, in an attack on the entourage of Emir Sanusi II.
Another vigilante member, Aminu Suleman, sustained injuries and was rushed to the Murtala Muhammed Specialists Hospital, Kano, for medical treatment.
on page 5
US Tariffs: To Maintain Liquidity, CBN Injects Dollars into FX Market
Women of IMpact at the Eko Hotel in Lagos…recently
Media Group, Prince Nduka Obaigbena; ARISE NEWS Anchors, Ms Ngozi Alaegbu; Ms Ruth Osime; and former Managing Director, Ms Ijeoma Nwogwugwu, at Arise Gala
Ahmad Sorondinki in Kano Tension has gripped Kano following a formal invitation by the Inspector General of Police (IG), Kayode
Egbetokun, requesting the 16th Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, to appear at the Force Intelligence Department (FID) headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday, April 8, 2025.
The state police command spokesman, SP Abdullahi Haruna, said the incident occurred while Continued
Lokpobiri Condemns Attack on Gas Pipeline in Bayelsa,
Olusegun Samuel in Yenagoa
The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, yesterday condemned the attack on the Tebedaba-
Vows to Bring Perpetrators to Justice
Brass trunkline in Brass Local Government Area (LGA) of Bayelsa State by unknown vandals.
Lokpobiri, who vowed that the security agencies and surveillance contractors would track down those
Operatives of the Kaduna State Police Command have arrested an impostor who used social media to threaten reprisals over the killing of travellers in Uromi, Edo State.
Spokesperson of the command, DSP Mansir Hassan, in a statement explained that “the attention of Kaduna State Police Command has been drawn to a comment made on a Facebook post credited to one Hadaina Hussaini (Dan-taki), which has been making rounds on various social media platforms with the caption ‘Kaduna Police Officer Threatens Retaliation Against Southerners in Uromi Killings’.
“To set the record straight, Hadian Hussaini is neither a member of the Nigeria Police Force nor personnel of Kaduna State Police Command,” the statement said.
“It is pertinent to note that his picture captured on Police Uniform as displayed on the social media, which is an improper dressing, is that of him when he was a member of the Police Special Constabulary attached to Kaduna State Constabulary Office, but was dismissed from the
Festus Akanbi and Nume Ekeghe
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on Friday injected $197.71 million into the foreign exchange market to authorised dealers, in a renewed bid to ease pressure on the naira, and maintain market stability and liquidity, amid the global shocks arising from the falling oil prices and the new United States’ import tariffs.
A statement signed by the apex bank’s Director of the Financial
State is the least indebted state with less than N2billion debt.
This represented an increase of N47.32 trillion or 48.58 per cent year-on-year (Y-o-Y) based on the latest statistics released by the agency.
According to the DMO, the increase was driven by both external and domestic debt components.
The steep increase in public debt figures in 2024 was traced to new external borrowings and the impact of naira depreciation, which raised the naira equivalent of dollar-denominated debt.
The debt management agency's data equally revealed a quarter-onquarter rise of 1.65 per cent from the N142.32 trillion ($88.89 billion) recorded at the end of September 2024.
It explained that the rise in public debt figures was largely propelled by significant increases in both external and domestic borrowings.
According to the DMO, Nigeria’s external debt portfolio soared by 83.89 per cent from N38.22 trillion ($42.50 billion) in December 2023 to N70.29
voluntary outfit two years ago due to his questionable character.
“As such, members of the general public are advised to carefully observe the identity card attached to the uniform which contains the word ‘PSC/KD’ meaning Police Special Constabulary. Similarly, the pictures of him in uniform were posted on the Facebook platform two years ago, prior to his dismissal.”
The command said the suspect was arrested and would be charged to court upon the completion of preliminary investigations following extant laws.
“The state command however wishes to state categorically that, the Nigeria Police Force is a disciplined and regimented organisation committed to upholding law and order, and would not condone any form of incitement, hate speech, or threat to the peace and harmony of our dear country.
“The Commissioner of Police, CP Rabi’u Muhammad wishes to once again call on members of the general public to remain calm and continue to report suspicious incidents of this nature to the police,” the statement added.
Markets Department, Omolara Omotunde Duke, said the CBN’s action followed noticeable movements in the FX market between April 3 and 4, 2025.
She said the movements were being driven by broader economic shifts affecting several emerging and developing countries.
Duke explained further that the intervention was in response to the impact of the ongoing tariff war on the crude oil price and the foreign
trillion or $45.78 billion) in December 2024, a development attributed to new external borrowings and the impact of naira depreciation, which led to a rise in the naira equivalent of dollar-denominated debt.
The DMO also disclosed that domestic debt posted an increase of 25.77 per cent from N59.12 trillion ($65.7 billion) at the end of December 2023 to N74.38 trillion ($48.44 billion) in December 2024.
While the federal government recorded considerable growth in its domestic debt portfolio, from N53.26 trillion to N70.4 trillion, indicating a 32.19 per cent increase, the domestic debt component of states and the Federal Capital Territory declined significantly from N5.86 trillion to N3.97 trillion, representing a 32.27 per cent drop.
A breakdown of the external debt component indicates that the federal government accounted for N62.92 trillion ($40.98 billion), while states and the FCT held N7.37 trillion ($4.80 billion) during the review period.
responsible for the criminal act, also charged communities to protect oil and gas installations because of their three per cent stake in the facilities.
The Tebedaba-Brass trunkline, now owned by Oando, after its acquisition from the Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), supplies crude oil to the Brass terminal.
Lokpobiri, who arrived in Brass in the company of heads of security agencies and some civilian security contractors such as the owner of Darlon Oil and Gas Limited, Chief David Lyon, and owner of Tenebo Security Services Limited, Gabriel Jonah, vowed to ensure that those behind the attack are brought to
justice.
After inspecting the damaged section of the 18-inch pipeline, Senator Lokpobiri described the attack as unfortunate, stating that no responsible government would allow such an act to go unchallenged.
"This is a very important economic asset of the Federation, and the government will do everything possible to ensure it is protected," he said.
"We will go after anybody linked to this crime, wherever they are hiding. We are all Ijaw people, and we know how to find ourselves. We will find them,” he added.
He stressed that security agencies, in collaboration with stakeholders
and surveillance contractors, are ready to track down those responsible for the criminal act.
"This is a major trunkline, and every day it remains shut resulting in huge revenue losses—not just to the federal government, but also to the company and host communities."
Lokpobiri also reminded the public that under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), host communities have a three per cent stake in oil operations, hence they must help protect national assets.
"They suffer losses too when such assets are sabotaged," he noted.
The minister commended the operators of the facility, Oando, for their swift response and the
immediate commencement of repairs on the damaged pipeline section.
The minister also called on the communities to be vigilant and report any suspicious movement to the security agencies. He said: "Be vigilant and know that all of us are stakeholders; report any suspicious movement. There is no way people around here will not get some intelligence reports; there is no way somebody close by will not see a boat crossing. And we know, this is everybody’s job; the federal government is losing income; the environment where you fish is suffering so it is not beneficial to anybody at all."
Anti-Trump Rallies Draw Thousands Across US
Thousands of people descended yesterday on Washington’s National Mall and other cities across the United States in opposition to the policies of Donald Trump, in the largest protests since he returned to the presidency. A big “HANDS OFF!” banner stretched across the stage of an outdoor theatre just a few blocks from the White House, with protesters holding signs that read “Not My President!”, “Fascism has Arrived,” “Stop Evil,” and “Hands Off Our Social Security.”
Jane Ellen Saums, 66, said she was dismayed to see the Trump administration dismantling America’s
exchange market.
She said: “The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has noted recent movements in the foreign exchange market between April 3 and 4, 2025, reflecting broader global macroeconomic shifts currently affecting several emerging markets and developing economies.
“These developments were a result of the recent announcement of new import tariffs by the United States government on imports from several
Similarly, the federal government accounted for N70.41 trillion ($45.86 billion) of the domestic debt, while states and the FCT held N3.97tn ($2.58bn).
Meanwhile, Lagos State has retained its top spot as the most indebted subnational with over N900 billion (N900,191,716,363.58), followed by Rivers State with over N364 billion (N364,393,017,734.54), and Ogun State with over N211 billion (N211,860,195,068.71).
In the league of 10 most indebted states are Lagos (N900,191,716,363.58), Rivers (N364,393,017,734.54 Ogun State (N211,860,195,068.71), Delta State (N199,575,659,736.39), Bauchi State (N143,948,069,260.24), Niger State (N140,739,523,757.12), Imo State (N126,144,102,593.35), Akwa Ibom State (N122,193,037,697.65), Benue State (N122,575,619,594.08, and Enugu State (N119,284,430,106.62).
In the same vein, 10 states are in the bottom league with the lowest debt profile. They include Jigawa State with
long-standing democratic institutions.
“It’s extremely concerning to see what is happening to our government, and all of the checks and balances that have been put in place that are being totally run over — everything from the environment to personal rights,” said the real estate worker who showed up at the protest dressed as Mother Nature, wrapped in ivy and holding a globe.
At a time of spreading global resentment against the Republican president, rallies took place earlier in international capitals including Paris, Rome and London.
A loose US coalition of dozens of
economies, which has triggered a period of adjustment across global markets,” the statement said.
The statement noted that crude oil, Nigeria’s main revenue earner, has now dropped more than 12 per cent in recent days, trading at around $65.50 per barrel a development the apex bank said poses significant challenges for the country’s dollar inflows and external reserves.
It is believed that the 12 per cent decline in crude oil prices is presenting
N1,329,234,426.88 (N1.329 billion), Ondo State,(N12,876,176,042.46, Kebbi State (N15,222,009,996.95), Ebonyi State (N18,112,026,850.56), Katsina State ((N25,679,586,232.65), Nasarawa State (N26,597,217,075.38), Borno State (N27,914,959,613.76), Anambra State (N28,684,540,143.05), Kogi State (N41,587,578,673.55), and Yobe State (N42,055,410,877.07).
From the figures released by the DMO, it also emerged that domestic debt service between January and December 2024 gulped a total of N5.969 trillion (N5,969,905,481,331.17).
Interest paid on Federal Government Bonds accounted for N4.689 trillion (N4,689,904,918,278.03) of the debt service obligation during the period.
Also, external debt service gulped a total of $4,656 billion during the same period, with multilateral loans accounting for $2,619 billion, bilateral loans - $570.67 million, and commercial loans, especially Eurobond, chalking up $1,152 billion, among others.
left-leaning groups like MoveOn and Women’s March organised “Hands Off” events in more than 1,000 towns and cities and in every congressional district, the groups say.
The unifying theme: the growing resentment of what the group Indivisible has called “the most brazen power grab in modern history,” led by Trump, his advisor Elon Musk “and their billionaire cronies.”
Trump has angered many Americans by moving aggressively to downsize the government, impose his conservative values and sharply pressure even friendly countries over trade terms — causing stock markets to tank.
new dynamics for oil-exporting countries such as Nigeria.
She stated: “The Central Bank of Nigeria has noted recent movements in the foreign exchange market between April 3 and 4, 2025, reflecting broader global macroeconomic shifts currently affecting several Emerging Market and Developing Economies.
“These developments were a result of the recent announcement of new import tariffs by the United States government on imports from several economies, which has triggered a period of adjustment across global markets.
“In line with its commitment to ensuring adequate liquidity and supporting orderly market functioning, the CBN facilitated market activity on Friday, April 4, 2025, with the provision of US$197.71 million through sales to Authorised Dealers. This measured step aligns with the Bank’s broader objective of fostering a stable, transparent, and efficient foreign exchange market.”
Despite the turbulence, the central bank insisted Nigeria’s FX framework remains resilient and capable of adapting to changing economic conditions.
It also reminded banks and FX dealers to stick to the rules laid out in the Nigeria FX Market Code and to maintain high standards in their dealings with customers and other market players.
It states: “The CBN continues to monitor global and domestic market conditions and remains confident in the resilience of Nigeria’s foreign exchange framework, which is designed to adjust appropriately to evolving fundamentals.
“Trump, Musk, and their billionaire cronies are orchestrating an all-out assault on our government, our economy, and our basic rights -– enabled by Congress every step of the way,” Indivisible said on its website.
Many Democrats are irate that their party, in the minority in both the House of Representatives and Senate, has seemed so helpless to resist Trump’s aggressive moves.
Over 5,000 people convened just a few blocks from the White House at noon local time on the National Mall in Washington, with prominent Democrats including Representative Jamie Raskin set to speak.
“All Authorised Dealers are reminded to adhere strictly to the principles outlined in the Nigeria FX Market Code and to uphold the highest standards in their dealings with clients and market counterparties.”
Nigeria’s official exchange rate had crashed to N1,600/$1 at the end of trading on April 4, 2025, as Trump-era tariffs continued to rattle global markets.
Data from the CBN shows the naira closed at N1,600/$1, marking a 1.9 per cent depreciation compared to the N1,569/$1 recorded the previous day. This is also the weakest level the naira has reached since December 4, 2024, when it closed at N1,608/$1. The exchange rate has now weakened by 3.9 per cent in the first four days of April, after closing March at N1,537/$1.
According to data from the CBN, the exchange rate closed at N1,600/$1 on Friday, April 4, marking a 1.9 per cent depreciation from the previous day.
The intra-day highs and lows were reported as N1,625 and N1,519 to the dollar, respectively.
The intra-day high of N1,625 is also one of the highest levels recorded this year, suggesting that traders priced the naira at significantly weaker levels.
In contrast, the intra-day low of N1,519/$1 indicates that some traders still priced the naira stronger, possibly betting on short-term interventions. The NFEM rate, which represents the average exchange rate, closed at N1,567, also the weakest the naira has traded this year and since December 4, 2024.
the local guards were protecting the entourage of Emir Sanusi II on their way from the Kofar Mata Eid prayer ground after observing the two rakat eid-el-fitr prayers. The invitation letter dated April 2, 2025, with reference number CR:3000/FID/FHQ/ ABJ/VOL59/697, was signed by a Commissioner of Police (CP), Olajide Rufus Ibitoye on behalf of the Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIG), Force Intelligence Department (FID), Abuja.
an incident that occurred during the Sallah celebrations within your domain,” the letter stated.
The letter reads: “I have the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, through the Deputy InspectorGeneral of Police, Force Intelligence Department (FID), to invite you for an investigative meeting regarding
Meanwhile, the invitation has sparked tension in Kano City and the environs, with some residents describing it as an alleged move by the federal government to impose a state of emergency in the state.
A resident of Dorayi quarters,
who spoke on condition of anonymity, said: "We view this invitation as an affront to our traditional institution and as a move to harass and intimidate our Emir by the Police who failed woefully to provide security to us on Sallah day."
He urged President Bola Tinubu and the federal government not to
allow the police to plunge Kano State into crisis.
Another resident, who also craved anonymity, expressed concerns over the invitation, which he said could set the state ablaze and cause a state of emergency.
“What happened on Sallah day was never in any way a Durbar but rather a movement of the Emir from his palace to Mosque, which is normal for him to ride a horse, and not to trek anyway."
He cautioned against breaching the peace of Kano, insisting that, "inviting Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II, because of flimsy excuses is a violation of his fundamental human rights, and would be resisted by the residents of the city.”
GIVING BACK TO THE SOCIETY...
Police Issue Red Alert on Planned April 7 Nationwide Protest
Say obstructing officers in line of duty criminal offence
Sunday Ehigiator
The Lagos State Police Command has issued a directive to all commanders and officers within its jurisdiction, alerting them to a planned nationwide protest.
This is just as the command has reminded members of the public that obstructing police officers while discharging their lawful duties is a criminal offence.
A civil society organisation, TakeIt-Back (TIB) movement, and other groups had announced a nationwide protest scheduled for April 7, 2025.
In a statement on Friday, the National Coordinator of TIB, Juwon Sanyaolu, explained that the core demands of the protesters include the repeal of the Cybercrime Act and the end of emergency rule in Rivers State, which they describe as a form of military dictatorship under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
However, the Lagos Police Command said intelligence reports
revealed that “some groups operating under the guise of civil society organisations” are preparing to mobilise protests across Nigeria.
According to a circular signed by Deputy Commissioner of Police, Tijani O. Fatai, the protest is expected to draw attention to what the organisers describe as the prevailing high cost of living and government suppression of free speech.
The circular reads, “Furthermore, the groups have flooded the social media platforms with narrations geared towards winning public sympathy, discrediting the government, and galvanising support for the protest.
Experience has shown that criminals may want to seize the opportunity of the protest to cause mayhem, particularly to launch attacks on government facilities and opposition leaders to disrupt socio-economic activities in the State, amongst others.
“Consequently, the Commissioner of Police has ordered security measures to be beefed up around critical installations
Lagos Vows Justice over Death of Pregnant Woman Allegedly Denied Emergency
Lagos State Government has pledged to hold all responsible parties accountable for the tragic death of Mrs. Folajimi, a pregnant woman who was reportedly denied emergency medical care by a private hospital in Lakowe, Ibeju-Lekki.
The woman was turned away after the hospital allegedly demanded a financial deposit before offering treatment. The denial of care was said to have led to the death of both Mrs. Folajimi and her unborn child—a situation the state government described as “tragic and shocking.”
Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Professor Akin Abayomi, announced on Saturday in Ikeja that an urgent investigation has been launched into the incident.
He said a panel has been set up by the Ministry of Health in collaboration with the Health Facilities Monitoring and Accreditation Agency (HEFAMAA) to investigate the circumstances surrounding the case. The probe will examine potential medical negligence, regulatory breaches and the overall conduct of those involved.
Initial findings, according to Abayomi, suggest that both a
Care
traditional birth attendant and a private hospital played roles in the incident. Interviews with involved parties are already underway.
The investigation will assess whether the healthcare providers were registered with HEFAMAA, complied with medical best practices, and followed proper emergency care protocols.
He emphasised the critical need for all healthcare facilities—public and private—to strictly comply with HEFAMAA regulations, which include registration, accreditation, and regular inspections.
“The government has urged the public to report any healthcare facility not properly registered or operating outside its capacity,” he added. “We are intensifying oversight to ensure healthcare establishments uphold the highest standards of care.”
Abayomi also called on community leaders, faith-based organisations and health professionals to work collectively to promote maternal and child health and prevent similar tragedies in the future.
“We are committed to seeking justice for Mrs. Folajimi and her family,” he said.
and other strategic locations across the State to forestall any untoward development before, during, and after the proposed protest.
“2. MISSION: This operation order is aimed at achieving the following: To ensure that the protest is carried out without any security hitch;
“To prevent criminals/hoodlums/ miscreants from hijacking the protest and/or perpetrating any evil act before, during and after protest; to ensure notable points of convergence for such protest in the State, particularly, Gani Fawehinmi Park; National Stadium; Labour House, Yaba; Ikorodu Roundabout; Ikeja Underbridge; Obalende Underbridge; Ikotun Roundabout; Allen Roundabout; Iyana-Iba; Chevron Roundabout: Ajah; Oshodi; Iyana-Ipaja; Abule Egba; Trade-Fair; Cele Express/Oke-Afa/ Ejigbo; Apple Junction, Ajao Estate, I jora-Olopa Underbridge; Ojuelegba;
“Berger Bridge; Pen-Cinema; Lekki Toll-Gate; Lekki/Ikoyi Link Bridge By Admiralty Way are well dominated by Policemen to forestall breakdown of law and order; to ensure adequate security around all critical infrastructures/installations, particularly, Eqbin Terminal, Ijede; INEC Offices; Print and Electronic Media Houses; Police facilities; State House Alausa/ Marina; Secretariat Alausa; Filling Stations; National Theatre, Iganmu; Rice Mill, Imota; Food Hubs/Warehouses; Major Markets/Parks/Hospitals/ Malls; Train Stations; LASWA Ferry Terminal at Bariga/Langbasa/Ikorodu; Cowrie, Victoria Island; LAMATA Bus Terminals at Abule-Egba/Iyana-Oworo/ Ikotun/Igando/Ojodu/Oshodi/ Berger; Sangotedo; Fela Shrine; Federal/State
High Court/Court of Appeal and other government facilities across the State; etc.
“To ensure all law-abiding citizens go about their normal business throughout the period unhindered; to ensure free flow of traffic in the State throughout the protest; to ensure security of lives and property in the state before, during and after the protest.”
In another development, the state police command has said that obstructing police officers while discharging their lawful duties is a criminal offence.
The state PPRO, Hundeyin, made this known in a statement issued yesterday in Lagos against the backdrop of a viral video incident at Omole Estate in the Ojodu area of the state.
“In the video, estate security personnel were seen preventing uniformed police officers from gaining access into the estate to enforce the
law, prevent crime, and ensure security and safety, which are part of the constitutional responsibilities of the police force.
“The police personnel in the video, after a thorough verification, are not serving with the command.
“They were clearly personnel on escort and protection duty to the state from other police detachments outside Lagos State,” he said. Hundeyin said that there was a need to educate those involved and the public that obstructing police officers in the discharge of their duties and other statutory responsibilities was not only improper but unlawful and punishable under the laws of the land.
According to him, the state Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, was disappointed that the management of Omole Estate could not report the incident to the police.
Tinubu to Alaafin: Foster Peace, Promote Cultural Identity, Support Governance
President Bola Tinubu yesterday charged the new Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, to use his stool to foster peace, promote cultural identity, and support governance.
Tinubu gave the charge while giving a remark at the coronation of Oba Owoade as the 46th Alaafin of Oyo.
Oba Owoade was yesterday crowned the 46th Alaafin of Oyo.
Owoade succeeds the 45th Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, who died on April 22, 2022, at 83.
The coronation took place at Olivet Baptist High School in Oyo, where
Governor Seyi Makinde led a host of dignitaries, including notable Nigerians.
The coronation happened barely three years after the last monarch, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, joined his ancestors
Tinubu, who noted that the Alaafin is not only a King but also a symbol of Yoruba resilience, wisdom, and pride, stated that he has always held the Alaafin stool in high esteem.
He expressed confidence in the wisdom, leadership, and dedication of the new monarch to further strengthen the unity and progress of Oyo Kingdom and Nigeria at large.
Represented by the Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, the president said the historic occasion was not just a celebration for the great people of Oyo but for the Yoruba race and Nigeria as a whole.
He added that the Alaafin stool is a symbol of cultural pride, unity, and the enduring legacy of one of Africa’s most powerful empires.
Tinubu said: “Kabiyesi, your ascension to this revered throne comes at a critical time in our nation’s history. Nigeria is navigating complex challenges, and traditional institutions like the Alaafin’s stool remain vital in fostering peace, promoting cultural
identity, and supporting governance. He added “On this auspicious occasion, I reaffirm President Tinubu’s commitment to preserving our cultural heritage by supporting initiatives that promote our rich traditions and ensure that Nigeria’s diverse cultures remain a source of strength.
“To the great people of Oyo, I urge you to rally behind your new Alaafin, support his vision, and uphold the values of peace, tolerance, and development. Let us remember the words of the late Alaafin, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III: “A kingdom thrives when its people are united in purpose.”
Cross River Governor, Otu, Cancels Leave Extension, Resumes Duties
Bassey Inyang in Calabar
Cross River State Governor, Mr Bassey Otu, has officially abandoned his two-week leave extension granted by the state House of Assembly and resumed duties.
A statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to the governor, Nsa Gill, confirmed that the governor has officially resumed duty after a three-week vacation that took effect on March 11, 2025.
“Governor Bassey Edet Otu of Cross River State has confirmed the cancellation of the two-week extension granted to him by the state House of Assembly.
“The Speaker of the House of Assembly, Hon. Elvert Ayambem, has been duly informed of this decision, and he is back to drive the developmental agenda with renewed energy,” the statement said.
Gill disclosed that the first assignment of the governor upon
resumption was the national assignment entrusted to him as the chairman of the gubernatorial primary election of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Anambra State.
He added that Otu is committed to moving the state forward, which he said “takes precedence over any personal time away.”
According to him, the governor explained that the choice to forgo the leave extension was prompted by changes in his originally planned
commitments, which required him to return to work sooner than anticipated.
“Governor Otu’s return is anticipated to energise governance efforts, with a renewed emphasis on development initiatives and policy implementation throughout the state,” the statement added.
He stated that the governor was in Awka, the Anambra State capital, for the gubernatorial primary election of the APC held yesterday, April 5, 2025.
Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan
L-R: Wife of the donor, Alhaja Fatima Adegunwa; the donor, Alhaji Sulaiman Adegunwa; Vice President Kashim Shettima; Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun; wife of the governor, Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun; and former Governor of Ogun State, Chief Olusegun Osoba, during the inauguration of the Sulaiman Adebola Adegunwa Trauma Centre at the Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital, Sagamu, Ogun State…yesterday.
CONGRATULATIONS, KABIYESI...
Tinubu, Abbas, Northern Governors Condemn Killings in Plateau Communities
President orders security agencies to apprehend perpetrators Insecurity beyond farmer-herder clashes, says Muftwang Amnesty International urges FG to end killings, demands justice for victims
Deji Elumoye in Abuja
President Bola Tinubu; Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen; and northern governors under the aegis of the Northern Governors’ Forum (NSGF) have condemned the recent attacks on five communities in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State, describing them as senseless.
This is as Governor Caleb Mutfwang said the ongoing attacks and killings in some parts of the state were not farmer-herder clashes but crimes sponsored by conflict merchants.
Meanwhile, Amnesty International has accused the Nigerian government of abandoning its constitutional duty to protect lives and property, stating that the lack of accountability is encouraging impunity.
In the last few days, over 52 persons
have been killed in Ruwi, Hurti, and Tadai communities in Bokkos Local Government Area (LGA) and those from Manguna and Dafo villages, where the gunmen launched brutal attacks.
The president, in a statement issued by his Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, declared that the gunmen would be apprehended and face severe punishment under the law.
Tinubu said: "I have directed security agencies to hunt down the attackers, and they will face severe punishment when apprehended.
"These intermittent attacks should have no place in our country at a time when we are working so hard to restore peace and order in all parts of our country."
He extended his condolences to the families of the victims in the communities.
President Tinubu commiserated
with the government of Plateau State and Governor Mutfwang, urging the affected communities to cooperate with the authorities and security agencies by volunteering information to catch the perpetrators and secure their communities.
He assured Governor Mutfwang of his support in ending this spate of wanton bloodletting in the state.
On his part, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Musa Krishi, expressed anger over the attacks, saying they were senseless and barbaric.
Abbas lamented the killings, injuries, and destruction of property, describing the incident as “one too many.”
While commiserating with the families of the victims, the Speaker charged relevant security agencies with arresting and prosecuting the
attackers, warning that impunity has more consequences. He condoled with the people and the government of Plateau State, while praying to the Almighty God to accept the souls of the deceased and console their families.
Also, the NSGF through its Chairman and Governor of Gombe State, Inuwa Yahaya, in a statement issued in Gombe, expressed deep sorrow over the tragic incidents, which claimed several lives and left scores injured, mostly women and children.
The statement, made available to journalists in Gombe by the Director-General, Press Affairs, Gombe Government House, Ismaila Uba-Misilli, Yahaya, while commiserating with families of victims as well as the government and people of Plateau, decried the cycle of attacks on rural communities in the North.
At Senegal's 65th Independence Anniversary: Shettima Canvasses Deeper Cooperation in Trade, Security, Democracy
Says country accounts for 68.7% of Nigeria’s exports within ECOWAS market
Deji Elumoye in Abuja
The federal government has stated that Nigeria’s relationship with Senegal was key to the stability of West Africa and described it as a strategic partnership built on a foundation of shared history, democratic values, and economic interdependence.
Vice President Kashim Shettima stated this on Friday when he represented President Bola Tinubu at Senegal's 65th Independence Day anniversary held at the Place de la Nation in Dakar, the country’s capital.
Shettima represented President Tinubu at the event where the Senegalese President Bassirou
Diomaye Faye played host to guests from others across Africa and beyond.
Speaking on the sidelines of the event in Dakar, Nigerian Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, said there were very strong bilateral ties between Nigeria and Senegal, noting that both countries achieved independence in 1960 and have maintained shared commitments to democratic governance and regional security.
“Senegal and Nigeria have very strong bilateral ties. This has been as a result of our shared history and circumstances—both countries attained independence at about the same time in 1960,” the minister
stated.
She emphasised the need for continued collaboration in democracy, trade, and security between the two countries.
According to her: "Both countries have remained committed to deepening democratic governance, values, and constitutional governance in the African continent. We have also jointly remained committed in the fight against terrorism and building strong regional institutions.”
The minister revealed that Senegal accounts for 68.7% of Nigeria’s exports within the ECOWAS market—an indicator of Nigeria’s central role in regional trade.
“Senegal takes 68.7% exports from
Nigeria within the ECOWAS market,” she disclosed, describing the statistic as a reflection of “mutually beneficial economic cooperation.”
Odumegwu-Ojukwu also pointed to sustained high-level engagement, noting that “the President of Senegal, Bassirou Diomaye Faye was in Nigeria last year to meet with our President President Bola Tinubu to talk about areas of collaboration and cooperation.”
She expressed optimism about the future of the Nigeria-Senegal partnership, expressing hope that both nations will "continue deepening this economic relationship and enhance" their relationship across all sectors.
FG Directs Federal Varsities, Polytechnics, Others to Publish Funding Details
Kuni
The federal government has mandated all vice-chancellors of federal universities, rectors of polytechnic, and provosts of other institutions to publish key institutional data on their official websites with immediate effect. The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, who gave the directive, stated that the move was to entrench transparency, accountability, and good
governance in Nigeria’s tertiary education system in line with global best practices.
According to a statement signed by the ministry’s Director of Press and Public Relations, Boriowo Folasade, each institution must provide its annual budgetary allocation in full detail, including the breakdown of expenditure across three core areas: personnel costs, overhead costs, and capital expenditure.
“In addition, institutions are to disclose their research grant revenue from the previous year. This data should be separated into two distinct sources: grants obtained from domestic bodies such as local industries, government agencies, or foundations, and those received from international sources, including foreign institutions, multilateral organisations, and development partners.
“Also to be displayed is the
TETFund allocation for the current year. The institutions must clearly show the total amount received from the TETFund, reflecting financial support for academic and infrastructural development in the present calendar year,” the statement said.
The directive further mandates the institutions to publish the total value of their endowment fund as recorded at the end of the previous year.
He described the persistent shedding of innocent blood as a stain on the conscience of the region and the nation.
Meanwhile, Governor Mutfwang has said the ongoing attacks and killings in some parts of the state were not farmer-herder clashes but crimes sponsored by conflict merchants.
The governor said this on Friday night during the Fashion and Arts Exhibition organised by the Tincity Fashion Week titled: ‘The Plateau Experience’, in Abuja.
Mutfwang, who insisted that the attacks were a well-organised criminality, promised that the government and security agencies had put measures in place to forestall future occurrence.
“I want to thank all of you who are here to support and honour Plateau State with your presence in this event.
We do not take this show of solidarity lightly.
“We contemplated suspending this event due to the current security situation in the state, but we decided not to allow the situation to ruin the good things we have to celebrate.
“And I must say that the aim of the enemy is to throw the state into gloom and mourning but we will rise above their intent and not give them what they want.
“For those who think that the current situation is a farmer-herder issue, let me disabuse your mind from that perception; it is a product of organised crime by malicious elements who do not want
peace to reign in the state.
“I want to assure the good people of Plateau that God will give us victory over these miscreants and their end has come,” he said.
Amnesty International Urges FG to End Plateau Killings, Demands Justice for Victims
Meanwhile, global human rights watchdog, the Amnesty International, has condemned the federal government’s failure to end the ongoing bloodshed in the state.
The organisation explained that the entire villages have reportedly been razed in coordinated attacks, displacing families and destroying livelihoods.
In a statement made available to THISDAY, the organisation decried what it called “a pattern of mass killings and government’s inaction” in the region.
According to Amnesty International, its investigation documented that at least 1,336 people were killed between December 2023 and February 2024 across Plateau State, with Mangu, Bokkos, and Barkin-Ladi LGAs being the worst affected.
Residents continue to express deep frustration with the response of security forces, alleging that they are either absent during attacks or show up too late to prevent bloodshed.
Okpebholo: Ighodalo, PDP's Appeal will Crash at Appeal Court
Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City
Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has said the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Asue Ighodalo’s appeal will crash at the Court of Appeal.
Governor Okpebholo said this while speaking at Okaijesan Town Hall, Irrua, venue for the celebration of his election tribunal victory hosted by Edo Central leaders.
The governor, who thanked Edo people for their support and prayers, assured them that his administration would continue with the current pace of developmental strides.
He noted that Ighodalo and the PDP have declared their intention to challenge the verdict of the election petition tribunal ruling, which gave him and his party victory last Wednesday.
Governor Okpebholo said Ighodalo and PDP are both free to appeal the ruling, as he assured
them that they would fail at the Appeal Court.
“The opposition party has been talking and shouting, but Edo people spoke very clear and loud with their votes on September 21, 2024. Edo people voted for the right person in Senator Monday Okpebholo. The people will speak again when the time is right.
“We have defeated them at the Tribunal, and they said they want to appeal the ruling. If they like, let them appeal and even get to the Supreme Court. We will defeat them.
“They have stolen enough money from Edo State. So, they are wasting the money on court cases. If they like, let them spend the whole money they stole from the people. They will never steal Edo people’s mandates given to me and the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the September 21st governorship election.”
Tyessi in Abuja
L-R: Wife of the new Alaafin of Oyo, Olori Ayaba Abiwumi; the 46th Alaafin of Oyo Kingdom, Oba Abimbola Owoade; Governor Seyi Makinde; and his wife, Tamunominini, during the coronation ceremony of the monarch at the Olivet Baptist High School, Oyo... yesterday
Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja and David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka
Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo was yesterday returned unopposed as the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) for the November 8, 2025 governorship election in Anambra State.
This is just as the governorship aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Obiora Okonkwo has withdrawn from the race for the
governorship ticket of the party in the state.
Meanwhile, a former Managing Director of National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Dr. George Moghalu emerged as the candidate of Labour Party (LP) for the governorship election.
APGA held its governorship primary election at the Alex Ekwueme Square, in Awka, where Soludo stood as a lone contestant.
Announcing the results, the returning officer for the election, Hon Uche Nwegbo, said: "Total delegates for
Edo Moves to Reclaim Oil Wells Allegedly Ceded to Delta
Adibe Emenyonu in Benin-City
Edo State Government has initiated moves to reclaim oil wells at the Orogho community in Orhionmwo Local Government Area of the state, which were allegedly ceded to Delta State.
The state Deputy Governor, Dennis Idahosa, led a delegation to the community on Friday to seek an amicable resolution to the controversy surrounding the ceding of the oil wells being operated by Seplat Energy Plc.
this election is 3,260; total accredited delegates is 3,175; total votes cast is 3,172, while four votes were invalid.
The governor in his speech accepted the nomination, while also assuring that he will continue to work hard to ensure that he does not fail members of the party and the people of Anambra State.
He said: "I want to say that I am humbled by this historic display of solidarity to be able to fly the flag of our party again, and I want to say that I accept this nomination wholeheartedly.
"Anambra keeps rising with the progressive leadership that we have had through APGA, and I will continue to appreciate the leadership of the party.
votes,” the governor said.
Meanwhile, the governor also announced his deputy as his running mate immediately.
He said: "In 2017, I gave a lecture which I titled 'If it is not broken, why mend it', and it became popular. Today I want to say that I am renominating Dr Onyeka Ibezim as my deputy governorship candidate for the election. If it is not broken, why mend it? I want to say that the battle has only begun."
In a related development, Moghalu defeated his rival, John Nwosu at the LP primary election conducted yesterday in Awka.
Governor Soludo, would not be a tea party, adding however that defeating him is doable.
Moghalu promised the delegates and the people of Anambra State that he will not betray the confidence they bestowed in him.
Meanwhile, the APC governorship primary at Dora Akunyili Women's Development centre was billed to begin at 9am, but as at 7pm last night, the event was yet to commence, while delegates were said to be undergoing accreditation in undisclosed hotels in Awka, the state capital.
Okonkwo.
Those who were still in the race last night include: Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu, Mr Valentine Ozigbo, Johnbosco Onunkwo and Hon. Edozie Madu.
While Chukwuma cited the existence of some unprogressive elements within the party as reason for his withdrawal and resignation from the party, Okonkwo cited violence, which could endanger his supporters if he continued, as the reason for his withdrawal.
He commended them for their peaceful disposition since the ceding of their “natural wealth” to another state.
He added, “My visit is to douse tension and allay the fear of losing their God-given mineral resources to another state, while the community where oil exploration and production takes place is under development.”
Idahosa promised that the present administration would explore all avenues and liaise with relevant agencies of government to ensure that the benefits from the assets in Edo State were restored to boost socio-economic development.
In a statement by the Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to the deputy governor, Mr Friday Aghedo, Idahosa met with Odionwere of the community, Pa Odiase Omorogieva, youth leaders, and community members as part of moves to peacefully resolve the issue.
Be Guided by National Interest, House Committee Chair Tells New NNPCL Boss
Juliet Akoje in Abuja
The Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Petroleum Resources, Midstream, Odianosen Okojie, has asked the new Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Bayo Ojulari, to prioritise national interest in the discharge of his responsibilities.
In a statement issued in Abuja yesterday, Okojie commended the former GCEO, Mele Kyari, and his team for their services to the nation and urged the Ojulari-led team to break new frontiers in the nation’s oil and gas industry.
The statement read in part: “Your assignment is a call to the service of your fatherland and I urge you
to be guided by national interest in the discharge of this duty. With your wealth of experience garnered over the years and spanning critical segments of the industry value chain, I have no doubt whatsoever that the oil and gas sector is in good hands.
“We expect that you will walk your talk by improving crude oil production to an enviable height given the revenue shortage experienced by successive governments over the years.
“Given the undeniable fact that oil remains the cornerstone of our economy, no effort should be spared in making the industry operate at optimal capacity.
“I wish you and your team success as you settle down to business in the weeks ahead.”
"I appreciate the members of our party and the INEC observers. I do not think that we have ever had this kind of peaceful election where everything was orderly and in one hour everyone was able to cast their
The former National Auditor of the All Progressives Congress (APC) scored a total of 573 votes to defeat his only contestant, Nwosu, who got 19 votes.
Speaking after emerging as the party's candidate, Moghalu said contesting against the incumbent,
THISDAY gathered that earlier in the day, there was a fracas at one of the accreditation points, with thugs hired by one of the contestants, inflicting injuries on several delegates in an attempt to hijack the process.
Three people - Sir Paul Chukwuma, Hon. Chuma Umeoji and now Prof.
In his withdrawal letter which was made available to THISDAY Okonkwo said: "This decision to withdraw from the race was a difficult but necessary one because of some developments that are inconsistent with my principles and values. The project is not worth risking the lives of my supporters among other reasons.”
FG Budgets N450 Billion for Renewable Energy, Poverty Reduction, Says Minister
James
Sowole in
Abeokuta
The federal government has committed N450 billion to advancing renewable energy and reducing poverty, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, has said.
Speaking at the national budget roundtable and panel discussion at Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State, Yilwatda disclosed that the government was investing in renewable energy to lift
more Nigerians out of poverty.
The event was organised by the Centre for Economic Policy and Development Research (CEPDeR) of Covenant University in collaboration with the University of Warwick.
It had as its theme: ‘National budgeting as a critical tool for reducing poverty and inequalities in the era of energy transitions.’
Citing the 2022 National Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI), the minister said 63 per cent of Nigerians
— about 133 million people — are living in multidimensional poverty, with 42 per cent in extreme poverty and 40 per cent lacking access to electricity.
“About 85 million Nigerians don’t have access to electricity. This number mirrors those living in extreme poverty,” he said.
“Energy poverty limits business growth affects education and healthcare, and deepens inequality,” the minister added.
Of the N450 billion budgeted,
the minister stated that N200 billion was allocated to renewable energy infrastructure.
He said another N150 billion will be used to support the development of solar, wind, hydro, and coal-based energy systems while targeting access for five million households by the end of 2025.
“Five million households will gain access to power under this plan, and we are setting aside N150 billion specifically to ensure electricity access for these homes,” he said.
Atiku: Reports of My Resignation from PDP Malicious Lies, Political Hatchet Job
Chuks Okocha in Abuja
For the second time in recent weeks, the former Vice President and the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the last general election, Atiku Abubakar, has denied that he resigned from the party.
A statement by Atiku's Media Aide, Paul Ibe said the former vice president has not resigned from the PDP, insisting that Atiku is a bonafide member of the party.
The media office said that the statement that Atiku has resigned from the PDP is a political hatchet job.
According to Ibe, ''we ordinarily would not waste words on faceless social media platforms like the so-called "Adamawa Happenings." However, in light of inquiries from concerned Nigerians and credible members of the press, we are compelled to set the record straight: ''His Excellency Atiku Abubakar, former Vice President of
Nigeria (1999–2007) and presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has not — we repeat, has not — resigned from the PDP. He remains a steadfast, bonafide, and loyal member of the party.
''The source of this baseless rumour is a Facebook page peddling falsehood, evidently orchestrated by desperate political operatives with nothing but mischief and confusion on their agenda. It is a calculated attempt to mislead the public and sow discord among the
millions of Nigerians who look to Atiku Abubakar for direction and leadership.
''This is not just fake news — it is a crude, shameless political hatchet job.
''We urge Nigerians, especially supporters of the Waziri Adamawa, to disregard this malicious fabrication. It is a vile, vexatious ploy that deserves nothing but contempt. ''Atiku Abubakar remains committed to the ideals of the PDP and the democratic aspirations of the Nigerian people,'' the statement stated.
The new
Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, Mr. Bashir Ojulari (left), and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, when Ojulari visited the SGF in his
Editor: Festus Akanbi
08038588469 Email:festus.akanbi@thisdaylive.com
Navigating New Price Regime for Digital TVs, SVoDs
The recent hike in subscription charges for DStv and GOtv has sparked widespread controversy, with subscribers expressing frustration over the rising costs, while MultiChoice defends the increase as a necessary response to economic challenges, writes Yinka Olatubosun
For the fourth time in two years, MultiChoice Nigeria recently increased the subscription charges for the DSTV/GOTV network.
Many consumers were enraged and took to social media to vent their frustration.
Today, both the digital TV and SVoDs are affected by the price adjustments. SVOD stands for Subscription Video On Demand, a business model in the OTT (Over-The-Top) market where users pay a recurring subscription fee to access a library of content.
in addition to buying food at exorbitant prices, Nigerians have to pay more to enjoy content that provides escapism from their economic frustration. predictably, this hike was accompanied by a backlash. Many consumers sought other alternatives; as a result, the subscribers have reportedly dropped from 23 million to 19.3 million in less than two years. Despite this development, Nigeria still pays the least for DSTV subscriptions in the whole of Africa.
Quite understandably, all businesses had been impacted by Nigeria’s volatile economic climate. For instance, pharmacies are running out of non-prescription medications that are essential to daily living. Higher data costs, surging commuter transport and airfares, as well as astronomical house rents, are currently plaguing Nigerians thus forcing many households to stick to tight budgets.
By increasing the subscription charges, MultiChoice Nigeria perhaps didn’t leave many Nigerians with many choices: they can either pay or quit.
Still, the increase may not have been the direct cause of the drop in subscribers. it is the middle and upper classes that are the most consumers of DSTV content. in the past few years, there was a huge migration from Nigeria to other places in the world like the UK, Canada, and other parts of Europe, resulting in a significant drop in the number of subscribers recorded over the last two years. Although there is no data to support this line of argument, it is common sense economics, which MultiChoice Nigeria itself acknowledged in a press statement.
The Nigerian economy and consumers faced persistent challenges through FY24 (Fiscal year). The removal of fuel subsidies, sharp currency depreciation with the official naira halving in value, inflation climbing to over 30%, and higher emigration of the middle and upper class drove an 18% YoY decline in active subscribers (FY23: +13%),” MultiChoice stated.
The organisation is not alone in this tariff tussle. A major video streaming platform, Netflix, has implemented three significant price hikes over the past 18 months, reflecting the challenges and opportunities in Africa’s largest entertainment market.
indeed, the most recent increase, announced in July 2024, saw Netflix’s Premium Plan surge by 40% to N7,000 ($4.40) per month from its previous rate of N5,000.
This adjustment affected all subscription tiers, with the Standard plan rising 37.5% to N5,500, the Basic plan increasing 21% to N3,500, and the Mobile plan seeing a dramatic 83% jump to N2,200.
This July 2024 price hike came just three months after a previous increase in April 2024. During that earlier adjustment, Netflix had raised its Premium Plan from N4,400 to N5,000 and the Standard Plan from N3,600 to N4,000.
Showmax, a streaming platform owned by MultiChoice, has the most affordable rates at the moment and has reduced its prices throughout March. Showmax offered a limited deal for streaming movies, series, and more, starting from N1,600, with a discount available from February 28 to March 31. With Showmax on All Devices, prices dropped to N2000 from N3500. in his social commentary, media entrepre-
neur, Simon Kolawole, argued that the Nigerian Communications Act needs to be reviewed as it empowers the NCC to have the final say on tariffs. “Section 108 says: “(1) Holders of individual licences shall not impose any tariff or charges for the provision of any service until the commission has approved such tariff rates and charges except as otherwise provided in this part. (2) The licensees specified in subsection (1) of this section shall provide services at the tariff rates and charges so approved by the commission and shall not depart therefrom without prior written approval by the commission of such proposed changes in tariff rates and charges.” It is based on this law that
MultiChoice Nigeria is having its day in court. Hence, before Nigerians vehemently throw out the baby with the bathwater in this matter, it is essential to look at the larger picture. Beyond delivering quality entertainment, MultiChoice has been instrumental to the growth of Nigeria’s creative industry, especially music, film, and sports; providing platforms that amplify voices, empower talents, and give Nigerian stories a vast stage.
MultiChoice Nigeria was the saviour Nollywood desperately needed to tackle the challenge of film distribution before other streaming platforms emerged. Many popular Nigerian musicians today also nailed their initial crossborder breakthrough on the music distribution platforms of DSTV/GOTV.
Before Afrobeats made it to the Grammys, there was Black Entertainment Television (BET), Soundcity, MTVBase, and more channels giving voices to the new breed of artists from Nigeria. Music reality shows like Nigerian idol, project Fame, The Voice Nigeria, Maltina Dance Hall, and other featured series on DSTV/GOTV channels have led to the discovery of talents whose lives, for the most part, have changed for good. indeed, MultiChoice Nigeria represents foundational support for a generation of creatives.
At least 7,700 lives have been impacted by the MultiChoice Talent Factory. Over $ 2.2 million has been invested in education via MultiChoice resource Centers and DSTV Eutelsat StarAwards. in the area of healthcare, the company had invested over N200 million through meaningful partnerships with the Sickle Cell Foundation and SCFN pan-Nigeria network of partner hospitals. In addition, no less than $12 million had been invested in sports development, with the $ 5 million committed to the support and production of Super Eagles games between 2018 to 2023. Reports say that N800million has been expended in support of local club football since 2023; a N5 million in support of grassroots football through the Higher institution Football league & NUGA; $ 2.5 million invested in the development of Boxing between 2015 and 2025; N100 million spent as broadcast sponsors for the pre-qualifying tournament in lagos.
MultiChoice has also fast-tracked the process of tapping revenue from Nigeria’s creative sector through the taxes paid to the federal government. It has contributed $ 469 million cumulatively to the Nigerian economy through direct and indirect taxes, including licensing fees.
This trickle-down effect that MultiChoice brings to the Nigerian economy is palpable in the development of the broadcast industry. By creating infrastructure and building capacity as a member of the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria, the organisation has charted a legacy of improving lives beyond mere rhetoric.
Now, back to the board, the arithmetic is simple. if the income generated from subscriptions is good, the life-changing projects remain sustainable alongside the ecosystem that benefits from the existence of MultiChoice Nigeria. There are 11 branches nationwide providing jobs for over 3000. There are 16 mega dealers, 65 super dealers, 800 branded stores, 4562 retailers, and 1200 installers all tapping from the same source.
The increase in subscription charges is inevitable given the economic situation in the country. For instance, telecommunications operators such as MTN Nigeria, Airtel, Glo, and 9Mobile have made significant price adjustments to align with escalating operational costs, thus ending the ten-year-long regulatory freeze.
Still, MTN’s increased data tariffs had their share of criticisms in its wake. The telecommunications giant suffered a huge backlash recently with consumers’ online outrage over fast data depletion. MTN caught the customers off guard with a 50 per cent increase, which was approved by the NCC. But not all tariffs increased by the same amount.
For Digital TVs and SVoDs, arguments can be made for more choices like rollover options, discounts, and other offerings, just like many telecommunications companies. But to stomp a heavy foot on the decision to increase subscription charges in response to the harsh economic climate will eventually amount to a waste of wit in court.
No doubt, Nigerians are in dire need of policies that do not exert further strain on their income. Hence, there should be more stakeholders’ platforms to discuss deeply about such decisions deeply before they are put in the public domain.
Using a series of campaigns and communitydriven sensitisation programmes, subscribers can be eased into increments with less agitation.
Tasks Before Bayo Ojulari at NNPCL
In Nigeria’s oil industry, where a dark squall of inefficiency and opacity had long devastated its vast reserves, the appointment of Mr. Bayo Bashir Ojulari as the new Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited is not a random administrative shuffle, but the placement of a round peg in a round hole and a decisive stroke that may yet redeem the country’s petroleum behemoth, Lanre Alfred writes
The NNpClhas been a paradox for decades—an institution saddled with immense potential, yet shackled by mismanagement and public distrust. it has danced on the edges of reform but often retreated into the old, stifling waltz of bureaucracy and scandal. in its opaque chambers, where decisions of national consequence are made, the air has too often been thick with secrecy, and the corridors lined with inefficiency. The Nigerian people, weary from the ceaseless cycle of fuel scarcity, subsidy controversies, and crude oil theft, have long yearned for a different reality—one that brokers a new wave of transparency, innovation, and economic renaissance. in Ojulari, there is the promise of a virtuoso capable of midwifing such a reality.
The road ahead is rugged, paved with the jagged stones of diachronic inertia and institutional decay. At the heart of this burden is the trust deficit, an abyss widened by years of opaque dealings and a perception of the NNpCl as an impregnable fortress of vested interests. For Ojulari, this is the melting pot in which his legacy will be forged. He must not merely oversee a petroleum corporation; he must orchestrate its rebirth. He must, like an alchemist of industry, transmute leaden inefficiencies into golden dividends.
To do so, he must begin where many before him have faltered—by building bridges where walls once stood. The NNpCl’s labyrinthine structure must be untangled, its operations made not only efficient but also accessible to the common Nigerian. He must shatter the longstanding perception of NNpCl as a cloistered citadel of privilege and instead transform it into a responsive and accountable institution.
Ojulari’s pedigree suggests he is equal to the task. interestingly, his tenure at Shell petroleum Development Company of Nigeria, and later at renaissance Africa Energy Company, has been one of precision, methodical excellence and leadership.
The Nigerian oil sector is undergoing a seismic shift—fossil fuels are inching towards obsolescence in the face of global energy transitions, and the urgency of gas commercialisation has never been more pronounced. Ojulari must navigate these tides with the dexterity of an oilman and the vision of a statesman. The petroleum industry Act, 2021, is his compass—an instrument of reform that, if wielded with precision, can chart a new course for Nigeria’s oil fortunes.
On his watch, the NNpCl must cease to be a playground for the few and become a source of prosperity for the many. it must embody the very essence of national pride, reflecting efficiency, integrity, and a renewed commitment to economic revitalisation.
Shedding the Cloak of Opacity
The incoming GCEO must immediately begin a process of institutional cleansing; not merely through audits and press briefings but through a deliberate transparency offensive. let there be monthly public disclosures of revenue, expenditure, and contracts. let Nigerians see the numbers. The NNpCl must establish an online transparency dashboard where all its operational and financial data are uploaded in real-time. Beyond the figures, let human stories be told: the men who drill, the engineers who innovate, the communities affected. The NNpCl must stop being a mystery and start being a mirror.
Managing the Post-Subsidy Economy
The phantom of petrol subsidy—long a tool of political manipulation and fiscal recklessness—has finally been exorcised. But in its wake lies a nation in pain. The sudden rise in fuel costs has shrunk household incomes and widened inequality. The NNpCl must become
the conscience of this transition.
The new boss must design and deploy a national buffer framework: invest in direct palliative support mechanisms, such as mass transit systems, conditional cash transfers, and targeted fuel rebates for critical sectors like agriculture and education. These are not charity; they are economic shock absorbers, temporary scaffolds as the nation adjusts to a new pricing reality.
Modular refineries must be supported with funding, licensing, and infrastructure. Bureaucratic bottlenecks that frustrate refinery licensing must be surgically removed. The GCEO must drive a public education campaign that demystifies the subsidy removal and explains its long-term benefits.
Embracing Energy Transition
The incoming GCEO must urgently develop a roadmap for decarbonisation and gas commercialisation.
This transition must begin with gas. Nigeria sits atop over 200 trillion cubic feet of natural gas—yet millions cook with firewood. The NNpCl must democratise access to gas infrastructure. Subsidised lpG kits must reach rural homes. Gas pipelines must snake across the nation, not just to urban centers but to forgotten hinterlands. Where pipelines are impractical, virtual pipelines—through road or rail—must be deployed.
At the same time, the GCEO must launch the “Solar for Sovereignty” program—a partnership with renewable energy firms to power schools, markets, and hospitals in underserved areas with solar microgrids. let energy become a right, not a luxury. let every watt of light represent a promise kept. Moreover, the NNpCl must champion climate financing. By aligning with international green funds and carbon credit markets, the company can transform climate compliance into an economic opportunity, not a cost.
Local Content, Global Vision: Human Capital and Indigenous Capacity
The NNpCl must become a cradle for indigenous expertise and homegrown innovation. The new GCEO must revive and expand the
petroleum Training institute (pTi), the Nigerian petroleum Development Company (NpDC), and similar institutions to not only train a new cadre of oil professionals but to birth a culture of research, invention, and industrialisation.
From pipeline welding to artificial intelligence for reservoir management, Nigeria must build local content into its bones. No major oil contract should be awarded without a mandatory skills transfer component. Nigerian engineers must be at the center of the industry’s technical evolution. institutional rebirth: Governance, Compliance, and Anti-Corruption
The incoming GCEO must entrench full compliance with the piA’s provisions on governance, fiscal accountability, and host community relations. The creation of independent internal audit departments, whistleblower protection mechanisms, and open bidding for contracts must become sacrosanct.
No more sweetheart deals. No more faceless middlemen. The GCEO must carry the moral burden of saying no, even when it is politically inconvenient.
To govern oil in the 21st century, one must think like a technologist. The GCEO must also digitise every function of the NNpCl—from asset management to public engagement. Artificial intelligence, machine learning, big data—these are no longer optional luxuries, but strategic imperatives.
let fuel stations be smart. let supply chains be traceable. let decision-making be data-driven, not rumor-laden. if the NNpCl is to become the envy of Africa, it must marry its mineral wealth with digital wisdom.
Host Communities and Environmental Justice: Oil Without Blood
The new GCEO must treat host communities not as irritants but as partners. The piA’s Host Community Development Trusts must be fast-tracked, funded, and monitored with transparency.
The NNpCl must commit to environmental remediation, invest in healthcare, education, and clean water in producing areas, and establish a dialogue-based framework for conflict prevention.
The GCEO must pledge this: no community
shall suffer for Nigeria’s oil wealth again. He must also acknowledge that a nation cannot grow when its lifeblood is siphoned off in the dead of night. Oil theft remains the bleeding ulcer of Nigeria’s petroleum industry. The GCEO must declare war—not with rhetoric, but with reform. A Joint Surveillance Task Force, composed of the military, local communities, and private security firms, must be formalised and equipped with drones, Ai-based monitoring systems, and satellite imagery. This must be complemented by a national oil integrity database—tracking every drop, every flow, every route. The new GCEO must collaborate with tech firms and startups to develop predictive tools to detect and prevent vandalism before it occurs. The Nembe Creek Trunkline, the Trans-Niger pipeline, and other key infrastructures must be technologically fortified. Blockchain technology should be explored for supply chain transparency. Every drop of crude must be accounted for, every barrel traced. A single leak is no longer just a financial loss—it is a moral indictment. In addition to surveillance, there must be swift legal enforcement. Oil thieves and their sponsors must be prosecuted publicly, not protected privately. The GCEO must inspire a climate of fear for saboteurs and a culture of patriotism for protectors.
A New Diplomacy: Reclaiming Nigeria’s Global Energy Relevance
The incoming GCEO must make the NNpCl a flagship of regional and global engagement. let Nigeria lead the charge for anAfrican Energy Market—a coordinated platform for oil and gas investment, pricing, and security. Strategic partnerships with Saudi Aramco, petrobras, and QatarEnergy must be explored. Nigeria must no longer come to the energy table as a beggar but as a broker. let our crude be refined abroad under equitable swap agreements, not exploitative ones.
Apermanent NNPCL Liaison Office should be established in key energy capitals: riyadh, Beijing, london, and Houston. Nigeria must sell not just crude, but credibility.
The Human Burden: Leading with Compassion and Courage
The new GCEO must lead not from a swivel chair inAbuja, but from the trenches of empathy. Let him visit refineries, hold town halls with marketers, and speak with host communities. leadership is not command. it is communion. This agenda is no hymn to idealism—it is a manifesto for survival.
As the new GCEO takes the saddle, the expectation is not managerial rotation—it is moral reawakening. The people no longer ask for miracles. They ask for sincerity, strategy, and sweat. For decades, the NNpCl has been a leaking cistern, brimming with corruption, inefficiency, and the silent sabotage of vested interests. The time has come to convert this symbol of national shame into a model of economic hope.
Hence the imperative for this blueprint of transformation. May it be seen and considered as a call to redemption and the recalibration of the corporate machinery and operations of the national oil corporation. This is, however, a humble but urgent suasion crafted in the interest of national progress, to serve as a balm on the soul of a wounded country begging to be healed.
The NNpCl is too vital to fail, too strategic to stumble, too sacred to be surrendered to corruption or complacency.
The new GCEO holds the rudder of Nigeria’s future. let him steer with steel and soul, with strategy and sincerity. let his name not be remembered for eloquence but for execution. let the NNpCl become not merely a national oil company, but a symbol of what is possible when leadership rises to meet its moment.
Ojulari
www.thisdaylive.com
WHY PRESIDENTS AND VPS SHOULD RARELY TRAVEL TOGETHER
The simultaneous absence of a country’s president and vice president from national territory is risky, argues KABIR ADAMU
See Page 20
RIVERS’ EMERGENCY RULE: WHAT’S NEXT?
MARCEL MBAMALU argues for accountability from leaders
See Page 20
opinion@thisdaylive.com
The National Assembly should act in the best interest of the Federation by resolving conflicting constitutional issues on federalism, writes
EKPA STANLEY EKPA
AKINBORO AND SUBSERVIENT FEDERALISM
Section 1 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria refers Nigeria as a Federal Republic. A federal system, as K.C Wheare posits, reflects a constitutional arrangement where people are prepared to give up only limited powers while retaining other limited powers; both sets of powers being exercised by coordinate authorities. With the exception of Major-General J.T.U Ironsi who made a proclamation for a unitary government, all other military governments, often prone to suspending and modifying the constitution by their fiat through decrees, surprisingly never attempted to modify the constitutional arrangement of federalism in Nigeria, thereby referring to their governments as the “Federal Military Government”. This leaves constitutional scholars with the curiosity of the significance of the phenomenon of federalism to Nigeria’s productivity and shared prosperity, particularly with the “unitary-federalism” currently being practiced in Nigeria. Perhaps, it is on this background that lawyers gathered last week, as the Eastern Bar Forum held its colloquium on “federalism and state legislative powers” in Abakaliki. The colloquium reviewed concurrent legislative matters from a subnational perspective.
The colloquium consensus was that the constitution’s role in outlining the areas of intersection between different strata, as well as areas where one stratum takes precedence over the other, must constantly be a “process of bringing about a dynamic equilibrium between centrifugal and centripetal forces in a society”, as Akande observed. I find Aare Olumuyiwa Akinboro SAN’s points of law on the imbalances of Nigeria’s federalism and his recommendations thereof quite pragmatic in solving our constitutional crisis on federalism. Perhaps, influenced by his decades as a prolific lawyer, Akinboro’s focus on Section 4 of the 1999 Constitution gives a legal leaning for restructuring Nigeria. He contends that while the ‘inconsistency clause’ in the constitution, as reflected by section 4(5) to the extent that “if any Law enacted by the House of Assembly of a State is inconsistent with any law validly made by the National Assembly, the law made by the National Assembly shall prevail, and that other law shall to the extent of the inconsistency be void”, may seem good for constitutional certainty and operational hierarchy, it fails the original intendment of the essence of federalism, which according to section 4(7) of the 1999 Constitution, seeks to balance the constitutional power sharing
system, by ensuring that the State House of Assembly “have power to make laws for the peace, order and good government of the State or any part thereof”.
The federal dominance and legislative conflict arising from the imbalance in the constitutional power sharing system, Akinboro opined, is further complicated by the decision of the court in Niwa & Ors v. Laswa & Ors, where the court held that where both the National Assembly and a State House of Assembly enacts laws on the same subject, federal legislation must take precedence, and states are bound to comply. Clearly, this legal principle limits the autonomy of state governments, and should the fabrics of our federalism allow states to be subservient to the federal government, then our version of federalism runs contrary to the ideals of federalism as espoused by the Supreme Court of the United States of America in Indian Motorcycle Co. v. US, that in a federation, “neither state nor central government may exercise its power in such a manner as, without constitutional sanction, to interfere with or to impair unduly the exercise by the other of its authority.”
In the face of prevailing power play and exercise of constitutional powers between the federal government and some federating states, particularly in Rivers State, the current constitutional amendment committees of both the Senate and the House of Representatives, must bear in mind Professor Ben Nwabueze’s outlined characteristics of federalism, as “an association between governments rather than between geographical entities comprising different people; each level of government should enjoy a separate and independent existence in which one is not subject to the control of the other, that is, autonomy; there should be safeguards that ensure mutual non-interference in the exercise of allotted powers; each regional or state government should have equal powers in its relations to the central government..”.
As recommended by the Life Bencher, Olumuyiwa Akinboro, to achieve a “truly functional federal system, Nigeria must implement key legal and constitutional reforms that strengthen state autonomy; we must reevaluate fiscal federalism to empower states with increased authority over their internally generated revenue and resources management, thereby alleviating their excessive dependence on federal allocations.” To foster a more effective and equitable federal structure, the learned Silk’s conclusion and call to constitutionally “clarify the delineation of legislative authority, and empower states to take lead in security and other critical development initiatives”, will clearly help create a constitutional balance where federal and state governments are coordinating partners in “ensuring that federalism in Nigeria transcends constitutional rhetoric and manifests as a functional reality.”
More importantly, if the “bedrock of a federation is in each tier of government being a master in its own domain”, as held by the Supreme Court in Nkwocha v. Governor of Anambra, it suffices that the National Assembly in executing its duties under Section 9 of the Constitution, must act in the best interest of the Federation, and not just the federal government, by resolving our conflicting constitutional issues on federalism, such as resource control, overlapping jurisdictions, security sector and state policing, local government autonomy, general structure of government, among others, through the ongoing constitutional amendment process. While no country has a perfect system of government, we must constantly construct a system that propels us to a more perfect country, towards better humans, and to forge the greatest amount of good for the majority of Nigerians.
The simultaneous absence of a country’s president and vice president from national territory is risky, argues KABIR ADAMU
WHY PRESIDENTS AND VPS SHOULD RARELY TRAVEL
TOGETHER
In the theatre of statecraft, symbolism and prudence often carry as much weight as written law. One such matter of high symbolic and practical consequence—yet often overlooked—is the simultaneous absence of a country’s President and Vice President from national territory. While few constitutions outright prohibit this occurrence, political wisdom and national security imperatives argue strongly against it.
At a time when global volatility, transnational threats, and domestic uncertainties are constant companions, the need for leadership continuity has never been more critical. When both the President and Vice President— or their equivalents—are out of the country at the same time, it sends a troubling signal: that the cockpit of the state is temporarily unmanned.
The most immediate concern is the risk of a leadership vacuum in the event of an emergency. Natural disasters, civil unrest, military crises, or even economic shocks do not wait for leaders to return from international engagements. If both the President and Vice President are abroad—especially without formally transferring power to another official—critical decisionmaking can be delayed or mired in constitutional ambiguity.
MARCEL MBAMALU argues for accountability from leaders
RIVERS’ EMERGENCY RULE: WHAT’S NEXT?
present often says more than what is written in any communique.
The recent declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State has sent shock waves across Nigeria, sparking intense debate about the country’s democratic principles and the rule of law. The move, which resulted in the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the state legislators, has raised questions about the separation of powers and the limits of executive authority.
As Nigeria navigates this complex situation, concerns about the potential consequences for governance, economic growth, and community relations have come to the fore. With the PDP governors challenging the declaration in court, the nation waits with bated breath for the outcome and its implications for the future of democracy in Nigeria.
After the state of emergency was declared on 18 March 2025, the president invoked Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution, citing political instability and pipeline vandalism. This resulted in the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and all state legislators for six months, with Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas appointed as the sole administrator to oversee the state’s affairs.
Many Nigerians criticised the action, especially the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), which echoed concerns about the erosion of democratic principles. The NBA sees the declaration as unconstitutional.
the citizens who voted for him have been trampled.
Beyond this constitutional breach, it should be noted that the government is now acting in ways it had previously condemned.
In countries where the line of succession is unclear or politically contested, this scenario could spiral into a crisis of legitimacy. Even where succession plans are well established, the optics of absentee leadership during a national emergency can erode public trust.
National security is another central concern. In unstable environments, or regions experiencing rising terrorism, insurgency, or geopolitical tension, the simultaneous absence of the top two leaders may be interpreted by hostile actors as a window of opportunity. The risk is not merely theoretical: history is replete with moments when opportunistic moves by adversaries were timed with perceived political or institutional weakness.
Even in more stable democracies, security protocols often dictate that the President and Vice President avoid traveling on the same aircraft—just in case. It is a principle of continuity of government that has long guided policy in countries like the United States. Such prudence should be universal.
There are also political costs. In democracies especially, perception is policy. When citizens face hardship— whether economic, social, or securityrelated—the image of both leaders abroad can be politically tone-deaf. Opposition figures are quick to pounce, spinning absence into apathy. At worst, it fosters a dangerous sense of neglect among the governed. Indeed, travel diplomacy has its place, and leaders must engage the world. But leadership also requires presence—not just in policy, but in geography. Where one is physically
The fact that many constitutions are silent on this issue does not make it insignificant. In practice, many nations observe informal but well-respected traditions: ensuring that either the President or Vice President remains in the country at all times. These norms are born not of legal necessity but of hardearned political experience. They reflect an understanding that in governance, continuity is not merely a bureaucratic formality—it is the bedrock of stability.
Nigeria, for instance, does not constitutionally forbid simultaneous travel by its top leaders. But the practice is avoided more often than not, precisely because it risks undermining institutional confidence in a country already grappling with complex security and governance challenges. Likewise, in Kenya, the President and Deputy President typically stagger their travel schedules. In France and India, careful coordination between heads of state and government ensures constant presence at the helm.
In an era of rising political uncertainty and asymmetric threats, countries would do well to move from informal convention to formalized protocol. Whether through executive guidelines, legislative frameworks, or constitutional amendments, a clear rule that ensures leadership presence on home soil at all times would strengthen governance and bolster national resilience.
Ultimately, the question is not simply about where a leader travels—but about the architecture of trust between the state and its people. In governance, presence is power. And in times of uncertainty, even symbolic absence can be a dangerous luxury.
Dr Adamu is CEO of Beacon Security and Intelligence Limited, an Abuja based Security Risk Management and Intelligence firm with presence in several African countries
Former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi strongly condemned the emergency rule, calling it a “dangerous affront to democracy” and a power grab by President Tinubu and his ally, Nyesom Wike, to intimidate governors ahead of the 2027 elections. Amaechi argued that the suspension of Governor Fubara violates Section 188 of the Constitution, which outlines how a governor can be removed from office, excluding presidential fiat.
On 20 March 2025, the National Assembly approved the declaration. This approval was made despite concerns about procedural irregularities, particularly the lack of a formal vote count to ensure the constitutionally required two-thirds majority. Instead, both the Senate and the House of Representatives used voice votes to approve the proclamation.
In the House of Representatives, Speaker Abass Tajudeen noted that the request was approved based on the attendance record, which showed 243 lawmakers present, though there was no formal count to confirm the two-thirds majority needed. Similarly, the Senate moved into a closed-door session before approving the proclamation via a voice vote, invoking its powers under Section 305(2) of the Constitution.
The bigger question that requires a prompt answer is why the National Assembly was in such a hurry to approve the declaration.
According to Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution, the removal of a governor or deputy governor from office is a structured process designed to ensure accountability while preventing arbitrary actions.
The process begins when at least one-third of the State House of Assembly members sign a written notice of allegations against the governor or deputy governor, citing gross misconduct in the performance of their duties. The Speaker must serve this notice to the accused and all members within seven days, allowing the accused to respond. The House then votes on whether to investigate, requiring a two-thirds majority. If approved, a seven-member panel is appointed by the Chief Judge to investigate. If the allegations are proven, the House votes again, needing a two-thirds majority to remove the official from office.
This process is intended to safeguard against political manipulation and ensure due process. Since this process was not duly followed in removing Governor Fubara, the rights of
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s governance style has been marked by contradictions between his past opposition stances and current actions. Two significant examples are the removal of fuel subsidies and the declaration of emergency rule in Rivers State.
During President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration, Tinubu and his party often criticised the removal of subsidies as a harsh measure that disproportionately affected the poor. However, upon taking office, Tinubu declared an end to the fuel subsidy regime, citing its unsustainable costs and the need to redirect funds to infrastructure, education, and healthcare. This move led to a sharp rise in fuel prices and inflation, impacting the cost of living for many Nigerians.
Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, suspending elected officials, also contrasts with his past advocacy for democratic principles and checks on executive power.
During his tenure as Governor of Lagos State from 1999 to 2007, Tinubu was known for his strong stance against federal overreach. When President Olusegun Obasanjo withheld federal allocations to Lagos over disputes on local government creation, Tinubu resisted, leading to legal battles. This past resistance to federal interference highlights the contrast with his current actions as President, where he has consolidated federal power by imposing emergency rule in Rivers State.
The declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers has been linked to a deep-seated power struggle between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike. This conflict has paralysed governance and threatened the state’s stability, with allegations of executive overreach and financial mismanagement fuelling tensions.
Governor Fubara has faced opposition from lawmakers loyal to Wike, who sought his impeachment in December 2023. The crisis escalated with a Supreme Court judgment in February 2025 that blamed Fubara for the disagreements.
What about Fubara’s allegation that Wike masterminded the pipeline explosion and other instabilities that led to the emergency rule? Did the federal government take note of this?
Dr Mbamalu, a Jefferson Journalism Fellow, Member of the Nigerian Guild of Editors and
Editor, Editorial Page PETER ISHAKA
Email peter.ishaka@thisdaylive.com
THE SHAKEUP IN NNPCL
The new appointees should bring their experience to give the state-owned oil company a boost
In a sweeping decision that took many stakeholders by surprise last Monday, President Bola Tinubu removed the Group Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) Mele Kyari. The president also dissolved the NNPCL board chaired by Pius Akinyelure. While Bashir Bayo Ojulari was appointed the new Group CEO, Ahmadu Musa Kida becomes non-executive chairman in the reconstituted board to which the president has handed out an immediate action plan. He charged the board to conduct a strategic portfolio review of all operations and Joint Venture assets to ensure alignment with the objectives of value maximisation.
Since coming to power in May 2023, the Tinubu administration has implemented reforms to attract investment into the oil and gas sector. Last year, NNPCL reported $17 billion in new investments within the sector. The administration now envisions increasing the portfolio to $30 billion by 2027 and $60 billion by 2030. The administration also targets raising oil production to two million barrels daily by 2027 and three million barrels daily by 2030. Concurrently, the government wants gas production to be raised to eight billion cubic feet daily by 2027 and 10 billion cubic feet by 2030. Furthermore, President Tinubu expects the new board to elevate NNPCL’s share of crude oil refined in Nigeria to 200,000 barrels by 2027 and 500,000 barrels by 2030. These projections may be quite ambitious, but they are not unattainable.
board: Bello Rabiu (Upstream); Yusuf Usman (Gas & Power); Henry Obih (Downstream), and David Ige (Gas & Power).
Nigerians are desirous of a world-class national oil company that can give an indication of the potential to stand on the same footing and in the same image with ARAMCO of Saudi Arabia, Equinor of Norway, and Petronas of Malaysia
SUNDAY NEWSPAPER
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deputy editors FeSTUS AkANBi eJioFor Alike
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We congratulate the new appointees, hoping they will bring their well-acknowledged experience to deliver on their mandate. Ojulari is former Managing Director of Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Limited (SNEPCo) while Kida was Deputy Managing Director of TotalEnergies. Other members of the new board include Babs Omotowa, a former Managing Director of the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas Limited (NLNG) and Austin Avuru, Executive Chairman of AA Holdings Limited and founding Chief Executive Officer of Seplat Energy Plc. Four former Group Executive Directors (GEDs) at NNPC are also on the new
group executive directors eNiolA Bello, kAYoDe koMolAFe, iSrAel iwegBU divisional directors SHAkA MoMoDU, peTer iwegBU ANTHoNY ogeDeNgBe deputy divisional director oJogUN viCTor DANBoYi snr. associate director eriC oJeH associate director pATriCk eiMiUHi
controllers ABiMBolA TAiwo UCHeNNA DiBiAgwU, NDUkA MoSeri director, printing production CHUkS oNwUDiNJo to send eMail: first name.surname@thisdaylive.com
However, beyond the professional soundness of these individuals, the real challenge has always been about institutional integrity. Most Nigerians have known the NNPCL for almost as long as they have known the country. Its reputation for corruption and incompetence has persisted despite the high turnover of some of the best professionals in the oil and gas sector. For decades, the standards of behaviour in the state-owned oil company have been quite troubling while no government has been able to summon the courage in a sustained way to address impunity and arbitrariness or close the loopholes that breed most of the unwholesome practices. Yet, since NNPCL holds assets on behalf of the country and the people, it cannot continue to carry on as if it has no duty to be accountable to the citizens. Therefore, while it is reassuring that the new appointees come with good track records, they are taking over the company at a period Nigeria must make hard choices in both the upstream and downstream sectors of the petroleum industry. In the latter, there are four refineries, with a total installed capacity of 445,000 barrels per day. These refineries are a major source of leakage through endless turnaround maintenance contracts. There is also the issue of repositioning NNPCL as an efficient and effective commercial entity as envisioned by the Petroleum Industry Act. That has not happened. Rather, NNPCL had in recent period sank deeper into the dark arts of obscure forward sales, questionable loans and financial statements that raise more questions than answers.
Meanwhile, Nigerians are desirous of a world-class national oil company that can give an indication of the potential to stand on the same footing and in the same image with ARAMCO of Saudi Arabia, Equinor (former Statoil) of Norway, and Petronas of Malaysia. Without any doubt, Ojulari, Kida and other members of the new board come well recommended for their assignment. Now, they must make NNPCL work for the greater good of our people.
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LETTERS MELE KYARI: END
The end of the glorious career of Mele Kolo Kyari at the NNPC and later, NNPCL is such that he left the organisation with his head held high despite all the challenges and complex Nigerian factors. His service was full of activities and he proved to be an oil man that knew the industry inside out. His grip of the intricacies of the Nigerian, indeed, global energy sector, is undeniably superb. His deep knowledge of the industry enabled him to contribute and achieve a lot as the top man of the Nigerian Oil and Gas industry. His achievements for Nigeria at the NNPC are truly impressive, for him a source of happiness and self-actualisation. Prior to his appointment as GMD of the NNPC by former President Muhammau Buhari, Kyari was in the Crude Oil Marketing Division, serving as Group General Manager and simultaneously Nigeria’s national representative to OPEC. He is respected for the legacy he left there.
OF A GLORIOUS
As the Group Managing Director of the NNPC and later NNPC Limited, Malam Kyari’s notable achievements include the first ever declaration of profit by the organisation after nearly 45 years of operations, in 2020. It was record-breaking. It set standard which should be emulated. The Corporation is now a profit centre for its shareholders.
His tenure intensified exploration activities in the inland basins to boost the country’s proven oil reserves. The effort yielded the desired result when over a billion barrels of crude were discovered in the two Kolmani River Wells in the North Eastern states of Bauchi and Gombe.
Consequentially, then President Buhari flagged off a $2 billion Kolmani Integrated Development Project (KIPRO) on 22nd November 2022. Current President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, then a presidential candidate, was at the event.
The project comprise a medium-size refinery,
CAREER
a liquefied gas processing plant, a urea fertiliser factory and a power generation house to supply electricity to the complex and neighbouring communities. His policy of promoting transparency and accountability in running the organisation has set a standard. He was able to institute the publication of audited annual reports. The public now knows what is going on in the oil and gas sector.
Nigerians have commended Mele Kyari for his active role in the process of passing the PIA in 2020. The Act seeks to transform the NNPC into a limited liability company to operate in an atmosphere of the best industry practice.
Malam Kyari has made a consistent effort to rehabilitate Nigeria’s public crude oil refineries located in Port Harcourt, Kaduna and Warri. He has created strategic partnerships with reputable companies to revamp the refineries.
Under his leadership of the oil and gas sector, there is a marked increase in domestic
consumption of gas. Kyari promoted domestic gas utilization and new outlets for cooking gas have sprouted all over the country. And condensed Natural Gas (CNG) is gradually gaining popularity as motorists convert their vehicles from petrol burning to using cheap CNG.
The AKK Pipeline Project, spanning Kogi, FCT, Niger and Kaduna to reach Kano is a project designed to deliver gas to three power generating stations which are part of the AKK package.
It is known that already the largest power generating plants in Nigeria are fired by natural gas from NNPCL. The stations are Egbin Power Station, a 1,320 MW-capacity station located in Lagos. The Alaoji thermal Power station of 1,074 MW capacity which is located in Abia state. Salisu Na’inna Dambatta, former Federal Director of Information
Snapshots of iREP 2025
Vanessa Obioha
iREP International Documentary Film Festival returned last weekend for its 14th edition with a buffet of documentary films and robust conversations. Exploring the theme ‘Freedom: Rights and Responsibility,’ the selected films expressed different forms of freedom. From personal freedom as seen in ‘Limo on the Run,’ where the Kenyan sky runner and architect Limo Kipkemoi pushes himself to the limit, capturing his journey of endurance, self-discovery, and the unwavering spirit of a sky runner, to the opening film ‘Mothers of Chibok’ where women affected by the infamous April 14, 2014 Chibok Girls chose to live a life of home instead of imprisoned BG the tragic event.
“The films we selected were not meant to narrow down what freedom is all about,” said executive director of iREP, Femi Odugbemi. “We wanted freedom to be interpreted in different spheres of life.”
One of the event’s highlights was the In-Conversation segment, where filmmakers engaged in deeper exchanges about their craft and beliefs. This edition featured Nigerian-Paris-based imagist Andy Okoroafor and Irish filmmaker Ruan Magan, who spoke with iREP Executive Director Femi Odugbemi and Board Chair Dr. Awam Amkpa, respectively.
Okoroafor, who is working on a project about the famed artist and architect Demas Nwoko, tackled many issues, including the importance of design in filmmaking. As an imagist, he pointed out the various ways design can bring about authenticity in films.
Magan’s film, ‘Steps of Freedom,’ used the performing art dance not only to highlight the cultural and historical landscape
Tomorrow, April 7, marks 19 years since Nnegest Olufunmilayo Likké’s trailblazing debut film, ‘Phat Girlz,’ brought its bold, body-positive story to theatres, making history.
And it did just that! It captivated viewers with its compelling storyline and celebration of self-love, global black cinema, and bridging the cultural gap between Africans and African-Americans.
Released globally on April 7, 2006 by 20th Century Fox Studios, the rom-com showcased an all-star black cast with Academy Award-winning actress Mo’Nique in the lead role as the sexy and desirable love interest of “Dr Tunde”, a gorgeous Nigerian doctor played by heartthrob Jimmy Jean-Louis who is a well-known actor across Africa and has starred in many popular Nollywood films. Additional key cast includes the hilarious Nigerian-American comedian Godfrey Danchimah and award-winning thespian Dayo Ade, both of whom also play handsome, well-to-do Nigerian doctors.
The filmmaker, Likké, who both wrote and directed the groundbreaking film, has a unique tri-cultural background—she’s half-Ethiopian, African-American and Nigerian–which she describes as being like a walking dish of fufu, injera and fried chicken. A weird culinary mix, but when it comes to whipping up these ingredients in a film, the result is a one-of-a-kind entree like ‘Phat Girlz.’
Likké’s pepper-rich ‘Phat Girlz’ broke the mould, challenged beauty standards, and redefined the romantic comedy genre. And what a legacy it created.
The partially autobiographical movie changed lives, introduced culture, and elevated the confidence and self-esteem of millions of women around the world who felt unattractive because society called them “fat”. But the film took that derogatory word back and transformed it into PHAT, which stands for “Pretty Hot
of Ireland but also as an expression of real independence.
In its tradition, the festival wrapped up with the CORA Art Stampede, where the topic ‘Is Art a Limitless Freedom Way?’ was tackled.
With a 14-year history, Odugbemi said iREP is keen on creating documentary filmmakers who believe they can change the world.
“We are hoping to raise conscious filmmakers who are searching for truth, not just facts; filmmakers who want to use their art to make a better country, a better community, and a better world.”
How Filmmaker Nnegest Likké’s ‘Phat Girlz’ Brought Afrobeats to Hollywood 19 Years Ago
And Thick.”
‘Phat Girlz’ recorded many firsts, including featuring one of the earliest Afrobeats crossovers in Hollywood. Long before Afrobeats dominated global charts, Phat Girlz made history with its soundtrack, led by 2Baba’s ‘African Queen.’
The soundtrack also included hits by Danfo Drivers.
Reflecting on the moment she knew her film was a hit, Likké said, “Soon after the movie came out, AfricanAmerican women were coming up to me saying, ‘Ooh, I need to find me a rich Nigerian doctor, they’re so fine!!’”
Likké also appreciated the invaluable contributions of renowned Nigerian filmmaker, TV producer and founder of Zuri24 Media, Femi Odugbemi, who was a Production Consultant on the film and the Second Unit Director for the Nigerian scenes. The team also included Nigerian Olympian and former world boxing champion Moses “Eagle” James of Delta State, who was the Associate Producer and key story consultant.
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has been conferred with the Action Governor of the Decade Award by Broadcasting Talents Nigeria in recognition of his leadership and contributions to the state’s development.
Broadcasting Talents Nigeria identifies and nurtures young talents in media and entertainment, providing them with recognition and opportunities.
The award ceremony, which took place recently at Broadcasting Talents Nigeria’s premises in Surulere, Lagos, brought together dignitaries from various sectors to celebrate Sanwo-Olu and other distinguished personalities honoured.
The organisation also recognised notable individuals as ambassadors, presenting them with letters of accreditation and medals in appreciation of their contributions. Among them were HRM Oba Oyekan Ilufemiloye, Nigerian
From the global rise of Afrobeats to the body-positive revolution, ‘Phat Girlz’ was way ahead of its time—and it’s still making waves. Today, the film remains a fan favourite, with a new generation of viewers discovering its powerful message and keeping the conversation active on all social media platforms.
Likké continues to shape important cultural narratives through cinema, most recently writing the Netflix Original ‘A Sunday Affair,’ which debuted at #1 on the platform and became Netflix’s most-watched Nigerian film in the first half of 2023.
In 2019, another movie Likké wrote, directed and produced titled, ‘Everything But A Man,’ also debuted at #1 on Netflix across Africa and remained a top-watched trending movie for four years.
Today, ‘Phat Girlz’ retains a strong cult following and continues to inspire women to embrace their bodies, honour their rich African Heritage, and love themselves fully and unconditionally. The film’s legacy remains as powerful and relevant today as it was in 2006.
politician Otunba Henry, and others.
Accepting the award on behalf of Sanwo-Olu, Otunba expressed gratitude for the honour bestowed, recognising the efforts of the Lagos State governor.
“It is a thing of value to be recognised. For us, today’s event is certainly a boost to Mr Governor’s morale because this is a grassroots award, and I think it is very important.”
Chairman of Broadcasting Talents Nigeria, Dr George Tubi, praised the governor’s dedication to governance, highlighting his role in infrastructure development, security, and public service reforms that have directly and indirectly influenced the birth and growth of Kiddies Television under the organisation’s umbrella.
“He has proven that he is a man of integrity who has devoted himself to making sure that Lagos State is moving forward economically. He is also determined to further position Lagos as a centre of excellence in all sectors.”
This recognition from the creative sector adds to SanwoOlu’s growing list of accolades, solidifying his reputation as a transformational leader in Nigeria through initiatives like T.H.E.M.E.S+.
Sanwo-Olu
L-r: Okoroafor, Didi Cheeka and Odugbemi
Oyemade and Lanre Olupona
Iyke Bede
Vanessa Obioha
Again, Ex-Minister Betta Edu Sets Tongues Wagging
Since Betta Edu, the disgraced former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, was removed from office following her alleged involvement in a high-level corruption case, little has been heard of her. But all of that changed when she made a sudden appearance recently at the University of Calabar’s 50th anniversary.
She received an award for her outstanding service to humanity. It was surprising to many that the woman who messed up her name in her short stint as a minister showed up at the event with a broad smile on her face, with her name in the institution‘s Hall of Fame, an honour reserved for people of high moral standards and values.
The award set tongues wagging, with many condemning it. Many think that the Cross River State-born ex-minister should have covered her face in shame and shouldn’t be seen with people of integrity. Many others said she should have been punished for the corruption charge she was involved in.
Edu was suspended from office by President Bola Tinubu over an alleged N585 million scandal in her ministry.
Until she had her hand in the cookie jar, Edu commanded a lot of respect, and her popularity soared across the country. She was generally regarded as one of the top ministers in the present regime on account of the sensitivity of her job and the impact on our nation. Those close to her proclaimed that she was such a generous woman as she spent money like sand.
But little did many who idolised and adored her know that her ways were allegedly not what they believed. Edu was initially suspended in January 2024 over the alleged diversion of $640,000 of public money into a personal bank account.
President Tinubu then ordered an investigation into her ministry.
The president would later direct the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to conduct a thorough investigation into all
Royal Rumble as Oluwo Battles Ooni of Ife
aspects of the financial transactions involving the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, as well as one or more agencies thereunder.
“Celebrate true friends. They are a part of you that always sparkles.”Actress Amy Leigh Mercree.
The English-born Mercree may have had the consummate politician and lawmaker, Hon. Sanni Okanlawon, better known to his constituents as OKLA, in mind when she made this beautiful quote.
This played out on Friday, March 28, when friends, family and colleagues gathered to offer prayers for a man famously described as a gentle giant when he clocked 60.
For his friends and constituents, OKLA is an embodiment of numerous virtues. These include diligence, excellence, integrity and many more.
Though not one to deliberately covet public attention, family and friends insisted however that 60 years on earth is indeed worth celebrating. They, therefore, decided to roll out the drums to celebrate a jolly good and trusted fellow whose pastime is to share love and make those around him happy.
Without any iota of doubt, OKLA is a shining light to the nation’s democracy, making sure that the wellbeing of his constituents is the number one on his list of priorities.
By every standard a man of substance, Okanlawon earned his place at the top through hard work, perseverance and focus. This is the message he has consistently preached to the youths of Kosofe constituency 1 since he became their representative in the Lagos State House of Assembly in 2019.
Okanlawon had his first degree from the University of Calabar and a master’s in Business Administration from Lagos State University. As the Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor of Lagos State, Akinwunmi Ambode, on Food Security, he was one of the brains behind the now very popular “LAKE RICE”, a joint venture between Lagos State and Kebbi State governments.
Although the lanky and stockilybuilt Lagos-born politician is not given to frivolities or wanton revelry, families, friends, close associates, staffers, as well as admirers, have continued to pour encomiums on him for his impact in the lives of many of them.
Today, his family, friends and colleagues will convene at Eko Club, Surulere, Lagos, to celebrate him.
It is amazing how the Oluwo of Iwoland, Oba Abdulrasheed
with controversy.
Sadly, this alleged seemingly undisciplined attitude seems to be gaining attention in the public domain, keeping his subjects quite worried.
But it seems he doesn’t care, even as he has been nicknamed ‘King Controversy’.
It was gathered that the flamboyant monarch was squaring up for another fight with the Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi.
The Oluwo of Iwo recently alleged that the Ooni of Ife is scheming to remove him from his stool. Akanbi said he intervened during Ogunwusi’s bid for the throne, adding that he called one of the decision-makers without hesitation to secure Ogunwusi’s enthronement as Ooni.
The Oluwo lamented that despite his support for Ogunwusi, the Ooni orchestrated his suspension from the Osun State Council of Obas meeting. He narrated how he allegedly assisted the monarch in getting to the throne
why Senator Jibrin Barau is North-west’s Most Important political Force
Senator Jibrin Barau is often seen as a stabilising force in the Senate and beyond. He is blessed with the moral authority and rare ability to put an issue that naturally wouldn’t be on the national agenda there.
Although he may not be getting the desired coverage or recognition for his legislative, political, and social interventions, the deputy senate president has mastered the political art of being relevant in the centre and, therefore, indispensable at home.
Today, Senator Jibrin is indisputably the highest-ranking APC Senator in the North-west region. An understated force of nature with admirable charisma and eloquence, Barau has been in the National Assembly since the dawn of the Fourth Republic, starting as a member of the House of Representatives representing the good people of Tarauni Federal Constituency of
“If you pour yourself out for the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday” - Isaiah 58:10
Kano State from 1999 to 2003.
A thoroughbred and successful accountant, he chaired the Appropriations Committee and served as a member of others. After his first legislative odyssey, Jibrin returned to his private practice, but not for long, as he was tapped to serve as chairman of the Kano State Investment and Properties Ltd and, later, Commissioner of Science and Technology.
He is a foundation member of the APC on which platform he contested and won the Kano North Senatorial District seat in 2015. This is his third term as a senator, and he was the only APC senator in 2023 from Kano, as the other two seats were won by the NNPP. But for political expediency, he would naturally have been the Senate President.
Having won the Kano North senatorial seat three consecutive times, there is no contesting the
This biblical verse aptly captures the generous spirit of Oluyinka Adewoye.
Over the years, she has consistently satisfied the needs of hundreds of souls through her foundation, LawrenceGrace.
At its quarterly events for widows, the foundation recently provided free medical consultation and medications, free empowerment training, free health talk, and free gifts of food items to cushion the effects of hardship for over 130 widows in the Ojora community in Lagos State.
Tagged ‘Day out with Ojota Community women,’ Adewoye, in her remarks, said the LawrenceGrace Foundation is founded primarily to touch lives positively, reaching out to widows and indigent school children in less-privileged societies by providing healthcare, free medications, empowerment
of Ooni, adding that to his surprise, the same person he helped ascend to the throne had been planning evil against him. Oluwo said Ooni spoke ill of him before Ademola Adeleke, governor of Osun, claiming he is discouraging idol worship in the state.
“He is using a few kings in Iwoland to destabilise my territory. He attacked me last month in the presence of the governor, saying that I am discouraging idol worship. He was part of those who used my former wife against me,” he claimed.
“He wants me to be removed as Oluwo by all means. Such a dream can never come true. No one can remove me as Oluwo. No one can kill me, and no one can bring me down, except if I didn’t help him become the Ooni,” he added.
However, Moses Olafare, the director of media at the Ooni’s palace, said Oluwo’s allegations were better ignored, saying that the Ooni is busy with developmental projects and doesn’t have time to respond to someone looking for attention.
fact that he has excelled as a legislator and provided crucial leadership for the success of the party in the region.
programs and gifts to support their livelihoods.
She also revealed that the foundation has been to several local governments in Lagos and outside Lagos in the last five years, all to alleviate poverty and empower the widows.
“We count it worthy to hold this event in this community this season as a result of the economic hardships and lack of good healthcare a lot of widows are faced with,” she said. “To empower them with training that can become a source of livelihood, they would be trained on how to make soaps and various healthy drinks for commercial purposes.”
She reiterated that the foundation is committed to putting “smiles on the faces of the less privileged and impact them positively.”
edu
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Akande, loves to court controversies. Since he ascended the throne in 2015, his name has become synonymous
Adewoye
Few stories shine as brightly as that of AWLO—the African Women in Leadership Organisation, a movement born from the unyielding vision of Elisha Attai, a man who saw the gap, felt the pulse and responded to women’s leadership on the continent. Adedayo Adejobi details how Attai continues to shape a more equitable future for women everywhere
This is the story of a visionary who, driven by a deepseated belief in fairness and equality, sought to create a space where African women could thrive and lead. From being a media consultant to championing women’s leadership and President and Founder of the African Women in Leadership Organisation, Elisha Attai’s journey began with a singular, transformative moment: the realisation that the power of connection and mentorship could fuel a revolution. AWLO, a beacon of hope and solidarity, has since bridged continents and broken barriers, empowering women to step into their rightful places of influence.
The story of African Women in Leadership Organisation (AWLO), a movement led by Dr Elisha Attai that has transcended its humble beginnings to become a powerful force for change across Africa and beyond, is one of hope, determination, and the unwavering belief in the power of women to change the world.
A man of change and catalyst for progress, Attai has not only lifted the voices of African women but has ignited a global conversation about gender equity, leadership, and the need for societal transformation.
In a recent encounter, he recounts the inception of AWLO which traces back to a moment of quiet but powerful realisation.
“I observed a recurring pattern: women, despite their immense talent and leadership potential, were often isolated in their efforts to succeed,” he begins. “I recall a specific moment when I saw brilliant women struggling to break through systemic barriers, not because they lacked ability, but because they lacked a supportive network to amplify their voices.”
This observation, born from his years as a media consultant, was not merely a passing thought but a seed that would blossom into a pan-African force. He saw not the limitations imposed by society but the boundless potential waiting to be unleashed.
What began as a whisper, was the AWLO conference in Ghana in 2009, a gathering of women hungry for connection. The 2010 AWLC in Abuja, graced by the First Lady of Nigeria, Dame Patience Goodluck Jonathan, was a watershed moment.
In his words, “It wasn’t just symbolic; it sparked real conversations among policymakers and activists. The event catalysed the Women for Change Initiative and propelled the push for the 35% Affirmative Action policy, a testament to the power of aligned influence. The initiative was a game-changer, seeing women’s increased participation in politics and leadership across Nigeria.’’
He recalls, “That energy was infectious. The memory is still vivid. Each subsequent event, each gathering, amplified the need for a unified platform, a space where women could be instrumental to each other’s success.”
His vision was not confined by geographical boundaries. The 2014 Diaspora Conference in Atlanta marked a pivotal moment, a bridge connecting African women across continents.
“Going global opened our eyes to the shared struggles and strengths of African women across borders and how women can be supported in their shared quest for leadership and success. It refined our mission to not just empower women in Africa but to position them for global relevance,” he says, with a gaze reflecting the global impact of this movement.
But why would a man champion such a cause, one might ask? His response is pragmatic and profound, with grace and conviction. “Leadership isn’t a zero-sum game confined to one gender. Men, as part of society and often gatekeepers of power, have a critical role in dismantling barriers and creating opportunities for women. I believe that for women’s leadership to truly flourish, men need to be allies, not just passive supporters, but active champions, and this is at the core of AWLO’s philosophy.”
Empowering African Women
At the heart of his success is his emphasis on experiential leadership development, an approach that goes beyond theory to practical, real-world application.
Excitedly, recounting how the Leadership Academy has transformed women’s lives by pairing them with real-world projects, Attai narrates with a hearty smile, “One woman went from being a participant to spearheading an iLead club, training students in leadership. Another example is the AWLO-500 project in the Niger Delta,
where women entrepreneurs received hands-on mentorship to grow their businesses. These experiences build confidence and competence, turning potential into action. Programs like ‘Awake Africa’ focus on sustainable leadership by transforming women’s knowledge into actionable development projects aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.”
Continuing, “The impact of AWLO is best seen in the success stories of its members. I’ve seen shy women become bold advocates. Others have
gone from employees to CEOs, using skills from our workshops. The most profound change, however, is in their mindset. They believe they belong in leadership spaces, and that confidence ripples into their families and communities.”
For a man in an uncharted territory, advocacy for women, Attai’s journey was not without its challenges.
Pondering over the incredulity he faced, he shares, “Initially, there was scepticism. Building trust took time, persistence, and a willingness to step back and let women lead. It was about listening deeply to women and ensuring AWLO was their platform, not mine.”
His humility and unwavering dedication ultimately won over hearts and minds.
Despite the challenges of being a male founder of a women’s leadership organisation, Attai has proven that true allyship is about action, not just words.
With eyes reflecting the joy of a mission fulfilled, Attai reveals that today, AWLO thrives, driven by the very women it empowers. “Seeing them drive it, shaping its direction, leading chapters, and inspiring each other, tells me it’s no longer just my vision; it’s theirs,” he says exuberantly.
“AWLO’s impact is evident in the numbers,” he continues. “Over 1,200 women have graduated from our programmes, and 23 chapters are flourishing. Success stories abound; from Nigerian members launching a cooperative to fund small businesses to Tanzanian members securing funding for girls’ education. But the true measure of success lies in the ripple effect of empowerment, in the women who say, ‘AWLO changed my life.’”
Offering advice for men seeking to be allies, “Listen more than you speak. Amplify women’s voices without trying to control them. Use your influence to challenge biases and open opportunities.”
Looking to the future, Attai says he envisions AWLO as a global force for change.
“African women are adapting to the evolving landscape. AWLO embraces technology for virtual training and focuses on equipping women to lead in green economies and peace-building. Flexibility and innovation will keep us relevant. I want AWLO to be a lasting force that ensures every African woman has the tools and opportunity to lead. Our future impact will be measured by generations of women leaders who trace their success back to AWLO—a legacy of equality and transformation.”
Driven by values of fairness and service, and fuelled by his mother’s and sisters’ resilience, Attai’s passion for empowering women is both personal and universal.
“It’s the ripple effect of empowerment that keeps me going,” he states.
For Attai, whose work extends beyond AWLO, encompassing media, storytelling, and youth mentorship, his words, a call to action to African women, echo: “You are the sun. Your potential is limitless; don’t let anyone dim it. AWLO is here for you—together, we’ll light up the continent.”
L-r: president and Founder, African women in Leadership Organisation, Dr. Attai; First Lady, Sierra Leone, Fatima Bio; former Vice president, prof. Yemi Osinbajo; and Dr. Jewel Howard- Taylor at an event...recently
Attai
with KAYoDe ALFreD 08116759807, E-mail: kayflex2@yahoo.com
#Natashagate: Interesting Times Ahead
The day Senate President Godswill Akpabio dismissed Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan with a smirk and a crude remark about nightclubs, the script was set. It seemed to observers to be a deliberate power play, one that relied on the assumption that she, like others before her, would back down. She didn’t. And now, the fallout is rewriting the rules of engagement in ways the Senate didn’t anticipate.
What started as a dispute over seating has spiralled into a political storm, laced with allegations of harassment, an “illegal” suspension, and an attempt at recall that many view as a thinly veiled act of political persecution.
Curiously, when Akpabio himself refused to accept a seat reassignment under Bukola Saraki’s leadership, the Senate did not erupt into months of controversy. There were no suspension letters, no recall machinery grinding into motion. Maybe the tolerance for dissent depends less on principle and more on who dares to dissent.
But the Senate isn’t the only actor in this unfolding drama. The Kogi State Government’s ban on protests—imposed just in time to disrupt Natasha’s gathering—raises more questions than it answers. While officials claim security concerns, the timing conveniently benefits those who prefer her silenced.
If the strategy was to diminish Natasha’s relevance, it has failed spectacularly. Suspension has freed her from Senate formalities, granting her time and an even louder voice. Attempts to discredit her have instead expanded her reach, drawing attention far beyond Kogi politics. In trying to put out a fire, her opponents have thrown fuel on it.
At the heart of all this is more than just Natasha—it is a system that resists disruption, particularly from those who refuse to accept the unspoken rules. Where this leads is uncertain, but it is clear that those who set this chain of events in motion may soon realize that in politics, as in life, some battles only make the underdog stronger.
...Amazing
Jim Ovia: Stamp of His Honour
Jim Ovia was already having a spectacular year, but now he has a gilded cherry on top: the Freedom of the City of London. Even those that dare shrug at the news acknowledge that this honour is as old as the Tower of London and once gave knights the right to carry a sword in public. Ovia may not need a sword, but the influence he wields is sharp enough to slice all envy and indifference.
The Freedom of the City of London isn’t a random accolade. It’s a nod from one of the world’s oldest financial capitals, recognising Ovia’s role in connecting Nigeria’s banking sector to global finance. It means that the man who once bet on Africa’s economic rise is now one of its most celebrated financiers—both at home and abroad.
At home, Ovia’s bank, Zenith, just broke the trillion-naira profit barrier—a staggering feat in an economy where businesses often play defense. Reportedly, this year, the bank’s profits
surged 52.5%, swelling its dividend payouts. Ovia, as the bank’s founder and largest shareholder, will pocket a cool N25.4billion in dividends alone. That’s more than some state budgets.
Meanwhile, Ovia’s imprint is visible beyond the layer of banking. For example, he has been instrumental in ICT development in Nigeria, supporting initiatives that push the country toward a digital future. His foundation has also quietly funded scholarships for underprivileged students, ensuring that the next Jim Ovia might come from anywhere.
It’s consequently no surprise that President Bola Tinubu was quick to congratulate him on the Freedom of the City of London honour.
So, while some may wonder why an honour from an ancient British city matters, the reality is that Ovia is still at the peak of his power. With money rolling in, global recognition pouring down, and a bank that seems unstoppable, he isn’t just winning— he’s defining the game.
For Mele Kyari, It’s the End of an Era
crude oil intrigues or the political balancing acts, the man’s tenure was marked with bold decisions and controversies. But like all power plays, the curtain has now fallen. President Bola Tinubu, once his steadfast backer, has finally shown him the door.
For six years, Kyari wielded influence in an industry where fortunes rise and fall with a whisper. Appointed in 2019 under Muhammadu Buhari, Kyari manoeuvered through Nigeria’s complex oil terrain, securing billion-dollar deals while fending off accusations of inefficiency. Even when age limits loomed and critics sharpened their knives, Tinubu kept him in place. Until now.
Mele Kyari’s reign at the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) was never dull. Whether it was the
The president’s reshuffle was swift and decisive, removing not just Kyari but the entire NNPC board appointed in November 2023. The official line? A drive for operational efficiency, investor confidence, and economic growth. The
What’s Cooking in Nigeria’s Merchant Banking Scene?
The Nigerian business landscape has lately felt like a revolving door—big names walking out with weary sighs, lamenting the economy, while others peek in, shake their heads, and keep moving. Yet, here comes JP Morgan, suit pressed and briefcase in hand, ready to expand in a market that has sent many packing. What do they see that others don’t?
For starters, JP Morgan isn’t exactly new to the Nigerian business scene. They’ve had a Lagos representative office since the 1980s, quietly offering advisory and asset management services. But now, they want more—merchant banking, dollar loans, a bigger footprint. It’s a bold move, especially considering Nigeria’s economic turbulence. So, why now?
It could be about playing the long game. Nigeria, despite its struggles, remains Africa’s biggest economy, with deep capital markets and a population that would make any global
investor’s eyes twinkle. Where others see uncertainty, JP Morgan sees potential.
The bank’s love affair with Africa is not just a fling. CEO Jamie Dimon has been on a tour, shaking hands in Nairobi and South Africa, planting flags across the continent. Nigeria’s recent Eurobond success, which saw an over-subscription of $9 billion, might have sweetened the deal. If a country can still attract that level of international confidence, maybe it’s not all doom and gloom.
Meanwhile, the exit list from Nigeria reads like a farewell party—Unilever, GlaxoSmithKline, ShopRite, and even Microsoft have either packed up or scaled down. High operating costs, currency instability, and regulatory hurdles have made doing business in Nigeria feel like running a marathon in quicksand. Yet, JP Morgan is lacing up its boots.
One might wonder if they know something the others don’t. Perhaps they’re
reality, if observers are to be believed, is a mix of political recalibration, industry pressure, and the need for a fresh start in Nigeria’s most strategic sector.
Enter Bashir Ojulari, the man tasked with steering NNPC’s next chapter. A seasoned oil executive with global experience, he takes over at a time when the company faces ambitious production targets—two million barrels per day by 2027, three million by 2030. Lofty goals, but with crude oil, promises are easier made than kept.
Kyari leaves behind a legacy as complex as the pipelines he once oversaw. His tenure saw refinery rehabilitation efforts and increased investment flows, yet fuel scarcity and subsidy debates remained constant headaches. In an industry known for its opaque dealings, he projected transparency while managing the undercurrents of political survival.
Dimon
betting that Africa’s financial future runs through Lagos, and they want to be first in line when things stabilise. If nothing else, it’s a gamble worth watching.
Gbajabiamila’s Legacy of Empowerment
At the South-west Games 2025, Femi Gbajabiamila was a man who stood in the spotlight for something more than political clout—his unwavering commitment to the future of Nigerian youth. Crowned Champion of Grassroots Sports, he stood as a living embodiment of the change he has tirelessly worked to bring about.
From the Speaker’s chair to the corridors of power as Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, Gbajabiamila’s true mastery lies in his ability to turn policy into progress, specifically for Nigeria’s youth. Under
his stewardship, the nation has witnessed a revival of sports at the grassroots level. Now, is it a competition, a rehabilitated facility, or an initiative? They have all become stepping stones for young Nigerians to chase their dreams.
That moment at Onikan Stadium was a fitting celebration of a man who sees sports not just as games but as a vital tool for societal transformation. In the crowd’s roar was a collective understanding that Gbajabiamila’s efforts have woven sports into the very fabric of national development. Where once opportunities were few, they now abound.
The Champion of Grassroots Sports
Award was not only a trophy to place on a shelf. No, it was a declaration of the hard work that has reshaped the landscape of Nigerian athletics. But for Gbajabiamila, this honour is just another step in a lifelong journey to foster discipline, resilience, and success among Nigeria’s youth.
As the South-west Games unfolded, it was clear that the future of Nigerian sports has a strong ally in Gbajabiamila. Through his work, sports are no longer just a pastime; they are an avenue for characterbuilding and national unity, laying the foundation for a stronger, more cohesive society.
ovia
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Tokunbo Wahab’s Unmatched Drive to Clean Up Lagos Emmanuel Uduaghan’s Good Example
At Oshodi Flyover, where the chaos of Lagos once reigned supreme, the air now carries the scent of something rare—order. The shanties are gone, the illegal stalls dismantled, the onceclogged passage now breathes. Credit for this transformation goes to one man: Tokunbo Wahab, the city’s quiet enforcer.
Wahab’s cleanup operations are swift, decisive and relentless. Under his watch, spaces like Oja Oba and Adeniji Adele have been reclaimed, pushing back against the creeping encroachment that once made them impassable. Where some see displacement, Wahab sees restoration, which is why Lagos is returning to its rightful state.
Elegbata Bridge in Apongbon tells a similar story. Makeshift homes, long tolerated, were cleared out, removing a ticking hazard from the city’s landscape. These areas, once havens for filth and disorder, have been forced into compliance. Wahab’s approach isn’t merely about cleaning streets; it’s about resetting the
Behind every great woman, there’s a man who knows how to keep his ego in check. Emmanuel Uduaghan, husband to the formidable Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, is one of the rare breeds who truly gets it. A man who doesn’t just stand by his wife but somehow manages to make it look effortless— and without needing public applause.
While the world might expect him to grab the spotlight alongside Natasha, he’s instead chosen to stand just a bit behind her—enough to offer the perfect balance of support without casting a shadow.
Of course, anyone who knows Uduaghan knows this isn’t a fluke. He’s not one for loud gestures or flashy declarations. No, his strength lies in his ability to step aside and allow Natasha to take center stage. What a power move—especially in a society that still seems obsessed with the idea of men needing to be the louder, dominant voice. Uduaghan is the exception. He knows that
greatness doesn’t have to be announced; it can simply be.
It’s also worth noting the grace with which Uduaghan responds to the absurd. Enter the recent drama with Senator Onyekachi Nwebonyi. Rather than make a public spectacle, Uduaghan chose the dignified route—demanding an apology, but with the kind of quiet strength that can only come from someone secure in their position. No drama, just a sharp reminder that sometimes the best way to handle nonsense is with a calm, quiet resolve.
So, to Uduaghan, salutes are being thrown from all over. All because he clearly understands that true strength isn’t just about being in the spotlight, knows when to step aside, gives his partner room to grow, and is supporting her with a quiet but unwavering presence.
balance of the city itself.
Some have labelled his methods as unsparing, but in a city where governance often blinks in the face of urban decay, Wahab does not. He understands that Lagos, with its swelling population and unrelenting expansion, cannot afford to be run on sentiment. The streets belong to everyone, not just those bold enough to claim them.
The resistance was predictable. Protests were scheduled, voices were raised, but Wahab’s stance remained unmoved. The city’s survival depends on his ability to impose order, and that order cannot be negotiated.
Across Lagos, the changes are beginning to settle in. Pedestrian bridges are no longer just decorative; they are in use. Major roads, once swallowed by illegal markets, have reemerged. And through it all, Wahab’s steady hand remains, ensuring that this progress does not become a fleeting moment but a permanent shift.
Who is Afraid of Senator Yayi?
The streets of Ogun’s political scene are whispering, but Senator Solomon ‘Yayi’ Adeola remains unfazed. He hasn’t announced a bid for 2027, yet rivals already seem rattled. Some politicians fight for relevance—Yayi simply exists, and the landscape shifts. He’s not in the race, but his name is already winning.
For would-be contenders, the road to Oke Mosan is looking less like a highway and more like an obstacle course. Yayi’s financial clout and political machinery make him an immovable force. Ambitions are being quietly re-evaluated. Running for office is one thing; running against a force of nature is another.
When he had a thanksgiving even in February, it was meant to be a gratitude tour. Instead, it became an oracle reading for Ogun’s future. Every handshake, every word, every glance sparked speculation. Yayi says his focus is on delivering for Ogun West, but even his silence speaks volumes.
Unlike the chorus of career politicians banking on noise, Yayi has let his work do
Tope Dare: At the Top @ 50
Fifty years ago, a trailblazer was born, one whose name would redefine financial technology across West Africa. Tope Dare, the architect of digital banking and ATM expansion, has spent his career not just innovating but transforming the financial ecosystem.
This man’s journey began with a detour. Like other well-intentioned people, his father envisioned a doctor, but Dare found his calling in engineering. After studying at the Federal University of Technology, Akure, and Obafemi Awolowo University, his career in banking took off in 1999 at Chartered Bank (now Stanbic IBTC). While he was assigned to project management, his heart was in technology, and he quickly moved to IT.
The turning point came in 2000 when he joined Oceanic Bank (now Ecobank) as a Graduate Trainee, leading the charge in ATM deployment. He wasn’t just rolling out machines; he was shaping access to banking in Nigeria. A self-funded training at Wincor
Nixdorf in Germany in 2008 cemented his expertise, and his passion didn’t go unnoticed. Oceanic Bank, recognizing a visionary at work, quickly reimbursed his expenses. By 2010, Dare skipped to sales at NCR, where he redefined the ATM market, securing a 48% market share. Then came Inlaks in 2013—a company with just 2% of the ATM market. As Executive Director, he transformed it into Nigeria’s market leader with a staggering 52% share, selling over 12,500 ATMs.
Beyond banking infrastructure, Dare has become a force in financial policy debates. His advocacy on ATM fees and cashless policies has challenged industry norms, earning the attention of regulators and lawmakers. His insights on the unintended consequences of PoS transactions have sparked national conversations.
With an Action Learning MBA and executive education from Harvard, Wharton, Oxford, and Cambridge, Dare remains a thought leader. His influence extends beyond boardrooms—his recent induction as an Honorary Senior Member
the talking. His imprint—roads, schools, empowerment programmes—has turned Ogun West into his political stronghold. No slogans needed. His credibility isn’t borrowed; it’s built brick by brick.
His Senate tenure, first in Lagos and now Ogun, has done more than bolster his résumé—it has widened his reach. While others court endorsements, he is already the name voters mention unprovoked. The real question isn’t if he can run. It’s whether anyone can truly run against him.
The unease isn’t paranoia; it’s recognition of reality. Ogun’s politics is not for the faint-hearted, and Yayi has never been that. He operates at the intersection of grassroots loyalty and national influence—a combination few can match and even fewer can challenge.
For now, he plays it cool, watching while others react. But in politics, the loudest statement is often silence. And in Ogun’s 2027 race, the most significant presence may be the one yet to speak.
From Katsina to the corridors of power, Aisha Rimi’s achievements as MD/CEO at the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC) have been nothing short of remarkable. A legal mind by training, she has certainly but seamlessly woven her expertise into the fabric of Nigeria’s investment landscape, spearheading change with finesse and strategy.
Rimi’s career started in the 90s, carving out a space for herself at prestigious firms like Ajumogobia & Okeke and Chadbourne & Parke. But it was the foundation of Africa Law Practice back in 2017 that truly marked her as a legal luminary, tackling complex investment regulations across the continent.
This legal background, rich in international commercial law, became the cornerstone of her subsequent leadership role at NIPC. Even today, in the boardroom, Rimi’s approach is sharp and transformative. Her ability to bridge the gap between regulatory frameworks and investment opportunities has made her an invaluable asset to Nigeria’s investment climate.
of CIBN and a Fellow of NICA solidifies his legacy.
As he turns 50, who dares to think that Dare’s impact is over? Through just the Tope Dare Foundation, the man continues to drive change in education and healthcare.
But it’s not all business with Rimi. Being a person who has always believed in balancing corporate success with social responsibility, through her firm, she runs a pro bono program offering legal aid to domestic abuse victims, embodying her belief that a thriving society requires both legal and human justice. She integrates this sense of compassion into every decision she makes.
As the NIPC continues to grow under her guidance, Rimi is proving that true power lies not in chasing recognition but in shaping the future. Her exploits, matched only by her unwavering commitment, will likely be the blueprint for success in Nigerian investment for years to come.
Aisha Rimi’s Matchless Exploits
Uduaghan
wahab
Dare
Yayi
g litz and g lamour at A r IS e Awards
AND THe lADY DIeD.
. .
Please bring out your hankies because this is sad. The clip hit social media with a thud.
A young Nigerian was seen rushing his pregnant wife to the hospital. Mbok, come and see my tears as he kept begging her not to go. Kemi, please na, Kemi please na, Kemi, I love you… and Kemi will grunt as she goes in and out of consciousness. The cabman inquired of the hospital and he replied, “Please drive to any hospital, just drive.” He was crying as he spoke. I am equally crying as I write. “Kemi,” he pleaded, “Kemi please na. Kemi, I love you.” Kemi was losing it, Kemi could not fight.
Kemi was tired. But he didn’t agree, he wasn’t going to let her go just like that. “Drive this motherfucking taxi,” he screamed at the driver. “Kemi jo na, Kemi mai ti lo,” he begged, his eyes so teary. Then he saw the hospital and
It was my sad friend, Osa that yabbed me the year I was not invited to THISDAY Awards. The thing pain me o. He said “you no relevant as dem no invite you.” I called on my beautiful sister, Konye, the Style Editor and said, “Abeg, dey try to dey invite me na.”
Well, this time, it was the great Prince of Ika that invited me and I carried my three-quarter pants to Eko Convention Centre where the ARISE Awards for Women of Impact took place.
The cocktail area was filled with very beautiful people o. Hon. Chike Ogeah, looking like an Asaba Denzel Washington in his tux; my big aunties, Ruth Osime and Eno Udoh. Kai, kai, the Anumudu damsel continues to flourish oooo. Kai, come and see what she wore, I was just shaking as I hugged her. The woman fine, no be small. Then Udo Okonjo walked in looking like ‘The Lady in Red’ that Chris de Burgh sang about. Simply
hope rekindled, he rushed her in and they pushed them back – he had no N500,000 to pay for the deposit and she died. God, she died, Nigeria just happened again. Leave me, let me cry my tears. Leave me, I cannot describe the pain for this young guy that I do not know, but his eyes, his plea, his love, all coming to naught. God console him.
A SU e Ig H o DA lo: Do N ’ T w orrY, Be H A pp Y
The inevitability of this judgement is what has driven right thinking Nigerians to a certain numbness. We are now totally immune to the pain of the wickedness of the system. In fact, if the result were different, there would have been a huge shock all over the country. So yesterday, when we saw images of the intellectuallychallenged Governor of Edo State celebrating with his people the verdict, we just hissed and moved on.
ravishing.
Atedo Peterside was also there in his usual bowler hat, and there were so many beautiful people.
How the Chairman pulls all these people continues to amaze me. He not only pulled them in but got them to dress up like excited teenagers going to the prom. You can feel their elation in the way posed in front of the cameras, and generally having fun.
I did not see Editor at the event. As na glamour, Editor no show o. I look for am tire, I no see am o. Maybe when they are giving awards to NLC or that kind people, Editor will be the anchor. Kai, I sha like to yab Davidson, I think he is truly one of the greatest. It was a brilliant outing, one fit for the record books. Well done to the team. But did you guys see that my shoe? It was the main attraction as Hon Ogeah mentioned. “Edgar, you don mad finish. Mudi don spoil you finish.”
I replied, “Oga, abeg give me drink; your perfume want kill me.” Kai!
Me, I was stuck in the most horrendous traffic in the history of Nigeria and as such didn’t even bother to read the story beyond seeing the images which included a seemingly “zombified” 2face walk into the INEC office with his paramour to receive the verdict.
For my brother Asue, I would say well done. For a first timer, you have done so well that it took the system to pull in all their might to stop your movement. But be rest assured that this is but a temporary hitch in the coming tsunami that will wash away the lepers who totally have abducted us. So prepare and do not sleep with your two eyes closed, continue to oil your machinery because sooner than you know it, you will be called again to provide in-depth leadership. Well done bro, bath, relax with a shot of whiskey, drink your coffee and put your legs up, and just sleep because in the morning major work will begin. Thank you.
NATASHA AkpoTI-UDUAgHAN’S HelIcopTer BlUeS
This lady did an Awolowo for her enemies. Awo was the first in recorded history to use helicopters in campaigns. They had reportedly banned VIP movements, rallies and everything possible to stop the homecoming of this “enfant terrible.” They had forgotten that creating huge ditches on the road during the elections did not stop her and had also forgotten the possibility of an air incursion. That was how we were all at the roadblocks drinking “paranga” and waiting for her motorcade. Meanwhile, Mummy just dropped from the helicopter and the crowd went gaga. Senator Natasha has won this round in this drama fit for Netflix. No wonder, as I watched her at the ARISE TV awards, she kept whispering to her husband and I am sure they were doing money transfer to the pilot and paying for a parachute because they kept looking at their phones.
Ighodalo
Austen-peters
Mo Abudu
keyamo
This Natasha is beginning to look like a boil in Akpabio’s backside and you know how irritating that thing can be. It will not kill you but will continue to give you discomfort and irritate you. Abi we should go and beg before this Lady will now use a parachute to land on the roof of the National Assembly. Kai!
NIgerIAN AIrlINeS UNDer FeSTUS KeYAmo
Just as I was about to comment that this Baba has been quiet for a bit and seemingly focused on his job which is amongst others to bring sanity to the aviation sector, they carry wahala come my side.
I had gone to Ekiti for Senator Bamidele’s event and had bought an Air Peace ticket to Akure and Green Africa from Akure back to Lagos.
Well, Air Peace surprised me o. They were prompt and took off and when we landed, I wanted to jump out and was told to wait small, that we were in Ilorin. I say wetin, we that will soon take off. The way they are going, they will soon be doing bus stops in the air – pilot stop here o, Ore want drop o, or wait make we reach Lokoja before una drop. Anyways, they did well and dropped us in Akure. Wahala was now on my way back, I rushed to Akure from Ekiti only to hear that the flight had been cancelled and saw FAAN staff washing their clothes, taking their baths and doing what people do in an airport that has no traffic usually and the only one flight coming was cancelled. Mbok, I was mad and cursed. A ticket we bought just three days ago and now they have cancelled with no email or phone call. One of the people there now offered to take me to Lagos for N200,000. I agreed and we risked being kidnapped, accident, police, Amoteku, Fulani herdsmen and all of that and arrived in Lagos in one piece.
Just as I was about to go to my shrine and lay curses on Festus, NCAA and Green Africa, I now heard that someone seized all of their planes in one day but that they have just bought a new one thanks to Access Bank. I just weak, what else can one say but to join them in prayers, it cannot be easy trying to do business in Nigeria. I forgive Green Africa and ask that they should use my airfares to pay off their debts or better still, convert it to equity so that I can be a shareholder. Pele my people, it is well, God will bless your airline and you will grow to be the biggest airline on the continent. You have my support and my money.
mo AbUDU’S lANDmArK AcHIevemeNT
She has just announced the acquisition of a huge complex in central London for the purposes of facilitating the African cultural
odyssey. This lady that is on all of the most powerful lists of influential people in the world continues to make waves. She is simply unstoppable and this latest
acquisition would really lead to the effective penetration of our entertainment space in the international space. Even though she has “blocked” me and no dey greet me when I
mUSTApHA cHIKe-obI: I ToTAllY DISAgree
Discussions with this Oga who is the Chairman of Fidelity Bank can be very rich. He is today one of the most cerebral in the land. His understanding of the issues and the brilliance of his advocacy makes him a rich pitstop in the journey to clarity. On the back of the monstrous profits that the banks have been reporting – for those of you under the rock, almost all the banks have been reporting profits running into trillions.
All of them o, even those that cannot fund the opening of a buka are declaring trillions – so I wrote a masterpiece trying to explain to befuddled Nigerians how they are making the money and where it is coming from and why there is still no real effective liquidity in the market despite the trillions. I sent the write up to Mr. Obi knowing full well that he would not be able to resist the call for a “fight.” I dropped my phone for a while to check if NCC had not carried out the threat to ban porn, only to come back to see three missed calls from Oga. He had taken the bait as expected. What followed was a powerful rendition of the situation. By the time Oga finished with me, I would have passed with a first-class degree in banking and finance if I took the exam that morning. Lord killed me o – “Edgar, the money is not the same. By the time you factor in inflation, you will see that what we have is growth in profits but value remaining the same.”
He talked o. He said the only way the economy can grow is if the real sector pushes. He mentioned some ministries – Education, Agric, Finance, Trade and investments and one more that I have forgotten as those who are well positioned to engender this growth.
He also talked about the importance of the Chief Economic Adviser to the President being the most important and strategic person in the fight. Now this is where I disagree. What I took out of the convo was that as capitalists, the banks were first and foremost responsible to their shareholders’ and expected value and if the inclement environment was buffeting them, then they have to grow their profits any which way to at least maintain value. If I am wrong on this summation please forgive me.
My own take is that all hands should be on deck especially where the government seems to have collapsed with obtuse policies and “mumu” appointments to strategic places. With these profits, whether they are real or not, the banks can morph into agents of real growth working with their regulators to push funding into strategic sectors of the economy while dictating processes, corporate governance, accountability as criteria for receiving credit, grants and subventions.
If these profits are real, then these banks are by far richer than a lot of state governments, and as such they must begin to redefine their ethos and start looking at being developmentally expansive. Nollywood did it. They just shoved the government aside and built a N3 trillion industry, creating jobs, impacting infrastructure and earning forex.
So, it is not to be dressing like Michael Jackson and flying private jets and behaving like a superstar Bank MD, giving lectures up and down. It is now time to roll up the sleeves and rebuild the economy. If the little children of Nollywood can do it, then our banks should do it. Chikena. No vex.
see her - not that I even care o, it still doesn’t stop me from saying a hearty congratulation to her for this bold step. Well done sis.
ForgIve me, bolANle AUSTeNpeTerS She walked into the Signature Suite venue of the ARISE Awards, looking very beautiful and regal. I rushed to her and gave her a hug and a light peck on her luscious cheeks. Bolanle is the mother of modern theatre, a visioner and builder and much more importantly, the first to dash me N200,000 when Nicholas sacked me to start a new journey in theatre.
“Why you block me?” I attacked. I noticed that she had blocked me on WhatsApp and I could not reach her again. “Why won’t I block you when you are yabbing my Papa,” she enthused in laughter.
Her Papa being Aare Afe Babalola, the giant of jurisprudence. Chief was under public fire for the way he had reacted to Dele Farotimi’s book and I joined the hallelujah chorus to fire chief.
I had gone through almost the same route as Dele but I rushed to beg to avoid with the skin of my teeth the notorious Ekiti gulag and it was Bolanle that joined to save me.
Oya, don’t vex again my sister, oya take Coca Cola relax make you no spoil your make-up. She laughed and hugged me back – such a sweet soul.
Edgar, you are crazy o. Don’t mind me o. You are taking me too seriously o. Mbok hug me and let’s eat afang one of these days, I placated her.
She went on to win an award and delivered such a beautiful speech that got the audience falling over themselves to salute her.
Well done my sister, you are a gem.
ISAAc FAYoSe: A DIFFereNT KIND oF crITIc
This is former Governor Fayose’s younger brother and I simply just love him. His cryptic posts and commentaries on Nigerian life used to just tickle me. He advocates the marrying of many wives, stating that he has many and if the existing ones disturb him too much, he will marry a new one.
He sent N500,000 to musician Asake’s father the other day even as he warned men that as fathers we should not wait for any child o, that the mothers have captured them.
Even his brother is not spared. Attacking and humiliating that one at every turn. His deliveries are always laced with wicked sarcasm and humour and the thing just used to make me fall on the ground and laugh. Mbok, anybody that can link me with him should just do it. I would really love to spend time with this ‘mad man’ and learn. He is a fearless genius. Kai.
A publicAtion
Art and Resilience in an Era of Climate Change
obi Nwaegbe’s stirring exhibition at the university of cambridge, uk, brings into thrilling focus a decade’s worth of revolutionary work by the JR Botek Foundation, highlighting the resilience of african farmers in the face of climate change. okechukwu Uwaezuoke reports
Astirring exhibition, titled The Roots of Resilience, that “sows” – pun intended – the seeds of excitement aptly embodies the spirit of Obi Nwaegbe’s recent presentation at the Salisbury Lab of the University of Cambridge, UK. This exhibition shines a thrilling spotlight on a decade’s worth of quietly revolutionary work by the JR Botek Foundation. As this foundation’s pioneering efforts take centre stage, it becomes clear that Carol Ibe, its visionary founder and a Gates Foundation scholar with a PhD, has been cultivating innovative solutions in agriculture and climate change. Its work was harvested in this dynamic exhibition, which prioritised farmers’ needs and sought effective solutions through initiatives like AGRIIP – the AgriInnovation & Impact Project.
The exhibition’s nuanced exploration of the complex issues surrounding climate change and agriculture likely resonated deeply with visitors. Climate change, after all, is indeed a “growing” concern, laying waste to African agriculture with rising temperatures and erratic rainfall. Yet, farmers are adapting, innovating, and thriving. Their resilience forms the emotional core of The Roots of Resilience, evident in their weathered faces and ingenious solutions – from novel irrigation systems to pioneering tech uses. The exhibition’s urgent call to action is clear: to cultivate a better future.
The Roots of Resilience – which was up for the duration of the conference from March 26 to 28 – is, therefore, an exhibition that should have significantly altered the viewers’ perspectives – perspectives that are buoyed by the resilience of African farmers and galvanised to join the fight against climate change. Its impact resonates – long after it ended – as a powerful tribute to the boundless potential of collaboration, innovation and the human spirit, illuminating a beacon of hope for a more sustainable future.
This message was echoed by Nwaegbe, who commenced his presentation with a heartfelt statement: “It is an honour to be making this presentation from such an important podium and to a critical science audience.” As he began his discourse at the podium, Nwaegbe’s words proclaimed his deep-seated conviction, clearly emphasising the significance of the exhibition’s themes and the crucial importance of collective action in addressing the complex challenges of climate change. No doubt, the weight of the University of Cambridge’s history was palpable as he acknowledged the privilege of speaking at the institution, whose storied pedigree is unarguably a far cry from that of his alma mater, the University of Nigeria Nsukka.
Delving deeper into his presentation, the Abuja-based artist shed light on his fruitful collaboration with Dr Ibe, founder of the Biotek Foundation. Their shared passion for environmental sustainability had sparked an unlikely yet potent alliance, bridging the divide between science and art with elegance and precision. “I have been in long-term engagement with Dr Carol… even as we have been separately engaging with and orientating young students about the value of environmental sustainability.”
Nwaegbe’s words were infused with a sense of purpose, his emphasis on the transformative potential of their partnership nothing short of galvanising.
“Today, we are working together, she as a scientist and I as an artist, towards the same goals. I firmly believe that this synergy across our professional fields holds tremendous social, environmental, and economic promise.”
The artist’s passionate conviction may have electrified the room, riveting his audience’s attention to the vast possibilities of this innovative partner-
ship. Meanwhile, his paintings, which were displayed at the three-day event, seethe with a visual narrative that underscores the farreaching consequences of climate change and environmental degradation. Take the work “Climate Change and Land Displacement”, for instance; it evokes a sense of desolation and captures the anguish of communities uprooted by conflict and environmental disaster. The painting’s eerie landscape, devoid of hope, served as a powerful indictment of the devastating impact of human activity on the environment.
A second painting, “Greenhouse Gases &
Sustainable Agriculture”, presents a scathing portrayal of industrial agriculture’s role in exacerbating climate change. His depiction of a sprawling industrial complex spewing noxious fumes into the atmosphere was a stark reminder of the catastrophic consequences of unchecked emissions. The barren wasteland that stretched out beneath the complex served as a haunting reminder of the destructive impact of human neglect.
In “The Unpredictable Harvest”, the third instalment of the series, he presents a dichotomous vision of two worlds: one barren and lifeless, the other teeming with vitality. The painting’s left side was a desolate expanse, dominated by a withered tree and a farmer beset by despair. In stark contrast, the right side of the painting burst with colour and life, as a thriving farm seemed to flourish in defiance of the devastation that had ravaged its counterpart. This juxtaposition serves as a powerful commentary on the choices that lie before the viewers and the urgent need for sustainable practices to ensure a viable future. Ultimately, The Roots of Resilience has masterfully woven together the threads of art, science, and collaboration, creating a vibrant quilt that inspires and educates. By harmonising the voices of African farmers, the expertise of scientists, and the visionary creativity of artists like Nwaegbe, this exhibition issued a rallying cry that echoes long after the viewer has left the gallery. As the world navigates the uncharted territories of climate change, it illuminates the game-changing symphony of collaboration – where human ingenuity, creativity, and collective action come together in perfect harmony.
Nwaegbe
Nwaegbe making his presentation before the audience
Audience viewing the exhibition at the University of Cambridge's Salisbury Lab
My Takeaways from IBB’s Autobiography
GenIbrahimBadamasiBabangida (IBB), now 83, had hinted in an interview he granted to TELL magazine in 1995, about two years after his exit from office, that he was already working on his memoir. Since then, one could say, the nation had been anxiously waiting for the publication of the memoir. The anticipation was due to IBB’s extraordinary antecedents, particularly the controversies surrounding his assumption of and exit from power, his controversial transition to civil rule programme, his laissez-faire economic policies, as well as other roles he was perceived to have played in the military and in the political re-engineering of the country.
The long-awaited former military president’s memoir, a product of about three decades of reflections, was finally presented at the Congress Hall Transcorp Hilton Hotel,Abuja on February 20, 2025. Though the staggering amount of about 20 billion Naira realised at the occasion made instant news, the weightier outcome of the occasion consists of the revelations in the book about past key events, including the annulment of the June 12, 1993 Presidential Election. There were also forceful and unfeigned remarks by high-profile personalities many of whom had helmed crucial public and private establishments during the Babangida era.
The 420-page memoir has 13 chapters spread across its five parts; there are also a copious appendices section and an epilogue. Apart from the chapter on June 12 (which happens to be Chapter 12 – what an intriguing coincidence!), I will conduct my review of this book roughly in the order in which the chapters and closing sections are presented.
Parts One and Two contain the chapters on Babangida’s early years: his birth, parentage, upbringing, education, and enlistment into the Nigerian Army. His promising leadership qualities manifested when he was appointed a Head Boy in Provincial Secondary School, Bida, Niger State. He joined the army in 1962; the portions of the book about his strictly military roles leave no one in doubt that IBB's 8-year public service as military President of Nigeria and Commander-in-Chief of the Nigerian Armed Forces was preceded by a distinguished professional military career that saw him rising from his enlistment as Cadet in 1962 to the post of Chief of Army Staff in 1984. In the process, he faced several notable challenges that brought out his bravery and gallantry, among other leadership qualities that endeared him to not only the rank-and-file and officer corps of his immediate constituency, the elite Armoured Corps of the Nigerian Army, but also the generality of members of the Nigerian Armed Forces. Indeed, the reputation and popularity of the gap-toothed General extended beyond the military to the Nigerian population. Many who had close contact with him, including this reviewer, would attest to his personableness and sharp memory.
BOOK REVIEW
One testimony to his gallantry and bravery was his participation in the prosecution of the Nigerian civil war as a Major and Commander of 82 Battalion in 1969. He was wounded in the war which left a physical scar on him to this day. Another was leading troops to the Radio House in Lagos to flush out Major Buka Suka Dimka and his soldiers who were in the process of overthrowing the government of General Murtala Mohammed in 1976.
In Part Three, Babangida discussed, among other topics, the overall impact of military interventions in Nigeria and drew the conclusion that military administrations, in spite of real or perceived shortcomings, made major ‘unquantifiable contributions’ to the growth and development of Nigeria. Notable examples of these contributions, according to him, included structural balancing of the polity via states creation exercises; establishment of the National Youth Service Corps; introduction of Universal Free Primary Education Scheme; attempts at creating institutions that outlive everyone, e.g. People’s/ Community Banks; monumental infrastructural developments that opened up the country; exemplary UN peacekeeping roles played by Nigeria.
He also cited economic restructuring of the country as a major contribution of military administrations, although virtually all the examples he cited took place during his own administration. Inspired by three Chinese axiomatic expressions (“The journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step”, “Let a million flowers bloom”, and “It does not matter if a cat is black or white, so long as it catches mice”), President Babangida freed up the economy from government control and introduced open-market principles that enhanced import substitution and led to greater liberalization of the media, banking, airline, textile and agro-allied industries sectors. There was, however, neglect of ‘agriculture’ and over reliance on oil, for which he expressed regret. Unfortunately, some of these policies and programmes, like the StructuralAdvancement Programme (SAP), evoked serious protests alleged to have been instigated by adversaries, mostly politicians and ideologues in the academic community. This is discussed in Chapter 8.
IBB is of the opinion that in spite of efforts made at restructuring and constitutional reviews, Nigeria’s continued existence as a united country is hinged on the attitude of the citizens and on the country’s capacity to build and sustain durable institutions, like those in successful developed countries. As he puts it, “...most of our problems are attitudinal. In other words, you can have the best laws in the world, the best constitution in the universe, and even the most committed leaders; however, if the attitude of the key political players remains unchanged from retrogressive set ways, nothing will change...institutions matter because they endure, they outlive us” (pages 114-115).
Foreign policy is discussed in Chapter 9 where IBB revealed that Nigeria’s foreign policy initiatives during his dispensation were rooted in ‘Afrocentric Activism’ and ‘soft power’ projection. Examples of such initiatives were Nigeria’s demand for expansion of United Nations (UN) permanent membership seats; demand for an African to head the Commonwealth that resulted in the appointment of Chief Emeka Anyaoku as Secretary-General of the organisation; military intervention in Liberia that ended the civil war and brought peace in that country; and restoration of relations with Israel. Other foreign policy programmes undertaken by the Babangida administration were formation of Concert of Medium Powers after the end of the Cold War as an alternate forum for the Non-Aligned states; establishment of TechnicalAid Corps to enable Nigeria supply much-needed manpower to other developing countries; hosting of Organization of African Unity (OAU) Summit as alternate venue to AddisAbaba which was under serious threat of being overrun by dissidents, who, indeed, succeeded in doing so; and the institution of ‘Economic Diplomacy’ as centre-piece of Nigeria’s foreign policy.
In Chapter 10, Babangida narrated in detail the major events that evoked opposition to his rule and led to acts of destabilization. He cited the following as the causes of the main incumbency challenges his administration faced: Death of Dele Giwa by parcel bomb; the Mamman Vatsa attempted coup; Gideon Orkar attempted coup; alleged Nigeria’s membership of the Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC); Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP) riots against rising cost of living and upward adjustment of fuel prices; and the NAF C-130 Air Crash that killed 159 officers of the various armed services.
Lindsay Chervinsky, author of The Cabinet, has pointedly noted that “For as long as men have wielded power, women have facilitated their reigns.”
IBB fleshed out the truth of this view in Chapter 11 where he discussed his dear wife, Maryam, who ably managed his Home Front. According to him, one of the criteria the Army uses in judging its officers is maintaining a stable family. This he got from his dear spouse Maryam of blessed memory, to whom he devoted the entire chapter. He wrote about her upbringing, the circumstances of their marriage, her activism as President of the Nigerian Army Officers Wife’s Association (NAOWA), her roles as First Lady and Chairperson of Better Life for Rural Women. IBB talked about her diligence, discipline, energy and sense of purpose which were evident in all her roles:
Sometimes, I felt that 24 hours was insufficient for her in one day. She was a wife, a mother, a housewife, a passionate advocate for rural women, and most of all, a partner. She was very close to the children and knew what they were doing at every point. We decided together what was best for them and sought to shield them as best as we could from the rough and tumble of living in the public eye. We didn’t want our perceived faults and shortcomings
to rub off on our children.
I am grateful for the life Maryam and I shared and for the fruit of our union. Coping without her has not been easy, but it has been made much less demanding by the memories of our life together and the length of her shadow (p.236).
In the last Chapter of the book (Chapter 13), IBB discussed his life after retirement stating that upon retirement to Minna his home-place on August 27, 1993, he assumed the status of a non-partisan pan-Nigerian statesman open to and sharing his experiences and vision with all category of persons and groups, the young and old. According to him, to date, no week passes without him playing host to visitors.
At the end of it all, IBB noted with delight that by and large there is an unquestionable acceptance of Nigeria as a united, strong, and indivisible federation. In a bid to sustain and strengthen this vision of Nigeria, he dedicated the book’s epilogue (6 pages) to 30-year-old Nigerian youths (the next generation) and charged them to be better-informed, pan-Nigerian and global citizens with shared dreams and desires in an advanced technological world. He advised them to know their country, make connections, serve to the best of their abilities, combine compassion with ruthless decisiveness in leadership and above all embrace fundamental minimum ingredients of Nigeria’s nationhood that must not be toyed with. Christened as ‘no go areas’, they include federalism, constitutional republican democracy, diversity, secularity and inclusiveness. They should also bear in mind always that Nigeria remains the most significant black nation in the world and that the future belongs to them. read
Beyond the Crossroads, Where Heritage Meets Creativity
Yinka Olatunbosun
Popoola Nurudeen, a painter, and Segun Adewumi, a sculptor, are making waves in the Lagos art scene. This young, emerging, and passionate duo is known for their individual talents, which converge in their joint exhibition, Roots and Horizon.
Curated by Moses Ohiomokhare and Oke Gabriel, the show explores the dynamic relationship between heritage and progress by juxtaposing the past with future possibilities. Inside the spacious gallery in Apapa, the two artists recently sat down to unpack their journey into mutual storytelling, employing different mediums. As they delve into their roots, they share compelling narratives that bridge the gap between history and innovation, inviting timely interrogation. Meanwhile, Popoola contemplates the future, while Adewumi takes a retrospective glance into cultural influences.
Influenced by the works of Yusuf Grillo, Popoola appropriates the blue colour for his figures, articulating his disillusionment with the future of misguided
EXHIBITION
youths. Furthermore, he explores the shaping of character through human experiences, using the halo motif in works such as “The Little Dreamers” and “Petals and Ponderance” to delve into the themes of childhood and personal growth. “I use this halo to say that we are all born without sins. So it is now our environment, our thinking, our parents, our school that are shaping us to whom we become,” he explained, highlighting the contrast with the prevalent behavioural patterns of youths on social media.
“The little dreamers are just little girls dreaming of what they will become, surrounded with petals,” he continued while directing attention to the acrylic painting. “Petals symbolise good things, not bad, but the children are not yet to decide on their own.”
The painter, who incidentally is a new dad, navigates the subject matter of childhood dreams offering a thought-provoking dialogue about the complexities of belonging, movement, and
evolution in both personal and collective contexts. In the same vein, Adewumi sources discarded
materials to craft substantial statements on familial relationships. Using sob stone and metals, his piece “Guided by Wisdom” underscores the significance of parental guidance. Notably, Adewumi’s personal experience of losing his parents at a young age informs his work, as he drew heavily on his mother’s ingrained counsel to navigate life's challenges. Using hinges, metal springs, bolts, and other mechanical components, Adewumi tapped into his formal education in engineering to deliver his artistic point of view. His abstract piece was inspired by his personal experience with motherhood and maternal love. Additionally, Adewumi’s 16-piece collection reimagines familial relationships through history, exploring themes such as slavery and education. One notable piece, “Each One Teach One,” uses the game of chess as a symbol of knowledge, encouraging the viewer to transcend boundaries of time and space and find connection and meaning across generations. By highlighting the interplay between continuity and change, Roots and Horizons, which opens at Qgallery on March 23, subverts the notion of linear progression, celebrating the constant negotiation between the past and future.
One of the exhibits
Bukar Usman
Creele Animation Studios Unveils
Groundbreaking 3D Short Film
stories by Yinka olatunbosun
Nissi Ogulu, a singer, artist and engineer has reinforced her stake in the creative industry yet again but this time in the burgeoning world of African animation.
Ogulu who is the founder of Creele Animation Studios is unveiling SOPO, a groundbreaking 3D-animated short film which is set to make its mark on the global animation scene this year.
This thought-provoking and visually striking piece, whose title means "Connect" in Yoruba, one of Nigeria's major indigenous languages, promises to tell an African story from a unique perspective.
The film is a loose adaptation of ‘Dis Fela Sef!
The Legend(s) Untold’, a memoir written by Fela Kuti’s friend and former manager, Benson Idonije who incidentally is Ogulu’s grandfather. The story is told from his perspective, chronicling his experiences and insights.
SOPO reimagines the story through the lens of Oyejo, a young musician yearning for his father, Dotun's approval.
As Dotun struggles to recognise his son's true gift, their relationship becomes strained but takes a significant plot twist. SOPO's journey to the screen is set to begin with a private screening in Lagos this May. After this exclusive premiere, the
animation
film will embark on a festival tour, introducing audiences worldwide to its compelling narrative.
Indeed, SOPO is a celebration of music, Afrobeat, and the movement that shaped a global wave, it also draws attention to parenthood, talent and the magic of music.
The film pays homage to that era and its cultural significance without being a definitive retelling of Fela’s life.
Ogulu sees SOPO as more than just an animated film. “It's a visually stunning and historically rich chronicle of the birth of a movement,” she explains.
As SOPO prepares to make its debut in Nigeria and internationally, it stands as a testament to the rising power of African animation and storytelling.
This short film not only celebrates African heritage but also aims to showcase the continent's creative brilliance to the world.
“SOPO is not just an animated film; it’s a visually stunning and historically rich chronicle of the birth of a movement,” emphasizing that this project is a celebration of “Our roots and an exploration of the transformative power of music.”
For Ogulu, the cultural and historical significance of this compelling story makes it imperative to be told with authenticity and depth, reinforc-
ing Creele Animation Studios' commitment to pioneering African storytelling on a global stage. Produced entirely in Lagos, Nigeria, with contributions from top animation teams worldwide, SOPO is directed by Ogulu, with music and an original score by Afrobeat singer Made Kuti and Executive Producer of SOPO and world-famous award-winning Talent Manager Bose Ogulu.
Bose expressed her optimism about the future of African animation. She stated, "We are optimistic about the future of African animation. SOPO is merely the start of our journey to redefine storytelling and make it accessible to everyone.
This sentiment reflects the film's role as a celebration of creativity, legacy, and the universal language of music.
Creele Animation Studios Business Manager John Etienne sees SOPO as part of a larger movement to position African animation on the global stage.
“There has never been a better time to take African animation mainstream. Nollywood is a major film market and the third-largest in the world by production volume, behind Hollywood and Bollywood.
“At Creele, our mission is simple—to produce African animation for a global audience,” says Etienne. “Incredible stories are waiting to be told, and it would be unfair to keep them hidden.”
Indeed, SOPO is redefiningAfrican storytelling. It uniquely blends history, music, and culture to celebrate the legacy of Afrobeat.
By connecting deeply with African heritage and showcasing the transformative power of music, SOPO marks a revolutionary step in global animation, elevating African narratives to unprecedented heights.
Plans are also in motion for a limited theatrical release in Nigeria and negotiations with international distributors and streaming services are underway.
Encounter with the Pillars Behind +234 Art Fair
From the photo-ops to the thoughtfilled moments in front of the works on display, the pulsating energy at the venue of the biggest art show of the season was infectious. Even the banking hall felt it; many customers were torn between the inviting view and their business of the day.
Following the tremendous success of its augural edition, Soto Gallery in partnership with Ecobank Nigeria Limited, Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) and main sponsor, Craneburg Construction Company held the Lagos audience totally captivated in the just concluded three-day art fair.
An ethereal view awaited the visitors- about 10,000 in total- who made it to the exhibition stand at Ecobank Pan-African Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos. When the second edition of the prestigious +234 Art Fair took off, guests casually walked past some of the phenomenal people who made the dream event become a reality- now made a part of history.
Clad in an understated black dress, the founder, +234 Art Fair, Tola Akerele walked in accompanied by a handful of resource persons just in time for a talk session. With a good pair of eyes for design,
Visual art
Akerele didn't surprise those who are familiar with her taste for boho chic decor. The venue had a handful of live plants as a part of the welcome party for visitors.
With the theme “Championing Patronage,” this edition drew upon the wealth of experience of industry experts, especially long-standing collectors. Akerele, who had been a patron of the arts for several decades revealed that buying art is just one of the ways to be a patron of the art.
“There's so many other things we can do for the artists. We can give them space to work and give them mentorship. We can help them with their finances when they make it. You know, there's so many ways to support them. We're looking at all those ideas and because we have so many amazing artists in Nigeria, we really want to encourage them and know that there is a system or community around that can really support what they're doing.”
Akerele revealed that anyone can be a patron of the arts, not just known collectors. She said it usually starts from a good-natured gesture such as supporting an artist-friend at school till the works get to mainstream exhibitions.
“In addition to the fair this year, we have a patrons’ lounge,” she added. The children's gallery which is one of the most visited section of the fair.
A minimum of six schools visit per day with many children involved in painting sessions. The fair gave the young creative minds the much needed
boost to embrace art as a means of self-expression. With over 100 artists selected from a pool of 1000 applicants for a six-week open call, the range of works was massive and impressive. Whilst reflecting on the quality of works at the fair this year, Akerele reinforced the value of art residencies as one of the ways in which artists can retool and upskill. On her part, Ms. Omoboye Odu, the Head SME Partnership and Collaboration at Ecobank explained how the significance of the bank’s effort towards building capacity in advancing entrepreneurship.
“Ecobank is a deliberate solution to solve the financial inclusion problem of Africans, but we have come to realise that the problem is solved by creating a platform where SMEs can evolve from local players to global players. They can take their space and claim from fame in global scene. We do this by working with a mural of SMEs and businesses across various sectors. One of the strongest sectors we've identified is the creative sector. We've seen the success of Afro vibes, Afrobeats, of Nollywood, and now the art space. The art market, is estimated over $70 billion with North America having the largest stake in that market. How can African art being the talent that we see, and the creating themselves innovation that we see evolved to take the place of North America. That's where Ecobank comes in.”
At Next of Kin Series 7, Oche Emerges as Winner
In a suspense-filled atmosphere that birthed the close of Next of Kin Series 7 last Sunday, a winner has emerged. The annual juried art project that commences as a competition and winds up as an art exhibition is built on the need to provide guidance, mentorship and support by Thought PyramidArt Centre, has been won by Cletus Oche. The grand finale of NOK Series 7 was held last Sunday, March 30, at the Thought Pyramid Art Centre, Ikoyi, Lagos. This year’s edition witnessed the emergence of twenty selected artists from various artistic categories across the country. The selected twenty artists were reduced to five — Uhule Nguemo Martha, Okeke Maduabuchi, Cletus Oche, Olatunde Emmanuel and Ibrahim Abiola Falilat — after a hard-fought online voting process. The shortlisted artists presented three of their best works. The winner, Cletus Oche, is a multidisciplinary artist whose practice blends hyperrealism, contemporary and surrealism, resulting in works that are constantly evolving through experimentation. Amusician and multi-
instrumentalist, Oche integrates the rhythm and emotion of music. His work titled “Dreams of Defiants” is ink on canvas (21 × 30 inches), “Yet I will Be Lifted” (33 × 45 inches, ink, acrylic on
canvas) and “Just as We Are (33 × 13 inches ink).
Abiola Falilat, the second runner-up, was the first and only sculpture artist. A Visual Arts graduate from the University of Ibadan, Falilat uses stones to sculpt different visually appealing artworks. She also uses fibreglass, metals, clay, fabric and concrete for her work, exploring themes of curves, nature, softness and memory.
Exhibited also was Uhule Nguemo Martha’s work titled “Where do we go from here” (60 × 60 inches) depicting the struggle of Nigerian youths who graduate, but still wander the street jobless and ready for japa.
There was also a painting by a chemistry graduate-turned artist, Olatunde Emmanuel. His work, titled “Identity Crisis” (33 × 28 inches) depicts the judgmental world we live in, where people believe that their body might be trapping their true nature inside. It speaks to people who now choose their identities based on their feelings. Meanwhile, the human gender is very original, authentic, natural and realistic, which means we are who we are more than who we say we are.
Okeke Maduabuchi, an Auchi Polytechnic graduate from Ebonyi State, presented “Consolation of souls” (48 × 60 inches) which shows that a heart that has touched so many lives will live on, and in those it is loved. The work seeks to canvass for a better society where love leads to togetherness and sharing one’s troubles.
Speaking at the unveiling of the NOK Series 7 winner, Head of Corporate Affairs and Communications of Nigeria Machine Tools, Danyu Aishat, said The company believes in empowering young artists through the Corporate Social Responsibility initiative. “We value the transformative power of arts and creativity. We believe when you have an item, you can make something profound from it. Hence our attraction to art.
“As a manufacturing company, we deal with raw materials and the process of turning raw materials into finished tools and machinery. We believe that every artist can utilize their skills to produce something extraordinary for the world to see,” Danyu said.
a view of the exhibition hall at the +234 art Fair
a piece by Cletus oche
nissi ogulu
IN THE ARENA
Unpopular Mission to Empower Appeal Court
Despite the controversial judgements delivered by the Court of Appeal on governorship and National Assembly election cases, the House of Representatives has embarked on a mission to amend the constitution to grant the court final authority to adjudicate on governorship election petitions, Davidson Iriekpen writes
Abill seeking to amend the 1999 Constitution to make the Court of Appeal the final arbiter for the determination of governorship election petitions last week scaled second reading at the House of Representatives.
Sponsored by the lawmaker representing the Ndokwa East/Ndokwa West/Ukwuani federal constituency of Delta State, Nnamdi Elechi, the bill seeks to alter Section 246 of the 1999 Constitution.
Currently, the section states that the decisions of the Court of Appeal in respect of litigations arising from the National and state Houses of Assembly election petitions shall be final. But the bill intends to alter that provision of the constitution to include governorship elections.
Taking the House through the general principles of the bill, Ezechi said the proposed legislation seeks to alter the provision of sub-section (3) of Section 246 of the 1999 Constitution as amended.
According to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) lawmaker, “this would enable the final winner of a governorship election to be known without delay. If the person declared as winner by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) wins in the Court of Appeal, it would allow him to settle down and face the business of governance without distraction.”
He also noted that terminating election disputes at the appellate court would save costs, stressing that, “if such petitions end in the Court of Appeal, it would reduce the financial resources being wasted by the parties in prosecuting such cases to the Supreme Court.”
The bill, following its adoption, was referred to the House Committee on Constitution Review, chaired by the Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, for further legislative actions. If enacted, the law will prevent gubernatorial election disputes from reaching the Supreme Court - a departure from the current practice.
It is not clear if the members of the House remembered that from 1999 when the Fourth Republic was enthroned to 2013, the Court of Appeal was still the final court in disputes involving governorship elections in the country.
However, the constitution was later amended for the Supreme Court to hear the governorship petition cases due to the controversial and embarrassing judgments delivered by the Court of Appeal.
To prove those who amended the constitution right, there were cases in recent time where the appellate court nullified governorship election results, but the Supreme Court overturned its decision.
For instance, in 2023, the tribunal and Court of Appeal voided the election of Caleb Mutfwang of the PDP as governor of Plateau State. However, in January 2024, the Supreme Court faulted the decision of the Court of Appeal and affirmed Mutfwang’s election.
In restoring the governor’s mandate, Justice Emmanuel Agim who delivered the lead judgement, lambasted the Court of Appeal, saying: “We have held in a plethora of cases that the sponsorship of a candidate for election is an internal affair of a political party.”
In his consenting opinion, Justice Inyang Okoro who headed the five-
member panel, almost emotional, captured how the Appeal Court unjustifiably sacked all the PDP lawmakers in the state House of Assembly and National Assembly thus: “My only worry is that a lot of people have suffered as a result of the Court of Appeal’s decision. It was absolutely wrong.”
Also consenting, Justice Helen Ogunwunmiju, while reprimanding the court, said: “It was very wrong for the Court of Appeal to go into the issue of party congresses. To make matters worse, the party challenging the issue is another political party.”
Similarly, the tribunal and the Court of Appeal sacked Abba Yusuf of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) as governor of Kano State but the judgment was later nullified by the apex court.
Until the amendments of the Electoral Act 2010, it was only the presidential election petition that got to the Supreme Court.
It was the perceived injustice some of the governorship petitions suffered at the Appeal Court that led to the amendments that empowered the apex court to be the final arbiter in the governorship election dispute.
The Appeal Court had delivered what many -at best- termed conflicting judgments in
some of the National Assembly and governorship election petitions brought before them, thereby robbing people of justice.
The expectation that as cases went up the ladder of adjudication, whatever errors of law, evaluation and facts that were committed at the lower courts would be corrected by the Appeal Court did not come to play.
Another area where the Court of Appeal failed most Nigerians was the area of the subversion of the judgements of the Supreme Court.
One elementary rule of Nigeria’s judiciary is that the decisions of the apex court are binding on all persons and authorities, including all courts with subordinate jurisdiction.
However, many analysts are worried over a disturbing recurrence in the justice sector where the Court of Appeal subverted the principle of stare decisis, one of the most sacred pillars in the administration of justice.
For example, on many occasions, justices of the Supreme Court upbraided those of the Court of Appeal for delivering judgments that are contradictory and sometimes defy logic and common sense on matters that are similar in law and in fact.
Also, at one point, the apex court threatened to deal with any judge of the court if his or her act of judicial impertinence was repeated as it portends a big threat to the administration of justice.
Recall that due to Appeal Court’s penchant to deny Nigerians of justice, Justice Niki Tobi while still at the Supreme Court, had in 2008 upbraided the justices of the court for churning conflicting judgments and ridiculing the judiciary.
Before then, many Nigerians were not happy with the way various divisions of the Court of Appeal in the country handled litigations arising from the 2007 elections. They wondered if the court was serving other ends than ensuring that litigants obtained justice.
It was common to see the decisions of the Appeal Court contradicting the judgments of the Supreme Court.
This is why many Nigerians are shocked that the National Assembly is considering making the same Court of Appeal the final arbiter for the determination of governorship election petitions in the country.
p OLITICAL NOT e S Okpebholo’s poor Approach to Insecurity in edo
The perceived poor approach to insecurity by the Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, on assumption of office, may have led to the worsening insecurity in the state, which fuelled the March 27 lynching of a group of travellers in Uromi.
The governor has been accused by his opponents of not being proactive to the issue of insecurity since he assumed office in November 2024.
Though the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Kayode Egbetokun, had temporarily suspended the state government-owned vigilante services in the state shortly before the September 21, 2024 governorship election, the residents of the state had expected Governor Okpebholo to restore it in view of the deteriorating insecurity in the state.
Many believe that the governor ignored the security measures put in place by former Governor
Godwin Obaseki because he obviously did not want to continue with any programme initiated by his predecessor, and this led to the complete collapse of security in the state.
Since last year, herdsmen and kidnappers have taken over the bushes in the state, unleashing mayhem and agonies on the people.
While Edo people were complaining that their people were being killed and women brutally raped either on their farms or on their way to fetch water from the streams and rivers, the governor did little or nothing to improve security.
The state government did not also do anything to pacify the farmers whose livelihoods were torn apart when their farms were ravaged by herdsmen.
However, when the people took laws into their hands, their misplaced aggression led to the grue-
some killing of the travellers, which forced the governor to rush to Kano on a condolence visit.
Though while commending the governor on his efforts in trying to prevent reprisals over the Uromi killings, and making efforts to compensate the families of the victims, family members who have lost their loved ones and their farms to herdsmen’s attacks and kidnapping in the state also want him to do same for them.
Most importantly, he should apply the same efforts in stopping the heinous crimes being committed by herders and kidnappers in the state, which inflamed passion and led to the avoidable March 27 incident.
Finally, he should immediately unban vigilante services in order to address the security challenges in the state.
Justice Kekere-ekun
Justice Dongban-Mensem
BRIEFING NOTES
Government’s Culpability in Edo Killings
ejiofor Alike argues that the recent mob violence in Uromi, Edo State, where travellers were subjected to jungle justice on mere suspicion of being kidnappers, could have been avoided if security agencies had been
fair and firm in bringing perpetrators of violence across the country to justice
Tension ran high across the country last week after a mob in Udune Efandion, Uromi, Esan North East LGA of Edo State, burned 16 travellers alive.
According to the official account of the incident by the Edo State Police Command’s Public Relations Officer (PRO), Moses Yamu, 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 when some vigilante members raised the alarm, enraged community members and passers-by attacked and lynched 16 of the occupants and also set the truck conveying them on fire.
Yamu further explained that the police operatives from the Uromi Division rescued 10 of the travellers, two of whom sustained injuries.
No law in Nigeria justifies such jungle justice even if the suspects were confirmed kidnappers. The killing of the travellers was as callous and despicable as the method used to terminate their lives.
The action of the mob was reminiscent of the atrocities of the violent herdsmen who invaded communities across the country and burned houses together with their occupants without any response from security agencies.
Lucky survivors end up in the camps of internally displaced persons (IDPs), built for survivors of herdsmen’s attacks and other victims of terrorism.
As tension enveloped the country for fears of possible reprisals, there were torrents of reactions to the incident.
While the Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF) under the chairmanship of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State had rightly noted that extrajudicial violence was unacceptable, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar had demanded that justice must be done to restore public confidence in the country’s security institutions.
Similarly, the Northern Senators’ Forum, through their chairman, Senator Abdul’aziz Yari, lamented the fate of the victims, who the lawmakers said “were tragically stereotyped as Fulani kidnappers and brutally murdered in a despicable manner,” describing the incident as “deeply disturbing and saddening.”
On its part, the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary Prof. Tukur A. Muhammad-Baba, argued that the “tragic incident at Uromi, Edo State,
cannot be isolated from the pattern of ethnic profiling and vigilante meted out to northerners as they seek to eke out livelihoods in southern Nigeria.”
The presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) in the 2023 general election, Dr Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso; the House of Representatives; the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, Senator Sani Musa (APC Niger), and the Senator representing Sokoto South, Aminu Tambuwal, also called for justice.
The Northern Elders Forum (NEF) was more daring in its reaction as it issued a 14-day ultimatum to the Edo State and federal governments to prosecute those responsible, according to a statement issued by its spokesman, Abubakar Jiddere.
There is a consensus among rightthinking Nigerians that a mere suspicion that the travellers were kidnappers was not a sufficient reason to kill them in such a gruesome manner.
While President Bola Tinubu has since ordered a manhunt for their killers, the
Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, had promised that the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) would work closely with the relevant security agencies to fish out the killers.
However, there is deep ethnic mistrust and suspicions about their identities.
The victims were said to have pleaded that they were hunters, but the vigilante group that intercepted them insisted that they were kidnappers.
Given the atrocities being committed in the community and other communities in the southern parts of the country and the Middle Belt by armed herdsmen and kidnappers, the people were obviously inflamed by the sight of guns found in their possession.
But instead of handing them over to the police for a thorough investigation, the mob took the laws into their hands.
Many have argued that the lack of commitment by the government and security agencies to bring the criminal herdsmen to justice may have also fuelled the callousness and lawlessness exhibited by the mob.
Had the government and the security agencies been arresting violent herdsmen for their heinous crimes and bringing them to justice without fear
and favour, the Uromi incident would probably have not occurred as the people would have had confidence in the ability of the security agencies to handle the case appropriately.
The government, particularly the Edo State government should be partly blamed for not doing enough to bring to book the violent herdsmen, whose activities in Uromi inflamed the people to take the laws into their hands.
When people are abandoned to their fate, they lose confidence in government institutions and resort to extrajudicial violence in search of justice.
It is believed that if all Nigerians who reacted to the killing in Uromi had issued similar statements on the killing of 20 farmers by herdsmen across four communities of Aba Pastor, Aba Sunday, Ademekun Camp, and Aba Alajido Camps within Ala Elefosan, in Akure North LGA of Ondo State last month, the herders would not have been emboldened to kill five more farmers at Aba Oyinbo community in the same LGA, 48 hours later.
The killings had forced the angry residents of Akure to organise demonstrations at the office of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa on two occasions within one week.
On April 1, a massive protest by angry youths over sustained attacks by herdsmen erupted in Otukpo, the headquarters of the ancient Idoma people, who occupy seven LGAs of Benue South. Agatu, Ado, Okpokwu, Otukpo and Ogbadibo LGAs, all in Benue South, have been under sustained herdsmen attacks without statements of condemnation by Nigerian leaders.
While apologising to northerners for the evil perpetrated against the travellers, the Esan Descendants Assembly (EDA) Worldwide, the umbrella of all Esan people, captured the correct mood of communities that are under siege by herdsmen across the country.
“When a people are pushed to the edge — when mothers can no longer sleep in peace and fathers hide their children — something inside begins to die,” the group said.
The group, which acknowledged that “madness must not become our way,” rightly noted that “what we saw on that dark day in Uromi was not justice; it was the bitter fruit of neglect, the madness that comes when a people are left to fend for themselves.”
The police and military may have become over stretched due to nationwide insecurity, while some of their officers are allegedly complicit in many kidnap cases.
Unfortunately, most southern governors who should also tackle insecurity have abdicated their responsibility and abandoned communities for foreign and local herders to kill, kidnap, rape, occupy and destroy.
For Tsiga, There was Indeed a Country
After spending 56 days in captivity, former Director General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), BrigadierGeneral Maharazu Tsiga (rtd), has regained his freedom from kidnappers.
Tsiga was abducted from his hometown in Bakori Local Government Area of Katsina State, on February 5, 2025. He was kidnapped alongside nine other residents.
However, after paying ransom by his family, his abductors still held him captive for weeks.
There were conflicting figures regarding the ransom paid earlier. While some claimed N60million was paid, others claimed that the actual money paid was three times higher.
A close family member said that after receiving the money, the kidnappers kept mum for one week before contacting the family, where they put the general on the
phone to speak with them. That was the unfortunate torture and agony the retired military officer went through.
The fundamental question bothering many Nigerians is if a military General like Tsiga can be kidnapped and kept for 56 days and a huge amount of money paid for his release, what is the fate of the ordinary Nigerian?
Recall that in December 2024, when the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) released a report revealing that Nigerians paid an estimated N2.3 trillion as ransom in 12 month, many Nigerians and security agencies had doubted the report. The figure, which was captured in the 2024 Crime Experience and Security Perception Survey (CESPS), highlighted the alarming prevalence and financial burden of crimes in the country.
The survey, which covered the period from
May 2023 to April 2024, showed that 65 per cent of households affected by kidnapping incidents resorted to paying ransoms to secure the release of victims. On average, each household paid N2.67 million per incident.
According to the report, nationally, an estimated 51,887,032 crime incidences were experienced by households. The North-west with about 14,402,254 reported the highest incidences of crime at the household level, followed by the North-central (8,771,400), while the South-east (6,176,031) reported the least.
The amount collected from Tsiga has vindicated the authors of the report.
The retirement benefits he should have been using to take care of himself and family in peace after serving the country meritoriously were handed over to criminals. That is the unfortunate situation many Nigerians have found themselves today.
Tsiga
Egbetokun
Tribunal: Ighodalo, PDP Cry
Foul, Head to Appeal Court
While the All Progressives Congress (APC) celebrates the ruling of the Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal upholding Governor Monday Okpebolo’s election, the Peoples Democratic Party has rejected the verdict and vowed to appeal, wale Igbintade writes
Over six months after the governorship election was held in Edo, the state Election Petition Tribunal last Wednesday affirmed the election of Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as governor.
It would be recalled that after the September 21, 2024 election, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had declared Okpebholo as the winner of the election, having polled 291,667 votes to defeat his closest challenger, Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who got 247,274 votes.
Olumide Akpata, the candidate of the Labour Party (LP), finished a distant third with 22,763 votes.
Ighodalo and PDP had approached the tribunal to challenge the outcome. They told the court that the governorship election was invalid because of alleged non-compliance with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2022. They prayed the court to nullify the declaration of Okpebholo as the winner on the basis that the election was allegedly marred by irregularities.
But in its judgment, the tribunal held that their petitions were without merit, adding that the petitioners failed to establish why the outcome of the election should be set aside.
In his lead judgment, the Chairman of the tribunal, Justice Wilfred Kpochi, resolved the two issues identified for determination in the petition by the PDP and Ighodalo against them.
The first issue was whether, from the totality of pleadings and evidence of the petitioners, they were able to prove their claim that the election was invalid by non-compliance with the Elector Act.
The judge, after evaluating the petitioners’ evidence, held that the PDP and Ighodalo failed to discharge the burden of proof placed on them by the law. He held that none of the 19 witnesses called by the petitioners were relevant witnesses who could give eyewitness accounts of what happened at the polling units, where the results of the election were being contested.
He noted that most of the witnesses were either ward collation agents or local government collation agents, without the petitioners calling either their polling unit agents or registered voters who voted at the polling units. He also noted that the petitioners had alleged that relevant details were not filled in the election documents before
the commencement of voting.
Justice Kpochi said having so alleged, the petitioners were expected to call polling unit agents or registered voters who voted in the affected polling units.
“We hold that the failure of the petitioners to call polling agents, presiding officers or even registered voters was fatal to their case. The petitioners did not call any scintilla of evidence to prove their claim that the relevant forms were not filled as required. The first to 14th witnesses gave hearsay evidence because they were not near the polling units during the election,” he said.
The judge noted that the petitioners’ star witness was the Director of Research and Strategy, who did not play any role in the election. He held that all the documents and materials tendered by the petitioners, including election documents and the bimodal voters’ accreditation system (BVAS) machines – were not demonstrated, adding that it was not for the tribunal to be looking into the documents and BVAS machines tendered.
While Governor Okpebholo, his team and members of the APC in the state and beyond are still celebrating the judgment, PDP members are alleging a miscarriage of justice.
The legal team of the party and Ighodalo said they would challenge the judgment at the Court of Appeal, arguing that they did all that was required of them to prove that the election was not free and fair.
For many who have been reviewing the verdict, it was not clear what the tribunal meant when it said the petitioners simply dumped documents on them and failed to prove their case beyond reasonable doubt.
While those who spoke to THISDAY accused the three-man panel of working to produce a predetermined judgment, they also noted that the judges did not take time to peruse the documents tendered before the court.
They stated that they were miffed beyond words at the pronouncements of the judge which were contrary to the Electoral Act.
Some wondered if the panel was expecting the petitioners to produce witnesses from all the polling units where malpractices took place in a tribunal that had a very limited time to hear the petition.
They also said if the petitioners were complaining of over voting in 133 units and documentary evidence from the polling units showed that the
number of votes cast exceeded the number of accredited voters, what else were the judges expecting to see and hear?
Citing Section 51 (2) of the Electoral Act, they argued that the judges did not need a witness to prove over-voting, adding that what they needed to do was to go through the documents to see things for themselves.
They equally cited the Supreme Court’s judgement in Ihedioha vs Uzodinma, where the APC only presented two witnesses and got a favourable judgment. They further wondered what documents INEC submitted to counter the documents of the petitioners.
Many have argued that one of the miscarriages of justice the PDP suffered was that INEC, which conducted the election, did not dispute or fault the documents before the tribunal.
Analysing the verdict, a public affairs analyst, Ogbeide Ifaluyi-Isibor while citing Section 137 of the Electoral Act, explained that in cases of non-compliance, oral evidence is unnecessary when documentary evidence is available. He lamented that people across the world had hoped for a just ruling, but the judiciary failed to demonstrate its commitment to justice.
“What did the judge want PDP to prove when they showed INEC’s documents and extracts from INEC’s BVAS, and also presented the Certified True Copy of INEC’s sheets. What else did the judges expect them to prove that there was over-voting?”
Ifaluyi-Isibor queried.
“We had absolute confidence in the documents we tendered in court and in our legal team. The evidence from INEC materials clearly showed that Edo people overwhelmingly voted for Asue Ighodalo. However, INEC declared someone else as the winner, prompting us to seek justice in court,” he said.
According to him, the tribunal’s pronouncements contradicted the Electoral Act: “If we are challenging overvoting in 133 polling units and have documentary evidence proving that the number of votes cast exceeded the number of accredited voters, why would the court demand witnesses?
The Electoral Act, Section 51(2), clearly states that in cases of over-voting, witness testimony is not required.”
Ifaluyi-Isibor referenced the Supreme Court’s ruling in Ihedioha vs. Uzodimma, noting that in that case, the APC presented only two witnesses, and the court ruled that documentary evidence
alone was sufficient to prove noncompliance with electoral guidelines.
“We presented three key complaints: noncompliance, overvoting, and incorrect collation of scores. For overvoting, we submitted certified INEC documents proving the discrepancy. It was shocking that the judge expected us to bring 133 individuals from different polling units to testify when the evidence was already before the court.”
He criticised the tribunal for dismissing documents that had already been accepted as exhibits, stating that even INEC did not dispute their authenticity. He added that Section 72(1) of the Electoral Act mandates INEC to record the serial numbers and quantities of sensitive election materials, including ballot papers and BVAS machines, before the election.
He said: “Section 72(1) of the Electoral Act mandates INEC to record the serial numbers and quantities of sensitive election materials, including ballot papers and BVAS machines, before the election.
“In over 300 polling units, this was not done, which should have invalidated the results. Yet, the judge insisted we needed witnesses to verify what was already documented.”
On the issue of incorrect collation, Ifaluyi-Isibor pointed out that INEC allocated thousands of votes to the APC in several polling units without justification. He maintained that the tribunal had the responsibility to examine the evidence and declare the rightful winner.
He said: “BVAS records show the number of accredited voters with corresponding photographs. If official results say 52 people voted in a polling unit, how do we end up with 1,000 votes, with 800 going to the APC? These anomalies were presented to the court, in line with previous rulings by the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court.”
“PDP pleaded about three cases: one was about non-compliance, the second was over-voting, and the third was an incorrect collation of scores. In the case of overvoting, they tendered documents which are INEC Certified True Copy. These were INEC documents to prove overvoting. We were shocked that the judge wanted us to bring 133 individuals from each polling unit to prove overvoting. How was that to happen when there is documentary evidence, not PDP documents but INEC documents? The court had accepted these documents as exhibits and INEC did not cry foul to her own documents.”
the deceased and Chief Executive Officer of Happy Home Merchants Limited, Chief Chuks Ibemere; Chief Executive Officer, Zanzibar Hotel and Suites Limited, Chief Ozoemena Onuegbu; and Chairman, IykeDon Investment
Chief Iyke Uwagba, at the burial ceremony of Mrs Helen Obioma Ibemere at Umukegwu-Akokwa, Ideato North Local Government Area, Imo State…recently
Tinubu Working to Reposition Health Sector, Says Shettima
James Sowole in Abuja
Vice President Kashim Shettima has said that President Bola Tinubu is working diligently to reposition the nation’s health sector through enhanced financing, workforce training, and digital integration.
Shettima made these remarks yesterday during the inauguration of the Sulaiman Adegunwa Trauma Centre at Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital.
The ceremony, held in Sagamu, Ogun State, was the celebration of the 80th birthday of Asiwaju of Ijebuland, Adegunwa.
Shettima disclosed that President Tinubu had approved a comprehensive Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative, which included
the establishment of over 8,800 new primary health care centres across the country.
He mentioned the upgrade of existing tertiary institutions to handle trauma, oncology, and infectious disease control.
Shettima noted that Tinubu’s administration was investing in a National Health Insurance Scheme aimed at ensuring that no Nigerian was left behind.
“This is alongside the implementation of a digital health information management system that ensures data drives diagnostics and delivery.”
He emphasised that the Sulaiman Adegunwa Trauma Centre was a testament to the federal government’s commitment to building a health
sector that works for all.
“Especially during critical moments when accidents occur, and timely emergency intervention can mean the difference between life and death.
“We must not forget that in a nation facing rising urbanisation, motorisation, and industrial risks, trauma centres are no longer optional; they are essential,” Shettima said.
“This is why this centre is not just a bridge and mortal institution; it is a lifeline, a symbol of preparedness in a nation that cares.
“It is a sanctuary where the wounded can find healing and where families in despair can find hope,” he said.
The vice president underscored the importance of a collective effort in addressing the nation’s healthcare
challenges through collaboration between the public and private sectors.
He also called on more private sector players, philanthropists, foundations, and professionals to take inspiration from what Adegunwa’s family had done.
“This facility will serve generations yet unborn, and through it, Asiwaju Adegunwa has inscribed his name in the golden annals of those who choose to light the candle rather than curse the darkness,” Shettima remarked.
Earlier, Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun described Adegunwa as a philanthropist, entrepreneur, and astute businessman.
He noted that even at 80 years old, Adegunwa had consistently achieved greatness.
Education Minister Seeks Extension of NYSC Scheme to Two Years
Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja
The Minister of Education, Dr Olatunji Alausa, has called for the extension of the mandatory National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme from one to two years.
Alausa stated this on Friday when the Director-General of NYSC, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, paid him a courtesy visit in his office in Abuja.
According to a statement posted on NYSC’s official Facebook page, the minister also called for the expansion of the Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development Training Programme content for corps members.
He stressed that the gathering was not only to honour Adegunwa but also to celebrate a legacy and a milestone, acknowledging him as a father of modern philanthropy.
The governor further stated that the trauma centre was a monumental facility designed for the betterment of humanity.
In his remarks, Adegunwa expressed gratitude to the governor and everyone who contributed to making the project a reality.
According to him, he was inspired by a verse from the Quran, which encourages individuals to give from what they have been blessed with, as no wealth will last forever.
“The verse is a clear command from the creator, and with that in mind, I have come to realise that true prosperity is not measured by the wealth we accumulate but by how we use it to uplift others and alleviate suffering.”
Adegunwa explained that since his 56th birthday, he had made a promise to give back to his community and impact as many lives as possible.
provide emergency medical care for the community.
He assured that the hospital’s management would ensure effective utilisation and maintenance of the facility, ensuring it continued to serve the community for generations. Hassan shared that about 15 months ago, Adegunwa had expressed his wish to give back to the community as he approached his 80th birthday, choosing to invest in the trauma centre rather than hosting a celebration.
Originally budgeted at ₦800 million, the project ultimately cost over ₦2 billion to build and equip.
Oba Babatunde Ajayi, the Akarigbo and Paramount Ruler of Remoland, commended Adegunwa for his selfless service and advocated for more federal presence in Remoland.
“Mr Vice President, please convey to President Tinubu our best wishes, and let me note that while we have ways of communicating privately.
“The minister also advocated for the extension of national service from one to two years, with the expansion of NYSC Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development Training programme content for corps members,” the statement said. The minister also advocated for the deployment of more graduate teachers to serve in rural schools, saying this would fill the manpower gap in the schools. He commended the management of NYSC for its proactive and digitalised efforts in the mobilisation process, aimed at curbing certificate racketeering involving some foreigntrained graduates within West Africa.
full-time HND who were previously exempted from national service.
Alausa stated further that efforts were ongoing in the ministry to digitise the verification of foreigntrained graduates of Nigerian origin, saying the Ministry and NYSC would further strengthen their alliance towards the improvement of education for national development.
“You have done so well as an organisation. Let NYSC give people more opportunities to become job creators that will meet the needs of the country,” he said.
Alausa also hailed the scheme for resolving the lingering issue of OND part-time graduates with
Speaking earlier, the NYSC Director General, Brig-Gen. Nafiu lauded the ministry’s innovation and giant strides in the education sector.
He called for the establishment of a database for Nigerian youths going abroad to study for degree programmes, adding that this would help the government and other stakeholders in the education sector identify fake graduates.
“NYSC is ready to comply with policy guidelines as directed by the federal government. We are also trying to reform the Scheme to conform with the present national needs,” he said.
The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Education, Abel Olumuyiwa Enitan, affirmed the ministry’s readiness to work with NYSC more effectively towards uplifting the standard of education in the country.
Edwin Clark for Burial May 13
Sylvester Idowu in Warri
The remains of the late elder statesman and leader of Ijaw and Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), Chief Edwin Clark, will be laid to rest on May 13, 2025, in his hometown, Kiagbodo in Burutu Local Government Area (LGA) of Delta State.
The late former Federal Commissioner for Information, Senator in the Second Republic, and leader of the South-South region
died on February 17, 2025, in Abuja.
The eldest son of the deceased, Mr. Penaowei Clark, announced the burial arrangement yesterday at a brief ceremony held at the Kiagbodo residence of the late PANDEF leader.
The Pere of Mein Kingdom, Kiagbodo, HRM Samuel Fuludu, Ogiogio II; Head of the Clark family, Prof. C. C Clark; Delta State Commissioner for Directorate of Riverine Infrastructure Development, Chief Ebikeme Clark
and other notable members of the family were present at the briefing.
The statement indicated that the burial ceremony would begin on Wednesday, May 7 with a lecture in his honour at the NAF Conference Centre and Suites Abuja at 11 am.
As part of the burial programmes, there will be a valedictory session on Thursday, May 8 in his honour at the Senate Chamber at 11 am.
According to the statement, the day of tribute is Friday, May 9, 2025, at NAF Conference Centre
& Suites, Abuja, at 3 pm.
The statement showed that on Saturday, May 10, 2025, there will be a wrestling contest at Yenagoa, while Service of Songs will take place at St. James’ Anglican Church, Asokoro, 39, Haile Selassie Street, Asokoro, Abuja, at 5 pm.
“Sunday, May 11, 2025 – Boat Regatta; Port Harcourt Masquerade, Candlelight Memorial - Yenagoa Kiagbodo, Abuja: No. 43, Haile Selassie Street, Asokoro, Abuja. Time: 7 pm-8 pm.
Dr Kunle Hassan, Chairman of the Board of Management at Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital, emphasised that the trauma centre was designed to
“Sometimes we say certain things publicly so that our people know we are trying,” he said.
“We need more federal presence in Remoland. As of today, there is no federal university or federal polytechnic in Remoland.”
Pharmacists Dismiss Claims Linking Fluoride to Cancer
Amid growing concerns spurred by recent remarks from a popular religious leader, Nigerian pharmacists have clarified misconceptions about fluoride, emphasising its safety and efficacy when used in regulated amounts.
The comments, which circulated widely in trending videos, featured the cleric condemning the presence of fluoride in toothpaste, food, and pharmaceutical products, alleging it to be poisonous and cancer-causing.
Responding over the weekend, the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria described the claims as “not totally in alignment with scientific facts”, while acknowledging the pastor’s influence in spiritual matters.
“We at ACPN will not attempt to tackle the pastor’s anointing in God’s word,” said ACPN National Chairman, Ambrose Ezeh, and Secretary, Omokhafe Ashore, in a joint statement.
“But (we) will clarify with some scientific insight and background that the pastor’s exposition on fluorides was not totally in alignment with scientific
facts”, the association added.
The association emphasised that fluoride, when applied within the limits approved by health and food regulatory bodies, is both safe and beneficial.
“Fluorides used in approved quantities by the relevant and appropriate food and drug regulatory agencies are safe,” they said.
While acknowledging that some studies have made links between fluoride and cancer, the pharmacists noted such findings often relate to overexposure or excessive consumption, not regulated use.
They said, “While some researchers have indeed linked fluoride with some cancers, oftentimes such incidences have been proven to be in instances where excessive amounts beyond the approved limits were used.”
The ACPN added that regulated fluoride use—typically no more than 5mg per kilogram—is considered safe. When added to toothpaste, fluoride strengthens enamel and helps prevent tooth decay.
L-R:
Officer,
Limited,
Nwankwo; Chairman, Vicmore Investment Limited, Chief Victor Unigwe; Son of
Limited,
CELEBRATING LISABI DAY…
Oil Workers Reject Recruitment of External Personnel into NNPCL Top Management
Peter Uzoho
The two major oil and gas workers’ unions - the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas workers (NUPENG) and the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) - have rejected the recruitment of external personnel into the top management positions in the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), describing it as unacceptable.
NUPENG and PENGASSAN stated this in a letter dated April 4, 2025, written by their Group
Executive Council (GEC) at the NNPC, and addressed to the Chief Human Resource Officer of the NNPCL.
The Presidents of PENGASSAN and NUPENG, NNPCL’s Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO), as well as the Executive Vice President, Business Services, were also copied the letter.
The letter sighted by THISDAY, was jointly signed by PENGASSAN’s GEC Secretary and Chairman, Amaoge Chukwudi and Solomon Orieji, as well as NUPENG’s GEC Secretary and Chairman, Paulosa O. Paulosa
Tinubu May Commission Projects in FCT Area Councils Next Month
FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, has said he will request President Bola Tinubu to commission completed infrastructure projects in the FCT Area Councils during the celebration of the President’s second year in office next month.
He disclosed this yesterday after a routine inspection of ongoing infrastructure projects, in Gwagwalada, Kwali, and Bwari Area Councils of the FCT.
He asserted that the president’s visit to the FCT Area Councils would strengthen ties with the people at the grassroots level, adding that they would also have the opportunity to see their President in person.
“We are going to work that out, at least he (Mr. President) should be able to go to one of the Area Councils and let the people see that yes, this is their President, not just commissioning roads in the cities.
“We will plead that he visits at least one or two Area Councils so that the people will be happy that yes, this is their President. We can assure you that he will at least go to Gwagwalada, Kwali, or Bwari where we have the Law School.
We are going to make sure that Mr. President comes to identify with his people”, the minister stressed.
He recalled the President’s earlier directive to prioritize the development of satellite towns to decongest the Abuja city centre.
He emphasised that the president was very keen on developing the satellite towns, thereby reducing travel time for residents commuting to the city.
“Mr. President is very keen on developing the satellite towns and with this, how many minutes will you have to drive to the city?
He did direct that while we are working in the cities, we should also emphasize the development of the satellite towns,” Wike said.
On his assessment of the project sites visited, the FCT Minister expressed satisfaction with the progress and quality of work observed at various project sites, including the 10kmAgoma Palace/ Market/Park roads and other internal roads in Gwagwalada Area Council, the 15km A2 to Pai road in Kwali Area Council, as well as the War College/ Army Checkpoint and other ancillary roads within the Bwari Area Council.
and Baba Kaumi, respectfully. President Bola Tinubu had last Wednesday dissolved the NNPC board led by Chief Pius Akinyelure and the GCEO, Mallam Mele Kyari. The president immediately reconstituted an 11-man board dominated by seasoned oil and gas professionals.
He appointed a former Deputy Managing Director of TotalEnergies, Mr. Musa Kida as the new board chairman and former Managing Director of Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Limited (SNEPCo), Mr. Bayo Ojulari as the new GCEO.
Upon their resumption of duty and in continuation of the reforms and restructuring, the national oil company on Friday announced some key changes in its top management with recruitment of other seasoned industry professionals into some executive positions.
The new experienced external personnel recruited into the NNPC top management included former Chief Operating Officer of NNPC/ ex-Schlumberger, Mr. Roland Ewubare as new Group Chief Operating Officer; ex-Vice Chair-
man of ExxonMobil, Adesua Dozie, as Company Secretary and Chief Legal Officer.
Also picked was ex-Chief Strategy Officer of Riverbrand Group, Dr Mumuni Dagazau as the new Executive Vice President (EVP), Downstream.
Many oil and gas stakeholders and analysts within and outside Nigeria have commended the president’s board selection and the later recruitment of top management personnel into NNPC, describing the appointments as the best in the history of NNPC and a mark
of new dawn for the country’s petroleum sector. But NUPENG and PENGASSAN have kicked against any recruitment or appointment of senior or management staff above the SS6 cadre (specifically with the SS5 to M2 cadre) from outside the organisation. The letter reads in part: “We extend our warm congratulations to the newly appointed Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) and Board Members of NNPC Limited. We wish them success in their new roles and pray for excellence in their assignments.
Warri Federal Constituency: INEC Presents Delineation Report to Ethnic Groups
Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) at the weekend presented the report on the delineation of wards and polling units in Warri Federal Constituency in Delta State to the Ijaw, Itsekiri, and Urhobo ethnic nationalities.
The fresh ward and polling unit delineation fieldwork was prompted by the Supreme Court judgment of 2022, which had ordered INEC to conduct the exercise.
The report was presented to representatives of the ethnic groups by the INEC State Resident Elec-
toral Commissioner, Sir Etekamba Udo Umoren, at the stakeholders meeting convened for the presentation of the report of the fieldwork towards the implementation of the aforementioned Supreme Court order, held in Asaba, the state capital.
Copies of the delineation report were received by Chief Victor Okumagba, Dr. Andrew Igban, and Dr Joe Bisina on behalf of the Urhobo, Itsekiri, and Ijaw ethnic nationalities, respectively.
In his address during the meeting, the INEC Chairman, Prof
Mahmood Yakubu, noted that the meeting was the fifth engagement with the stakeholders since the 2nd December 2022 apex court verdict, which mandated the Commission to carry out the exercise in the three local government areas in the Warri federal constituency.
The INEC Chairman, who was represented by INEC’s National Commissioner overseeing Cross River, Delta, and Edo states, Prof. Rhoda Gumus, urged the stakeholders to study the report and respond to it appropriately
as the commission was ready to adopt the report as a working document in line with the Supreme Court directive.
Prof Yakubu said, “We recall that, in our last engagement meeting on the 8th of July, 2024 in Warri Federal Constituency, we concluded all discussions with stakeholders and made a promise to commence the fieldwork of the wards in the above-mentioned constituency. The Commission has carried out the exercise, which took place between 10th to 27th July 2024.
Former National Security Adviser (NSA), General Aliyu Gusau (rtd), has hosted some political figures from the North-central geopolitical zone who are seeking a consensus for power shift to the region in the 2027 general election.
The agitators led by Prof. K’sto Nghargbu, after being hosted by General Gusau, on
Friday, proceeded to meet with the Onah of Abaji, His Royal Highness Alhaji Musa Baba Yunusa yesterday.
They were also received by Senator John Danboyi.
Prof. Nghargbu, who disclosed this in a statement yesterday said the movement called North-central Renaissance Movement, would consult all critical stakeholders to ensure that the region achieves the position
of president or vice president in the next election.
Nghargbu, a professor of medical geology said, “We are strengthening advocacy for the return of presidency to the zone come 2027 through high-level consultations with prominent figures in all the six geo-political zones.”
Explaining the reason for their actions, Nghargbu in the statement said, “The zone (North-central) has
suffered great political setback since the post-independence and return to democracy in 1999 through denial of president and vice president slots.”
He added: “We appeal for the cooperation of all Nigerians to make the agitation a reality and put the zone in the equation of other zones who have enjoyed the constitutional right of producing president and vice president in Nigeria.
Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja
Chairman, LASACO Assurance Plc, Mrs Teju Phillips (left), and Olori Ladun Sijuade, during the 2025 Lisabi Day celebration in Abeokuta, Ogun State…yesterday
Beyond The Nation Newspaper’s Land Grabbing Petition: Governmental Crimes and Foreign Implications
Institutional corruption in Nigeria was not simply seen in 2016 as being of a fantastic nature by a British Prime Minister, David Cameron, but also promoted incurably to the delight of notable Nigerian leaders. Corruption, which, as noted by Professor J.S Cookey, began in 1967 (vide his 1987 Political Bureau’s Report), is condoned as normal. It is no more taken as a big deal. This is why land grabbers can easily afford the luxury of forcefully acquiring a land legitimately belonging to The Nation newspaper and still be threatening to kill whoever dares to come and challenge them.
It is quite interesting to note that The Nation newspaper has drawn the attention of the Inspector General of Police by way of petition to the matter. What appears to be more interesting is the attitude of the Federal Government towards the issue of land and housing. Government has been very fraudulent about land and housing allocation in Nigeria. This is very true at both the federal and state levels. If the The Nation newspaper is embittered about its land being encroached, what does the Management of The Nation newspaper say about the Federal Government collecting money from thousands of Nigerians for houses that were meant to be constructed in many parts of Nigeria, including Lagos State? The project was duly advertised, deposits were collected in early 1994, and the houses were scheduled to be allocated in December 1994. I am one of the applicants who made deposits. As of today, no house has been built, not to mention allocation. No refund has been made and no one is talking about it.
Consequently, The Nation newspaper petition raises more fundamental questions about the very criminally disposition of the Government of Nigeria that has the responsibility to secure life and property. People often try to get justice through engagements in acts of corruption. People lobby unnecessarily for their legitimate rights and when they refuse to board the corruption train, their legitimate rights are trampled upon. This is why it has become a desideratum to go beyond The Nation newspaper’s land grabbing petition.
Law and Governmental Crimes
Land ownership and administration in the post-independence era in Nigeria is governed by the Land Use Act of 1978. Before then, there had been different legislations from which the 1978 Land Use Act has borrowed in one way or the other. There were the Land and Native Rights Act (1916), Niger Lands Transfer Act (1916), Public Lands Acquisition Act (1917), Native Lands Acquisition Act (1917), State Lands Act (1918), Town and Country Planning Act (1947), etc. In essence, these legislations are about how land is divided and allocated, how it is used and how it should be used, how a legitimate allocatee or owner may not be deprived of it, as well as how the owners are made to pay rents to the government.
For example, Article 21 of the 1978 Land Use Act stipulates that it is illegal for any customary right of occupancy or any part of it to be alienated by assignment. Article 22(1) provides that ‘it shall not be lawful for the holder of a statutory right of occupancy granted by the Governor to alienate his right of occupancy or any part thereof by assignment, mortgage, transfer of possession, sublease or otherwise…’. It is against this background of the 1978 Land Use Act that the petition of the The Nation newspaper to the Inspector General of Police should be explicated and understood.
The 1978 Land UseAct vests all land in any State in the legitimate governor of each State. The Governor holds the land in trust for the people and only grants individuals or corporations the rights of occupancy. The rights of occupancy does not confer the right of full ownership. Regardless of the manner of acquiring a land – act of donation, deed of legal mortgage, traditional proof, survey plan, etc. – the moment a land is lawfully acquired, trespasses must not be condoned. This is where the role and responsibility of Government is relevant. To what extent has Government been very protective of legitimate owners of land? Is land in Abuja or in the whole of the Federal Capital Territory allocated on objectivity of purpose and fairness? Is it not done more on the basis of favouritism and patronage?
Our observation is that Government has been generally most unfair to very honest and patriotic Nigerians in the matter of land and housing allocation. Government takes deposits from Nigerians for houses that will not be built and allocated and yet Government will be allocating houses to sportsmen for winning games, purportedly for doing Nigeria a great honour. As good as this claim of honour may be, advertising a housing project, collecting monies from the public, keeping silent over the deposit and not building any house for allocation, and perhaps most disturbingly, not talking about refunding the deposits made by the public with interest is fraudulent and most criminally. Most unfortunately, it taints Nigeria’s international image.
The Federal Government put in place a National Housing Programme for the purposes of housing development in the country. It was meant to address housing deficits, to ensure adequacy of houses, and to make houses affordable through ownership and rental schemes for all Nigerians without discrimination. The National Housing Programme currently has housing schemes in 34 out of the 36 States in Nigeria. More interestingly and of course very commendably, the Nigerian Diaspora Commission under Honourable Abike Dabiri-Erewa, regularly provides information for the attention of Nigerians in the Diaspora on housing units available to all Nigerians in each State. Information is given on the selling prices of the various units and on the criteria for the sale of completed houses (vide nidcom.gov.ng). However, there is no information from the Federal Government on its advertised housing schemes under
Finally, on a more serious note, if the 1994 Nigerian Super Eagles won the African Cup of Nations and the victory was taken as a big deal, to the extent that they were promised houses in 1994, and if the houses were allocated in 2022, though lately, why is the 1994 government-advertised National Housing Project not also taken as a big deal? Is it not a contract between the depositors and the collector of the deposits? What is the place of sanctity of agreement in this case? Without whiff of doubt, Government is the most criminally in Nigeria. Political governance in Nigeria makes democratic life very difficult and this largely explains why unconstitutional changes of government are uncontrollable in Africa. Government collected my money in 1994. In 2025, there is no allocation of house and no refund of my deposit. There is no information on what is happening. The Government of Lagos State is silent on the Isheri North land project. Why should Nigerians be compelled to bribe their way before they can get their legitimate rights? Politicians and public servants should be prevented from further promoting political governance as an agent of hatred for Nigeria. What Nigeria needs is patriotism, because no amount of evangelical epistles can rebuild Nigeria without patriotism and firstly removing unfairness. Justice and fairness has become a desideratum. The land belonging to The Nation newspaper should be promptly looked into without having to lobby or engage in sharp practices
the outstanding 1994 National Housing Programme. On April 01, 2025 the Federal Government reportedly revoked the Provisional Offer of Allocation of Houses under the National Housing Programme under the pretext that the recipients have failed to fulfil the outright payment within the stipulated time frame. This might be true. However, if we reckon with how public servants behave, it cannot but be rightly speculated that the recipients have not been duly and directly informed. When people make payments to Government, it is always directly done and directly receipted for. But there ends the communication. One needs to lobby for whatever is needed. And then the Government will come out in a manu militari fashion to announce sanctions for its own administrative deficiencies and bad governance. If Government sanctions payment defaulters, who sanctions the Government for its administrative remissness and wickedness if not crimes?
In 1994, Alhaji Lateef Kayode Jakande was the Minister of Works and Housing. His Ministry placed a public advert in many dailies calling on Nigerians who were interested in becoming landlords and who do not want to remain tenants to apply for houses. There were different types of housing units. I and my wife applied as a couple. We took a bank loan from the Universal Trust Bank headquarters then located in Obalende, Lagos Island.
The total cost of a medium detached housing unit in the FESTAC area for which we applied was only N200,000. Adeposit of N40,000 deposit was required. When Alhaji Jakande was replaced, his successor, Major General Abdulkareem Adisa, said it was not possible to have houses built on the basis of the prices given by Lateef Jakande. He inflated the price to N800,000, and requiring a 25% deposit. This meant that the initial total cost of N200,000 reuired to buy the house became the new deposit required. We then looked for additional N60,000 to add. We already gave a detailed analysis of the challenges we had in this column (vide www.thisladylive.com>2021/02/14). Up till the time of writing this column today, no one has bothered to look at our complaint. We are not the only persons quietly and bitterly complaining. In fact, when the column was published in 2021, several people called to thank me for being their spokesperson. Since then, it has been of governance of silence and condoning of governmental illegal excesses which have not helped nation-building. This is why we have a Nigeria without Nigerians or having Nigerians without Nigeria. No Nigerian nation can ever be built without the people. True, a state can only exist under international law if there is a union of territory, population and government. Additionally, the State can exist, but it cannot, without recognition, enter into international relations. Consequently, Nigeria, as a sovereign state, cannot afford the luxury of behaving without considering the international implications.
I have similarly drawn attention to the Isheri North Housing Estate project in Lagos State. The project started under Military Governor Buba Marwa in 1996. I brought many colleagues in ThisDay newspapers, then in Ikeja, to apply for land allocation. The Governor graciously allocated land to us. A plot measured 800meters square. When Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu succeeded him, he reduced the size to 700 meters square and we had already made full payments for a plot of 800 meters. The reduction was a serious breach of contract. Governor Tinubu increased the prices for all those that had not made full payment of N500,000 to N1m Unlike the Federal Government, land was allocated on paper and given to depositors. For reported reasons of flood, effective occupation of allocated land has been impossible. We have no plot for which we have paid. There is no culture of communication with depositors. Everyone is kept in the dark. What prevents writing to depositors about current developments? When honest patriots cannot fulfil his or her obligations to the nation, why should anyone not expect law breakers to reign? Why would land grabbers reign freely everywhere?
Crimes and Foreign Implications
A crime is generally believed to be an ‘intentional commission of an act usually deemed socially harmful or dangerous and specifically defined, prohibited, and punishable under criminal law,’ borrowing the words from www.britannica.com. There are some conducts that are lawful in some countries while the same conducts are considered criminally in some other jurisdictions. In other words, there may be activity or behaviour considered as a trivial issue in one country, but which amounts to a serious crime elsewhere. In this context of land grabbing and payments for houses that are meant to be allocated but have not, what should we call the behaviour of the 1994 Government that intentionally took financial deposits from the public for houses meant to be built more than thirty years ago and both the succeeding Governments and the people of Nigeria that are governed have kept quiet about it? When an ordinary man commits an offence against the State, it is described as a crime, what should we call the failure of duty and irresponsibility of Government? Does the Government not commit an offence, a very serious one for that matter, if it collects money from a citizen but refuses to comply with the spirit and the contractual obligations inherent in the deal of purchasing and selling of houses that would not be built? Shouldn’t this type of offence not fall under crimes against humanity and violations of human rights?
Wike
Sadiq Umar’s Valencia Earns First Win over Madrid in 17 Years
Super Eagles forward, Umar Sadiq, ended his personal hoodoo against r eal Madrid yesterday as Valenciaearned a dramatic 2-1 victory at the Santiago Bernabéu – their first win at the iconic ground in 17 years.
Sadiq, who joined Valencia on loan from r eal Sociedadduring the January transfer window, had previously faced real Madrid three times without success, losing on each occasion and failing to find the net.
But this weekend marked a turning point for the Super Eaglesstriker, who played a key role in a memorable win for l os Che.
According to Soccernet. ng, Sadiq with four goals in his first nine league appearances for Valencia, spearheaded r ubén
LALIGA eA SpOrTS
Baraja’s side attack from kickoff. And he nearly opened his account against the Spanish giants, only to be denied by a brilliant save from Fran González in the second half.
The visitors took an early lead through Guinea international Mouctar Diakhaby, who rose highest to head home from a corner in the 15th minute.
real Madrid responded after the break, with Vinícius Júnior making amends for his missed penalty by finishing from close range following Jude Bellingham’s flick-on.
Sadiq was substituted on the hour mark for r afa Mir, a change that proved decisive. With Madrid pushing forward
Akpata, Mba, Green, Others Shine at Sportsville Awards
in search of a winner, Mir broke down the right in stoppage time and crossed for Hugo Duro, who slotted home to stun the home crowd and seal Valencia’s first win at the Bernabéu on a long while.
The result is a significant blow to r eal Madrid’s l a l iga title hopes, leaving them three points behind leaders Barcelona. i t also ends Valencia’s long wait for a win at the Bernabéu, their last success coming in 2008.
While Sadiq didn’t get on the scoresheet, he played with energy and confidence throughout, continuing his strong form and claiming a per- sonal milestone – his first career victory over r eal Madrid.
NDSF: Akwa Ibom’s Imeh
Golf kitty holds as Cultural Expo fever spreads
pDuro Ikhazuagbe
resident of the Nigeria Cricket Federation, Uyi Akpata who was voted the ‘Sports personality of the Year’ shown brightly at the 2025 Sportsville Awards night which held at the weekend.
it was a night of glitz and glamour as top sports administrators took turn to be celebrated at the ceremony which held at the Eko Club in lagos last Thursday. it attracted the creme de la creme of Nigeria’s sports sector in an atmosphere of camaraderie and felicitation.
Uyi was one of the 22 eminent personalities and corporate organisations who were honoured with the prestigious Sportsville Special recognition Award for their contributions to the development of sports
in Nigeria over the years. in his acceptance speech, the former Country Director of pwC thanked the Sportsville Awards organiser for recognising his input into making Nigeria a powerhouse in cricket in Africa.
“it is amazing that hard work can be recognised. We are glad that the hard work that we have put into cricket is being recognized and rewarded. We are very grateful for this. This award calls for more hard work for us in the cricket federation,” observed Dr Akpata shortly after receiving the award. in his short stint as Nigeria Cricket Federation president, Dr Akpata has taken Nigerian cricket to be at par with the East Africans in the African continent. His developmental programme has created a path for Nigerian teams to qualify for the World Cup at the Under-19 level while the girls are rubbing shoulders with big cricket playing nations.
Akwa ibom State’s quarter-miler, Victor imeh Sampson, ran 46.12secs to win the gold in the men’s 400m event of the ongoing Niger Delta Sports Festival in Uyo yesterday. The Akwa ibom champion was chased to the finish line by David Akhalu who took the silver medal in 46.58secs while Cross river State’s Wisdom Alexander settled for the bronze in 47.57secs. in the women’s version of the 400m, Delta State athlete, Ngozi Okereke Treasure won the gold in 52.70secs while Odot Effiong(53.80) of Akwa Ibom and Sunny Miracle (54.10) of rivers State settled for the silver and bronze medals respectively.
in women’s Table Tennis double event, Cross river took the gold while Bayelsa and Delta pick the silver and bronze. Meanwhile, Managing Consultant of the Niger Delta Sports Festival, Sir itiako ikpokpo, teed
Arsenal’s Slim Title Hopes Dealt Another Blow
Arsenal’s faint p remier l eague title hopes suffered a potentially fatal blow as they were held to a draw at Everton.
The result means leaders liverpool require only 11 points from their remaining
eight games - starting with Fulham on Sunday - to guarantee themselves the title.
The first half an hour was a tetchy, stop-start affair but Arsenal broke the deadlock on 34 minutes with the first shot on target of the contest as leandro Trossard drilled home a cool finish on the counter following raheem Sterling’s pass.
Goalscorer Trossard could have doubled his tally on the stroke of half-time but his toepoked effort was scrambled away by Jordan pickford, while Declan rice’s follow-up was blocked.
Everton equalised when they were awarded a penalty a minute into the second halfMyles lewis-Skelly bundling
over Jack Harrison inside the box and iliman Ndiaye nervelessly stroking in the spot-kick. The Toffees were rejuvenated after a poor first half showing and Abdoulaye Doucoure forced David raya into a sharp save low down while at the other end, rice’s thunderous free-kick was batted away by England team-mate pickford.
off the Golf Kitty organised in commemoration of the 25th anniversary of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
This is even as the organisers rev up preparations for the Cultural Expo with the stage being rigged and rehearsals commenced.
Held at the ibom Golf and Country Club on Saturday morning, on the sidelines of the sports competitions, the event is part of the community engagement activities of the festival to foster social networking. Over 130 golfers were in the kitty with members of the Main and local Organising Committees of the Niger Delta Sports Festival in attendance.
“The NDSF project sponsored by the Niger Delta DevelopmentCommission(NDDC)was designed to achieve multipurpose objectives of discovering and nurturing athletes, foster regional integration and engaging our host community.
Duro Ikhazuagbe
Victor Imeh Sampson of Akwa Ibom State won the Men’s 400m event of the Niger Delta Sports Festival in Uyo...yesterday
Sadiq Umar...first career win over Real Madrid
Duro Ikhazuagbe
Lokpobiri to Pipeline Vandals
“We will go after anybody linked to this crime, wherever they are hiding. We are all Ijaw people, and we know how to find ourselves. We will find them” – Minister of State for Petroleum (Oil), Heineken Lokpobiri, vowing to track those who vandalised the Tebedaba-Brass trunkline
WAZIRI ADIO
POSTSCRIPT
Urgent Need to Expand Nigeria’s Anti-Graft Toolkit
Two recent events in Abuja beamed the spotlight on the protracted and yet-to-be-won battle against corruption in Nigeria. The first was a conference and a report presentation by Chatham House, one of the world’s preeminent think tanks; the second was the unveiling of an initiative to promote transparency and accountability in Nigeria’s 774 local councils by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC). The attention and reflection offered by the two events were necessary and timely, especially in the context of the seeming dip in enthusiasm about anti-corruption in both political and popular consciousness in the country.
It is important to keep the fire of the anti-graft campaign burning as corruption remains the bane of the Nigerian society. The second part of the last sentence is a statement straight out of the inaugural address of President Olusegun Obasanjo at the dawn of this republic in 1999. Without a doubt, anti-corruption has been the most consistent feature of the last 25 years in Nigeria, even when we have also seen uneven emphasis across administrations. We have had a phalanx of laws, institutions, policies and initiatives devoted to checkmating graft in the country, and some significant progress has been made. But there is still much more to be done. In taking this necessary work forward, we need to expand the toolkit for tackling corruption in Nigeria.
I will share my highlights of the two events, interspersed with observations, then conclude with a few comments.
On 3rd April, ICPC unveiled an initiative to deepen openness and probity in Nigeria’s local government areas (LGAs). The initiative is called the Accountability and Corruption Prevention Programme for Local Governments in Nigeria (ACPPLG) and will be run with the Centre for Fiscal Transparency and Public Integrity (CFTPI), a civil society organisation. In the main, this initiative is designed to nudge the local councils to comply with laws and policies mandating proactive disclosures of their finances and operations.
All the 774 LGAs will be assessed and ranked based on their performance in terms of public and pro-active disclosures in five broad categories: fiscal transparency, open procurement, human resources, citizens’ engagement, and control of corruption. These five categories have 27 sub-categories, ranging from proactive publication of annual budgets, budget implementation reports, revenue flows, annual audits, debt profiles to records of tenders, procurement and recruitments, staff nominal rolls, and policies on bribery, conflict of interests and whistleblowing and the existence of functional websites, social media accounts and records of interactive engagements with citizens.
I think this is a very important initiative. The local councils are the most critical tier of government in terms of service delivery. This is the tier of government that is not just the closest to the people but it is also where the presence and essence of government should be felt the most. This is hardly the case at the moment. The LGAs are technically the closest tier of government to the people but they are realistically the farthest from the people in terms of impact. Local elections are the least credible, the local officials are rarely accountable, and the local people are seldom involved in decision-making about local priorities and resource allocation. Where governance is needed the most is where it is the most broken. We need to reposition our local councils for them to effectively discharge the responsibilities entrusted to them in the Fourth
Schedule of the 1999 Constitution and for them to deliver, like their counterparts elsewhere, on the promise of good governance embedded in the theory of decentralisation.
The 11 July 2024 ruling by the Supreme Court affirming that local councils should only be run by democratically-elected officials and compelling direct federation allocation to the LGAs remains a step in the right direction. But even if both conditions are fully met, they are not sufficient to bring about the needed development at the local level. Accountability and responsiveness will be critical. Free and fair elections and financial autonomy by themselves do not necessarily guarantee accountable, efficient, and responsive governance. This is where the initiatives by ICPC and others can bridge the gap.
The disclosures required by ICPC and on which LGAs will be assessed and ranked are already mandated in various statutes including the laws on freedom of information, public procurement, fiscal responsibility and others. Providing an incentive (through a league table) for LGAs to comply is a great idea that additionally serves three purposes: encouraging peer review/peer learning among the LGAs, reducing the incidence of malfeasance through openness, and empowering citizens with information that they can use to hold local officials to account.
I am aware that CFTPI has been publishing an index for the three tiers of government along these lines. But a ranking by ICPC, an organisation with investigative and prosecutorial powers and national reach, definitely will carry more weight. The partnership between the two organisations is the kind of strategic collaboration needed and a reinforcement of the desirability of a handshake between government and civil society.
It is also noteworthy that the Chairman of ICPC, Dr. Musa Aliyu, attended this event, alongside not just his directors but also the heads of key anti-corruption agencies such as the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB), Fiscal Responsibility Commission (FRC), Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), and the Public Complaints Commission (PCC)—all pledging support for the initiative and stating they would be tracking the processes and finances of LGAs to actualise the landmark and desirable ruling of the Supreme Court and in line with
their mandates.
But ranking and threats are also not enough. It will be important to get the residents of the various LGAs to become invested in and committed to holding local officials to account and to have the applicable tools and the capacities to do so.
The LGAs can publish all the required pieces of information on their websites and this might still not make much difference. The information on the websites might not make much meaning or be accessible to most of the people in the LGAs for instance. The point here is not to dismiss the importance of this critical transparency (and potentially investigatory) tool but to say that other things need to be layered on it, including capacity building and nurturing for community-based groups/local opinion leaders and even the local officials.
On its part, Chatham House hosted a conference in Abuja on March 19th with the theme: “Renewing Nigeria’s Anti-Corruption Agenda—Pathways for Change and Reflections on 25 Years of Policy.” Not unexpectedly, Chatham House brought together the leading figures in the anti-corruption space in the country, from government to civil society, development partners and think tanks.
The agenda statement set the tone for the frank and insightful discussion that followed: “Over the past 25 years, Nigeria has developed a broad set of anti-corruption frameworks and institutions. Yet, corruption remains endemic at multiple levels of society, a reality that has corroded public trust in government, stunted economic growth, and weakened Nigeria’s external standing. Corruption’s resilience—despite the raft of legislation and government bodies created over the last quarter-century—continues to underscore the limitations of top-down policy and legislative responses.”
The event was both reflective and forwardlooking, and this was well-captured in the framing of the two sessions: “Taking Stock: 25 Years of Anti-Corruption Efforts in Nigeria”; “Looking Ahead: A Participatory, Multi-Level Approach to Anti-Corruption.” The various speakers and the participants highlighted the need to bridge the research and policy gap, to ensure comprehensive value-reorientation, to leverage technology to limit human contact, to focus on fighting corruption in all sectors and all tiers of society, to make it less difficult for those who want to do the right thing, to celebrate, protect and link integrity champions, to build enduring and resilient social movements, and to impose proper and context-meaningful sanctions for bad behaviours.
The conference also marked the official unveiling of the 50-page research paper by an Associate Fellow of Chatham House’s Africa Programme, Dr. Leena Hoffmann. Entitled “Taking Action against Corruption in Nigeria—Empowering Anti-Corruption Role Models and Coalitions to Change Social Norms,” the paper argues for a normative, bottom-up and networked approach to strengthening the fight against corruption in the country. The conference and the paper were part of Chatham House’s Social Norms and Accountable Governance (SNAG) project, implemented by its Africa Programme since 2015 and supported by the MacArthur Foundation through the groundbreaking On Nigeria programme.
Using a behavioural and norms-based lens, the SNAG project conducted surveys and produced research papers to deepen the understanding of the depth of and the motivations for corruption in Nigeria. I find it interesting that Chatham House started its first major research with trying to understand why Nigerians partake in corruption
but concluded the project with valuable insights into why some Nigerians resist corruption. As the report underscores (which is a confirmation of the work by organisations such as Accountability Lab that have been naming and praising integrity icons in the country), there are actually Nigerians who resist corruption, at a significant cost to their careers and sometimes to their safety. Doing the right thing has a cost, and the cost can be steep, but that has not been a deterrent to those who choose to be positive deviants.
One of the things we need to do is to recognise that such people exist, to continue to celebrate and protect them, and to reduce or even eliminate the cost of being upright, then hope that they can create a tipping point. The paper also argues that there is safety in numbers, and I think this is eminently sensible. Integrity icons and anticorruption champions within and outside government stand a better chance if they work together in “networked coalitions” and are supported with the necessary laws (such as a whistleblower law) and with strategic guidance on how to navigate the mines of the narrow path.
As stated earlier, there is an apparent sense of fatigue about anti-corruption in the country. This could be due to hopes raised and dashed by different administrations. Or because people have seen impunity go unpunished so often that they have become jaded or sceptical or even disillusioned. Whatever the reasons, it is important to keep alive the campaign to significantly reduce corruption in Nigeria. And in doing this, we will need to expand the toolkit of the anti-corruption crusaders as these two events affirm. We definitely need more than the disproportionate emphasis on law and order of the last 25 years. This is not to say we should undo the laws or slow down on enforcement/ sanctions. No. But we need to spend more time on the not-so-sexy work of prevention, research and strategy.
We need to make it difficult for people to engage in corrupt practices by putting in place, and constantly strengthening, mechanisms and systems that checkmate corruption before it happens. Preventing corruption is not headline-grabbing but it is cheaper. We also need to significantly hike the cost of engaging in corrupt practices. As is often said: corruption is not a crime of passion but a crime of calculation—perpetrators do cost-benefit analysis and weigh their chances. Where the cost is low and the benefit is high, you know what will happen, especially where it doesn’t take much effort to undertake or conceal.
Systems and laws do not implement or enforce themselves. They are implemented and enforced by humans whose actions are dictated, sometimes subliminally, by how they have been socialised. This is why it will also be critical to focus on how to change entrenched values that predispose people to, or drive, corrupt practices. Behaviours are what we see, more like the tip of an iceberg. Beneath behaviours are bigger and deeper elements: attitudes, belief systems and values. We need to dive deep to understand what is there. So, merely telling people to change their behaviours through clever play with words or some fancy behavioural change campaign without addressing the values that define and motivate them may not amount to more than empty preachments. We need to surface the norms that drive action and know what buttons to press to make the difference. It is going to be some tough and persistent work, needing a lot of probing, nuance, rigour and reflection. But it is a necessary and worthwhile work, if the goal is to slay the monster of corruption in our country.
