Farouk Aliyu Attacks El-Rufai as Masari, Al-Makura,
Barau
21 CPC Chiefs Back Tinubu
Abudu, Kwame Onwuachi, Named
100 Most Influential People
Tinubu rejoices with EbonyLife’s Chief Executive
Mutfwang in State Broadcast, Says Fear Won’t Overrun Plateau
Says state witnessing a systematic and premeditated campaign that seeks to instill terror and fear on communities
FG urges media to stop giving oxygen to terrorists, but amplify armed force’s heroism
Information space now battlefield, says CDS
Badaru seeks media, military synergy
NGF canvasses peace in Plateau violence
No sane society will turn blind eye to these killings, Tambuwal notes
Fear in Otukpo as herdsmen slay scores, death toll rises, Mark says attack not accidental
Nasir
Chuks okocha, sunday Aborisade, Alex enumah, Linus Aleke in Abuja, hammed shittu in Ilorin, George okoh in Makurdi, seriki Adinoyi in Jos and onuminya innocent in Sokoto
emmanuel Addeh and Adedayo Akinwale and sunday Aborisade in Abuja
TIME has named Mo Abudu, Chief Executive of EbonyLife Group and Nigerian American Chef, Kwame Onwuachi, in its 2025 TIME100, an annual list of the 100 most influential people in the world, with the full
and
emmanuel Addeh and Deji elumoye in Abuja
Mo Abudu Kwame Onwuachi
the roundtable meeting at the Ministry of Petroleum Resources in Abuja, yesterday
In Show of Transparency, Dangote
Refinery Reduces Petrol Price Again
Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja and Peter Uzoho in Lagos
In a show of significant transparency in an industry seen as largely opaque, the Dangote refinery, for the second time in one week, yesterday, announced the nationwide reduction of petrol prices coming out from its facility.
This emerged same day the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC), Mr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, reaffirmed his commitment to forging strong and effective partnerships with key stakeholders to successfully deliver on the strategic mandate entrusted to him by President Bola Tinubu.
can now purchase petrol at lower prices from its partner retail stations nationwide, including MRS, AP (Ardova), Heyden, Optima Energy, Hyde and Tecno Oil.
“Dangote Petroleum Refinery is pleased to announce a reduction in the gantry price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, from N865 to N835, effective from Wednesday, 16 April 2025. This marks the second price reduction within a week.
statement from the company stated. Before the coming of the refinery, landing prices, which in turn determine the rates at the pumps, were rarely made available by marketers, while consumers were kept in the dark even when the dynamics affecting the prices of petroleum products changed.
The industry regulator, the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), has for years not helped matters, barely providing any information to the public on the parameters for the pricing of petroleum products in the country.
In other climes, consumers of petroleum products can determine even how much they will spend on the products for the next month, given the alterations in factors which dictate retail prices.
But in statement yesterday, Dangote Petroleum Refinery said it has consistently worked to reduce the prices of petrol and other refined petroleum products, ensuring the continued benefit to Nigerian consumers.
It added: “For example, in February, the refinery reduced prices twice by N125. In addition, products such as diesel and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) have also experienced significant
price reductions due to the refinery’s sustained efforts.”
The management of the facility explained that it anticipates that this latest reduction in petrol prices would generate a positive ripple effect throughout various sectors of the economy, providing much-needed relief to consumers and contributing to broader economic growth, particularly during the Easter season.
In a statement issued yesterday by the Chief Corporate Communications Officer of NNPC, Mr. Olufemi Soneye, quoted Ojulari to have made the pledge during a courtesy visit to the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri
In the statement by the Group Chief Branding and Communications Officer of the Dangote Group, Anthony Chiejina, on the petrol price reduction, the refinery noted that the gantry price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, has now fallen from N865 to N835 per litre.
The refinery noted that Nigerians
Nume Ekeghe
Access Holdings Plc has reported an exceptional 88 per cent year-onyear growth in its gross earnings, rising to N4.878 trillion in 2024 from N2.594 trillion recorded in 2023. The performance, detailed in its audited financial results for the year ended December 31, 2024, reflects accelerated revenue generation across interest and non-interest streams.
The results showed that the financial institution’s interest income grew by a remarkable 110 per cent to N3.480 trillion, while non-interest income rose by 47.8 per cent to N1.397 trillion, supported by the Group’s robust retail banking activities, digital expansion, and a dynamic trading strategy.
“High-quality Dangote petrol will now be available at the following prices across all our partner retail outlets: Key partners, including MRS, AP (Ardova), Heyden, Optima Energy, Hyde and Tecno Oil, will offer petrol at N890 per litre, down from N920 in Lagos.
“In the South-west, the price will be N900 per litre, reduced from N930. In the North-west and North-central, the price will be N910 per litre, lowered from N940. In the South-east, Southsouth, and North-east, the price will be N920 per litre, down from N950.
“These price reductions reaffirm our commitment to providing high-quality petrol at affordable rates, benefiting consumers across the nation. In addition, we are working collaboratively with our partners to ensure equitable reflection of this price reduction,” the
Petroleum Explorationists Advocate Fiscal Incentives to Boost Investments in Frontier Hydrocarbon Basins
Cuts gantry price to N835/litre, pump price now N890/litre Ojulari pledges stakeholder collaboration to deliver key presidential mandates in oil industry Want gas output raised to 8bcf to catalyse electricity generation for 90m people
Ahead of its upcoming golden jubilee celebration, the Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists (NAPE) has urged the federal government to introduce more fiscal and regulatory policies aimed at attracting new investments for oil and gas exploration and production in the old Niger Delta and frontier Basins of the country.
The association also stressed the need for the country to urgently
revive its aging gas pipelines and distribution networks and raise gas productuon to eight billion cubic feet per day (8bcf/d) to enable Nigeria generate electricity 90 million people currently without power.
Speaking at press conference in Lagos, yesterday, President of NAPE, Mr. Johnbosco Uche, said growing Nigeria’s gas reserves should become a national imperative for energy sustainability and security.
With 50 percent of the country’s gas reserve being non-associated gas (NAG), he said the production must grow substantially to meet national aspiration of discovering the remaining 600 trillion cubic feet (tcf) still unproven.
Uche, maintained that growing
Nigeria’s gas reserves had become a national imperative, hence expanding into frontier basins and exploring older rock sequences in the Niger Delta would be critical in unlocking this potential and achieving sustainable energy security with a cleaner fuel alternative.
He said Nigeria ranks number nine in the world in terms of gas reserve but not in the top 10 in terms of production, pointing out that that shows gaps that needed to be closed.
Responding to why the country has not been able to overcome its power issues, Uche expressed the need to review the value chain of gas transmission in the country.
Profit before tax (PBT) increased by 19 per cent to N867 billion, while profit after tax (PAT) rose to N642.2 billion, despite inflationary and macroeconomic challenges.
Total assets grew by 55.5 per cent to N41.498 trillion, and customer deposits rose by 47 per cent to N22.525 trillion. Shareholders’ funds also increased by 72 per cent, reaching N3.760 trillion.
Access Bank posted significant gains across all performance metrics, with interest income growing by 110 per cent and fees and commissions rising by 81 per cent. International subsidiaries contributed 48.5 per cent to the banking segment’s PBT, demonstrating strong execution across key markets. In 2024, Access Holdings also
became the first institution to meet the Central Bank of Nigeria’s recapitalisation directive, raising N351 billion through a rights issue with the proceeds being strategically deployed to strengthen digital infrastructure, enhance liquidity, and fuel long-term growth.
In a statement, the Group noted that they made significant social and environmental impact across the continent, touching millions of lives and earning multiple industry accolades.
“Through various corporate social investment initiatives in education, entrepreneurship, health, and the environment, the Group reached over 21 million individuals across Africa. Its employee wellness programmes also covered 28,000 staff across operating entities.
Deji Elumoye in Abuja
President Bola Tinubu has inaugurated an eight-member high-level committee on the forthcoming national population and housing census.
“And where the issue is, is not necessarily the subsurface, it is the above-ground issues. And those above-ground issues start from infrastructure; some of the pipelines that we have are aging pipelines that need to be replaced, either sectional replacement or full replacement.
“The network of that gas distribution and the insecurity issues we have in the Niger Delta, which by the way, is improving, are also some of the challenges. And that’s why, for example, today, we do know that NLNG is not operating at full capacity because of the challenges of getting the gas from our subsurface underground to the destination. So it’s not about having the gas and it’s about how you evacuate it, and then the above-ground risks,” Uche explained.
Tinubu stressed the pivotal role of a technology-driven process in ensuring credible and verifiable results and
The committee headed by the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Atiku Bagudu, has three weeks to turn in an interim report. The President, who was represented at the inauguration ceremony at the State House, Abuja, yesterday, by his Chief of Staff, Hon Femi Gbajabiamila, said census was crucial for national development, accurate planning, and effective decisionmaking in healthcare, education, security, and economic planning. Nigeria’s last census, which was in 2006, nearly two decades ago, recorded a population of 140,431,790, with 71,345,488 males and 69,086,302 females.
the need for collaboration among all relevant agencies and stakeholders. Underscoring the critical financing factor in the exercise, the President enjoined the members to look at domestic and even international resources. According to Tinubu: “Work with all relevant agencies, including the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning. This ministry has to take charge of this because you cannot budget if you do not know how many we are.
Peter Uzoho and Oluchi Chibuzo
L–R: Chairman, OPEC Board of Governors Nigerian OPEC, Mr. Ademola Adeyemi; Minister for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri; and Group Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian National Petroleum Limited, Mr. Bayo Ojulari, during
BANK OF INDUSTRY’S COURTESY VISIT TO CROSS RIVER GOVERNOR...
L–R: Managing Director/CEO, Bank of Industry (BOI), Dr. Olasupo Olusi; and Executive Governor of Cross River State, Prince Bassey Otu, during a courtesy visit to the Cross River State Governor by the BOI MD/CEO at the State House in Calabar, yesterday
Umar-Sadiq: NSIA Advanced $10.33bn to Stimulate Economy
Says
operations created 445,000 jobs, supported 236,000 farmers, others Declares global headwinds from US tariffs unlikely to impair income growth in 2025
James Emejo in Abuja
The Managing Director/Chief Executive, Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA), Mr. Aminu Umar-Sadiq, yesterday disclosed that the authority has committed a total sum of $10.33 billion to stimulate economic activities in various sectors
of the economy. He also said its operations had created over 245,000 direct and 200,000 indirect jobs across various sectors.
Speaking at a media engagement on the NSIA 2024 earnings presentation in Abuja, Umar-Sadiq also said over 236,000 farmers have
been supported through its various agriculture investments, adding that 68 per cent of the beneficiaries were youths of which 50 per cent were female.
He revealed that three hospital projects undertaken by the authority served over 282,100 patients, including 150,000 chemotherapy sessions.
He added that so far over 3,500 youths had received formal education through partnered educational institutions while the authority has 13,504 affordable houses under construction to address current housing deficits.
Furthermore, the NSIA boss said it supported several communities through CSR activities, particularly
House C’ttee Orders Remita to Refund N185 billion Withheld From TSA Since 2015
Juliet Akoje in Abuja
The House of Representatives has ordered financial technology firm Remita, also known as SystemSpecs Ltd, to refund a total of N182.769,245,175.20 withheld from Treasury Single Account (TSA) since 2015 to the Federal Government.
This followed a forensic audit that uncovered significant financial discrepancies.
The directive was issued by the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of the House during a hearing yesterday following the submission of an investigative report by consulting firm Seyi Katola & Company (Chartered Accountants).
Recall that the House of Repre-
Reps:
sentatives had, in 2024, mandated the Committee to investigate revenue leakages and non-remittance of funds by Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) through Remita. The Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Bamidele Salam during the hearing stated that the resolution was based on evidence submitted by the Consultant, as well as documents provided by SystemSpecs/Remita and other stakeholders within the Treasury Single Account (TSA) ecosystem.
The managing partner of the consulting firm, Dr. Adewale Oyebamiji presented the breakdown of the liabilities.
The audit found that SystemSpecs was responsible for N3.416,494,011.91 in under-refunded transaction processing
fees, - N101.850,246.99 in unpaid acquirer fees, and - N179.250,900,916.30 in unremitted collections.
According to the committee’s report on the total payable by the System specs limited for first regime, calculated at the Central Bank of Nigeria’s Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) of 27.25%, Under-Refund of Transaction processing fee; Amount Refundable is N993,006,714.31, Interests Charges is N2,423,487,297.60, Totaling: N3,416,494,011.91.
“Non-payment of Acquirer fee; Refundable is N29,602,855.67, Interest Charges- N72,247,391.32 Totaling: N101,850,246.99 - Non-remittance of collection; Refundable- N54,241,561,948.88, Interest - N125,009,338,967.42 Totaling: N179,250,900,916.30”
PIA Amendment Underway to Increase Oil Companies’ HCDT Funds to 10%
Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt
The Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on Petroleum Resources (Upstream), Hon. Sesi Oluwaseun Whingan, said a bill seeking to amend the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) to increase oil companies’ mandatory contributions to Host Community Development Trusts (HCDTs) from 3% to 10% has passed first reading in the House of Representatives.
Whingan made the announcement, yesterday in Port Harcourt, while delivering the keynote address at a high-level stakeholder dialogue on strengthening HCDTs for sustainable impact, organised by the
Stakeholder Democracy Network (SDN) in collaboration with PIND and Search for Common Ground.
His words: “In its current form, the 3% contribution by settlors is grossly inadequate to address decades of environmental degradation, poverty, and underdevelopment suffered by host communities.
“That is why I am leading efforts to amend Section 240 of the PIA.
The bill has passed its first reading and is scheduled for second reading upon the House’s resumption.” The proposed amendment, he said, is part of a broader legislative initiative aimed at ensuring justice and equitable resource distribution to communities that have borne
the brunt of oil exploration in the Niger Delta.
“Our duty as lawmakers is to ensure that the wealth from our natural resources translates into tangible prosperity for the host communities. They deserve more than token gestures. They deserve meaningful investment in their future.”
Whingan also revealed ongoing collaboration with civil society groups such as SDN on the development of other legislative frameworks, including the Responsible Extractive Industry Divestment Bill, to ensure transparency, accountability, and inclusive governance in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
The above breakdown amounts to N182,769,245,175.20 refundable by the System specs/Remit.
“The committee hereby recommends that SystemSpecs Ltd be compelled to refund the total sum of N182,769,245,175.20 to the Federal Government Asset Recovery Account domiciled at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), account number: 0020054161191,” the report reads.
The committee noted that some deposit money banks have already complied with similar repayment orders and also called on other TSA value chain service providers who are yet to comply to do so promptly.
in the development of social infrastructure, out grower programmes among others.
He said it developed a 10MW solar project with over 500 jobs to be created directly and indirectly.
According to him, the authority, through its operations, provided economic stimulus to various sectors of the economy including agriculture $7.5 billion, motorways $1.8 billion, financial market, $695 million, gas industrialisation $274 million, healthcare, $42 million, and power $22.5 million.
He said through its operations and investments, the authority has generated positive social and economic nationwide impact and contributed towards the attainment of key SDGs for the country.
NSIA recently announced that its net assets increased by 96 per cent to N4.35 trillion in December 2024, nearly doubling the N2.22 trillion recorded in 2023.
Furthermore, Umar-Sadiq said over $500 million was committed to domestic infrastructure development, adding that the authority remained a leader in sustainability and preferred green partner of choice.
He also revealed that NSIA catalysed over $1 billion in
third-party investment within the financial year under review, amid a robust infrastructure investment portfolio across key sectors including agriculture, healthcare and power.
He also said the authority invested in over 50 per cent of locally owned and run private equity (PE) funds.
He said Total Comprehensive Income (TCI) was buoyed by improved performance on fair value gains from externally managed investments due to market recoveries.
He added that increased earnings from eurobonds, and fixed deposits commercial papers helped to boost sustainable earnings in 2024.
The NSIA boss also assured that irrespective of the various challenges in the macroeconomy, particularly the impact of the global trade war stoked by President Donald Trump – this is unlikely to affect the authority’s stable income growth based on its strategic assets’ allocation including the Stabilization and Future Generations Funds, which are defensive. He said, “If you look at the mandate of our Sovereign Wealth Fund, it is largely a savings mandate. So, irrespective of the ongoings on the macro-side, based on our strategic assets’ allocations, you’ll see stable income growth.”
Osun Secures $100m Investment Deals with UK Group of Investors
The Osun State Government said it has secured $100 million investment with United Kingdom group of investors.
The state government through the spokesperson to state governor, Rasheed Olawale, said Governor Ademola Adeleke secured this in his recent trip to United Kingdom.
Olawale said Governor Adeleke achieved the investment deals which covered agriculture, water, tourism and free trade zone.
He described the information spreading around about governor as fake news and doctored video from members of the opposition, saying the governor successfully addressed four major high-profile meetings.
According to him, “Attendance
at the 2025 Commonwealth Business Investment Conference was therefore packaged with specific goals and targets. One of it is for the governor to update the investment community about the state of Osun’s infrastructure upgrade and implementation of enhanced ease of doing business.
“The other target is to forge official investment link with United Kingdom through the Prime Minister’s Trade Envoy to Nigeria. The most obvious which the general public always look out for is the amount of investment deals secured on such trip.
“Osun investment climate was presented to stakeholders with specific reference to a unified tax system to avoid multiple taxation, 45 days window for processing of Certificate of Occupancy, a one-stop
shop for investment processing among others;
“The revival of Osun Free Trade zone was presented with opportunities presented for UK and European businesses interested in the free trade zone model;
“The reduction of Osun infrastructure deficit by 45 percent and further expected reduction in 2025 by almost 75 percent were graphically presented in term of roads, bridges, health and social facilities to the excitement of the business community;
“A formal investment facilitation framework and structure was put in place with the signing of Memorandum of Understanding with the ESG Consulting Group to relate with the office of UK Prime Minister’s Trade Envoy and interface with the investing community on several opportunities in Osun state;
Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo
INAUGURATION OF THE PRESIDENTIAL COMMITTEE ON POPULATION AND HOUSING CENSUS...
L–R: Chairman of the National Population Commission (NPC), Mr. Nasir Isa Kwarra; Senior Special Assistant to the President on Admin & Operations (OCOS), Mrs. Oyinade Nathan-Marsh; Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mr. Muhammed Idris; Chief of Staff to the President, Mr. Femi Gbajabiamila; Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Population and Housing Census and Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Atiku Bagudu; Director-General, National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), Mrs. Abisoye Odusote; and Mr. Raymond Omachi, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Finance, at the inauguration of the Presidential Committee on Population and Housing Census held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, yesterday
Nigeria’s Foreign Minister, Yusuf Tuggar, in Historic Visit to Niger Republic
Michael Olugbode in Abuja Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, arrived in Niamey yesterday, leading a high-level delegation aimed at restoring and strengthening diplomatic relations between Nigeria and the Republic of Niger.
The visit marked a significant step in mending ties between both countries which were apparently strained since the July 2023 coup in Niger. Tuggar was expected to deliver a special message from President Bola Tinubu to General Abdourahamane Tchiani, the Head of State of the West African nation.
The Nigerian delegation included senior diplomats, policy advisers, and defence liaison officers. As of the time of this report last night, it was learnt that discussions covered critical issues such as security cooperation, regional trade, economic development, and cross-border collaboration, among others.
This diplomatic engagement reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to peaceful dialogue and regional stability.
The relationship between the two neighbouring countries almost crashed after the coup d’etat that ousted a democratic government in Niger, with the Nigerian government leading other member countries of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to place series of sanctions on the country as well as Burkina Faso and Mali who
had had their civilian administrations toppled.
The three countries moved ahead to further distance themselves from ECOWAS by denouncing membership of the regional bloc and subsequently forming the Alliance of Sahel States.
Meeting in Niamey, the Nigerien capital on Wednesday the foreign affairs ministers of both Nigeria and Niger, Tuggar and Mr. Bakary Sangaré, respectively, had talks on building on the relationship of the two countries.
In a communique they both signed after the meeting, they disclosed that the engagement was the initiative of both parties.
It read in part: “His Excellency Ambassador Yusuf MaitamaTuggar was warmly and enthusiastically welcomed by His Excellency Mr. Bakary Yaou Sangaré, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Cooperation and Nigeriens Abroad, in a spirit of brotherhood that characterises the warm and friendly relations that have always existed between the peoples of the two countries;
“The discussions took place in a climate of great cordiality and provided an opportunity for an indepth examination of the challenges facing the two countries and major current issues at the sub-regional, regional, and international levels;
“The two countries deliberated on various issues of mutual interest that would foster closer relations amongst the people and government
of Niger and Nigeria. Some of the concerns raised were the renewed commitment to revitalise the NigeriaNiger Joint Commission (NNJC), which would further consolidate the gains made so far.
“Furthermore, the two parties emphasised the need to strengthen economic cooperation especially in operationalisation of cross-border markets, trade and energy, the KanoKatsina-Jibiya-Maradi railway, the construction of the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline, Trans-Saharan Highway, Trans-Saharan Fiber Optic and Bilateral Air Services.
“(Others included) local bilateral committees, micro-diplomacy, tariffs and taxes, desertification, good neighborliness policies, migration, tourism, education, new information and communication technologies, agriculture and livestock farming, and infrastructure. In this regard, the two ministers agreed to cooperate and follow up on these issues through the NNJC as soon as possible.
“During their discussions, the two ministers welcomed the quality of the relations of fraternity, friendship, cooperation, and good neighbourli-
ness that bind Niger and Nigeria, and reaffirmed their shared desire to boost and energise bilateral cooperation between the two countries, to raise it to the level of their ambitions and the legitimate expectations of their respective peoples, who aspire to peace, security, and development.”
On the security front, the two ministers highlighted the terrorist threat raging along the border between the two countries, which constitutes a real obstacle to the effective implementation of all development programmes initiated by the governments of their countries.
Therefore, the two ministers called on the ministries of defense of both countries to continue their security cooperation.
“The delegations expressed their conviction of the need to strengthen social, political, economic, scientific, and cultural cooperation between the two countries and agreed to increase mutual exchanges at all levels, particularly through the regular holding of meetings of the committees of experts, the Council of Ministers, and the High Authority of the Niger-Nigeria Joint Cooperation Commission.
Shettima Launches Pre-emptive Action Plan as FG Moves to Curb Flood Disasters, Climate-induced Crises
Deji Elumoye in Abuja
The federal government has taken proactive steps to prevent flooding through strategic measures to enhance disaster preparedness and risk management across the country.
These steps are being taken by the government at the centre as the rainy season sets in, with its attendant torrential downpours.
Flowing from this, Vice President Kashim Shettima on Wednesday
to Expand Rooftop Solar Access to Public Institutions
The Rural Electrification Agency (REA) and the Lagos state government have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to expand access to clean energy in Lagos state, with a focus on powering public institutions through rooftop solar systems.
A statement in Abuja by the agency yesterday, said the agreement, signed during the Lagos State Energy Summit at Oriental Hotel Victoria Island lagos, marked a significant milestone under the REA’s State-by-State Initiative and aligned with the federal government’s push to deepen sub-national electricity access through the 2023 Electricity Act.
“The new partnership will support the deployment of
sustainable, distributed energy solutions across Lagos, addressing the widespread use of over four million diesel generators in the state. The initiative aims to replace this fragmented energy landscape with reliable, renewable alternatives,” the statement noted.
Speaking at the event, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, emphasised the importance of strategic partnerships in tackling energy challenges.
“We have excess power generation—but it’s misdirected and not evenly distributed. This collaboration with the REA will help bridge that gap,” he said.
In his remarks, REA’s Managing Director/CEO, Abba Aliyu, announced several major projects
under the new agreement, including plans for Nigeria’s first floating solar PV plant of 8mw to power Lagos State University.
He also highlighted the upcoming $150 million lithium battery assembly plant at the Lekki Free Trade Zone (FTZ) and the establishment of a renewable energy university to boost local skills and innovation.
According to Aliyu: “The partnership will also advance the National Public Sector Solarization Initiative (NPSSI) and the Distributed Access through Renewable Energy Scale-up (DARES) programme, backed by the World Bank.
“These efforts are designed to empower local developers and build a robust market for Renewable Energy Service Companies (RESCOs) across the country.”
launched Nigeria’s Anticipatory Action Framework, designed to shift disaster management from reactive responses to proactive preparedness by leveraging early warnings, local empowerment, and pre-arranged financing to save lives and livelihoods.
A key component of the strategy involves establishing a dedicated trigger group comprising meteorological and emergency management agencies that will synthesise data to enable forecasts up to two weeks in advance.
Speaking during a framework validation workshop held at the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Office of the National Security Adviser in Abuja, Shettima described the framework as a timely intervention to confront the rising threats of climate-induced disasters such as floods, which affected over
five million Nigerians in 2024.
“These disasters are no longer distant threats. They are here, knocking at our doors, sweeping through our streets, flooding our homes, and testing not only our moral sensitivity but the depth of our preparation,” he said.
The Vice President stressed the urgent need to dump the costly and inadequate reactive approach to disasters for a more proactive measure.
According to him: “For decades, our response has been reactive. We wait for the waters to rise, for the homes to vanish, and then we scramble for relief. This late arrival of support costs more and saves fewer lives.
“We lose close to 5% of our GDP every year to reactive disaster
responses. This approach is not only unsustainable, it is also deeply unjust to the most vulnerable among us. This is why we must act before disasters unfold”.
He explained that the new framework is built on three strategic pillars, including “early warning systems powered by satellite technology and delivered through community-based networks to provide life-saving information in real time.
“The second is pre-triggered financing. No plan can succeed without resources made available before the storm arrives. The third is localised preparedness.
“Studies have shown that anticipatory action can reduce losses by up to 60 per cent. That is not just a statistic. It is hope. It is the future of millions salvaged before ruin,” he added.
IITA To Establish Farm Centre in Bayelsa
The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) located in Ibadan, Oyo State, has disclosed plans to set up a sub-national centre in Bayelsa State through partnership with the state government.
The Deputy Director-General of the institute, Dr. Kenton Dashell, stated this during a meeting with the Bayelsa governor, Senator Douye Diri, who visited the expansive farming complex in Ibadan.
Dr. Dashell, in a presentation, explained that IITA was established in 1967 and that it is a research centre that focuses on generating agricultural innovations that address
the challenge of food insecurity and the impact of climate change on agricultural produce in tropical Africa.
“We are here in Nigeria, which is our home. After Oyo State, Bayelsa should be number two to us. We are willing to come to Bayelsa and in partnership with the state government help to develop the youths that are interested in agriculture,” he said.
In his brief remarks, Governor Diri expressed delight about IITA’s interest in Bayelsa and assured the government would partner the international institute to set up a centre in the state in order
to enhance food production and generate employment for its youths.
“We had a political meeting in Oyo State today and I decided to take advantage of it to pay this brief visit, having been briefed about it by my Commissioner for Youth Development.
“I’m particularly interested in youth development and agriculture. So, I accepted to come and begin preliminary discussions.
“IITA is well-known in Nigeria and I agree with you that after Oyo, Bayelsa should be next. We need to collaborate and see how to develop the agricultural potential of Bayelsa State.
Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja
PHOTO: GODWIN OMOIGUI.
ProPerty & environment
Climate Action: Life-size Animal Puppets to Stride Lagos Streets
Bennett Oghifo
As climate change conversations intensify, waves of initiatives and programmes designed to inspire appropriate actions to curtail the causes and effects of this phenomenon are sweeping across the globe.
THE HERDS, a particularly unique and intriguing initiative in this category, blends art with climate advocacy and will visit major cities worldwide in 2025, including Lagos, Nigeria.
Produced globally by The Walk Productions, THE HERDS is a public art and climate project featuring life-size puppet animals fleeing their ecosystems in response to a rapidly changing climate that’s adversely affecting their well-being and way of life. For years, scientists, leading world organisations, and various NGOs have called for meaningful collective climate action. THE HERDS is doing the same, but with a focus on creating experiences and evoking emotions that will make people care enough to take responsibility.
As Amir Nizar Zuabi, Artistic Director of THE HERDS, notes: “Our aim is to create an emotional reaction to the climate crisis because we believe this is the only way to make people care. We believe that awe and beauty is the missing spark that leads us from curiosity to change.”
The plan is to construct zoologically accurate puppet animals from recycled materials and then travel with them through major cities across the globe, creating a public spectacle that arouses interest, drives participation, and ultimately inspires change. These puppets will journey 20,000km from the Congo Basin to the Arctic Circle, stopping in 11 countries: the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Nigeria, Senegal, Morocco, Spain, France, the UK, the Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden and Norway.
Public engagement is at the heart of THE HERDS. This is why, every step of the way,
artistic and engaging educational programs will try to make the reality of the global climate crisis and the need for immediate action as accessible as possible to everyday people. Public events will combine the display of the magnificent puppet animals with stirring and riveting dance and theatrical performances.
Lagos Welcomes THE HERDS
The Nigerian edition of THE HERDS is set to fully embody the project’s essence and unique approach to climate advocacy. Lagos’ bustling streets, the heartbeat of commerce in Nigeria, brimming with a potpourri of the country’s diverse cultures and people, will welcome puppets of animals common in the region.
From April 18th through 20th, three key artistic events will take place in Lagos by 4 PM daily: Ejigbo, Yaba, and Lagos Island. In Ejigbo, renowned choreographer Jelili Atiku will welcome THE HERDS to his community with dazzling choreographed dance routines mapped out and executed by him. This public spectacle tagged “In the Footsteps of Leopards” is designed to attract locals and tap into their existing connection with traditional wildlife like Ekun (the Leopard) to share an important message on climate change. The procession will begin at the Town Hall on Lafenwa Street and end at the Community Square on Moshalashi Street.
On the 19th, another artistic showcase and procession tagged “When It’s All About to Go” will happen in Yaba, a Lagos Mainland location that perfectly reflects the energetic and eclectic lifestyle that the South Western state is widely known to support. Featuring performances by Mud Art Company led by Ochai Ogaba, the procession will proceed from Union Bank at Sabo Bus Stop to Queens College, Yaba.
The final artistic event titled “Both in Flight” will see THE HERDS head to Lagos Island. There, Qudus Onikekun, a movement artiste will lead an array of
dancers and pop-up musicians in visually stunning displays as the animal puppets journey from Macarthy Roundabout to John Randle Center. Like in every other location, the goal remains using striking and engaging means to communicate the reality of climate change to the public and inspire transformative responses.
Accompanying these events, THE HERDS’ tour of Lagos will also pop up at strategic locations and feature a panel session on April 20, 2025, at the Lekki Conservation Centre (LCC). This LCC pop-event, tagged “THE HERDS Dialogue,” is structured as a conversation driver that will bring together environmental and climate change stakeholders in Nigeria for meaningful discussions on conservation and sustainability. The partners helping to organise this bit of the project include Lekki Urban Forest and Animal Sanctuary Initiative (LUFASI), a privately-owned park and NGO dedicated to enabling people to connect with nature, and the Nigeria Conservation Foundation (NCF), the leading NGO focused on environmental conservation and sustainability in the country.
Government institutions will also be present at the LCC engagement, including the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA), Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA), and the Office of Climate Change and Circular Economy, Lagos. Joining these agencies to lead the conversations are ambassadors from NGOs like Youth Sustainable Development Network (YSDN), International Climate Change Development Initiative (ICCDI), and Green Club.
Bringing all of these moving parts together to create a cohesive experience is a task that the Nigeria-based A Whitespace Creative Arts Foundation (AWCA) has taken on. The foundation is leading the production of the Nigerian edition of THE HERDS by providing creative direction,
forging partnerships with local stakeholders, managing logistics, and overseeing the assembly of the puppets with partners like Yaba College of Technology and Yaba Art Museum. To get this done, AWCA is leaning into years of experience in organising various artistic programs and providing a platform for Nigerian artists to showcase their creations.
Central to AWCA’s goal of overseeing a successful project is the creation of alliances with key partners, some of whom have already been mentioned. Other current partners include WILD AFRICA, MUDART Company, MADHouse by Tikera, SustyVibes, Global Environmental and Climate Conservation Initiative (GECCI), and others.
“We are incredibly proud to be leading the production of THE HERDS in Nigeria,” said Papa Omotayo, CEO of A Whitespace Creative Arts Foundation (AWCA). “Our approach involves securing strong partnerships with local stakeholders. This is because we recognise that THE HERDS is a community endeavour, and its success hinges on the active participation and ownership of local stakeholders. We believe that by fostering these partnerships, we can truly amplify the project’s message and ensure it resonates deeply with our community,” he added.
Nigeria — One Stop on a Global Journey
The Nigerian edition is a critical part of a wider movement that has secured support from climate advocacy, art, and public service organisations all over the globe. THE HERDS is produced by The Walk Productions in association with: Tshoper Kabambi (Kinshasa); A Whitespace Creative Arts Foundation (Lagos); Sarah Desbois (Dakar); Othman Nejmeddine (Morocco); Monica Hamill (Spain); Au Contraire Productions (France); Manchester International Festival (Manchester, UK); Ulrika Josephsson (Sweden) and Olavsfest International (Trondheim, Norway).
Like AWCA in Nigeria, key partners and backers in other locations include TED Countdown; Save the Elephants, Ukwanda Puppets and Designs Art Collective; Académie des Beaux-Arts (DRC); Blaise Senghor Cultural Center, Fabrice Monteiro, Senegal; High Atlas Foundation, Morocco; La Fura Del Baus, Merlin Producciones, Compañia Nacional de Danza (Spain); Chaillot Théâtre National de la Danse, Studio A+E: Étienne Guiol (France); Art Fund, Factory International, Sadler’s Wells, UAL: Wimbledon College of Arts (UK); The Royal Danish Theater (Denmark); Parkteatern – Kulturhuset Stadsteatern, Riksteatern (Sweden) and Olavsfest International, Rosendal Teater, (Norway).
World-class artists and creatives are behind the design of THE HERDS puppets, including Ukwanda Puppets and Designs Art Collective in South Africa (Luyanda Nogodlwana, Siphokazi Mpofu, Sipho Ngxola), Craig Leo, Simon Dunckley, Hansie Visagie, Tundra Dunckley and Artistic Director Amir Nizar Zuabi. Hope Solutions and Renew Culture: Theatre Green Book are the partners helping with the development of THE HERDS sustainability practices. THE HERDS is a product of a combination of public and private financial assistance. Public funding is sourced from the National Lottery via Arts Council England, The Backstage Trust, and Bloomberg Philanthropies, as well as Art Fund, ArtYard, Frederick Mulder Foundation, JKW Foundation, and Maria Björnson Memorial Fund. Notable private contributions have been made by James Armstrong, the Hacking Family, Cheryl Henson, Danielle Lambert, Alexander Leff, Valerie Dillon and Daniel Lewis, Melony and Adam Lewis, Patrick McKenna, and Paul Zuckerman.
With such an extensive support system, THE HERDS is set to take the world by storm. From the humid streets of Lagos to the chilly walkways of Oslo, its message is simple: the climate change crisis is real, and the world needs to take more serious action.
Firm Launches Innovative Retail Facility Management Solution
Fadekemi Ajakaiye
A firm, Resource Intermediaries
Limited (RIL) has unveiled a new retail facility management
solution as part of its efforts to ease the burdens that homeowners and residents face in managing and maintaining property, homes and
apartments/flats.
According to the company, the new solution is the first of its kind in Nigeria, designed to provide a one-stop shop solu-
tion for all facility or property management needs.
RIL says a dedicated team of experienced professionals will handle all aspects of facility management, from routine maintenance and repairs to capital improvements and enhancements.
Speaking at a media briefing to unveil the solution in Lagos, Ademolasoye Awonaike, Managing Director/CEO of Resource Intermediaries Limited, said the company, for the past decade, has been a trusted outsourcing provider easing business burdens by providing HR outsourcing, capacity building and recruitment services.
Awonaike stated that homeowners in Lagos battle with
difficulties in finding reliable and trustworthy artisans, as maintaining a home can be a significant burden.
According to him, the RFM solution is specifically designed to address these pain points by providing a reliable, efficient, and affordable solution, adding that the company is committed to delivering quality service and building long-term relationships with Lagos residents.
“RIL has achieved the ISO 41001:2018 Facility Management System certification. This prestigious certification is a testament to our commitment to operational excellence, efficiency, and best practices in facility management,” Awonaike said.
He further said that the Retail Facility Management Services
Reconstruction of Abuja-Kaduna Expressway Begins
Bennett Oghifo
The reconstruction of the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Expressway, Section I (Abuja - Kaduna) began on Sunday with a flag-off by the Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, who represented President Bola Tinubu.
will offer numerous benefits like customised solutions, cost optimisation, expert team, excellent customer experience, and technology integration, as subscriptions can be paid annually and biannually.
Blessing Ujawe, Group Head, Business Process Outsourcing of the company, said so much effort and preparation have gone into setting up the facility management services to offer a tailor-made customer experience for each client.
These services, she said, will include: general deep cleaning, fire extinguisher servicing, fumigation, plumbing fixtures and fittings, swimming pool treatment, water treatment, electrical maintenance, gas cooker servicing.
The contract for the reconstruction of this road, which is vital to the socio-economic life of Northern Nigeria, was awarded at N777 billion, According to a statement by Mohammed A Ahmed, Director, Press and Public Relations.
governor noted that the road had suffered neglect for several years, costing lives, hardship and stunting economic growth.
Speaking at the event, which took place at Jere in Kagarko Local Government Area on Sunday, 13th April, 2025, the
He described the road as the busiest in the North and second busiest in Nigeria, after the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, lamenting that the people watched, helplessly, as its condition worsened over the years. He added that the road
is a major artery linking the Federal Capital Territory to over 12 states, across the North Central, North West, and North East geopolitical zones.
“The reconstruction of this road will undoubtedly bring much-needed relief and development to our communities. It will create job opportunities and boost
security, transforming the socio-economic and political landscape of the region,” he further explained.
Uba recalled that as a Senator, he had pushed for the road’s completion, by mobilising fellow lawmakers, organising several Town Hall Meetings, and engaging directly with the then President.
“In response to the cries
of our citizens and travelers, enduring hardship on this failed portion of the road, I visited our dear leader and President, Sen. Bola Ahmed Tinubu to brief him. Mr. President not only gave me a listening ear, he gave the Minister of Works marching orders to ensure the project takes off without any delay,” he said.
Life-size lion puppet
L-R: Chief human resources officer, Joseph Adagbogun; Head, Brand & Customer Experience, Kevwe OsazeMomoh; Managing Director/CEO, Ademolasoye Awonaike; Group Head, Business Process Outsourcing, Blessing Ujawe; and Executive Director, Finance & Corporate Services, Sylvester Ojugo, at a press conference for the launch of Resource Intermediaries Limited’s new Retail Facility Management Solution in Lagos… recently
BUSINESS WORLD
Stories by Emma Okonji
Nigeria’s broadband penetration still crawls at 45.61 per cent, despite the slight improvement it recorded last year, when it moved up from 43.16 per cent in November to 44.43 per cent in December, before reaching 45.61 per cent in January this year, according to the recent statistics released by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).
Although the growth in broadband penetration has been slow and steady since October last year, telecoms contribution to Gross Domestic Product (GDP), dropped from 16.36 per
Broadband Penetration Wilts as Telecoms Contribution to GDP Declined to 13.94% in Q3 2024 MTN,
cent in second quarter 2024 to 13.94 per cent in third quarter 2024, according to the same statistics released by the NCC.
The statistics, which THISDAY obtained from the official website of NCC, revealed that broadband penetration level had reached 44.04 per cent in July 2024, but dropped to 43.26 per cent in August 2024, with a further drop to 41.56 per cent in September 2024. It however increased slightly to 42.24 per cent in October 2024, with a further increase to 43.16 per cent in November 2024. Broadband penetration increased again to 44.43 per cent in December
2024, before reaching 45.61 per cent in January 2025.
Broadband penetration is determined by broadband subscription, which is calculated in millions. In July 2024, broadband subscriptions reached 95 million, but dropped to 93 million in August 2024, with a further drop to 90 million in September 2024. It however increased slightly to 91 million in October 2024, with a further increase to 93 million in November 2024. Broadband subscriptions increased again to 96 million in December 2024, before reaching 98 million in January 2025.
Broadband is the transmission of wide
Begin rollout plan from Nigeria
In a significant move to improve user experience, MTN Group, has partnered Meta to enhance the quality and reliability of voice and video calls on realtime calling applications such as WhatsApp across 12 MTN markets, beginning the rollout plan from Nigeria.
By optimising applicationaware networks and networkaware applications, the initiative aims to deliver a more seamless, stable, and high-quality user experience.
The collaboration aims to improve real-time calling experiences across 12 markets by pinpointing areas for
enhancement and executing specific interventions.
Since Mobile World Congress (MWC 2024), MTN and Meta teams have been collaborating to identify key areas for improvement and implement targeted network optimisations that enhance the interaction between mobile networks and real-time calling applications while maintaining efficient traffic delivery. By harnessing data analytics and conducting comprehensive testing, they have successfully created and deployed solutions that significantly enhance the quality of experience
for mobile users.
According to a statement from MTN Group, the first market to implement the enhancement project is Nigeria, where early results show notable improvements in key performance indicators (KPIs), including 50 per cent improvement, leading to a better user experience for MTN Nigeria mobile users.
Commenting on the initiative, CTO, MTN Nigeria, Yahaya Ibrahim, said: “The implementation further demonstrates our commitment to enhancing our customers’ digital experience. We’re
bandwidth data over a highspeed internet connection. While broadband subscription refers to the high-speed internet service that operators offer through fixed, wired and wireless connections, broadband penetration refers to the proportion of the Nigerian population that has access to high-speed internet connectivity.
Although telecoms contribution to GDP, is a function of a combination of broadband subscriptions and broadband penetration, among other variables, the NCC statistics however revealed that telecoms contribution to GDP dropped in third quarter
2024 to 13.94 per cent, after reaching 16.36 per cent in second quarter 2024. According to the statistics, as at Q1 2023, telecoms contribution was 14.13 per cent, which increased to 16.06 per cent in Q2 2023, before dropping to 13.50 per cent in Q3 2023, but increased to 14 per cent in Q4 2023.
In Q1 2024, it increased again to 14.58 per cent, with a further increase to 16.36 per cent in Q2 2024. Telecoms contribution to GDP however dropped to 13.94 per cent in Q3 2024, according to the latest statistics released by the NCC.
Industry analysts are however optimistic that broadband penetration and
telecoms contribution to GDP will improve with quality of service, given the reforms taking place in the telecoms sector, among which is the recent hike the cost of telecoms tariff for voice and data. Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer at MTN Nigeria, Tobechukwu Okigbo, had said at a telecoms forum in Lagos that the 50 per cent hike in telecoms tariff would help save the telecoms industry from sliding into inflation and that in less than three months from the date of implementation of the 50 per cent tariff hike, Nigerians would begin to experience improved quality service across networks.
pleased with the remarkable improvement in our real-time communication services, reflecting our commitment to innovative customer solutions.”
Head of Network Ecosystems Engineering, Meta, Diego Marí, said: “The collaboration allows us to deploy advanced solutions for an unparalleled real-time experience in Nigeria and showcases our dedication to elevating service quality and improving user experience, while striving for continued efficiency in traffic delivery.”
In a related development, President and Group CEO,
MTN Group, Ralph Mupita has expressed confidence in the Nigeria’s economic trajectory, forecasting a “V-shaped recovery” at the earnings level.
Mupita who spoke at a recent exclusive editorial roundtable in Johannesburg, South Africa, said the optimistic outlook from the Nigerian market, was underpinned by several positive factors, including the stabilisation of currency movements, a downward trend in inflation, and the favourable impact of the recent 50 per cent tariff hike.
“Consequently, MTN
anticipates robust service revenue growth and margin expansion within its Nigerian operations, with a return to dividend contributions expected by the second half of the following year. We see a V-shaped recovery in Nigeria at the earnings level. With currency movements stabilising, inflation coming down, and tariff adjustments taking effect, we’re confident about strong service revenue growth and margin expansion. We expect Nigeria to return to contributing dividends by the second half of next year,” Mupita said.
L-R: Chairman/Founder, Nigeria Aviation Award (NIGAV), Mr. Fortune Idu; Director General, Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, (NCAA), Captain Chris Najomo; Managing Director/ Chief Executive, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku receiving the Aviation Agency Chief Executive Officer of the Year 2024 award and former Managing Director, Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Nnamdi Udoh, during 14th Nigeria Aviation Awards and Ministerial Dinner, held in Lagos… recently
Groups Harp on Capacity Building to Boost Gender Equality
Stories by Emma Okonji
In order to enhance gender equality in the technology space, the Innocent Chukwuemeka
Chukwuma Empowerment Foundation (ICCEF) in partnership with the Women Technology Empowerment Centre (W.TEC), recently held a webinar titled:
“Innovate, Include, Inspire: Technology for Gender Equality,” where women were engaged in an insightful dialogue on the need to develop new skills in technology.
The session, which was moderated by Executive Chair of ICCEF, Dr. Josephine Effah Chukwuma, attracted over 100 participants, and featured
Rebranded Local Rice: FCCPC Seals Shops at Utako
James Emejo and Kasim Sumaina in abuja
In a swift move to curtail illegal rebranding of local rice into foreign trademark, officials of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) Tuesday raided the Utako Market in Abuja, sealing several shops over the alleged buying and selling of local rice re-bagged as foreign brands by market cartels. FCCPC, with the support of the Nigeria Police and other security operatives took the traders by surprise as early as 11am in the morning.
Speaking shortly after the exercise, Director of Surveillance and Investigation Department at FCCPC, said that intelligence, Mrs. Boladale Adeyinka, noted that Commission was currently carrying
out an ongoing probe into rice cartels and a trend of re-bagging local rice as foreign brands.
She hinted that the FCCPC officials are targeting shop owners selling rice brands like Royal Stallion and Mama Gold, adding that intelligence gathered indicated these companies had ceased importing their rice brands into Nigeria as far back as 2015.
According to her, intelligence from foreign brand owners also confirmed that these foreign rice brands are no longer available in the Nigerian market.
“The Commission has resolved to carry out this ongoing operation to confirm and validate reports that local rice is being packaged as imported rice,” she explained.
Standing beside a sealed shop, Mrs. Adeyinka maintained that due to Nigerians’ preference for
foreign rice - despite it no longer being imported - market cartels have allegedly resorted to re-bagging local rice and selling it as foreign.
According to her, “intelligence from foreign brand owners also confirmed that these foreign rice brands are no longer available in the Nigerian market. The Commission has resolved to carry out this ongoing operation to confirm and validate reports that local rice is being packaged as imported rice.”
She explained that due to Nigerians’ preference for foreign rice despite it no longer being imported market cartels have allegedly resorted to re-bagging local rice and selling it as foreign.
She noted that instead of consumers buying local rice as it is, they are being misled into purchasing it in imported-branded bags.
“They are not imported. They
Market
are not from Thailand. In fact, for Mama Gold, all exports ceased as far back as 2015. This is 2025, and yet, as you heard from the testimony of a trader, he is aware that those sizes are no longer sold. That’s why we’re here. That is exploitative and it is against consumer economic interests.”
Adeyinka, further explained: “We will follow the trail to identify those producing and branding local rice with foreign labels that no longer exist in the market. The brand owners have already publicly announced they are no longer distributing in Nigeria. However, due to brand recognition, these cartels continue to exploit consumers.
“Due process would be followed, and the implicated products would be confiscated by the federal government. The Commission will continue to remove such products from the market,” she said.
Ekeh Calls for Deeper Brand-consumer Connections in Digital Age
At a recent industry gathering hosted by Nigeria’s pioneering Hit Music Commerce Station, Konga103.7FM, Chairman of Zinox Group, Leo Stan Ekeh, delivered a compelling case for revolutionising how brands connect with consumers in today’s hyper-competitive market.
In his presentation, Ekeh emphasised ‘Last Mile Takeover’ as the critical differentiator for business success in Nigeria’s evolving commercial landscape.
The event, themed: ‘Consumer
Last Mile Takeover – The New Key’, brought together entrepreneurs, marketing executives and brand managers from leading corporations to explore innovative approaches to consumer engagement. Ekeh, renowned for his transformative ventures in Africa’s digital space, explained that the final point of contact between brands and consumers represents the most valuable real estate in modern commerce.
He charged entrepreneurs who
are serious about growth to focus on that last engagement point, as the critical pivot. According to him, that is “where trust is built, loyalty is secured, and value is delivered.”
Ekeh believes that the media is the strongest link between brand and consumers, and his vision for deeper, more meaningful brand-consumer relationships is what gave birth to KongaFM. Konga 103.7FM is the latest addition to the Konga Group driven by cutting-edge technology and artificial intelligence.
Earlier in her welcome address, Head of KongaFM, Ifeoma Ajumobi, spoke about the station’s unique architecture as a robust platform designed with robust support frameworks for brands and businesses, while delivering premium entertainment.
Since its launch in January 2025, the station has experienced remarkable growth, steadily expanding its fanbase and establishing itself as a powerful medium for consumer engagement.
AVEVA to Build Archaea Energy’s Data Management Infrastructure
AVEVA, a global leader in industrial software, driving digital transformation and sustainability, has been selected by Archaea Energy, the largest renewable natural gas (RNG) producer in the US, to build a comprehensive operations data management infrastructure.
discussions on the critical role of technology in advancing gender equality. The interactive session covered key topics, including: Social Media for Business; Leveraging Social Media for Marketing; Cybersecurity Awareness; and Navigating Online Spaces Safely.
Speaking about the essence of the webinar during an interview with THISDAY Newspapers, Programme Manager for ICCEF, Mrs. Ayotola Olanrewaju, said it was organised to offer more women the opportunity to learn, and build capacity in technology skills to enable them compete favourably with their male counterparts.
Addressing the role of technology in advancing gender equality, Olanrewaju said emerging technologies like digital marketing would play a vital role in enhancing the online trading
skills of women and expose them to new opportunities in the digital space.
“The technology space is dominated by men but the women can compete favourably in that space, if given the opportunity and exposure. When it comes to culture, women have a unique set of needs in the home. Some people have the need for quality, but generally, women must be fully involved in today’s workplace, because the jobs in the digital space are meant for both men and women. The digital jobs are much more dynamic, and this calls for women’s participation in digital skills. So there is a lot embedded in digital marketing that women must be part of, in order to contribute their quota to national development,” Olanrewaju said.
AREWA24, the leading 24/7 Hausa language family entertainment and lifestyle television network and production studio in Nigeria and West Africa, has announced its first major leadership transition in over a decade.
AREWA24’s Deputy CEO and Chief Commercial Officer, Celestine Umeibe, will formally assume the role of Chief Executive Officer, succeeding Jacob Arback, who will move into the newly created role of Executive Vice Chairman. Umeibe will continue to oversee the company’s commercial sales operations.
According to the new CEO, Umeibe, “Jacob Arback has played a pivotal role in the remarkable success story of AREWA24 over the past decade. His unique yet inclusive leadership style enabled
AREWA24 to navigate the business storms and challenges that often overwhelm start- ups, especially in this region. Arback’s elevation to the position of Executive Vice Chairman is well-deserved, and will no doubt continue to impact positively on the business.” Outgoing CEO, Arback, had worked closely with Umeibe at AREWA24 since the network launched in 2014.
According to Arback, “There is nobody more qualified and capable to lead AREWA24’s second decade of growth and impact than Celestine,” says Arback. “His natural leadership abilities, business and branding acumen and deep knowledge of our media and entertainment industry made Celestine an easy choice for our Board of Directors.
NOA Engages
Stories by Agnes Ekebuike
In furtherance if it’s resolve to promote Nigeria and the Nigerian spirit of resilience, the National Orientation Agency (NOA) has engaged the services of the Founder/ED of the Akin Fadeyi Foundation, Mr. Akin Fadeyi in its ‘Nigeria Happens To Me’ project.
Using AVEVA PI Data Infrastructure, a hybrid solution with cloud data services, the plants will be able to share data to highlight operational opportunities and optimize efficiency.
Speaking on the initiative, CEO,
Using AVEVA’s software, Archaea Energy can collect, enrich and visualise its realtime operations data, enabling performance analysis across its growing network of plants.
AVEVA, Caspar Herzberg, stated: “Through the collaboration and the use of AVEVA PI Data Infrastructure, Archaea’s growing network of plants will have streamlined operations with accurate performance analysis throughout the expansion. AVEVA’s CONNECT software platform leverages industrial intelligence from a central location, making it easier to deploy additional digital
solutions in the future.”
Chief Executive Officer of Archaea Energy, Starlee Sykes, said: “As the largest RNG producer in the United States, we are dedicated to delivering reliable, clean energy, This relationship will allow us to optimize operations and offer detailed performance analysis as we continue to expand across the country.”
Fadeyi to Drive ‘Nigeria Happens To Me’ Project
‘Nigeria Happens To Me’ project is an initiative of the NOA to amplify successful Nigerian entrepreneurs confronting the odds and thriving in businesses and creative ventures.
In a statement posted on his Facebook handle, Fadeyi said: “Nigeria can happen to us in different ways, even as our story in Nigeria is replete with social deficits. It can be better and the government owes citizens the imperative dividends of social contract. Demanding for it is a given. Nonetheless, it won’t always be a woeful aggregated inference when we look at an exhaustive picture.”
Onilu, he said: “The NOA has an unequivocal commitment to ensuring the faces of Nigerians who are thriving despite our challenges are shown to the world. We owe them this amplification that sells them and expands their business frontiers.”
In his interaction with Issa-
The pilot scheme is scheduled to begin in Lagos.
Sophos, a global leader of innovative security solutions for defeating cyberattacks, has named Chris Bell as senior vice president of global channel, alliances and corporate development, where he will lead the evolution of Sophos’ global channel strategy.
The key appointment reinforces Sophos’ channel-first commitment to deliver a world-class partner experience.
Bell joined Sophos following its acquisition of Secureworks, where he served as chief strategy officer, responsible for long-term vision, strategic partnerships, corporate
development and strategy. Building on his career of more than two decades working in the technology industry, including nearly a decade in cybersecurity and channel; Bell’s leadership will focus on developing and executing a channel strategy that prioritises expanding reach, empowering partners and driving growth.
Chief Revenue Officer at Sophos, Torjus Gylstorff, said: “Evolving our channel business to consistently deliver excellent customer outcomes is at the core of our partner go-to-market approach.
Empowering Local Communities through CSR
Raheem Akingbolu writes on the need for business owners to factor Corporate Social Responsibility into their growth philosophy, citing the example of the construction pace setter -Julius Berger that has consistently used CSR to galvanize community development as well as deepening its brand equity
One major index to measure business growth and development is the impact such business has on the society. Beyond profit making, a successful company must be seen to have a well-defined Corporate Social Responsibility philosophy. In fact, findings and records have since shown that organisations that invest in CSR grow alongside their societies because patrons see them to be more socially responsible. Extensive research has also proved that CSR and a strong sense of employee purpose actively contribute to increased employee engagement.
For Julius Berger, a household construction company in Nigeria with footprint in all the nooks and crannies of the country, the above scenario appears to be working for it, considering its growth on both sides of the coin. Outside its focus of building infrastructures, the company has made a significant impact in the area of corporate social responsibility, touching lives and rendering social services to communities across Nigeria.
Beyond infrastructure projects, Julius Berger has successfully defined its role in communities by prioritizing local communities, embracing social responsibility, and promoting inclusive growth. According to its CSR philosophy, the company aims to contribute to Nigeria’s sustainable socio-economic development by positively impacting people’s lives, supporting community well-being, and fostering long-term societal progress. Additionally, Julius Berger recognizes that strong community relations are essential for maintaining public trust, protecting its brand reputation, and ensuring business success.
The company’s overarching philosophy regarding CSR and community development is hinged on four pillars; education and human capital development, community development and inclusivity, philanthropy and social welfare and emergency response.
Looking at Julius Berger’s CSR profile, Head, Corporate Communications, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, Emieseifa James Agama, identifies the most pressing needs within host communities through community engagements where challenges faced by the community are identified and appraised based on Julius Berger’s CSR pillars.
At the last count, Julius Berger’s community initiatives have directly impacted lives through several programs. For instance, in the area of education, the ‘Aid a School Project’ has improved educational infrastructure by constructing and rehabilitating classrooms, providing furniture, and supplying learning materials to schools across Nigeria. Under women empowerment, the Female
Undergraduate Scholarship Scheme has provided financial support to over 150 young women pursuing construction-focused degrees, promoting gender diversity in STEM.
In the area of healthcare, the company has so far sponsored 12 life-saving open-heart surgeries for children at the Federal Medical Centre Jabi, Abuja as well as rehabilitating and furnishing the intensive care unit at Gbagada General Hospital Lagos. To give youths a sense of belonging, sports and youth development: supports grassroots programs of the company including donations to the Lagos State Government Grassroots Soccer Program and sponsoring a friendly match for the National Deaf Football Association, has helped many youths to discover their potentials.
In the area of vocational and technical training, Julius Berger offers hands-on training in masonry, carpentry, welding, and electrical work to enhance employability. To deepen technical education, there are also internships and apprenticeships under which the company provides real-world experience for engineering and construction students through industry collaborations On what motivates Julius Berger’s to invest in these educational programs, the company has consistently stated that its motivation stems from its CSR commitment to education and human capital development, one of its four core pillars. The company recognizes that quality education and skills training are essential for sustainable socio-economic growth.
By supporting schools, scholarships, and vocational training, Julius Berger aims to, among other things; empower the next generation with knowledge and technical skills, bridge the gender gap in STEM fields by supporting female students, enhance employability in the construction industry through practical training as well as fostering long-term community growth by developing local talent.
During COVID-19, Julius Berger’s, through its response initiative, provided PPE, beds, food relief, and sanitation resources to support frontline workers and vulnerable communities. To prevent malaria, the construction company has in recent time distributed over 15,000 insecticide-treated mosquito nets to protect
children and pregnant women. Along this line, it has been involved in emergency response, which informed how it assisted in rescue efforts for the Ikoyi building collapse and provided technical support for demolition of unsafe structures. In Kano, it is also on record that through cultural heritage preservation, the company restored the historic Bonny Consulate Building and Soron Ingila at the Emir’s Palace.
These initiatives showcase Julius Berger’s dedication to social responsibility, improving education, healthcare, and overall community wellbeing. Unlike some organisations, Julius Berger’s goes beyond provision of amenities because from time to time, it measures the success and long-term impact of its community development programs through several key indicators. One, it can be through tangible infrastructure improvements, whereby the company evaluates the completion and functionality of educational, healthcare, and cultural heritage projects, such as rehabilitated schools, sponsored surgeries, and restored historical landmarks. It can also be through what is called Beneficiary Reach and Impact, which involves tracking the number of individuals directly benefiting from initiatives like scholarships, malaria prevention programs, and sports development efforts.
Another strong indicator is the Sustained Social and Economic Growth, through which the company assesses how projects contribute to long-term socio-economic development, such as increased school enrolment, improved healthcare access, and enhanced community well-being. Of course, there is community engagement and feedback, under which the company gathers input from local stakeholders, beneficiaries, and government bodies to ensure initiatives align with community needs and drive meaningful change. Again, there is Corporate Reputation and Stakeholder Trust that involves monitoring public perception, brand equity, and relationships with host communities to maintain credibility and avoid risks like public opposition or legal challenges. The last indicator according to the company is the Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which is achievable through measuring of how projects support global sustainability efforts, particularly in education, healthcare, gender equality, and economic growth. By using these metrics, Julius Berger ensures its CSR efforts create lasting positive change while reinforcing its role as a responsible corporate citizen.
According to the Head, Corporate Communications, these initiatives align with the company’s goal of building a skilled workforce and contributing to Nigeria’s overall development.
He said, “In the last few years, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, has successfully addressed the skills gap in the Nigerian workforce by equipping youths with practical knowledge and industry-relevant expertise. One, there is vocational and technical training that provides hands-on training in masonry, carpentry, welding, and electrical work, ensuring a skilled labour force for Nigeria’s construction industry. There are also internships and apprenticeships through which it offers real-world experience for engineering and construction students, enhancing job readiness. Other initiatives are; female undergraduate scholarship scheme and education infrastructure support. By aligning training with industry needs, Julius Berger helps reduce unemployment, boost local expertise, and drive economic development in Nigeria,” On the local economy, record has shown that Julius Berger’s employment practices significantly impact local economies through job creation, skills development, community empowerment and long term sustainability. For instance, year in, year out, the company employs thousands of Nigerians across construction, engineering, and administrative roles, reducing unemployment. Under long-term sustainability, the company equips employees with transferable skills, strengthening Nigeria’s labour market and infrastructure sector.
Email: deji.elumoye@thisdaylive.com
Bamidele X-rays Senate’s Search for an Efficient Governance System
Leader of the senate, senator Opeyemi Bamidele recently reported back to his constituents in Ekiti Central during which he x-rays diverse legislative initiatives the upper chamber had initiated in the last 22 months to guarantee the sustainability of the country’s democratic institutions; deepen the stability of her domestic economy and create an efficient and responsive governance system. Gbenga Sodeinde reports.
From Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji to the state Deputy Governor, Chief Christianah Afuye; Speaker, Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye and Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adejugbe (Aladesanmi III), eminent sons and daughters of the state converged in a large number on the Pavilion, Ado-Iyin Road, Ado-Ekiti recently.
The rationale for their convergence was not merely for another carnival. Rather, the gathering was designed for Leader of the Senate, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele to render accounts of stewardship first as the representative of Ekiti Central in the Senate and also as the leader of the business in the country’s foremost democratic institution, which, according to analysts, had come under public scrutiny since the birth of the 10th National Assembly.
It was indeed a moment of history that brought together political actors, traditional rulers and socio-cultural leaders across five local government areas that constituted the senatorial district and beyond. It was also a moment for the constituents to reassess the choice they had made during the 2023 poll.
It was lastly a moment for Bamidele to give back to his teeming constituents he was elected to represent at the nation’s foremost parliamentary institution.
Before the gathering that comprised constituents from five local government areas in Ekiti Central, Bamidele first acknowledged the multiplicity of socio-economic and political issues that confronted the federation at the birth of the 10th National Assembly. He listed the issues to include escalating food prices, security challenges, extreme poverty cases, acute infrastructure deficit and instability in the foreign exchange market, among others Bamidele, thus, commended the constituents and indeed Nigerians for their display of resilience and support for President Bola Tinubu and leadership of the National Assembly during the challenging times.
He pointed out the resolve of the presidency and parliament to work together to duly address all challenges impeding the country’s collective prosperity.
Each of these challenges, the Senate Leader argued, complicated the task of delivering critical services to the people. Undaunted by these challenges, Bamidele equally pointed out diverse creatively designed initiatives, which, he observed, the parliament had adopted to address the crises that confronted the country as soon as it came on stream on June 13, 2023.
The initiatives, according to him, arose from bills, motions and petitions that either originated from the executive arm or members of the upper chamber.
Specifically, Bamidele explained the speed at which the parliament worked to ensure decisive responses to all the requests of strategic national interests from the presidency. The momentum was evident in the prompt consideration of money bills, appointment confirmations and other interventions aimed at reinforcing the country’s social cohesion; ensuring economic stability and creating an environment that would incentivise strategic investors.
Although he acknowledged the multiplicity of legislative initiatives that the parliament had promoted in the last 22 months, Bamidele mentioned vital ones that impinged directly on nearly all households across the federation. He, however, observed that Nigerians rarely made reference “to such legislatures despite far-reaching positive outcomes they portend for all households.”
He first highlighted the repealing and re-enactment of the 2024 National Social Investment Programme Agency (Establishment) Act. Unlike its repealed version, the Act was amended to support vulnerable citizens facing scathing economic conditions
heralded by the removal of fuel and forex subsidies.” He further explained the intent of the Act, which according to him, was designed to establish “an effective and accountable structure for service delivery and ensure adequate coordination among relevant agencies of government.”
He, thus, observed that the Act “has now guaranteed the sustainability of diverse national social investment programmes as a viable tool for poverty alleviation in Nigeria. We have provided necessary legislative frameworks and strengthened public institutions with capacities to deepen social equity and promote economic growth through other legislative initiatives.”
The Senate Leader equally explained the significance of the 2024 Investments and Securities (Repeal and Re-enactment) Act. For him, the new regime was a major milestone in the country’s capital market re-
form. Now that the Act has been re-enacted, Bamidele argued, it will strengthen regulatory frameworks for all forms of investment; enhance the competitiveness of the country’s securities market and regulate digital currencies, fintech companies and other modern financial practices.
Bamidele cited the implementation of the Students Loan (Access to Higher Education) Act 2024. Historic and transformative, Bamidele reeled out verifiable data, which delineated how the new legislation opened limitless access to tertiary education across the federation. As of 4th April 2025, according to Bamidele, the student loan dashboard revealed that 543,768 students had indicated in the scheme while 470,829 applied for the loans.
Since the scheme came on stream, the Senate Leader revealed that the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) had disbursed ₦49.33 billion based on the information retrieved from the student loan dashboard. Of this figure, according to him, ₦29.86 billion was disbursed to settle tuitions nationwide while upkeep disbursements gulped ₦19.47 billion
Each of these challenges, the Senate Leader argued, complicated the task of delivering critical services to the people. Undaunted by these challenges, Bamidele equally pointed out diverse creatively designed initiatives, which, he observed, the parliament had adopted to address the crises that confronted the country as soon as it came on stream on June 13, 2023. The initiatives, according to him, arose from bills, motions and petitions that either originated from the executive arm or members of the upper chamber.
as of 4th April 2025. He thus challenged his constituents to take advantage of the vast opportunities that the scheme offered the youths whose parents could not afford to take up their tuition and upkeep.
Likewise, Bamidele explained the imperative of the Nigeria Data Protection Act (Amendment) Act, 2023, which KPMG International observed, would protect children rights; enhance data security; ensure the rights of data subjects and forestall personal data breaches. In essence, according to him, the Act was intended to promote accountability and transparency within the digital media space on one hand and enhance the country’s economic, educational and digital regulatory frameworks on the other hand.
Among others, he cited the development of diverse legislative frameworks, which according to him, the parliament had designed to stabilise the country’s fiscal and monetary spaces; prioritise the stability of internal security; address consumer price inflation and create more functional governance structures. He explained that the parliament had leveraged the power of strategic collaboration among the arms of government to decisively respond to the governance issues.
Beyond what he had leveraged his good office to accomplish as the leader of business in the Senate, Bamidele explained the new scheme he initiated to support his constituents under the Renewed Hope Mega Empowerment Programme. In 2023, he revealed, the scheme benefitted no fewer than 4,000 constituents. In 2024, he put the number of constituents that benefited from the scheme at 5,000 across the senatorial district.
Under the 2024 scheme alone, Bamidele further revealed that no fewer than 1,900 people received a grant of ₦100,000 each to boost their businesses; 536 sewing machines distributed to newly certified seamstresses; 303 chest freezers to market women; 146 bags of organic liquid fertilizers, 57 corn seeders and 10 engine tractors for farmers.
Coupled with a newly reconstructed Oja Oba Market in Aramoko Ekiti that comprises 100 shops, the Senate Leader doled out 40,000 notebooks, 10,000 mathematical sets, 10,000 school bags, 10,000 calculator sets to students in public schools within the senatorial district. Among others, 180 motorcycles were distributed to farmers for the purpose of easy access to their farm settlements, 165 tricycles for short township travel and 20 mini buses for intra-city transport services.
With this account, Oyebanji recalled the request of President Tinubu to the government and people of Ekiti State before the 2023 presidential election. When he visited the state, Oyebanji narrated how President Tinubu requested that the state should allow Senator Bamidele to serve at the federal level, citing his commitment to public causes and patriotic services at the 9th National Assembly. Just two years into the administration, Oyebanji noted that Ekiti State, not just Ekiti Central, “has significantly benefited from the resolve of the state to release Senator Bamidele to the president to enable him serve at the federal level. The outcome of that decision is what the people of the state are currently benefiting today evident in the massive programmes and projects that Senator Bamidele has facilitated to the state.”
The governor commended the Senate Leader for the approach he adopted “to select beneficiaries of the 2024 Renewed Hope Mega Empowerment Programme, which accommodates all interests across all local government areas in the district.”
He also appreciated his commitment “to delivering the dividends of democracy to the people of the state on behalf of President Tinubu.
“We can now see the benefits and dividends. We can now see the rationale behind the request of the president then.”
Bamidele
Affordable but Deadly: The Growing Health Risk of Cheap MSG in Northern Nigeria
Driven by economic hardship, consumers, especially in the Northern part of Nigeria, are turning to unbranded Monosodium Glutamate, MSG, for flavour—but at what cost to their health? While affordable, the growing health risk is alarming. Chiemelie Ezeobi writes that despite past crackdowns, strategic and deliberate enforcement remains a challenge for regulatory bodies
In markets across northern Nigeria, a disturbing trend is quietly endangering lives. Bags of unbranded monosodium glutamate (MSG), a flavour enhancer, are flying off the shelves—not for their safety or quality, but because they are cheap. As economic pressure mounts, affordability has taken precedence over food safety, exposing thousands to serious health risks.
Known locally as Farin Maggi or “white Maggi,” this unbranded MSG is sold in transparent nylon bags, scooped from open sacks into small portions for household use. It is commonly used in homes, restaurants, and street food stalls, adding taste to soups, stews, and snacks, however unwholesome that might be.
But unlike certified and traceable brands like Ajinomoto and Vedan, these unlabelled products are neither registered with the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) nor approved by the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON).
“They’re cheaper, and people are trying to stretch every naira,” said a trader in Kano’s Singer Market who sells the product in small local measurements known as mudu. “A 25kg bag sells for ₦45,000, and you can get 10 to 15 mudu from it. That’s enough to make profit.”
This affordability is exactly what makes the product attractive—and dangerous as well as a ticking time bomb.
Cheap but Risky: A Widespread Practice
From Kano to Sokoto, Kaduna to Maiduguri, unbranded MSG has become a staple in food markets. A 25kg sack, imported mostly from China under names like “Fufeng” and “Wuyi,” is sold in units across open stalls, many without any form of protection from contaminants. At central markets in Kaduna and Maiduguri, and in Sokoto’s Sabon Gari market, the same product ranges from ₦46,000 to ₦50,000 per sack.
The traders, however, are not just selling MSG. Many of them reportedly adulterate it with salt or other substances to increase volume and boost profit margins. There are no labels, no expiry dates, and no safety assurances. Yet consumers keep coming.
“In many markets, they just repackage it into nylon bags. There’s no way to know what you’re really buying,” said a health-conscious resident of Sokoto. “But people are focused on getting the most for their money, not on the consequences.”
Regulatory Violations and Raids
The consequences, however, are becoming increasingly serious. In November 2024, NAFDAC sealed a warehouse belonging to DEE-LITE IMPEX Distribution Co. Ltd in Sokoto State. Located on Coca-Cola Road, off the Western Bypass, the warehouse contained over 5,347 bags of MSG and other unregistered food products, including 193 cartons of Orange Fruity and 71 cartons of Toffeeman Coconut Bites.
According to NAFDAC, the company had imported the raw MSG under a permit intended solely for food processing purposes. Instead, it was found selling the MSG directly to consumers, a clear violation of regulatory policy.
Further raids in Sokoto Old Market revealed 235 additional bags of Fufeng MSG stocked in shops—again, without NAFDAC clearance. A similar operation in Kano’s Singer Market a year earlier exposed widespread sales of unregistered products including Fufeng and Wuyi brands, all lacking proper documentation or approval.
Despite these crackdowns, enforcement remains a challenge. Traders simply relocate, repackage or restock under different names, driven by steady demand from cost-conscious consumers.
However, further attempts to reach the NAFDAC DG, Prof. Adeyeye proved abortive as she did not respond to the text message sent to before this publication went to bed.
The text message sent on Saturday, April 12, 2025, read in part: “…I am doing a story on the influx of Monosodium Glutamate (MSG), especially in the North despite attempts by NAFDAC to clamp it. What are measure to stem the tide
from the suppliers and manufacturers before it reaches to the market and end users. Has awareness been created enough? Any new arrests please?”
Health Experts Raise the Alarm
For medical professionals, the danger is clear. Dr Abdullahi Guruji, a health expert based in Gombe, warns that choosing affordability over food safety could have serious consequences.
“Consumers should be wary of what they consume to avoid any health complication,” he said. “We should not compromise our health because of taste buds. We acknowledge the fact that times are tough, but we need to give due consideration to our health in our decision making as far as food consumption is concerned.”
Dr. Guruji emphasised that NAFDAC has consistently advised the public to use only registered and branded MSG products. He expressed dismay that many Nigerians continue to ignore these warnings, prioritising price over safety.
Another food enthusiast, who preferred not to be named, echoed these concerns. “Consumers have big roles to play in safeguarding their health. The responsibility to protect one’s health should not be limited to NAFDAC, SON and other regulatory bodies alone.”
He also urged food vendors to consider the health of their customers when making choices in the kitchen. “Use standard, branded products. You may be saving lives without even realising it,” he added. He called on NAFDAC to increase its enforcement efforts, stating: “Whenever we visit the market, we would save many from serious health issues by shutting down the merchants of unbranded monosodium glutamate, the sellers of fake/substandard drugs, and the sellers of adulterated flavoured drinks, bottled water, among other items that serve as refreshments.”
Culture and Consumption Patterns
The popularity of unbranded MSG is also driven by regional dietary
preferences. In many parts of northern Nigeria, food is often heavily seasoned. The appeal of MSG lies in its ability to intensify flavour, making meals tastier at a relatively low cost.
However, the cultural preference for strong seasoning, combined with poor regulatory enforcement, has made northern markets a haven for cheap, unbranded MSG. In many households, the use of white Maggi has become second nature—passed on through generations without questioning its origin or contents.
Unfortunately, the low cost hides a high risk. Continuous exposure to potentially unsafe food additives can lead to long-term health issues, including headaches, allergic reactions, and in some cases, organ damage if contaminated with harmful substances during processing or packaging.
The Need for Public Awareness
Beyond enforcement, experts argue that public education is essential. Many consumers are unaware of the risks associated with these unregulated products, while others knowingly take the risk, believing they have no other option due to economic hardship.
The authorities must prioritise awareness campaigns to educate the public on the dangers of using unbranded MSG and other unregistered food products. Media outreach, market inspections, and community engagement could go a long way in changing consumer behaviour.
A Crisis in the Making
The proliferation of unbranded MSG across northern Nigeria is more than a regulatory lapse—it is a looming public health crisis driven by poverty, poor enforcement, and a lack of awareness. However, it is no longer enough to blame traders or regulators. The responsibility now lies with everyone—regulators, vendors, and consumers alike—to shift the tide before the cost of affordability becomes a national health emergency.
As Dr. Guruji bluntly put it, “It is incumbent on consumers not to sacrifice their health on the altar of cheap pricing of food products.”
Unbranded Monosodium Glutamate
One of the raids carried out by NAFDAC
Alert MFB Makes Significant Stride in Reshaping Nigeria’s Banking Landscape
Oluchi Chibuzor
Alert Microfinance Bank has made a significant stride in reshaping Nigeria’s banking landscape with the launch of several cutting-edge products designed to enhance customer experience and support sustainability. The event, held in Lagos, brought together an influential mix of customers, stakeholders from both the bank and its holding company, the development team, media houses, and other key industry players.
The event served as the backdrop for the unveiling of a range of innovative solutions aimed at transforming personal banking in Nigeria, deepening financial inclusion, and promoting climate-conscious financing. Among the most noteworthy launches were the introduction of new digital banking channels, a loan product dedicated to
sustainability, and the highly anticipated Goldbucks savings and investment app. Chairman of the Board at Alert Group, Raymond Ihyembe, expressed his enthusiasm for the institution’s ongoing efforts in driving Nigeria’s economic growth through impactful financial inclusion initiatives.. He extended his heartfelt appreciation to the audience for their continued fellowship and to all customers for their loyal patronage. Also speaking, Chairman of Alert Microfinance Bank, the Alert Group subsidiary leading the product rollout, Mr. Ben Zwinkels, commended the remarkable achievements of the Group. He highlighted the institution’s unwavering commitment to digital transformation as a strategic pathway to enhancing customer satisfaction and service delivery. Delivering his address at
the launch, the CEO of Alert Microfinance Bank, Raji Saheed Afolabi, emphasised the bank’s commitment to aligning with the global shift towards digital banking. He highlighted the importance of the newly introduced digital channels, noting that as consumer behaviour increasingly gravitates toward mobile and online solutions, the demand for convenient and user-friendly platforms to manage finances has never been more pronounced. The Goldbucks mobile app and internet banking platform provide customers with seamless management of their savings and investments, offering flexible options for savings frequency, amount, draw accounts, and withdrawal methods, such as auto-debit or manual. Users can also earn attractive returns on their investments, all while benefiting from top-tier fund security.
Oyetola Appoints Bolaji Akinola Media and Communications Adviser
The Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola has approved the appointment of Dr. Bolaji Akinola as his Adviser on Media and Communications.
Akinola, a highly respected maritime and corporate communications expert, brings over twenty-five years of extensive experience and deep industry knowledge to his new role.
Throughout his distinguished career, Akinola has built a strong reputation for his insightful analysis of the maritime sector and his expertise in strategic communications. He is the CEO of leading maritime media and public relations organisation, Ships & Ports Communication Company, and is widely recognised for his contributions to the discourse on port reforms, maritime security, shipping development, and the broader Blue Economy in Nigeria.
Akinola holds a Doctorate
degree in Media and Communications from the Pan-Atlantic University, Lagos. He also holds two Masters degrees - MBA (Lagos Business School) and Master of Transport Management (Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomosho). He is a member of many professional bodies including the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), the Chartered Institute of Arbitration, UK and the Maritime Arbitrators Association of Nigeria (MAAN). He served as the Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Maritime Conference and Exhibition (NIMAREX) from 2011 to 2014, and is also a Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Shipping (FNIS) and the Chartered Institute of Shipping of Nigeria (FCISN), among others. In his capacity as Media and Communications Adviser, Akinola will be responsible for shaping and managing media relations, guiding communication strategies, and ensuring
effective dissemination of information regarding the Ministry’s policies, programmes, and initiatives aimed at harnessing the potentials of Nigeria’s vast marine resources.
Speaking on his appointment, Akinola stated: “I am deeply honoured and humbled by the confidence reposed in me by the Honourable Minister, H.E. Adegboyega Oyetola. The Marine and Blue Economy is a vital frontier for Nigeria’s economic diversification and growth. I am committed to deploying my expertise to effectively communicate the Honourable Minister’s vision and the Ministry’s strategic initiatives to all stakeholders and the Nigerian people. It is a privilege to serve in this capacity, and I look forward to contributing my quota to this important national assignment.”
NAPTIP, MMS WoFHoF Sign MoU on Human Trafficking
The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons(NAPTIP) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding(MoU) with the MMS Woman of Fortune Hall of Fame(WoFHoF) Initiative, a gender-centric Non-Governmental Organization(NGO) in a move to position itself better for human trafficking war; sex and gender-based violence in some select sectors of the economy.
The MoU highlighted areas of engagement to include: Human trafficking by sea and
cross- border transportation; sex and gender-based violence in work and business places, especially within the maritime sector and logistics industry.
Speaking during the ceremony, the Director-General of NAPTIP, Binta Lami Adamu Bello, expressed confidence in the capacity of the NGO to deliver performance.
A Board member of the MMS WoFHoF Initiative, Lami Tumaka, who led the leadership of the NGO to the event expressed gratitude for
the confidence reposed in the women-centric organization, while urging members of the agency staff to give their unflinching cooperation for the implementation and success of the proposed value addition.
The Chief Executive Officer of MMS WoFHoF Initiative, Mr. Kingsley Anaroke, admonished the agency to leverage the array of human resources assembled by the NGO to make greater impact in the society and build a sustainable brand within its sphere of operations.
District 9111 Holds Annual Women in Rotary Conference
Rotary International District 9111 is set to hold her annual Women in Rotary Conference and Exhibition on Wednesday, April 23, 2025
President Women in Rotary Committee (WIR) District 9111, Rotarian Lara Akinsanya in a press interview disclosed that “ annual Women in Rotary Conference and Exhibition holds on Wednesday, April 23, 2025 at 10am at POWA Event Hall, 1 Oduduwa Street, Ikeja GRA, Lagos”.
Immediate Past President Rotary Club of Lagos West, District 9111,
Rotarian Akinsanya stated that the conference has the theme, “Women in Leadership: Breaking Barriers, Inspiring Change.”
She added that, “The WIR Conference and Exhibition will feature keynote speakers, panel discussions, interactive sessions, business showcase and exhibition of various impactful projects led by women across District 9111 in businesses and their various endeavors.”
Akinsanya noted that the “ event aims to showcase the diversity ,
equity and inclusion (DEI) within Rotary, highlighting the significant roles women play in shaping the organization’s future and the world in general.”
In her contribution, the Secretary Women in Rotary Committee, Bimpe Quadri added that, “WIR conference and exhibition is an annual celebration of International Women’s Day, recognition of contributions of women in different endeavors, and promotion of gender equality within the organization”.
Saharan Blend (Algeria), Djeno (Congo), Zafiro (Equatorial Guinea), Rabi Light (Gabon), Iran Heavy (Islamic Republic of Iran), Basrah Medium (Iraq), Kuwait Export (Kuwait), Es Sider (Libya), Bonny Light (Nigeria), Arab Light (Saudi Arabia), Murban (UAE) and Merey (Venezuela).
CSCS Reports 24% Increase in PBT, Proposes N1.76 Dividend Per Share
Kayode Tokede
Central Securities Clearing System (CSCS) Plc has released its audited consolidated and separate financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2024, delivering a robust performance marked by double-digit growth in revenue and profitability.
Profit before tax closed 2024 at N13.8 billion, an increase of 24per cent compared to N11.2 billion in 2023, while
total revenue moved to N26.1 billion in 2024, representing an increase of 37 per cent from N19.0 billion reported in 2023.
The impressive results were largely driven by a 62per cent year-on-year increase in feebased income, which rose to N11.9 billion from N7.3 billion, fuelled by heightened capital market activity. Ancillary services also contributed strongly, growing 27per cent from N8.1 billion in 2023 to N10.3 billion, buoyed by optimized
service delivery and increased customer engagement.
CSCS maintained a strong balance sheet, with total assets at N64.4 billion, about 22per cent increase from N52.8 billion in the previous year.
Key financial ratios also improved, with return on average equity at 30per cent, return on average assets at 20per cent, and earnings per share increasing to 239 kobo from 202 kobo in 2023.
Commenting on the results,
the Chairman of the Board of CSCS, Temi Popoola praised the performance amid a challenging economic climate.
“Despite the macroeconomic headwinds of 2024, we delivered strong results across key financial and operational indicators.
“Our strategy of consolidating our core offerings while expanding into new business areas enabled us to grow gross earnings by 37per cent, reaching N26.1 billion,”
He added, “In light of this strong performance and our commitment to delivering long-term value to shareholders, the Board has proposed a dividend of N1.76 per share, amounting to a total payout of N8.8 billion.”
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of CSCS, Haruna Jalo-Waziri emphasized the resilience and adaptability of CSCS’s business model. “Our 2024 performance highlights the
sustainability of our revenue streams across both traditional and emerging segments.
“We continue to diversify into new areas and leverage technology to enhance scale and capacity in line with our strategic objectives. Amidst economic challenges, we grew operating income by 44per cent to N22.2 billion, while maintaining a cost-to-income ratio of 47per cent, reflecting our focus on operational efficiency.”
TRADED ASOF APRIL/16/25
A Mutual fund (Unit Trust) is an investment vehicle managed by a SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission) registered Fund Manager. Investors with similar objectives buy units of the Fund so that the Fund Manager can buy securities that willl generate their desired return.
An ETF (Exchange Traded Fund) is a type of fund which owns the assets (shares of stock, bonds, oil futures, gold bars, foreign currency, etc.) and divides ownership of those assets into shares. Investors can buy these ‘shares’ on the
floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange.
A REIT (Real Estate Investment Trust) is an investment vehicle that allows both small and large investors to part-own real estate ventures (eg. Offices, Houses, Hospitals) in proportion to their investments. The assets are divided into shares that are traded on the Nigerian Stock Exchange.
GUIDE TO DATA:
Date: All fund prices are quoted in Naira as at 15 April-2025, unless otherwise stated.
DAILY PRICE LIST FOR MUTUAL FUNDS, REITS and ETFS
HealtH & lifestyle
How Avon Medical isTransforming Healthcare, One Patient at aTime
Nigeria loses over $2 billion annually to medical tourism, but a bold new investment in Lagos is rewriting that narrative at Avon Medical. As it recently unveiled a cutting-edge healthcare facility aimed at delivering world-class, affordable care locally, Chiemelie Ezeobi writes that it signals a major stride towards health sovereignty, with government and private sector leaders rallying behind a shared vision: healthcare that works for every Nigerian
With over 164,000 patients served, 13,000 dialysis sessions conducted, more than 20,000 immunisations administered, and upwards of 2,000 child deliveries recorded, Avon Medical Practice’s journey is best told in numbers — and lives changed. The healthcare provider’s impact echoes across Nigeria’s healthcare landscape, one patient at a time. And on April 14, 2025, this legacy reached a new milestone with the official launch of its ultramodern facility in Lagos.
The new 50-bed centre, located in Surulere, stands as a symbol of Avon Medical’s commitment to accessible, affordable, and world-class healthcare. From performing over 2,000 surgeries and facilitating more than 4,000 ultrasounds in 2024, to clocking 300 CT scans already in 2025, the numbers tell a story of growth, service, and transformation. But at the heart of it all are the people—mothers receiving critical maternal care, children benefiting from timely diagnoses, and families finding renewed hope in a health system that so often feels broken.
“A Bold Statement of Possibility” – Governor Sanwo-Olu
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who officially inaugurated the facility, praised Avon Medical’s commitment to healthcare development and innovation.
“This is not just another building—it is a symbol of what we can achieve when the private sector takes initiative in solving real human problems,” he said. “Healthcare delivery cannot rest solely on the shoulders of the government. What Avon Medical has done here is admirable and commendable.”
He emphasised his administration’s dedication to healthcare, noting that Lagos allocates between 8 to 10 per cent of its annual budget to the sector. He also highlighted state achievements, including five new Mother and Child hospitals, the upcoming Massey Children’s Hospital, and the 1,000-bed Mental Health Institute in Ketu-
Ejirin—poised to be the largest in Sub-Saharan Africa.
He concluded by lauding Avon Medical’s investment as “patient capital”—a long-term commitment to value creation rather than short-term gain.
“Real People, Real Stories, This Is Our Story” – Dr Awele Elumelu
At the heart of the celebration was Dr Awele Elumelu, OFR, Chairperson of Avon Medical Practice. Her keynote address was a Glompse into the future of healthcare.
She shared a powerful vision - a world where everyone can access affordable, world-class healthcare. At Avon Medical Practice, they are not just dreaming it, they are building it.
According to her, the facility is proof that the future of healthcare is here — and it’s accessible to all. “This is a particularly emotional moment for us at Avon Medical. It is a moment of pride and a deep sense of fulfilment,” she said.
“And today, I would like to tell you our story. Because when you understand where we started, you will better appreciate what this moment means—not just for us, but for many families across this country.”
She reflected on Avon Medical’s founding in 2009—a response to overstretched public hospitals, outdated equipment, and mass medical brain drain. “We could not look away, so we decided to do something about it,” she declared. “That single decision to step in gave birth to Avon Medical and our health insurance company, Avon HMO.”
“Today, the new facility brings together diagnostics, dialysis, maternal care, and paediatrics under one roof. “These are not mere numbers,” she said. “They represent real people. Real stories. Real lives.”
Africapitalism in Action –
Tony Elumelu’s Stance
Chairman of Heirs Holdings, Mr. Tony O. Elumelu, CFR, paid tribute to both public and private sector efforts.
“I must commend the Lagos State Governor for the truly outstanding support he has extended to the health sector,” he said. “We all witnessed how the system held up during the COVID-19 pandemic—an indication of robust structures and proactive leadership.”
He praised Governor Sanwo-Olu for adjusting his schedule to attend the launch. “That level of commitment can only come from a governor who truly understands and values the critical role of healthcare.”
Mr Elumelu reaffirmed the Africapitalism philosophy: the belief that the private sector must lead Africa’s development. “Healthcare is not just about treating illness; it is foundational to creating wealth and driving sustainable progress,” he said.
“Let Us Build Health Sovereignty” – Prof Ali Pate
Represented by LUTH’s Chief Medical Director, Professor Wasiu Adeyemo, Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, issued a call to action.
“Nigeria loses about $2 billion yearly to medical tourism,” he said. “This is not just about stopping medical tourism. It is about building health sovereignty—the ability of a country to care for its people, and develop its institutions, talent, and innovation.”
He identified the citizenry’s lack of confidence in local healthcare as a key contributor to the sector’s underperformance. But he expressed optimism: “The commissioning of Avon Medical Centre is a step in the right direction. It is a signal that we can change this narrative.”
Professor Pate reiterated the government’s commitment to revitalising the
health sector through the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative and the 2024–2027 Health Sector Strategic Blueprint. “The government stands ready to co-create pathways for private-sector engagement, be it through health insurance expansion, regulatory reform, or partnerships with national health programmes.”
The Numbers That Tell the Story
Avon Medical’s record speaks volumes. These figures reflect more than data—they represent progress, resilience, and the transformation of healthcare in Nigeria.
So far, they have served 164,000 plus patients, carried out 13,000 plus dialysis sessions, 2,000 plus surgeries, 2,000 plus child deliveries, 20,000 plus immunisations, 4,000 plus ultrasounds in 2024, and 300 plus CT scans already in 2025 with $67,000 plus in patient registrations.
Avon Medical CEO Dr Akinbiyi Gabriel Oke detailed the facility’s patient-centred approach. “This facility represents another bold step in our journey,” he said. “It combines clinical expertise with empathy and innovation to create a modern and welcoming space where access to high-quality medical care is not a privilege but a right.”
A Bright Future for African Healthcare
As the event concluded, the message was clear: this was not the culmination of a journey, but the beginning of a new chapter in African healthcare delivery.
“To achieve a developed Africa, we must have healthier Africans,” Dr Elumelu said. “It is possible. It is achievable, and we will get there.”
With Avon Medical leading the charge— and public and private actors working in harmony—Nigeria’s healthcare system is being reimagined- one patient, one facility, and one bold step at a time
L-R: Mrs. Onari Duke, former First Lady, Cross River State; Emmanuel Nnorom - Group CEO, Heirs Holdings; Dr. Kemi Ogunyemi, Special Adviser on Health to the Lagos State Governor; Tony O. Elumelu, CFR, Group Chairman, Heirs Holdings; Dr. Awele Elumelu, Chairperson, Avon Medical Practice; H.E. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Executive Governor, Lagos State; Prof. Wasiu Adeyemo, CMD, LUTH & Representative of the Minister for Health; Dr. Akinbiyi Oke, CEO, Avon Medical; Professor Emmanuel Akinola Abayomi, Commissioner for Health, Lagos State; and Chidi Okpala, Group Executive Director, Heirs Holdings, at the launch of the Avon Medical ultramodern facility in Lagos… recently
The governor on a tour of the facility and its state-of-the-art medical equipment
L - R: Dr. Awele Elumelu and Tony O. Elumelu, CFR, with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu
Gamin G Week
Edited by nseobonG okon-ekonG | gamingweek1117@gmail.com
Reaching the UEFA Champions League group stage guarantees each club a fixed participation fee of €15.64 million. However, teams have the opportunity to increase their earnings through performance-based rewards. For every victory in the group stage, UEFA awards an additional €2.8 million, while a draw earns €930,000.
A team that wins all six of its groupstage matches would secure an extra €16.8 million, bringing its total earnings from this phase to €32.44 million. This financial structure ensures that every match carries immense value, as clubs are incentivised to perform at their highest level.
Advancing to the round of 16 comes with another financial boost, as each club that progresses earns an additional €9.6 million. By this stage, teams that performed well in the group stage will have already accumulated substantial revenue.
For many clubs, making it this far provides essential financial support, helping to fund squad investments, stadium improvements, and operational costs. The incentive to progress further is strong, as the financial benefits continue to rise with each round.
Reaching the quarterfinals secures each of the eight remaining clubs an extra €10.6 million. At this point, clubs that performed exceptionally in the group stage and advanced through the knockout rounds could have amassed more than
Understanding the Financial Side of UEFA Champions League
davidson Abraham writes that the UEFA Champions League is not just the pinnacle of European club football but also a financial gold mine. With millions of Euros at stake from the group stage to the final, clubs battle not just for glory but also for significant financial rewards
€50 million in prize money alone. The quarterfinals often feature some of the most dramatic and defining matches of the tournament, making this stage both
a sporting and financial landmark for clubs seeking European dominance.
The financial rewards increase yet again at the semifinal stage, where each
of the four remaining clubs receives €12.5 million. This stage of the competition not only brings greater prize money but also heightened global exposure, which leads to further financial gains through commercial deals, sponsorships, and broadcasting rights. A club that has remained unbeaten in the competition by this point could have accumulated over €65 million, a figure that highlights the lucrative nature of a deep run in the Champions League.
The grand finale is where the biggest rewards await. The runner-up of the UEFA Champions League receives €15.5 million, while the ultimate champions are awarded €20 million. The financial impact of winning the tournament extends far beyond this prize money, as the title also brings increased sponsorship opportunities, higher merchandising sales, and a stronger global brand presence.
A team that wins every group-stage match and lifts the trophy could accumulate over €85 million from UEFA payouts alone, without factoring in additional earnings from television revenue, sponsorship bonuses, and market pool distributions.
For clubs, the UEFA Champions League is more than just a football competition—it is an economic powerhouse that fuels longterm investments, player acquisitions, and brand expansion. The financial incentives at every stage ensure that clubs are not only playing for prestige but also economic stability and growth, making every match a crucial opportunity to secure millions in revenue.
‘Supreme Court’s Decision Nullifying National Lottery Act Is Final, Binding’
theophilus Abiodun tokode opines that the National Lotteries Act, which sought to regulate lottery and gaming at the national level, was an attempt to assume legislative powers over a subject that is neither contained in the Exclusive nor Concurrent List. By doing so, the National Assembly encroached upon the residual powers of the states, thereby acting beyond its constitutional mandate
I have read with keen interest the commentary of Mr. Seni Adio, SAN, on the recent decision of the Supreme Court in Attorney General of the Federation & Ors v. Attorney General of Lagos State & Ors, which nullified the National Lotteries Act. While the learned silk is entitled to his opinion, I respectfully disagree with some of the comments of the learned silk. In this rejoinder, I will address some of the key issues raised by the learned silk and demonstrate how they stand in contrast to the reasoning and conclusions of the Supreme Court.
CoNstitutioNAl bAsis for legislAtive CompeteNCe
A fundamental aspect of Nigeria’s constitutional democracy is the clear delineation of legislative powers between the federal and state governments. The 1999 Constitution (as amended) provides for three legislative spheres. First, the Exclusive Legislative List, contained in the Second Schedule, Part I, outlines matters on which only the National Assembly has the authority to legislate.
Second, the Concurrent Legislative List, in the Second Schedule, Part II, covers matters where both the National and State Assemblies can legislate, with federal law prevailing in cases of conflict.
Lastly, any subject not listed in either the Exclusive or Concurrent List falls within the Residual List,
meaning only state assemblies have legislative competence over such matters.
The crux of the Supreme Court’s decision in AGF & Ors v. AG Lagos & Ors lies in the overreach of the National Assembly in legislating on matters beyond its constitutional authority. The National Lotteries Act, which sought to regulate lottery and gaming at the national level, was an attempt to assume legislative powers over a subject that is neither contained in the Exclusive nor Concurrent List. By doing so, the National Assembly encroached upon the residual powers of the states, thereby acting beyond its constitutional mandate.
Such an unconstitutional act does not only defeat the true meaning of the separation of powers but also fosters illegitimate legislative activities. The power of legislation is carefully structured in the Constitution to prevent arbitrary governance and to ensure that each level of government functions within its constitutional limits. When the National Assembly promulgates laws on matters beyond its jurisdiction, it disrupts the balance of legislative authority and undermines the autonomy of the states.
This principle was further emphasised in NPF & Ors v. Police Service Commission & Anor (2023) LPELR-60782(SC), where the Supreme Court reaffirmed the importance of strict adherence to constitutional boundaries in the exercise of governmental powers. In that case, the court ruled that statutory bodies cannot
assume powers beyond what is expressly granted to them by the Constitution.
By analogy, just as the Police Service Commission could not extend its authority beyond its constitutional mandate, so too can the National Assembly not legislate on matters outside its constitutionally prescribed limits.
Whether gAmiNg ANd bettiNg CAN be ClAssified As trAde ANd CommerCe
With respect to the learned silk’s opinion, it is essential to emphasise that the finality of the Supreme Court’s decision on this issue stands firm, without prejudice to the definition of “trade” and “commerce” as contained in Black’s Law Dictionary.
The Supreme Court, in its well-considered judgment, carefully examined the nature of gaming and betting and determined that they do not fall within the scope of “trade and commerce” under the constitutional framework.
Notably, the principle that gaming and betting do not constitute trade and commerce is not unique to Nigeria. Other jurisdictions, particularly the Republic of India, have taken a similar position. In State of Haryana v. Suman Enterprises & Ors (1994), the Indian Supreme Court unequivocally held that betting and gambling activities could not be classified as
“Any attempt to advise or encourage the National Assembly to re-legislate or revisit the matter would amount to an affront to the judiciary’s pronouncement and a jurisprudential anomaly where judicial decisions are reduced to mere academic discourse rather than binding legal authority.”
“trade and commerce” because they do not involve the production, distribution, or exchange of goods and services in the conventional sense.
The court reasoned that these activities are based on chance rather than economic productivity, thereby excluding them from the category of trade or commercial enterprise.
The story continues online on www.thisdaylive.com
• Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun
• Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio
• Speaker, House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas
polity
MOFI: Securitizing FG’s Assets, Attracting Investments
Through its various activities, the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI), the sole manager of the federal government’s investments, estates, and rights, has shown fresh resolve, following laid down processes, to securitize Nigeria’s assets and attract private capital to the country’s public sector, writes Emmanuel Addeh.
With firm adherence to good corporate governance, the Nigerian government is showing renewed commitment to attracting investors, with a view to attracting the much-needed investment, in trillions of naira, to grow the Nigerian economy and boost the expansion of public infrastructure.
Given that the economic reforms of the federal government have begun to show resilience, industry watchers as well as experts in various spheres of knowledge, have posited that Nigeria can indeed attain the $1 trillion economic size being projected by the current administration, especially through intentional reforms in corporate governance.
Over the years, it has been shown that investors are willing to put in their hard-earned resources where there’s a culture of good corporate governance.
In pursuit of this objective, MOFI has shown that needed commitment through the operationalisation of a corporate governance code.
Having established the fact that State-owned Enterprises (SOEs) are critical drivers of Nigeria’s economic development, the organisation, under its current energetic leadership, is moving to remove all encumbrances to issues that have hindered investment public assets.
Some of these enterprises span across key sectors such as oil, gas, power, energy, transport, telecommunications and agriculture. However, challenges in management efficiency, resource mobilisation and service delivery continue to limit their impact.
In order to nip these identified challenges in the bud, MOFI recently launched the Nigerian Government’s first ever Corporate Governance Scorecard at a two-day Corporate Governance Forum event held on April 7 and 8, 2025 in Abuja. The theme of the event was: “Ensuring Value Creation in State-Owned Enterprises Through Better Corporate Governance”.
To set the tone for the event which brought together senior government officials, industry leaders, development partners, corporate governance experts, and executives from Federal Government-owned Enterprises and Government-Linked Companies across Nigeria and West Africa, the Managing Director of MOFI, Dr. Armstrong Takang, who was at the forefront of organising the event, stated that government institutions are currently being
positioned to prioritise corporate governance.
He further stated that: “At the core of the transformation of institutions is the Corporate Governance Scorecard, noting that it is a powerful tool for measuring, strengthening and institutionalising best practices.”
Takang stated that government institutions who prioritise efficient corporate governance structure are supporting the federal government’s quest to attract private capital for Nigeria’s infrastructural development.
He further stated that investors are looking for credible platforms that demonstrate huge capacity in corporate governance structures and are willing to give the federal government trillions of Naira through investments. He added that this is possible with State Owned Enterprises (SOEs) properly positioning their enterprises as champions of corporate governance.
According to Takang, instilling a corporate governance culture in public institutions will promote private enterprises and attract private capital into Nigeria’s public sector financing. He further explained that the Corporate Governance Scorecard initiative aims to improve transparency, accountability, and efficiency in the management of public resources.
He added that the newly implemented mechanism being mainstreamed by MOFI would focus on
evaluating SOE performance, identifying areas for improvement, and implementing reforms to boost productivity.
To quote the Managing Director of MOFI from his presentation at the event: “State-owned Enterprises (SOEs) form a critical component of the national economic framework, and they wield considerable influence across key sectors, including energy, infrastructure, telecommunications, and financial services”.
Takang added that MOFI was prepared to ensure performance-based corporate governance in the public sector, adding that agencies who prioritise that should be rewarded.
In his own submission at the event, former Minister of National Planning, Dr. Shamsudeen Usman, who now heads the board of MOFI, stated that the federal government wants its own action to reflect corporate governance efficiency. He noted that Nigeria is transforming from passive SOE ownership to a model that prioritises performance, financial stability and national development.
Besides, these efforts aimed at instituting transparency and accountability in SOEs, are supported by the World Bank Group and other financial institutions, which play a crucial role in advancing corporate governance.
The Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale
Edun, who delivered the opening speech at the event reiterated that the code of ethics and professionalism in corporate governance is henceforth the watchword for government enterprises.
Edun noted that the government, through MOFI, recognises this and has embarked on strategic reforms to reposition SOEs for value creation.
All the speakers at the event agreed that MOFI is now effectively carrying out the mandate given to it, which is to serve as an active asset manager for the federal government, ensuring the professionalisation, optimisation, and efficient administration of government-owned enterprises at all times.
The two-day event, which was organised in partnership with the World Bank, marked a significant step in Nigeria’s efforts to reposition Federal Government-Owned Enterprises (FGOEs) and Government-Linked Companies (GLCs) as key instruments in driving inclusive economic growth and national development.
Established in 1959 and recently restructured, MOFI serves as the asset manager for the federal government. Its renewed mandate is centered on the enumeration, professionalisation, and optimisation of Federal Government of Nigeria’s commercial assets. Besides, the organisation is charged with transforming underperforming assets into highperforming entities, attracting investments, and maximising returns to the Nigerian public.
Kaduna: As Shettima Ramps up Agro-Industrialization
By louis Achi
According to M.S Swaminathan, famed Indian geneticist, plant breeder and architect of the Asian giant’s green revolution, “If agriculture goes wrong, nothing else will have a chance to go right.” Flowing from this compelling insight, it was then not puzzling when Vice President Kashim Shettima recently travelled to Kaduna State to unveil a new vision that essentially resurrects Swaminathan’s dream.
Specifically, on Tuesday, April 8 2025, in Kaduna State, Shettima executed the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of Phase 1 of the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone (SAPZ), declaring it a strategic milestone in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s plan to industrialise Nigeria’s agriculture sector and create sustainable jobs across the country.
Looking at the big picture, the SAPZ is part of a larger national programme, with Kaduna, Kano, Kwara, Cross River, Imo, Ogun, Oyo, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) among states in the first phase of the project.
The Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone (SAPZ) is a special presidential priority project leveraging the tripartite support of the African Development Bank (AfDB), the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), and the International Fund for Agricultural
Development (IFAD). Cut to the bone, Shettima’s proclamation at the groundbreaking ceremony in Kaduna tacitly acknowledges that something has indeed gone wrong with the nation’s agriculture and needed to be confronted and resolved.
More, it represents a direct response to the longstanding challenges facing Nigeria’s agricultural value chain, including poor infrastructure, limited access to markets, and low value addition. The initiative is expected to catalyze economic growth by creating thousands of jobs and empowering Nigerian youths.
It fundamentally targets transforming Nigeria’s agro-sector through innovation, private-sector investment, and strategic public partnerships, the zones are designed to create agroindustrial hubs that integrate farmers with processors, reduce post-harvest losses, and expand rural economic opportunities.
Addressing dignitaries and stakeholders at the vast expanse of land designated for the facility in Daki-Takwas, along Kaduna -Abuja, Expressway, Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State, VP Shettima described the SAPZ as a “presidential priority project” and a direct response to the longstanding challenges facing Nigeria’s agricultural value chain.
These include poor infrastructure, limited access to markets, and low
value addition. He also expressed confidence that the initiative would catalyze economic growth by creating thousands of jobs and empowering Nigerian youths.
His words: “We are not just breaking ground. We are building the infrastructure to feed our people, empower our youth, and fulfil the economic promise of our nation. This is not just about bricks and mortar. It is about people. t is about the resilience of our farmers, the ingenuity of our entrepreneurs, and the commitment of our government to build a future that works for everyone.”
Attuned to the 21st Century trends in agricultural production, Vice President Shettima correctly observed that while the nation cannot afford to be chained to outdated systems while the world moves with urgency towards innovation, the SAPZ initiative is a strategy that “lays the foundation for real economic transformation.”
Acknowledging Kaduna State’s leadership in agriculture, the Vice President appropriately praised the state government for its role, describing the state as a key driver of Nigeria’s agro-industrial future due to its abundant arable land and historical role in agricultural production. He noted: “Kaduna is not a stranger to agricultural leadership. What we are starting here today will become a model for other states to follow.”
Shettima also stressed the impor-
tance of involving young Nigerians in the agricultural revolution, noting that the SAPZ would generate thousands of jobs and equip the youth with the skills to become active players in the economy, observing that, “The youth of Nigeria must not be spectators. They must be stakeholders and shapers of their own futures.”
Earlier, the elated host governor, Senator Uba Sani, correctly characterized the SAPZ as a strategic investment designed to accelerate industrial development across Nigeria, stating that, “The SAPZ is a huge investment designed to position Kaduna State as a major player in Nigeria’s industrial development. The administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to Nigeria’s economic development.”
Governor Sani stressed agriculture’s central role in Kaduna’s economy, saying it contributes 42% to the state’s GDP and employs 60% of the state workforce.
On his part, President of AfDB, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, applauded the presidential vision and Kaduna State’s commitment to the actualisation of SAPZ, highlighting the significance of agricultural industrialisation in the state’s economic growth. His words: “Your passion for agriculture is impressive, and agricultural industrialisation remains the fastest way to develop the vast areas of Kaduna State. It has taken
us eleven years to get here, and I am delighted that we are finally here.”
Dr. Adesina further revealed that the AfDB has committed over $934 million towards the SAPZ programme across Africa, with an additional $938 million mobilised from partners, stating that the initiative is currently being implemented in 27 sites across 11 countries, including Côte d’Ivoire, Ethiopia, Senegal, and Madagascar.
Also, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, described the initiative as a turning point in Nigeria’s agricultural history, acknowledging that, “This programme will be a game changer. It is designed to attract private sector investment in agro-industrial processing, drive value addition, and enhance rural development. It will strengthen Nigeria’s agricultural ecosystem to respond favourably to the challenges of our time.”
Dignitaries who attended the event included former Vice President Namadi Sambo; Deputy Governor of Kaduna State, Dr Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe; Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal; Minister of State for Industry, Trade, and Investment, Sen. John Enoh; members of the National Assembly, Deputy Chief of Staff to the President (Office of the Vice President), Sen. Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia; representative of the Minister of Finance; members of Kaduna State Executive Council
and State Assembly, and National Project Coordinator of SAPZ, Dr Kabir Yusuf, among others. It could be recalled that while growing up on his family’s farm in the 1930s, India’s Swaminathan witnessed firsthand the struggles of farmers, who were trapped in a cycle of poor crop yields, unsustainable debt, and extreme poverty. The Bengal famine of 1943, which claimed millions of lives, instilled in him an urgency to tackle India’s food crisis.
This in no small way decided his life’s trajectory which led to his larger-than-life revolutionary role in transforming India’s agriculture. Apparently, his timeless, inspirational impact has made landfall in Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country. Clearly impatient for Nigeria’s own agricultural revolution, President Bola Tinubu has grasped the basic associated challenges by the scruff of the neck and sent a clear notice that Nigeria cannot solve today’s problems with yesterday’s logic. Nigeria can simply not fold her hands and wait for a “Bengal famine” to wake her up. Giving a rare energy to this vision is adroit Vice President Shettima whose gung-ho approach in driving the novel SAPZ vision as well as other critical presidential projects has served notice to detractors that this administration means business. Indeed, according to Swaminathan: “If agriculture goes wrong, nothing else will have a chance to go right.”
L-R: Chief Executive, Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MoFI), Dr Armstrong Takang; Minister of Finance, Wale Edun; and World Bank CountryDirector,Nigeria,NdiameDiop,atthelaunchofMoFICorporateGovernanceForumscorecard.
World Bank: With Global Trade Tension, Nigeria, Others May Face Budget Constraints
Calls for deeper regional trade integration
WTO: Volume of world merchandise trade likely to fall by 0.2% in 2025 Warns reciprocal tariffs spreading trade uncertainty
Nume Ekeghe and Oluchi Chibuzor
The President of the World Bank Group, Ajay Banga, has warned that Nigeria and other emerging economies reliant on commodity exports are likely to experience budgetary pressures as global trade tensions escalate and economic growth slows.
This comes as the World Trade Organisation’s (WTO) Secretariat’s latest Global Trade Outlook and Statistics report released yesterday, revealed that the volume of world merchandise trade was expected to decline by 0.2 percent in 2025 under current global conditions, which is nearly three percentage points lower than what would have been expected under a low tariff baseline scenario.
The World Bank President warned that ongoing trade wars between major economies was injecting uncertainty into global markets, with uneven effects expected across developing countries, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa.
In his opening remarks, he said: “Countries with export led growth models, particularly those reliant on commodities or manufactured goods, they’re much more vulnerable to disruption, but they also have policy levers to help manage the uncertainty and position themselves for a longerterm resilience.”
While responding to a question on growth projections for emerging economies in Sub-Saharan Africa particularly in Nigeria due
Banga, disclosed this yesterday, during a virtual press briefing held ahead of the forthcoming IMF/World Bank Spring Meetings scheduled to take place in Washington, D.C next week.
to the ongoing trade wars, he said: “Definitely there’s uncertainty and vulnerability, you will get reductions in global growth, I think the impact on different countries will be different.
“It’s a little difficult to predict exactly where that will go, country by country right now, because, for example, if you’re exposed to commodity exports, and if the if the prices of commodities come down because of a reduction in global growth, then you will have a challenge with the budget of that country.”
The World Bank chief added that countries with stronger domestic consumption and less dependence on global trade could be more insulated from the adverse effects of slowing global demand.
“On the other hand, if you’re a smaller emerging market or a market that isn’t as well integrated into the
system, or your domestic consumption is a higher percentage of your GDP than your exports, and therefore different balance of growth in your country, then it’s a different impact.
“We are going to have to work our way through that over the coming weeks, depending on how this uncertainty plays out, but overall, for the global economy, certainly uncertainty will lead to a slower growth than it was a few months ago.”
He also emphasised that the uncertainty and volatility created by these global tensions were already making governments and businesses in emerging markets more cautious in their investment decisions.
“It’s the emerging markets, and as we all know, uncertainty and volatility are undoubtedly contributing to a more cautious economic and business environment.
Mu TF wA ng I n S TATE Bro AD c AST, S AYS F EA r w on’ T o v E rrun Pl ATEA u state, Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State, in a statewide broadcast, yesterday, vowed that the state will never be overrun by fear.
The assertion came as the federal government urged both local and international media outlets to deny terrorists the oxygen of publicity by refusing to give prominence to their cowardly acts.
Instead, the federal government appealed to the media to amplify the heroism of the armed forces, the resilience of affected communities, and the progress being made in the pursuit of Ministerpeace. of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, made the appeal yesterday at the First Quarter Media Stakeholders Seminar 2025, organised by Defence Headquarters (DHQ), in Abuja.
Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, said the seminar marked an important milestone in the collective effort to enhance media efficacy within the framework of the country’s defence objectives.
Musa stated that the information space was fast becoming as contested as the battlefield.
Minister of Defence, Badaru Abubakar, sought synergy between the media and the military.
Abubakar said the seminar underscored the critical role the media played in shaping public perception, strengthening national security, and contributing to the overall success of military operations.
Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) said it was saddened by the renewed violence in Plateau State. NGF called for immediate cessation of violence of any kind against fellow human communities and the embrace of
defunct CPC yesterday declared their support for the president.
In the same vein, Deputy President of the Senate, Jibrin Barau, yesterday said that Tinubu was laying a solid foundation for the country’s prosperity, urging Nigerians to support the president in his quest to address the challenges facing the nation.
But Aliyu, speaking publicly on el-Rufai’s recent activities, especially his incessant verbal attacks on the current administration, noted that the former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) was fighting a personal war, arguing that it wasn’t true that the CPC group was leaving the APC.
“It’s not true. Simple. There’s nothing like members of the defunct CPC wanting to move out of APC. Look, the certificate of CPC was part of what formed APC. So how can we leave? To go to where? It’s our party. APC is our party.
dialogue and peace. At the same time, former governor of Sokoto State, Aminu Tambuwal, while condemning the killings in Plateau State, said no sane society would turn a blind eye when innocent lives were being destroyed.
Amid the renewed killings in Plateau State, incessant attacks by suspected armed herdsmen led to the death of many residents and destruction of huge amount of property in Otobi-Akpa community, Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State, causing some residents to flee their domains.
The death toll from Tuesday evening’s attack on Otobi community rose to 11.
Former President of the Senate, Senator David Mark, a native of Benue State, declared that the attacks in parts of the state could not be ordinary or accidental, but an organised and premeditated act.
Equally reacting to the deadly attacks, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Professor Yemi AkinseyeGeorge, called on Tinubu and the state governors to stop apportioning blame over the worsening killings of innocent Nigerians across the country and take responsibility.
In the broadcast last night, following persistent attacks on communities in his state, which had claimed over 100 lives, Mutfwang banned night grazing of cattle and also restricted movement of motorcycles.
The governor said the measures were taken to restore calm and strengthen vigilance.
He stated “I speak to you today not only as your governor, but as a fellow son of Plateau who shares in your anguish and feels the weight of the pain inflicted upon our people.
“ I’m aware of the fact that the former governor of Kaduna state, who was one of us, went alone (to meet Muhammadu Buhari) in the first instance, to tell the former president that he was going to leave. According to him, that’s what he said.
“And he gave an insinuation as if the former president had endorsed him leaving the party. The next day, the former president came out with a statement that, look, I’m a bona fide member of APC. I’ll continue to be a member of APC. I’m with President Bola Tinubu. So, as regards to el-Rufai, that’s it.
“He has left, which is alright. How many people have left with him? So far, he’s the only person that we know that has left. Of course eI-Rufai will be identified as majorly Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). In Nigeria today, nobody will see el-Rufai through the prism of a CPC man,” Aliyu maintained.
He stated that it was ironic that it was the same el-Rufai that was insulting northern elders when Tinubu wanted to become president that has now turned around to oppose the same government he helped institute, because he was promised a ministerial appointment, which never came to fruition.
“ All of a sudden, now, Tinubu is a bad man. So, that’s why I said the elites of this country, the masses need
“We are once again confronted by sorrow as heart-wrenching attacks have taken the lives of innocent citizens in our communities.
“Let us be clear: this is not random violence. This is not an isolated conflict between farmers and herders. What we are witnessing is a systematic and premeditated campaign; one that seeks to displace, destabilise, and instil terror and fear on our people and communities.
“The tragic echoes of Dogo Na Hawa, Riyom, Barkin-Ladi, Mangu, and the Christmas Eve massacres in Bokkos remain vivid. The cycle continues, but it must not endure. Enough is enough.
“As your governor, I stand resolved, Plateau shall not be overrun by fear, nor shall we accept this culture of bloodshed as the new normal.
“My administration is intensifying efforts to protect our people and enforce the rule of law across all local governments.
“But let me reassure you that my government is alive to its constitutional responsibility of protecting lives and property, and we are rising to the occasion more determined than ever.”
Mutfwang spoke on measures to ensure security and vigilance in communities across the state.
He said, “We are also activating community-based response systems. I urge traditional leaders and youth associations to reactivate local vigilante groups and organise night patrols in coordination with the security agencies. We must protect our communities while upholding the rule of law.
“Let us rise above fear and bitterness and unite to reclaim our land and dignity. Let us protect what is ours – not through violence, but through courage, wisdom, and love
to understand that we, at the level of elites, we are one and the same. So, to me, it’s just about him. If he had been a minister, he would have been in the forefront of insulting the northern leaders again for Tinubu,” Aliyu argued.
Aliyu pointed out that Tinubu is not a bad person, but that he has been painted in that light because the promise of a ministerial appointment to el-Rufai failed. He urged the former governor to see his not becoming a minister as an act of God.
“As a Muslim, he should try to be content. He should know that what God wills will happen…It’s an elite fight. So, the masses need to understand that we are among the elites, we don’t kill ourselves, we don’t insult each other,” he explained.
He advised el-Rufai not to bring down the roof, having been governor for eight years under the APC, insisting that the north will not allow it.
“He should not bring down the roof because he has just lost out. He has been a governor for eight years, he should not talk about hell. Whatever happened has happened,” the former legislator posited.
for one another.”
The governor expressed gratitude to persons and organisations that had supported the state in its trying times.
Mutfwang stated, “To our development partners, national and international, we thank you for your continued support. Your solidarity is a source of strength in these trying times.
“Let me also appreciate all Nigerians home and in diaspora and our friends across the globe for your prayers, support and encouragement. We are truly grateful.
“To the killers and their sponsors, know this: your evil shall not go unpunished. You may run, but you will not hide. Plateau will definitely continue its rise. Nothing will stop it. Plateau will prevail. Plateau will not fall. Plateau will stand tall. Plateau will continue to flourish, to the Glory of God.”
Mutfwang declared further, “To restore calm and strengthen vigilance, I hereby announce that night grazing of cattle is strictly prohibited, also transportation of cattle by vehicle is banned after 7:00pm. The use of motorcycles is restricted from 7:00pm to 6:00am across the state until further notice.”
The governor said he had convened an emergency State Security Council meeting and had been in active consultation with federal security leadership, including the president, Chief of Defence Staff, Inspector General of Police, and National Security Adviser.
He stated, “I’m grateful to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his concern and support, and for instructing security agencies to take decisive steps to apprehend the perpetrators of these attacks.
Also, former CPC members in a statement issued expressed their support for Tinubu, saying recent ‘misleading narratives’ suggesting defection or discontent among CPC stakeholders were baseless.
“We, the undersigned leaders and dedicated members of the former CPC, instrumental in the historic merger that birthed the APC, issue this statement to reaffirm our unwavering loyalty to our great party and express our strong solidarity with the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“Recent misleading narratives suggesting defection or discontent among CPC stakeholders are baseless, mischievous, and should be disregarded. We remain a vital part of the APC, fully committed to its leadership and vision.
“We categorically state that we have neither left the APC nor do we intend to leave. The CPC bloc remains one of the APC’s foundational pillars, and we are resolute in our commitment to the party and its progressive ideals,” the group stated.
It noted that as a legacy party
“I think that’s going to affect how our governments and businesses make their investment decisions right now.”
On the structural side, the World Bank President drew attention to the elevated tariffs still maintained by many developing economies and warned they could result in lost competitiveness.
“Many developing economies still maintain higher tariffs than advanced economies. That creates a real risk of reciprocal tariffs and lost competitiveness.”
He advocated for more inclusive and open trade policies as a buffer against economic shocks.
“A broad-based liberalisation not just with favoured partners can offset these risks and expand market access. History shows that more open economies tend to grow faster and withstand shocks more effectively.”
“Security deployments are being reinforced, and Operation Rainbow is being restructured to support community stabilisation efforts. Additionally, all hospitals in the region have been directed to provide free medical treatment to victims, and relief supplies are already being dispatched to affected communities.”
FG to Media: Stop Giving Oxygen to Terrorists, Amplify Armed Forces’ Heroism
Represented by Director-General of Voice of Nigeria (VON), Jibrin Ndace, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, who was Special Guest of Honour, stressed that what the media must not amplify, in the spirit of unity and national cohesion, was negative and incendiary rhetoric trailing the recent violent killings by suspected herdsmen and other terrorists.
According to him, “Insecurity and terrorism are not uniquely Nigerian challenges; they are global threats that even the most advanced and
on newsstands on Friday, April 18. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has hailed Mo Abudu for honour of being included among TIME100 most influential people in the world
The President, in a release issued yesterday by his Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, commended Mo Abudu’s recognition as a media entrepreneur, philanthropist, and Africa’s cultural ambassador.
He commended her creativity and commitment to telling the African story with authenticity and a powerful indigenous voice. Through her compelling storytelling, Mo Abudu has captivated global audiences and fostered a profound sense of pride and unity among Africans everywhere
The list recognises the impact, innovation and achievement of the world’s most influential individuals. Abudu’s inclusion on this year’s list celebrates a dynamic career dedicated to reshaping the global perception of Africa through storytelling, enterprise, and advocacy.
“Being named to the TIME100 is both humbling and empowering. It’s a reminder that African stories — told authentically by us — have a rightful place on the global stage. I share this honour with every creative, entrepreneur, and changemaker who dares to dream big.
“I’m deeply grateful to my incredible team, my family, friends, and the stakeholders who have supported and believed in this journey from the beginning. Their unwavering support fuels my passion.
“As I continue to push boundaries with bold initiatives, this recognition strengthens my resolve to keep building platforms that amplify African voices, shift narratives, and inspire the next generation of creatives to
Finally, he reiterated the growing importance of intra-emerging market trade, urging developing countries to pursue deeper regional integration as a pathway to resilient and diversified growth.
sophisticated nations of the world continue to grapple with.
“From Europe to the Middle East, from North America to Africa, the reality of today’s world is that no country is entirely immune from the scourge of violent extremism and organised criminality. However, what truly makes the difference is how nations respond.”
Idris said the Tinubu administration was unrelenting in its commitment to overcoming the threats and ensuring the security of all Nigerians.
The minister stated that, as the watchdog of society, the press must strike a balance between the public’s right to know and the imperative to protect national interest, stating that the media are a worthy partner in Nigeria’s national security architecture. He said, “In a battle where propaganda is as lethal as bullets, your consistent and coordinated dissemination of accurate information using a multimedia strategy has effectively countered the false
shape the future,” the CEO, EbonyLife Group, Abudu, stated. Besides, Idris Elba, whose Greendoor Pictures has partnered with Mo Abudu to empower and uplift talent from Africa and its diaspora by creating new TV and film projects, was invited to give a testament about Abudu.
Elba said: “Mo Abudu’s reputation precedes her. Anyone who has worked on anything relating to African film knows her. I had been an admirer of her work for some time before I reached out to her two years ago to connect.
“Pretty quickly we were hatching a plan to collaborate on a film, which became Dust to Dreams. That’s the thing about Mo: she wastes no time. She has an infectious, can-do attitude and the tenacity to overcome any obstacle in her way.
“Her sprawling empire—from studios and productions to cinemas and a creative academy—is testament to that. Mo, who launched the $50 million Afro Film Fund last year, cares deeply about the African narrative, and how the continent and its people are portrayed onscreen. Anyone who wants to understand the filmmaking landscape in Africa—or anywhere else—could learn a lot from Mo, because she gets things done.”
British Nigerian Abudu—media mogul, entrepreneur, and cultural powerhouse—has blazed trails across media, business, and global storytelling, and is a pioneering force in African storytelling.
Hailed by Forbes as “Africa’s Most Successful Woman”, Abudu has continually pushed boundaries to improve representation for Africa on the global stage, creating EbonyLife
World Bank President, Ajay Banga
PDP 2025 SOUTH-WEST ZONAL CONGRESS...
L–R: Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke; Oyo State Governor, Mr. Seyi Makinde; Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Debo Ogundoyin; and Co-chairman, Oyo State Elders’ Council, Chief Saka Balogun, during the PDP 2025 South-West Zonal Congress, held at the Theophilus Ogunlesi Hall, Ibadan
Atiku to Tinubu: Declare Emergency on Your ‘Disastrous’
Presidency Now
Obi says Nigerians dying, urges president to end France trip Govt functioning optimally despite Tinubu’s absence, says Omokri PDP being revived as counterforce to coalition, says Lukman
Chuks Okocha and Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, yesterday asked President Bola Tinubu to declare a state of emergency on his own ‘disastrous’ presidency, saying Nigeria was already in full blown state of emergency, even without official proclamation.
Atiku, who claimed the coalition train of political parties to unseat the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027, had already taken off, also met with party delegations from Nasarawa and other leaders from other places.
This was as a former National Vice Chairman North-West of APC, Dr. Salihu Lukman, has said the coalition of political parties was an agenda to revive the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as a counterforce to the coalition, and present a candidate that would split the votes in 2027.
According to a statement by Atiku’s media aide, Paul Ibeh, on April 2, 2025, President Bola Tinubu flew out to France, stating that ‘’Had this absurd announcement come just a day earlier, Nigerians would have dismissed it as an April Fool’s joke. He added: “But sadly, it’s no prank — just another insult to a nation pushed to the brink by a presidency that treats its citizens like fools. The official excuse? A so-called ‘working visit.’But Nigerians aren’t buying the spin.
“The presidency scrambled to clarify that it wasn’t a medical trip — how noble. But even if it’s not medical tourism, what justification is there for gallivanting across Europe while Nigeria bleeds? ‘What kind of leader borrows billions only to blow scarce funds on vanity trips abroad? It’s not just irresponsible— it’s contemptuous.
‘’Let the facts speak for themselves.
By the time Tinubu struts back from this latest escapade, he will have racked up a staggering 59 days in France since assuming office. ‘See Paris and die?’
No — see Paris and abandon your country.
‘’While Tinubu dines under chandeliers in the land of good governance, the country he governs is spiraling into chaos. Plateau has turned into a killing field — over 100 lives lost in relentless attacks. Benue is bleeding. Boko Haram is seizing territory. And every single day, Nigerians sink deeper into poverty, insecurity, and despair.
‘’This isn’t just negligence. It’s dereliction of duty on a catastrophic scale. If Tinubu had even a shred of empathy, he would cut his trip short and return immediately. A leader with an ounce of patriotism wouldn’t need to be begged to show up in times of crisis. The constitution says the security and welfare of the people is
the primary purpose of government. But under Tinubu, that sacred duty has been trashed,” Atiku argued.
According to him, there is absolutely nothing Tinubu is doing in France that he couldn’t do in Lagos, or even in Iragbiji, explaining that the so-called ‘working visit’ is nothing more than a vacation cloaked in official jargon.
‘’Nigeria is in a full-blown state of emergency. Not a contrived political emergency like what Tinubu declared in Rivers for partisan gain — this is a national collapse. So when, exactly, will Tinubu declare a state of emergency on his own disastrous presidency?’’
Atiku, who said the coalition train had left station despite the position of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governors, who disassociated from it, however, met delegations from Nasarawa state and others, in continuation of his consultation for coalition.
House of Representatives Adhoc Committee
Summons Sole Administrator of Rivers, Ibas
The House of Representatives
Ad-Hoc Committee on Rivers State Oversight summoned the sole administrator of the state, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd), for an interactive session.
Spokesperson of the House, Hon. Akin Rotimi, in a statement, said the meeting, which followed the formal inauguration of the committee by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas on Tuesday, provided a platform for members to deliberate on preliminary reports and developments emerging from Rivers State since the sole administrator assumed office.
The statement said, “Pursuant to its constitutional mandate to exercise full legislative oversight in accordance with Section 11(4) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the Committee resolved, among other matters, to invite Vice Admiral IbokEte Ibas (rtd.), the sole administrator of Rivers State, to appear before it for a comprehensive interactive session.
“This engagement is necessary
to ascertain the true state of affairs in Rivers State and ensure that the House remains properly guided in the discharge of its oversight responsibilities in the public interest.”
Ibas was expected to appear before the committee today, Thursday, April 17, 2025, at 4pm, at the National Assembly Complex, Abuja.Rotimi added that a formal letter of invitation had been sent and acknowledged accordingly. He said the committee reiterated its commitment to fulfilling its duties with diligence, transparency, and strict adherence to the constitution. Nevertheless, Rivers women, under the aegis of Rivers Women Prayer Group, yesterday, protested on the streets of Port Harcourt, the state capital, demanding an end to the ongoing state of emergency in the state.
Hundreds of women adorned in red attire and led by Dr Nancy Nwankwo and Dr Vivian Ige-Elenwo demanded the immediate termination of the “unconstitutional and unjust emergency rule currently
imposed on our dear state”.
They also demanded the “im- mediate removal of the Rivers State Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga Adepoju,” and full restoration of all democratic institutions, including the reinstatement of the suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
Addressing journalists, during the protest, Nwankwo alleged that “the continuous actions of the imposed sole administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd), have clearly exposed the ulterior and politically motivated intentions behind this so-called emergency rule.”
The women carried placards with various inscriptions, including, “Ibas what is your secret agenda in Rivers State,” “We are gagged,” “Save our brothers and sisters in troubled states and leave Rivers State alone.”
They alleged that rather than fostering reconciliation among the political stakeholders, Ibas had deepened the divide.
According to the women, “His actions of dismantling democratic
institutions and orchestrating policies aimed at achieving political domination serve only the interests of those who appointed him.”
According to Atiku on his verified X space: ‘’Yesterday, I met with a delegation of two groups, during which I briefed them about the status of the pan-Nigerian coalition that I am building in conjunction with other leaders and stakeholders across political divides and regions.
‘’I informed them that the Nigerian Movement is being powered by Nigerians desirous of reclaiming and rebuilding their country from across the nooks and crannies of our country. Indeed, the Coalition Train has left the station and would have multiple stops to bring on board Nigerians of all shades.
‘’First was the meeting with a delegation of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from Nasarawa State, led by Alhaji Jibirin Sabo Keana. The second was a delegation of National Opinion leaders, led by Hon. Yusuf Sheriff Banki.’’
But Lukman, in his position, said the refusal of the PDP Governors’ Forum to join the initiative to form a broad-based coalition of opposition political parties, showed they were undercover supporters of the ruling party.
In a statement, Lukman said for more than ten years, the PDP had been out of power, Nigerians had waited for the party to dust itself up and provide the viable opposition that Nigeria needs.
Lukman noted that the governors knew that the virus that afflicted the PDP had no cure, saying they were
only grandstanding. He stressed that it made no sense to invest energy and resources in a party whose leaders were either appointees of the APC government nor undercover supporters. Instead, he said the party went into suspended animation until the rampaging Tinubu-lead APC found a willing undertaker to finally put it to rest.
He emphasised that the PDP governors knew that Nigerians could not accept this current PDP as the alternative because it was clear to all discerning Nigerians that the ruling party had hijacked its soul.
Meanwhile, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 general election, Mr. Peter Obi, yesterday called on President Bola Tinubu to suspend his ‘working visit’ to France and urgently return to Nigeria to address the deteriorating security situation, particularly in Plateau and Benue States.
In a post shared via his official X handle yesterday, the 63-year-old politician criticised the president’s absence amid worsening violence and insecurity across the country.
“Mr President, domestic problems beckon. I am compelled at this time in our lives as a nation to call on our retreating president’s attention to the security challenges at home, which entail that he immediately suspends his ongoing retreat in a foreign land and come home to address the overwhelming security situation across the country,” Obi wrote.
FG Flags Off 118.85km Calabar-EbonyiBenue-Nasarawa-Abuja Super Highway
Benjamin Nworie in Abakaliki
President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday flagged-off the construction of the Calabar-Ebonyi-Benue-NasarawaAbuha Super highway.
The project was flagged off at Amuro-Mgbom Primary School in Afikpo North Council Area in Ebonyi State.
President Tinubu who was represented by Governor Francis Nwifuru noted the project was a bold declaration that the era of isolation, marginalization, and infrastructural neglect was giving way to an era of transformation, inclusion, and
nationwide accessibility. He added the project’s extension into Cross River State, through Odukpani to Calabar, solidifies its importance not just regionally but nationally. According to President Tinubu:
“We are gathered here on the soils of Ebonyi State to witness the take-off of a critical section of a 118.8-kilometer superhighway, a project that promises to change the face of infrastructure across the South-East, North-Central and South-South regions of Nigeria”.
“This initiative is not merely a civil engineering task. It is a bold declaration that the era of isolation,
marginalization, and infrastructural neglect is giving way to an era of transformation, inclusion, and nationwide accessibility.
“This corridor, which begins here in our dear state - from the serene banks of Ndibe Beach in Afikpo Local Government Area, traverses Ukwuachi-Mbeke Ishieke, Ebonyi Local Government Area and proceeds into Benue State - is part of a larger, ambitious highway system that links the Enugu-Abakaliki/ Ogoja Highway through Benue, Kogi, Nassarawa, to the very heart of Nigeria’s capital, the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja and Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt
FORGING NEW PARTNERSHIP...
Governor of Bayelsa State,
National Assembly, PLAC Launch Digital Platform to Track Legislative Proceedings
Speaker: Insinuations on legislative budget false
Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja
As part of efforts to make activities of the legislative arm of government in Nigeria more open and accessible to citizens, the National Assembly and the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC) has unveiled a digital platform to track proceedings in the chambers.
The initiative which was packaged by PLAC with support from the United Kingdom Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) seeks to beam searchlight on three key areas, including; tracking progress on the legislative agenda, Bills passed by the National Assembly and the legislator’s oversight activities.
The three innovative digital platforms include the PLAC Bills
Track, the PLAC Legislative Agenda Tracker, and the PLAC Legislative Repository.
Speaking at the formal launch of the website at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja on Wednesday, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, said the aim of the initiative was to create more citizens’ awareness on the role and activities of the National Assembly with a view to addressing public misconceptions about the operations of the legislative institution.
He said contrary to the wrong notion the country’s National Assembly is enjoying huge budget, the legislative arm of government is about the least funded of the three arms of government. Abbas, by the lawmaker represent-
ing Ahoda/Egbema/Ndoni Federal Constituency of Rivers State, Victor Igbuzor, said the launch of the digital platform developed by PLAC is to serve as a comprehensive hub for information and awareness on the National Assembly and its legislative activities.
He said National Assembly has always been at the receiving end of the public misconception on the role of the legislature, especially as regards the oversight function meant to check excesses of the other arms of government.
According to him the digital platform will enable Nigerians to broaden their knowledge about the legislature and its important role in Nigeria’s constitutional democracy.
Igbuzor said that one of miscon-
NAAT Raises Objection over Disbursement of N50bn as Earned Academic Allowances
Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja
University-based unions in the federal government-owned universities in the country are currently in dispute over the move by government to release N50 billion for the payment of Earned Academic Allowances (EAA).
National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT) said that following the meeting of the Minister of Education with the Technical Committee on the Non-regular Earned Allowances” dated 4th April 2025, the minister wrote to the Academic Staff Union of Universities that “N50 billion for the payment of Earned Academic Allowances (EAA) for University Staff
should be released for payment in the next one week”.
However, the National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT) at its 58th regular National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held on 9th and 10th of April, frowned at what it described as selective and discriminatory action of the federal government, warning that it as a threat to industrial harmony being enjoyed in campuses.
A statement signed by NAAT President, Comrade Ibeji Nwokoma, said the attention of the minister was drawn to a statement he made that the N50 billion contained in the 2025 budget proposal was meant for payment of Earned Academic
Allowances (EAA).
According to Nwokoma, the misinformation was immediately corrected during the meeting by the President of NAAT, and supported by other leaders present that the money was meant for payment of Earned Allowances (EA) and not EAA.
In the statement, NAAT said that it is demanding that before the N50 billion is released, a meeting of the Unions’ leadership and the Minister of Education be convened to draw up modalities for fair and equitable distribution.
“Anything contrary to the above, the union may not guarantee industrial peace on our campuses,” it said
Korean Intelligence Service Lauds NDLEA on Arrest of Wanted Nigerian Drug Baron, Seeks Suspect’s Extradition
Michael Olugbode in Abuja
The National Intelligence Service of the Republic of Korea (NIS) has commended the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, for its exceptional effort and professionalism in apprehending a wanted 59-yearold drug baron Ogbonnaya Kevin.
Ogbonnaya’s dark career, operating for 17 years underground where he shipped illicit drugs worth billions of naira across the world, was ended in February following his arrest by NDLEA operatives in Lagos.
Ogbonnaya had for years been a pain in the neck of the Korean
authorities following the persistent shipment of illicit drugs linked to him to South Korea.
As a result, an Interpol red notice was issued against him, while the National Intelligence Service of South Korea sought the help of NDLEA in tracking and arresting him. He had served a one-year prison sentence in Korea in 2007 for drug offences and deported to Nigeria in 2008.
After years of being on his trail, operatives of a Special Operations Unit of NDLEA eventually arrested him on 12th February 2025, at his hideout at No. 3, Ibukunoluwa
Taiwo Close, off LASU Road, Lagos.
Excited with the breakthrough, a delegation from the Korean Intelligence Service on Wednesday paid the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Rtd) a courtesy visit to deliver a letter of appreciation by the Director of NIS, Taeyong Cho.
In his letter, Cho expressed gratitude for Marwa’s support and “the NDLEA’s exceptional cooperation during our recent joint operation, which led to the arrest of Ogbonnaya Kevin Jeff, a key figure in an international drug organization.”
ceptions is on the issue of funding which some people erroneously believe the legislators are pampered with money.
He said on the contrary the country’s National Assembly is about the least funded of the three arms of government.
“Today, many Nigerians believe, and erroneously so, that the National Assembly is over-funded. Sadly, the National Assembly is the most underfunded arm of the government.
“I am happy that most of the development partners had carried out
within the APC, they took pride in the sacrifices made to build a platform that fosters national unity, justice, and development, maintaining that they would not allow individuals to dismantle the party they helped build through years of tireless dedication.
According to the former CPC stalwarts, attempts to sow disunity within the party and the country does not reflect the will or position of genuine CPC core members and are wholly unacceptable.
They stressed that they fully endorsed the economic and governance reforms led by Tinubu, adding that while these policies might present challenges, they are crucial steps toward rebuilding the economy and securing a prosperous future for all Nigerians.
However, they acknowledged that some members might feel sidelined, but such concerns are not unique to any one bloc and urged those affected to seek redress through established constitutional channels within the party, rather than resorting to negative public agitation or hasty exits.
Other members of the CPC block are: Mallam Adamu Adamu, Senator Ibrahim Musa, Senator Mustafa Salihu, Hon. Farouk Aliyu, Hon. Almajiri Geidam, Waziri Bulama, Dr. Nasiru Argungu, Dr. Dominic Alancha, Hon. Ayuba Balami, Mr. Osita Okechukwu, Okoi Obono-Obla, Hon. Lucy Ajayi, Captain Bala Jibrin.
Others are: Hon. Uche Ufearoh, Yusuf Salihu, Hon. Abubakar Maikudi, Mutallib Badmus, Muhammed Datti, Hon. Muhammed Etsu, Jerry Johnson and Alkali Ajikolo.
Meanwhile, Deputy President of the Senate, Barau, has said that Tinubu is laying a solid foundation for the country’s prosperity. He urged Nigerians to support the president in his quest to address the challenges facing the country.
Barau stated this in a statement by his Media Adviser, Ismail Mudashir.
He said: “By May 29, it will be exactly two years since President Bola
assessments and investigations on the funding of the National Assembly and came to the conclusion that the legislature is underfunded.
“These digital platforms will be an opportunity to come to reality with the issues in the National Assembly, and perhaps change people’s perceptions about the institution,” he said.
Igbuzor said the legislators were elected to serve the people, adding they will continue to live up to that mandate.
He said that the present leadership
Ahmed Tinubu’s administration came on board in the country. Yes, we are not there, and we cannot be in the promised land in less than 23 months when the numerous challenges facing our beloved country have weighed us down for decades.
“A journey has started - the road is rough, but it’s for the restoration of our country’s glorious days. It is not easy to rebuild a shattered building. In the past decades, all spheres of our country - power, road infrastructure, agriculture, education, health, water, housing, and others - have been begging for genuine attention.
“This is coupled with the fact that this government came on board at the time that the entire world economy was and is still quite turbulent due to the high cost of basic goods and services all over the world arising from Russia-Ukraine, and Israel-Palestine wars. Nigeria is certainly not an exception.
“The good news is that the president is genuinely committed to addressing these challenges. Fresh air is already permeating all the country’s spheres, nooks and crannies to the admiration of lovers and good people, irrespective of differences and persuasions,” he said.
Barau, who is the First Deputy Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, said that since the present administration was inaugurated on May 29, 2023, Tinubu has left no stone unturned in addressing the country’s challenges.
He added: “The direction is clear, and the foundation is correctly and solidly laid for our country’s transformation and prosperity. For instance, admirable success has been recorded in the area of security. Hundreds of terrorists have been neutralised in the North West geopolitical zone.
“Yes, there are pockets of cases of kidnapping and attacks, but they are minimal compared to before the coming of this administration. The instances of incessant kidnapping on the Abuja/Kaduna Road have become history.
of the House of Representatives has embarked on the process of the digitization of its activities. While giving insights on the objectives of the digital platform, the Executive Director of PLAC, Mr. Clement Nwankwo said that it is important for the legislators to keep up the engagement with civil society and with citizens. He said the platform will help foster more citizens’ engagement with the legislature and also help engender transparency and accountability from the elected representatives.
“In the South-east, the activities of unknown gunmen terrorising the region have been on the downward side. In the North East, Boko Haram was almost completely eradicated until the recent attacks in some parts of Borno State.
“I am confident that our gallant members of the Armed Forces will act decisively to smoke them out permanently.
“The people of the remaining five states in the North East live peacefully and conduct their lawful businessescommendation to our gallant officers and men of the Armed Forces and other sister security agencies.
“With the enhanced peace across the country, the federal government has recently launched phase one of the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone (SAPZ) to revolutionise and industrialise the agricultural sector. SAPZ aims to transform Nigeria’s agriculture landscape through innovation, private-sector investments and strategic public partnerships.
“The zones are designed to create agro-industrial hubs that integrate farmers with processors, reduce post-harvest losses and expand rural economic opportunities.
“Seven states, namely Kaduna, Kano, Kwara, Oyo, Ogun, Imo, Cross River, and Federal Capital Territory, have been selected for phase one, while Bauchi, Borno, and Gombe are listed for phase 2.” He expressed optimism that the establishment of the North-West, North Central, South-East, South-West, and South-South development commissions will significantly contribute to developing the country’s regions.
“With President Tinubu’s establishment of the development commissions, we will witness unprecedented development at the grassroots level. Also, the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano highway reconstruction, which dragged on for eight years under the last administration, has been flagged-off and is receiving the needed attention,” he said.
Senator Douye Diri (left), and Deputy Director-General, International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Dr. Kenton Dashell, during a meeting on partnership between the state government and the institute in Ibadan, Oyo State
ALL ABOUT HEALTHY UNIVERSITY COMPETITION...
Court Declares Obasa’s Removal Illegal and Unconstitutional, Voids Assembly Proceedings Awards
N500,000 in damages to Speaker
Wale Igbintade Justice Yetunde Pinheiro of the Lagos State High Court has ruled that the
removal of Mudashiru Obasa, the reinstated Speaker of Lagos State House of Assembly, was both illegal and unconstitutional.
In a judgement delivered yesterday, the court nullified the proceedings and resolutions of the Assembly that took place on January
13, 2025, during which Obasa was removed from office.
The court also awarded Obasa N500,000 in damages for his unlaw-
Rivers: Customs Generates N190.5 Billion Revenue in Three Months
Confiscate illegal goods worth over N10bn
Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt
The Nigeria Customs Service Area 2 Command, Onne, Rivers State, said it generated over N190.5 billion from January to March, 2025.
The Command also disclosed the confiscation of drugs and other illegal goods worth over N10 billion.
Speaking with journalists yesterday, at the Onne Port terminal, the Comptroller of Area II Command, Onne, Mohammed Babandede, disclosed that within the period under review, a total of 20 containers were seized for various offences.
He stated that the achievement in the revenue showed a remarkable improvement with a difference of N27.8 billion, representing a 17.12 percent increase against the first quarter of 2024.
Babandede said: “The sum of N190,569,212,397.42 was collected
as revenue during the first quarter (January-March) of the year, 2025.
“During the first quarter of the year, 2024, a total of N162,705,313,561.48 was collected. This shows a remarkable improvement with a difference of N27, 864,668,442.61. This represents a 17.12 percent increase against the first quarter of 2024.”
On export, Comptroller Babandede hinted that the Command exported 1.274, 695MTS comprising of mostly agricultural products and solid minerals, adding that the total products exported stood at a value of N2,345,268,122.00. Babandede noted that the cumulative duty paid value (DPV) of the seized goods presented was worth N10,293,677,040.00.
Babandede emphasised: “It is important to know that importing illicit drugs and other prohibited wares into the country can have
serious consequences for both the public and society.
“Worthy of note is the fact that perpetrating any act of illegal activity is criminal and remains punishable under the Nigeria Customs extant laws, with the legal consequence of being punishable with either a fine or imprisonment, or both, as the case may be.
“The impact of the influx of illicit drugs can lead to increased rates of crime, substance abuse, addiction, and health-related issues in the communities. Hence, there is a need to nip it in the bud.”
According to him, “these seizures are products of courage, bravery, high level of integrity, and the selfdetermined posture of the officers to be patriotic to their oath of allegiance; exhibited through objective and careful examination, meticulous documentary checks and professionalism.”
Report: AI Helps Stop Billions of Harmful Ads Before Attack
Emma Okonji
Google, yesterday, released its 2024 Ads Safety Report, showing how advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming the fight against bad ads, scams, and misinformation online.
According to the report, as scams grow more sophisticated, often impersonating public figures or deploying AI-generated content, new tools are helping stop harmful ads before they ever reach people.
“In 2024 alone, Google blocked or removed 5.1 billion ads, restricted 9.1 billion more, and suspended over 39 million advertiser accounts—most before a single ad was served.
“This progress reflects how AI
models, powered by Gemini, are enabling faster and smarter detection of fraud signals such as stolen payment methods, fake business identities, or coordinated scam networks.
“The shift toward proactive prevention comes at a critical time. Across Africa and beyond, users are navigating a rapidly evolving digital environment—where trust, safety, and transparency matter more than ever.
“In Nigeria, public figure impersonation scams and misleading election ads have become familiar threats.
“That’s why in 2024, Google updated its misrepresentation policy, assembled a global team of over 100 experts, and took down over 700,000 scam-related advertiser accounts—contributing
to a 90 per cent drop in reported impersonation scams,” the report said.
With nearly half the world’s population heading to the polls in 2024, Google also expanded election ad transparency, requiring all political advertisers to verify their identities and clearly disclose who’s paying for the message. More than 10 million election-related ads were removed globally for failing to meet these standards.
While these are global figures, their local impact is deeply personal. From the business owner trying to reach new customers online to the everyday user trying to avoid a phishing scam, online safety remains essential for an open, trustworthy web.
He added that the Nigeria Customs Service was making significant strides in trade facilitation through its modernisation project, explaining that the initiative integrates various applications, platforms, and hardware into a comprehensive import and export management system.
Babandede appreciated the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, and members of the management team for providing him the enabling environment to work successively.
He urged compliant stakeholders to sustain their partnership and cooperation with the Service in achieving its goals.
ful removal and the psychological distress caused by the incident.
Obasa had filed a lawsuit against the Lagos State House of Assembly and the then newly appointed Speaker, Mojisola Meranda, challenging the legality of his removal.
The suit, filed on February 12, 2025, by his lawyer, Chief Afolabi Fashanu, SAN, argued that Obasa’s removal by 36 lawmakers took place while the Assembly was on recess and while he was out of the country.
He requested the court to declare the removal process unlawful, and asserted that the sitting was invalid because it was convened without the speaker’s authority or any formal delegation of power.
Obasa’s legal challenge was based on nine grounds, citing the interpretation of various provisions of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), as well as the Rules and Standing Orders governing the Lagos State House of Assembly.
Delivering her judgement, which lasted nearly three hours, Pinheiro ruled that only the leaders of the House of Assembly had the authority to request the speaker to convene a meeting. She held that the Chief Whip was not considered a leader
for this purpose.
The court pointed out that under Order 7 of the House Rules, there was a defined hierarchy, and Rule 30, which related to the authority of the Chief Whip, did not grant him the power to convene meetings. As a result, the court declared that all actions taken to reconvene the meeting were invalid, and that the fact that a majority of members voted during the proceedings was irrelevant.
“The defendants cannot validly remove the Speaker without complying with Order 2, Rule 9 of the Lagos State House of Assembly Rules,” the court ruled.
Pinheiro consequently annulled the sitting of the Lagos State House of Assembly, the purported removal of Obasa as Speaker, and the installation of Mojisola Meranda as the new Speaker.
The court agreed with Obasa’s claim that the case raised justiciable issues for adjudication, and as a result, dismissed the preliminary objections.
The court awarded Obasa N500,000 in damages for his unlawful removal and the emotional distress caused him.
CISLAC Demands Upward Review
of Tobacco Tax in Nigeria
Francis Sardauna in Katsina
The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) has advocated an upward review of tobacco tax in the country to reduce deaths from cancer and other tobacco-related causes.
The Executive Directive of CISLAC, Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, stated this on Wednesday in Katsina during a capacity building workshop for Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) on tobacco taxation and gender mainstreaming.
Organised by CISLAC, the one-day capacity building training, drew participants from various civil society organizations in the state.
Rafsanjani, represented by the Senior Finance Officer of the centre, Muhammed Murtala, urged the federal government to raise tobacco taxes to avert the spate of consumption in the country.
He said the way out on reducing tobacco-related deaths in the country was for the government to enormously increase tax on all tobacco products in the nation’s marketplace.
He added that effective tax administration on the tobacco products would benefit the health and economy of the nation and help reduce its usage, especially amongst women and youths in the country.
In his presentation titled: ‘Advocacy for Gender Inclusive and Tobacco Tax Policies’, the CISLAC’s Senior Programme Officer, Solomon Adoga, said many Nigerians were dying annually from the consumption tobacco products.
He said gender responsive tobacco tax policy would reduce the consumption of tobacco products and its attributed diseases among women in the country.
He stressed the importance of
gender inclusiveness in advocating for effective policy implementation in the country.
Adoga said: “Like every other tobacco control measure, a gender responsive tobacco tax policy will seek to reduce tobacco consumption and its attributed diseases among women.
“However, the patterns of use, the impact of the consequences of tobacco use, the price responsiveness of men and women to tax changes differ along gender lines.
“Irrespective of these differences, tobacco taxation and other tobacco control measures remain gender neutral.”
In his remarks, the state Chairman of the coalition of CSOs, AbdurRahman Abdullahi, admonished them to intensify advocacy to relevant government agencies on the need to avert tobacco products consumption.
L–R: The Registrar, Covenant University, Mr. Igban Emmanuel; Consultant, theSTEM Africa, Dr. Ore Sofekun; Vice Chancellor, Covenant University, Professor Timothy Anake; Founder, theSTEM Africa and CEO, JustMedia, Mr. Oladapo Ojo; and Deputy Vice Chancellor, Covenant University, Professor Lanre Amodu, during the University Duel and SMART Challenge 2025 Prize Presentation at Covenant University, Otta, Ogun State… Tuesday
INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE FOR MINISTERS AND LEADERS...
L–R: Chairman, Planning Committee, International Conference for Ministers and Leaders (ICML), Rev. Niyi Oloyede; His wife, Rev. Mrs. Adebimpe Oloyede; Wife of General Overseer, Foursquare Gospel Church, Ghana, Rev. Mrs. Adwoa Mensima Sey; General Overseer, Foursquare Gospel Church, Ghana, Rev. Dr. Francis Sey; General Overseer, Foursquare Gospel Church in Nigeria, Rev. Dr. Sam Aboyeji; and his wife, Rev. Mrs. Olabisi Aboyeji, during an International Conference for Ministers and Leaders (ICML) held at Foursquare Campground, Ajebo, Ogun State…recently
Sanwo-Olu: How Tinubu Provided
Me Opportunities for Leadership
Fashola, Olu of Warri, others speak at Lagos leadership summit
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, told an assembly of youths at a Lagos Leadership Summit how President Bola Tinubu provided him opportunities for leadership.
Former Governor Babatunde Fashola, SAN, also attended the event organised by Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy (LJLA). It was held at Konga Place in Lekki, with the theme, “Transformative Leadership: Developing Responsive, Adaptive and Inclusive Models.”
Sharing a personal experience in leadership elevation, Sanwo-Olu revealed how Tinubu, groomed and raised his leadership capacity by thrusting multiple tasks to him.
“Your capacity to deliver on a set of simple tasks entrusted to you when serving in smaller roles can be the building block for greater leadership exploits,” he said.
Sanwo-Olu, who was appointed as Special Adviser on Economic Matters by then Governor Tinubu, was an investment banker before joining the public service in 2002.
The governor held that the chance he was offered to serve in multiple roles during Tinubu’s government in Lagos State became his biggest opportunity to explore his leadership potential.
He stated, “I was appointed to serve as Special Adviser when former governor, now President Tinubu started to lay the groundwork for the transformation of Lagos to modern city.
For me, this was the period I started gaining from Tinubu’s transformative and pragmatic approach to leadership.
“This opportunity exposed me to international trips where we had official engagements with various multinational organisations. I was crisscrossing from one portfolio to another, serving in areas that included Transportation, Environment, Public Safety and Education.
“While I served in Transportation, I put in my very best and challenged personnel in the sector. I was deployed to revenue generation; I went in there to improve on the numbers and boosted staff capacity.
“In Environment, I changed the status quo. I was doing all of these without thinking of future expectations.”
After Tinubu’s governorship tenure ended in 2007, Sanwo-Olu said he was nominated to serve in a specific capacity in the succeeding government of Fashola.
The governor explained that he was posted to a ministry considered as a “dry land”, because it was believed the position was not rewarding.
“But the task was one that would bring out your very best in terms of capacity and how you can transform human capital to achieve real progress, just like what the Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy is doing today,” the governor said. He added, “I took up various other roles and did excel. The period I was appointed for different leadership
roles gave me the option to reappraise myself and retool my skills. Then, I had the best opportunity to launch myself into another level and subsequently got me into the current position.”
Sanwo-Olu urged the participants not to give up when faced with unfulfilled expectations, stressing that failure is not the end of the road.
Fashola, a former Minister of Works and Housing, spoke on “The Inclusion Imperative: Why No One Wins When Leadership leaves People Behind.”
He said promoting inclusion and diversity should be a key focus of pragmatic leadership.
Fashola said the framers of the Nigerian constitution made equality, inclusion and participation the foundation stone for continued existence of the country, stating that Section 14 to 19 of the constitution provides for Federal Character as the basis for national unity.
The former governor said, “Leaders have the responsibility to build coalition of unity and belonging. What
should matter is not whether or not every leader has included everybody; that has to be impossible. What should matter is whether majority of the people can perceive that their leader is making efforts not to exclude or leave anyone behind.
“People naturally feel included or excluded, but the tangible thing for a leader is to be able to say understand the situation. “I will recommend Town Hall meetings such as this forum as very strong platform to promote inclusion. People
would have the feeling that they are being heard and consulted in affairs of their society.”
Discussion panels were held at the event, focusing on how young people could channel their knowledge, energy and expertise to build a united country.
Some of the discussants included the Olu of Warri, His Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III; Emir of Zazzau, Amb. Ahmed Nuhu Bamali; and Oniru of Iru Kingdom, Oba Omogbolahan Lawal.
Makinde, Adeleke, George, Others
Lead
Delegates to Elect PDP S’West Executives
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde’, his Osun State counterpart, Governor Ademola Adeleke, and member, Board of Trustees of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Olabode George, yesterday, led delegates to elect Southwest zonal executives, with a vow to win more states in 2027.
Hundreds of party faithful from the six states in the zone were in attendance at the Ogunlesi Hall, University College Hall, Ibadan, for the exercise.
The election, which was supervised by representatives of the Independent
FRC: Nigeria Needs 2,000 Actuaries to Meet National Skill Demand
John Shiklam in
Kaduna
The Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer, Financial Reporting Council (FRC) of Nigeria, Dr. Rabiu Olowo, yesterday, reiterated that Nigeria needs at least 2,000 actuaries to meet national demand and support the nation’s financial sector’s evolution.
Currently Nigeria only has 28 professional actuaries.
Speaking yesterday, at the Advocacy outreach by Nigerian Actuarial Development Programme (NADP), held at the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, he said the current shortage not only limits the country’s ability to manage risk effectively but also undermines the resilience of its institutions.
He said the FRC was a regulatory agency under the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment,
established by the FRC Act, 2011, and was mandated to develop and enforce accounting, auditing, actuarial, valuation, and corporate governance standards across both the private and public sectors of the Nigerian economy.
Olowo said it was in line with this mandate that the Council, in January 2024, created two new technical directorates - the Directorate of Actuarial Standards and the Directorate of Valuation Standards - as part of President Bola Tinubu’s transformation agenda. According to him, these directorates were created to address deep-rooted capacity gaps and to strengthen professional practice in these specialised but critical areas.
He said, “The NADP, which brings us here today, is a comprehensive initiative designed to build a strong pipeline of actuarial talent in Nigeria through advocacy, curriculum support,
international collaborations, bursary awards, mentorship, and professional development.
“It is being delivered in conjunction with key actuarial stakeholders—including: Regulatory bodies such as PENCOM, NAICOM, and the NHIA; International professional bodies like the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries (IFoA), Casualty Actuarial Society (CAS), Society of Actuaries (SOA), and the Actuarial Society of Kenya (TASK)…”
He stressed that the actuarial profession was fundamental to the stability and sustainability of sectors that affect every Nigerian—pensions, insurance, banking, healthcare, and public finance. “Yet, in a country of over 200 million people and the largest economy in Africa, we have fewer than 30 fully qualified actuaries. This is not just a gap—it is a development challenge.
National Electoral Commission (INEC) saw the return of Kamorudeen Ajisafe as Zonal Chairman, and the wife of the strongman of Ibadan politics, Alhaja Bose Adedibu, as Woman Leader.
Other elected officers were Muyiwa Obagunwa (Secretary); Adeyemo Adetunju (Treasurer); Yaya Adeleke (Financial Secretary); and Atofarati Olusanya (Publicity Secretary.
The delegates stated that the election of the zonal executives had provided a platform for the party to win more states in 2027.
The first assignment of the newly sworn in executives, according to the delegates, was the second term mandate of Adeleke in 2027.
Chairman of the Electoral Committee and Chief Electoral Officer, former Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Udom
Group, a powerhouse driving African storytelling across media, lifestyle and entertainment.
Kwame Onwuachi, appeared on the list, followed by a tribute by an Emmy-winning actor, author, and producer, Keke Palmer, characterising him as the embodiment of brilliance, passion, and perseverance.
“I’m talking about a chef whose heart, soul, and creativity shine through every dish he serves. From his West African roots to his upbringing in the Bronx, Chef Kwame has turned every challenge into opportunity, showing the world the power of culinary expression.
“He’s rewriting the narrative in spaces that once overlooked Black chefs and has brought his story into each of his restaurants, including Dogon, the Afro-Caribbean eatery he opened in D.C. this past fall.
“What I think I admire most is
Emmanuel, lauded the conduct of the delegates during and after the election.
Emmanuel said a necessary platform had been provided for the party in the South-west.
He commended the efforts of the founding fathers, elders and leaders of the party for their steadfastness and commitment to the party till date.
Emmanuel thanked “founding fathers of the Peoples Democratic Party” who were still maintaining their belief in the party, “which has made the party stand out and remain what it is today.”
He said, “I want to thank our women and youths, particularly at the state level, which forms the bedrock of the party.”
In his address, the host, Makinde, recounted that the last zonal elective
Chef Kwame’s unshakable commitment to breaking boundaries and continuing to elevate others along the way. He is not just cooking meals—he’s changing lives and changing the game. His work and his spirit have inspired so many of us. The kitchen is his oyster, and I cannot wait to see what he cooks up next,” Palmer wrote.
Tinubu Rejoices With MO Abudu For Making Time’s 100 Most Influential People In The World
Meanwhile, Tinubu rejoiced with the CEO of Ebony Life Group, Bo Abudu, on her inclusion in the 2025 TIME 100 Most Influential People in the World.
President Tinubu while acknowledging her vision and leadership
congress of the party was filled with strife and struggle, but the party had come a long way four years down the line.
He said, “But today, the party in the zone is one united and happy family, and would by the rancour-free elective congress lay a foundation for how democracy should be practised in the country.
“We have come a long way as a party. Four years ago, it was like a war, full of strife, rancour and animosity. But, today, we are one united South-west PDP family.
“This elective congress is basically a fanfare for us. It is for us to show the way democracy should be practised in Nigeria. So, the South-west is leading the way. We are about to witness a rancour-free elective congress.
in nurturing a dynamic generation of creative talents also lauded her innovative achievements, including establishing EbonyLife Media, EbonyLife Place, EbonyLife Academy, and the $50 million Afro Film Fund (AFF), which have played vital roles in transforming Nigeria’s and Africa’s creative industries.
Mo Abudu, previously recognised by Forbes as “Africa’s Most Successful Woman,” continues to elevate the image of Nigeria and Africa on the world stage, spotlighting real issues, celebrating African excellence, and dismantling stereotypes through film, media, and technology. The President wished her continued success, greater recognition, and enduring impact.
“Your success is not just your triumph, but a source of inspiration and pride for all of us”, President Tinubu stated.
Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan
Mo Abu D u, KwAM e o nwu A c HI , nAM e D I n TIM e 100 Mo ST Influen TIA l Peo P le
COLLABORATING ON HOW TO TACKLE MENACE OF NARCOTICS...
L–R: Vice Chairman, Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents, Mr. Sunny Onoche; Commander, Tincan Command, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Mr. Ofoyeju Mitchell; ANLCA Chairman, Mr. Olawale Cole; Deputy Commander, NDLEA Tincan Command, Mr. Fintan Bassey; and Secretary, ANLCA, Mr. Frank Paul, during a working visit to NDLEA to seek collaboration between the two agencies in tackling the menace of narcotics at the Tincan Port in Lagos, yesterday
In Landmark Ruling, UK Supreme Court Says Trans Women Not ‘Legally Women’
Judgement
aligns with Trump’s pushback against non-biological females It’s victory for women and girls, says
J.K
Rowling
Britain’s Supreme Court ruled yesterday that trans women do not meet the legal definition of female under the country’s ‘Equality Act 2010’, with a unanimous decision that the terms ‘woman and sex’ in the Act refer to a biological woman and biological sex.
The landmark judgment, which said that the legal definition of a woman is based on biological sex, is a blow to campaigners for transgender rights, and could have far-reaching consequences for how the law is applied in Britain to single-sex spaces, equal pay claims and maternity policies.
discrimination and came amid intense, and at times bitter public debate over the intersection of transgender rights and women’s rights.
A New York Times report said that the ruling followed years-long legal battle over whether trans women can be regarded as female under Britain’s 2010 Equality Act, which aims to prevent
THISDAY reports that the judgement also aligns with the position of the US President, Donald Trump, whose administration has taken several steps aimed at restricting the rights and recognition of trans individuals, particularly trans women.
One of the major moves was an executive order banning trans women and girls from competing in women’s sports, redefining gender under Title IX as sex assigned at birth. This order threatens to pull federal funding from schools that allow trans girls to play on girls’ teams, a part of a broader effort to reshape federal gender policy based on “biological sex.” Trump also signed orders limiting access to gender-affirming
Mu T fwA ng I n S TAT e Bro AD c AST, S AYS f e A r w on’ T o verrun Pl AT e A u narratives of terrorists.
“By keeping Nigerians informed of the progress of our troops, you have denied the enemies of our country the space to manipulate perception or control the information domain.
“This seminar, the brainchild of the Chief of Defence Staff, is a timely and noble initiative. It reflects his deep understanding of the critical role of communication in modern warfare, especially in an era where information can influence outcomes as much as firepower.
“Strengthening the partnership between the military and the media is essential not only for operational success but also for building public trust and fostering a national securityconscious citizenry.”
Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, said the seminar was a significant milestone in the collective effort to improve the effectiveness of media operations within the framework of Nigeria’s defence objectives.
Represented by Chief of Defence Policy and Plans, AVM Sayo Olatunde, the CDS stated that the seminar was particularly important because the role of the media in modern warfare had evolved beyond the traditional scope of information dissemination.
He said, “The contemporary security landscape is characterised not only by conventional and asymmetric threats but also involves a battle of narratives amongst opposing forces. Accordingly, the information space is becoming as contested as the battlefield.
“This implies that how we communicate our mission, counter misinformation, and maintain public trust is crucial to the outcome of joint task force operations.
“This is because contemporary military operations do not take place in isolation, as every action of a joint task force is constantly subjected to public scrutiny. Implicitly, the way our operations are perceived by the local populace and international audiences determines their effectiveness.”
Musa stressed, “While media operations offer immense strategic benefits, they also present significant challenges, such as the rise of fake news, deepfake technologies, and adversarial information warfare through misinformation, which can spread faster than ever before.”
He maintained that commanders
and media professionals must work together to ensure the right messages were conveyed at the right time to the right audience.
Minister of Defence, Badaru Abubakar, also represented by his Special Assistant, Technical, Major General Ahmed Tinjani (Rtd), said the seminar underscored the critical role the media played in shaping public perception, strengthening national security, and contributing to the overall success of military operations.
He stated that in today’s complex security environment, where isolated threats continued to challenge national stability, the synergy between military operations and media engagement could not be overemphasised.
Abubakar said information was a powerful tool in modern warfare, and its effective management determined the success of joint task force operations across various theatres, to a large extent.
“The role of the media in amplifying the efforts of military operations, countering misinformation, and fostering public confidence is indispensable,” he added.
In his keynote address, Director- General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Lanre Isa-Onilu, represented by Williams Dogo, emphasised the role of the media in countering disinformation and psychological warfare.
Isa-Onilu stated that the proliferation of false narratives, manipulated footage, and unfounded reports, often propagated on social media, could undermine the integrity of military operations and sow seeds of distrust among citizens.
According to him, a proactive, coordinated, and strategic media response enabled commanders to pre-empt and neutralise the harmful effects of such narratives.
He said that was why strategic communication must be viewed not as an afterthought, but a critical element embedded in operational planning from the outset.
NGF Seeks Peace in New Plateau Violence
Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) said it was saddened the renew violence in Plateau State, which led to multiple deaths and injuries.
“We call for immediate cessation
of violence of any kind against fellow members of the human community and embrace dialogue and peace,” NGF said.
A statement issued in Ilorin by the chairman of NGF, and Governor of Kwara State, Alhaji AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, said, “The NGF commiserates with the government and people of Plateau State and families of those affected.”
The forum called the unfolding development sad and unhelpful at a time Plateau was seeing a long stretch of harmony and peace borne out of concerted efforts of government, traditional rulers, and leaders of thoughts.
The statement said, “We call on community and religious leaders to rally behind His Excellency, Governor Caleb Mutfwang, to douse tension, reconcile minds, and build sustainable peace in Plateau.
“We call on everyone to understand that the souls already lost are not just numbers; they are the bread winners, hopes, and prides of many families.
“We call for immediate cessation of violence of any kind against fellow members of the human community.
“We pray for the repose of the souls of the victims and wish those injured speedy recovery, while everyone embraces dialogue and peace.”
Tambuwal: No Sane Society’ll Turn Blind Eye When Innocent Lives Are Being Killed
Former governor of Sokoto State, Senator Aminu Tambuwal, condemned the killings in the Plateau State, saying no sane society would look away when innocent lives were being taken.
In a statement, Tambuwal, who was Speaker of the House of Representatives, said, ‘’These senseless attacks are cruel, unjustified, and must never be tolerated.’’
He stated, ‘’I want to state unequivocally that no sane society should turn a blind eye when innocent lives are being taken and entire communities destroyed.
‘’I strongly condemn the recent wave of horrific killings and destruction across communities in Plateau State. These senseless attacks are cruel, unjustified, and must never be tolerated.
‘’My deepest condolences go to the grieving families and all those
affected. I stand in solidarity with the people of Plateau during this painful time.
‘’The federal government must live up to its primary responsibility of protecting lives and property. I urge the security agencies to act swiftly and decisively. The perpetrators must be brought to justice.
‘’We cannot allow Nigeria to continue on this dangerous path of violence and impunity.’’
Fear in Otukpo as Herdsmen Kill Scores
Residents in and around OtobiAkpa community, Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State, fled their domains following incessant attacks by suspected armed herdsmen, which had killed scores of residents and destroyed countless property.
Yesterday’s attack on the community was the deadliest in recent times. About 11 persons were killed, with several homes razed.
The development forced the management of some schools at the location to evacuate.
A school, FGC Otobi, began to evacuate staff members from the school premises amid growing fears for their safety.
Parents and students expressed concern over the situation, especially with the forthcoming West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) set to commence in May.
A parent, Mr David Oche, said he had come to take his son home for fear of Fulanis.
“It’s a terrible situation and we cannot go on like this. The government has failed to protect the people. My son is supposed to be writing his WAEC next month, but how do we send them back to school when the community is no longer safe?” Oche said.
Another parent, Mr Matthew Adaji, expressed frustration over the persistent attacks and the government’s silence. Adaji stated, “We have been crying for help, yet these killings continue. Now, the school is evacuating staff. What happens to our children’s education?”
A student, who did not give name for security reasons, said, “Some of our teachers have left, and our parents don’t want us to go back to school. I have WAEC in a few weeks, and I don’t know if I’ll be able to write.”
care—banning such care for anyone under 19 years old—and sought to restrict how federal agencies recognise gender identity. Under Trump’s direction, federal records and programmes now only recognise male and female based on birth certificates, effectively erasing trans identities in many federal settings.
But announcing the decision on Wednesday, the Deputy President of the Supreme Court, Lord Hodge, said: “The unanimous decision of this court is that the terms ‘woman’ and ‘sex’ in the Equality Act 2010 refer to biological women and biological sex.” Lord Hodge began his remarks by acknowledging the national conversation about transgender rights and protections, and described trans people as a “vulnerable and often harassed minority,” while noting that women had fought for centuries for equal rights.
The death toll from Tuesday evening’s attack on Otobi community rose to 11. This was disclosed by local authorities.
According to the member representing Otukpo-Akpa Constituency in the Benue State House of Assembly, Kennedy Angbo, nine corpses were recovered Tuesday night, followed by one in a hard-to-reach area later that evening.
He said by dawn yesterday, other corpses were found, bringing the total number of fatalities to 11.
Following the killings, Benue State Deputy Governor, Samuel Ode, visited the community yesterday, where he offered condolences to the grieving families and reassured residents of the state government’s commitment to tackling the spate of violent attacks across the rural areas.
Ode also made some cash donations to take care of some immediate needs while the state emergency management agency was told to move in for needs assessment and provision of emergency response to those in need.
Mark: Attack Not Ordinary or Accidental
Former President of the Senate, Senator David Mark, declared that deadly attacks in Benue State were neither ordinary nor accidental, but organised and premeditated acts.
Mark, while condemning attacks on communities, including Otobi-Akpa, Emichi in Otukpo Local Government Area, and Utonkon in Ado Local Government Area of Benue State, warned that the natives could no longer stand and watch their people killed for no just cause.
He said enough was enough, declaring that it is time the communities began to organise themselves into vigilante groups to halt further invasion by the murderers.
He tasked security operatives to rise up to the challenge of arresting the perpetrators and bringing them to justice forthwith.
The former senate president said,
“The situation in parts of Benue State today cannot be said to be ordinary or accidental. It seems to me that it is an organised and premeditated action. We can no longer stand to watch our people killed needlessly for no just cause.
“In as much as our people should accommodate others in our
communities, we must as a matter of necessity differentiate between legitimate residents and invaders.”
A statement by Paul Mumeh, Special Adviser to Mark, urged the people to remain calm and cooperate with security operatives in the task of restoring peace and order in the troubled communities.
Stop Blame Game, SAN Tells Tinubu, Govs
A Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Professor Yemi AkinseyeGeorge, called on President Bola Tinubu and governors to stop apportioning blame over the worsening killings of innocent Nigerians.
Akinseye-George, who is also President of the Centre for SocioLegal Studies (CSLS), said rather than blame each other, the two levels of leaders should collaborate to end the dastardly act devastating the entire country.
He spoke on Wednesday at the opening of a two-day Hybrid Sensitisation Meeting on the National Minimum Standards (NMS) for the Implementation of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act/ Laws (ACJA/ ACJL), holding in Abuja.
While observing that ACJA/ ACJL had helped in improving the country’s justice system, especially with the adoption of the NMS in 2023, he lamented that the justice was still slow, while injustice was fast. Akinseye-George stated, “When criminals go unpunished, people lose faith. And then, they take the law into their own hands. We see it now—everywhere. Banditry, terrorism, kidnapping and violence.
“Governors raise the alarm. Citizens cry out. Criminals strike boldly. Even a former military General, a DirectorGeneral of NYSC, was kidnapped. Who is safe?
“While the federal and state authorities pass the buck, blame themselves in circles, the killers roam free, colonise the forests and take over territories. How many more must die before action is taken?”
While recalling the killings in Uromi, Plateau, Borno, Zamfara and other locations, where he said a lot of lives had been lost with many families broken, he asked, “When will the Renewed Hope Agenda mean real safety on our roads, in our farms, and in our homes?”
Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja
FOOd sUPPORT FOR THE PEOPLE…
L-R: Senior Special Adviser to the President of Dangote Group, Fatima Wali Abdurrahman; representative of FCT Minister, Ango Abdullahi Suleiman, and a beneficiary, Mary Musa, during the flag -off of the Aliko Dangote Food Intervention Programme in Abuja…recently
Wike, Appeal Court President
Sued
Olawale ajimotokan in abuja
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and the Chairman of Incorporated Trustees of IBB International Golf and Country Club, Abuja, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem have been dragged before the Federal High Court’s Justice Emeka Nwite over the latter’s appointment by Wike.
Also joined as defendants in the suit instituted by Ubong Esop Akpan, Tijani Abdulsalam Ogueyi and Olalere Babasola were the
Over IBB Club Trusteeship
club captain Ibrahim Babayo, the secretary Bola Aliyu-Faniyan and the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) as well as Chief Joe KyariGadzama (SAN).
In a motion exparte filed on April 14, the plaintiffs are seeking an order of interim injunction, restraining the aforementioned defendants from presenting the names and particulars of the members of Board of Trustees appointed by Wike for approval and registration under the Companies and Allied Matters Act 2020, pending the hearing and determination of the motion on
notice.
The order is also seeking to prevent the Trustees, headed by Justice Dongban-Mensem, who incidentally is the President of
the Court of Appeal, and Babayo from chairing and moderating the proposed IBB Golf Club Annual General Meeting scheduled for April 26 or any other rescheduled
date pending the determination of the substantive suit.
The order is also seeking to restrain Justice Dongban-Mensem and other trustees appointed by
the FCT Minister and their proxies and representatives from assuming office or parading themselves as BoT members pending the determination of motion on notice.
Alleged Defamation: Yahaya Bello Petitions IG, Demands Prosecution of Akpoti-Uduaghan
Former Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, has petitioned the Inspector General of Police (IG) over alleged defamatory statements made against him by the suspended senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District in the National Assembly, Natasha
Akpoti-Uduaghan.
In the petition, written and signed by his solicitor, Mr. N.A. Abubakar, to the IG yesterday, Bello called on the Nigeria Police Force to invite Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan to substantiate her allegation against him with credible evidence.
“Where she fails to do so, cause her to be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the provisions of the law for criminal defamation, inciting public disturbance and spreading false information injurious to public peace,” the lawyer wrote.
He said that the utterances made against the former governor were not only false, reckless and inciting, but “they constitute serious criminal defamation, false accusation and incitement to public disorder, all of which are offences under the Nigerian law.”
Police Cracks Down on Crime, Apprehend 157 Suspects in Kano ANEEJ Report:140m Nigerians Multi-dimensionally Poor
ahmad sorondinki in Kano
The Kano State Police Command has apprehended 157 individuals suspected of involvement in armed robbery, thuggery, theft, and illicit drug trafficking between March 17, 2025 and date.
The Command also arrested a 20-year-old man, Umar Auwal, also known as Abba Dujjal, for killing three people in parts of Kano and Jigawa States.
Dujjal confessed to all the killings using a knife and also stealing items, including phones and cash.
He then surrendered himself to the police who arrested him for interrogation and investigation.
In a press conference yesterday in Kano, the state Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Adamu
Bakori, said the arrests followed intensified intelligence-led joint operations, round-the-clock visibility patrols and initiated strategic partnerships with community members.
According to him, “These proactive and collaborative efforts are yielding positive results. Parts of the successes recorded are the breakthroughs that led to the dismantling of criminal networks that specialised in smuggling of firearms in to the state which led to the recovery of nineteen (19) fabricated revolver rifles with one hundred and fourteen (114) live cartridges and six (6) expended cartridges.”
He also disclosed that suspected tramadol tablets worth N150 million were recovered during the operations.
Mass Movement to SDP Begins in Niger
Laleye dipoinMinna
A mass movement of people from major political parties to the Social Democratic Party (SDP) is currently taking place across Niger State
Hundreds of people are registering with the party even at the ward levels where long queues are recorded daily.
THISDAY investigations revealed that the state headquarters of the party has already acquired the gubernatorial campaign office of the present Minister of Information, Alhaji Mohammed Idris Malagi, which is being renovated and painted in SDP colours.
Most of those who throng the headquarters with the aim of joining the party, according to findings, were directed to their wards for the exercise.
As a result of the huge number
of prominent politicians joining the party, THISDAY learnt that an Elders Advisory Council was set up to accommodate these category of people.
The state Chairman of the party, Mr. Buhari Yakubu Yerima, confirmed to THISDAY that “the SDP is now the toast of the people of state; on daily basis people are coming to register and obtain our membership cards.” He however declined to name the prominent politicians that have joined the party because “we are making arrangements to unveil them at the appropriate time.” Yerima, however, told those joining the party that they should realize that “there is an existing structure, they should know that they are only coming to strengthen the existing structure, and make it more formidable
Kuni Tyessi in abuja
The Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice, ANEEJ, has said that despite recovered looted assets by the Nigerian government, no fewer than 140 million persons in working age bracket are still
multi- dimensionally poor. It also revealed that the existing huge gap which is 65 percent of the population remains a challenge in the impactful utilisation of the recovered funds based on realities on ground, as portrayed by World Bank statistics.
Executive Director of ANEEJ,
David Ugolor, who stated this yesterday in Abuja at “the launch of policy brief on assessing the implementation of key GFAR principles in asset return and management in Nigeria”, said high level of poverty and unemployment formed the basis of the research that has provided implementation principles that will give remarkable solutions.
Ugolor said the spotlight on Global Forum on Asset Recovery, GFAR presupposes that once corrupt assets have been identified and legally confiscated, it should be put into use for the benefit of all citizens.
Army Appoints First Female Spokesperson
Linus aleke in abuja
The Nigerian Army has made history by appointing a female officer, Appolonia Anaele, a Lieutenant Colonel, as the first Acting Director of Army Public Relations. The appointment takes effect from April 22nd, 2025. The acting director will take over from the outgoing Director of Army Public Relations, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, next week after the Easter break.
General Nwachukwu has served three Chief of Army Staffs back-to-back, starting with Lt. Gen. Faruk Yahaya (rtd), Late Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, and the incumbent COAS, Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Army yesterday discredited a viral video on lack of ammunition, explaining that the trending video footage is recycled with the obnoxious and malicious intent of denigrating the Nigerian Army.
A statement by the outgoing spokesperson of the Nigerian Army, Major General Nwachukwu, said: “The attention of the Nigerian Army (NA) has been drawn to an old video posted on various social media platforms by unscrupulous elements showing troops chanting, ‘Enough Is Enough: They’re Playing Politics With People’s Lives, Without Ammunition.”
Ogun Monarch Decries Violence against Women, Girls
The Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, has decried violence against women, saying beating one’s wife does not demonstrate bravery but an act perpetrated by lazy and useless men.
The monarch said men should consider women and girls as special creatures and weaker beings, which should be treated with utmost care.
Oba Gbadebo said this in his remark at first Abeokuta Townhall meeting with custodians of culture on the role of men in protecting women and girls.
The meeting, held within the Ake Palace premises and which attracted traditional rulers, community, opinion and religious leaders within Egbaland, was organised by Women Radio 91.7Fm, with support from Ford Foundation and Women Empowerment Foundation.
The meeting, with its theme: ‘Strengthening Family and Community Bonds: The Role of Men in Protecting Women and Girls’, featured panel discussions, remarks by stakeholders including youths, made recommendations on how to check abuse of women and girls.
Dangote Donates Food FCT, Kogi in N16bn Aid Programme
ibrahim Oyewale in lokoja
The Federal Capital Territory(FCT) Abuja and the Kogi State Government have received food donation from the Aliko Dangote Foundation (ADF) as part of the N16 billion Annual National Food
Niyi
Intervention programme launched last month.
Speaking at the flag off in Abuja, Senior Special Adviser to the President of Dangote Group, Hajiya Fatima Wali Abdurrahman, said 10,000 bags of 10kg rice were donated to the Federal Capital Territory(FCT), Abuja for onward distribution to the poor and the vulnerable persons.
She said the intervention programme by the Aliko Dangote Foundation is aimed at supporting governments at all levels to cushion the effects
of economic challenges in the country. According to her, the intervention programme debut in 2024 when the company donated food worth N15billion to all the 774 Local Government Areas in the country.
Aderibigbe Honoured as Spokesperson in Hospitality Sector
A seasoned marketing and communications expert, and Head of Brand Marketing and Corporate communications at Transcorp Hotels Plc, Niyi Aderibigbe, has been recognised as a distinguished spokesperson in the hospitality sector
by the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR). The prestigious award was presented to him at the National Spokespersons Awards 2025 held in Abuja yesterday.
The National Spokespersons Awards, organised by NIPR
in collaboration with Image Merchants Promotion Limited, aims to acknowledge and celebrate outstanding professionals in various industries who have demonstrated exceptional expertise and excellence in public relations and communications.
Aderibigbe’s recognition is notable, having been recognised for two years in a row as one of the Top 50 PR professionals in Nigeria, with his work making a significant impact on the industry.
James sowole in abeokuta
Nigeria Listed Amongst Seven Countries Bidding to Host 2030 & 2034 Commonwealth Games
Nigeria’s bid to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games has been listed amongst six other countries also interested in welcoming athletes from the former British colonies to their nations.
Commonwealth Sport Chief Executive, Katie Sadleir, expressed happiness with the manner countries were interested in hosting the Games.
“We are thrilled with the incredible interest from four of our six regions.
“We cannot understate the hugely-significant role Scotland has played, having the foresight, tenacity and innovative thinking to step forward and host in 2026.
“We are confident that Glasgow’s pioneering example will increase the breadth of countries able to host the Games in the decades ahead.”
Apart from Nigeria, Canada, India, plus three other countries have all publicly confirmed their
interest in the centenary Games in 2030. New Zealand is one of two nations looking at the possibilities of hosting the 2034 edition.
In January, the 74 Commonwealth nations were invited to lodge notes of interest and the seven who responded positively - all from Africa, Asia, the Americas, and Oceania - will have the feasiblity of their bids examined over the next five months.
It is expected that the hosts of
the 2030 Games will be finalised in November.
Commonwealth Sport chief executive Katie Sadleir said: “ Phil Batty, chief executive of Glasgow 2026, said the news shows that next summer’s Games will be “a pivotal moment” in the event’s history.
“I have every confidence Glasgow 2026 will pioneer a new model for the major event - one that delivers a
successful Games on time, on budget and with high-quality sport at the heart of the experience,” he added.
After the Australia state of Victoria withdrew from hosting the 2026 edition for financial reasons, the city of Glasgow, Scotland accepted to host even if on a scaled-down level.
There were even fears that Glasgow 2026 might be the last-ever Commonwealth Games until after Nigeria and six other nations lodged
official expressions of interest to host in the 2030 or 2034 editions.
Scotland’s largest city stepped in last year with plans for a scaledback Games next summer after the Australia State of Victoria (Australia) withdrew.
Those proposed changes to the event - fewer sports, fewer athletes, fewer venues - have lessened the cost and enticed other potential hosts to look at future stagings.
Arsenal Eliminate Real Madrid, to Play PSG in Semis
CHAMPIONS LEAGUE
Bukayo Saka scored a goal and missed a penalty as Arsenal held off Real Madrid 2-1 to reach the Champions League semi-finals in an incident-packed match at the Bernabeu.
Arsenal had a 3-0 aggregate lead to defend after their superb victory in the first leg last week - and they were given the chance to silence the noisy home support when they were awarded a 13th-minute penalty.
Saka stepped up but his weak, chipped effort was saved by Thibaut Courtois.
However, the England forward made amends for his miss when he effectively killed off the tie with a fantastic chipped second-half finish over Courtois after Mikel Merino’s clever pass.
Real hit back just two minutes later when a terrible mistake from William Saliba gifted Vinicius Junior with an open goal to score.
But Real were not able to capitalise on that glimmer of hope and Gabriel Martinelli capped off a glorious night by making it 2-1 in stoppage time with a breakaway goal, again set
Rangers Knockout Bendel Insurance from Federation Cup
up by Merino.
It is just the third Arsenal have reached the semi-final stage of the Champions League and they will face Paris St-Germain in the last four.
The home crowd, who had built an excellent atmosphere and were hoping to spark a comeback that would be remembered for years to come, thought their side had a way back into the tie shortly after Saka’s spot-kick miss when they were awarded a penalty of their own.
But a lengthy check with the video assistant referee overturned the referee’s decision after Kylian Mbappe had thrown himself to the floor following minimal contact from Declan Rice.
Elsewhere on the night, Italian side Inter Milan held Bayern Munich 2-2 but qualified for the semi final 4-3 on aggregate. Inter are to play Barcelona in the Last Four stage of the UEFA Champions League.
S’final Fixtures
Arsenal v PSG Barcelona v Inter
Boxing: hearn says Fury v AJ Clash still Possible
Promoter Eddie Hearn is confident
Minnow Abakaliki FC eliminate four-time champions Enyimba Inter knockout Bayern Munich, book Barcelona in Last 4
Duro Ikhazuagbe
Mourning Enugu Rangers honoured their departed former Captain and Coach, Chairman Christian Chukwu with a 1-0 defeat of Bendel Insurance in the Federation Cup Round of 16 at the Mobolaji Johnson
QuARteR-FINAL FIxtuRes
Abakaliki FC v Nasarawa
Wikki v. Ikorodu City
Akwa utd v. Kwara utd
Plateau utd v. Rangers
ChAmPIoNs LeAgue
Inter 2-2 Bayern munich
(Inter aggregate 4-3) Real madrid 1-2 Arsenal
(Arsenal aggregate 5-1)
euRoPA LeAgue
Athletic v Rangers
e’Frankfurt v tottenham
Lazio v Bodoe/glimt
man utd v Lyon
euRoPA CoNFeReNCe
Chelsea v Legia Warszawa
Arena, Onikan Lagos yesterday.
Godwin Obaje scored the lone goal winner for the Flying Antelopes from the penalty spot late in the first half.
Now, the Coal City giants will battle Plateau United in the quarter final next .
Elsewhere, four-time champions Enyimba were also eliminated from the 2025 President Federation Cup by Abakaliki FC on Wednesday.
Abakaliki FC won the Round of 16 encounter played at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba
2-0. Chukwudi Okoro opened scoring for the Nigeria National League (NNL) outfit one minute after the break.
Abakaliki FC doubled their advantage through Daniel Eni on the hour mark.
They will face Nasarawa United in the quarter-final. In Abuja, Akwa United defeated Inter Lagos 1-0 with Chisom Orji firing home the winning goal 18 minutes from time.
Kennedy Boboye’s men will keep a date with Kwara United
in the last eight.
Also yesterday, Ikorodu City beat Beyond Limits 2-0 in a South West derby.
Two second half goals from Harison Austin and Shola Adelani separated both teams on the day.
The Oga Boys will lock horns with NNL outfit, Wikki Tourists in quarter-final.
Wikki Tourists booked a place in the last eight after edging past Warri Wolves 4-3 on penalities. The game ended 1-1 in regulation time.
Tyson Fury v Anthony Joshua could still happen, and says all it takes is a direct message on social media between the fighters.
Fury, 36, retired from boxinga few weeks after a second successive loss to WBA (Super), WBC and WBO heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk in December.
Joshua, 35, has been out of the ring since September’s defeat by IBF title-holder Daniel Dubois.
“This is the kind of fight that probably gets made over a DM between the two or a text or a call,” Hearn, who represents Joshua, told BBC Sport.
“It’s like ‘look, do you fancy it?’
That’s it. And then, bang, it’s done.” Joshua, like Fury, is a two-time heavyweight world champion. A super-fight between two generational stars of British boxing has been mooted for several years but always stalled during negotiations.
“Neither of them are champions. Both are huge names, both at the back ends of their careers, but more importantly both are still relatively in their prime,” Hearn said.
“Before AJ lost to Dubois, everyone said this is the best AJ we’ve ever seen. And Fury never really showed any signs of decline against Usyk. He just got beat by the pound-for-pound number one.”
NAFA, Browns Nigeria Launch Women-focused Football Initiative
The Nigerian American Football Association (NAFA), in collaboration with Browns Nigeria, is set to launch the first-of-its-kind women-focused flag football initiative in Nigeria. The Gridiron Gems Programme is a transformative initiative designed to advance women’s participation in flag football. The event, which commenced yesterday with the Gridiron Gems Flag Football Clinic, climaxed by the official launch at the Radisson Blu Anchorage Hotel, Victoria Island,
Lagos.
The President and Co-Founder of NAFA, Babajide Akeredolu, said the event is to empower women in flag football, adding that “NAFA is thrilled to officially launch the Gridiron Gems Program, a transformative initiative designed to advance women’s participation in flag football.”
He stressed that the launch is coming at a crucial time with NAFA being officially recognised by the Nigerian Olympic Committee as the
Federation for American Football and all its variations, including flag, tap and 7v7.
According to him, the programme, under the theme “She Huddles. She Wins.”, kicked off with the Gridiron Gems Flag Football Clinic on April 15, 2025, in Lagos.
“The Gridiron Gems Programme is a bold step toward empowering female athletes by fostering skill development, mentorship, and leadership while advocating for gender equality in sports.
“It aims to create pathways for women to excel on and off the field, opening doors to educational opportunities, career growth, and community impact.
“The launch event will bring together female athletes, coaches, mentors, and stakeholders to celebrate and amplify women’s voices in sports.” He said.
Akeredolu noted that the programme will feature engaging panel discussions, networking opportunities, among other impactful activities.
The Gridiron Gems Programme is more than an initiative; it’s a movement to champion gender equality, drive social impact, and inspire the next generation of female athletes.
“By aligning with this programme, partners and supporters contribute to Sustainable Development Goal 5 (Gender Equality) while creating lasting change in communities across Nigeria. We are excited to launch Gridiron Gems and showcase the power of women in sports,” said Akeredolu.
Bukayo Saka missed from the penalty spot but scored later as Arsenal beat Real Madrid 2-1 and qualified for the semi final of the Champions League on 5-1 aggregate to face Paris Saint-Germain
niGERiA-niGER
BREAK ThE icE...
L-R: Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador, Yusuf Tuggar and Niger’s Foreign Minister, Mr Bakary Sangare, during their high-level engagement aimed at restoring and strengthening diplomatic relations between Nigeria and the Republic of Niger in Niamey, the Nigerien capital… yesterday
olusegun AD e NIYI
When Native Doctors ‘Mint’ Money
The superstitious belief that instant wealth can be conjured by herbalists or ‘native doctors’ has sent an inordinate number of innocent people to their untimely death in Nigeria. But how desperate or gullible must someone be not to understand that if these ‘native doctors’ could create money by performing rituals, they themselves would not be so poor?
That precisely is the question being posed by Governor Chukwuma Soludo, who has been waging a war against crooked ‘native doctors’ in Anambra State. It is a battle other stakeholders must join if we are to rid our country of these charlatans who are wreaking serious havoc on young people’s lives. Soludo concedes that there are traditional healers who use herbs to cure ailments, but his battle is against those who sell charms and rituals as ‘immunities’ against criminal enterprises like armed robbery, kidnapping, cyber fraud etc. He is therefore not fighting genuine traditional medicine practitioners but rather those who prey on the greed or ignorance of our young people. “Go to Indonesia, 23 Ndi Anambra are on death row there for drug related offenses. These native doctors will deceive you that they will prepare a charm that when you carry drugs and enter the airport, the white man’s scanner will go blind. These young people believe them and today, many of our people are languishing in jail across the world,” Soludo said last week, while explaining the motivation for his campaign. “If you see anyone who is professing to have the powers to make people rich, tell us, we will bring him to Awka. If he makes one person a millionaire, we will bring Anambra people and line them up. I will equally present myself because I need money too.”
What Soludo is dealing with is a serious moral crisis that is not peculiar to Anambra State. These ‘native doctors’ are everywhere and many are complicit in the crime of kidnapping that is now rampant across the country. In February, the recently installed Asagba of Asaba, Professor Epiphany Azinge, SAN, banned the activities of ‘Eze-Nwanyi’ (female native doctors/goddesses) within his domain, following reports linking one of them to the murder of a kidnap victim whose body was discovered on the Niger Bridge. “The murder of the Anambra lawmaker points to Asaba, where money was cleared, and where the shrine harbouring the kingpin was located,” said the traditional ruler. “These native doctors seem to be aiding not only internet fraudsters (Yahoo Yahoo boys) but also kidnappers and other criminals. Therefore, we are banning them effective immediately.”
While dark powers exist, the notion that anybody could carry drugs and evade detection at airports or conjure money after killing and harvesting the head/internal organs of another human being or that they could be ‘fortified’ against arrest after committing heinous crimes is beyond ludicrous.
Unfortunately, these beliefs are now very prevalent among many of our young people who look for easy answers to life’s questions, especially in the desperate times we live in. That has also created a huge industry for these so-called native doctors who are setting up their shops everywhere and luring young people into lives of crime. In the process, many also lose their lives. For instance, following a stranger-than-fiction tragedy involving a teenager in a community in Esan Southeast local government area of Edo State last week, the Police have arrested a ‘native doctor’ and an accomplish. What was their alleged crime?
To prove the efficacy of a charm ritual they had performed on a 14-year-old boy who sought powers that would make him “invulnerable to bottles”, they struck his head with a bottle. Regrettably, the body of the teenager is now in the morgue. For a 14-year-old boy to be looking for a charm that would make his head ‘bottle-proof’, I expect there is a catch somewhere about illicit gain. Otherwise, what would be the point? Six months ago in the same state, there was a similar incident involving a 19-year-old self-acclaimed native doctor. “One Alex Ezekiel, now deceased, went to the ‘native doctor’ to have (bullet-proof) charms prepared for him. After preparing the charms, the native doctor tried to test the efficacy by shooting the deceased with a gun,” according to a statement by the state police command spokesman, SP Moses Yamu. “Unfortunately, the deceased sustained fatal injuries and was rushed to Ifejola Hospital, Igarra, where he was certified dead by a medical Doctor.”
I am almost certain that the young man was looking for ‘insurance’ against bullets with his eyes on a life of crime, possibly armed robbery or kidnapping. So commonplace is the lure of instant wealth that there is a growing belief that some people can create billionaires from charms or ‘fortify’ criminals against detection. Rooted
in ignorance and superstition, this is also an African challenge which then explains why albino and people suffering with a hunched back are perpetually endangered on the continent. In 2017, for instance, bald men in Mozambique were warned by the police that they could be targets of ritual attacks, after five such men were murdered within a week. “The belief is that the head of a bald man contains gold,” Afonso Dias, a police commander in Mozambique’s central Zambezia province, explained at the time.
This belief has also led to the creation of ‘professionals’ in the field of ‘head hunting’—people who go in search of body parts, particularly the head and sexual organs, for money-making rituals. Since the only way to get such human parts is by committing murder, it is no surprise that ritual killings are now rampant in cities like Lagos, Ibadan, Port Harcourt, Enugu, Benin and Kano. That also explains why hardly a week passes without the story of someone being a victim of ritual murder. Indeed, incidence of ritual killings is said to account for many missing people in Nigeria today.
Meanwhile, nobody has been able to prove that the charms by these crafty ‘witch doctors’, can catapult people from penury into instant wealth. At least for now, there is no single person who can be pointed to as having become rich because of human sacrifices, except characters in Nollywood movies. The son of one of the native doctors who is in detention, according to Soludo, is a waiter in a hotel in Nnewi. “If it was that simple, why didn’t he make his son a millionaire?” asked Soludo whose intervention on this matter deserves the support of critical stakeholders because it has brought out the sociological dimensions to serious crimes in Nigeria. “One of them (native doctor who is active on social media) has used things like these to deceive our young people that you can become rich without doing any work, as far as you have done Oke Ite (money rituals)”, he explained. “That is why you see young people who wake up in the morning and retire to a beer parlour drinking, hoping to get rich later in life.”
In his lecture at the 2019 convocation of the Nigerian Academy of Letters (NAL), respected Emeritus Professor of Philosophy, Godwin Sogolo, FNAL, spoke to the factors that render a social system dysfunctional, using Nigeria as an illustration. While moral disruptions due to ineffective education or damage caused by failure in governance tend to be more gradual and less perceptible, according to Sogolo, “the effects of disruptions caused by severe material needs and cultural invasions are more dramatic and impactful on human character.” Because, as he argued, such “derails the mind of the individual and causes havoc to the collective psyche. The result, in most cases, is the failure to comprehend the purpose of life, leading to moral apathy and unwholesome acts of violence, aggression and criminality, especially among the youths.”
As I have argued in the past on this page, the tragedy of Nigeria is beyond the failure of government; it is that our society is also failing. Although money rituals have been with us for a long time, the current prevalence can be situated within the context of Sogolo’s thesis. If you listen to the lyrics of most of the artistes who now rule the airwaves and are idolized in social media, dishonest living to make money is what most of them now glorify, in addition to peddling obscenities. And many of their young followers are being conditioned to believe that in life, only the end justifies the means.
Last September, the Kogi State Police Command paraded four suspects in connection with killing a 19-year-old female level student at the Federal University Lokoja. All the interactions that led to the tragic drama started on social media where the prime suspect first befriended his victim before they met physically. In his chilling confessional statement, the 20-year-old boy who lured the deceased girl to the bush before killing her for the purpose of ritual money, also said he met the native doctor—to whom he took her eyes, lungs, liver, tongue and other body parts—on TikTok before they then exchanged messages on WhatsApp.
Although the boy hails from Chikun local government of Kaduna State, he admitted coming to Lokoja to ‘hustle’, and then met the girl who fell for his tricks. “I already had it in mind that I want to use her for ritual. I bought codeine and Sprite and mixed it up and gave it to her. When she drank it, I told her, let us go to my house and she agreed. When she felt weak, I took her to an uncompleted building close to my place and strangled her to death...” he told the police. “The native doctor who resides in Ibadan sent a driver and brought calabash and a knife. It is the knife I used to remove parts of her body...” which the driver took back to Ibadan. These body parts were then processed into making a soap that was sent to the boy. Interested readers can consult Mr Google for the gory details and names of culprits in all the cases I have cited. What should worry us is the growing sociological problem that we must address. In practically all facets of our national life, many of our young people now look for short cuts to success. Such is the moral decay that students (at all levels of our education) want to pass examination not by reading their books but through ‘microchips’, ‘sorting’ and other malpractices for which there are now fancy euphemisms. And for stupendous wealth, they want to make ‘Cheddar’ so they could ‘hammer’ through fraudulent means. Therefore, until we put a lie to this erroneous belief that money can grow out of the body parts of human beings or that there are charms against accountability, the increasing tribe of ‘native doctors’ will continue to deceive young men and women into believing that the surest way to ‘making it’ in life is not by work but rather through ‘money rituals’.
Soludo...Anambra State Governor