WEDNESDAY 8TH OCTOBER 2025

Dangote Vs PENGASSAN: Sanusi, Kukah, Oteh, Peterside, Others Wade In, Say Unionism Not Licence to Cripple Economy

Maintain strikes may discourage investments Want protection, fair treatment of workers ACF BoT chair condemns ‘deliberate’ sabotage of refinery NUPENG attacks Oshiomhole over alleged anti-labour remarks NLC: Shettima’s position on PENGASSAN, Dangote face-off troubling

Emmanuel Addeh and Onyebuchi Ezigbo

www.thisdaylive.com

Several eminent Nigerians yesterday intervened in the recent face-off between the

Dangote Refinery and the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Ni-

geria (PENGASSAN), stressing that workers’ right to organise should not be overstretched to

cripple the Nigerian economy. In a joint statement by the concerned Nigerians, they also Continued on page 10

stated that the welfare of work-

All Eyes on Tinubu as INEC Chair, Yakubu, Bows Out, Agbamuche-Mbu Now Acting

President honours Ex Commission’s head with CON Former THISDAY General Counsel/Law Editor becomes acting Chairman Deji Elumoye in Abuja

Uche Nnaji, Tinubu’s Minister Accused of Certificate Forgery, Quits

President accepts his resignation Premium Times: How minister’s own letters countered his graduation claim Records show he failed a virology course, MCB 431AB, made two unsuccessful attempts to re-sit the examination

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, yesterday, accepted the resigna- tion of Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Geoffrey Nnaji, following allegations of multiple certificate forgery against him.

Nnaji had been in the eye of the storm, which gathered over alleged inconsistencies with his first degree certificate from the University of Nigeria (UNN), Nsukka, that he tendered for screening by the National Assembly as a ministerial candidate over two years ago.

Tinubu appointed Nnaji in August 2023.

Continued on page 10

Institute, at the Digital Government

NATIONAL ELECTION BOARD OF ETHIOPIA ON EXCHANGE VISIT TO INEC...

Commissioner, Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu;

of

Tinubu Seeks House Approval for $2.8bn

Foreign Loans, Eurobond Refinancing, Sukuk

AfDB to lend Nigeria $500m in budget support before year-end World Bank raises Sub-Sahara Africa growth forecast

Emmanuel Addeh, Sunday Aborisade and Juliet Akoje in Abuja

President Bola Tinubu yesterday formally wrote to the House of Representatives requesting a legislative resolution to authorise Nigeria’s entry into the international capital market to raise an aggregate of $2.847 billion.

The letter by the President came the same day the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) formally responded to all 19 questions raised by the Senate Committee on Public Accounts concerning the alleged unaccounted N210 trillion discovered in its audited financial statements covering 2017 to 2023.

The request by Tinubu, dated 22nd September 2025, which was addressed to the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas was submitted under the authority of Sections 21(1) and 27(1) of the Debt Management Office (Establishment) Act, 2003.

Tinubu outlined four key components within the request which included: the implementation of new external borrowing totalling N1,843,669,786,987.16 which equivalent to $1,229,113,000.00 at the 2025 budget exchange rate of N1,500/$1 as provided for in the 2025 Appropriation Act; the refinancing of maturing Euro- bonds worth $1,118,352,000.00 issued at 7.625 percent interest, maturing on November 21, 2025; permission to raise the combined $2.347 billion through a mix of Eurobonds, loan syndications, bridge finance facilities, or direct borrowing from international financial institutions; and the issuance of a debut Sovereign Sukuk worth up to $500 mil- lion in the international capital market, with or without credit guarantees.

The President clarified that the 2025 Appropriation Act authoris- es a total of N9,276,348,934,935.79 in new borrowings to fund the budget deficit, of which N7,432,679,147,948.63 was to

be sourced domestically and N1,843,669,786,987.16 to be sourced externally.

He emphasised that the external component was vital for the execution of the national budget and requested that the House of Representatives issue a

resolution permitting the federal government to raise this sum through various funding options available in the international capitalThesemarket. include the issuance of Eurobonds, the use of bridge financing from bookrunners, syndicated loans, or borrow- ing directly from international financial institutions.

2018, at a 7.625 percent interest rate and a tenor of seven years.

Addressing the issue of the maturing Eurobond, Tinubu drew attention to the impending repayment of a $1.118 billion bond issued on November 21,

The President stated that the bond, which would mature on November 21, 2025, needs to be refinanced to prevent a potential default.

Continues online

Alamu: Processed Cocoa, More Lucrative for Nigeria’s Economy Than Raw Exports

Says, Nigeria loses billions to raw cocoa exports

The founder and Group Managing Director of CapitalSage Holdings, Mr. John Alamu, has called for an urgent shift from exporting unprocessed cocoa beans to producing and exporting finished goods such as chocolate, cocoa butter, and powder, to multiply the nation’s earnings and create massive employment

Trade Fair Demolition: Peter Obi Pleads for Leniency

The 2023 presidential candidate for Labour Party, Peter Obi, has urged the Lagos State government to temper enforcement with mercy in its demolition of structures.

This comes after he visited the site of the demolished ASPAMDA Market at the Trade Fair Complex, in Lagos, which he criticised and described the razing of traders’ plazas as a test of the State’s commitment to justice and human dignity.

Obi, in a post made via his X account yesterday, recounted

an experience in the UK, where he had to follow due process to evict squatters from a property he owned.

He contrasted this with the situation in Lagos, where he said the state demolished properties without regard for human dignity.

“It would have been unthinkable for the state to simply wake up one morning and demolish people’s houses,” he said.

The former Governor of Anambra State argued that the law should serve as a means to ensure order, peace, and protection of human dignity, not as an

instrument to inflict pain.

He questioned the proportionality of the demolition, citing the destruction of billions of naira worth of investments and livelihoods. “It is like punishing a man who stole a bicycle with death instead of imprisonment,” he said.

Obi appealed to the government to exercise compassion and empathy in governance saying, “Governance must always balance law with compassion. A government should not pride itself on being legally correct if, in the process, it becomes morally wrong.”

opportunities.

Speaking on the remarkable growth of his business empire, which began in 2014 with just N100,000, Alamu said value addition through processing remains the golden key to transforming Nigeria’s economy.

He noted that the country’s long-standing dependence on raw cocoa export was costing the nation billions in lost revenue.

“An exporter of raw cocoa makes about $8,000 per tonne, but by processing the same into finished products like

chocolate, the value rises to as much as 30 times more,” he explained, emphasising that this philosophy has guided the evolution of CapitalSage Holdings into a multi-sector conglomerate driving Africa’s economic renaissance.

Alamu, who said he’s driving value across several sectors, said the company’s subsidiaries, Johnvents Group, which is currently a rising global integrated value chain participant and has become one of the leading supply chain participants and processor of sesame, cocoa, legumes,

cashew, soya, edible nuts, rice, and rubber, boasting millions of dollars in annual revenue. Alamu said with 10 factories, including Johnvents Industries and Premium Cocoa Products (Ile-Oluji, Ondo State), one of Nigeria’s oldest cocoa plants, the Group possess the capacity to process up to 48,000MT of cocoa annually for export to Europe, Asia, and the US.

“Johnvents Group (Capital- Sage Holdings’ agribusiness group) is, through its business units, building strength across multiple agri commodities and consumer markets,” he said.

There Was No First World War, Jimoh Ibrahim Declares at UN Conference

Wale Igbintade

Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, repre- senting Nigeria and the African Parliament at the ongoing United Nations Counter-Terrorism Conference in Turkey, has called on Britain to revise what he described as the “distorted historical record” of the First World War.

Speaking at the global forum, Senator Ibrahim argued that the 1914–1918 conflict should not

be classified as a “World War” but rather a regional European insurgency.

“There is no place in the world where the geo-centric system converged, and a war was launched. A disagreement among European nations that escalated into a regional conflict cannot rightly be termed a World War,” he said.

The senator maintained that the so-called First World War did not

affect half of the world’s popula- tion and was largely confined to Europe and its colonies.

“If anything,” he stated, “the Second World War should be regarded as the true First World War. The mere involvement of America in Europe’s 1917 crisis does not make it global. Even the Cold War confrontation between the U.S. and the USSR in the 1990s cannot be classified as a world war.”

cutting of the tape commemorating inaugural flight at gateway int’l airport... L-R: Commissioner for Transportation, Engr. Gbenga Dairo; Ogun State Deputy Governor, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele; Governor Dapo Abiodun; Chairman/CEO, Value Jet, Mr Kunle Soname and the Olofin of Ilishan-Remo, Oba (Dr) Micheal Sonuga; Head of Service, Mr. Kehinde Onasanya, during the cutting of the tape commemorating the inaugural flight at the Gateway International Airport, Ilishan Remo, on Tuesday.

World Bank Upgrades Nigeria’s 2025 Growth Outlook to 4.2%

Hails Tinubu’s, CBN reforms for reducing naira volatility, strengthening external buffers

nume ekeghe

The World Bank has upgraded Nigeria’s economic growth forecast for 2025 to 4.2 per cent, reflecting a 0.6 percentage point increase from its previous projection.

The outlook upgrade was buoyed by improved macroeconomic stability, stronger

service-sector performance, and the impact of recent structural reforms.

In the latest Africa’s Pulse report released yesterday, the Washington-based institution projected that Nigeria’s economic growth would rise from 4.1 per cent in 2024 to 4.2 per cent in 2025, and further strengthen to 4.4 per

cent between 2026 and 2027, driven by higher activity in ICT, finance, and real estate.

“Economic growth in Nigeria has been upgraded by 0.6 percentage point per year during 2024– 27, mainly due to the rebasing effect.

“Activity is expected to increase slightly, from 4.1 percent in 2024 to 4.2 percent

in 2025, and firm to 4.4 percent in 2026–27. The projected higher growth of the Nigerian economy is likely to be driven by stronger performance in services—especially ICT, finance, and real estate,” it added.

The Bank attributed the more optimistic outlook to ongoing economic reforms

introduced under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, particularly those aimed at stabilising the foreign exchange market.

“As a result of the reforms implemented by President Tinubu, the naira’s volatility has declined, and the external position has improved as reflected by increased reserves and a large positive current account surplus.

Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) upward to 3.8 per cent in 2025, from 3.5 per cent in 2024, representing a 0.3 percentage point increase from its April 2025 forecast.

With Valuation of Over N1.6trn, SEC, Stakeholders Push

to Expand Non-interest Capital Market

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has disclosed that Nigeria’s non-interest capital market has grown significantly, reaching a valuation of over N1.6 trillion, a milestone it says signals growing investor confidence and deepening participation in ethical finance.

The Director-General of the SEC, Dr. Emomotimi Agama, announced this during a joint press briefing in Abuja, ahead of the 7th African International Conference on Islamic

Finance (AICIF), scheduled to hold in Lagos on November 4 and 5, 2025.

The conference, being jointly organised by the SEC, the Metropolitan Law Firm, and Metropolitan Skills Ltd., has as its theme, “Africa Emerging: A Prosperous and Inclusive Outlook.”

It aims to promote ethical financing as a viable tool for building a resilient and inclusive African economy.

Agama, described the upcoming conference as “strategically positioned” to coincide with the conclusion of the Revised Nigerian

Capital Market Masterplan (2021–2025), adding that it would serve as a platform for charting the next phase of sustainable financial develop- ment across the continent.

“This year’s theme is a call to action, it’s about harnessing ethical finance as a tool to build a more prosperous and equitable Africa,” he said.

According to him, the Nigerian non-interest mar- ket has shown remarkable momentum, with Sukuk dominating the sector.

He revealed that the last Sukuk issuance was oversubscribed by over 700

Nigeria, Qatar Strengthen Partnership against Illicit Drug Trafficking

michael olugbode in Abuja

Nigeria and Qatar have strengthened their partnership in the area of combating illicit drug trafficking with the symbolic exchange of instruments of ratification between the two countries.

The exchange was made by the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug

Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Rtd) and the Qatar Ambassador Ali Bin Ghanem Al- Hajri.

The exchange followed the historic signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between President Bola Tinubu and the Emir of the State of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani,

on 3rd March 2024 in Doha, on cooperation on combating illicit trade in narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and their precursors.

Speaking at a brief ceremony at the Qatar Embassy in Abuja yesterday, Marwa expressed appreciation for the partnership between the two countries against a major threat to public health and security globally.

per cent, underscoring the growing investor appetite for non-interest products and confidence in the regulatory framework.

“The non-interest capital market has attained a valuation of N1.6 trillion. The overwhelming subscription to our Sukuk issuances demonstrates strong investor confidence and an expanding demand for ethical financial instruments,” Agama said.

“A more competitive naira is expected to continue supporting some export diversification and compressed imports. Price pressures are expected to remain elevated, necessitating sustained monetary policy efforts to re-anchor inflation expectations.

“The disinflation path remains vulnerable to risks, including exchange rate pressures, potential supply shocks, and volatility in global markets, which could slow progress toward price stability,” it added.

The Bank also revised its growth outlook for

“The revision reflects growth upgrades in large economies like Nigeria (0.6 percentage point), Ethiopia (0.7 percentage point), and Côte d’Ivoire (0.5 percentage point),” it noted. The improved regional projection, according to the Bank, was supported by easing inflationary pressures and a modest recovery in investment, even as global headwinds persist. It also observed that the number of African countries experiencing double-digit inflation has fallen from 23 in October 2022 to 10 by July 2025, signalling progress in stabilising prices.

Despite the positive growth narrative, the World Bank warned that economic expan- sion across the region remains insufficient to absorb Africa’s rapidly growing labour force.

Forensic Analysis of Emefiele’s iPhone,

wale igbintade

The forensic examination of an iPhone and WhatsApp conversations, regarded as crucial evidence in the ongoing $4.5 billion fraud trial of the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Godwin Emefiele, has stalled following a disagreement between the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the defence team over the execution of a court order.

At the resumed hearing before Justice Rahman Oshodi of the Ikeja Special Offences Court, Lagos, counsel to the defendant, Mr. Olalekan Ojo, SAN, informed the court that the joint forensic analysis earlier ordered by the court to be undertaken by experts from both sides could not proceed as scheduled due to disputes on the modalities for compliance.

Emefiele, who is standing trial alongside a co-defendant,

Mr. Henry Omoile, on a 19-count charge bordering on alleged fraud and abuse of office, accused the EFCC of frustrating the court-sanctioned examination of the device. Ojo told the court that despite Justice Oshodi’s explicit directive authorising a forensic analysis of the mobile device marked iPhone 2 and its WhatsApp contents, the anti-graft agency failed to cooperate with the defence team on two separate occasions.

FLAG OFF OF THE CONSTRUCTION OF MOHAMMED ISA ROAD EXTENSION IN ASOKORO...

L-R: APC National Vice Chairman (South South), Victor Giadom; Senator Philip Aduda; PDP National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu; Senator Mao Ohuabunwa; FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike; former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Chibudom Nwuche; Managing Director, Global Spectrum PLC, Mr. Colm Doyle; and FCTA Acting Head of Service, Mrs. Nancy Nathan, at the flag-off of the construction of Mohammed Isa Road Extension in Asokoro, Abuja on Monday

In Drive to Deepen Financial Inclusion, CBN Issues

Fresh Guidelines for Operations of Agent Banking

Sets implementation for April 1, 2026 Pegs daily cumulative cash-out limit at N1.2 million

James Emejo in Abuja

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has released new guidelines for the operations of agent banking in the country.

The new regulation, effective April 1, 2026, aimed to establish minimum standards for operating agent banking as well as enhance them to provide financial services and promote financial inclusion in the country.

The framework further seeks to encourage responsible market conduct and improve service quality in agent bankingTheoperations. central bank announced this in a circular to all Deposit Money Bank (DMBs), Other Financial Institutions and Payment Service Providers, which was dated October 6, 2025, and signed by CBN Director, Payments System Policy Department, Musa I. Jimoh.

The guidelines supersedes

all other CBN guidelines on agent banking and agent banking relationships, the bank further affirmed.

The apex bank explained that the framework was in furtherance of its mandate for the stability of the financial system and pursuant to its role in deepening the financial system.

The CBN warned all stakeholders to ensure strict compliance with the guidelines and all other regulations, as the bank will continue to monitor developments and issue guidance as may be appropriate.

Essentially, agent banking denotes the provision of financial services by a third party to customers on behalf of a licensed deposit-taking financial institution.

The guidelines shall apply to all Financial Institutions (FIs) licensed by the CBN and authorised to engage in agent banking activities, subject to periodic review by

the bank.

Under the new framework, the CBN noted that the principal to the agent shall ensure that each agent’s daily cumulative cash-out limit does not exceed N1,200,000.00. However, the CBN may vary or amend the transaction limits specified from time to time for each service in line with the extant CBN Guide to Charges for banks and Other

Financial Institutions in the country.

Also, any device deployed to an Agent or utilised by an Agent in carrying on agent banking services shall be geo-fenced or tagged to operate within the agreed registered Agent premises or location.

The document further listed stakeholders in agent banking to include, princi-

pals, super agents, agents, Payment Terminal Service Aggregators (PTSAS) and the apex bank – as well as their respective roles and requirements including KYC and anti-money laundering clearance among others.

It stipulated operational and transaction limits for agent banking, stating that financial institutions shall ensure that the transactional limits for

agent banking services are within the maximum regulatory limits specified in the guidelines.Meanwhile, the central bank had issued the “Guidelines for the Regulation of Agent Banking and Agent Banking Relationships in Nigeria” in 2013 and the “Regulatory Framework for Licensing Super Agents in Nigeria” in 2015.

Abiodun Makes History, Inaugurates First Commercial

Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State on Tuesday inaugurated the first commercial flight of the Gateway International Airport, Ilishan Remo.

The aircraft owned by Valuejet, with registration number 5N-BXS and 90 passengers on board, departed the airport at 10:10 a.m. to Abuja.

Speaking at the airport located along the Iperu-Ilisan

Environment Minister: Climate Governance Has Been Strengthened in Nigeria

The Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal, has commended the significant achievements recorded under the Nigeria Climate Change Response Programme (NCCRP), describing it as a landmark initiative that has strengthened the nation’s climate governance, improved awareness, and built resilience across various sectors. Speaking at the Final Project Seminar of the NCCRP held in Abuja, and themed “Climate

Change Governance: The Importance, Where We Are, and Way Forward,” Lawal welcomed stakeholders, part- ners, and participants to what he described as a celebration of Nigeria’s collective progress in the fight against climate change.Lawal noted that since the launch of the Programme in 2020, the NCCRP has delivered notable outcomes that have positively impacted both national and subnational levels. He said these include the establishment of a robust

Measurement, Reporting and Verification (MRV) System and the development of a Climate Change Education Curriculum designed to advance solid waste manage- ment practices and enhance climate communication across theThecountry.minister explained the project has built strong collaboration among Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), improved techni- cal capacity, and promoted community participation in environmental governance.

Flight at Gateway International Airport

road in the Ikenne Local Government Area of the state, the governor said the journey to actualize the airport started in 2021 and was part of the vision to provide a well-modeled transport system for the state.

He said: “I am glad to be here today to actually witness the inaugural flight of a commercial aircraft taking off from Ogun State; this is not like AI, this is real. Commercial operations are starting from Ogun State in the lifetime of

an administration.

“We came here in 2021; some people said it was just a photo op, they said it was just politics, they mocked us, and they said this place is nothing but a dump site. Some even said that we were going to use this place as a cattle ranch.

“Some others had this airport built on a PowerPoint, but again, we are here today, and we have seen what can be achieved when there is vision, when there is collec-

tive vision, inclusive vision, inclusive participation, and when there are passion and diligence.

“We began to construct in late 2021; in February 2023, this same Valuejet was the first plane to land on this runway; it was a test flight of our runway. Building an airport is one thing; having an airport become operational is a totally different thing because it is a very highly regulated industry.”

Ezekwesili, Dangote Foundation, NESG, Others Unite to Tackle Africa’s Learning Crisis

Funmi Ogundare

As global aid to Africa’s education sector faces a steep decline, Human Capital Africa (HCA), the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG), the Aliko Dangote Foundation, and the African Philanthropy Forum, yesterday, unveiled coalitions to tackle the continent’s worsening learning crisis.

They include; the African CEOs’ Coalition for Foun-

dational Learning and the Africa Philanthropy Coalition for Foundational Learning, designed to mobilise urgent African-led action to ensure that every child acquires essential foundational skills needed for future success.

The move comes amid projections that global education aid will drop by US$3.2 billion between 2023 and 2026, representing a 24 per cent decline, with West and

Central Africa expected to face a 25 per cent reduction, and Eastern and Southern Africa up to 28 per cent.

Speaking at a dinner held at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Human Capital Africa, Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, explained that the coalitions would strengthen African ownership of education reform and reduce dependence on foreign aid.

Foreign Investors, Banks Stake Over N4trn in CBN’s OMO Bills

Strong demand reflects renewed confidence in monetary policy amid FX Market Tightness

Nume Ekeghe

Foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) and Nigerian deposit money banks (DMBs) demonstrated renewed confidence in the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) monetary tightening stance as they collectively staked more than N4 trillion in the apex bank’s Open Market Operation (OMO) auction on Monday.

The auction, which sought to mop up excess liquidity from the financial system, recorded total subscriptions of N4.1 trillion, with the CBN eventually allotting

N998.1 billion at an average stop rate of 20.1 per cent. The outcome underscores sustained appetite for high-yield naira assets among institutional investors seeking to hedge against inflation and exchange rate volatility.

Market analysts described the robust participation as a positive signal of policy credibility and a reflection of investor prefer- ence for short-term sovereign instruments amid tightening liquidity conditions. The strong demand also highlights improving confidence in CBN operations following recent

monetary reforms designed to stabilise prices and attract capitalDespiteinflows. the upbeat sentiment in the fixed-income segment, pressure persisted in the foreign exchange (FX) market, where the naira weakened to N1,475 per US dollar at the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market (NFEM) fol- lowing a spike in demand for foreign currency by eligible users.

The local currency has lost about N15 in the past two trading sessions, reflecting renewed FX demand pressures in the absence of direct market

intervention.

A research note from Coronation Merchant Bank observed that activity levels at the NFEM window moderated slightly last week, as FX inflows declined to US$835.6 million, compared to US$1.18 billion in the preceding week.

By composition, foreign portfolio investors accounted for the largest share of inflows at US$259.11 million (30.1 per cent), followed by exporters (20.3 per cent), foreign direct investments (19.9 per cent), the CBN (14.9 per cent), non-bank corporates

uCHE n n A j I , T I nubu’ S mI n ISTE r A CC u SED of C E r TI f ICATE f org E r Y, Qu ITS

According to a release issued by presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, Nnaji resigned “today in a letter thanking the president for allowing him to serveHowever,Nigeria”. the minister, in the resignation letter, said he had been the target of blackmail by political opponents.

Tinubu thanked him for his service and wished him well in his future endeavours, the statement said.

Before Nnaji threw in the towel, fresh evidence had emerged confirming that the academic credentials with which he secured his appointment in 2023 could not have been genuine.

A Premium Times investiga- tive report revealed that while

Although there had been speculations that Tinubu is actively considering Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, an indigene of Kogi State, how he navigates his eventual choice is yet to be seen amid the looming 2027 general election.

Nonetheless, the president accepted the departure of Yakubu as INEC chairman following the expiration of his second term in office.

Former THISDAY General Counsel and Law Editor, May Agbamuche-Mbu, known for her integrity stepped in as Acting Chairman of INEC, being the most senior National Commissioner.

Yakubu was first appointed in November 2015 as the 14th chairman of the commission for an initial term of five years. The appointment, which was renewed in 2020, had now expired.

Tinubu, in a release by his Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, thanked Yakubu for his services to the country. He praised Yakubu’s effort to sustain Nigeria’s democracy, particularly through the organisation of free and fair elections throughout his two-term tenure.

Nnaji gained admission into UNN in 1981 to study Microbiology/Biochemistry, he dropped out without completing his studies. Despite this, Nnaji emerged on the political scene in the past years claiming to have graduated from the institution with Second-Class Honours, Lower Division, in July 1985.

But documents seen by Premium Times showed that at the time Nnaji claimed to have graduated from UNN and purportedly proceeded to participate in the mandatory national youth service, he was still exchanging correspondence with the institution on how he could re-sit a failed terminal course examination. The records showed

dedicated service to the country, Tinubu bestowed on him the honour of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON).

Tinubu also directed that Yakubu should hand over to the most senior national commissioner, Agbamuche- Mbu, would direct the affairs of the commission until the appointment of a substantive chairman.

In a letter dated October 3, 2025, Yakubu thanked the president for the opportunity to serve the country as chairman of INEC since 2015.

Thus, after weeks of speculation, Yakubu officially stepped down as INEC chairman.

In obedience to the directives of the president, Yakubu handed over to AgbamucheMbu, who had stepped in, in acting capacity, pending the appointment of a chairman.

The announcement was made yesterday during a meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) at the INEC headquarters in Abuja.

that Nnaji failed a virology course — MCB 431AB — and subsequently made two unsuccessful attempts to re-sit the examination.

The university’s registrar, through a letter dated No- vember 8, 1985, informed him that he failed the course in the round of September 1985 supplementary examinations, and advised him on the steps he needed to take to have a re-sit.

The letter was sent to him about four months after he claimed to have completed his studies and graduated from the university, the Premium Times report showed.

“I regret to inform you that the result of the 1984/85 September Supplementary

University of Jos, and Professor of Law with specialisation and experience in Law of Evidence, Corporate Governance, Corpo- rate Law and Privatisation Law, might, thus, be announced as the new INEC chairman any moment from now.

Speaking yesterday, Yakubu said over the years, the com- mission had achieved a lot in responding to challenges and monitoring, while also introducing many innovations. He stated that the electoral body had consolidated the biometric register of voters and

ers should not be left on the back burner of corporate goals, maintaining that no enterprise can succeed without motivated and fairly treated workers.

examination results show that you have not made the required grade in the 1985 September supplementary examination in the following course — MCB 431 A -Virology,” the registrar’s letter read.

“If you wish to take the June 1986 examination as is provided by the University of Nigeria academic regulations, you are required to notify the registrar through your Head of Department with a proof of payment of examination fee of N4 (four naira),” it stated.

Responding through a January 3, 1986 letter, Nnaji, according to the Premium Times report, formally notified the registrar of his intention to retake the course, stating that he had paid the required N4

replaced many of the manual processes with digital platforms andYakubuapplications. said that included the nomination of candidates, submission of polling and collation agents by political parties, accreditation of national and international observers and media representatives for elections, voter accreditation, and result management.

Yakubu stressed that with the support of development partners, the commission had introduced various technologies

Continued on page 36

Barbara Etim James.

(8.9 per cent), and other sources (12.2 per Analystscent).noted that the tightening in liquidity, reinforced by the recent OMO sales, could help moderate speculative demand for dollars in the coming weeks, particularly as naira yields remain elevated and foreign investors deepen participation in the domestic debt market.

In a related note, the report stated that the gap between the official and parallel market rates narrowed to -N10.68 (a 0.73 per cent premium at the official

fee. Yet, he failed to appear for the rescheduled exam.

In another letter dated May 19, 1986 and addressed to the registrar, Nnaji attributed his absence from the examination to ill health and requested another re-sit opportunity during the September 1986 supplementary examinations. A copy of the letter seen by Premium Times indicated that his medical report was attached to support his claim.

“Due to ill health, I was unable to take the outstanding terminal course MCB 431 AB-virology which took place on the 21st of April 1986,” he wrote at the time. “I, therefore, pray that you grant me, Sir, the opportunity to do so during the supplementary examinations.”

The correspondence punctured Nnaji’s claim that he graduated from UNN in July 1985, the report showed.

records.

For example, the notification of result he tendered claims he graduated in July 1985 with Second Class (Lower Division), while his purported National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) discharge certificate indicates he commenced service in April 1985 — months before he purportedly completed his studies.

Both documents, according to the Premium Times investigation, stood in stark contrast to the correspondence he exchanged with UNN’s registrar between 1985 and 1986, showing he had yet to pass the outstanding terminal virology course crucial to his graduation from the university.

More than 10 months after he claimed to have graduated, as of May 1986, he was still scrambling to re-sit an outstanding crucial course examination.

An October 2, 2025 letter from the university’s Vice Chancellor, Simon Ortuanya, in response to Premium Times’ Freedom of Information request, showed that Nnaji did not return to complete the outstanding course.

The investigation raised fundamental inconsistencies in Nnaji’s academic and service

on fuel Theseimports.

“Already, the refinery has begun to ease supply pressures, with petrol prices in some parts of the country dropping from around N1,500 per litre to about N820 — a 55 per cent reduction. This impact on transport costs and food prices offers Nigerians a glimpse of how local producumpire.

In recognition of Yakubu’s

THISDAY had reported that Tinubu’s long search for a new INEC chairman might be drawing to an following the president’s strong consideration of Amupitan to replace Yakubu. Amupitan, Deputy ViceChancellor (Administration),

The statement was signed by Khalifa Muhammad Sanusi II, Sarkin Kano; Bishop Matthew Kukah; Arunma Oteh; Osita Chidoka ; Atedo Peterside; Senator Sola Akinyede; and Opeyemi Adamolekun.

Other signatories were: Abubakar Siddique Moham- med; Aisha Yesufu; Dr. Salamatu Hussaini Suleiman; Dudu Mamman Manuga; Ibrahim Dahiru Waziri and Obonganwan

The group noted with concern the recent disputes and disruptions surrounding the Dangote Refinery, emphasising that although the immediate crisis has been de-escalated through government mediation and renewed dialogue between labour and management, the episode raises important lessons for Nigeria’s economic future.

For decades, the eminent Nigerians said the nation has endured the collapse of government-owned refineries, the waste of trillions of naira in subsidies, and dependence

failures left citizens exposed to scarcity, inflation, and insecurity, they said, noting that in this context, the Dangote Refinery represents more than a private venture, but a national symbol of what bold domestic investment can achieve.

Allegations of certificate forgery had dogged Nnaji since July 2023, when Tinubu named him among the first batch of 28 ministerial nominees from 25 states forwarded to the senate as part of the president’s initial cabinet list, two months after taking office on May 29, 2023. Besides, critics had long insisted that Nnaji did not complete his university education and that both the Bachelor’s degree and NYSC certificates he presented to Tinubu, as well as Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Department of State Services (DSS), and Senate, were forged, the Premium Times report showed.

tivity can improve daily life. It also signals to investors at home and abroad that industry, rather than speculation, can still thrive in “However,Nigeria. the strikes and threats that accompanied this transition send the wrong signals. Industrial disputes, if not carefully managed, risk discouraging both domestic and foreign investment at a time when Nigeria most needs capital and innovation. A refinery of this scale is a national lifeline, with profound consequences for jobs, energy

Continued on page 36

Launch of the $1 MiLLion founders fund...

L-R: CEO Chocolate City Music, Abuchi Peter Ugwu; CEO Loatsad Promo Media, Mr Seyi Tinubu; Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa; Chairman Chocolate City Group, Audu Maikori; Minister of State for Finance, Dr Doris Uzoka-Anite and Vice-Chairman, Chocolate City Group, Paul Okeugo during the launch of the $1 Million Founders Fund in Lagos...recently

Akpabio Rallies Senators for Bold Reforms, Stronger Federalism, and Responsible Leadership

Akpoti-Uduaghan formally resumes plenary

sunday aborisade in Abuja

President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, yesterday rallied members of the 10th National Assembly to recommit themselves to the urgent task of rebuilding Nigeria’s economy, deepening democracy, and restoring public confidence in Ingovernance.

senators as plenary resumed after the long recess, Akpabio set a resolute tone for the new legislative session.

He urged lawmakers to rise above rhetoric and deliver tangible results to a nation still grappling with insecurity, hunger, and economic strain.

his welcome address to

“Our people do not look to us for lamentations; they look to us for action,” Akpabio declared

in a speech titled ‘Steady Hands for a Great Nation’.

He said, “The banners of terrorism and banditry still threaten the countryside. The cost-of-living weighs upon the family table like an iron chain.

“The flickering of our national grid leaves cities in darkness and commerce in paralysis. These trials summon us to service of uncommon urgency.”

The Senate President commended President Bola Tinubu and Nigerians on the nation’s 65th Independence Anniversary, describing the country’s journey since 1960 as a relay of faith and sacrifice.

“The flame may flicker, but it must never die,” he said. Akpabio expressed grief over recent tragedies, including the

At ICAN Conference, Tinubu Reaffirms Commitment to Strong Institutions, Reforms, Inclusive, Sustainable Devt

Hails accountants’ contribution to national growth, resilience of Nigerians in difficult times, tasks ICAN on ethical conduct, accountability ICAN president: No progress without stronger institutions, coherent execution, declares poverty still high

James

President Bola Tinubu yesterday, reiterated his administration’s full commitment to building institutions that work, drive reforms that matter, and foster inclusive and sustainable development.

The president said Nigerians remained the country’s greatest assets, noting that with its vast human and natural resources, Nigeria had demonstrated re- markable strength in weathering global disruptions.

He spoke at the opening of the 55th Annual Accountants Conference with the theme, “Building Resilience - Align- ing Reforms for Nigeria’s Development”, organised by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) in Abuja.

Represented by the Accoun- tant General of the Federation (AGF), Mr. Shamsedeen Babatunde Ogujimi, the president noted that over time, Nigerians have demonstrated extraordinary tenacity, innovation, hard

work, and hope in overcoming all challenges.

Therefore, he stressed that resilience must be supported by robust and adaptable systems that can thrive in uncertainty.

Tinubu said, “As a Nation, we continually find ourselves navigating a period of profound domestic and global disruptions. It is, therefore, in moments such as these that resilience must be viewed as a strategic necessity, not just a concept.

“The theme reaffirms our shared responsibility and collective resolve to strengthen Nigeria’s economic foundations and governance framework.

“Resilience demands sustainable practices that entail thinking beyond immediate gains. It is generally considered to be the ability of individuals, institutions, and nations to absorb shocks, adapt to chal- lenges, and emerge stronger.”

The president pointed out that economic downturns, the global pandemic, fluctuations in oil prices, insecurity, and structural imbalances have

so far tested the country’s resilience.

He said ICAN remained one of the pillars of socio-economic development, with a deep his- tory ingrained in the country’s developmental trajectory.

He urged the institute to continue leading the charge in promoting ethical conduct, advocating for sound financial reforms, and supporting policies and programme that guarantee long-term development.

The president said, “Never forget that the integrity of our financial reporting depends on you; the success of our public sector financial management reforms depends on you; like- wise, the confidence of foreign and domestic investors depends on your professionalism.”

He said, “I salute the founding fathers, Chief Akintola Williams, F.C.O. Coker, of blessed memory, and others for their vision. I congratulate the current leadership and all members for upholding the founding principles of integrity, objectivity, and

professional competence and for their unwavering commit- ment to advancing our nation’s accounting profession over the decades, which has contributed immensely to national growth and development.”

Kogi boat mishap, the Katsina mosque attack, and the murder of forest guards in Kwara, and called for better coordination between federal and state authorities to mitigate annual flooding across the country.

While acknowledging the nation’s economic challenges, Akpabio noted that there are encouraging signs of recovery.

He cited Nigeria’s oil output approaching 1.8 million barrels per day as a sign of renewed investor confidence.

He, however, warned against treating the development as “another fleeting windfall,” insisting that it must instead lay the foundation for fiscal discipline and job creation.

On food insecurity, he lamented that “over 33 million Nigerians face acute hunger,” urging immediate legislative interventions in agriculture, ir- rigation, and rural infrastructure.

“Hunger cannot be defeated with words; it requires policy, budget, and will,” he said.

Akpabio also restated the Senate’s commitment to constitutional review, stressing

the legislature must strengthen federalism, improve governance efficiency, and ensure inclusiveness.

“We must revisit the Constitution to make our federalism stronger, our governance more efficient, and our democracy more inclusive,” he noted.

On relations with the Executive, Akpabio pledged coop- eration without compromise, declaring that the Senate “shall remain frank and firm, neither obsequious nor obstructive.”

“Where policies raise our people, we shall lend our strength; where they imperil them, we shall speak on their behalf,” he pledged.

As the 2027 election season approaches, the Senate President delivered a sobering reminder about the quality of leadership and the dangers of political“Leadershipshowmanship. is not a carnival, and governance is not a stage for theatrics,” he warned.

“Let no one mistake the nation’s destiny for a costume drama, nor confuse applause with achievement.”

S’ Court Reserves Judgment in Osun, AGF Battle for Withheld LG Funds

alex enumah in Abuja

The Supreme Court of Nigeria on Tuesday, reserved judgment in a suit filed by Osun State challeng- ing the legality of the Attorney General of the Federation’s (AGF) release of the withheld funds belonging to the state’s Local Government Area Councils to the alleged sacked chairmen and councilors of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

A seven-man panel led by Justice Uwani Aba’aji, announced that the panel’s decision has been reserved and would be

communicated to parties, shortly after lawyers representing parties in the suit identified and argued their brief of arguments for and against the suit.

While Musbau Adetumbi, SAN, argued the case of the Osun State Attorney General, who is the plaintiff, that of the AGF, who is the sole defendant was argued by Chief Akin Olujimi, SAN.

The plaintiff, in the suit marked: SC/CV/773, is seeking an order of the apex court directing the AGF to immediately release the statutory allocations to Chairmen and Councilors

validly elected for the 30 local government areas of the Osun State.

The plaintiff is also seeking an- other order barring the AGF from further withholding, suspending or seizing monthly allocations and revenues standing to the credit of the constituent local governments, having democratically elected chairmen in place.

The grouse of the Osun At- torney General was that, the AGF was wrong in his letter recognizing APC LG chairmen when the matter was pending before court of records.

Politics

Acting Group Politics Editor DEJI ELUMOYE

Email: deji.elumoye@thisdaylive.com

08033025611 sms only

As Curtains Fall on Yakubu’s Tenure as INEC Chairman...

Immediate past Chairman of the Independent n ational Electoral Commission , Prof. Mahmood Yakubu Tuesday stepped down from his role, pending the appointment of a substantive chairman by the President. Adedayo Akinwale reports.

Following weeks of speculation, Professor Mahmood Yakubu has officially stepped down as the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The announcement was made on Tuesday during a meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) at the INEC headquarters in Abuja.

Yakubu handed over to a National Commissioner of the commission, May AgbamucheMbu, who stepped in in acting capacity pending the appointment of a substantive chairman.

The immediate past chairman was appointed in 2015. He took over from Prof. Attahiru Jega. Yakubu’s tenure was eventful. From spearheading the innovative advancement of the commission, improvements of the electoral process, inconclusive elections on a few occasions also became pronounced. This, however, was due to no fault of INEC.

One of the most challenging moments of the former chairman came when INEC Result Viewing (IRev) portal experienced a glitch during the transmission of 2023 presidential election.

After the commission tried all it could, visibly worried and emotionally disturbed Yakubu, later summoned the courage to address an emergency press conference to inform the whole world about the glitch suffered by the commission, while also assuring that the votes of Nigerians would count.

He oversaw the largest number of elections ever conducted in Nigeria, including 2019 and 2023 general elections; governorship polls, hundreds of by-elections, and three Federal Capital Territory (FCT) council elections.

During his tenure, Yakubu ensured technological breakthroughs for the electoral body. He introduced the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), replacing the flawed manual processes with fingerprint and facial recognition.

Aside that, he also unveiled the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV), allowing Nigerians to view polling unit results live, strengthening transparency and public confidence.

Yakubu also revolutionised voter registration through IVED and ABIS, eliminating 2.7 million fraudulent registrations. Similarly, he launched digital portals for candidate nomination, party agent registration, observer accreditation, and media access.

Through his innovation, INEC became the first election body in Africa to establish an Artificial Intelligence Division, embracing the future of election management.

Yakubu institutionalised Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) from 2017, giving citizens year-round opportunities

to register. It was based on this that over 23 million new voters across two General Elections were added to the voter register.

He further introduced online pre-registration portals, empowering citizens to transfer, update, or replace their voter cards with ease.

Yakubu also published detailed voter demographics by age, gender, occupation, and disability, setting a new standard for transparency.

It was also during his tenure that election dates were regularised, creating certainty and predictability for citizens, parties, and observers.

Yakubu didn’t stop at that, he went a step ahead by expanding polling units for the first time in 25 years — from 119,974 to 176,846 — widening voter access and reducing congestion.

In addition, he modernised election infrastructure, building State Collation Centres across the federation and commencing a new INEC Headquarters in Abuja.

no doubt, the outgoing InEC Chairman would be satisfied that he has built an enduring institutional memory, commissioning policy papers, reviews, and initiating n igeria’s first Election m useum to preserve the nation’s democratic history. Through thick and thin, love him or demonise him, yakubu’s decade-long leadership was not just about elections, but about transformation. He leaves behind an InEC that is stronger, smarter, and closer to the people than ever before.

Similarly, he introduced the Election Monitoring and Support Centre (EMSC) — a sophisticated hub tracking more than 1,000 indicators to ensure timely planning and coordination.

Through his persist push, he partnered with the National Assembly to birth the landmark Electoral Act 2022, heralding electronic transmission of results and stricter party regulations. Yakubu further produced comprehensive guidelines and manuals, giving consistency to the conduct of elections.

While following the INEC procedure and guidelines, he deregistered 74 underperforming political parties, streamlining Nigeria’s political space from 92 to 18 active platforms.

Through his well intentioned actions, Yakubu positioned INEC as a technology-driven, reformoriented, and people-focused institution.

He deepened public trust in the integrity of elections and also elevated Nigeria’s status as a regional leader in electoral governance and diplomacy.

Yakubu also created and implemented legal frameworks for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) to vote, safeguarding rights even in times of crisis.

During his 10-year reign, Yakubu cemented reforms that will endure, ensuring future generations inherit a freer, fairer, and more credible democracy.

No doubt, the outgoing INEC Chairman would be satisfied that he has built an enduring institutional memory, commissioning policy papers, reviews, and initiating Nigeria’s first Election Museum to preserve the nation’s democratic history. Through thick and thin, love him or demonise him, Yakubu’s decade-long leadership was not just about elections, but about transformation. He leaves behind an INEC that is stronger, smarter, and closer to the people than ever before.

polity

Like Kemi Adeosun, Science Minister, Nnaji Quits the Stage

By Aliyu Kurudu

Finally, yesterday, under unrelenting high-octane pressure and controversy, the embattled, Enugu State-born Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, threw in the towel and resigned his appointment.

A terse statement by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga yesterday evening captured the minister’s formal exit: “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has accepted the resignation of Geoffrey Uche Nnaji, the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, following some allegations against him.

“President Tinubu appointed Nnaji in August 2023. He resigned today in a letter thanking the President for allowing him to serve Nigeria. Nnaji said he has been a target of blackmail by political opponents. President Tinubu thanked him for his service and wished him well in future endeavours.”

It was sadly a pretty unscientific script, acted out amateurishly, ending predictably. The trending narratives were weighty but Chief Nnaji, the former science and technology minister attempted to ride the storm and brazen it out by blaming political opponents. But this was not to be. He finally bit the dust.

What transpired in Chief Nnaji’s case is somewhat comparable to Kemi Adeosun, Nigeria’s Minister of Finance under the Muhammadu Buhari presidency who resigned at the height of allegedly forged national youth service corps certificate controversy.

Nigeria’s science minister was embroiled in an alleged certificates forgery scheme, with the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) disowning the Bachelor of Science (B.Sc) degree certificate which the minister submitted to the Senate and DSS during his screening in August 2023.

In his nifty 10-age curriculum vitae submitted to the Senate, including his degree and NYSC certificates, the minister had told the lawmakers that he graduated from UNN with a B.Sc. in Biochemistry and Microbiology and underwent his one-year mandatory NYSC service in Jos, Plateau State.

But the nation’s first indigenous university washed its hands off issuing Nnaji the degree, insisting the minister dropped out of the institution without completing his studies, noting that the institution did not and could not have issued him the certificate he has been parading.

The university’s position was contained in a Freedom of Information (FOI) request by Premium Times, an online newspaper, which had investigated the B.Sc. and NYSC certificates forgery allegation dogging the Enugu State-born minister for several years.

It could be recalled that it was also Premium Times that on July 7, 2018, alleged that Kemi Adeosun, Nigeria’s Minister of Finance under the Muhammadu Buhari presidency had illegally obtained her NYSC exemption certificate to get into public office. Kemi Adeosun was appointed minister in November 2015. Following the untidy ensuing scandal Ms. Adeosun resigned her appointment on September 14, 2018. In Chief Nnaji’s case, UNN’s letter

disowning the Minister of Science and Technology dated October 2, 2025 and signed by the Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Simon Ortuanya read: “We refer to your letter dated 29 September 2025 in respect of the above subject matter. We can confirm that Mr. Geoffrey Uchechukwu Nnaji, with Matriculation Number 1981/30725, was admitted by the University of Nigeria, Nsukka in 1981.

“From every available record and information from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, we are unable to confirm that Mr. Geoffrey Uchechukwu Nnaji, the current Minister of Science and Technology, graduated from the University of Nigeria in July 1985, as there are no records of his completion of study in the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

“Flowing from above, the University of Nigeria, Nsukka did not and consequently, could not have issued the purported certificate, or at all, in July 1985 to Mr. Geoffrey Uchechukwu Nnaji, the current Minister of Science and Technology. This conclusion is also in consonance with an earlier letter dated May 13, 2025, ref. No, RUN/SR/R/V, issued by the University to the Public Complaints Commission in respect of the same subject matter (copy attached).”

And worse for the ex-minister, Premium Times recent, rigorous investigations revealed further that the former minister’s own letters countered his graduation claims. The contradictions effectively indicated that Chief Nnaji could not have received his bachelor’s degree from the UNN or got mobilised for the NYSC scheme at the time he claimed.

This fresh evidence which Premium

Times dug up finally confirmed that the academic credentials with which the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, secured his appointment in 2023 could not have been genuine.

According to the online newspaper, documents it sighted show that at the time Chief Nnaji claimed to have graduated from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) and purportedly proceeded to participate in the mandatory national youth service, he was still exchanging correspondences with the institution on how he could re-sit a failed terminal course examination.

The records show that Chief Nnaji failed a virology course - MCB 431ABand subsequently made two unsuccessful attempts to re-sit the examination. The university’s registrar, through a letter dated 8 November 1985, informed him that he failed the course in the round of September 1985 supplementary examinations, and advised him on the steps he needed to take to have a re-sit. This letter was sent to him about four months after he claimed to have completed his studies and graduated from the However,university. the embattled minister attempted a spirited fightback, insisting he duly graduated from UNN and is a proud alumnus of the university. In a press conference in which he was absent, held at the Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology Headquarters, Abuja, on Monday, October 6, 2025, Dr. Robert Ngwu, spokesperson to the minister stated that Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji is indeed a proud alumnus of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN).

His words: “Let me state clearly and for

the record: Chief Uche Nnaji is a proud alumnus of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), having graduated in July 1985 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Microbiology/Biochemistry, with Second Class (Honours) Lower Division.

“That fact is not in doubt. It is documented in the University’s own records, acknowledged in its official correspondence, and reflected in its 1985 Convocation Brochure, which remains part of UNN’s permanent archives.

“We have called this briefing to address the deliberate misinformation recently circulated in some sections of the media regarding the academic credentials of the Honourable Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Geoffrey Uche Nnaji.

“The only authentic letter issued by the University of Nigeria on this matter is the one dated 21 December 2023, duly stamped and signed by Mrs. I.A.S. Onyeador for the Registrar, Dr. (Mrs.) Celine Ngozi Nnebedum.

But all these turned out to be too little too late. Allegations of certificate forgery have dogged Chief Nnaji since July 2023, when President Bola Tinubu named him among the first batch of 28 ministerial nominees from 25 states forwarded to the Senate as part of the president’s initial cabinet list, two months after taking office on 29 May 2023.

The resignation of Chief Nnaji yesterday raises critical questions about the rigorousness of the vetting process for presidential ministerial picks and other appointees. In this case, the senate, the DSS and the presidency itself stand indicted.

Perhaps for many other Tinubu appointees, this is indeed a nervy period.

www.thisdaylive.com

DELTA’S ONE TRILLION BUDGET

The state is determined to expand opportunities, connect its communities, and lay foundations for progress, writes OCHUKO ARHAGBA

See page 21

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DELE ALAKE

KEHINDE BAMIGBETAN

pays tribute to Alake, Minister of Solid Minerals Development

See page 21

opinion@thisdaylive.com

There is need to recapitalise the Bank of Agriculture, argue ADE ADEFEKO AND TOLA OGUNNUBI

NIGERIA’S PATH TO FOOD SECURITY

One of the most meaningful ways a government can earn the trust and loyalty of its people is by guaranteeing food security. As the old saying goes, "a hungry man is an angry man." This timeless wisdom reminds us that no nation can experience genuine development when its citizens are malnourished, poorly fed, or unable to afford food. Food insecurity not only weakens physical health but also diminishes productivity and social stability.

If there is one sector where the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu deserves commendation, it is agriculture. Through deliberate and targeted interventions, this government has shown a genuine commitment to reviving the sector, ensuring that food sufficiency is not just a policy aspiration but a visible reality in Nigeria.

With an estimated population of over 230 million people, Nigeria stands as the sixth most populous country in the world—behind India, China, the United States, Indonesia, and Pakistan. Feeding such a vast population presents both a challenge and an opportunity. One of the critical barriers to food security in Nigeria remains inadequate agricultural financing. Without access to capital, our farmers cannot invest in modern tools, improved seeds, irrigation, storage facilities, or transport infrastructure— elements essential for a productive and resilient agricultural economy.

Agriculture has long been the backbone of Nigeria's economy, employing over 70% of the population and contributing 21.04% to GDP. According to the latest data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), the sector’s contribution through crop production, livestock, forestry, and fishing in Q2 2025 (April – June), witnessed a significant drop from the previous 23.33% to real GDP in Q1 of 2025. The sector’s key role in the economy cannot be overemphasized. However, agricultural growth in Nigeria has been hampered by limited access to finance, particularly for smallholder farmers who dominate the sector. Agricultural business financing in Nigeria refers to the provision of credit, loans, subsidies, and other financial instruments to support farming, agribusinesses, processing, and value chains. This history traces the evolution from colonial-era reliance on informal credit to modern value-chain-focused policies, marked by government interventions, institutional developments, and responses to economic shifts like the oil boom and structural adjustments. Key challenges have included high risk perception by lenders, inadequate collateral, and low budgetary

allocations, with the latest challenge being climate (weather) change. Nigerian agriculture was export-oriented before now, focusing on cash crops like cocoa, groundnuts, palm oil, and rubber, which accounted for over 60% of GDP and 70% of exports in the 1950s. Financing was rudimentary and informal, relying on moneylenders, cooperatives, and colonial marketing boards that extracted surpluses for export rather than reinvesting in production.

Smallholder farmers, who produced 95% of food needs, had minimal access to formal credit due to the absence of dedicated institutions. Post-independence (1960), with an increasing population, the focus shifted to food self-sufficiency, but financing remained limited, with regional governments deriving revenues from agriculture without substantial reinvestment safe for the iconic 26-storey skyscraper Cocoa House in Ibadan attributed to a significant proceeds from a prosperous agriculture business by the regional western government and was officially commissioned in 1965, initially named ‘Ile Awon Agbe” ( House of Farmers). Watching the Diamond anniversary of the building in a documentary on television recently was nostalgic.

Agricultural finance is, therefore, not just a fiscal necessity; it is a strategic imperative. Nigeria’s path to food sufficiency, rural development, and economic resilience runs through the farmland—and the farmer must be adequately financed. In July 2023, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu officially declared a state of emergency on food security in Nigeria. He ordered that all matters relating to food and water — specifically availability and affordability — be placed under the purview of the National Security Council as essential livelihood issues. The declaration recognized that while food availability was less of a challenge, affordability was a severe issue for many Nigerians due to inflation and economic pressures. President Tinubu also renewed/affirmed or reissued a similar state of food security emergency in April 2025 during the African Regional

Conference on Irrigation, citing identified food deficits under his “Renewed Hope” administration.

This brings us to the Bank of Agriculture (BOA) Limited, a cornerstone institution established to serve as a lifeline to farmers, agribusinesses, and rural communities. For over five decades, the BOA has operated with a mandate to stimulate growth in the agricultural sector. Yet, its full potential remained largely untapped—until now.

“For over five decades, the Bank of Agriculture has served Nigeria’s agriculture sector. While its full potential remained untapped, today, with new leadership and unprecedented support from the government, Bank of Agriculture 2.0 emerges empowered to deliver the impact it was set up to achieve,” according to Ayodeji Oludare Sotirin, Chief Executive of BOA

This bold declaration from the current CEO signals a new era—where innovation, leadership, and strategic financing converge to transform Nigeria’s agriculture.

Founded in 1973 and jointly owned by the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (60%) and the Central Bank of Nigeria (40%), the BOA has always been wellpositioned to play a pivotal role in agricultural transformation. Now, with renewed government backing and visionary leadership, the Bank is set to move from merely existing to truly performing—mobilizing resources, empowering stakeholders, and unlocking the vast potential embedded in Nigeria’s soil and her hardworking farmers.

If Nigeria must feed itself and become a net exporter of food, then the Bank of Agriculture must be recapitalized to rise to the occasion. This moment is a turning point—not just for the BOA, but for the millions of Nigerians whose hopes for prosperity depend on the land they till.

To reposition the BOA as a catalyst for agricultural transformation, recapitalization is not only necessary— it is urgent. The 2025 federal budget (N54.9 trillion) includes a proposal by President Tinubu to boost the BOA’s capital base with ₦1.5 trillion; this must go beyond a proposal but must be urgently implemented. Announcements and budget inclusions are different from actual inflows or operational capital increases.

Adefeko is Director, Corporate and Regulatory Affairs Olam Agri, ex-Officio NACCIMA, and honorary consul of Botswana in Lagos while Ogunnubi is an Actuarial Scientist, a Public Relations Professional

The state is determined to expand opportunities, connect its communities, and lay foundations for progress, writes OCHUKO ARHAGBA

DELTA’S ONE TRILLION BUDGET

Since Sheriff Oborevwori assumed office as Governor of Delta State on May 29, 2023, one of the most defining features of his administration has been his focus on capital spending. For 2026, he is proposing a budget of over N1 trillion out of which 67% of the budget would be dedicated to capital expenditure, while 33% would cater to recurrent expenditure.

From his first appropriation bill to the most recent, Oborevwori has shown an unwavering determination to channel more than half of the state’s resources into infrastructure, development projects, and human-centered investments. In a country where many states struggle to meet basic obligations, Delta’s emphasis on capital expenditure stands out as bold and deliberate.

The pattern became clear with the 2024 “Budget of Hope and Optimism.”

Out of a total appropriation of N714.4 billion, N397.9 billion—about 56 percent—went to capital projects. When Oborevwori presented the 2025 “Budget of Fiscal Consolidation,” he raised the bar. The N936.08 billion proposal earmarked N587.36 billion (over 62 percent) for capital expenditure. The Delta State House of Assembly later raised that figure to N630.46 billion. It was a strong signal that infrastructure, development, and renewal had become the state’s central priorities.

Now, as preparations for the 2026 fiscal year are underway, Oborevwori’s ambition has reached a new milestone. For the first time in the state’s history, Delta’s proposed budget is crossing the N1 trillion mark. This symbolic achievement underlines both growth and confidence. Growth in the state’s capacity to mobilize and manage resources, and confidence in the administration’s ability to deliver tangible results.

A look at how this capital spending is distributed shows where the administration’s heart lies. Roads take the largest share, with N230 billion set aside for 2025 projects. This is not surprising, given the persistent demands for better transportation networks in Delta’s urban centers, rural communities, and oil-producing areas. It is good that the governor understands that good roads are the veins that keep the economy alive, connecting communities, boosting trade, and improving access to schools, hospitals, and markets. Beyond roads, however, the administration has also recognised the importance of social infrastructure. Education received N67.42 billion, while health was allocated N30.55 billion. From the budget, Water Resources got N11.03 billion, and agriculture, which supports both rural livelihoods and food security, was given N7 billion. Together, these figures paint a picture of a government that values both physical and social development.

To many observers, the most remarkable aspect of Oborevwori’s fiscal policy is how he funds these ambitions. He has repeatedly stressed that Delta will not borrow recklessly. Instead, the state is relying on a mix of federal allocations and improved internally generated revenue (IGR). The results have been impressive. Between 2023 and 2024, Delta’s IGR nearly doubled from N83 billion to N158 billion and it is projected to hit N165 billion in 2025. This steady growth reflects better tax administration, improved compliance, and a more vibrant state economy.

At its maiden meeting in 2025, the Delta State Executive Council approved over N275 billion for the execution of 76 projects across the three senatorial districts. Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Charles Aniagwu, called it historic. According to him, it was the single largest approval for capital projects in Delta’s 34-year history. The projects cover road construction, health, and urban renewal, ensuring that the impact of the state’s investment is felt in both urban and rural areas.

Some of the notable projects include the remodelling of the Warri City Stadium, construction of Uruagbesa Oria-Abraka Road, Egodo-Ogbeinbene Road, and Faculty B at the Southern Delta University, Orerokpe campus. Others are the construction of Amai-Aragba Road, Inam-Abbi Access Road, internal roads at Ugbolu Hilltop Government Layout, Umuoshimi Road in Onicha-Ugbo, Okerenkoko–Pepeama–Kokodiagbene Road, and Benikrukru Township Roads. Also approved were the rehabilitation of the Bomadi-Gbaregolor Road, Okwetolor–Okobia–Aragba Road, and the upward review of the Ayakoromo Bridge project. Behind these massive undertakings lies a careful balance between ambition and prudence. When Oborevwori took office, he inherited a debt of about N465 billion. In less than two years, his administration has repaid N265.425 billion, reducing the outstanding amount to N199.575 billion. To expand capital spending while cutting debt is no small feat—it signals discipline, seriousness, and a long-term vision for sustainable growth.

Arhagba writes from Orerokpe, Delta State

KEHINDE BAMIGBETAN pays tribute to Alake, Minister of Solid Minerals Development

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DELE ALAKE

Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr.Henry Dele Alake, on 6 October 2025, clocked 69. For many in Nigeria, the name conjures memories of his decades as a journalist and public communicator. These days, it represents a new hope for sustainable reform in Nigeria’s solid minerals sector and Africa’s mining industry.

To understand the minister, you must know his father, Pa Michael Ojo Alake. He graduated in Philosophy from Fourah Bay College, then West Africa’s most prestigious university. He later founded and ran the Benevolent High School in Lagos, where indigenes of his home town Ikoro-Ekiti, as well as indigent students, attended free of charge. His sacrifice was not ignored. The Ikoro people gave him the title, Eleyinmi of Ikoro-Ekiti to appreciate his benevolence.

Between 1979 and 1983, Alake Senior was one of the trusted advisers of Governor Lateef Jakande on the formulation and implementation of the free education programme, a scheme which scrapped the classroom shift system and built over 500 new schools to accommodate the pupils in one single shift within four years.

Being an educationist, Alake Senior knew the impact of good schools in forming the character of a civilized, confident and progressive child. He put his son in the best schools of the times -Surulere Baptist Primary School, Surulere, Lagos; Christ’s School, Ado-Ekiti, Igbobi College, Yabaand topped it with university education at the University of Lagos, where the minister studied Political Science and later earned a Master’s in Mass Communication. But his exposure was not only academic. His intercampus, extra-curricular engagements brought him under the influence of Professor Wole Soyinka, further raising his social consciousness and commitment to public good.

This pedigree set a high standard in morality, elocution, and public service for the minister. He is still determined to surpass it. His father excelled in education, but he chose communications. As soon as he enrolled in the National Youth Service Corps and was deployed to Ogun State Radio, his hard work and creativity were noticed. The organization entrusted him with tasks of confirmed staffers. His work led to his engagement with Lagos State Radio and a quick elevation to Senior SubEditor—one of the fastest advancements in the organization’s history.

As columnist, news manager, and editor, Alake made crusading for good governance the raison d’être of his career. His choice of stories and writings was deliberately crafted to conscientize the readers in the fashion of Paulo Freire’s Pedagogy of the Oppressed. This required immense courage under military rule, and he was often the guest of the secret service. At such times, they would find him ready with his toilet bag. At one point, Concord Press of Nigeria, where he worked, was put under lock and key by the junta. But this didn’t deter the crusader, whose conviction that journalism must

have social relevance made him even more determined to mobilise the people to resist bad governance. To Dele, the words of Frantz Fannon, that “ the future will have no pity for those men, who, possessing the exceptional privilege of being able to speak words of truth to their oppressors but have, instead, taken refuge in an attitude of passivity, of mute indifference, and sometimes, of cold complicity” was a call to be an agent of change.

The annulment of the June 12, 1993 election won freely by the publisher of Concord Press, Bashorun Moshood Kashimawo Abiola thrust him into the epicentre of the struggle for the actualization of this historic exercise of popular sovereignty by the Nigerian people. In that titanic struggle, he met and worked alongside Senator Bola Tinubu, who had given up his plan to be president of the Third Republic Senate to facilitate Abiola’s emergence. A comradeship that endures to date was forged in the furnace of that struggle, in Nigeria and exile. Indeed, Tinubu’s plan to return to the Senate in 1998 was diverted to governorship by advisers such as Alake, who believed he had established the progressive profile and financial wizardry to execute Abiola’s manifesto, Farewell to Poverty, in Lagos State at a micro-level and later escalate to the national level. When Bola Tinubu became Governor of Lagos State in 1999, Alake became the Lagos State Commissioner for Information & Strategy, a position he held till 2007. In that capacity, he was instrumental in shaping the communications strategy and public image of the Tinubu administration in Lagos. Beyond Lagos, Alake’s involvement in national politics deepened. In December 2014, he was appointed Director of Media and Communication for the Buhari Campaign Organisation during the 2015 presidential election. Over the years, he cultivated a reputation as a strategist, tactician, and loyal political confidant of PresidentTinubu.

Bamigbetan, former Commissioner for Information & Strategy in Lagos State, is the Special Adviser to Alake, Minister of Solid Minerals Development

Editor, Editorial Page PETER ISHAKA

Email peter.ishaka@thisdaylive.com

GROWING FATALITIES FROM LASSA FEVER

The authorities could do more to stem the scourge

The latest report that Nigeria has recorded 166 deaths from Lassa fever in the first nine months of this year should worry health authorities in the country. According to the situation report by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), the case fatality rate rose almost two per cent above that of the same period last year. In its epidemiological week 37 report, the agency said the country had logged 7,673 suspected cases of the disease across 21 states and 106 local government areas, of which 895 were confirmed and seven were classified as probable. The viral infection is dominant in just five states - Ondo, Bauchi, Edo, Taraba, and Ebonyi accounting for 90 per cent of the cases, while 16 others account for the rest.

Lassa fever is an acute febrile illness which is caused by a virus with an incubation period of between six to 21 days. The onset of the disease is usually gradual, starting with fever, general weakness, before being followed by headache, sore throat, muscle pain, chest pain, nausea, vomiting, cough, and bleeding from mouth and nose. However, because the symptoms of Lassa Fever are so varied and non-specific, clinical diagnosis is often difficult, especially early in the course of the disease. For that reason, steps should be taken by the government, at all levels, to emphasise routine infection prevention and control measures.

frequent outbreaks in recent years. This, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO), “could be attributed to reduced response capacity in surveillance and laboratory testing.” The NCDC has noted that late presentation of cases to health facilities contributes to the high fatality rate, in addition to poor health-seeking behaviour linked to the cost of treatment, and poor environmental sanitation.

The authorities should take both preventive and long-term measures this time around so that we do not continue to lose our citizens to the virus that has for decades been an emblem of shame

T H I S D AY

EDITOR SHAKA MOMODU

DEPUTY EDITOR WALE OLALEYE

MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO

DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR ISRAEL IWEGBU

CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI

EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN THE OMBUDSMAN KAYODE KOMOLAFE

T H I S D AY N E W S PA P E R S L I M I T E D

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA

GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, ISRAEL IWEGBU

Experts have advised that people should ensure their food (cooked or uncooked) is properly covered, while regular handwashing should be adhered to always. The bush around the home should also be cleared regularly while windows and doors of the house should be closed, especially when it is nighttime. The public should also be adequately enlightened on the dangers posed by rats in their homes. Ordinarily, this should be the responsibility of both the federal ministry of environment and that of information. The latter can deploy the National Orientation Agency (NOA) for a public awareness campaign on the issue.

Endemic in Benin, Ghana, Sierra Leone, and some other West African countries, Lassa fever has been a serious health challenge in Nigeria since it was first diagnosed in Lassa (the village after which it was named) in Borno State in 1969. Even though there have been efforts in the past to contain the scourge, the country has been witnessing

DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS SHAKA MOMODU, PETER IWEGBU, ANTHONY OGEDENGBE

DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI

SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC OJEH

ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR PATRICK EIMIUHI

CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI

DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO TO SEND EMAIL: first name.surname@thisdaylive.com

Sadly, despite repeated commitments by various stakeholders to prevent a recurrence of this disease, what the current outbreak has shown clearly is that the preventive strategies are not working. We believe that the authorities need to do more if we are ever to rid the nation of the disease that claims the lives of dozens of our citizens on an annual basis. With effective coordination, the current outbreak can be contained before it becomes another national epidemic. We need concerted efforts from all stakeholders to deal with this recurring health challenge. We hope the authorities will take both preventive and long-term measures this time around so that we do not continue to lose our citizens to the virus that has for decades been an emblem of shame.

CERTIFICATE FORGERY AMONG PUBLIC OFFICE HOLDERS

The recent certificate forgery scandal rocking a serving minister under the current administration is both unfortunate and deeply troubling. It raises serious concerns about the integrity of our public institutions and the credibility of the processes that usher individuals into positions of power. This development calls for urgent investigation and decisive action to restore public confidence.

It is particularly worrisome that such a scandal could emerge despite the rigorous security checks and clearances that ministerial nominees and other public office holders are said to undergo. One would expect that the Department of State Services (DSS), the National Assembly, and other relevant bodies would have verified all credentials before appointments or confirmations were made. Yet, here we are again, confronted with another instance of alleged certificate forgery among those entrusted with public responsibility.

Over the years, Nigeria has witnessed similar cases where public officials have been enmeshed in certificate forgery scandals. In some instances, the accused individuals resigned their positions, bowing to public pressure and moral outrage. However, beyond these resignations, very few have faced actual prosecution. This recurring pattern of impunity sends a dangerous message that public officials can manipulate the system, get caught, resign quietly, and still escape the full weight of the law.

How these individuals manage to scale through the all-important layers of security vetting and National Assembly screening remains a mystery. It either points to systemic loopholes or a deliberate failure by those tasked with verifying credentials. In any case, it is an indictment of the process and a call for comprehensive reform.

It is therefore heartwarming to learn that the Federal Government has initiated measures to verify the authen-

ticity of the credentials of all civil servants in Nigeria. This is a commendable step that, if properly implemented, will go a long way in fishing out those who falsified their qualifications to secure employment or promotions in the civil service.

However, the ongoing verification exercise should not stop with civil servants alone. The Federal Government must extend this probe to all categories of public office holders like legislators, members of the executive, and even the judiciary. No arm of government should be exempted from scrutiny. The DSS and other relevant security agencies should be fully involved in this process, and clear timelines must be set to ensure that the exercise is thorough and not swept under the carpet.

Tochukwu Jimo Obi, jimobi83@gmail.com

Kayode Tokede

There was no respite for deposit money banks in Nigeria in the first half of 2025 as double-digit inflation, regulatory charges and naira reforms by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) plodded profitability and competitiveness. According to THISADAY checks, the combined operating expenses of just 10 banks stood at N3.3 trillion in H1 of 2025, about 22.2 per cent increase when compared to N2.7 trillion the previous year.

The banks include: Ecobank Transnational Incorporated (ETI), First Holdings, Plc ,Zenith Bank Plc, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, FCMB Group Plc, Sterling Financial Holding Plc, Wema Bank, Stanbic IBTC Holdings Jaiz Bank Plc and Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc (GTCO).

Nigeria’s inflation rate stood at 22.22 per cent June 2025 from 34.19 per cent June 2024 after its rebased by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). Currently at 20.12 per

cent in August 2025, analysts have predicted further increase in these Companies’ OPEX this year, stressing that its impact may cut down on earnings and dividend payout to shareholders.

Also, Naira depreciated to N1,532.00 against the dollar as of June 2025, from N1,469.69 against the dollar June 2024, influenced with Government decisions to remove subsidy on Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) policy on Naira at the foreign exchange market.

Aside from inflationary pressure, other key factors that contributed to the banks’ OPEX include; wages and salaries, Deposit insurance premium, Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON)’s 0.5 per cent sinking funds levy, among others.

THISDAY analysis of the 10 banks’ audited/ unaudited results filed with the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) showed that they posted N3.08 trillion profit before tax during the period under review, about 6 per cent drop from N3.26

trillion reported in H1 2024 amid mixed performance.

Further breakdown of the results showed that Ecobank reported the highest operating expenses in H1 2025, followed by Zenith Bank and First Holdco.

While Ecobank declared N853.65 billion OPEX, about 17 per cent increase over N728.73 billion in H1 2025, Zenith Bank announced N581.43 billion OPEX, representing an increase of 23 per cent from N472.08 billion declared in H1 2024. First Holdco declared N552.83 billion OPEX, an

increase of 24 per cent from N445.69 billion posted in the corresponding period of 2024.

Analysts have linked the rise in the lenders’ operating expenses to inflationary pressure, naira devaluation and upward salary reviews. Commenting, the CEO, Centre for Promotion of Private Enterprise (CPPE), Dr Muda Yusuf said inflationary pressures remain a key concern in the Nigerian economy, both for businesses and the citizens.

The story continues online on www.thisdaylive.com

Ejiofor Alike

There are strong indications that peace has returned to the Investments and Securities Tribunal (IST) after days of heightened tension over a leadership squabble between the newly appointed Chairman/ Chief Executive Officer,

Mr. Aminu Junaidu, and the outgoing chairman, Mr. Amos Isaac Azi, THISDA’s investigation has revealed.

THISDAY gathered that both officers had laid claims to the office based on conflicting appointment letters purportedly authorised by President Bola

Tinubu.

Normalcy, however, returned when the Chief Registrar of the Tribunal, Mr. Shehu Kuta, was directed to take charge in acting capacity.

Junaidu, a former attorney-general of Zamfara State, resumed duties at the head office of the Tribunal

on October 2, based on an appointment letter dated September 24, 2025, and signed by the secretary to the government of the federation (SGF), Senator George Akume. However, trouble began when the outgoing chairman, Azi, who had served out an initial five-

year tenure just two months earlier, told his successor that he was unwelcome because the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Finance, Mrs Lydia S. Jafiya, had earlier renewed his appointment in a letter dated August 21, 2025, purportedly also on Tinubu’s authority.

Multiple sources told THISDAY that the stand-off almost led to a physical confrontation when the outgoing chairman reported to work very early with security details and took charge of the office.

THISDAY gathered that Junaidu, who also arrived with some

armed policemen, averted any form of physical confrontation when he stayed away from his office and reported to the Office of the Chief Registrar where he held an introductory meeting with directorate staff.

However, before the tension escalated, a

INVESTOR FORUM…

L-R: Managing Director, Chapel Hill Denham, Lanre Boluro; Ag. Managing Director, First Trustees Limited, Babajide Fetuga; Head, Private Wealth Chapel Hill Denham, Debbie Irabor; and Managing Director/CEO STL Trustees, Funmi Ekundayo, at the Investor Forum organised by the Debt Management Office (DMO), Lagos State Ministry of Finance… recently

NIRSAL: FG Provides Insurance Cover for over 1.47mn Farmers

Stories by Ebere Nwoji

The federal government has brought over 1.47 million smallholder farmers under insurance coverage using its Nigeria Incentive-Based Risk Sharing System for Agricultural Lending (NIRSAL).

This was disclosed by the Commissioner for Insurance, Mr. Olusegun Ayo Omosehin.

He stated this in his key note address at the 2025 Stakeholders retreat of the House Committee on Insurance and Actuarial Matters held in Maidugri, Borno State, recently.

NIRSAL is a Nigerian Non-Bank Financial Institution (NBFI) wholly owned by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and established to reduce the financial risks associated with lending to the agricultural sector in Nigeria. NIRSAL provides mechanisms like risksharing, insurance, technical assistance, incentives, and rating to encourage and facilitate investments in the Nigerian agribusiness value chain.

Addressing participants at the retreat, Omosehin said in bringing the 1.47 farmers under insurance coverage,

Stanbic IBTC Kicks Off FUZE Talent Show 2025

The Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers has kicked off the fourth edition of its FUZE Talent Show 2025.

This year’s edition of the show, which celebrates creativity in music, dance, fashion, and technology,is themed: ‘The Ultimate Show’.

Speaking about the kickoff, the Chief Executive Officer, Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers, Olumide Oyetan, said: “FUZE is that platform where young Nigerians can showcase their creativity and innovation, and where the public can witness first-hand the incredible potential within our nation. “We are proud to continue providing this stage for talent to shine.”

According to him, Stanbic IBTC, through FUZE, has continued to underline its

commitment to youth empowerment, creativity, and entrepreneurship.

According to him, the leading Pension Fund Managers does this by providing a platform where contestants can display their skills to millions of viewers .

He added that the organisation reinforces its role in shaping opportunities beyond the financial sector.

“Viewers are encouraged to tune in every week to watch the contestants compete, connect with the judges, and take a step closer to the finale of Nigeria’s most inspiring talent showcase. Tune in and experience “The Ultimate Show” and be part of the journey as Nigeria’s brightest talents compete for greatness,” Oyetan stated.

government has achieved part of its target of covering 3.6 million farmers under insurance by 2026.

“In Q2 2025, 250,000 farmers were insured across eight states under federal initiatives. Statistics

has it that in North Central Nigeria, insured rice farmers recorded 11 per cent higher productivity than their uninsured peers—averaging 20 bags/hectare compared to 18 bags/hectare. Kaduna ginger farmers received pay

outs under the NAGS-AP scheme after suffering over 90 per cent crop loss. Livestock and encroachment insurance in Sokoto, Bauchi, Adamawa, and Plateau States are reducing farmerherder conflicts,” he stated.

On the commission’s efforts, Omosehin said under the Nigeria Insurance Industry Act (NIIRA) 2025, NAICOM aimed to expand index-based and parametric insurance for crops and livestock.

Leadway Group Celebrates 55 Years Anniversary

Leadway, a non-banking financial services and wellbeing providers, is celebrating 55 years of innovation, resilience, and inclusive impact across West Africa.

Leadway said from its inception in 1970 as an insurance company, it has evolved into a diversified group championing financial access, inclusion, and

wellbeing for individuals and businesses across the region.

The Holding Company said offers integrated services, including life and general insurance, health coverage, pensions, asset and wealth management, estate planning, hospitality and credit solutions, empowering millions to build resilient financial

futures.

Leadway Group Holdings Managing Director, Tunde Hassan-Odukale, said the group’s journey was in many ways the story of Nigeria itself, one of resilience, diversity, and progress.

“We began with the mission of providing succour and financial freedom to individuals

and businesses through risk management. Over the years, that mission has expanded into building a holistic ecosystem that now encompasses insurance, pensions, health, investments, trusteeship and hospitality. This milestone is both a testament to the trust we have earned and the excellence we continue to uphold,” he stated.

Parthian Pensions Advocates Increase in Financial Literacy

Parthian Pensions Limited, one of the newly licensed pension fund managers has advocated increase in financial literacy to deepen adoption of pension scheme by Nigerians.

Parthian pensions said it was focusing on the micro pension market to gain fresh Retirement Savings Account (RSA) holders into

delegation from the finance ministry arrived shortly at the premises and invited the feuding parties to a meeting at the Ministry of Finance headquarters.

An internal memo to staff of the Tribunal dated October 3, 2025, signed by a deputy director at the Tribunal and sighted by THISDAY, indicated that after the meeting between the two contending chairmen and

its customer base.

Speaking at a recent pension forum in Lagos, the Head of Operations, Parthian Pensions, Mr. Adetunbi Ashaye, called on stakeholders in Nigeria’s pension sector to educate the masses on the importance of subscribing to the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS).

He noted that the pension

the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Finance, the two were directed to step aside.

“Be notified that in view of the prevailing situation in the Tribunal the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Finance, has directed the Chief Registrar to act as the Head of the Tribunal with immediate effect. Your cooperation and support on this development are

sector has huge potential for growth, highlighting some of the developments in the industry that demonstrated his assertion.

“People clamouring to exit the scheme, have forgotten so soon that it was because of the past bad experiences that the new scheme came on board. This is because the

highly solicited,” the notice stated.

A capital market analyst blamed the leadership crisis on ignorance of the law or outright mischief by one of the appointing authorities.

According to him, the Minister of Finance used to be the appointing authority over the chairman and members of the Tribunal, according to the provisions of the old Investments and Securities Act.

previous pension system was unfunded. Now that it is funded through the contributions of the employees and the employers, it is highly regulated. What really needs to happen is that we should drive financial literacy because people in Nigeria see pension as insignificant, something that is not important,” he observed.

The analyst noted that at that time, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Finance, being the authority that gives potency or life to policy decisions made by the minister, according to Public Service Rules, used to convey the appointments of chairman and members of the Tribunal.

How NIIRA 2025 Will Impact Insurance Sector

The insurance sector in August this year, came under a new legislative regime, tagged NIIRA 2025, which has evoked much excitement among insurance practitioners. e bere Nwoji highlights the features of the new Acts and the impact it will have on the sector and the general Nigerian public

The Nigeria Insurance Industry Reform Act (NIIRA) 2025, signed into law by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on August 5, 2025 is seen as the last hope of insurance industry operators.

Both the sector operators and their regulator, the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM), believe the new Act holds everything needed to redefine the future of the insurance sector.

Indeed, NAICOM and all the arms of the industry before the signing of the NIIRA 2025 believed that without a new legislation to drive the insurance sector after 22 years of operating under the insurance Act 2003, which was obviously moribund, any effort towards reforming the insurance sector was a wasted effort.

According to the insurers, this dearth of suitable legislation was the reason reforms such as capital upgrading and enforcement of the compulsory insurances failed to yield the desired result.

2003 Act

The 2003 insurance Act was characterised by weaknesses and outdatedness with a lot of loopholes that aided people to violet the laws arbitrarily without reasonable penalty. As such, over these years insurance business was like all comers business with fake insurance certificate hawkers having a field day in hawking of fake insurance certificates, while members of the insuring public were violating compulsory insurance laws like the Motor Third Party Insurance, builders insurance and group life insurance among others.

INSuReRS’ Hope

With the signing of NIIRA 2025, the insurers are happier, more proud of their industry and eager to discuss their affairs before other operators in the finance services sector of the economy. They now have new hope for a better future with belief that unto them a new child is born and milestone achieved in their efforts to retrieve their business from the hands of hawks and scavengers who scramble over their business.

A careful observation of the media contents these days shows that since the signing of the Act, hardly do the media air or publish any news bulletin without mentioning of insurance and the NIIRA 2025.

Indeed, the NIIRA 2025 has more than any past insurance legislation positioned the insurance sector in the news and other programme of the media as such marketing the insurance sector both within and outside Nigeria.

tHe FeAtuReS

With this much ovation and echoes of joy among the operators, Nigerians have asked what exactly is the special features and contents of this NIIRA 2025, what differentiates it from the former 2003 legislation and what does the new law hold for the policy holders.

A critical look at the NIIRA 2025 shows that while the 2003 insurance Act was fragmented in nature, NIIRA 2025 came as unified, modern framework designed to

foster innovation, strengthen regulatory oversight, and protect policyholders nationwide. One remarkable feat achieved for the insurance sector by the NIIRA 2025 is strengthening the capital base of the operating firms through a capital upgrading legislation that cannot be altered by anybody within and outside the industry.

Recapitalisation in insurance industry has always ended inconclusively due to resistance by operators with weak capital base firms who often collaborate with shareholders to thwart recapitalisation plans through court injunctions. But NIIRA 2025 ushered in a new capital regime that nobody can contest in the court without amending the law itself.

Again, it gave NAICOM the regulator more powers with broader supervisory and enforcement authority, including power to enforce compliance, drive innovation, and maintain market discipline in the industry. Before now one of the complaints of NAICOM was that the 2003 Act did not vest on it the necessary powers to enforce compulsory insurance or withdraw license of weak and ailing firms. This, according to the commission, has been addressed by NIIRA2025.

At the 2025 media retreat organised by NAICOM for journalists in Abeokuta, Ogun State, penultimate week, the commissioner for Insurance, Mr Olusegun Ayo Omosehin, had described the NIIRA as a modern rulebook for a modern market, pointing out that above other things it strengthened financial stability of the industry enthroning the regime of stricter capital requirement and Risk Based Capital by indicating new minimum capital of N10 billion for Life underwriting firms, N15 billion for general business and N35 billion for reinsurance firms.

This represents a very significant upgrade from the former N2 billion capital for life insurance operators,

N3 billion for general business and N10 billion for reinsurance firms.

The new legislation according to him set up a new fund called Insurance policy protection fund for protection of policyholders in case of insurer insolvency.

He said NIIRA also identified criteria for licensing and classifying insurers, ensuring that only robust and well-governed entities operate in the market.

He said it enhanced supervision framework that focuses on the actual risks faced by insurers, enabling more effective oversight and intervention.

On Risk-Based Capital Requirements, Omosehin said the new insurance Act strengthened capital adequacy standards that required insurers to hold capital commensurate with their risk profiles, protecting policyholders and promoting fair competition. In other words, with NIIRA regime, the insurance market is no longer a market of all policies for all underwriters rather it is now a market that selects underwriters for specific business tickets and risk profile depending on financial capability.

“These reforms aim to create a more resilient and competitive insurance market, ultimately benefiting policyholders and the broader economy.”

The NIIRA 2025 introduced key statutory provisions, including innovation hub/sandbox framework: Providing a formal structure for testing and refining innovative insurance products and services in a controlled environment, fostering creativity while ensuring policyholder protection,” the insurance commissioner stated.

Throwing more light on the peculiarity and superiority of the NIIRA 2025 over the hitherto regulation, NAICOM Deputy Director, Market Conduct and complaints Bureau, Mr. Olugbenga Jaiyesimi, said NIIRA

aligned Nigeria’s insurance regulations with global standards and supported the government’s ambition of building a $1 trillion economy.

He said it expanded compulsory insurances making GroupLife insurance mandatory for all employers and extended compulsory insurances to petroleum installations, healthcare facilities.

He highlighted other major reforms brought by the Act as digital transformation in the area of legal recognition of electronic policy, issuance and digital proof of insurance aimed at streamlining operations and improving insolvency.

He also said NIIRA legally required insurers to pay claims promptly thereby reducing delays in claims settlement.

He also said the new legislation has enthroned a regime of tighter controls on licensing, management stability and operational transparency.

The Act also put in place mechanism for consumer protection through stricter licensing and regulation.

For instance, the regulation allows only licensed agents, brokers and insurers to operate and placed heavy penalty for unlicensed activities.

In doing this, the target is to reduce frauds and protect consumers from fraudulent operations.

coRe BeNeFItS

The act has core benefits for insurance consumers in the area of faster claims settlement, protection of the customer against insolvency of the company they purchased insurance policy from through the establishment of insurance policy protection fund, it also reduced fraud by safeguarding the customers from paying his premium to the third party in form of agents.

ANAlyStS’ VIeWS

Industry analysts said in terms of content, NIIRA 2025 has carefully addressed the problems insurance industry operators have been lamenting over and has prepared enough grounds for rapid growth of the insurance sector if carefully implemented.

But good as NIIRA is, the onerous is in the hands of the operators, government through the use of its law enforcement agents to implement the laws.

A good law devoid of implementation and enforcement is equal to non-existence.

The insurers should therefore be at the vanguard of implementing the laws through compliance with the aspects that have to do with professional conduct in their business operations such as premium rate charging, 60 days of remittance of collected premium by insurance brokers, engagement of only licensed agents, exposition of any agent or broker who conducts business in a way that is against the new legislation, payment of genuine claims without delays as stated by the law among others.

It is strongly believed that if the insurers should religiously play their part as stipulated by the regulation, definitely others will fall in line.

From the facial outlook of present administration in NAICOM led by Ayo Omesehin, the industry will know sanity and discipline by force as he has maintained that his regime has zero tolerance to any operational misbehaviour.

Eminent Nigerians: Workers’ Right to Organise Not License to Strangulate Economy

Oluchi Chibuzor

Concerned Nigerians have warned that workers’ right to organise a protest cannot become a license to hold the nation’s economy to ransom.

In a statement titled, ‘Joint Statement on the Dangote Refinery Dispute,’ signed by13 eminent Nigerians against the backdrop of the face off between Petroleum Refinery and the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) and the management of Dangote Refinery, they warned that productive enterprises that lower costs and create jobs must be safeguarded.

According to the statement, the recently embarked industrial disputes, if not carefully managed, risk discouraging both domestic and foreign investment at a time when Nigeria most needs capital and innovation.

They argued that Dangote Refinery is a national lifeline with profound consequences for jobs, energy security, and inflation. They said, “We, the undersigned, note with concern the recent disputes and

disruptions surrounding the Dangote Refinery. Although the immediate crisis has been de-escalated through government mediation and renewed dialogue between labour and management, the episode raises important lessons for Nigeria’s economic future.

“For decades, Nigerians endured the collapse of government-owned refineries, the waste of trillions of naira in subsidies, and dependence on fuel imports. These failures left citizens exposed to scarcity, inflation, and insecurity. In this context, the Dangote Refinery represents more than a private venture; it is a national symbol of what bold domestic investment can achieve.

“However, the strikes and threats that accompanied this transition send the wrong signals. Industrial disputes, if not carefully managed, risk discouraging both domestic and foreign investment at a time when Nigeria most needs capital and innovation. A refinery of this scale is a national lifeline, with profound consequences for

PwC: AI Now Top Cybersecurity Investment

Kayode Tokede

A report by PwC has revealed that Artificial Intelligence (AI) tops the agenda for cybersecurity among business leaders in cyber budget allocations, addressing cyber talent shortages, and bolstering cyber defence capabilities over the next 12 months.

The firm, in its 2026 Global Digital Trust Insights survey, disclosed that 3,887 business and tech executives from across 72 countries and territories were interviewed.

PwC findings showed that only around half of security and operations leaders say their organisation is ‘very

capable’ of withstanding cyber-attacks, with only six per cent say they’re ‘very capable’ across all areas surveyed, even as new and emerging technologies including AI and quantum computing transform the cyber risk landscape.

Consulting and Risk Services Leader, PwC Nigeria, Femi Osinubi said, “As organisations in Nigeria advance on their digital transformation journey, the need for resilient cybersecurity strategies has never been more critical.

“AI presents a significant opportunity to strengthen cyber defence, with success dependent

jobs, energy security, and inflation.”

“We wish to underscore three principles which are that workers’ rights must be respected as the Constitution guarantees the right to organise and to demand fair treatment. No enterprise can succeed without motivated, fairly treated workers.

“Markets and productivity must be protected because the right to organise cannot become a license to hold the economy hostage. Productive enterprises that lower costs and create jobs must be safeguarded and social responsibility and accountability must remain central. Investors of this magnitude must operate transparently, uphold fair labour practices, and reinvest in the communities they serve,” they stated.

They however, dismissed the allegation of monopoly against the refinery, saying other investors are free to invest in refining, provided they can mobilise the necessary resources and expertise.

Priority for Companies

on addressing the skills gap and integrating these technologies into broader risk frameworks. Nigerian businesses must invest in AI-driven solutions while upskilling local talent. Combining technology and skills is key to protecting Nigeria’s digital economy and infrastructure.”

Global Cybersecurity and Privacy Leader, PwC US, Sean Joyce said, “New and emerging technologies and a rapidly evolving and digitally interconnected global ecosystem and threat landscape have created a tipping point. Cyber leaders must chart a path forward and that requires executive alignment.”

Luminous Redefines Power with Advanced Lithium, Solar Systems

Simba Group, in partnership with Luminous Power Technologies, today hosted a landmark event at the Radisson Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos, to unveil the new range of Luminous solar inverters and lithium batteries. The gathering brought together the top 50 of Simba’s channel partners from across the country, underscoring the strong bonds that have defined the journey of Simba and Luminous in Nigeria.

Speaking at the launch, Group Managing Director of Simba Group in Nigeria, Mr. Vinay Grover, emphasiSed

the changing energy needs of Nigerian households and businesses: “Nigerians need power solutions that are not just reliable, but also intelligent – capable of supporting modern lifestyles, from home offices to family entertainment. Our new lithium and inverter systems are designed precisely for this. They represent a smarter investment in uninterrupted living and peace of mind.”

Simba Group executives also underlined how solar and lithium technologies are reshaping the global energy landscape and

opening new opportunities in Nigeria for energy independence, reliability, and cost efficiency.

“The newly launched products reflect Luminous’s continued focus on innovation and tailoring solutions for regional requirements, while leveraging Simba’s longstanding reputation for trust, reach, and dependable service. Together, the companies reaffirm their commitment to delivering sustainable, high-quality, and future-ready energy solutions for Nigerian homes and businesses.”

Non-compliance: NGX Lifts Suspension on International Energy Insurance Shares

Kayode Tokede

International Energy Insurance Plc (IEI), yesterday announced that the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) has officially lifted the suspension on the trading of its shares following its compliance with post listing requirement of timely filing of results to the bourse.

The company disclosed this in a notice filed with the Exchange and addressed to investors and the public. According to IEI, the suspension was related to regulatory compliance concerning the finalization of its 2024 audited accounts, which have now been released.

Speaking on the

development, the company described the move as a turning point, stressing that, “The lifting of the suspension marks a new chapter in our journey of recovery and growth. With this step, we are focused on rebuilding investor confidence and delivering long-term value for all stakeholders.”

IEI’s shares, trading under

the ticker INTENEGINS, had been suspended since September 1, 2025, during which there was no price movement or trading activity.

Following the resumption of trading on October 2, the stock has slipped over 10per cent month-to-date but has seen renewed activity, with over seven million shares changing hands.

Adding to this positive event, the company also announced that it has fully exited its long-standing Daewoo loan.

In late August 2025, IEI announced the full settlement of its outstanding loan to Daewoo Securities, now known as Mirae Asset Securities (UK) Limited.

In a filing with the Exchange, the company

explained that the loan was a JPY 1.85 billion zerocoupon bond originally due for repayment in 2028. During its recent Annual General Meeting (AGM), the shareholders approved the transfer of the outstanding debt to Norrenberger Advisory Partners Limited (NAPL), which was tasked with settling the bond on the company’s behalf.

PRICES FOR SECURITIES TRADED ASOF OCTOBER /7/25

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 06 October 2025, unless otherwise stated.

Offer price:

How Fasina’s Return Will Signal a Fresh Start for FUOYE

after six months of controversy and calm rebuilding, the Federal University, Oye-ekiti (FUOye) is preparing for the return of its Vice-Chancellor, Professor abayomi Fasina on October 14. His comeback will mark a crucial moment for the university community, which is eager to move past recent turbulence and focus on stability, reconciliation, and continued growth. Funmi Ogundare reports

After six months of absence, the air around the Federal University, Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), is charged with anticipation. On October 14, Professor Abayomi Fasina, the substantive Vice-Chancellor of the university, will return to office to complete his five-year tenure, which had been marked by expansion, reform and, in recent months, controversy.

The story of Fasina’s return is not just about one man’s comeback but about a university community eager to move past its turbulent moments and focus once again on its mission of growth and academic excellence.

Fasina, a Professor of Soil Science, proceeded on research leave in April, shortly after being cleared of allegations of sexual harassment and financial impropriety by the university’s governing council. The claims had stemmed from a leaked audio recording of conversations between him and a female Deputy Director of Works, Folasade Adebayo, which went viral early in the year.

What followed was a storm of accusations, counter-allegations, and union protests. The university’s branch of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) held a congress to deliberate on the scandal and issued a communique condemning the VC, a move that led to the suspension of the union’s local executives.

However, after the intervention of the union’s national body, the university’s governing council, chaired by Sen. Victor Ndoma-Egba, SAN, constituted an investigative panel. By April, the panel’s report had exonerated Fasina of all allegations, describing the secret recordings as a blackmail attempt to influence administrative appointments.

To calm the atmosphere on campus, Fasina immediately sought and was granted a sixmonth research leave. During that period, Prof. Olubunmi Shittu, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics), stepped in as acting VC.

Now, with the acting VC’s tenure ending, all eyes are back on Fasina and the university community is talking about reconciliation,

continuity and the future.

As he warms up to resume his office to spend his remaining five months in office as vice-chancellor, various stakeholders within the university community have shared their expectations, calling on members of the community to embrace peace and ensure a smooth process to select Fasina’s successor.

One of the most vocal voices calling for calm and cooperation is Temitope Arogundade, President of the FUOYE Alumni Association.

Arogundade, a staff member in the university’s SIWES Unit and one of FUOYE’s pioneer students, believes that this is a defining moment for the institution.

“As alumni, we are ambassadors of FUOYE. Enough is enough, we must begin to portray our university in a very good light,” said Arogundade. “There must be peaceful coexistence because it is only under a peaceful atmosphere that we can make progress.”

He called on all stakeholders of the institution to uphold the image of the university and work together for continued progress as the VC prepares to return to office

Speaking with THISDAY, Arogundade, emphasised the critical role of the alumni in sustaining FUOYE’s reputation.

“For any university all over the world, the alumni association is a very critical stakeholder. The image and the way people see our university are very paramount to us,” added Arogundade.

“As alumni, we bear the certificate of FUOYE, and it is our duty to ensure that our alma mater continues to live up to that expectation.”

He lauded Fasina’s leadership, noting the transformation the institution has witnessed under his administration.

Arogundade added that the alumni association’s agenda is focused on preserving the university’s good name and ensuring peaceful coexistence among staff, students, and management.

He lauded Fasina’s record in office, describing his leadership as transformational.

“There is no doubt that Prof. Fasina has

done well. We know where we were before and where we are now. When he returns, we expect him to consolidate where necessary so that FUOYE can continue to align with its vision,” he said.

With the process already underway to appoint a new vice-chancellor, Arogundade expressed confidence in the governing council’s ability to ensure a transparent and merit-based selection.

“We would want a personality that can continue from where we are now and take the university to greater heights. I believe the process will be free and fair,” he added.

The Chairman, Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) FUOYE chapter, Dr. Ojo Fagbuagun, said that the circumstance of Fasina six month’s research leave was well documented, and approved by the council of the university, adding that at the expiration of the leave, he is usually expected back in office.

“The ultimate decision on his resumption of duty rests purely on him (if he wishes to resume), and the council that gave him permission to proceed on leave,” he stated.

Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic Adds 17 New Programmes in Response to Changing Times

Emmanuel Ugwu-Nwogo in Umuahia

The management of Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic, Aba (formerly Abiapoly) has added 17 new programmes, bringing the total approved programmes being offered at the state-owned institution to 47.

The Rector, Dr. Christopher Okoro, said that the 17 new programmes were introduced in response to the current global realities, and the needs of the local environment, adding that “we know the times and we will work ahead of others.”

He said the new programmes are artificial intelligence, Mechatronics Engineering, Agric and Bioresources Engineering, Multimedia and Journalism, Leather Technology, Fashion Design Technology, and Taxation, Cyber Security and Law, Cooperative Economics, among others.

The rector shared the developments at the polytechnic when the new executives of the Correspondents Chapel of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Abia State Council, led by Steve Oko of the Vanguard Newspapers, paid

him a courtesy visit.

He said that all the programmes offered at the polytechnic have received accreditation from the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), adding that things have turned around for the institution, which suffered loss of accreditation during the last administration.

“This polytechnic is the first to have leather technology as a department in the whole southern Nigeria. This institution is also the first polytechnic in Nigeria to have Artificial Intelligence as a department,” Okoro stated. “In the whole country, we are the first to have AI as a department.”

He said that the management thinks ahead hence Artificial Intelligence has been introduced “as a course in the polytechnic long before NUC planned to have Artificial Intelligence in universities.”

Okoro said that the accreditation of the new programmes and the old ones

did not come on a platter of gold, given that the NBTE needed resource verification to grant approval for the 17 new programmes.

“For today, accreditation of programmes is no longer a problem because all the courses are duly accredited,” he said.

According to him, the accredited programmes include Mass Communication that had existed in the polytechnic for up to 15 years without NBTE knowing about its existence.

The rector, who came into office in June 2024, said that the polytechnic has witnessed holistic transformation and all the systemic hurdles hitherto erected to exploit students have been removed, while staff welfare has received adequate attention.

“A lot of persons have subscribed to this institution because a lot of good things are happening,” he said, adding that old things have passed away.

According to him, management has abolished issuance of statement of results as students now receive their certificates straight away on completion of their programmes, and students are no longer

compelled to buy textbooks.

“In this polytechnic, sale of handouts is getting outlawed. And not just outlawed on paper, it is also outlawed in principle. We have harmonised laboratory notes for students, which is subject to review after every four months, in line with the global trends, of different areas,” he said. Okoro stated that efforts have been made to build a lecture theatre and “to make sure we also improve on the learning environment for our students because we understand the importance of having students being groomed in a proper environment”.

He said that through his sustained support, Governor Alex Otti has given the management of the polytechnic “an enabling environment to ensure that we compete favorably and ahead of other polytechnics that are found in this part of the world.”

“To me, we are not building this Polytechnic to compete with anybody, we are competing with ourselves and competing with science, technology, and the time we have found ourselves in.

UNICAL Alumni Inaugurate Multimillion-naira Starlink Facility for Students

Bassey Inyang in Calabar

The University of Calabar (UNICAL) has received a significant boost in teaching and learning as members of the alumni from sets 80-85 recently inaugurated a multimillion-naira Starlink Internet Facility at the Malabor, where the students’ hostels are located on campus.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Florence Obi, applauded the

1980 to 1985 sets for their act of generosity, which she described as invaluable. Obi, who was represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Peter Okafor (Research, Linkages and Collaborations) said, “Our students will now have 24/7 high-speed internet access to knowledge, research, and opportunities without borders. This initiative will shape lives for generations and set a shining example

of what alumni can achieve when they give back.”

The Chairman of the Board of Trustees (BoT) of the 80-85 Sets Association, Mrs. Elizabeth Omang, who was represented by Dr. Arnold Udoka, said that trends and the world have changed greatly since the sets graduated from UNICAL (Malabar) in the mid 1980s.

While urging the students, especially those residing in Malabor to put the Starlink facility to effect use, the BoT chairman said, “we hope this

facility will empower you to dream big, research deeper, and compete globally.”

The Chief Executive Officer Network Systems, NSI Technologies Ltd and Consultant to the project, Ebi Deisah, said the facility would provide the students access to global digital libraries, as well as enhance their research capabilities. Deisah said the Starlink Internet service would assist the students to subscribe fast to pools of information available online beyond Nigeria.

FEaturEs

Spotlight on “A Decade of Impactful Progressive Governance in Nigeria”

Governor Hope Uzodinma’s new book, A Decade of Impactful Progressive Governance in Nigeria, is more than a chronicle of political achievements but also a documentation of Nigeria’s evolving governance model under the All Progressives Congress. Presented last week before President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and other dignitaries in Owerri, Imo State Capital, Uzoma Mba writes that the book captures a decade of change, resilience and progress that continues to define the nation’s political and developmental trajectory

In Owerri, the Imo State capital, the atmosphere was recently charged with celebration and reflection as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu joined dignitaries, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio, to honour Governor Hope Uzodinma at the launch of his new book, A Decade of Impactful Progressive Governance in Nigeria.

Beyond the speeches and applause, the event was more than a literary outing; it was a celebration of the All Progressives Congress (APC)’s decade-long journey in power and the evolution of progressive governance in Nigeria.

President Tinubu, who led the tributes, praised Governor Uzodimma for his impactful leadership and vision, noting that his new book reflects “a deep understanding of governance and the beauty of stewardship. With this book, Governor Uzodimma has given Nigeria a gift. No nation will forget its own journey and no leader will forget the beauty of stewardship,” the President said.

The President also commended the Imo governor for his developmental strides, particularly the completion of three signature projects — the 52km Owerri–Mbaise–Umuahia Road, the Assumpta Cathedral Twin Flyover, and the Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu International Conference Centre, all of which were inaugurated in honour of the occasion.

He described the projects as “symbols of effective governance rooted in service, vision, and accountability,” adding that Nigeria under the APC has made remarkable progress in the last decade.

“Nigeria is no longer where it was 10 years ago,” President Tinubu stated, expressing optimism about the country’s trajectory under the continued guidance of progressive leadership.

A Reflection of a Political Journey

In his address at the event, Governor Uzodimma said the book was “the product of months of deep reflection, careful research, and honest writing.” According to him, A Decade of Impactful Progressive Governance in Nigeria is not merely a record of events but “a reference point for where we’ve been and a guide for where we must go.”

“For me, the moment feels like the birth of something meaningful,” he said. “After all the long hours and intense work, this book is now no longer mine alone; it belongs to the APC family, and indeed to the Nigerian people.”

Uzodimma revealed that curiosity partly inspired his writing, as he sought to interrogate whether the APC had indeed provided the answers Nigerians expected after ten years in power. “We inherited a fragile economy, deep security challenges, and a weary citizenry. Over the next decade, we faced storms, some global, some homegrown. Yet, at every turn, Nigerians looked up to us for answers. My curiosity was to find out if we provided the answers after ten years,” he explained.

The governor credited President Tinubu’s visionary leadership as a key influence, noting that the President’s “pragmatic ideas and decisive leadership inspired many of the chapters in the book.”

He traced the history of the APC back to its founding in 2013, praising Tinubu’s pivotal role as the “arrowhead” of the coalition that united diverse political interests and eventually ousted an incumbent government in 2015.

“It was Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu who

worked relentlessly to bring together like minds to found the APC. What looked like a cacophony of strange bedfellows became a formidable family of common political ideas that ousted an incumbent government in 2015,” Uzodimma said.

He also acknowledged former President Muhammadu Buhari’s contribution, describing him as a patriot who “carried the baton at a different stage of this journey and left a mark in building a party and a government Nigerians could believe in.”

Inside the Book

Mr Bennett C. Nwanguma, who served as the reviewer, described A Decade of Impactful Progressive Governance in Nigeria as a comprehensive and brilliantly executed work of political documentation.

The 373-page book, published by Scribble City Publications, is organised into ten chapters with a foreword, introduction, and epilogue. Nwanguma said the author’s objective — to chronicle the APC’s impact on governance over the last decade — was achieved with “rigour, depth, and originality.”

The reviewer explained that the first chapter traces the history of progressive politics in Nigeria, while the second defines the meaning of progressivism in both global and local contexts. The subsequent chapters link the APC’s manifesto to its core policies, highlight sectoral achievements in areas such as infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture, and security, and conduct a comparative analysis of governance between the pre-APC and APC eras.

“Chapters Four and Five constitute what I consider the kernel of this book,” Nwanguma said. “Anyone who does not have the stamina to read the entire book should go straight to these two chapters.”

He also noted that Chapter Seven focuses on inclusive governance, while Chapter Nine bravely addresses common

criticisms of the APC’s performance — from internal party crises to economic challenges. The final chapter, The Way Forward for Democratic Governance in Nigeria, is described as “positive and optimistic,” presenting reforms as seeds that will yield a bountiful harvest.

“Without an iota of doubt, the author has achieved his purpose. The book is brilliantly written, and the timing is apt — more like a book whose time has come,” Nwanguma concluded.

“A Rallying Point for the Future”

In his remarks, Senate President Godswill Akpabio hailed Governor Uzodimma for transforming Imo State with critical infrastructure and for his “vision and diligence in documenting the APC’s decade-long journey.” He said the book would “serve as both a mirror and a compass” for policymakers and citizens alike.

Governor Uzodimma, in his closing remarks, highlighted that the publication was finalised and released in May 2025, covering the period between 2015 and 2025. He said the progress recorded since then only strengthened the book’s central message — that Nigeria is firmly on the path of recovery and renewal.

He pointed to the nation’s economic performance as evidence, noting that inflation had fallen to record lows, food prices were declining, and the Naira had regained stability. “For six consecutive quarters — about one and a half years since the middle of 2023 — Nigeria has recorded a trade surplus. Exports rose, imports dipped, and for the first time in a long time, non-oil exports like manufactured goods and solid minerals were part of the driving force. This is what a healthier economy looks like,” he said.

He also cited Imo State’s own transformation from road infrastructure to social welfare and pension reforms as

evidence of progressive governance in action.

“Our senior citizens, who once endured neglect, now receive their dues promptly and respectfully. The truth is that the progressive ideas of our great party are steadily transforming the Imo State economic landscape. A new Imo is on the rise,” he affirmed.

Uzodimma expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for his “visionary and determined leadership” and attributed many of Imo’s successes to the enabling environment created by the President’s reforms. “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has led with clarity, taking brave decisions that others might have avoided. The reforms he has championed are not easy, but they are already yielding results that Nigerians can feel,” he said.

In a moment that drew applause, the Imo governor declared his state’s unwavering support for President Tinubu’s second term bid in 2027. “Considering the transformative impact of the President’s government on the lives of Imo people, and knowing that his visionary policies have rekindled in us the hope of a better future, we in Imo State have resolved to stand firmly behind him for a second term in office come 2027,” Uzodimma stated.

He concluded by urging Nigerians to see the book not only as a record of the past but as “a rallying point for the future. The decade it captures has ended, but the journey of progressive governance is far from finished. The task before us is to keep building, to stay faithful to the principles of service, inclusion and discipline, and to ensure that the progress we celebrate today becomes the foundation for greater achievements tomorrow.”

As the hall rose to a standing ovation, it was clear that A Decade of Impactful Progressive Governance in Nigeria had become more than a book launch — it was a moment of political reflection, pride, and renewed hope in the continuing story of Nigeria’s democratic evolution.

L-R: Convener of Free Medical Outreach, Prof. Yusuf Oshodi; Founder, Oluwarotimi Ireti Akinola Foundation, Prof. Rotimi Akinola; a beneficiary of the Free Medical Outreach, Mrs. Titilayo Bakare; and a sponsor of the Foundation, Mr. Kehinde Ogedengbe, at the Free Medical Outreach activity organised by the Oluwarotimi Ireti Akinola Foundation at AyoboIpaja LCDA, Lagos State, as part of activities to commemorate the 70th birthday and retirement of the founder in Lagos… recently

Former Speaker, Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Onofiok Luke; former state Governor, Chief Ubong Victor Attah; Chief Executive Officer, Kenyon International, Dr. Victor Ekpenyong; and Executive Director, Kenyon International, Helen Innocent, during Kenyon’s 10th anniversary celebration in Lagos... recently

L-R: Vice President/Chief Executive Officer, IHS Nigeria, Mr. Mohamad Darwish; Chief Executive Officer, City Bank Nigeria, Mrs. Nneka Enwereji; Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, Mr. Bosun Tijani; CEO, I-Systems Brazil, Mr. Fernando Barros; and Founding Partner, Future Africa, Iyinoluwa Aboyeji, at the third Plenary Session with the theme: ‘Smart Growth, Digital Leap’, sponsored by IHS Towers Nigeria, held in Abuja... recently

L-R: Special Guest/General Overseer,  Word Base Assembly, Bishop Humphrey Erumaka; Guest Speaker, Assemblies of God Nigeria/Badagry District Treasurer, Assemblies of God, Rev Adiele  Chukwuemeka; District Treasurer, Lagos West/Senior Pastor in-Charge, Assemblies of God Church (AGC), lsolo, Rev Iroatu Godson Chukwuma Samuel; his wife, Mrs. Regina Iroatu; Lagos West District Superintendent of the Assemblies of God, Rev Innocent Ehiametalor Edoror; and his wife, Mrs. Gracious Edoror, during the 50th anniversary/book presentation of AGC lsolo ( City of Refuge ) in Lagos... recently

Chukwuemeka Muo, Ugochukwu Muo, and the grandchildren during the burial of Chief Christian Muoagwana at St Luke’s Anglican Church, Obodoukwu in Ideato North Local Government Area of Imo State… recently

AFRICAN BUSINESS CHAMPION AWARD...

L-R: Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Moneda Invest, Ejike Egbuagu; Executive Vice President, Afreximbank, Kanayo Awani; President & CEO, Corporate Council on Africa, Florie Liser; President Afreximbank, Prof. Benedict Oramah; Founder African Business Stories, Akaego Okoye; Minister of Women Affairs, Hon. Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, during the one year anniversary of African Business Stories’ Roundtable Series where Oramah was honoured with the African Business Champion Award on the sidelines of the 80th United Nations General Assembly in New York…recently

31st Nigerian Economic Summit: Beer Sector Backs

MAN, Urges FG to Rescind Tax

As the 31st Nigerian Eco- nomic Summit Kicks-off in Abuja, Nigeria’s beer industry has backed the position of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, MAN, urging government to rescind the proposal to introduce tax stamps.

The industry called on the federal government to sustain existing home-grown digital systems that deliver full visibility of excise operations and reject the proposal to introduce tax stamps which has unintended consequences on the productivity of the industry and revenue generation.

According to Abiola Laseinde, Executive Director, Beer Sectoral Group of MAN, the tax stamps (digital identifiers also referred to as tack and trace systems) will be counterproductive, warning that the system presents operational challenges and financial risks that could undermine the fragile

recovery of the manufacturing industry and the Nigerian economy.

The tax stamps system is largely inefficient, causing production slowdowns, distribution delays, product stock-outs, and high compliance costs.

Industry is concerned that this proposal is coming at a time when operators are already grappling with rising excise rates, foreign exchange volatility, and high inflationmaking the additional burden of implementing tax stamps a serious threat to business sustainability.

Furthermore, tax stamps, which are often positioned as a solution to illicit trade, would have no benefit to beer as there is zero illicit in the sector.

The brewing process is complex, the product is bulky, and resale value is low - making counterfeiting unprofitable.

It is also pertinent to note

that the beer industry already maintains strict compliance, with digital counters, on-site Customs officers, and auditable records in place.

The federal government has already invested in digital systems that deliver full visibility of excise operations.

Most recently, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS)

successfully launched and piloted the B’Odogwu automated Excise Reporting System (ERS), a modern platform that digitizes excise administration.

ERS replaces manual registers with an automated process that: Tracks production volumes and excise computation in real

Stamps Rollout

time; Enhances compliance monitoring through full transparency; Creates an auditable digital trail that reduces leakages and inefficiency.

According to Abiola Laseinde, Executive Director, Beer Sectoral, Group of MAN, “we urge the government to consider the following actions

in the national interest: “Rescind the proposed rollout of tax stamps to avert disruption to production, jobs, and revenues. “Consolidate and strengthen existing systems like Customs’ ERS and FIRS e-Invoicing, which are effective, transparent, and locally driven.

Tinubu Withholds Assent to Two Bills over Fiscal Risks, Approves Two Police Laws

Sunday Aborisade in Abuja

President Bola Tinubu has declined assent to two bills recently passed by the National Assembly, citing fiscal and constitutional inconsistencies that could encourage mismanagement of public funds.

In a letter dated July 30, 2025, and read by Senate President Godswill Akpabio during plenary yesterday, the President explained

Diri Confirms Acquisition of Two Aircraft for Commercial Operations

would soon arrive and would operate the Yenagoa, Lagos and Abuja routes.

The Bayelsa State Govern- ments has confirmed the procurement of two aircraft to commence commercial flight operations at the state’s airport.

Governor Douye Diri, who stated this on Monday during the courtesy visit of the Prime Minister of the State of Africa in Diaspora, Dr. Tin Louise-George, to Government House, Yenagoa, said the planes

Governor Diri said his administration was determined to make the Bayelsa International Airport more commercially effective for flight operations.

While welcoming Dr. Louise-George on his maiden visit to Nigeria and Bayelsa, he described the State of Africa in Diaspora as akin to Doctors Without Borders.

He said the state gov-

ernment was ready for partnership in the area of the airport expansion and development of a smart city.

He said: “I heartily welcome you and your team to Bayelsa. We are happy to note that you are here in Nigeria for the first time.

“Let me acknowledge that I had a fruitful virtual meeting with you and your team when I was recently in London, which was facilitated by my Technical Adviser, Prof. Oweikumo Eradiri.

he could not sign the Nigerian Institute of Transport Technology (Establishment) Bill, 2025, and the National Assembly Library Fund Bill due to “fundamental defects” in their provisions.

Tinubu said key clauses in the proposed transport institute law were inconsistent with existing financial regulations and posed “serious risks of financial abuse.”

He pointed specifically to Section 18(4a) of the bill, which seeks to allocate one percent of all import and export levies in Nigeria to the institute, a provi- sion he said was introduced without approval from the

Federal Executive Council and would duplicate existing revenue sources.

The President also faulted the section empowering the institute to borrow funds up to N50 million without presidential consent.

He warned that it could lead to repeated borrowing to circumvent oversight.

“This could be abused, as the institute may repeatedly request to borrow N50 million or less to avoid approval,” he cautioned.

Tinubu further observed that other sections of the bill, including 23 and 24(5), contained contradic-

tions on the management and investment of funds.

He also said Section 18(2) allowed the institute to invest public funds in ways inconsistent with its core functions.

“Such provisions conflict with public finance principles, as agencies funded by government appropriations do not typically generate surplus revenues,” he stated.

On the National Assembly Library Fund Bill, the President said its funding provisions would create “unsustainable precedents” and strain the fiscal discipline of the federal budget.

NGO Trains 8000 Teenagers on Influence, Self Development

A Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), Trust Teen Community has trained no fewer than 8,000 teenagers on positive influencing, impact making and self-development in the last one and half years.

The teenagers drawn from some private and secondary schools in Ogun State were trained on various ways they can influence and have positive

impacts on their peers, schools, groups and the society at large.

The roles of the NGO in training the teenagers, was revealed during the Year 2025 Edition of Trust Teens Conference, held at the auditorium of June 12 Cultural Centre, Abeokuta, Ogun State.

Welcoming participants at the Year 2025 Edition with the theme “Teen Who Influence,”

the Convener of the Conference, Miss Deborah Dada, said the organisation which had been operating in the last 17 months had executed 25 projects and established 15 learning centre in six communities. She said the project, which has 50 volunteers have invested over N20m in delivering its mandate.

TINUBU GETS AWARD FROM NIGERIAN DEFENCE ACADEMY...

Senate President Godswill Akpabio(L) presenting an award to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which he received from the Nigeria Defence Academy

President at the Presidential Villa, Abuja..... yesterday

Oba of Benin: I’m Yet to Understand Introduction of Iyaloja Concept in Edo State

Warns any deviation from age-old cultural system of Iyeki may lead to breach of peace

Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City

Benin Traditional Council said it was yet to know the aim of the Iyaloja concept being introduced in Edo

State. This was contained in a statement issued on behalf of the Benin monarch, Oba Ewuare II, and signed by six top palace chiefs. The statement queried whether an Edo woman

could be made the Iyaloja of Lagos or Nigeria?

“Can this concept of Iyaloja be extended to Aba, Owerri Keffi, Kaduna, Kano, Sokoto and other parts of Nigeria?” the statement said.

The council advised the Edo State government on the salient tradition, warning that any deviation from the age-old cultural system of Iyeki can lead to breach of peace.

IPCR, KAICIID, NIALS Set to Tackle HerdsmenFarmer Clashes at Policy Review Meeting in Abuja

The Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR), in collaboration with King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz International Center for Interreligious and Intercultural Dialogue KAICIID and the Nigerian Institute for Advanced Legal Studies (NIALS), hafe joined forces to address Nigeria’s escalating tensions between farming and pastoralist communities.

At the First Quarter Policy Review Meeting themed “Livestock Policies in Nigeria: Implications for Peace, Security, and Reconciliation,” stakeholders highlighted the urgent need for reforms to address policy gaps driving communal violence.

The event which held on Tuesday at the IPCR Director- General’s Conference Room in Abuja, stakeholders gathered for a high-level dialogue led by the Director-General of the

IPCR, Dr. Joseph Ochogwu.

Ochogwu set the tone by emphasising that livestock production, while a backbone of Nigeria’s rural economy, has become a trigger for recurring conflict, displacement, and national insecurity.

He said: “We are all witnesses to the devastating impact of these clashes,” stressing that: “From loss of lives to destruction of properties and disruption of food supply chains, the

DRASA Celebrates 10 Years of Impact, Unveils Vision for Next Decade

Sunday Ehigiator

The Dr. Ameyo Stella Adadevoh (DRASA) Health Trust is marking its 10th anniversary this month with a grand celebration themed ‘A Decade of Impact: Bold Vision for the Future’.

In a statement from the organisation, the event, scheduled to be held on Monday, October 20, 2025, in Abuja, will celebrate a decade of advancing public

health, building resilient communities, and honouring the enduring legacy of Nigeria’s Ebola heroine, Dr. Ameyo Stella Adadevoh.

Founded in 2015 to immortalise the courageous physician who stopped the spread of Ebola in Nigeria, DRASA Health Trust has evolved into one of the country’s leading public health organisations, working with government,

private sector, international partners, and civil society to prevent infections and strengthen health systems nationwide.

The anniversary event will bring together top government officials, development partners, business leaders, health professionals, community influencers, and DRASA’s network of youth Health Champions from across Nigeria.

consequences are eroding national cohesion and fueling organised crime.”

He noted that despite existing frameworks like the National Livestock Transformation Plan (2019–2028), the National Dairy Development Policy (2021), and anti-open grazing laws, implementation has remained inconsistent and, in many cases, polarising.

NDDC,

Market women had on Monday visited the Benin monarch to thank him for insisting that Iyaloja title was alien to the Benin culture.

Frowning on the use of market associations to run open markets and play partisan politics, the state- ment said the twin factors were antithetical as well as inimical to the essence of market tradition in Benin culture.

It expressed reservations about the tendency for market women to allow themselves be used as pawns in the political chessboard under the guise of market associations.

The council appealed “to the market women and the politicians behind them to eschew dragging the sanctity of the name of the Oba into

their partisan political affairs”.

The statement said, “The Palace feels that if we were duly consulted about what the tradition says about Iyeki Role in Benin tradition all the ensuing controversy or tension would have been avoided.

“Benin Traditional Council wishes to reiterate that in Benin, there is nothing like Iyeki general, which this lyaloja concept seems to imply. In Benin culture, lyeki emerges among the market women. After being chosen by the market women, she is brought to the palace for confirmation.

“Once confirmed, they are told to go ahead and install her as the lyeki of the market. The Palace never chooses anybody as lyeki. It is the market women that do that.

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), TotalEnergies, Renaissance Africa Energy, technexus, Border Community Development Agency, and some volunteers have joined to sponsor TEDxPortHarcourt’ to push for climate change awareness in the Niger Delta region.

The NDDC in particular led in strong propositions as

well as activities and projects already building up carbon credit including the massive solar-powered street and community lighting project, their reforestation and reclamation schemes.

The ‘TEDxPortHarcourt Countdown’ had gathered thought leaders, innovators, creatives, and climate champions in an inspiring call to action for a more sustainable and resilient planet.

Hosted in Port Harcourt,

the event brought the global TED Countdown initiative to the heart of the Niger Delta, spotlighting bold ideas and local innovations driving climate action in Nigeria.

With the theme; “Climate Action Now: Local Solutions, Global Impact,” TEDxPortHar- court Countdown served as a platform to reimagine how communities, businesses, and individuals can contribute to reducing carbon emissions and building a greener future.

LASG HOSTS UK PARTNERS ON GREEN CITIES, INFRASTRUCTURE AND ENERGY...

L-R: Permanent Secretary, Office of Environmental Services, Dr. Gaji Omobolaji; Team Lead, Adam Smith International, Mr. Benneth Obasiohia; Honourable Commissioner for The Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab; Special Adviser on Environment, Engr. Olakunle Rotimi-Akodu and Deputy Team Lead, Adam Smith International, Mr. Olaposi Falope, during a business meeting on Green Cities, Infrastructure and Energy Programme with the Officials of Lagos State Ministry of The Environment and Water Resources, held , at the Ministry of The Environment and Water Resources Conference room, Alausa, Lagos on Monday

Mark: Failure Isn’t an Option in 2027, We

Must Compete and Win General Election

Vows to change outdated pattern of political class serving themselves, pledges to defend separation of powers Atiku says only full deployment of technology in election reforms can ensure credible polls

National Chairman of African Democratic Congress (ADC), Senator David Mark, said failure was not an option in the 2027 general election, adding that the opposition party would compete to win.

While vowing to change what he described as an outdated pattern, where the political class often served itself, he added that ADC would defend the separation of powers and strengthen oversight so that budgets would serve the public interest, not private appetites.

The comments came as former Vice President and chieftain of ADC, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, called for deploy- ment of a technology-based election as panacea for election fraud in SpeakingNigeria. at the inaugural meeting of the National Work- ing Committee (NWC) of the party, Mark disclosed that the mission of ADC was not only

to attain power in 2027, but also to leave a legacy which the future generations would be proud to inherit.

In his welcome remarks, Mark said, “Our mission is not only to attain power in 2027; it is to leave a legacy which the future generations will be proud to inherit. We are in a marathon we must compete and win. Failure is not an option.

“I am alarmed by attempts – subtle and crude – to bend the legislature and judiciary to the will of the executive. The ADC will defend the separation of powers, restore legislative and judicial independence, and strengthen oversight so that budgets serve the public interest, not private appetites.

“We will end the culture of parallel budgets and extra- budgetary manoeuvres by enforcing strict and transparent planning, timely appropriations, and rigorous auditing.”

Mark stressed, “The judiciary

must again be a refuge for every citizen. We will back an independent, efficient, and trusted bench-appointments on merit, transparent case management, time-bound rulings, and a bias for justice over empty technicalities.

“Nigeria and Nigerians will accept nothing less. The political class has too often served itself.

We must change this outdated pattern. We must model a new attitude to leadership across every sphere-public, private, and civic.

“Let it be said of the ADC that we kept faith with the people, that we were steady under pressure, honest in our dealings, and relentless in delivery. We do not seek

power for its own sake; we seek it to build a legacy worthy of our children.”

Mark acknowledged that the road to victory would be difficult, and demanded serious sacrifice, saying, “The road will be uphill. Sacrifice will be demanded. Those threatened by democracy will resist it. Still, we advance-calmly,

courageously, together as a formidable team.”

ADC boasted that Nigeria could, and would, work for everyone – and with a commitment to build a party bigger than any personality, stronger than any moment and positively different from any party in the annals of our country.

Umahi: Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway Advancing, Will Last 100 Years

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja Minister of Works, David Umahi, yesterday said that the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway was progressing simultaneously in sections across Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River, assuring that with the quality, the road when completed, will last another 100 years.

The minister, who spoke on Arise Television, also responded to questions regarding cost per kilometre of the highway, stressing that such comparisons were technically inaccurate and describing it as one of the Bola Tinubu administration’s flagship infrastructure masterpieces.

According to Umahi, the pace and coordination of work demonstrates Tinubu’s determination to improve Nigeria’s transport network. “There’s no region in the country today where the President is not

constructing or rehabilitating major roads. The President is working decisively,” he added.

Umahi emphasised that the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway was being built to world-class standards and designed to endure for decades. “The roads are designed to last between 50 and 100 years. If we had built roads like this before, we wouldn’t be in this mess,” he affirmed.

The minister explained that the financing arrangement had attracted international

attention, assuring that: “The Deutsche Bank put it out to the public, and it was over- subscribed by $100 million because the cost of the coastal highway was seen as very cheap.”

“This project has not been designed. The soil report is not out. In this kind of project, you are not dealing with a cost per kilometre. You can only talk about an average cost per kilometre because every kilometre differs in cost from another,” Umahi clarified.

The Lagos State Government yesterday signed a Memoran- dum of Understanding, (MoU) on Occupational and health with the Bank of Industry, (BOI) as part of effort at ensuring safety standard across the state.

The signing took place during Y2025 Lagos State Occupational Safety and Health Conference held at Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island.

The MoU which was signed by Governor Babajide Sanwo-

Olu on behalf of the Lagos State Safety Commission, (LSSC), told the BoI that “we will work with you, we’ll handle you to ensure that we’re not just saying it, we want to actually have safety first in everything that we’re doing.”

28 Occupational Safety Officers were also unveiled with Governor Sanwo-Olu as the Commandant.

Sanwo-Olu noted, “We use this as a springboard to encourage others and so you can see that what we’re

building is not just a policy that is far off or an integration that is not people-centric, it is that conversation that we believe we will leave here truly blessed and understanding what everybody’s role and responsibility must be.”

Governor Sanwo-Olu recalled during COVID-19 pandemic, saying “It was such a difficult time for us and Lanre was just being recently appointed and I said to him that you know this is the only time where we truly can protect life and property.

NNSS Ojo, ‘89 Alumni Donates Laptops to School

Funmi

Ogundare

The 1989 set of the Nigerian Navy Secondary School (NNSS), Ojo, Lagos State, on Saturday, 4th October, 2025, donated 35 brand Laptops to their alma mater in support of digital learning to mark their 35th anniversary celebra- tion, and as a reunion.

Speaking at the event, which was held at Nigerian Navy Sports Complex, Navy

Town, Ojo, Lagos State, the President of the NNSS Ojo ’89 Set, Mr. Oluwafemi Awoyemi, commended the school for the quality education, discipline, and values it instilled in them, which, according to him, have continued to shape their lives and careers in the military and other professional fields. Awoyemi noted the reunion was not just a cel- ebration of old memories but

a testament to the enduring spirit of unity, brotherhood, altruism, and patriotism that defines graduates of NNSS Ojo.

He described the laptops donation as a token of appreciation to the school, adding that the gesture was deliberately aimed at empowering current students with digital tools that will prepare them for the future of work.

NNSS OJO 1989 SET CELEBRATES 35TH ANNIVERSARY...

L-R: A BoT Member of Navy Secondary School, Navy Town (NNSS) Ojo Alumni, Tunde Gbajumo; President, 1989 Set NNSS Ojo, Mr. Oluwafemi Awoyemi; Commander, NNS Beecroft, Commodore Paul Nimmyel; Commander, NNS Wey, Commodore Shehu Mohammed Tasiu; Commandant, NNSS Navy Town, Ojo, Captain Nkari Ngaji Adeyemi; Chairman, Planning Committee, 1989 Old Students of NNSS Ojo, Mr. Inighokpo; and PTA Chairman, NNSS Ojo, Engr. Aderemi Adetunji, during the presentation of laptops to NNSS Ojo and celebration of the 35th anniversary by the 1989 Set of the school, held in Lagos… recently

security, and inflation.

“We wish to underscore three principles: Workers’ rights must be respected. The Constitution guarantees the right to organise and to demand fair treatment. No enterprise can succeed without motivated, fairly treated workers.

“Markets and productivity must be protected. The right to organise cannot become a license to hold the economy hostage. Productive enterprises that lower costs and create jobs must be safeguarded.

“Social responsibility and accountability must remain central. Investors of this magnitude must operate transparently, uphold fair labour practices, and reinvest in the communities they serve,” the statement noted.

Besides, the signatories noted that concerns about monopoly or market dominance should not be settled by disruptive industrial action, explaining that Nigeria has institutions, such as the Federal Competi- tion and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), that are mandated to assess such claims.

Where there are legitimate issues of pricing or dominance, the proper channel, they argued, is through these statutory bodies, not strikes that harm ordinary“Moreover,Nigerians. as has been noted, there is no legal monopoly here; others are free to invest in refining, provided they can mobilise the necessary resources and expertise,” the group pointed out.

It commended the federal government, labour unions, and Dangote Refinery for stepping back from confrontation and resolving the dispute through dialogue, urging that this spirit of constructive engagement becomes a template for the future.

At the same time, it stressed the dangers that such disruptions pose to investor

confidence, economic stability, and Nigeria’s strategic interest in reducing dependency on imports.

“This crisis is not about a refinery or any other business. It is about the direction of our economy: whether we will continue in a cycle of scarcity and rent-seeking or build a future anchored in productivity, fairness, and shared prosperity.

“The Dangote refinery represents an audacious step forward. It should not be undermined but strengthened — as a signal to other industrialists that investing in Nigeria’s future is worthwhile,” they wrote.

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has expressed dismay at the recent comments made by Senator Adams Oshiomhole on national TV, describing it as a reprehensible assault on the fundamental rights of Nigerian workers and a gross distortion of established labour laws.

The leadership of NUPENG said that it has declared Senator Adams Oshiomhole persona non grata within the ranks of Nigerian oil and gas workers for the ‘undistinguished’ denuncia- tion of the PENGASSAN strike against the ‘unjustifiable’ sack of 800 engineers as punishment for exercising the fundamental right of unionism.

The union said that henceforth, it will not participate in or lend legitimacy to any event featuring Oshiomhole.

A statement jointly signed by NUPENG president, Williams Akporeha and General Secretary, Afolabi Olawale, accused Oshiomhole of attempting to rationalise the victimisation of workers for exercising their fundamental rights of association and peaceful action.

“We witness with utter disappointment a former labour leader now transformed into

a vocal advocate for corporate oppression, actively campaigning against the very rights he once championed.

“His attempts to rationalise the victimisation of workers for exercising their fundamental rights of association and peaceful action are not only nauseating but represent a flagrant misrepresentation of Nigerian Labour Law and International Labour Organisa- tion (ILO) Conventions.

“First, it is the height of irony that we are compelled to ask whether the descrip- tion of Senator Oshiomhole allegedly by former President Olusegun Obasanjo, at a dinner organised by Nigeria Labor Congress (NLC) during one of its Delegates Conference as ‘a Comrade in the morning and a politician by night’ is true.

“If former President Obasanjo’s description of Senator Oshiomhole is true, we are compelled to ask if such a person qualifies to lecture anyone on strategy and/or morality,” said NUPENG.

The union wondered how a person who once advised alleged corrupt politicians to join the APC to have their sins forgiven has the effrontery to sermonise on morality.

“It also speaks volumes to the character of Senator Oshiomhole claiming falsely to have relinquished his position as General Secretary of National Union of Textile, Garment and Tailoring Workers of Nigeria (NUTGTWN) upon becoming NLC President.

“It is beyond controversy that Mr. Adams Oshiomhole held on to the positions of NLC President and General Secretary of NUTGWN from 1999-2007, and he did not relinquish the position of the General Secretary until 2008, one full year after leaving NLC Presidency,” it said.

NUPENG said that it is a

pathological tendency on the part of the senator to rewrite history to suit his current reactionary advocacy for the unconscionable capitalists who are not prepared to accommodate trade unions, in preference for slave labour.

Regarding the issue of unionisation, NUPENG said that Section 40 of the Constitution guarantees every person, meaning citizens and foreigners (not only citizens) in Nigeria, the right to freedom of association and assembly.

“The mass dismissal of workers for unionising is a blatant violation of these core international standards, which have become constitutional provisions by virtue of Section 254C (1) & (2) of the 1999 Constitution,” it said.

Also, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), Alhaji Bashir Dalhatu, has condemned what he described as the deliberate sabotage of the Dangote Refinery.

Speaking at the meeting of the BoT held yesterday in Kaduna, he said the ongoing crisis at the newly completed facility is “deeply unfathomable and unacceptable.” Dalhatu accused “unpatriotic unions backed by hidden cabals” of trying to destroy a strategic national asset.

He said: “These people must be told in no uncertain terms that they are working on behalf of the enemies of Nigeria and Nigerians, the living and the generations yet unborn.”

He called on the federal government to take urgent and decisive action to defend the refinery, which he described as a symbol of economic hope.

Besides, he commended the Nigerian armed forces and other security agencies for the fight against insurgency and banditry in the North. He,

however, urged the military high command to continue reviewing its strategies to reduce casualties and stay ahead of emerging threats.

Dalhatu also expressed serious concern over recent incidents where senior ACF officials at both national and state levels issued conflicting statements to the media. He said: “The ACF today stands in great need of a firm protocol that should guide and regulate the manner in which officials speak about our affairs.”

The meeting also reviewed preparations for the upcoming Silver Jubilee celebration of the forum, scheduled to hold in Kaduna from November 20 to 22, 2025.

According to Dalhatu, the celebration will mark a major milestone for the ACF and serve as an opportunity to reposition it for future impact.

The meeting also noted the proliferation of parallel groups in northern Nigeria and warned that the creation of splinter organisations with similar objectives to the ACF was undermining the unity and voice of the region.

“Our strength lies in our unity, in pooling resources together and in speaking with one voice on all matters affecting our people,” Dalhatu said.

Ahead of the 2027 general elections, Dalhatu reaffirmed the forum’s strict non-partisan stance, even as individual members may hold political affiliations. He said: “Although ACF members may belong to political parties of their choice, as an organisation, ACF is politically non-partisan and would not support one party over the other.”

He added that the forum will continue to advocate for viable democracy, good governance, and the unity of Nigeria.

Still on labour issues, the NLC has said that no company, no

matter how big, strategic or well-connected, can be allowed to operate outside the law of the land.

It said that one of the major responsibilities of trade unions remains the protection of work- ers and their rights not just in Nigeria but across the world.

A statement signed by the NLC president, Joe Ajaero, described the position of Vice President, Kashim Shettima on the recent PENGASSAN - Dangote refinery face-off as deeply troubling.

“We state unequivocally to Vice President Shettima; No company, no matter how big, ‘strategic,’ or well-connected, can operate outside the law or be bigger than Nigeria. If the Dangote Refinery is to be granted rights and privileges over and above the law, then the government must be prepared for the storms that such an injustice will inevitably unleash. There can be no peace without justice.

“We condemn in the strongest terms this deeply troubling statement by the Vice President, Kashim Shettima, that the Dangote Group is a “national asset” and insinuating therefore that it should be exempt from obeying the nation’s labour laws.

“This statement is not only an affront to the rule of law but a national tragedy. It is a public declaration that capital, when sufficiently concentrated, is above the law, that money is sovereign and can undermine decent work principles,” the NLC said.

The NLC accused the Dangote Group of brazenly violating the rights of its workers to freedom of association and right to join the trade union of their choice; “a right guaranteed by our Constitution, the Trade Union Act, the Labour Act and core ILO Conventions to which Nigeria is a signatory.”

SenAtorS end VAcAtion, reSume PLenArY...

Oluyede: Weapons Win Battles, Truth, Trust Win Wars

House urges CDS, IG, NSCDC commandant to intensify deployment, coordinate security operations in Kwara PSC tasks new police constables to contribute to the fight against terrorism, banditry Adeleke vows to apprehend, prosecute perpetrators of Akinlalu’s killing

Adedayo Akinwale, Linus Aleke in Abuja and Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, has stated that while weapons may win battles, truth and trust win wars.

Oluyede also stressed that the collective mission of the military is to ensure that the Nigerian public remains ac- curately informed, confident in its Armed Forces, and united behind the cause of national security.

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS) made this assertion while declaring open the Directorate of Army Public Relations’ Combined Third and Fourth Quarters Media Training Seminar, with the theme: “Enhancing Responsible Media Reportage of Nigerian Army Operations in a Joint and Multi-Agency Environment for Enhanced National Security”.

Represented by the Com- mander of the Nigerian Army Cyber Warfare Command (NACWC), Major General Mo- hammed Tanimu Abdullahi, the Army Chief stated that the care- fully chosen theme underscored the vital role of accountability, balance, and responsibility in the reportage of military operations — particularly in a joint environment, where collaboration among security agencies were indispensable.

“Let us remember that while weapons win battles, truth and trust win wars. Our collective mission is to ensure that the Nigerian public remains ac- curately informed, confident in its Armed Forces, and united behind the cause of national security.

“In an era where the

battle for hearts and minds is as critical as the battle on the field, responsible media reportage has become a key enabler of operational success. The perception of the Nigerian Army — and indeed all security agencies — is largely shaped by the narratives carried in the media

“Withspace. the rise of digital technologies and artificial intel- ligence, the speed and reach of information — both genuine and false — have multiplied. Fake news, manipulated images, and deepfakes now pose real threats to national cohesion and operational“Therefore,integrity. our collective task is not only to counter misinformation but to ensure that truth and verified facts dominate public discourse.”

Recognising that victory today is not won solely on the battlefield, Oluyede stated that it was increasingly fought in the information domain — where narratives, perceptions, and public confidence are decisive.

House Urges CDS, IG, NSCDC to Intensify Coordinated Security Operations in Kwara

The House of Representatives has called on the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun and the Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) to intensify deployments and coordinated security operations in Kwara State.

The House also called on the federal government to collaborate with the Kwara State government to establish a forward-operational base in the state to curtail the rising

security situation in the state.

The resolution of the House followed the adoption of a motion moved at the resumed plenary on Tuesday by a mem- ber representing Ifelodun/Offa/ Oyun Federal Constituency, Hon. Tijjani Ismail.

Moving the motion, Ismail expressed concern over the escalating insecurity across constituency which has been marked by violent attacks, killings, and displacement of

to improve diverse aspects of election management. He said this included the easy location of election facilities, management of collation and returning officers, virtual training of electoral staff, management of political parties’ finances and audits, as well as the overall monitoring of elections using the Election Monitoring and Support Centre (EMSC).

He stated that the commission had made tremendous progress, but a lot more needed to be done.

Yakubu stated, “Accordingly, unknowing the enormity of the challenges ahead, having been privileged to serve the Commission for 10 years, with only a few more weeks to serve, I have taken a decision and conveyed the same as provided by Section 306, Subsections 1 and 2 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended.

“In the interim, I am handing over to one of the most senior national commissioners by date of appointment.”

Yakubu added, “Following consultation with other national commissioners, Ms. May

residents.

He recalled the tragic incident of Sunday, 28th September 2025, in Oke-Ode, where about 15 persons including 11 forest guards and the Baale of Ogbayo among others were killed by armed bandits.

The lawmaker said the persistence of such attacks endangered lives, livelihoods, education, and food security, and could spread further if urgent, coordinated action

Agbamuche-Mbu will serve in acting capacity pending the appointment of a substantive chairman of the Commission.

“I hope that this will afford the appointing authorities adequate time to appoint a new chairman. It will also enable the new chairman to quickly settle down to the task of conducting elections and electoral activities in Africa’s most demographically and logistically complex environment.”

Yakubu stated that since 2015, he had worked with 24 national commissioners and 67 resident electoral commissioners, as well as the regular staff of the commission.

According to him, “Together, we innovated and managed the Commission’s enormous responsibilities, sometimes on the verge of breaking down.

“I also enjoy tremendous support and goodwill from members of the National Assembly, particularly successive chairmen and members of the committees on electoral matters.”

The former chairman stated that there were a number of forthcoming elections, saying

were not taken.

The House resolved: “Urge the Chief of Defence Staff, Inspector General of Police, and Commandant General of the NSCDC to intensify deploy- ments and coordinated security operations in the affected areas;

“Call on the federal govern- ment to collaborate with the Kwara State Government to establish a forward-operational base in the area and a sustainable security framework.”

the preparations for some of them are either at advanced or concluding stages.

Yakubu stressed that the Anambra State governorship election would hold next month, followed by the Area Council election in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in February 2026, the Ekiti State governorship election in June 2026, and the Osun State governorship election in August 2026.

He stated, “In addition to these off-cycle elections, we have already commenced preparations for some of the major activities for the 2027 general election, while awaiting the enactment of a new electoral act.

“The bill is currently before the National Assembly. It is expected that electoral reforms contained in the new act will necessitate further review of our regulations and guidelines, as well as the manuals for elections.”

Yakubu emphasised that beyond those reviews, the commission needed to further clean up the voters’ register, review the locations of some of

Contribute to the Fight Against Terrorism, Banditry, PSC Tasks New Police Constables The Police Service Commission (PSC) has charged newly recruited Police Constables to contribute meaningfully to the fight against terrorism, assist in securing communities from banditry, and strengthen the bond of trust between the Police and the Nigerian people.

the polling units, and allotment of voters to them.

He said the management of party primaries was another major area of activity, stressing that in the 2023 general election, the commission processed the nomination of over 20,000 candidates.

“Above all, I thank Nigerians for their comments as well as criticisms which encouraged rather than discouraged us to persevere,” he said.

Yakubu added, “Today, we are presenting two books to the public. The first, entitled Election Management in Nigeria 2015-2025, is a compendium of all activities carried out in the last 10 years under my watch.

“The second book, entitled Innovations in Electoral Technology 2015-2025, more specifically dwells on the new technologies introduced by the Commission in the last one decade.

“It is now my pleasure to sign my official handing over notes and present the same to Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu to do the same and thereafter, I will hand over the handing over notes and from that point, I will take my exit.”

Experts: It’s Humiliating that Nigeria Has No Ambassadors Anywhere in the World

Foreign policy experts have said that it is a humiliation that Nigeria does not have a substantive ambassador in any part of the world to represent and speak for its interest.

The experts made this declaration yesterday at the Nigeria Institute of Foreign Affairs (NIIA), Lagos, during the institute’s roundtable on “Nigeria@65: Setting a New Agenda for Nigeria’s Foreign Policy Under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”

Speaking in his welcoming remarks as the chairman of the roundtable, a retired Professor of International Law, Professor Akin

Oyebode, noted with strong dissatisfaction that “it is a humiliation that we do not have ambassadors. It is not done anywhere. It is a mark of irresponsibility that all over the world we do not have a single ambassador.

“Imagine that Nigeria does not even have ambassadors in South Africa, Ethiopia, Britain, United States of America, The United Nations, Japan and Brazil. So, who is your (Tinubu’s) spokesperson?

“Nigeria does not have a permanent representative even at the United Nations. They are all in acting capacity, which does not speak well for a country as big as Nigeria.”

Detty December: AWARI Secures Funds to Empower Businesses

Nigeria’s lifestyle discovery platform, AWARI, has made a case for the need to support lifestyle businesses across Africa following the impressive revenue generated from the 2024 Detty December season.

The Lagos State government had disclosed that it generated $71.6 million in revenue from tourism, hospitality, and entertainment sectors during the 2024 Detty December.

According to the state government, hotels contributed over $44 million, while short-let apartments accounted for $13 million of the total earnings.

Ahead of the 2025 festive period, AWARI said it has secured a new round of bridge

funding aimed at empowering lifestyle businesses and deepening innovation in the sector.

The organisation said the funding round, which surpassed the company’s previous pre-seed raise, was led by the Lagos Angel Network (LAN), and supported by a network of strategic investors.

Founded by entrepreneur Tannaz Bahnam, AWARI connects users with local lifestyle businesses such as restaurants, spas, gyms, shops and events, while providing business owners with tools for visibility, bookings, loyalty management and data-driven growth.

He declared that Nigeria needed to re-organise and retool its foreign policy and the starting point for this

will be the appointments of ambassadors.

“The ambassadors are so critical in foreign

missions to speak not only for the president but for the entire country. I cannot believe that as a country,

and for nearly two and half years, we have been plodding along without ambassadors.

Edo NDLEA Arrests 54 Suspected Drug Traffickers, Destroy 66,000kg Drugs

adibe Emenyonuinbenin city

The Edo State command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has destroyed 66,078.57kg of skunk cannabis, while 54 suspected drug traffickers were

apprehended with 1,506.57kg of various narcotic in the month of September.

Edo State NDLEA Commander, Mitchell Ofoyeju, disclosed this while presenting the scorecard of the command in Benin City, saying it recorded significant successes in its September operations. He said: “Our intelligence-led operations led to the significant arrest of 54 suspected drug traffickers, comprising 43 males and 11 females. In a proactive measure to curb cannabis cultivation, six illicit plantations spanning over 26.43 hectares were destroyed. They were

House Member Condemns Attacks by Bandits in Kwara

Hammed shittu inIlorin

The member representing Ekiti/Isin/Irepodun/Oke-Ero Federal Constituency of Kwara State in the National Assembly, Hon. Raheem Tunji Olawuyi Ajuloopin, has condemned the recent attacks by bandits on Idofin Odo-Ashe, Oke-Ero local government area of the state.

The federal lawmaker, however, described the attacks as a cowardly act aimed at destabilising the peaceful community.

In a statement issued in Ilorin yesterday Hon. Ajuloopin expressed deep concern over the incident and sympathised with the victims, their families, and the entire community.

He stressed that acts of violence have no place in a civilised society and urged security agencies to intensify efforts to apprehend the perpetrators and bring them to justice.

The lawmaker commended the swift response of both the federal and Kwara State Government, security agencies, and local vigilance groups.

PenOp Launches Report on Pension Funds, Infrastructure

Ebere Nwoji

After many years of low investments of pension funds in infrastructural development by pension fund managers and custodians due to fear of risks that may emanate from such investments, pension fund operators said they now believe that infrastructure was the most attractive alternative asset class to invest in.

To this effect, pension fund operators under the aegis of Pension Fund Operators

African Business Stories Celebrates First Anniversary

African Business Stories (ABS) has marked the one year anniversary of its flagship Roundtable Series with two milestonesthe presentation of its inaugural Africa Champion Award to Prof. Benedict Oramah, President and Chairman of the African Export–Import Bank (Afreximbank), and the launch of its first Impact Report, capturing a year of progress in closing Africa’s $42 billion gender financing gap.

The event held recently on the sidelines of the 80th United Nations General

Assembly, New York in the United States(US).

The event opened with special remarks from Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (Florida’s 20th District), who underscored the urgency of shifting from aid to trade in US–Africa relations. She highlighted new US legislation enabling Diaspora remittances to be reinvested as capital and reaffirmed her commitment to the renewal of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).

“When women start businesses, they create

jobs, change communities, and shift entire economies,” said Cherfilus-McCormick.

On the other hand, President & CEO of the Corporate Council on Africa, Ms. Florie Liser, presented the Africa Champion Award to Prof. Oramah.

She commended his transformative leadership in expanding Afreximbank’s assets and guarantees eightfold, growing revenues seven-fold, and ensuring women, youth, and SMEs have access to trade and capital opportunities.

Welding Institute Moves to Flush Out Fake Members

sylvester idowu in warri

The Nigerian Institute of Welding (NIW) has commenced moves to flush out alleged impersonators parading themselves as members of the professional group. The Secretary of the Board of Trustees (BoT) of NIW, Chief Solomon Edebiri, in a statement issued yesterday assured

them that the Institute was set to apply the full weight of the law on the alleged impersonators. He disclosed that the annual general meeting (AGM) of the Institute slated for the last quarter of the year at its national headquarters in Benin City, Edo State, would take decisive steps to put an end to cases of impersonation of membership of the Institute.

“The NIW is planning its annual general meeting (AGM) for the last quarter of the year. And it will be at the Institute’s headquarters in Benin-city, Edo State. It will address a lot of issues, including infiltration of the institute by non-financial members, abuse of powers by non-members and a lot of related illegal activities by dismissed staff of the Institute,” he stated.

Association of Nigeria (PenOp), have launched a report titled “Pension Funds and Infrastructures in Nigeria” to educate the public on investment of pension funds on

infrastructural development. PenOp, in the report, noted that though Nigeria has a huge infrastructure deficit, to the extent that World Bank estimates indicated that Nigeria required annual

investments of about $100 billion in infrastructure every year for the next 10 years, the use of pension funds as alternative means of infrastructural financing has not been given consideration.

FCCPC Warns Kano Traders against Adulteration, Harmful Chemicals

ahmad sorondinki in Kano

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has warned Kano State traders against adulteration of food products with dangerous additives and preservatives chemicals such as bromate, Sudan red colorant, sniper, formalin, among others.

The Executive Vice Chairman of the agency, Mr. Tunji Bello, issued the warning at a one-day sensitisation campaign on food quality standards, safety, regulation, and fair business practices, organised for the business community in Kano

yesterday.

He explained that food is not merely for sustenance or a commodity, but a fundamental human right, emphasizing that access to safe, unadulterated, nutritious food is a key pillar of public health, economic development, and national security.

Bello, represented by the Director of Quality Assurance and Development, Dr. Nkechi Mba, said issues of food quality standards, safety, and fair business practices are more pressing than ever, “but we continue to witness alarming trends like: ‘The forceful ripening of fruits

using harmful chemicals such as calcium carbide, which contains trace amounts of arsenic and phosphorus both of which are highly toxic to humans’.

“Adulteration of food products with dangerous additives and preservatives chemicals such as bromate, Sudan red colorant, sniper, formalin, among others.

“Improper handling and contamination across the food value chain, from farm to table such as poor storage conditions, unhygienic environment, poor waste disposal, exposure of food stuffs to flies, insects and rodents among others.”

Ekiti Cargo Airport Receives NCAA Approval for Commercial Operations

The federal government has given the Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport approval to commence scheduled flight operations (otherwise known as commercial flights) effectively from October 4, 2025. The development follows the expiration of the initial approval for a non-scheduled flight approval for the airport by the Nigeria

Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) in December 2024 and compliance with regulatory requirements.

The NCAA in the letter dated October 3, 2025, addressed to the state Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, confirmed the new approval for scheduled flight. The approval will be for an initial period of six months.

According to the letter with reference number: NCAA/DAAS/ TECH//043/Vol. 1/158 and signed by the Director,

Aerodrome and Airspace Standards, Godwin Balang, the validation inspection was conducted on the airport between June 16 and 19, 2025.

“The outcome revealed that the basic operational requirements for scheduled flight operations to AdoEkiti Airport have been significantly complied with and the instrument flight check validation report conducted by NAMA indicates satisfactory compliance with regulatory requirements.

Hamza Madagali Takes Over as PDP Chairman in Adamawa

daji sani in yola

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Adamawa State has sworn in its new executive committee members, with Hamza Madagali emerging as the chairman. The ceremony took place in Yola, marking a new chapter for the party in the state.

Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, represented by his Deputy, Prof Kaletapwa Farauta attended the swearing-in event, underscoring the

government’s connection with the party. The governor’s representative expressed optimism, saying Madagali’s leadership would bring fresh dynamics to the PDP in Adamawa.

Other key officials of new executive committee are: Saleh Mohammed Musa Shelleng as State Secretary, Barr. Ishaku Y. Daniel as Legal Adviser, Bature Moses as Auditor, Titus Samaila as Organising Secretary, and Victor Dogo as Publicity

Secretary, alongside others.

Farauta urged the new chairman to foster collaboration with party stakeholders, promote peace, unity, and inclusiveness within the party. This, it was noted, would help strengthen the PDP’s structure.

The professor also appealed to Madagali to reach out to aggressive members of the PDP across the state and encourage them to return to the party fold, promoting reconciliation.

Tony Elemelu Foundation, RHI Empower 500 Women in Edo

adibe Emenyonu in benin-city

The Renewed Hope Initiative of the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, in conjunction with the Tony Elemelu Foundation Women Economic Empowerment has given grants of N50,000 each to 500 women in Edo State. The presentation of the grants to the beneficial women was performed at the Festival Hall of the Government House, in Benin-city at the weekend.

Speaking at the event, Mrs. Tinubu, the founder

of Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), said the gesture was aimed at supporting the entrepreneurial spirit of market women, trader,s, and small-scale businesses who wake up each day determined to provide for their families, educate their children, and uplift the communities.

Senator Tinubu, who was represented by the Coordinator, Office of the First Lady, Edo State, Mrs. Edesili Okpebholo Anani, emphasised that the empowerment money is not a loan but a grant to help the women recapitalise

their existing businesses.

She also thanked the Tony Elemelu Foundation for donating the sum of N1 billion to the Renewed Hope Initiative to directly carry out this gesture of supporting 18,000 women across the 36 states and FCT.

Tinubu said: “This economic empowerment programme is about supporting the entrepreneurial spirit of the women, traders,, and small-scale owners who wake up each day determined to provide for their families, educate their children, and uplift their communities.

18 Super Eagles Begin Training in Polokwane for Lesotho

Bundesliga’s Werder Bremen confirm Felix Agu sidelined by ligament injury

Duro Ikhazuagbe

Eighteen Super Eagles players opened their training in Polok- wane, South Africa on Tuesday evening ahead Friday’s 2026 World Cup qualifying clash with Lesotho.

Dender EH of Belgium central defender, Benjamin Fredrick was the last player to join the team as all 18 Super Eagles began their first training regime under the watch of Eric Chelle and his technical crew in the South African city.

Nigeria, Argentina Light up Santiago in Big Last-16 Battle

Nigeria and Argentina will, once again, set the global foot- ball stage alight as the Round of 16 of this year’s FIFA U20 World Cup finals commence in Chile this evening.

Both countries have fought memorable battles in the FIFA World Cup finals, FIFA U20 World Cup finals and at the Men’s Olympic Football Tour- nament, but the most recent remains Nigeria’s spectacular 2-0 defeat of the Albiceleste in a Round of 16 encounter when Argentina hosted the FIFA U20 World Cup finals two years ago.

Ibrahim Muhammad and Haliru Sarki got the goals that stunned the hosts and upturned the prediction of most pundits, with the Flying Eagles marching ahead to the quarter-finals where they lost in extra time to the Republic of Korea.

Two decades ago, the Flying Eagles narrowly lost 1-2 to the Argies in the FIFA U20 World Cup Final in The Netherlands, both Argentine goals coming through penalty kicks converted by Lionel Messi, while Chinedu Ogbuke Obasi scored a brilliant goal for ArgentinaNigeria.have won the FIFA U20 World Cup six times, while Nigeria have finished with the silver medals twice (1989 and 2005) and the bronze once (1985), but there will be no inferiority complex on the part of the seven-time African champions when they take the pitch of the Estadio Nacional Julio Martinez Pradanos in Santiago from 8.30pm Nigeria time on Wednesday.

Over 20 Schools, Clubs for Dolphin Swimming League Season 7

Season 7 of the prestigious inter-school swimming tourna- ment, the Dolphin Swimming League, has recorded a surge in participation, with over 20 schools and clubs confirming theirTheentry. new season will kick off with Grange School hosting the opening leg on Saturday, October 11.

Widely regarded as a grooming ground for Nigeria’s top swimming talents, the league continues to produce athletes who represent the country at

continental and international competitions.

Many of its alumni also made a strong impact at the recently concluded National Youth Games in Delta State.

Organised by Dynaspro Sports Promotion in collabora- tion with Advanta Interactive, the tournament is officially sanctioned by the Nigeria Aquatic Federation, Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC), Nigeria School Sport Federation (NSSF), and the Lagos State Swimming Association.

The 17 other players in camp include; Captain William Troost-Ekong, Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Chrisantus Uche, Wilfred Ndidi, Bruno

Onyemaechi, Terem Moffi and Moses Simon.

Others are; Calvin Bassey, Alex Iwobi, Samuel Chukwueze, Frank Onyeka, Tolu Arokodare,

Semi Ajayi, Stanley Nwabali, Adebayo Adeleye and Amas Obasogie.

Media Officer of the Team, Promise Efoghe confirmed

that everything went smoothly without hitches with all the players serious about the task at hand.

It was smooth to see previ- ously missing to Injury Semi Ajayi back to the squad training. Same with Victor Osimhen who limped off the qualifying clash with Rwanda in Uyo after barely half an hour.

However, nothing was said about the three players who as at Monday evening were battling how to secure entry visas into South Africa.

Meanwhile, injured defender, Felix Agu, has now been ruled out from the decisive 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Benin.

German Bundesliga club Werder Bremen announced that Agu has been sidelined by a ligament injury after he was forced out of Saturday’s game against St.Pauli. He could be out for several months to also make him a major doubt for the 2025 AFCON in Morocco in December. Injury has also kept out dependable defender, Bright Osayi-Samuel, and Cyriel Dessers from the upcoming qualifiers.

The Eagles will be guests to Lesotho on Friday, October 10 before hosting Benin Republic on Tuesday October 14 in Uyo. With just two games remain- ing in the qualifiers, the Super Eagles are third on 11 points, three points behind Benin Republic and South Africa who are first and second respectively.

NFF, Other African FAs Have Benefitted over $1billion from FIFA in the Last Decade

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and other 54 Africa Member Associations have received over USD 1 billion investments in African football through the FIFA Forward Programme since it was started in 2016.

FIFA President, Gianni Infantino, made this disclosure while speaking at the 47th CAF Ordinary General Assembly in

Arsenal Consider Wembley Option to Enable Work on Emirates

Arsenal have held internal discussions about expanding the capacity of Emirates Stadium. The talks are still at an early stage with no favoured plan on how to move forward decided yet, but the possibility of home matches being played at Wembley Stadium if work was to take place has been discussed.

The Gunners played Champions League matches at the old Wembley Stadium in both the 1998-99 and 1999-2000 seasons.

Rivals Tottenham played Champions League matches at the current Wembley in 2016-17, before playing all of their ‘home’ fixtures at Wembley in 2017-18 and most of 2018-19 while their new stadium was

completed.

Next year will mark 20 years since the Gunners moved to the Emirates from Highbury. It is understood talks have involved the possibility of changing the seating plan in order to add thousands of seats as the Gunners look to keep pace with the largest stadiums in the country.

Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo recently.

The FIFA President also spoke of football’s responsibility to give hope and dreams to the children of Africa as he addressed representatives of the continent’s 54 FIFA Member Associations (MAs).

CAF President Patrice Motsepe thanked FIFA for organising the FIFA Club World Cup 2025™where four African teams – Al Ahly FC, Espérance Sportive de Tunis, Mamelodi Sundowns FC and Wydad AC – had the opportunity to play competitive matches against opponents from the rest of the world on a global stage.

Infantino added that players from 19 African nations had taken part in the FIFA Club World Cup, including nine which have never played at the FIFA World Cup™– Burkina

Faso, Congo, Gabon, Guinea, Mali, Mozambique, Namibia, Tanzania and Uganda.

“(It was a) huge success this summer with four African teams. But almost, I would say, more important, with African countries represented in the 32 clubs from all over the world,” the FIFA President said.

FIFA embarked upon a new era of global football develop- ment when the FIFA Forward Programmewas launched in 2016 to support the world football governing body’s 211 MAs and the confederations by funding infrastructure projects and competitions as well as operational costs.

The FIFA Forwardinvestments in the Confederation of African Football (CAF), the African zonal/regional associations and the continent’s 54 MAs reached a total of USD 1.06

AT ThE onGoinG niGERiAn EConomiC SUmmiT...

L-R: Deputy Director, Gates foundation Policy Advocacy and Communication, Ekenem Isichei; Associate Programme Officer, Averti Ayu; Senior Programme Officer, Gender Equality Division, Sybil Chadiac; Senior Programme Officer, Gender Equality Division, Aissatou Bah; Deputy Director, Economic Opportunities, Abi Jagun; Senior Communications Officer, fatimah Alkali; and Gates foundation Programme Officer, Nutrition, Alem Hadera Abey, at the ongoing Nigerian Economic Summit in Abuja, yesterday

Kayode KOMOLA f E

NESG and the Force of Ideas

The 31st edition of the Nigerian Economic Summit opened in Abuja two days ago. The organisers of the event are members of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG). Incorporated 29 years ago, the NESG is by self-definition “a non-profit, non-partisan private sector organisation with a mandate to promote and champion the reform of the Nigerian economy into an open, private sector-led globally competitive economy.”

The provenance of NESG was the 1993 move made by a group of “passionate and concerned private sector leaders representing key economic sectors” to establish a “platform” to harvest ideas for the good of Nigerian economy. Armed with products of research, the group’s tested methodology is that of advocacy - engagement of the private sector government and its agencies for reforms while also technically assisting during execution.

The organising principle of NESG could be distilled from its policy options. These are policies in favour of creating the appropriate environment for a strong private sector in a competitive economy. This, in the conviction of NESG, would provide the economic basis for sustainable development in a political atmosphere governed by democracy and rule of law.

As a think tank, the group has admirably sustained the unyielding pursuit of its goals for 32 years running.

Now, this is another indisputable Nigerian success story of building institutions in the private realm.

The NESG certainly deserves an applause if only for its consistency and clarity of purpose. At least one lesson to learn from NESG is that critics should move beyond lamentation and provide alternative ideas on an optimistic note from their various perspectives. This useful lesson may be the necessary remedy for the exorcism of self-flagellation afflicting some pundits who see nothing but darkness as they project to the future of Nigeria. It is important to emphasise this point in this age of hyper-criticism of development efforts in Nigeria in which even the silver lining in the cloud is hardly acknowledged. Those who denigrate Nigeria and see nothing good to point to in terms of building institutions should study the evolution of NESG. Similarly, those who think good things could only be found

outside the shores of Nigeria should also take interest in what NESG is doing.

While our elite of different hues idolise similar think tanks abroad some public intellectuals here may not even be able to spell the abbreviation, NESG. For all its yeoman service in over three decades, the NESG’s positions are hardly invoked or critiqued in discussions of the problems of the Nigerian economy and making prognosis for the future.

As a matter of fact, there has not been enough nationalist emphasis on thoughts in the culture of economic management in Nigeria.

For instance, during the campaigns for the 2023 elections, presidential candidates took turns to appear at Chatham House in London in an amazing display of neo-colonial mentality. Would it not have been more meaningful for the politicians seeking power to manage the nation’s economy to have rigorous sessions here with the NESG? It is not only goods

and services that Nigeria needs to produce locally. There should be endogenous efforts to generate economic thoughts for development and common good.

The primacy of ideas as the motive force in the policy arena is undeniable. The private efforts of NESG and other think tanks should serve as a complement to policy articulation at the official level.

In the last 40 years of Nigeria’s economic history, the most robust policy articulation on the direction of the economy was ironically witnessed under the military regime of President Ibrahim Babangida. That was a military dictator, who otherwise owed the public no explanation on policy options in its determination to forge a recast of the political economy. The economic team of the regime provoked debates and defended their clearly stated policies against the criticisms from the Left. The military regime even launched a structured national debate on whether Nigeria should take loans from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). It was at that period that economic management turned into experimentation with neo-liberal ideas of privatisation, deregulation, trade liberalisation, devaluation, cut in social spending etc. Since the inauguration of the Babangida Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP), hardly has any fundamentally different idea informed economic management in Nigeria.

However, while one may not agree with the elements of SAP, it should be intellectually conceded that the programme did not emerge in an ideological vacuum. It was based on serious right-wing economic thoughts.

In fact, today the centrality of ideas to economic management has become even moreTheprofound.

winners of the 2019 Prize in Economics, Abhijit V. Banerjee and Esther Duflo, put mat- ter in their book, “Good Economics for Hard Times,” like this: “Ideas are powerful. Ideas drive change. Good economics alone cannot

save us. But without it, we are doomed to repeat the mistakes of yesterday. Ignorance, intuitions, ideology, and inertia combine to give us answers that look plausible, promise much, and predictably betray us. As history, alas, demonstrates over and over, the ideas that carry the day in the end can be good or bad... The only recourse we have against bad ideas is to be vigilant, resist the seduction of the “obvious,” be sceptical of promised miracles, question the evidence, be patient with complexity and honest about what we know and what we can know. Without that vigilance, conversations about multifaceted problems turn into slogans and caricatures and policy analysis gets replaced by quack remedies.

“The call to action is not just for academic economists it is for all of us who want a better, saner, more humane world. Economics is too important to be left to economists.”

Although you would hardly find the word capitalism in NESG documents, the gallant efforts of the group are essentially aimed at building a successful capitalist economy in Nigeria. In the last 30 years, NESG’s prescribed solutions to the crisis of the economy have been evidently informed by the neo-liberal ideology. Even in the West where neo-liberalism originated in the 1970s some of its elements are now subjected to a rethink because of the consequences in terms of worsening poverty and inequality. Hence, not a few thinkers are positing that the neo-liberal order is in retreat. The NESG and other centres of economic thoughts ought to re-examine the philosophical basis of some of their policy preferences. For instance, the NESG could consider the political economy approach. This suggestion would be elaborated upon on later in this column.

The foregoing introductory notes are only meant to draw attention to the fact that policy- makers and the public sphere where discussions take place should transcend the regurgitation of neo-liberal shibboleths in performing the difficult task of economic management. This should be done to confront squarely the scourges of poverty and underdevelopment.

So, using as a peg the evolution of the NESG as a think tank that cannot be ignored, this column will focus on the force of ideas underlying socio- economic policies in the coming weeks. NESG Chairman, Mr Olaniyi Yusuf