An English court has thrown a worldwide legal net over the assets of one of Nigeria’s most prominent oil traders, freezing his holdings across at least four countries after he failed to satisfy a $40 million judgment debt and allegedly threatened to spirit away his wealth rather than pay what he owes.
The High Court in London granted a worldwide freezing order on March 30 against Abdulrahman Musa Bashar, the chairman of the Rahamaniyya Group, and his UAE-registered trading vehicle, Ultimate Oil and Gas FZCO, following what the court described as a pattern of evasion, incomplete disclosure, and deliberate asset movement designed to place his fortune beyond the reach of creditors.
The order, one of the most powerful remedies available under English law, bars Bashar and his company from disposing of or dealing with any assets anywhere on the globe up to the value of the outstanding debt.
His disclosed holdings, spanning the United Arab Emirates, Nigeria, the United Kingdom, and France, were valued at close to $170 million as of the date the order was made.

A trade gone wrong

The dispute has its roots in a series of oil trading deals struck between 2022 and 2023. Petrichor Energy FZCO, a Dubai-based commodity trading house, entered into spot and term contracts with Ultimate Oil and Gas for the supply of gasoil and Jet-A1 aviation fuel.
According to court documents, Ultimate received the cargoes but repeatedly failed to make full and timely payment, leaving Petrichor out of pocket and forcing the company to pursue recovery through simultaneous court and arbitration proceedings.
Seeking to draw a line under the dispute, Bashar signed a personal payment agreement in January 2024, backing it with a personal guarantee that made him individually liable for Ultimate’s debts if the company failed to pay.
He also handed over nine signed, undated cheques as additional security. Both instruments would prove worthless in practice. Ultimate never fully settled the debt, and when Petrichor presented the cheques, Bashar’s bank rejected every one of them.
By February 2025, the English court had entered judgment against both Bashar and Ultimate. Approximately $40 million remains outstanding.

“Will Not Pay, Rather Than Cannot Pay”

As Petrichor pushed toward enforcement, it found its path blocked at every turn, and the manner in which it was blocked alarmed the court.
Judges reviewing the application for a freezing order found that Bashar had sold multiple UAE properties worth roughly $3.8 million shortly after the English judgment was handed down, without directing any of those proceeds toward the debt.
More damaging still was testimony about a phone call on March 15 this year. According to evidence accepted by the court, Bashar told Petrichor’s managing director that if the creditor refused yet another revised repayment proposal, he would “dispose of” his assets to make enforcement harder. The court treated that threat as direct evidence of a risk that assets would be dissipated.
The picture was further complicated by questions over what Bashar had actually disclosed. Evidence before the court indicated that Nigerian assets, including petrol stations and a residential property reportedly worth more than $21 million, had not been included in earlier asset declarations.
The omission deepened concerns that the trader was concealing the full scope of his wealth. Presiding over the application, the judge concluded that this appeared to be a case of someone who “will not pay, rather than cannot pay.”

Legal exposure

Bashar’s current predicament is not his first brush with the English courts. In February 2020, Justice Butcher of the England and Wales High Court sentenced him to ten months in prison for disobeying multiple court orders in a separate case brought by Sahara Energy Resources, after Rahamaniyya Oil and Gas failed to supply over 6,400 metric tonnes of gas under an existing agreement.
The pattern repeated itself in the Gulf. In January 2025, a Dubai court convicted him in absentia of issuing seven cheques totalling 126.45 million dirhams from an Emirates Islamic Bank account with deliberate signature mismatches that rendered them invalid, sentencing him to one year in prison. That conviction arose from a separate dispute with CI Energy Company, an oil and gas firm with no connection to the Petrichor matter.
Chris Williamson, partner at Watson Farley & Williams LLP, an international law firm with extensive experience in the energy sector in the region, said: “Selling on an open credit basis does mean that they are transacting completely on trust that they will be paid.
“Retaining control over the products that you own and have shipped to a destination market is important,” he added. If the facilities involved in the storage may be connected to the contracting parties, this can “amplify that risk”, Williamson added.
One other legal source, not involved in this case, claimed that third-party risk is higher when delivering into storage facilities that, rather than operating independently, may be linked to the same players buying the product.

Enforcement goes global

With the freezing order now in place, Petrichor has moved swiftly to convert English court papers into hard recoveries. In addition to the London proceedings, the company has launched recognition and enforcement actions before the Dubai International Financial Centre Courts and in Nigerian courts, creating a three-jurisdiction enforcement grid intended to shut off any avenue through which Bashar might transfer or hide assets.
The English court added a further dimension to the pressure campaign on April 17, granting an injunction directing two of Bashar’s Nigerian affiliates, Rahamaniyya Oil and Gas Ltd and Zamson Global Resources Ltd, to allow Petrichor’s representatives access to a storage depot in Koko, Delta State, to lift gasoil cargoes supplied to Ultimate for which no payment was ever received.
Non-compliance with that order, the court warned, could expose Bashar himself to contempt proceedings and potential criminal liability as the controlling mind of both companies.
Bashar and Ultimate have challenged the freezing order and sought to have it set aside, but every such attempt has failed. The order remains in full effect.

Lagos welcomed the new year with unmistakable momentum as music, culture, and nightlife converged at Silver Fox Lagos, the number one gentlemen’s club in the city. The energy of fresh beginnings filled the room as Jamaican dancehall superstar Shenseea lit up the venue with a thrilling live performance that instantly became one of the city’s most talked-about moments.

From the moment Shenseea stepped into the club, the atmosphere shifted. Cheers erupted as she took to the stage, commanding attention with her undeniable presence, magnetic confidence, and hit-after-hit delivery. Riding the excitement of the new year, her performance kept the crowd locked in, turning the night into a full-scale celebration.

The energy intensified when Nigerian street-pop sensation Shallipopi arrived alongside Shenseea, surprising guests with a live performance of his own. The unexpected appearance sent excitement through the room and highlighted the seamless blend of global and local sounds Lagos nightlife is becoming known for.

American rapper and content creator DDG was also spotted at the venue, adding to the international mix and reinforcing Lagos’ growing appeal as a global entertainment hub. With celebrities, tastemakers, and the city’s hottest crowd in attendance, Silver Fox buzzed with luxury, exclusivity, and nonstop energy.

At the center of it all was Big Slim, owner of Silver Fox Lagos, who hosted the night as the club welcomed a dynamic mix of nightlife insiders and cultural tastemakers. His presence reflected the club’s continued influence in shaping premium nightlife experiences and curating spaces where global culture naturally converges. From refined table service to seamless production and world-class performances, the night reaffirmed Silver Fox’s reputation as the OG of Lagos nightlife, where the biggest performers meet the hottest crowd.

As Lagos steps boldly into the new year, moments like this capture the city’s spirit which is vibrant, fast-moving, and alive. With Shenseea’s performance setting the tone, Silver Fox Lagos once again proved why it remains the place where unforgettable nights begin.. Silver Fox Lagos continues to set the standard for luxury nightlife, delivering experiences that resonate long after the music fades. And with performances like Shenseea’s, the message is clear: if it’s happening in Lagos, it’s happening at Silver Fox.

The Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, has distributed over 4,000 bags of rice, cows, and other essential food items across Delta State in a major Yuletide outreach programme.

According to a press statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media and Research, Emameh Gabriel, and made available to newsmen, the initiative was designed to share festive joy and advance the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The distribution spanned the state’s three senatorial districts and was targeted at a wide demographic, including traditional and religious institutions, party structures, local government areas, and organised groups such as youth and women’s associations, as well as labour unions.

The statement quoted Minister Keyamo as emphasising the gesture of solidarity. “The joy of the season is best felt when shared. This outreach is a modest but heartfelt effort to stand with our people, to bring a measure of relief to families, and to celebrate together as a community,” the Minister said.

He further noted that the exercise aligned with the ethos of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises citizens’ welfare. “As a representative of the people. I see it as both a duty and a privilege to facilitate initiatives that directly touch lives,” Keyamo was quoted as stating.

The statement added that the distribution was met with widespread gratitude from community leaders and beneficiaries, who commended the Minister for his focus on constituent welfare and for brightening the festive period for thousands of households.

The large-scale food distribution aims to complement festive celebrations and ease economic pressures for families across Delta State.

Adedayo Akinwale

The House of Representatives Committee on the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has insisted that the Commission’s proposed N1.75 trillion 2025 budget must translate into tangible development outcomes for communities across the Niger Delta.

Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu, gave the assurance on Tuesday during the NDDC’s budget defence session at the National Assembly, warning that lawmakers would not treat the proposal as a routine legislative exercise.

According to her, the budget represents renewed hope and opportunity for millions of people in the oil-producing region and must therefore be people-centred, transparent, and strictly aligned with national development priorities.

“The NDDC budget represents hope, opportunity, and the promise of a better quality of life for our people,” Ibori-Suenu said. “Every line item must be purposeful and aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda. This Committee will insist on accountability, transparency, and value for money.”

She stressed that the House would subject the 2025 budget to rigorous scrutiny to ensure it delivers measurable outcomes in critical areas such as infrastructure development, human capacity building, youth empowerment, and economic inclusion.

While commending the Commission’s ongoing reform efforts, the Committee Chair noted that legislative support would be tied strictly to performance and verifiable results on the ground.

“The people of the Niger Delta deserve projects they can see, use, and benefit from,” she said, pledging sustained legislative oversight to ensure effective implementation of the budget.

Earlier, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the NDDC, Mr. Samuel Ogbuku, presented the Commission’s N1.75 trillion 2025 budget proposal, themed “Budget of Consolidation.” He described it as a shift from transactional governance to a results-driven and transformational development approach.

Ogbuku explained that the proposed budget reflects the reform agenda of the current management and aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

He added that the Commission adopted a no-borrowing strategy, resulting in a nine per cent reduction from the 2024 budget.

According to him, personnel costs were estimated at N47.5 billion, overheads at N96.4 billion, while capital expenditure remains the core focus of the proposal.

The Managing Director also disclosed that the Commission had abandoned line-item budgeting in favour of sectoral allocations, a move aimed at reducing project delays and improving efficiency.

Reviewing the Commission’s 2024 performance, Ogbuku noted that the NDDC exceeded its revenue projections, recording N1.945 trillion in actual revenue against a projected N1.911 trillion.

The session ended with assurances from both lawmakers and the Commission’s management to deepen collaboration towards delivering sustainable development and inclusive growth across the Niger Delta region.

Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja

The Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN) has called on the National Assembly Service Commission (NASC) to strictly adhere to the principle of federal character to avoid perpetuating imbalance in appointments.

PASAN Chairman, Sabiyyi Sunday in a petition dated 22nd December, 2025 and addressed to NASC Chairman urged the commission to ensure strict adherence to the law and avoid perpetuating imbalance in appointments.

It noted Section 14(3) of the 1999 constitution as amended, detailed in the Federal Character Commission Act, which mandates equitable representation across Nigeria’s federating units in public appointments.

It added that respecting this principle in appointments is crucial to maintaining fairness and avoiding perceptions of bias.

It, therefore, urged the Commission to ensure compliance to prevent potential industrial unrest.

PASAN commended President Bola Tinubu’s decision to reverse the promotion of his Aide-De-Camp (ADC), showcasing his commitment to fairness and integrity.

It stated: “This exemplary leadership demonstrates that no one is above the rules and promotes a culture of accountability and transparency.

“We urge the Commission to follow this precedent, ensuring fairness in decisions and upholding the principles of good governance.

“Furthermore, we note with concern instances where a state already represented in the secretary cadre is appointed to fill a vacancy, while other states in the same zone are denied the opportunity.

“This practice is contrary to the Federal Character principle and undermines the spirit of equitable representation. We urge the Commission to ensure strict adherence to the law and avoid perpetuating imbalance in appointments.”

Senator Haliru Jika has launched a $100,000 E-nnovate Bauchi JENIUS Fund, an impact investment platform aimed at accelerating youth-led innovation, digital entrepreneurship, and sustainable economic development in Bauchi State.

The fund, unveiled in Bauchi, is designed to convert innovative ideas into viable enterprises while positioning technology, education, and enterprise as drivers of job creation, democratic participation, and inclusive growth.

JENIUS—an acronym for Innovation Exchange for Impact-Investment to Uplift Sustainable Societies—is the flagship financing pillar of the broader E-nnovate Bauchi Initiative, which seeks to strengthen innovation ecosystems and support impact-driven development across the state.

According to organisers, the fund will provide early-stage capital and structured support for young innovators, university-linked startups, and social enterprises tackling Bauchi’s most pressing development challenges.

Speaking at the launch, Senator Jika said the initiative was conceived to address a major constraint facing young innovators—limited access to seed funding, mentorship, and institutional support.

“In a world increasingly shaped by digital citizenship and technology-driven economies, innovation and enterprise are no longer optional,” he said. “The JENIUS Fund is a statement of intent. We are investing in the intelligence, creativity, and drive of Bauchi’s youth to build solutions for our economy, our democracy, and our future.”

He stressed that the fund goes beyond financing, offering a 10-month accelerator programme that links innovation to markets, policy priorities, and measurable social impact.

Anchored within the E-nnovate Bauchi Impact Ecosystem and aligned with university-based incubation at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), the initiative is designed to ensure that innovation remains locally grounded, socially accountable, and economically scalable.

The $100,000 JENIUS Fund sets out clear performance benchmarks, including: $100,000 in catalytic impact capital deployed to early-stage startups and social enterprises, 10 innovation grants awarded to high-potential ventures, 10 Bauchi Development Goals addressed across key sectors, a 10-month JENIUS Accelerator cycle combining finance, mentorship, enterprise development, and policy integration.

It.includes 50+ youth innovators and entrepreneurs supported through incubation and market access, 10 high-impact enterprises scaled across priority sectors, over 100 direct and indirect jobs generated through innovation-led growth.

Organisers said these outcomes would position Bauchi as an emerging hub for impact investment and youth-driven innovation in Northern Nigeria, while attracting follow-on local and international investment.

Under the Bank My Tech Bauchi 10.0 framework, JENIUS-supported ventures will focus on ten strategic impact economies aligned with Bauchi’s development priorities.

These include democracy, green and blue economies, security and safer cities, health, tourism, creative and cultural industries, transport, and agriculture.

The framework, according to programme leads, is intended to ensure innovation translates into real livelihoods, improved public services, and sustainable growth pathways.

A lead adviser to the E-nnovate Bauchi Impact Investment Fund described JENIUS as “patient, purposeful, and catalytic capital.”
“With a defined 10-month pathway, clear development goals, and strong institutional partnerships, the JENIUS Fund turns local innovation into scalable solutions capable of attracting larger investment and delivering measurable social returns,” the adviser said.

As December rolls in, a vibrant energy fills the air, especially in Nigeria’s bustling nightlife. This festive spirit was palpable as the famous nightclub, Quilox, celebrated its twelfth anniversary Saturday.

The event was a grand affair, marked by fun, creativity, and an exciting innovation that promises to reshape the future of nightlife in Nigeria.

Quilox, a name synonymous with luxury entertainment in Nigeria, has carved a niche in the nightlife scene over the past twelve years. Founded by Hon. Shina Peller, the club has become a hallmark of exquisite nightlife experiences, delivering unforgettable moments to its patrons.

The anniversary celebration attracted a star-studded crowd, showcasing the best of Nigeria’s entertainment industry and offering guests an exhilarating night filled with live performances and electrifying music.

The highlight of the anniversary was the unveiling of “The Magic Room,” which has been touted as Nigeria’s first all-LED screen immersive environment.

Hon. Shina Peller described this installation as a complete re-imagining of sensory experiences within the club. He emphasized that Quilox now stands at the forefront of global club design, making a bold statement about the future of nightlife.

“The Magic Room is meticulously crafted to revolutionize not just how we party, but how we feel, connect, and tell stories through the fusion of light and sound,” Peller explained.

This innovative space is designed to elevate the nightlife experience, merging technology with imagination to create a unique atmosphere that resonates with both local and international audiences.

Moreover, the magic room, according to Peller, signifies more than just an upgrade; it represents a significant leap forward in Nigeria’s entertainment industry. Peller articulated his vision, stating, “It sets a new benchmark for luxury entertainment and reaffirms Quilox as the industry’s pioneer of imagination, technology, and exclusivity.”

With the introduction of The Magic Room, Quilox positions itself as a leader, showcasing that Nigeria can deliver globally competitive entertainment experiences.

Furthermore, the founder expressed heartfelt gratitude to the loyal customers, partners, staff, and media who contributed to this journey over the past twelve years. He added that their support has been invaluable, helping to shape Quilox into a beloved venue for nightlife enthusiasts.

The anniversary event was not just a celebration of milestones; it was an experience filled with joy and community. The presence of various performers from Nigeria’s entertainment industry added an extra layer of excitement, ensuring that guests left with unforgettable memories.

As the night unfolded, attendees reveled in the ambiance that Quilox has become famous for—a place where creativity and celebration intertwine seamlessly.

The introduction of The Magic Room is not only an innovative leap for the club but also a beacon of what is possible in Nigeria’s nightlife landscape. With this visionary step, Quilox redefines the very essence of nightlife in Africa, setting the stage for what’s to come in the years ahead.

President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Senator Ifeanyi Godwin Ararume, an astute politician and accomplished businessman, on his 67th birthday.

Senator Ararume’s odyssey in politics began in the late 1980s, when he served as the State Treasurer of the Liberal Convention in old Imo State. He later joined the National Finance Committee of the defunct National Republican Convention.

He represented Imo North in the 9th National Assembly. He was first elected in May 1999 and re-elected in April 2003. He also served on several committees and held other official roles.

In a statement signed by Mr. Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President Information & Strategy and
made available to newsmen,
President Tinubu commended the former senator for his years of service to the nation and contributions to its peace, unity, and progress.

The statement further reads “The President describes Senator Ararume as a resolute and shrewd politician, highlighting his courageous and remarkable political journey through the years.

“President Tinubu wishes Senator Ararume a happy 67th birthday and prays that God Almighty will grant him more years of good health and strength”

The Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi has expressed his satisfaction over the ongoing reconstruction of the Abuja-Keffi Road project.

JRB Construction Company Limited was awarded the emergency reconstruction of the road in October 2025.

The Abuja-Keffi dual carriageway project is a critical infrastructure development that aims to improve road connectivity and reduce travel time between the nation’s capital and Nasarawa State where most of the federal civil servants working in Abuja reside.

The project is expected to be completed by the end of March 2026.

Umahi, while speaking during the project inspection on Monday described the execution of the project as top notch.

He stated: “JRB’s work is top-notch. You won’t see any difference between JRB and China Harbour, and their speed is unmatched.

“In fact, the speed of JRB has prompted China Harbour to speed up their own work on the project.

“This is the kind of people that will grow this country. Be assured that Mr President is aware of what you are doing. And you are going to be paid to the last kobo.”

Umahi reiterated the federal government’s commitment to continue to support and empower indigenous companies that have demonstrated exceptional performance and patriotism in their work.

He added: ” We want to see more indigenous companies like JRB Construction Company Limited, which have demonstrated exceptional performance and patriotism in their work.

“We will continue to support and empower indigenous companies that have the capacity to deliver high-standard projects and contribute to the growth and development of the country.”

“The recognition of JRB Construction Company Limited by the federal government is a testament to the company’s exceptional performance and commitment to delivering high-standard projects.

” The company’s reputation as one of the top indigenous construction companies in Nigeria has been reinforced, and it is expected to continue to play a critical role in the development of infrastructure in the country.”

The Director-General of the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA), Mr. Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde, has called for stronger private-sector commitment to Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) standards as a critical pillar for business sustainability, competitiveness and international investment readiness. He made the remarks at the launch of the ESG State of Play Report, jointly developed by NECA and the International Labour Organization (ILO), held on December 5, 2025, at the Marriott Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos.

Mr. Oyerinde noted that the study represents the first comprehensive national benchmark on ESG awareness, adoption and readiness among Nigerian employers, and is expected to serve as a reference tool for policymakers, investors, development partners and corporate decision-makers. He explained that the findings will support more robust dialogue between government, industry and capital market actors, helping accelerate responsible business practices across the economy.

The Director-General highlighted that ESG has evolved beyond voluntary action to a strategic requirement for competitiveness, particularly as global markets increasingly tie access to finance, supply chains and partnerships to sustainability performance and credible reporting mechanisms. According to him, early corporate adopters will be better positioned to align with future regulatory developments and global trade expectations.

Mr. Oyerinde acknowledged the ILO’s partnership under the LEADER Programme (Leading Employers in Action for Social and Environmental Responsibility) and stated NECA’s commitment to enhancing business capacity through continuous advocacy, policy engagement, technical support and knowledge dissemination for a smooth ESG transition among employers.

The launch brought together high-level representatives from government, regulatory bodies and the private sector, including the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, National Council on Climate Change, Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Lagos State Government agencies, Dangote Industries Limited, Access Bank Plc, British American Tobacco Marketing Nigeria Limited, Nestlé Nigeria Plc, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and other leading corporate sustainability actors.

Mr. Oyerinde expressed confidence that the report will catalyse structured policy conversations, improved regulatory alignment and collaborative action, particularly for MSMEs that require incentives, capacity development and technical guidance for adoption. He reaffirmed NECA’s commitment to championing responsible enterprise, supporting Nigerian businesses to integrate ESG principles, and positioning the private sector for a more inclusive, sustainable and climate-conscious future.

Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja

A coalition of youth leaders and regional stakeholder groups has demanded the immediate establishment of a legal and policy framework for the establishment of State police.

It also urged President Bola Tinubu to urgently re-engage the immediate past Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa (rtd) as the federal government tackles the alarming insecurity in the country.

The coalition in a communiqué issued Tuesday and jointly signed by Dr. Kennedy West, President, MOSIEND and Isaac Oweicho for National Coalition of Youth and Regional Stakeholder Organisations expressed deep concern over Gen. Musa’s unexpected retirement in October.

Recall that Abubakar Badaru resigned his position on Monday as the Minister of Defence, citing health grounds. The same day, the president met with Musa at Ado Rock Villa fuelling speculations that he might take over from Badaru

The coalition, however, added that Musa’s exit created widespread unease among young people, especially those familiar with his exceptional discipline, operational brilliance and firm leadership style, which had contributed to stabilising several volatile regions in recent years.

It pointed out that Nigeria is in dire need of decisive, intelligent, and uncompromising security leadership, saying Musa remained one of the finest assets this country has produced in modern military history.

The coalition noted that with rising insecurity occasioned by banditry, terrorism, kidnapping, rural attacks, oil-corridor sabotage and organised criminal networks, the country cannot afford to sideline a man with such unmatched strategic capacity.

To this end, the coalition demanded: “Immediate establishment of legal and policy framework for the establishment of State Police

“Comprehensive re-vetting of all military recruits and personnel; Zero tolerance consequences for terrorists and bandits,

“Deployment of advanced technology. Strengthening local intelligence networks. Convocation of a national security emergency forum to tackle the hydra-headed emerging security challenges.”

The coalition appealed to Tinubu to deploy Musa in a special security appointment that would coordinate the nation’s security architecture and drive a unified strategy to restore order and strengthen inter-agency cooperation.

It said: “Mr President is known for identifying exceptional talent and placing them where the nation needs them most. Gen. Musa is one such rare talent. Recalling him now will significantly boost national security outcomes.

“We urge Mr President to act swiftly. The security of our people cannot wait. Nigeria needs Gen. Musa’s expertise back in the system—and now is the time.”

Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja

A Nigerian youth-led health organisation, Debriche Health Development Centre (DHDC) has been announced as a winner of the 2025 Stop TB Partnership – Humana Community Award during the Union World Conference on Lung Health in Copenhagen, Denmark.

The award was presented to its Executive Director, Mrs. Deborah Ikeh by Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, the First Lady of Lagos State and Lagos State TB Champion, and John Green, #1 New York Times bestselling author and global TB advocate.

The global honor celebrates excellence, resilience, and innovation in community-led TB services.

The Stop TB Partnership Award highlights grassroots organisations that have sustained life-saving TB services despite unprecedented global funding challenges.

The 2025 theme, “Keeping the Lights On and Providing Critical TB Services to People with TB,” honoured organisations that continued serving affected communities even when resources ran low.

The global recognition reflected the strength of Nigeria’s TB response and the unwavering leadership of the National TB, Leprosy and Buruli Ulcer Control Programme (NTBLCP) of the Federal Ministry of Health, whose multisectoral approach continues to protect vulnerable communities.

Speaking, Ikeh commended Stop TB Partnership and the Humana Foundation for empowering communities.

She noted: “This achievement belongs to the people of Nigeria—our TB survivors, our young volunteers, our communities, and the bold leadership of the National and States Tuberculosis and Leprosy Control Programme who have stood firm even in moments of crisis.”

Ikeh also commended the first lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu and Mrs Sanwo-Olu, whose voices and contributions continue to improve access to TB services, inspire stronger community engagement, women-led action, and grassroots ownership in the fight to end TB.

She added: “This award proves the value and capacity-building impact of the Challenge Facility for Civil Society (CFCS) grants and rationalizes why governments, partners, donors, and all stakeholders must work collectively to restore and sustain financing for grassroots organizations.

“When government, civil society, communities, and survivors work together, we deliver impact far beyond funding. This is the power of collaboration, resilience, and the Naija spirit.”

Despite global funding contractions, Ikeh stressed that DHDC continued to deliver essential TB services, including active collaboration with TB programmes at national and state levels; Community-based TB sensitisation, screening, and diagnostic referral; Psychosocial and treatment adherence support for people with TB, among others.

Applauding Deborah Ikeh’s bold leadership skills, The National Tuberculosis and Leprosy Control Programme of the Federal Ministry of Health and Partners commended DHDC for championing global best practices in community engagement in Nigeria and for always putting the country on the global map in a positive light .

The Union World Conference on Lung Health 2025 (WCLH 2025), organised by the International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease (The Union), is the world’s largest gathering of lung health professionals, bringing together experts, researchers, and advocates to advance global efforts against lung diseases.

Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja

The Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Foundation has concluded plans to host a public policy forum on disability inclusion next Wednesday.

The event which is being organized in partnership with the Office of the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives is to mark the 2025 International Day of Persons with Disabilities.

A statement issued Friday revealed that the event is organised in collaboration with the Australian High Commission Nigeria, Christian Aid, IREDE Foundation, Inclusive Friends Association, Cedar Seed Foundation, and the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund would hold at the Yar’dua Centre, Abuja on December 3.

The forum, titled “Valuable, Driven, Capable: Advancing Workplace Inclusion for Persons with Disabilities in Nigeria,” comes at a critical time.

The statement reads: “Following the expiration of the five-year moratorium on compliance with the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018, organisations across Nigeria are now legally required to comply with its key provisions.

“These include a five per cent employment quota for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and accessibility standards in the workplace.”

The statement added that the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akune will serve as the Special Guest of Honour.

The event will bring together an influential audience including ambassadors, lawmakers, senior government officials, international development partners, business leaders, and leading disability rights advocates.

Speaking ahead of the event, Mrs. Vivian Emehelu, Director, Programmes and Administration at the Yar’Adua Foundation, stated that the forum will promote practical strategies for accelerating workplace inclusion.

She said it also seeks to shift perceptions of disability from a charity-based view to one rooted in rights and capability, while highlighting the skills, innovation, and resilience of Nigerians with disabilities.

Emehelu noted that the event aligns with the Foundation’s mission to advance human rights, social justice, and inclusive development.

She stressed that the event also seeks to deepen collaboration among government institutions, the private sector, civil society, and international partners, in its first of a kind collaborative forum.

Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja

Centre for Marine And Offshore Technology Development (CMOTD) Rivers State University graduated 305 pioneer trainees.

The training, which was held for a duration of four months, was conducted in collaboration with the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB).

The Chief Executive Officer of the Centre, Vitalis Ahiakwo, while speaking at the graduation ceremony at the weekend said the trainees were taken through multi-faceted areas covering seven core courses segmented into four critical technical disciplines.

Ahiakwo in a statement issued Monday said the training included; Industrial Ship Design using AVEVA Marine, Process Pipe Stress Analysis, Pressure Vessel and Heat Exchanger Design, to Big Data Analytics, Transformer Repair, Class Welding, Automation and Oil Well Optimisation.

He noted: “It is a hub of innovation and applied excellence. Our mission is to bridge the gap between academia and industry, transforming theoretical knowledge into practical, industry -ready competencies in the field of marine, offshore and energy technology.”

Ahiakwo added that the centre was committed to building the human capital base required to drive Nigeria’s blue economy, leveraging cutting-edge research, technology transfer and advanced skill development.

“The CMOTD stands as a testament to what visionary partnership can achieve, particularly under the enabling framework of the Nigeria Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act,” Ahiakwo noted.

He expressed optimism that if the training programme is sustained, it would not be long before Nigeria would start exporting highly qualified technology experts.

He promised local industries of highly competent labour force in the various areas of marine technology and engineering.

He told the graduating trainees that they have been equipped with a diverse and competitive edge in today’s evolving energy and maritime sectors.

Ahiakwo said: “As you step into the professional arena, remember this: do not merely adapt to technology change – become its architects. Be innovators, problem -solvers and ambassadors of Nigeria’s marine and offshore competence. apply your skills with courage, integrity and vision”.

Dr. Elakpa Augustine, Head of R & D and Training Coordinator stated that the graduation ceremony is a mandate fulfilled strategic involvement designed to enable global traditional industry practices, the demands of industry 5.0 and academics.

He said; “This milestone marks a significant achievement for you but it is also a powerful commitment from our facility. Our R & D Commitment is ironclad: the content of these courses will remain a living document, perpetually updated. We will continue to invest time, resources and strategic focus to ensure our curriculum reflects the very latest global codes, emerging technologies and academic findings”.

Head of Department of Marine Engineering, Rivers State University, Dr. Tamunoeobipi congratulated the graduating trainees on behalf of the Vice Chancellor and the entire University.

He told them to be aware that bearing the certificates of the university has made them ambassadors of the university urging them to be good ambassadors.

Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja

The Executive Director, Technical Services, Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Abdullahi Umar has empowered over 3,000 supporters of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano state.

Umar who is the son of former governor of the Kano state, Abdullahi Ganduje launched the first phase of the empowerment programme at an event held at Armani Event Centre in Kano.

The REA Executive Director in a statement issued Monday, Edwin Olofu, said the empowerment package, distributed to the youths across all the 44 local government areas of state, included agricultural inputs, foodstuff, tricycle, mini tractors, Others include irrigation pumps, agro-processing machines, among others.

While speaking, Umar said the empowerment was a tip of the iceberg of a broader scheme he has planned for people, especially for youth and women in the state.

He noted: “His passion to help the populace is what prompted him to introduce empowerment schemes, not only for the constituents of Tofa/Dawakin-Tofa, Rimingado federal constituency where he hails from but people across the state.

“We have already begun plans for the next phase of this empowerment. This is not the end. Any APC member who did not receive support today should not lose hope , your turn will come.”

Umar urged the beneficiaries to use the items judiciously without selling them, noting that the gesture was to boost their livelihood.

The beneficiaries expressed delight and gratitude for receiving, what they described as lifetime support, noting that the intervention came at the right time.

One of them beneficiaries, Aminu Ahmad, said the free fertilizer would help revive farming activities crippled by high costs of farming inputs.

According to him, The fertilizer would help him save some money that would have been used for other purposes. I received fertilizer. Recently, high cost of fertilizer has hindered our farming output. Today we are right to say, we have been rescued and our morale had been boosted to go back to farm.

“We are very grateful and this show that Engr. Umar is the true heir of his father, Baba Ganduje,” he said.

Another beneficiary, who received a solar-powered irrigation pump, said it is the first time his community had benefited from such support.

“This is the first of its kind. We thank Abba Ganduje and we will repay good with good,” he said.

Meanwhile, immediately after the distribution of the items, Umar received no fewer than 500 members of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) who had joined APC.

Receiving the defectors, he said the party would treat them as bonafide members without discrimination.

Adedayo Akinwale in A uja

The Ekeremor Grassroots Development Movement has endorsed the former governor of Bayelsa State and Senator representing Bayelsa West, Seriake Dickson’s re-election bid ahead of the 2027 general election

The Coordinator of the group,Paul Agge in a statement issued Friday said Dickson’s proactive approach to advocating for peace, unity, and development has garnered him broad support, with numerous community leaders and organisations within Bayelsa West senatorial district endorsing him.

The group acknowledged his impactful contributions in the National Assembly, which have significantly benefitted the Niger Delta, Ijaw nation, and Nigeria overall.

It also hailed Dickson’s articulate and fearless representation in the Senate, highlighting his commitment to addressing pressing constitutional issues of national interest.

It added: “Since the passing of our elder statesman, late Pa. E. K. Clark, only Senator Seriake Dickson has been able to take the bull by the horns and stand firm for the Ijaw nation in the national polity.

“That is why we have come out to support his re-election bid, urging all and sundry to rally around him so that the voice of the Ijaw nation will not be silenced,” he stated.

“His consistent advocacy on matters affecting the Niger Delta and the Ijaw Nation reflects his dedication to equity, justice, and fairness. He is indeed the voice of the Niger Delta and the Ijaw Nation.”

“Our unanimous choice of Senator Dickson for re-election in the 2027 general elections is based on the best interest of the Niger Delta and the Ijaw Nation.

“The Ijaw Nation is fortunate to have him as its representative, especially following the passing of our esteemed Ijaw National Leader, Pa Edwin Clark. Senator Dickson has adeptly taken up this mantle during a pivotal time for our community.

“Our confidence in Senator Dickson’s capabilities and leadership excellence is unwavering. His popularity and trust among Nigerians, particularly among the people of Bayelsa West and the Ijaw Nation, have only grown stronger. We urge our fellow citizens to recognize the crucial role he has played and champion his cause in the forthcoming elections.”

The group, however, reiterated its call for unity among the people of Ekeremor Local Government Area, appealing to elders, youths, women, and all stakeholders within the Bayelsa West Senatorial District to throw their support behind Senator Henry Seriake Dickson in the 2027 elections.

It said: “With the Ijaw Nation standing united behind Senator Dickson, we have the opportunity to reinforce our collective voice and ensure effective representation.

“Let’s support him in his quest for re-election, allowing him to build on the solid foundation already established for the people of Bayelsa West, the Ijaw Nation, the Niger Delta, and Nigeria as a whole.”

Africa, the Caribbean and coastal nations across the world have set machinery in motion to activate 2.5 billion “eco-citizens” in what is being framed as the most ambitious ocean-restoration mobilisation attempt ever.

The push — involving 80 countries and a projected $100 billion blue-impact finance value — forms the spine of the Global BlueRiverian Festival scheduled for June 7, 2026, which seeks to transform World Sustainable Ocean and Blue Tourism Day into a coordinated, multi-continental mass-participation drive for water regeneration.

Ambassador Justin Duru, President General in Council of the Afro-Caribbean Network Foundation, said the campaign represents a shift in the way humanity thinks about the ocean — away from abstraction and towards a shared value system that underpins livelihoods, culture, identity and planetary survival.

“The ocean is our planet’s heartbeat, and protecting it must become humanity’s shared rhythm,” he said, insisting the Festival’s model merges creativity, conservation and blue-economy innovation into one unified global wave of civic action.

Senator Seriake Dickson, Chair of the Senate Committee on Ecology and Climate Change, positioned the initiative as evidence of blue-economy leadership now emerging from the Global South rather than being defined by institutions in the North.

According to him, Africa’s coastlines — from the Niger Delta to the Indian Ocean arc — are not bystanders, but catalysts shaping new frameworks of resilience investments. “From the Niger Delta to the Indian Ocean, this initiative captures Africa’s leadership in the blue economy. The Global BlueRiverian Festival is more than celebration; it’s an investment in our coastal resilience and marine livelihoods,” he stressed.

For Victor Wilkinson Agih, CEO of Africa Blue Heritage, the mobilisation is not merely symbolic spectacle — but the beginning of a new financing rhythm for planetary recovery that translates culture and citizen participation into measurable ocean capital.

“We are building a new financial rhythm for the planet — one that converts art, tourism and technology into measurable blue-economy capital. Every ripple counts, every rhythm restores,” he said, arguing that the festival signals the birth of a citizen-powered liquidity channel for ocean-restoration infrastructure.

Organisers say the Earth3rybe festival is therefore not a one-day event — but a distributed mobilisation playbook that deploys culture as currency, identity as capital and participation as the new leverage point for blue-economy transformation.

World Environment Day will pulse with sound, style and sustainability on June 5, 2026, when the Eco2Rhythm Festival launches what organisers describe as the most ambitious cultural mobilisation for the planet — galvanising participation across 190 countries and an estimated three billion citizens.

According to Ambassador Justin Duru, President General in Council of the Afro-Caribbean Foundation , Eco2Rhythm seeks to turn environmentalism from policy language into cultural rhythm.

“The Eco2Rhythm movement proves that environmental responsibility can be rooted in joy, not guilt. It unites people across language and geography to act for the Earth — turning celebration into the most powerful form of citizenship,” he said.

The Festival — a flagship activation under the Global Green Goal Rhythm (3GR) Festivals — will transform awareness into lifestyle, making green behaviour as popular as entertainment.

Senator Seriake Dickson Chairperson of Nigeria’s Senate Committee on Ecology and Climate Change, frames the initiative as proof of Africa’s growing climate leadership.

“As Africa leads global environmental renewal, initiatives like Eco2Rhythm demonstrate that climate action can drive both creativity and commerce. They show that every sustainable choice contributes to inclusive prosperity,” he stated. Across classrooms and concert stages, villages and megacities, digital streams and carnival streets, organisers say the world will “sing, shop and stream for sustainability.”

For Victor Wilkinson Agih, CEO of EcoRhythm Africa, the cultural economy is now a climate economy. “Eco2Rhythm embodies the core idea behind the Global Green Goals mission — transforming culture into climate capital. Every purchase, every playlist, every post can create measurable environmental value. It’s a marketplace of meaning,” he explained.

According to him, Eco2Rhythm anchors a $300 billion creative climate-finance programme under the Global Green Goal Token Accelerator — connecting digital engagement to real-world funding for green startups, renewable energy access, circular-fashion manufacturing and youth-led enterprise.

He added that targets include three billion participants, 19 billion green actions, 300 million green livelihoods and 30 billion eco-tokens issued to verify low-carbon behaviour through tokenised biodiversity credits, 3GR plans to unlock $100 billion in climate finance within 100 days — backing reforestation, blue-economy innovation and community energy access.

By Jonah Solomon

Although agriculture contributes 24.6% to Nigeria’s GDP, budgetary allocation to the sector accounts for only 1.32% of the national budget. This mismatch underscores one of the biggest paradoxes in Nigeria’s development story — a sector that sustains livelihoods and anchors food security continues to receive minimal fiscal attention. The result has been years of underinvestment, poor mechanization, and an overreliance on subsistence farming.

Faced with this chronic underfunding, the Nigeria Incentive-Based Risk Sharing System for Agricultural Lending (NIRSAL) has emerged as one of the country’s most innovative responses to the financing gap in agriculture. Designed to de-risk agricultural lending and make the sector more attractive to banks and investors, NIRSAL bridges the divide between finance and the farm, proving that agriculture can be both profitable and sustainable.

Since inception, NIRSAL has facilitated over ₦270 billion in agricultural financing from banks and other financial institutions, with a failure rate of less than 1%. These results reflect not just efficiency but the power of strategic innovation in a sector long considered unbankable. By leveraging guarantees, technical assistance, and value chain linkages, NIRSAL is helping financial institutions lend confidently while empowering agribusinesses to grow.

Under its renewed leadership, NIRSAL is refining its model to address the structural weaknesses that have historically limited access to finance. The agency now emphasizes integrated value chain financing, blending conventional and alternative finance facilitation, risk-sharing frameworks, and partnerships that bring together banks, producers, and off-takers in commercially viable ecosystems. Its focus is clear: to unlock more capital for Nigeria’s agricultural value chain, empowering smallholder farmers, agritech startups, processors, and exporters.

Recent performance data shows that this renewed strategy is working. In the first three quarters of 2025 alone, NIRSAL facilitated more than ₦70 billion in commercial financing for agriculture — its strongest annual performance since inception. This momentum has, unsurprisingly, coincided with a rebound in overall bank lending to agriculture, which rose from 4.82% of total credit in 2024 to 5.33% by mid-2025, suggesting a return of confidence in the sector, anchored on structure rather than subsidies.

NIRSAL’s forward-looking agenda also extends to the digital and green frontiers of agriculture. Through initiatives like the upcoming NIRSAL LandBank Portal and its collaboration with the Rural Electrification Agency for off-grid power in agro-processing clusters, the institution is aligning agricultural finance with technology and sustainability. These innovations not only expand access to credit but also help Nigeria tap into emerging global opportunities in climate finance and green investment.

The implications of NIRSAL’s model go beyond agricultural financing. They point to a sustainable policy pathway where creative institutions complement limited public budgets by mobilizing private capital at scale. With food inflation high and the government focused on achieving a $1 trillion economy, NIRSAL’s role has become indispensable.

If Nigeria truly aims to feed its people, strengthen exports, and build shared prosperity, then it must look beyond traditional budgetary allocation. The example of NIRSAL shows that where the budget ends, innovation begins, and that with the right blend of risk-sharing, discipline, and data, the financing gap in agriculture can indeed be bridged.

Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja

The Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi has said that President Bola Tinubu has given a clear mandate to the ministry to empower and encourage indigenous contractors.

He, however, added the contractor handling the Oyo-Ogbomoso dual carriageway project, JRB Construction Company Ltd and other local contractors are already fulfilling the clear mandate the president gave to the ministry with the quality of work they are doing.

The minister made the declaration during his inspection of the project, saying he has no apology for making such a declaration.

Recall that the entire 52-kilometre road was originally awarded to another firm, before JRB Construction took over to complete the project within an 18-month timeframe.

Umahi stated: “But for JRB, an indigenous contractor, I am very shocked. I was here before and all those difficult things on this road, JRB has diminished them and I declare him the best indigenous contractor in the Ministry of works.

“I have no apology for that, people should come and see what he’s doing. For those of you that followed me here the first time we came, it was so terrible. Mind-blowing what JRB has done and we will continue to encourage you.

“The drainage you have, it is only Hi-Tec that can compare with the quality of drainage you have. Honestly, I am very proud of what you are doing.”

The minister called on JRB construction and other indigenous companies to upgrade and strive to reach the heights of Hi-Tech construction companies handling the Lagos-Calabar highway project.

He added: “I want JRB to upgrade, everybody’s height should be on the performance of Hi-Tec to get to that level. And with what you are doing, you can get to that level and you also have equipment that I don’t see any other indigenous contractor that can compare with you in the volume of equipment. You have very sharp workers both expatriates and indigenous.

“So you are complete and we are ready to partner with you. We will report your good work again to Mr. President for support. You are fulfilling one of the clear mandates the president gave us, “raise indigenous” contractors.

“If indigenous contractors can do this, then we have no reason to be giving expatriates 25 jobs and they are reading newspapers everyday telling you stories of what is happening in your village and they are not ready to put one kobo.

“This man (JRB) has done more than the percentage we paid to him, so why wouldn’t we support him? So for any contractor that will not put out their own money like Hi-Tec or JRB, that person is not a partner in the development of this country.

“You are not ready to put a kobo, you are making profit, even when you are sure that we will pay you, you still wouldn’t want to take a small risk. If there is no relationship, then there is no risk, that is what they are telling us.”

Speaking to journalists at the project site in Ogbomoso, the company’s Technical Project Manager, Joseph Onche assured that the project would be completed before the official September 2026 deadline.

He added that they mobilised to the site as soon as the contract was awarded.

Onche noted that they have now spent eight months on the project, while assuring that the project would be delivered ahead of schedule.

Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja

Ekiti state women on Friday stormed the National Secretariat of the All Progressives Congress (APC) where they vehemently kicked against the disqualification of one of the aspirants, Kayode Ojo and the adoption of consensus candidate ahead of the Ekiti governorship primary election scheduled to take place on October 27.

The APC women described the disqualification of Ojo as political harassment.

The protesters were armed with various placards like: “We reject BAO, Eko must not be disqualified, Eko disqualification is political harassment, Ekiti women reject BAO, We don’t want consensus, We want governorship primary, We say no to Kayode Ojo’s disqualification, APC must allow Eko for primary, Let people go to field to exercise their political rights, Engr. Kayode Ojo (EKO) is eligible to contest”, among others.

Recall that the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party had disqualified Ojo and Mrs. Abimbola Olawumi from contesting the primary.

The party said that their disqualification was predicated on the fact that their filings did not conform with the provisions of the APC constitution and the Electoral Act.

Subsequently, the party in a letter dated 13th October, 2025 and jointly signed by the National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda and Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru, informed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of the plan of the party to change the mode of primary from Direct to Consensus.

The party said its decision to adopt Oyebanji as the consensus candidate followed the voluntary withdrawal of another governorship aspirant, Mrs. Oluremi Omolayo from the race.

Speaking on behalf of the protesters, Ms. Abereniola Mercy decried the disqualification of Ojo, saying the people of the state are tired of the administration of the incumbent Governor, Biodun Oyebanji.

She stated: “We want Kayode Ojo as our next governor in Ekiti state. And the people of Ekiti state are ready for him. They are ready to work for him.

“The reason why we are here today is to let the party know what we are passing through in Ekiti state. We want Kayode Ojo to be our next governor in 2026 because he’s a man of honesty. People are ready for him, people love him.

“We don’t want any consensus in Ekiti state. We want to go for primary, because people are ready for him (Ojo). So we don’t want any consensus.”

Asked what they want the party to do, Mercy added that what they are demanding is for the party to organise free as fair primary.

“What we want this party to do, especially our leaders at the national level, is that we want Kayode Ojo to be our next governor, and we don’t want any consensus. We want primary election,” she insisted.

Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja

As part of advocacy to ensure the passage the of Reserved Seats for Women Bill by the National Assembly, the TOS Foundation Friday unveiled the 469 Tracker, a civic-tech platform designed to help Nigerians track where each member of the National Assembly stands on the Bill.

The proposed legislation seeks to expand women’s representation in governance by adding 182 women-only legislative seats across federal and state levels.

This means 37 women-only seats in the Senate, 37 in the House of Representatives and 3 in each of the 36 state Houses of Assembly to ensure the voices of women young and old — are heard across the nation when laws are being made.

The bill has received endorsements from the leadership of both the Senate and House of Representatives notably the Speaker of the House of Representatives.

It has also received support from key stakeholders in the Executive Arm of government namely; Vice President Kashim Shettima, First Lady, Senator Remi Tinubu, Nigeria Governors Forum and Spouses Forum.

However, the the Founder of the foundation and Convener of the Reserved Seats for Women Bill campaign coalition, Osasu Ogwuche, while addressing a press conference in Abuja said the platform, accessible via www.469tracker.com, allows citizens to see in real time which senators and members of the House of Representatives support, oppose, or remain undecided on the bill.

She explained that the platform draws its name from the total number of federal lawmakers, 469, and aims to turn public accountability into an interactive, youth-led civic experience.

Ogwuche stated: “For too long, political participation has felt distant from young people and women. With 469 Tracker, we’re using technology and storytelling to make legislative accountability simple, and closer to our digital generation.

“As a young Nigerian, home or abroad, you can now go on the website, check your state, and see where your representatives at the national level stand on the landmark bill.

“Our team of young tech experts have set up the website to reflect anytime there is a change in the decision of lawmakers to support or oppose the bill, we hope we only get more support from here on.”

The Reserved Seats for Women Campaign tracker integrates open data, media storytelling, and influencer-driven advocacy to mobilise Nigeria’s youth and digital communities.

The platform is part of a broader movement to ensure that the next phase of Nigeria’s democracy is inclusive, transparent, and gender-balanced.

TOS Foundation is leading a new model of civic engagement, blending technology, journalism, and popular culture to drive public accountability.

Through strategic partnerships with digital creators, grassroots organisers, and the media, the Foundation is transforming governance advocacy into relatable, shareable, and measurable campaigns.

From social media challenges to newsroom collaborations, TOS Foundation and its partners will use the 469 Tracker to spotlight legislators’ positions, encourage public dialogue, and build momentum toward the passage of the Reserved Seats for Women Bill.

Nigerian Breweries Plc, Nigeria’s foremost brewing company, has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to enhancing customer satisfaction and deepening stakeholder relationships.

This reaffirmation came during a special customer tour of the Lagos Brewery, held as part of activities to mark the 2025 Customer Service Week. The engagement offered customers a firsthand look at the company’s operations, including its high-quality production processes and sustainability initiatives.

Speaking during the tour, Uzodinma Odenigbo, Corporate Affairs Director at Nigerian Breweries Plc, expressed appreciation to the customers for their steadfast loyalty and partnership over the years. He emphasized the importance of continued collaboration in achieving shared business goals.

“At Nigerian Breweries, our focus goes beyond producing quality beverages. It’s about creating shared value for our customers, communities, and partners,” Odenigbo stated.

“We believe long-term business success is built on strong relationships, mutual trust, and a collective commitment to excellence. We remain resolute in our mission to refresh our consumers, empower our partners, and contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s socio-economic growth.”

He further noted that the company’s investments in innovation and sustainability reflect its deliberate efforts to remain a responsible corporate citizen and a leader in Nigeria’s manufacturing sector.

Also speaking at the event, Nduka Nnabuihe, Brewery Manager, represented by ��é������&�Բ�����;Ofolue, highlighted NB Plc’s customer-centric philosophy and ongoing drive for service excellence. “At NB Plc, our customers are treated like royalty;they are at the center of everything we do,” Nnabuihe said.

“We work tirelessly to meet their needs by ensuring quality, availability, and reliable support. Our strong distribution network, including key distributors, sub-distributors, and retailers, ensures our products reach consumers efficiently and consistently. With over 79 years in business, we are proud of our legacy and remain committed to learning and growing alongside our customers as we look toward the next hundred years of success.”

During the tour, Ability Akpan, one of the attending customers, commended the management of Nigerian Breweries for their steadfast support of retailers and wholesalers. He noted that this backing has enabled them to remain afloat despite prevailing economic challenges.

He also appealed for enhanced product availability to serve their growing consumer base better.

Okpe Essien, who runs Brave spots, applauded Nigerian Breweries for their unwavering commitment to delivering excellent services to customers despite the challenges facing the business.

Essien stated that his company has benefited significantly from exceptional service from its salesmen.

“I am immensely grateful for Nigerian Breweries’ efforts to provide all that is needed to deliver a memorable experience to customers. I get all their products whenever I need them at a discounted cost. Also, the company pays regular visits to see if I lack anything to deliver an extraordinary experience to my customers,” he said.

When you look at Africa’s digital payments market today, projected to reach about US $232.60 billion in transaction value by the end of 2025—it almost feels like the continent arrived here overnight.

But the story of how Africa built its payment bridges from cash to cards and eventually to a cashless economy is one of ingenuity, grit, and vision.

Since March 2025, Nkebet Mesele, host of Made in Payments and Founder and CEO of Intreensic, has taken listeners behind the fintech marquee to meet the founders, innovators, and pioneers who built the railways of money across Africa. From Ghana to Nigeria and beyond, these stories ground the numbers in lived experience of real people pushing boundaries to make payments simpler, safer, and more inclusive.

Building Solutions from the Ground Up

In Ghana, Curtis Vanderpuije, co-founder of ExpressPay, recalls the early days when “you couldn’t pay for internet on the internet.” Everything, from mobile airtime to bill payments—had to be done manually. Rather than wait for global solutions, Vanderpuije and his team asked: What do Ghanaians actually need? Where are the pain points?

His approach captures the spirit of Africa’s payments evolution: home-grown, context-driven innovation. Long before APIs and digital rails became mainstream, ExpressPay built the basic infrastructure for mobile wallets, top-ups, and interoperable platforms.

The Birth of Cashless Thinking

Across the border in Nigeria, Deji Oguntonade stands out as a true payments pioneer. With over three decades of experience, driving initiatives like Flash-me-Cash and leading fintech innovation at major banks—he remembers when the idea of digital payments was still radical.

“We knew the only way we could catch up was to do something different,” he says. Nearly 25 years ago, Oguntonade led the team that launched a wallet system where a phone number became an account number. People could buy airtime, send money, and pay merchants directly from their phones, long before “cashless” became a buzzword.

That experiment laid the foundation for what would become Nigeria’s modern payments revolution, one that today powers everything from micro-transactions to large-scale digital banking.

Roke Kuye and Card Payments Evolution

For Ronke Kuye, the story of payments is also the story of persistence. Her career spans the moment Nigeria first issued payment cards, installed ATMs, and deployed POS machines nationwide.

“At the time, Nigeria didn’t have a history of issuing cards,” she recalls. “We started with ValuCard, an electronic purse. We insisted that Nigerians with bank accounts should have a card.”

That insistence transformed habits. Suddenly, people could withdraw cash without a teller and make purchases electronically. It was a cultural shift that gave the system the rails it needed. And as mobile money later took center stage, the card infrastructure remained the backbone, proof that every leap in fintech rests on the rails built before it.

Women Shaping the Future of Payments

On International Women’s Day 2025, Made in Payments released a special edition spotlighting four remarkable leaders shaping Africa’s payments ecosystem — Kemi Okusanya (CEO of Hydrogen), Titilola Shogaolu (Divisional CEO, Interswitch Financial Inclusion Services), Celestina Appeal (Head, Card ������Ƶ & E-������Ƶ Operations, Zenith Bank), and Eduofon Japhet (Managing Director, Habaripay).

Together, their careers highlight how women continue to power the evolution of digital finance across the continent. From driving card issuance and expanding payment networks to leading partnerships that strengthen financial inclusion, each of them has helped reimagine how money moves in Africa.

Africa’s transformation from cash-driven to digitally connected wasn’t accidental. It was powered by five converging forces — mobile penetration, the rise of agent networks, regulatory innovation, problem-solving startups, and new infrastructure that brought millions into the financial fold.

Looking Ahead

Six episodes in, Made in Payments has already captured the stories behind Africa’s payment revolution. But its mission goes beyond nostalgia. Future episodes will explore cross-border transactions and the growing impact of regional integration.

What’s already clear is that Africa didn’t wait for someone else to solve its payment problems, it built its own solutions. And while analysts forecast that the continent’s digital payments economy could hit US $1.5 trillion by 2030, ‘made in payments’ invites us to see the real value lies not just in the numbers, but in the people who made them possible.

A Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court has granted Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, permission to serve court processes in his ₦100 billion defamation suit against former Commissioner for Information, Hon. Eze Chikamnayo, through social media platforms — Facebook and WhatsApp.

Justice J.E. Obanor, in a ruling delivered on October 16, 2025, approved the governor’s application for substituted service, allowing the court bailiff to serve the writ of summons and other processes on Chikamnayo via his Facebook account, “Iyierioba Chikamnayo,” and his registered phone and WhatsApp number.

The case has been adjourned to January 19, 2026, for hearing.

In the motion ex parte filed by Otti’s counsel, Dr. Sonny Ajala (SAN), the governor prayed the court to permit substituted service, citing the defendant’s previous use of the same channels to receive a solicitor’s demand letter.

The letter, dated October 2, 2025, had requested a retraction of several allegedly defamatory online publications.

The suit, filed on October 8, 2025 (Suit No. FCT/HC/CV/3921/2025), followed Chikamnayo’s alleged failure to honour the demand for a public apology and retraction of the posts.

Governor Otti, through his counsel, is seeking a declaration that his reputation, goodwill, and standing as a person, husband, father, and political leader were gravely damaged by the defendant’s “persistent, false and malicious online publications” on Facebook.

The court documents referenced several Facebook posts made between July and September 2025, including posts captioned “Alex Otthief is a confirmed criminal and disaster” (September 22, 2025), “Fighting Promax” (September 21, 2025), “Old or New Abia?” (September 14, 2025), “Sabbath Message” (September 13, 2025), “Still on the matter” (September 9, 2025), “Alex Otthief is a confirmed criminal and congenital liar = Looting Governor” (August 15, 2025) and “Government of Alex Otthief for Zignature Bank = Ruin Abia” (July 21, 2025).

Otti is seeking ₦100 billion in general damages for alleged loss of reputation, psychological distress, and emotional trauma caused by the publications. He is also asking the court to compel Chikamnayo to tender an unreserved apology for each of the posts, to be published on his Facebook page and in ThisDay, The Nation, The Punch and National Ambassador newspapers.

In addition, the governor is praying for a perpetual injunction restraining Chikamnayo from “writing, authoring, sharing, broadcasting, forwarding, or syndicating any content defamatory of the claimant” across all media platforms, including social media and traditional media outlets, and is demanding ₦250 million as the cost of prosecuting the suit.

Justice Obanor ordered that Chikamnayo must enter an appearance within 30 days of being served or risk judgment being entered against him in default.

In the earlier demand letter, Dr. Ajala stated that Governor Otti was “the only sitting governor in Nigeria bearing the name Alex Chioma Otti,” leaving no ambiguity about whom the online posts referred to, and described Chikamnayo’s publications as “false, malicious, and calculated to instigate public hatred.”

Ajala, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, noted that Otti’s “integrity has remained stainless” throughout his distinguished banking career, during which he rose to become Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Diamond Bank Plc before joining politics.

The letter accused Chikamnayo’s posts of causing “unquantifiable mental torture, depression, denigration, and brutal destruction of reputation built over the decades,” warning that failure to retract them within seven days would lead to legal action, a warning that has now resulted in court proceedings.