Allegations of bribery-for-appointment against the Chief of Staff to the President, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, by one Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew, is deserving of critical examination away from the current mob approach. Olatunde Alabi writes

By any fair reading of the materials now in circulation, the controversy around a certain Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew and the so-called Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council is no longer merely a story about allegation and denial.

It is a test of institutional memory, public gullibility, media responsibility, and the disturbing ease with which a determined impostor can weaponise suspicion against public officials.

At the centre of the storm is the Chief of Staff to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila. His alleged offence? That he publicly disowned a body which, from the materials available, has no lawful basis, no clear establishing instrument, and no demonstrable appointment letter placing Adeyemi in charge of it.

That should have settled the matter. Instead, Adeyemi has attempted to turn his own exposure into a public prosecution of the man whose office reportedly moved against him.

The first question is brutally simple: where is his appointment letter?

In the Federal Government of Nigeria, appointments are not made by rumour, social media graphics, self-designed letterheads, or loud press conferences.

A person appointed to head a federal agency must have a formal instrument of appointment. Such a letter should ordinarily emanate through appropriate channels, particularly the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.

If Prince Adeyemi truly headed a presidential council, he should not need theatrical accusations to prove it. He should simply produce the letter. He has not. That omission is fatal.

Even more damaging is the document from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation dated 21 October 2025, addressed to the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Investment Promotion Council.

The letter states that PFIPC “is not a recognised body of the Federal Government of Nigeria,” has “no legal or administrative backing,” was not established by any federal instrument, and that its operations are “unauthorised and fraudulent.”

That is not a casual media denial. It is an institutional repudiation. Once such a clarification exists, Adeyemi’s continued claim to legitimacy becomes profoundly suspicious.

His defenders may argue that he has documents showing correspondence, proposals, ministry receipt stamps, summit invitations, and government-facing engagements. But those do not establish legal authority.

A ministry receiving a letter does not make the sender a government appointee. A proposal submitted to a public office does not create an agency. A letterhead, stamp, or invitation does not become an executive instrument.

The same pattern appears in the World Investment Summit materials.

One document presents Adeyemi as Director-General/Convener-General of the World Investment Summit Group and makes ambitious claims about a 2026 summit, global leaders, international stock exchanges, and collaboration with government offices.

Another invitation to the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs bears receipt stamps, but again, receipt of correspondence is not recognition, appointment, or endorsement.

This distinction is crucial. Adeyemi’s strategy appears to rely on blurring the line between access and authority. He presents contact with institutions as if it were official empowerment by those institutions. But serious governance does not work that way.

There is also the matter of his record. The 2017 World Youth Organisation controversy, the flyer showing him as “President General World Youth United Nations Organization,” and the use of United Nations imagery all raise legitimate questions about a long-running pattern of grand institutional self-presentation.

None of that alone proves the present allegations false, but it makes his credibility a central issue. A man, who makes extraordinary allegations must be prepared for extraordinary scrutiny.

And the allegations here are not small. Adeyemi claims he paid N400 million upfront, with N200 million outstanding, to secure an appointment. He further claims that the trouble began when he refused an alleged demand for 48 per cent of a N27.39 billion take-off grant.

These are grave claims. But where are the bank records? Where is the payment trail? Who received the money? Who witnessed the transaction? What account was used? Where are the messages, recordings, letters, or verifiable intermediaries?

Allegation is not evidence. Volume is not proof. Drama is not documentation.

Indeed, the fact that the Chief of Staff reportedly had him arrested last year for impersonating a non-existent office changes the entire moral balance of the story.

If Gbajabiamila’s office had already moved against him for impersonation, then Adeyemi’s current media campaign begins to look less like whistleblowing and more like retaliation. It suggests a man cornered by exposure now attempting to drag down the very official whose office challenged his activities.

That is why the language of blackmail enters the conversation. Not as a casual insult, but as an analytical possibility. The pattern is familiar: a disputed actor faces official repudiation, escalates publicly, throws out sensational allegations, demands investigations into everyone else, and seeks to convert his own credibility crisis into a scandal for his accusers.

Still, there is one uncomfortable issue that must not be ignored: how did references to this supposed body or its funding allegedly enter budgetary materials?

That question matters. If PFIPC or related funding appeared in official budget documents, then Adeyemi may not have acted alone.

It could point to collaborators, sympathisers, negligent officials, or high-level allies within government, who enabled the appearance of legitimacy around an otherwise unauthorised structure.

That possibility should be investigated thoroughly. But that question does not implicate the Chief of Staff. In fact, it may support his position.

If his office disowned the body and reportedly triggered action against Adeyemi, then the more logical inquiry is not why Gbajabiamila denied PFIPC, but who inside the system may have helped Adeyemi sustain the illusion before the denial became public.

That is the real investigation.

Who inserted any budget line? Who processed any file? Who received correspondence? Who allowed office claims? Who gave him access? Who failed to flag the impersonation earlier? These questions should be pursued, not to validate Adeyemi, but to expose the network that may have enabled him.

Gbajabiamila’s reputation should not be casually sacrificed on the altar of social media suspicion. He is not the one claiming to head an agency without producing an appointment letter.

He is not the one with a documented history of controversial and false institutional claims. He is not the one circulating sensational allegations without proof of payment.

On the available materials, his office appears to have done what responsible public institutions should do: disown an unauthorised body and warn the public.

The burden remains where it belongs: on Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew. Let him produce the appointment letter. Let him produce the establishing instrument. Let him produce the gazette or executive approval. Let him produce proof of payment. Let him produce evidence of the alleged demand.

Until then, what Nigerians are witnessing is not a proven corruption scandal against the Chief of Staff. It is the desperate counteroffensive of a man whose claimed authority appears to have collapsed under official scrutiny.

The Chief of Staff deserves a stout defence, not because public officials are above questioning, but because justice demands that accusation must be anchored on evidence.

Reputation is not a toy. Public trust is not a playground. And no serious country should allow a man with unresolved questions around impersonation to convert his own alleged fraud into a weapon against the Presidency.

The PFIPC affair should be investigated, yes. But the investigation should begin with the man who claims to have been appointed. And the first exhibit should be simple: Where is the appointment letter?

•Alabi wrote from Abuja

Erling Haaland tapped home a dramatic late winner as Norway beat Ivory Coast to set up a last-16 showdown with Brazil at the World Cup.

The Manchester City striker had been quiet in Dallas before the 86th minute, as Antonio Nusa and Amad Diallo traded brilliant strikes in a tense game.

But Haaland was in the right place to bobble home the decisive goal from six yards following Patrick Berg’s cutback.

It means Haaland has scored in 13 successive competitive internationals for Norway, his latest goal helping his country win a World Cup knockout match for the first time.

Ivory Coast appeared to have forced extra time thanks to a superb 74th-minute strike by second-half sub Amad – surprisingly left out as manager Emerse Fae lined up his side in a more defensive 4-1-4-1 formation. It proved an error by Fae as the Ivorians struggled to create before going behind in the 39th minute.

Nusa is less heralded than strike partner Haaland, but the 21-year-old RB Leipzig winger produced a moment of sublime quality by cutting into the box from the left and curling a right-footed shot into the top corner.

After scoring the opener in their three group games, Ivory Coast were forced to chase the game – so Fae sent on Amad in the second half, and the 23-year-old showed his country what they were missing as he cut in from the right, beat two men and slotted home his second goal of the tournament.

Just minutes earlier, the Manchester United man had made a key impact at the other end of the pitch – Norway centre-back Torbjorn Heggem somehow failed to score from four yards when his volley was cleared off the line by Amad.

But in a World Cup so far defined by star strikers, Haaland was never going to be denied.

The recent arrest of seven suspected Boko Haram and ISWAP commanders at the Katsina is a triumph of technology, writes KINGSLEY EBONEKHI

In Nigeria’s recent history, it seemed as if the more notorious criminals were the more invincible. Despite the slew of technology available, somehow, some of the country’s most dangerous but ‘popular’ criminals just seemed elusive. Their sightings in public gatherings are often reported. Yet, the law could not nab them. They simply disappeared into the shadows and easily crossed borders, rubbishing the country’s security architecture and diminishing public confidence of a secure country.

Hence, the recent arrest of seven suspected Boko Haram and ISWAP commanders at the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua International Airport in Katsina while returning from the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage is significant. A game changer into how criminality can be arrested. It is a demonstration of what is possible when institutions begin to communicate with one another, when technology replaces bureaucracy, and when intelligence is treated as dynamic and interconnected.

According to Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the breakthrough was possible because the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) database is now integrated with the Nigeria Immigration Service and linked to international law enforcement platforms, including Interpol. The suspects were reportedly identified immediately upon arrival and handed over to the Department of State Services. The development coincided with President Bola Tinubu’s signing of the new NIMC Act, legislation designed to strengthen identity management and improve cooperation among government agencies. 

“With this law, our security architecture can be enhanced,” Tunji-Ojo said, while disclosing the arrest of the terrorist commanders.

“When Mr. President came on board, we had a disconnected system within our identity data management system. At that time, getting a passport and getting a driving permit were completely disconnected from our identity database. But today, you can’t get a Nigerian passport without pulling data from NIMC.”

This represents exactly the direction Nigeria should have taken many years ago. Modern terrorism is no longer fought solely with guns, fighter jets and military offensives. It is increasingly fought with data. Around the world, intelligence-led policing has become the defining feature of successful counter-terrorism operations. Governments now understand that identifying a suspect before an attack is infinitely more valuable than responding after innocent lives have already been lost.

For decades, Nigeria’s security architecture has operated in a scattered manner. Telecommunications companies collect one set of data. Banks collected. For drivers’ license, it was another. Immigration had their own records. Same with NIMC. Intelligence agencies possessed their own databases. International security organisations had yet another. Information existed, but often in isolated files. Agencies found it difficult to share. And the criminals effectively exploited just as government institutions closed them. But things are changing as the recent arrests show.

Since assuming office, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu has repeatedly emphasised the importance of inter-agency collaboration and intelligence-driven operations. Rather than allowing military, intelligence and civilian institutions to operate independently, the emphasis has shifted towards coordination. The objective is that every relevant agency should see the same picture at the same time. That philosophy appears to be producing measurable results.

The Interior Ministry under Tunji-Ojo has simultaneously embarked on reforms with profound security implications. Passport automation, immigration reforms, border surveillance upgrades, digital identity integration, and the establishment of an Integrated Operations Centre are not merely civil service improvements. Many Nigerians focus on the visible aspects of security, by seeing soldiers deployed to troubled communities, hearing reports of air strikes against terrorist camps and celebrating the elimination of notorious kingpins. Those achievements matter enormously. But invisible victories are often even more consequential.

When a terrorist is quietly identified through biometric verification before boarding an aircraft, when immigration software silently flags a wanted individual without human interference, or when an intelligence officer receives instant alerts because databases communicate in real time, those victories rarely make dramatic headlines. Yet they often prevent tragedies. That is precisely why the Katsina Airport arrests deserve attention. Instead of relying on luck or chance recognition, the detection reportedly emerged through automated systems. Technology performed what it should have done before human officers completed the operational response. That is how modern border security functions in advanced societies.

Of course, the arrest does not signal the end of terrorism. Boko Haram, ISWAP, bandit groups and other violent organisations remain active across several regions of the country. Their tactics continue to evolve. Indeed, Tunji-Ojo himself acknowledged that while Nigeria’s air borders have become considerably more secure through technological integration, land borders remain more difficult to monitor because of their sheer length and porosity. By implication, the logical next phase is therefore obvious. Biometric verification must become standard across government services. Let us quickly be able to know who is who. Real-time information sharing among customs, immigration, police, military, DSS and other agencies must become institutional culture rather than exceptional practice. Security is strongest when information travels faster than criminals.

Equally important is maintaining strong international cooperation. Terrorism is no longer confined within national boundaries. Financing, recruitment, communication and movement frequently span several countries. No nation, regardless of its military capability, defeats transnational terrorism in isolation. Nigeria’s growing embrace with international policing systems therefore is a plus.

There is also an important governance lesson in this arrest. For years, conversations around digital identity in Nigeria often centred on banking, telecommunications, social programmes or electoral administration. The new identity management architecture demonstrates why a reliable national identity system matters beyond administrative convenience. It allows governments to distinguish legitimate citizens from those attempting to exploit false identities. It reduces identity fraud and stifles terrorist mobility.

Perhaps the greatest compliment that can be paid to the Interior Ministry, the Office of the National Security Adviser and the numerous security professionals working quietly behind the scenes is that this operation appears to have unfolded without public drama. The suspects were reportedly identified, intercepted, transferred to the appropriate authorities and taken into custody through established procedures. That is exactly how professional security institutions are expected to function.

Good governance and good security are increasingly inseparable. A secure nation and a free society can coexist when institutions operate within the law and technology serves clearly defined public interests. The arrest of the seven suspects should be recognised as proof that painstaking institutional reforms do produce tangible operational successes. Ultimately, Nigerians do not demand perfection from their security agencies. What citizens seek is visible competence and evidence that lessons from past failures are shaping future successes.

If the integration of identity databases, immigration systems and international intelligence platforms can identify seven suspected terrorist commanders returning from a pilgrimage, then it has already demonstrated its value. If these reforms continue to expand across every layer of Nigeria’s security ecosystem, the country will gradually reduce the operational space available to those who seek to threaten innocent lives.

Wars against terrorism are rarely won by boots alone. More often, they are won quietly through intelligence, stronger institutions, smarter technology and seamless cooperation. Indeed, proactive security begins long before weapons are fired.

Ebonekhi writes from Abuja

Chiemelie Ezeobi 

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has called for a stronger support system for retired police officers, urging government, the private sector, civil society organisations and other stakeholders to create sustainable welfare programmes and opportunities that will enable them to live dignified and productive lives after service.

Disu made the call on Tuesday while delivering the keynote address at the Gallant Officers Recognition & Welfare Initiative 2026, organised virtually by Naija Police & U (Friend or Friend).

Speaking on the theme, “Life After Police: Building Purpose, Welfare and Opportunities Beyond Service,” the IGP said officers who devoted their lives to protecting the nation deserve continued recognition and support long after leaving active service.

According to him, policing is not merely a job but a lifelong commitment to service, integrity and nation-building.

He noted that police officers routinely serve in difficult environments, spend extended periods away from their families and respond to emergencies under challenging circumstances, often placing their lives on the line in the service of the nation.

“While the uniform may one day be laid aside, the values, experience and leadership cultivated over decades of service remain invaluable assets to society,” he said.

Disu stressed that retirement should not be viewed as the end of relevance but as the beginning of another meaningful phase of life, during which former officers can continue contributing to national development through mentorship, community service, business and leadership roles.

He urged serving officers to prepare early for retirement by acquiring additional skills, pursuing further education, making prudent financial decisions and embracing lifelong learning.

“A successful retirement is not achieved by chance; it is the product of careful planning, discipline and informed decision-making throughout one’s career,” he stated.

The police chief also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving the welfare of police personnel, describing officer welfare as a strategic necessity for effective policing.

He said ongoing reforms within the Nigeria Police Force are focused on enhancing healthcare services, psychological support, professional development, capacity building and retirement preparedness.

Disu, however, maintained that the welfare of retired officers should not be the responsibility of government alone.

He appealed to the private sector, civil society organisations, traditional institutions, faith-based organisations and well-meaning Nigerians to support initiatives aimed at improving the quality of life of retired police personnel.

Commending the organisers of the initiative, the IGP said the programme would strengthen police-community relations while promoting recognition, mentorship and welfare support for serving and retired officers.

He also congratulated officers honoured during the event, describing them as shining examples of courage, discipline, professionalism and selfless service.

Addressing retired officers, Disu expressed gratitude for their years of sacrifice and dedication, assuring them that their contributions to nation-building would not be forgotten.

“The institution you helped to build continues to benefit from your contributions, and your wealth of experience remains an invaluable national asset. We honour your legacy and encourage you to remain active as mentors, community leaders and ambassadors of the noble ideals of policing,” he said.

The event featured the recognition of distinguished officers as well as discussions on retirement planning, welfare enhancement and opportunities for life after service in the Nigeria Police Force.

Staying in touch with World SMEs Day celebration this June, Dr Seyefar Clement – international finance expert, principal lecturer at the University of Bedfordshire and Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA) discusses the critical role of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to the Nigerian economy and the multidimensional approaches required to shape their growth. With over a decade experience advising SMEs in Nigeria and United Kingdom, Dr Clement shares with Mary Nnah the importance of strengthening SMEs in Nigeria through targeted interventions, effective and transparent funding programmes and financial literacy

In the interest of our readers who may not very familiar with the idea of SMEs, what is the simplest understanding of it and why is it important in an economy?

SMEs, which stands for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises, are businesses that are larger than micro-enterprises but smaller than large corporations. They can be found in virtually every sector of the economy, including retail, agriculture, manufacturing, technology, logistics, and professional services.

SMEs are the backbone of any economy because they create jobs, stimulate innovation, support local communities, and contribute significantly to economic growth. In Nigeria, their importance is even more pronounced. According to recent estimates, MSMEs account for approximately 96% of businesses in the country and remain a critical driver of employment and economic activity.

Their success has a direct impact on the wellbeing of millions of Nigerians. When SMEs grow, they create more jobs, generate income, increase tax revenues, and contribute to poverty reduction. Conversely, when they struggle, the effects are felt across households, communities, and the wider economy. This is why supporting SMEs through targeted initiatives, improved access to funding, and better financial literacy is essential for Nigeria’s long-term economic development.

What are the key challenges do you think SMEs in Nigeria are facing today and why?

A number of challenges certainly exist for SMEs in Nigeria. It is important to identify them because Nigerians are naturally entrepreneurial and have the capacity to drive significant economic growth if some of these barriers can be addressed.

One of the biggest challenges is access to finance. Despite the critical role SMEs play in the economy, many still struggle to access affordable funding. This is due to several factors. First, there is limited financial literacy. Some SME owners lack the knowledge required to secure funding, manage it effectively, and deploy it in ways that support sustainable business growth.

There is also the issue of limited funding and support reaching SMEs at the scale required. While government has established agencies and programmes to support small businesses, funding constraints and implementation challenges often limit their impact. In addition, Nigeria’s credit information infrastructure for small businesses remains relatively underdeveloped. Unlike large corporations, many SMEs do not have readily available financial records or established credit histories, making it difficult for lenders to assess their creditworthiness and extend credit with confidence.

Another challenge is the politicisation of some SME support programmes. In some cases, funding is influenced by political considerations rather than business viability. This can create a situation where beneficiaries view the funds as a gift rather than capital intended to support enterprise development and economic growth.

That said, it is not always the government’s fault. The sustainability of SME financing programmes also depends on the repayment behaviour and performance of the businesses that receive support. A useful way to think about this is to imagine a refillable water dispenser. To continue drawing water, the bottle must be replaced when it is empty. In the same way, when SME loans are repaid, those funds can be recycled to support new businesses. However, when repayment rates are poor or businesses fail, the pool of available capital shrinks, limiting the ability of government and financial institutions to support future entrepreneurs.

Beyond finance, SMEs also face challenges relating to inadequate infrastructure, rising operating costs, inflation, and economic uncertainty. Addressing these issues is critical because MSMEs account for approximately 96% of businesses in Nigeria and remain a major driver of employment and economic growth. 

We have seen several private-sector initiatives in Nigeria, such as the Tony Elumelu Foundation and similar programmes, providing grants and support to entrepreneurs. What do you make of the impact of these private-sector-driven interventions?

These avenues are definitely helpful. They serve as additional sources of capital for new and existing SMEs. There are a number of individuals and organisations making similar contributions. For example, the Kestin Pondi Foundation reportedly commits significant resources each year to support SMEs and entrepreneurs.

These platforms demonstrate how individuals and private institutions can help bridge the funding gap facing small businesses. Importantly, they do not simply provide money; they also invest time and resources in assessing applicants and evaluating the viability of their business ideas. This helps ensure that support is directed towards individuals who are genuinely committed to building sustainable businesses.

However, one of the limitations of some of these interventions is that the support is not always end-to-end. Unlike programmes such the Tony Elumelu Foundation, which combine funding with training, mentoring, networking, and ongoing support, many initiatives focus primarily on disbursing capital. To improve the chances of success, grant providers should consider offering more structured mentorship, business development support, and post-funding monitoring. Access to capital is important, but entrepreneurs are far more likely to succeed when funding is complemented by guidance, accountability, and continuous support.

In the past year, we have seen the institutionalization of regional development commissions by the Federal Government. Do you think these agencies are positioned to support and stimulate SME growth in ways the country hasn’t been able to do so far? 

From what I have gathered about these commissions so far, I believe they have the mandate to support SMEs and are well positioned to do so. In fact, the South East Development Commission (SEDC) has already launched initiatives aimed at supporting startups and entrepreneurship, while its counterpart in the South West has announced plans and investments geared towards driving regional development, including improvements to transportation infrastructure. The South South Development Commission, on the other hand, is still in its early stages following its inauguration and has yet to fully commence operations. However, I am hopeful that it will become fully functional soon and play a significant role in supporting SMEs and driving economic development across the South South region.

I mention these examples because SME growth should be viewed as more than simply injecting capital into businesses. Access to finance is important, but it is only one part of the equation. SMEs also need reliable infrastructure, efficient transportation networks, access to markets, stable power supply, and a business environment that enables growth. Support for SMEs should therefore encompass all the factors that contribute to enterprise development, and the regional development commissions have the potential to complement government efforts in this regard.

That said, these commissions must also invest in reorienting mindsets, particularly among beneficiaries of SME funding programmes. There needs to be a shift in how such support is perceived. In some cases, grants or funding are viewed as “free money” or as a reward for the effort involved in applying, rather than as capital intended to build sustainable businesses and create economic value.

The second challenge is ensuring that these programmes are not used as a vehicle for political patronage. Funding should be allocated on the basis of merit, viability, and potential impact, rather than political affiliation or support. Capital provided to individuals who see it as free money is unlikely to generate the desired economic outcomes. More importantly, it diverts scarce resources away from entrepreneurs who could have used that support to build successful businesses, create jobs, and contribute meaningfully to economic growth.

Ultimately, the success of these commissions will depend not only on the amount of funding they provide but also on the quality of their governance, the transparency of their programmes, and their ability to create an environment in which businesses can thrive and grow sustainably.

Given the challenges facing SMEs, what do you consider to be the key catalysts for stimulating SME growth in Nigeria today?

I will mention three key elements.

First, government support and catalytic funding are critical. As I mentioned earlier, we have agencies that have been established to provide the technical and financial support SMEs need to grow, but many of them are not adequately funded. If we are serious about stimulating SME growth, these institutions must be properly resourced and empowered to fulfil their mandates.

Second, financial literacy is crucial. ������Ƶ owners need to understand the fundamentals of running a business, including financial management, record-keeping, cash flow planning, and how to present a compelling case when seeking funding. This would help bridge the trust gap that often exists between SMEs and financial institutions, particularly banks, which remain one of the most important sources of financing for businesses.

The third catalyst is the introduction of a more effective structure for financing, monitoring, and measuring the impact of SME support programmes, whether they are driven by government or the private sector. Loans and grants should not simply be disbursed; they should be structured in a way that maximises their impact and increases the likelihood of business success.

Specifically, capital support should be more targeted. What often happens is that once a particular type of business is seen as profitable, everyone rushes into that space without first asking what problem the business is solving. Meanwhile, there are significant gaps and unmet needs in the market that present opportunities for innovation and sustainable growth.

Take the Niger Delta region as an example. Would it be more beneficial to fund yet another payment technology startup in an already crowded market, or to support a business that addresses a pressing regional challenge? There may be greater value in prioritising SMEs developing solutions in areas such as agritech, environmental sustainability, fisheries, and climate resilience. For instance, innovative technologies that help fishermen monitor fish migration patterns or optimise their fishing operations could create both commercial value and social impact.

The point is not that these are the only sectors deserving support. Rather, funding should be aligned with clearly identified needs and opportunities within a region or community. When support is targeted in this way, it creates a double benefit: businesses are more likely to succeed, while communities benefit from solutions to real economic and social challenges. In my view, this is how we can move from simply funding SMEs to strategically developing them as engines of economic growth.

Uzoma Mba 

Stakeholders have called on the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) to intervene in the investigation of a viral video showing armed men, said to be policemen, during an operation at a Ghanaian-owned investment in Abuja.

They urged the police authorities to establish whether the armed men were genuine police personnel, whether they were acting under lawful authority, and to clarify the circumstances surrounding the operation, saying a transparent investigation would help reassure both local and foreign investors of Nigeria’s commitment to the rule of law.

The incident, which occurred on Monday, June 29, at the Gallery Clubhouse, a recreational facility owned by a Ghanaian investment firm in River Park Estate, has generated widespread reactions after a video of the operation surfaced online.

In the footage, armed policemen, whom eyewitnesses alleged were attached to the Counter Terrorism Unit (CTU) of the Nigeria Police Force, were seen accompanying a group of men during an operation in which part of the facility’s entrance was reportedly excavated.

Eyewitnesses claimed the officers prevented members of staff from interfering with the exercise and did not disclose the authority under which they were acting when questioned.

The video also captured a heated exchange between one of the armed men and a staff member who was recording the incident. 

The officer insisted that filming him without his consent violated his fundamental rights and repeatedly directed the staff member to stop recording.

“You can’t video me without my permission. You are infringing on my rights. I am giving you a lawful order; stop videoing me,” the armed man was heard saying. 

He also advised the staff member to take any complaint to a police station or the Commissioner of Police rather than continue recording.

The staff member, however, responded that he was recording because he believed “it is an illegal action to be destroying the place.”

Reacting to the development, an eyewitness, Mr. Sajay Omagbemi, appealed to the Inspector-General of Police to order a thorough investigation, warning that failure to address the matter could undermine investors’ confidence in Nigeria.

“We are calling on the Inspector-General of Police and the Federal Government to ensure that justice is done and that the law takes its full course. We do not want anything that could create the impression of hostility towards foreign investments or trigger xenophobic sentiments. Nigeria has always been known as a welcoming nation, and we must protect that reputation,” he said.

Other residents also urged the Inspector-General of Police to institute a transparent probe into the incident, saying a prompt resolution would reassure both local and foreign investors of Nigeria’s commitment to the rule of law. 

They also appealed to President Bola Tinubu to ensure that the matter is thoroughly investigated.

Efforts to obtain the reaction of the management of River Park Estate and the Federal Capital Territory Police Command were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report, as the command had yet to issue an official statement on the viral video.

As Brent crude prices declined by 4.44 per cent to $71.92 per barrel following easing supply concerns over the Strait of Hormuz, Nigeria’s sustained increase in crude oil production is helping to cushion the impact on the economy. Amongst other measures, one of the major factor behind the production surge is the restoration of peace and stability across the Niger Delta championed by Tantita Security Services Nigeria Ltd, whose pipeline surveillance operations has helped curb crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism, thus enabling Nigeria to mitigate some of the revenue losses associated with falling global oil prices. Uzoma Mba reports 

With Brent crude prices decline by 4.44 per cent to $71.92pb on easing supply concerns over Strait of Hormuz, Nigeria’s high oil production is cushioning the effects on economy. Amongst other measures, the oil production surge is linked to successful operations by the Tantita Security Services Nigeria Ltd, which for years achieved peace and stability in the the Niger Delta region and in turn accelerated oil  production, helping Nigeria manage revenue shortfalls from oil prices decline.

  In every thriving economy, there is always the urgent need to protect strategic assets.  Doing so comes with so many benefits including building stability and confidence that lead to national prosperity. Nigeria’s experience with pipeline surveillance operations in the Niger Delta region has followed this trajectory.

 For decades, Nigeria’s oil pipelines operated under persistent attack, exposed to sabotage, vandalism, illegal refining and outright theft. Aside lost revenue,  environmental degradation, social instability, and an economy unable to fully benefit from its oil windfalls were the immediate consequences.  

 That practice persisted until President Bola Ahmed Tinubu appointed Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL) led by High Chief, Dr. Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo, to protect Nigeria’s oil assets in the Niger Delta region. 

The appointment was to enable TSSNL, through its security operations, support the national economy in getting the full benefits of oil resources. The TSSNL works in collaboration with other security outfits to achieve its goals of securing oil assets and ensuring peace and stability in the Niger Delta region.

 Tantita’s operations had ensured the security of oil pipelines, ensuring the uninterrupted flow of petroleum resources, and ensuring that Nigeria migrated  from a position of constant loss management to stability, planning, growth and development. 

Impact on oil production output This impact is already of public knowledge: national crude output climbed significantly. Data released by the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) showed Nigeria’s crude oil production topped its OPEC quota in May, reaching its pinnacle in 15 months and cementing its position as Africa’s leading oil producer. The report said the country produced an average of 1.53 million barrels of crude oil per day (bpd) during the month.

   With a condensate production of 170,446 bpd included, the commission put Nigeria’s average total hydrocarbon output at 1.7 million bpd.   “Nigeria’s oil production witnessed an upswing in May 2026, averaging 1,530,354 barrels of crude oil and 170,446 barrels of condensates per day, bringing the total combined production to 1,700, 800 barrels per day and consolidating Nigeria’s position as Africa’s largest oil producer,” NUPRC said in a statement.  

 The figure represents 102 per cent of Nigeria’s OPEC production quota of 1.5 million bpd, according to the regulator. The latest performance marks a significant milestone for the country’s oil sector, with total production standing at its peak since last July, when the combined crude oil and condensate output reached 1.71 million bpd.  

 With the figure for condensates excluded, the 1.53 million bpd in May represents Nigeria’s strongest performance since January 2025, when output touched 1.538 million bpd. The May figure also represents a 15-month high for crude oil production, excluding condensates. An economist and policy analyst, Dr. Muda Yusuf, explained that while a price drop in crude oil will naturally translate to a reduction in the pump prices of petrol, diesel, Jet A1 and gas, on the flip side, it portends a drop in revenue for the federal government. 

 Yusuf said, while security interventions have helped improve production levels compared to previous years, Nigeria still faces significant challenges in attracting the scale of investment required to sustain higher output levels.

 Other analysts noted that while government reforms under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) have improved the fiscal environment for investors, sustainable production growth require more domestic and foreign investment into the sector. 

Michael Otu, an oil magnet based in Abuja, said: “To sell more crude oil requires additional production.  The capacity to produce more depends on several factors including fiscal regime, which is much better now than it used to be. The second is investment in the sector”. 

Out said that  raising crude oil output requires significant capital expenditure and long-term planning by operators, adding that higher oil prices alone do not automatically translate into increased production. 

“The PIA policy was to incentivise production. A lot of the amendments made through executive orders were also designed to boost investment and drive output.,” he stated. 

The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission attributed much of this gain to reduced pipeline vandalism and improved asset protection. This production recovery has direct fiscal implications: each additional 100,000 barrels per day translates to approximately $2.5-3 billion in annual export revenue at current pricing, funds that flow directly into national development budgets. 

In a published report, President General, Niger Delta Progressive Alliance, Nse Victor Udoh,  said pipeline protection enabled national institutions to progress from reactive crisis management to strategic foresight, from temporary containment to durable systems-building, and from uncertainty-driven decisions to calculated national ambition. 

“It is important to clarify the role of pipeline surveillance within the wider energy landscape. Energy security encompasses the full value chain, from exploration and production to refining, distribution, pricing policy, and subsidy frameworks. Pipeline surveillance does not manage these domains,” he said. 

He added: “Its mandate is precise: safeguarding critical infrastructure that transports petroleum resources. Yet this single function has proven foundational. Without secure transportation channels, production targets falter, refining plans collapse, exports decline, and fiscal projections become unreliable.”

 Continuing, he wrote: “Asset protection, in this context, is not a supporting activity. It is a precondition for economic order. In effect, the pipeline is the hinge on which the entire petroleum value chain turns. When that hinge is weak, every other link in the chain carries strain. When it is secure, the entire system gains coherence.” 

The immediate impact has been operational. Sustained monitoring and rapid response systems have sharply reduced pipeline breaches and illegal tapping. Receipt rates have climbed toward full recovery, with national output rising to levels not seen in recent memory. This redirection has restored Nigeria’s credibility in international oil markets, allowing Nigeria to reclaim market share lost to Angola and Libya. 

 “Economic stability follows predictability. When crude flows are secure, refineries can plan feedstock intake with assurance. Export commitments can be met without fear of sudden shortfalls. Gas-to-power projects can operate without recurrent shutdown risks”. 

“Investors can assess Nigeria’s petroleum sector with clearer risk profiles. Surveillance therefore does more than stop theft. It reintroduces reliability into national energy planning. And reliability is the bedrock upon which sustainable economic growth is built. With predictable flows, national budgeting becomes more credible, infrastructure planning becomes more precise, and long-term contracts become easier to negotiate. Predictability is the silent currency of modern economies, and pipeline surveillance has begun restoring it,” he stated.

 Further benefits extend into public finance. Higher accounted-for production translates directly into increased export revenues, improved foreign exchange inflows, and strengthened fiscal capacity. National oil company performance in recent years illustrates this shift toward profitability and efficiency, driven in part by reduced losses and enhanced operational continuity. As revenues stabilise, government budgeting gains credibility.

Development planning becomes less speculative. The national economy gains breathing space to invest in infrastructure, social services, and diversification. This breathing space matters. It allows policy makers to think beyond survival and begin shaping structural reforms, industrial expansion, and long-term social investment.

 It also reduces dependence on emergency borrowing and short-term fiscal patchwork. Asset protection has also produced environmental and social dividends, particularly in the Niger Delta. Illegal refining and pipeline sabotage once left waterways polluted, farmlands infertile, and communities trapped in cycles of hazard and insecurity. 

With sustained surveillance operations dismantling illegal sites and preventing repeated breaches, ecological recovery has begun. What other stakeholders are saying Chairman of the House Committee on Host Communities, Dekor Dumnamene Robinson had said the contributions of Tantita and its leadership to national security deserve appreciation. 

Also, in one of the strongest endorsements yet of the firm’s operations, lawmakers under the Joint Committee of the House of Representatives on Host Communities and Public Petitions and other stakeholders also commended Tantita for what they described as effective and patriotic service in safeguarding Nigeria’s critical oil infrastructure.

 “Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, in partnership with NNPCL, has rendered demonstrably effective service in the protection of crude oil pipelines and the recovery of national crude oil production,” they stated. The Joint Committee subsequently passed a unanimous vote of confidence on the company and called on the Federal Government and NNPCL to approve a long-term renewal of the surveillance contract to consolidate gains already achieved in the fight against crude oil theft and illegal bunkering.

 “Tompolo and his team have served this country at great personal risk. They have kept the economic lifeline of the nation running and restored peace to communities that had not experienced peace in decades,” he said. The National Chairman of Host Communities of Nigeria Producing Oil and Gas (HOSTCOM), His Highness Benjamin Style Tamaranebi JP had further commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the confidence he has reposed in Tantita as a critical part of the security apparatus for protecting oil assets in the Niger Delta.   

Global oil market condition

 Oil prices dropped significantly as markets became confident that Strait of Hormuz disruptions will reduce. This has led to 10% drop on Brent prices and Middle East crude benchmarks slipping into contango. Whilst ship transits through the Strait of Hormuz remain a fraction of their previous norm (130-140 transits per day), plunging crude oil prices suggest the commodity markets anticipate that flows would start to recover sooner than later.

  The two Middle Eastern crude benchmarks, Dubai and Murban, have flipped into contango, as a temporary period of oversupply is sending ripples across the Asian markets. Logging a hefty 10% weekly loss, ICE Brent will close the week around $72 per barrel, the same level that it was before the US attack on Iran on February 28. Crude transits through the Strait of Hormuz rose to the highest weekly tally since the onset of the US-Iran conflict this week, with more than 16 million barrels passing through the waterway last week Wednesday-Thursday, raising hopes of a full gradual reopening. 

However, there is raising fears that Hormuz transit could be choked off again, Iran’s IRG fired several drones at the Taiwan-owned Ever Lovely cargo ship, attempting to cross the Hormuz through ‘unauthorized routes”, damaging the vessel’s bridge some 7 miles off the Omani coast.  

According to report, the main reason for the price drop was more good news about the agreement between the United States and Iran. The deal aims to end the recent fighting and let normal oil shipping start again through the Strait of Hormuz.  Findings from reports during the week said the two sides were working out final details on how and when the important shipping route would reopen. They were also talking about letting Iran sell more of its oil again under a special waiver from U.S. sanctions. 

  Traders saw these steps as clear signs that hundreds of thousands of barrels of Iranian crude could return to the global market sooner than expected.

In every organization, whether public or private, leadership ultimately revolves around one fundamental question: how can leaders ensure that plans are translated into results?

For decades, leadership has been associated with the image of executives seated behind large desks, reviewing reports, attending meetings, and issuing directives. While these functions remain important, experience has consistently shown that some of the most impactful leaders are those who spend considerable time beyond the confines of their offices, engaging directly with operations, people, and projects.

The difference between these two leadership approaches can significantly influence organizational performance. Leaders who spend most of their time in the office often depend heavily on reports submitted by subordinates. Reports are essential management tools because they provide data, updates, and performance indicators that support decision-making. However, reports are only as accurate as the information they contain. In large organizations, information frequently passes through multiple layers before reaching the leader, creating the possibility of omissions, distortions, delays, or an incomplete representation of realities on the ground.

By contrast, leaders who regularly inspect projects and engage directly with frontline personnel gain firsthand knowledge of progress, challenges, and opportunities. They are able to verify information independently, identify implementation gaps early, and make timely interventions that prevent minor issues from escalating into major problems.

This leadership approach is strongly supported by Organizational Behaviour theory. One of the most widely recognized concepts is Management by Walking Around (MBWA), which emphasizes direct interaction between leaders and employees. The theory suggests that leaders who maintain visible presence within their organizations build stronger communication channels, increase accountability, improve employee morale, and gain a more accurate understanding of operational realities.

Similarly, Douglas McGregor’s Theory argues that employees perform better when leaders create an environment of trust, engagement, and participation. Direct interaction with workers and project teams often promotes ownership, commitment, and higher levels of performance because employees recognize that leadership is actively interested in outcomes rather than merely receiving paperwork.

From a Public Administration perspective, project implementation is often where good policies either succeed or fail. Many governments and organizations have developed excellent policies that produced limited results because implementation was weak, supervision was inadequate, or corrective action came too late.

As a student of Public Administration and Policy Analysis, I have come to appreciate that the greatest challenge in governance is often not policy formulation but policy implementation. Effective implementation requires continuous monitoring, evaluation, and feedback. While reports provide useful information, they cannot fully substitute for direct observation. Leaders who physically inspect projects are better positioned to assess progress, identify bottlenecks, engage stakeholders, and ensure that public resources achieve their intended objectives.

Field-oriented leadership also sends a powerful message throughout an organization. When leaders are visible, employees tend to demonstrate greater commitment to timelines and quality standards. Contractors become more conscious of accountability. Communities gain confidence that their concerns are being heard. Most importantly, problems are identified and addressed before they become costly failures.

History provides numerous examples of transformational leaders whose effectiveness was linked to their willingness to engage directly with the realities they sought to change. Their success was not simply a product of vision, but of consistent presence and active supervision.

Within the Federal Capital Territory, this leadership style has become particularly evident under the administration of Minister Nyesom Wike. Since assuming office, he has maintained a rigorous schedule of project inspections across Abuja and the Area Councils, personally visiting construction sites, assessing progress, engaging contractors, and demanding adherence to agreed timelines.

Rather than relying solely on written reports, the Minister has consistently chosen to verify project implementation firsthand. This approach has enabled prompt decision-making, accelerated problem resolution, and strengthened accountability among contractors and public officials responsible for project delivery.

The results are visible across the FCT. Major road infrastructure, interchanges, rural access roads, water projects, public facilities, and other critical infrastructure have progressed at a pace that has attracted widespread public attention. The numerous commissioning exercises witnessed across the territory reflect not only government investment but also a leadership approach that places significant emphasis on supervision, monitoring, and results.

The lesson is clear. Effective leadership is not measured by the number of hours spent behind an office desk but by the ability to translate vision into tangible outcomes. Reports remain important, but they are most effective when complemented by direct engagement and firsthand observation.

Dr. Jumai Ahmadu, Director, Reform Coordination and Service Improvement Department, (RC&SID), FCTA. 

ONDAJE IJAGWU pays tribute to Bello, Journalist, Lawyer and Administrator at 65

As Mr Tunji Bello marks his 65th birthday on July 1, there is a natural temptation to measure his public life by the offices he has held, the policies he has championed or the regulatory milestones achieved under his leadership. Yet those who have worked most closely with him often tell a quieter story, one found in meetings, conversations and decisions that have gradually reshaped the culture of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC). It is a story less about the exercise of power than about the judgement required to exercise it fairly.

When Bello resumed as Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer in July 2024, he could easily have disappeared into the familiar rituals of a leadership transition: routine briefings, files awaiting signature and meetings with senior officials. Instead, before settling into his office, he walked through the Commission. He stopped in departments, greeted members of staff and introduced himself to the people who would be expected to translate policy into daily work. It was not a choreographed tour for photographers or a symbolic courtesy destined for the next day’s newspapers. For everyone who witnessed it, it was an unhurried effort to understand the institution through the people who animated it.

Only afterwards did he take his seat behind the executive desk. His first address to the staff reinforced the same impression. “I have been well received,” he said. “I am confident that I am in the midst of people who can accomplish more.” He spoke less about himself than about the Commission’s obligation to ordinary Nigerians.

“We need to expand our reach. Nigerians need to feel us. How can we be of assistance to the ordinary consumer? We need to do more market surveillance.”

Many chief executives spend their opening days defining authority. Bello appeared more interested in defining purpose. The emphasis was not on the office he had assumed but on the institution he believed the Commission should become. One that remained close enough to consumers and markets to respond with credibility.

At a recent meeting, the discussion had turned to staff transfers, one of those routine administrative matters. Operational needs had to be balanced. Managers pondered where officers should be deployed across the Commission’s network of zonal and state offices to maximise efficiency.

Then an unexpected question altered the tone of the discussion. “If someone has stayed for up to ten years in one of the Commission’s zonal offices,” Tunji Bello asked, “doesn’t that simply mean the staff must have built a family out there that should not be disrupted?”

For a moment, the conversation paused. The point was not that transfers should never happen. Public institutions cannot function without movement, and leadership sometimes requires difficult decisions. His intervention simply widened the frame through which the issue was being considered. Behind every transfer file was a family that had found its footing in a particular city, children settled into schools, spouses whose own careers had become rooted, ageing parents accustomed to familiar routines and communities that had slowly become home. The Commission’s operational needs remained important, but they were no longer the only consideration.

That brief exchange revealed something official communiqués seldom capture. Bello appeared to approach administration with the conviction that institutions are communities of people as much as systems of process. Efficiency mattered. So did fairness. Leadership required holding both in balance.

Management meetings came to reflect a culture in which ideas were tested, alternative opinions encouraged and disagreement treated as part of sound decision making rather than as a challenge to authority. Although the Executive Vice Chairman retained ultimate responsibility, colleagues recognised that outcomes were genuinely shaped by contributions made during discussions. People contribute more honestly when they know they are expected to think rather than merely agree. That culture of participation would become one of the defining features of Bello’s leadership.

Listening, however, is only the beginning of leadership. Institutions are ultimately judged by whether their decisions reflect the breadth of experience within them.

One of the quieter changes under Bello has been the steady widening of participation in the Commission’s internal governance. Heads of zonal and state offices now participate in management meetings, ensuring that operational realities from across Nigeria help to shape discussions at headquarters. Separate engagements between management and field leadership have also been introduced, creating a direct forum for practical challenges to be discussed without unnecessary bureaucratic layers. Distance from Abuja no longer necessarily means distance from decision-making.

The same philosophy has informed professional development. Local and overseas training opportunities are now distributed more broadly across the organisation, with officers from zonal and state offices participating alongside colleagues at headquarters. Younger officers have gained opportunities that previously appeared beyond reach, while experienced personnel continue to receive specialised development suited to their responsibilities.

The objective is not equal distribution for its own sake. It is the recognition that institutions grow stronger when knowledge and opportunity circulate widely.

Practical support has accompanied these structural changes. Operational vehicles have been provided, strengthening field activities, while increased operational funding has significantly enhanced the capacity of outstation offices. Institutional assignments have also been distributed more evenly across the Commission.

The same attentiveness extends to staff welfare. When the recent conflict in the Middle East drove up fuel prices and increased transportation costs, Bello approved the procurement of brand new staff buses to support employees’ daily commute.

These measures alleviated immediate hardship while providing longer-term support. They reflected an understanding that people are better able to serve institutions when institutions remain attentive to the practical burdens they carry into work.

That understanding became even more evident in moments beyond administration. When a member of staff lost a spouse, Bello led the management team on a condolence visit and remained personally present throughout events connected with the funeral. No regulation required such involvement. It simply reflected an understanding that institutions are communities whose responsibilities do not end where personal grief begins.

The same spirit was quietly visible during the Commission’s May Day celebration. Rather than remaining apart from the event, Bello sat among members of staff and visiting union officials, narrowing the customary distance between management and workforce.

The day’s most revealing moment came when a senior national union official reviewed the document prepared by the Commission’s union representatives. Expecting the familiar catalogue of complaints, he instead found acknowledgements of welfare improvements, administrative reforms and management’s responsiveness.

The significance lay not in the absence of disagreement, for every healthy institution has differences of opinion. It lay in the confidence that concerns are always heard, discussed and addressed.

Outside the Commission, it appears in engagement with markets, insistence on transparency and the pursuit of fair competition as a practical safeguard for ordinary Nigerians. The settings differ. The underlying instinct does not.

Public institutions are often judged by the visibility of their leaders. Their enduring strength, however, is more accurately measured by the confidence of the people who work within them. Do they believe they will be heard? Do they believe opportunities are genuinely open? Do they believe difficult decisions will be weighed carefully? Do they believe authority exists to strengthen the institution rather than merely to remind everyone where it resides? Those are questions no annual report can answer. 

Yet they often determine whether institutions merely function or genuinely endure.

As Tunji Bello marks his 65th birthday, many will rightly assess his public life through the offices he has held, the policies he has advanced and the regulatory achievements recorded during his stewardship of the FCCPC. Those achievements deserve their place in the public record. There is, however, another measure. It is found in the culture a leader leaves behind.

Leadership often reveals itself in moments too small for headlines. A question asked before a transfer is approved; a decision to widen opportunity rather than preserve privilege, a visit to a grieving colleague after official duty might reasonably have ended, a conversation with market leaders before the first sanction is imposed. None of these moments changes a country overnight. Together, however, they change something just as important. They change the way people experience institutions.

Perhaps that is the true weight of fairness. Not that it is proclaimed, but that it is practised so consistently, in decisions both large and small, that it gradually becomes the culture itself. If that becomes the enduring legacy of Tunji Bello’s leadership, it will also be the finest tribute to a public life still in service, and a fitting reflection as he marks his 65th birthday.

Mr. Ijagwu is

Director, Corporate Affairs

Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission.

Yemi Kosoko in Jos

Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang has announced a major shake‑up in Plateau State’s security framework, unveiling new appointments aimed at strengthening safety across communities and schools.

The Governor approved the appointment of Brigadier General Nash Yakubu (Rtd) as the new Coordinator of Operation Rainbow, the state’s home-grown security outfit.

Yakubu, a seasoned military officer with 35 years of service, played key roles in national and international missions, including operations during the MASSOB and IPOB crises, and peacekeeping deployments in Sierra Leone, Sudan, and Nigeria’s North East.

In a related move, Brigadier General Gakji Shipi Goshwe (Rtd) has been redeployed as Coordinator of the Safe School Programme. Shipi, who previously served as Acting Coordinator of Operation Rainbow and Special Adviser on Security, is a decorated officer with multiple military merit awards.

Governor Mutfwang also appointed Maj. Gen. Bala A. Isandu (Rtd) as the new Special Adviser on Security. Isandu brings extensive intelligence experience, having served as Senior Special Assistant (Intelligence) to the Minister of Defence and as Director of the Defence Intelligence Agency. His career includes numerous local and international missions.

According to the statement signed by Arc. Samuel N. Jatau, Secretary to the Government of the State, the appointments take immediate effect and reflect the administration’s commitment to enhancing security, protecting lives and property, and strengthening safety in educational institutions.

Governor Mutfwang congratulated the appointees, expressing confidence in their professionalism and urging them to deploy their expertise toward building a peaceful, secure, and prosperous Plateau State.
end

James Emejo in Abuja

Norrenberger Advisory Partners Limited (NAPL), said it has strengthened its position in the Nigerian capital market, executing transactions worth about N608.93 billion in the first half of 2026,.
The investment banking firm has continued to expand access to long-term financing for businesses across critical sectors of the economy under the leadership of its Managing Director, Oladipo Olakunle-Jinadu.
In a statement, the firm said it advised on, structured and participated in 20 capital market transactions during the six-month period, comprising 18 debt capital market deals valued at N540.76 billion and two equity transactions worth N68.17 billion.
The transactions spanned a wide range of sectors, including energy and gas infrastructure, oil and gas services, manufacturing, agribusiness, financial services, fintech, insurance, consumer goods, building materials and diversified conglomerates, underscoring the firm’s growing relevance in Nigeria’s capital market.
A major highlight of the period was the strong investor demand recorded across several of the transactions, with multiple issuances significantly oversubscribed, reflecting sustained confidence in well-structured investment offerings.
Among the standout transactions were Coleman Technical Industries Limited’s Commercial Paper, which achieved a 276 per cent subscription, Sycamore Integrated Solutions Limited’s issuance at 225 per cent, NGN Gram Limited at 200 per cent, VFD Group Plc at 181 per cent and Payaza Africa Limited’s Non-Interest Commercial Paper at 166 per cent.
Other successful issuances included GLNG Funding SPV Plc Series 4, which recorded a 147 per cent subscription, SG Holdings Limited and Homeport Limited at 133 per cent each, JohnVents Industries Limited’s Non-Interest Commercial Paper at 125 per cent and Sunbeth Global Concept Limited’s Non-Interest Commercial Paper at 113 per cent.
Olakunle-Jinadu said the firm’s execution capabilities were further demonstrated through its role as Lead Issuing House on VFD Group Plc’s N50.67 billion Rights Issue, which achieved full subscription following successful transaction structuring, investor engagement, regulatory execution and capital distribution.
He said the performance reflected its commitment to helping businesses secure efficient access to capital while supporting the continued growth and sophistication of Nigeria’s capital market.
With over a decade of investment banking experience, Oladipo had built a reputation for structuring complex debt and equity transactions across both the public and private sectors.
During his career, he had advised on sovereign bond issuances, commercial papers, equity offers and Shariah-compliant financing programmes, including the Federal Government’s Sukuk issuances and TajBank’s N10 billion Mudarabah Sukuk.
The company said it remains focused on expanding its advisory role to businesses seeking sustainable financing while contributing to deeper capital market development capable of supporting Nigeria’s long-term economic growth.

•  APC is one big family, we’ll work as a team, Danladi tells co-aspirants 

Leadership of the Kwara State All Progressive Congress (APC) on Tuesday presented the party’s nomination form to its gubernatorial candidate and Speaker, Kwara House of Assembly, Hon. Yakubu Salihu Danladi.

Speaking during the presentation ceremony in Ilorin, Chairman of the party, Prince Sunday Fagbemi, said it was imperative for his executive organ to present the winner the nomination form to fill and submit to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), following the ratification of his victory at the primaries by the APC National Headquarters.

“Before now, we have conducted the primaries. There have been winners for the House of Assembly, House of Representatives, the Senate and the gubernatorial, but the National Headquarters of our party said we should not announce,” he said.

“The National Working Committee of our party has gone through all the processes, especially those that have complaints. People who had complaints have ventilated their complaints to the Appeal Committee who have equally gone through them. So, NWC has come out with the candidates. And It is now our duty to give them the forms to fill so that they will be uploaded to the INEC portal. This is what we have done in the office.

“The one that we are unveiling here today is that of the gubernatorial candidate, who is Rt. Hon Yakubu Salihu Danladi. So, on behalf of the National Chairman of our party, I am handing this form over to our candidate.” 

The presentation attracted wild applause from party elders, stakeholders, lawmakers, cabinet members, and thousands of supporters 

Danladi, in his remarks, thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, and the leadership of the party both at the national and state levels for their support and trust to fly the flag of the party in the 2027 general election.

He also thanked the co-contesters for their participation and promised his readiness to carry them along.

“We thank God Almighty, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and the national chairman of our party. We also thank the leader of the party in the state, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, and the state executives and other major stakeholders of the party,” Danladi said. 

“There are reconciliations going on already as is usual with party primaries. Sixteen of us who contested know that a winner must emerge and a winner has emerged and it is now left for us to carry everyone along and we will definitely do that.

“By His grace, APC is one family, and we are going to be more united and much stronger. We thank all Kwarans. We will not disappoint you and God Almighty will guide us.”

The brief event was attended by members of the state House of Assembly, cabinet members, party executives elders, and women groups.

The , Global North London ������Ƶ School (GNLBS), United Kingdom, and the University of East London, have proposed a strategic academic partnership aimed at delivering internationally recognized undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, enhancing academic standards, and creating sponsorship opportunities for outstanding students.

The Director of Communications, Public Affairs and Protocol of NWUS, Abdallah el-Kurebe, in a statement on Tuesday, said the proposed collaboration, contained in a document dated May 22, 2026, and signed by the Director of Studies at GNLBS, Dr. Julius Ayodele, seeks to align Northwest University’s academic offerings with UK qualification standards while equipping students with globally competitive skills and credentials.

The proposed undergraduate programmes include Bachelor of Science degrees in ������Ƶ Administration and Management, Health and Social Care Management, Law, and Information and Communication Technology (ICT), each carrying 360 credits.

The collaboration is expected to promote curriculum innovation, research partnerships, student exchange programmes, faculty development and professional training opportunities.

Responding, the Vice-Chancellor of the Northwest University, Sokoto, Prof. Mukhtar Umar Bunza’ said: “Northwest University, Sokoto, welcomes this proposed collaboration as a significant step towards advancing our vision of providing globally competitive education.

“We believe that partnering with Global North London ������Ƶ School will open new opportunities for our students and staff, strengthen our academic programmes, and enhance our international profile. If successfully implemented, this initiative will contribute meaningfully to human capital development in Sokoto State and Nigeria at large.

“On behalf of the Founder and Chairman of Council, Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko; the management and staff of the Northwest University, Sokoto, the proposal from the Global North London ������Ƶ School as defined above, is hereby considered and await further details and commitment for the actualization of the proposal for mutual benefit.”

University of East London

In a related development, Northwest University, Sokoto, has also strengthened its internationalisation drive by advancing a separate academic collaboration with the University of East London (UEL), United Kingdom, in the field of Computer Science and Information and Communications Technology (ICT).

The initiative was facilitated by Dr. Bilyaminu Romo, an Assistant Professor at the University of East London and one of the many beneficiaries of the educational empowerment programme of Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, which has sponsored numerous young people from Sokoto State to pursue higher education and specialised training within Nigeria and abroad.

Leveraging his expertise in Computer Science and ICT, Dr. Romo initiated the proposed technical partnership to foster academic cooperation between Northwest University, Sokoto and the University of East London. 

The collaboration is expected to promote joint research, faculty and student exchanges, curriculum development, capacity building and knowledge transfer in emerging digital technologies.

The initiative is also intended to complement Senator Wamakko’s long-standing investment in youth empowerment, education and community development by creating additional opportunities for students and academic staff to benefit from international exposure, cutting-edge research, and global best practices in information technology.

Linus Aleke in Abuja

The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Kelvin Aneke, has directed improved safety management during the planning and implementation of air operations to prevent unintended casualties, following concerns arising from recent safety incidents and hazard reports.

He said the reports underscored the need to strengthen risk assessment, procedural compliance, supervision, maintenance discipline, human factors management and reporting practices across the Nigerian Air Force (NAF).

Speaking at the First Nigerian Air Force Safety Review Board (SRB) meeting for 2026, Aneke stressed that the Service must reinforce its commitment to proactive safety management rather than rely on reactive responses to incidents.

According to him, “The purpose of this Safety Review Board meeting extends beyond reviewing statistics and reports; it is to critically analyse underlying trends, identify systemic deficiencies, and develop practical solutions to prevent future mishaps.

“The value of this meeting will be reflected in the quality of recommendations generated and the effectiveness of their implementation within our units and formations.”

The Air Chief noted that the NAF operates in a complex and demanding security environment that requires sustained professionalism, mission readiness and decisive air power.

He said operational success could only be achieved by embedding safety into every stage of planning, decision-making and execution.

He added: “Operating within a complex and demanding security environment, the Nigerian Air Force must maintain high levels of professionalism, mission readiness and decisive air power effectiveness.

“While fulfilling our constitutional duties and strategic objectives, it is imperative to recognise that operational success depends fundamentally on safety being an integral component of the processes of planning, decision-making, and execution. This was a consideration made earlier during my maiden SRB in December 2025.”

Aneke also commended branch chiefs, air officers commanding, commandants of NAF Professional Military Education Institutions, directors, command evaluation officers, air component commanders, commanders at all levels and unit safety officers for promoting safety awareness and implementing preventive measures throughout the Service.

He further praised the superintendent of standards and evaluation for raising safety standards within the NAF.

https://meet.google.com/call?authuser=0&hl=en&mc=KAIwAZoBFDoScGludG9fZTVvbjYzbnkxaGM2ogE7GgIQADICUAA6AhABSgQIARABWgIIAGoCCAFyAggBegIIAogBAZIBAhABmgEEGAEgAKIBAhAA4gECCACyAQcYAyAAKgEwwgECIAHYAQE&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmail.google.com&iilm=1782826679306

Francis Sardauna in Katsina

The Katsina State Government, in partnership with the Safe Space Humanitarian Initiative (SASHIN), has unveiled a programme aimed at preventing deaths from cervical cancer among women across the state.

The initiative, christened, ‘One-Stop Katsina Cervical Cancer Screening Programme’, seeks to promote early detection, timely treatment and increased awareness of cervical cancer, one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among women.

Unveiling the programme on Tuesday at the Government House, the First Lady of Katsina State, Hajiya Zulaihat Dikko Radda, said it was designed to provide cervical cancer screening and treatment support for 500 women across the state.

She said the 500 eligible women will undergo comprehensive screening while participating in scientific studies involving HPV DNA testing through Liquid-Based Cytology, vaginal microbiome analysis and genetic research.

She disclosed that women diagnosed with pre-cancerous cervical lesions during the exercise would receive sponsorship from her office for treatment at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Katsina.

As a member of First Ladies Against Cancer, the governor’s wife reaffirmed her commitment to promoting cancer prevention, early diagnosis and improved access to quality healthcare services for women throughout the state.

While noting that no woman should lose her life to a disease that is largely preventable through early detection and timely treatment, the first lady described the initiative as a landmark intervention in the fight against cervical cancer.

She urged women to take advantage of the opportunity and appealed to husbands, religious leaders, traditional rulers and community stakeholders to support efforts aimed at encouraging participation in the programme.

Earlier, a renowned cancer researcher from the University of Miami, Prof. Sophia Hilary George, described the One-Stop Katsina cervical cancer screening initiative as a transformative model that could accelerate the elimination of cervical cancer across Africa and beyond.

She noted that the One-Stop model shifts healthcare delivery from reactive crisis management to proactive prevention by reducing waiting times and ensuring immediate access to treatment for eligible patients.

“Eliminating cervical cancer is no longer merely a scientific aspiration. We have the tools, the expertise, the partnerships and, most importantly, the political will and community leadership required to make it a reality,” she stated.

Presenting an overview of the programme, a Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Katsina, Dr. Fatima Abubakar Rasheed, said the programme would improve early detection of cervical disease. 

She added that it would reduce loss-to-follow-up through linkage navigators, generate multi-modal data and strengthen health systems and information scale-up.

Kuni Tyessi  in Abuja

The Executive Secretary of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), Sonny Echono, has challenged Nigerian scientists to develop the country’s first indigenous vaccine against Lassa fever.

Echono made the call Tuesday in Abuja during the presentation of findings from a TETFund-sponsored Mega Research Project on Lassa Fever conducted by the Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo (FUHSO), Benue State.

He described Lassa fever as a persistent public health threat and said vaccine development remains the most effective strategy for controlling infectious diseases.

“What is the shortest route towards developing a vaccine? How can we ensure that the burden on our people is reduced? Every year, thousands of Nigerians die from Lassa fever. How can we reduce this burden?” Echono asked.

The TETFund boss requested practical recommendations on how the Fund could support efforts to accelerate vaccine development. “What is the fastest path, and how can TETFund support that drive so that we can achieve direct benefits and direct impact on the lives of Nigerians?” he asked.

Echono said the findings would be forwarded to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention and the Federal Ministry of Health, adding that validation could strengthen the case for establishing a vaccine development centre in Nigeria.

“We will escalate these findings to the relevant authorities, including the NCDC and the Federal Ministry of Health. If we receive the validation, we expect, it will strengthen our case for establishing a vaccine development centre in Nigeria,” he said.

FUHSO’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Francis Aba Uba, said the project was funded by a N250 million TETFund Mega Research Grant awarded about four years ago. 

He said the research generated data on the epidemiology, diagnosis, management and control of Lassa fever and also upgraded the university’s laboratory infrastructure and trained young scientists.

Prof. Uba urged TETFund and the Federal Government to designate FUHSO as a National Centre of Excellence in Infectious Diseases Research.

Principal Investigator, Prof. Joseph Okopi, said Nigeria bears the highest global burden of Lassa fever, with between 5,000 and 10,000 deaths recorded annually.

Ndubuisi Francis in Abuja 

The World Bank-supported HOPE Human Capital Opportunities for Prosperity and Equity–Governance (HOPE-GOV) programme, domiciled in the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, is set to disburse $27 million as performance-based incentives to states which successfully achieved the Year Zero Disbursement-Linked Results (DLRs).

The Federal Government, in collaboration with the World Bank implements the HOPE-GOV programme, a $500 million credit facility designed to improve financial and human resource management in basic education and primary healthcare.

Speaking in Abuja Tuesday during a retreat for commissioners, permanent secretaries, and directors of budget and planning in the 36 states and the FCT, National Coordinator of the HOPE Governance programme, Dr. Assad Hassan, said the disbursement was based on the findings and recommendations of the Interim Independent Verification Agent (IVA).

The IVA assessed the performance of states in meeting the Year Zero Disbursement-Linked Indicators (DLIs).

He listed the Year Zero Disbursement Linked Results as DLR 2.1, which relates to states’ adoption of comprehensive guidelines for preparation and submission of consolidated work plan for State Basic Education budget by March 31, 2025, a statement issued by the Communications Officer, 

HOPE Governance Programme, Joe Mutah, said.

The DLR 2.2 relates to states’ adoption of comprehensive guidelines for preparation and submission of consolidated work plan for the state primary health care budget by March 31, 2025 and DLR 2.3 – local governments adoption of harmonised budget guidelines/chart of accounts.

Hassan added that Disbursement Linked Result (DLR) 4.1 focusses on publication of Financial Year 2025 Citizens Budget for Basic Education and Primary Health by  February 28, 2025 by the participating states.

He said for Disbursement Linked-Result (DLR) 2.1, Bayelsa, Borno, Kano, Kebbi and Yobe States are to receive $1.5 million each.

For DLR 2.2, Bayelsa, Borno, Kano, Kebbi and Yobe States are to be incentivised with $1.5 million each.

According to Hassan, Adamawa, Bayelsa, Borno, Delta, Gombe, Kano, Plateau, Taraba and Yobe States are to receive $500,000 each for achieving DLR 2.3.

While on DLR 4.1, he said, Abia, Plateau, Bayelsa, Borno, Edo, Ekiti, Enugu, Imo, Jigawa, Kano, Kebbi, Kogi, Nasarawa, Ondo and Yobe States would be receiving $500,000 each. 

He explained that other participating states were not eligible for the incentives because they either published the required guidelines after the March 31, 2025 deadline, failed to meet most of the stipulated criteria, or did not publish the required results on their official state websites.

The national coordinator identified several challenges that hindered the achievement of the results by many participating states. 

These, he said, included the inability to establish institutional coordination mechanisms thereby undermining institutional ownership and sustainability.

He also stated that the Interim Verification Agent is currently working to conclude the second phase of verification of Year Zero by July 2026. 

Hassan noted that the overall objectives of the HOPE Governance Programme are to maximise the utilisation of federal and state funds at facility level for primary health care (PHC) and basic education; promote transparency and monitoring of inter governmental transfers and expenditure for the two sectors and strengthen execution of coordinated annual plans for PHC and basic education. 

Others are to strengthen accountability of primary healthcare and basic education expenditure and close staffing gap by hiring and deploying teachers and priority PHC workers across the states. 

The national coordinator said the programme has commenced preparations for the implementation of capacity-building action plan to provide hands-on technical support to help states achieve the programme results. 

The HOPE Governance Programme is a $500 million World Bank-supported initiative aimed at increased availability and effectiveness of financing for basic education and primary health care delivery; engendering transparency and accountability in financing the two sectors and improving recruitment, deployment and performance management of basic education teachers and PHC workers by federal, state and local governments.

Industrialist and Chairman of Oranto Petroleum Ltd, Prince Arthur Eze, has offered scholarship to 50 undergraduate students of Northwest University, Sokoto (NWUS), beginning from the 2026/2027 academic session. 

A statement by the university’s Director of Communications, Public Affairs and Protocol, Abdallah Elkurebe, revealed that the offer, contained in a letter dated May 8, 2026, said the scheme is designed to support intelligent but financially challenged students who have the potential to excel academically and contribute to society.

According to the letter, the first phase of the programme will cover students enrolled in full-time degree programmes across different faculties of the university. 

The scholarship will pay either tuition or tuition and accommodation, depending on the arrangement approved by the university and the sponsor’s office.

The Group Chairman said beneficiaries will be selected based on academic merit, financial need and good character. 

He also said the scholarship would continue throughout the duration of the chosen degree programme, provided students maintain good academic standing and discipline.

The businessman asked the university’s scholarship committee to recommend qualified candidates and said his office would work with the institution to finalize selection and disbursement. 

He described the partnership as part of efforts to help develop Nigeria’s next generation of leaders and professionals.

In the letter, Eze also expressed respect for the university’s founder, Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, praising his contributions to education in Nigeria.

“I wish to express my deep respect for the Founder of the University, Distinguished Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko. His tireless contributions towards the advancement of education in Nigeria have opened doors for countless young people and strengthened the nation’s future. It is a privilege to support and build upon the foundation he has laid,” the chairman said.

Reacting to the development, Vice-Chancellor of Northwest University, Sokoto, Prof. Mukhtar Umar Bunza, expressed profound appreciation to Eze for the generous scholarship offer, describing it as a timely and transformative intervention that will ease the burden on deserving students and expand access to quality higher education.

“As we received this great offer with all sense of gratitude, we would like to assure the Group Chairman, ORANTO Petroleum of the University’s commitment, and judicious utilzation of the scholarship award only to students who merited it, as succinctly explained in the letter of offer,” he added.

Kuni Tyessi in Abuja

The Federal Government will phase out the policy separating Junior Secondary Schools (JSS) from Senior Secondary Schools (SSS) after data showed more than 20 million pupils dropped out before reaching the senior secondary level.

Minister of Education Dr Tunji Alausa, announced the decision Tuesday in Abuja at the inauguration of the UBEC Ministerial Implementation and Monitoring Committee.

Alausa said the “disarticulation policy,” which required JSS and SSS to operate separately with different principals and facilities, has not met its objectives. 

“We have 20 million dropouts from primary school to JSS. Where are those students? We also found we have 80,000 public primary schools, and only about 15,000 junior secondary schools. That’s a one to eight ratio,” he said.

The minister said the imbalance has caused overcrowding in JSS facilities and left many senior secondary schools underutilised. He cited Kaduna and other northern states as examples.

“This disarticulation policy has failed. We will phase it out. We can’t be creating positions because we want to create a director level for people while we harm our education system. It’s about doing what is best for every Nigerian child.”

He added that the proposal to abolish the policy will be tabled at the next meeting of the National Council on Education.

The policy shift is aimed at expanding access and improving learning outcomes, Alausa said. He acknowledged past failures in addressing transition rates but stated: “This government will not fail. We are fixing it.”

At the same event, Alausa inaugurated a committee chaired by Prof. Rashid Aderinoye to oversee UBEC-funded Smart Schools, Bilingual Schools and Alternative Schools. 

The committee is mandated to ensure the projects are completed, handed over to states and opened for learning.

UBEC has invested in hundreds of such schools nationwide. 

The minister said many remain unfinished or have not admitted learners, describing it as a waste of public resources.

The Federal Government has urged African countries to accelerate African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) implementation to drive industrialisation, digital trade and shared prosperity.

Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole, made the call at the 18^th meeting of the AfCFTA Council of Ministers Responsible for Trade, on Tuesday in Abuja.

Oduwole said that Nigeria would prioritise faster implementation by ensuring state parties move from commitments to concrete actions under the agreement.

According to her, African countries should move from AfCFTA commitments to concrete actions that deliver jobs, trade and economic growth.

“Africa must shift from negotiating agreements to ensuring AfCFTA delivers tangible benefits for businesses, producers, women, youths and more than 1.4 billion Africans.

“African countries should also strengthen regional value chains to increase trade in goods produced across the continent,” she said.

The minister also called for investment in digital public infrastructure, interoperable payment systems and trusted cross-border data flows to support digital commerce.

She advocated expanded access to finance through the AfCFTA Adjustment Fund and other mechanisms, especially for women-led businesses, youths and MSMEs.

The minister also urged member states to embrace emerging legal instruments, including electronic cargo documentation, to modernise trade, reduce costs and improve customs efficiency.

Oduwole pledged that Nigeria would work with all member states to ensure AfCFTA becomes Africa’s engine of growth, industrialisation and shared prosperity.

She noted that Nigeria had implemented major reforms since ratifying the agreement to maximise opportunities under the continental free trade arrangement.

According to her, Nigeria operationalised the AfCFTA coordination office and developed a national implementation strategy to drive whole-of-government execution.

“Nigeria also submitted its schedule of tariff concessions and specific commitments under the Protocol on Trade in Services.

“The country has well advancing digital trade as Co-Champion of the AfCFTA Digital Trade Protocol through regulatory collaboration across African countries,” she said.

The Secretary-General of AfCFTA, Dr Wamkele Mene, said that negotiations on the agreement’s legal instruments had been concluded, shifting attention from legal frameworks to accelerated implementation across member states.

Mene said that the implementation was gaining momentum, with more than 10,000 certificates of origin issued under the agreement by the end of March 2026.

“Africa’s total trade is projected to grow by about 10 per cent in 2026, with intra-African trade expected to reach about 230 billion dollars,” Mene said.

The secretary-general urged member states to ratify outstanding protocols, establish national implementation committees and integrate AfCFTA into development plans and budgets.

He also called for sustainable financing of the AfCFTA secretariat, adding that predictable funding was essential to support implementation, industrialisation and Africa’s long-term economic transformation.

Speaking, the Outgoing Chairman of the Council of Ministers, AfCFTA, Dr Mohammed Saleh, urged African countries to accelerate implementation of the AfCFTA to unlock trade, investment and industrialisation across the continent.

According to him, African countries must speed up AfCFTA implementation to achieve stronger regional trade, investment and sustainable economic development.

Saleh called on AfCFTA state parties to remove trade barriers and fully implement the agreement to deliver tangible economic benefits.

He thanked Nigeria for hosting the meetings and praised its hospitality, while appreciating participating countries for their support in advancing continental trade negotiations.

He called on member states to work closely with national authorities to eliminate obstacles facing exporters and importers. (NAN)

• Says INEC nomination form raises questions on leadership, transparency

• Urges publication of candidates’ credentials to boost public confidence

Sunday Aborisade in Abuja

The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr. Peter Obi, has challenged Nigeria’s political leaders to place the country’s mounting security and economic challenges above partisan political calculations, saying the nation’s survival should take precedence over the race for power.

Obi made the remarks after completing his nomination inquiry form at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) headquarters in Abuja, an exercise, he said, prompted him to reflect on the quality of leadership required to address Nigeria’s pressing challenges.

According to a statement issued on Tuesday by the spokesman of the Peter Obi Media Reach (POMR), Idris Zekeri Jnr., the former Anambra State governor said some of the questions contained in the INEC form underscored the need for greater accountability and transparency in the country’s electoral process.

Writing on his verified X handle, Obi posed what he described as a fundamental question to Nigeria’s political class: “What truly should be our priority now as leaders of a nation?”

He said the question had become imperative considering the country’s current situation and the expectations of Nigerians.

Obi explained that while completing the INEC form, one of the questions that drew his attention was whether an aspirant had ever been adjudged a lunatic or declared to be of unsound mind.

According to him, the question inspired a broader reflection on the state of leadership in the country and whether political leaders were demonstrating the sound judgment required to confront Nigeria’s multiple crises.

The former governor said that at a time when insecurity, economic hardship and other national challenges continue to affect millions of Nigerians, leaders should be concentrating on finding lasting solutions rather than allowing political competition to dominate national discourse.

He argued that a leadership committed to the national interest would convene stakeholders across political parties and other critical sectors to collectively address what he described as existential threats confronting the country.

Obi maintained that safeguarding Nigeria’s future should rank above the pursuit of political advantage.

He also drew attention to another section of the INEC nomination form which asks prospective candidates whether they had ever submitted forged academic certificates to the electoral commission.

The NDC presidential candidate said the question raised broader issues about transparency in the electoral process and suggested that INEC should consider making public the academic credentials submitted by candidates seeking elective offices.

According to him, such a step would strengthen public confidence in elections and reinforce the principle that those aspiring to public office should be held to high standards of accountability.

Obi argued that openness regarding candidates’ qualifications would contribute to a more credible democratic process and reassure citizens that electoral rules were being applied fairly to all contestants.

He further stated that Nigeria’s current challenges required leadership driven by competence, integrity, capacity, compassion and a commitment to public service rather than politics centred on personal ambition.

“Our problems are too serious for politics as usual,” Obi said, reiterating his long-held position that governance should focus primarily on improving citizens’ welfare and addressing the country’s development challenges.

The former governor concluded his remarks by expressing optimism that meaningful reforms and responsible leadership could still transform the country.

The statement also disclosed that Obi’s name had been successfully retained on INEC’s server following the completion of the nomination inquiry process.

His comments come as political activities continue to gather momentum ahead of the next general election, with parties intensifying consultations, internal preparations and engagements with key stakeholders.

Although political alignments have increasingly dominated public discourse, Obi insisted that the worsening security situation, economic pressures and the need to strengthen public institutions deserve greater attention from those seeking elective office.

His intervention is expected to add to the ongoing national conversation about governance, electoral integrity and the standards expected of public office holders as preparations for the forthcoming elections continue.

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has said Electricity Distribution Companies (DisCos) generated N203.61 billion from electricity consumers in April.

The company said this in its Commercial Performance Factsheet for April on its X handle in Abuja on Tuesday.

The factsheet showed that the 11 DisCos collected N203.61 billion out of total billings of N252.43 billion during the month in review.

It said the collection translated to a collection efficiency of 80.66 per cent, up by 1.07 percentage point in March.

According to the report, the DisCos received electricity worth N302.96 billion and billed customers N252.43 billion out of which N203.61 billion was collected.

It said that the figure represented a billing efficiency of 83.32 per cent, a slight decline of 0.57 percentage point from the previous month.

The report further said that the industry’s revenue recovery efficiency stood at 82.11 per cent, with the average actual collection of N102.13 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) compared to the allowed average tariff of N124.39/kWh.

It listed the top performers DisCos to include Eko, 102.09 per cent; Abuja, 89.77 per cent and Ikeja, 88.89 per cent.

The factsheet said that these DisCos stood out with the highest recovery efficiency levels for April. (NAN)

The Federal High Court in Abuja has granted bail to online publisher and African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, with fresh conditions attached to his release.

Justice Umar Mohammed, who granted the bail on Tuesday, ordered Sowore to provide two sureties, each of whom must sign a N200 million bail bond.

According to the court, one of the sureties must be a traditional ruler from Sowore’s community in Ese-Odo Local Government Area of Ondo State, while the second surety must own landed property within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The court further directed Sowore to surrender his international passport to the deputy registrar of the court for safekeeping. It added that the two sureties must be verified by the prosecution counsel, Akinlolu Kehinde, SAN.

The latest ruling followed the court’s earlier decision to revoke the bail granted to Sowore on self-recognition in December 2025 after he failed to appear for his trial on June 16, 2026. The court subsequently issued a bench warrant for his arrest.

Sowore had been ordered to remain at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending the determination of his application seeking a stay of execution of the order revoking his bail and the bench warrant.

The judge also dismissed Sowore’s application requesting that he withdraws from the case over allegations of bias.

The Department of State Services (DSS) is prosecuting Sowore over allegations of criminal defamation linked to comments in which he allegedly referred to President Bola Tinubu as a “criminal” in posts shared on his official X and Facebook accounts.

Sowore’s lawyer, Raphael Adakole, had appealed to the court for his client’s release to enable him retrieve his passport from the United States embassy in Lagos.

Justice Mohammed adjourned the matter until July 6, 2026, for continuation of hearing.

Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, Princewill Dike, has commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, for what he described as a remarkable infrastructure transformation across Abuja.

The Port Harcourt-based legal practitioner observed that the former Rivers State governor has achieved a lot in terms of development, especially the inauguration of Phase One of the Kuje–Gwagwalada dual carriageway.

Dike, in a chat with journalists in Port Harcourt yesterday, said the minister’s 30-day project inauguration in the nation’s capital to mark President Bola Tinubu’s third anniversary in office is a testament to the president’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

He said the projects reflect a deliberate shift towards inclusive development and demonstrate the commitment of Tinubu’s administration to extending governance beyond the city centre.

Dike, however, applauded Wike’s execution of projects across satellite communities, describing his approach as practical and people-oriented.

The legal luminary noted that the minister’s delivery of strategic infrastructure aligns with President Tinubu’s directive to make Abuja work for all Nigerians and not only for residents of highbrow districts.

He recalled that, during the launching ceremony through Vice President Kashim Shettima, President Tinubu described the completed seven-kilometre dual carriageway as a landmark intervention capable of improving security, commerce and ease of movement for residents.

According to the president, the road had for years remained a source of hardship to traders, commuters, and residents of Kuje, Gwagwalada, Kwali, and adjoining communities due to delays, insecurity, and poor accessibility.

He stated that the completion of the road signals the end of prolonged suffering and marks the beginning of a new era of connectivity and economic opportunities.

He noted that the corridor serves as an economic gateway linking Abuja to key area councils and creating a stronger connection to southern Nigeria.

According to the APC stalwart, the ongoing Abuja transformation has strengthened public confidence in governance.

Dike declared that: “On development, the 30 days of projects’ inauguration in Abuja under Wike is a bold testament to purposeful governance. President Tinubu’s third anniversary is not being marked with rhetoric but with roads, bridges, and infrastructure that speak directly to the people. This is democracy delivering dividends.

“On performance, what Wike has demonstrated in the FCT within 30 days of the inauguration is what we call visible leadership. President Tinubu gave him the mandate, and he is matching it with action. In three years, Abuja is wearing a new look, and Nigerians can see what political will achieves.”

The APC added: “As we mark President Tinubu’s third anniversary, the 30 days of project inaugurations by Minister Nyesom Wike show that governance is about impact. From revamped roads to renewed public facilities, the FCT is becoming a model of what continuity and commitment can build for Nigeria.

“Wike’s 30 days of inauguration are the clearest anniversary gift to Abuja residents. It proves that President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda is not a slogan: it is bulldozers, asphalt and completed projects.”

Farmers in Ekiti State, under the aegis of Ekiti Farmers Forum, have thrown their weight behind the proposed Ekiti Farm Summit, describing it as a major step towards repositioning the agricultural sector and improving the welfare of farmers across the state.

This is just as they lauded a philanthropist in the state, Dr. Oluwatosin Ademola Ojo, for his continuous support towards providing basic agricultural needs for farmers in Ekiti State.

The farmers, in a statement issued after their meeting held in Ado Ekiti, disclosed that his farming and feeding initiative as well as the Sade-Ademola Foundation have been supporting Ekiti farmers, maintaining that the gesture would go a long way in enhancing productivity, improving farming activities, and enabling farmers to achieve bountiful harvests.

They noted that strategic support and interventions in the agricultural sector remain critical to achieving food security and economic growth in the state, urging other stakeholders to continue to prioritise agriculture, which they described as the backbone of the state’s economy.

They then called on other Ekiti indigenes in the Diaspora to emulate Ojo who is the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Mpumalanga Province, South Africa, by supporting farmers in the state, maintaining that the state is blessed with good and arable land to achieve food sufficiency.

The farmers, who also congratulated Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, on his re-election victory which they described as a reflection of the people’s confidence in his administration, further pledged their total support for President Bola Tinubu and other candidates of the APC in Ekiti State ahead of the 2027 general election.