• Govs, others seek unity, peace, sacrifice 

•Atiku, Obi, Makinde, Turaki-PDP, Others pick holes in Tinubu’s speech on independence day

Chuks Okocha, Michael Olugbode, Sunday Aborisade, Alex Enumah, Onyebuchi Ezigbo, Kuni Tyessi in Abuja, Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan, John Shiklam in Kaduna, Fidelis David in Akure, Okon Bassey in Uyo,  Onuminya Innocent in Sokoto, Laleye Dipo in Minna, Hammed Shittu in Ilorin, Yemi Kosoko in Jos, Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt, Sylvester Idowu in Warri and Boniface Okoro in Umuahia

Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has reassured Nigerians that the nation’s judiciary remained committed to its responsibility of efficient and effective dispensation of justice.

Kekere-Ekun gave the reassurance in a goodwill message to Nigerians on the occasion of the 66th independence anniversary of Nigeria.

Equally celebrating the country’s independence, some state governors expressed confidence in both the government and the country, even as they sought unity, peace, and sacrifices among the people.

But some prominent opposition leaders, yesterday, feasted on President Bola Tinubu’s 66th Independence Anniversary speech, picking holes in many of his submissions and suggesting what they would have done differently if they were in his shoes.

Reflecting on the 66 years of Nigeria as a nation, Kekere-Ekun stated that the country was able to overcome and fix many of its challenges through the determination and resilience of its people.

She said, “Through it all, the Nigerian spirit has remained a source of strength. The strength of a nation is ultimately measured not only by its economic or material progress, but by the quality of its institutions, the fairness with which its laws are administered and the trust that its people place in one another and in those entrusted with public responsibility.”

While observing that the judiciary had a particularly important place in the national endeavour, the CJN stressed, “As the guardian of the rule of law and an essential pillar of our constitutional democracy, the Judiciary remains committed to the fair, impartial and timely administration of justice.”

She stated that the leadership recognised that public confidence in the justice system was determined by the integrity, independence, and humanity with which justice was administered.

She called on all Nigerians to continue to cherish their common identity and to approach their differences with understanding, tolerance, and a shared commitment to the greater good.

The CJN stated, “Our diversity, when guided by mutual respect and a sense of common purpose, should remain a source of strength rather than division. As we celebrate this anniversary, let us also remember those whose sacrifices, in different fields of national service, have helped to preserve our freedom and sustain our democracy.

“Let us honour their contributions by doing our part, however modest, to leave Nigeria stronger, more just and more united for those who will come after us.”

She added, “On behalf of the entire Nigerian Judiciary and on my own behalf, I wish all Nigerians a peaceful and memorable 66th Independence Anniversary. May the Federal Republic of Nigeria continue to prosper and may the hopes and aspirations of her people find greater fulfilment in the years ahead.”

Makinde Highlights Record, Seeks Unity

Oyo State Governor ‘Seyi Makinde, yesterday, called on citizens to appreciate the sacrifices of Nigeria’s founding heroes and remain united in the face of current challenges, regardless of religious or ethnic differences.

Makinde made the call during the 66th Independence Anniversary celebration held at Lekan Salami Sports Complex, Adamasingba, Ibadan.

Speaking on the theme, “Dealing Decisively with Insecurity, Banditry and Terrorism Through Community Participation, Awareness and Policing,” Makinde, represented by Deputy Governor Bayo Lawal, stated that Nigeria’s independence in 1960 was earned through the sacrifices and relentless struggles of the country’s founding fathers.

He stressed that the freedom enjoyed today was a product of the labour of heroes past and should inspire every citizen to be responsible and committed to nation-building.

Makinde added that the anniversary offered an opportunity for sober reflection on the challenges confronting both Nigeria and Oyo State, stating that independence has taught Nigerians how to govern themselves within the principles of democracy and the rule of law.

He emphasised that unity remained non-negotiable for Nigeria’s progress. With over 250 ethnic groups living together as one corporate entity, he said the country’s diversity should be a source of strength rather than division, urging Nigerians to cultivate the ability to stay united.

Makinde stated, “We must appreciate our heroes past for what they did to achieve and attain independence in 1960. Independence was earned through their sacrifices and countless struggles. The freedom we enjoy today is a result of their labour.

“As we reflect on our nation’s journey since 1960, we must acknowledge the challenges we face in all ramifications. As a state, we also have our own challenges in Oyo State. This day calls for sober reflection on the issues confronting us at both the national and state levels.”

He added, “But we must also appreciate that independence teaches us—at both national and state levels—how to govern ourselves. And we cannot govern ourselves without upholding the rule of law and the tenets of democracy.”

In Spirit of Independence, Mbah Pardons, Commutes Sentences, Releases 13 Inmates

In commemoration of Nigeria’s 66th independence anniversary, Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah approved the pardon, release, and commutation of sentences of 13 inmates of the Nigerian Correctional Centres, Enugu State.

That was in exercise of his power of Prerogative of Mercy under Section 212 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and in consultation with the Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy, Enugu State.

According to a statement by his media aide, Uche Anichukwu, the governor’s approval was conveyed to Comptroller, Nigerian Correctional Service, Enugu State Command, by Chief of Staff to the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Osinachi Nnajieze.

The beneficiary inmates were Kenneth Ozioko, Moses Saliyat, Promise Ndudim Olung, Chijioke Ugwu, Samuel Ani, and Eugene Odo.

Others were Celsus Emeachi, Caleb Jatto, Calistus Eze, Gabriel Onu, Timothy Ani, Ernest Okeke, and Ejike Nwodo.

While some of the inmates were pardoned and released, some had their death sentences commuted to life imprisonment.

Mbah’s decision was predicated on reports of ill health and proven reform in character, and following recommendation by the Correctional Services to the Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy, chaired by the state Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice.

Membership of the council comprised representatives of Nigerian Correctional Service, Carmelite Prisoners Interest Organisation (CAPIO), and Catholic Institute for Development, Justice and Peace (CIDJAP), among other reputable bodies in the justice sector.

Section 212 (1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) provides, “The Governor may (a) Grant any person concerned with or convicted of any offence created by any law of a state a pardon, either free or subject to lawful conditions; (b) grant to any person a respite, of the execution of any punishment imposed on that person for such an offence; (c) substitute a less severe form of punishment for any person for such an offence; or (d) remit the whole or any part of punishment for any punishment imposed on that person for such any offence or of any penalty forfeiture otherwise due to the state on account of such an offence.”

Section 212 (2), however, provides that the powers of the governor under Subsection (1) shall be exercised after consultation with an advisory council of the state on the prerogative of mercy as may be established by law of the state.

Better Nigeria Achievable through Sacrifice, Unity and Accountability, Declares Sani

Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, said a better Nigeria was achievable through unity, sacrifice, and accountability.

In his message to mark Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary, Sani urged Nigerians to work collectively towards building a country worthy of the sacrifices of its founding fathers.

He said the country’s progress depended on peace, security, responsible governance, and improved opportunities for citizens.

The governor commended Tinubu’s leadership, under the Renewed Hope Agenda, stating that the collective efforts of citizens  remains essential to achieving a better nation.

He urged Nigerians to honour the sacrifices of the country’s founding fathers by making independence meaningful through peace, security, and improved opportunities.

Sani stated, “This anniversary invites us to honour our founding fathers, whose courage transformed the yearning for freedom into the sovereign nation we proudly call our own.

“Their enduring legacy entrusts every generation with the responsibility to make independence meaningful in the lives of our people.”

Sani said Nigeria had recorded 27 years of uninterrupted democratic rule. He stressed, however, that democracy must deliver security, opportunity, and improved wellbeing to citizens.

He assured that his administration would continue to work with the federal government to improve public safety in Kaduna State.

He said, “Peace and stability are indispensable to the fulfilment of our aspirations. A farmer must be able to cultivate his land, a trader open her shop and a child attend school without fear.”

The governor also urged Nigerians to reject division and embrace the country’s diversity, stressing that the country’s differences should be a source of strength rather than division.

He stated, “To the people of Kaduna State, I reaffirm an abiding conviction: our diversity is our strength, and our shared humanity must guide our relationships.

“Let us reject prejudices that weaken our bonds and resist attempts to turn our differences into instruments of division.”

Aiyedatiwa: Nation-building Requires Collective Effort

Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, declared that building the Nigeria of citizens’ dreams required the collective efforts of all Nigerians. Aiyedatiwa urged citizens to take greater responsibility for the country’s development rather than leaving nation-building solely to government.

He made the comments at the Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Arcade, Akure, during the state’s celebration of Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.

The governor called for renewed faith in the country, patriotism, unity, and responsible citizenship.

According to him, the generation that secured Nigeria’s independence 66 years ago did not bequeath a finished country to succeeding generations, but a responsibility to build, preserve and improve the nation.

“Independence, therefore, is more than the memory of a date; it is a continuing responsibility to the past, the present and the future,” the governor said, challenging Nigerians to reflect on what they have done with the national inheritance entrusted to them.

He said the country’s progress could not be achieved by government alone, stressing that citizens, irrespective of their political, religious, ethnic or social differences, have important roles to play in building a stronger and more prosperous Nigeria.

“The Nigeria we desire will not be built by government alone, but by the collective efforts of its citizens,” Aiyedatiwa said.

The governor also urged political leaders, party members, and young Nigerians to bring maturity and restraint to the unfolding electoral process. He warned against violence and appealed to political actors to embrace issue-based engagement and respect citizens’ right to participate peacefully.

“I particularly appeal to our political leaders, party members and young people to eschew violence, embrace issue-based engagement and respect the right of every citizen to participate peacefully,” he said.

Eno: Despite Challenges, Nigeria is Making Steady Growth 

Akwa Ibóm State Governor, Umo Eno, said in spite of the initial challenges of nation-building, Nigeria had made tremendous progress across all layers of national life.

Eno, in a goodwill message to celebrate Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary, congratulated Tinubu and all Nigerians on the anniversary.

The message, signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Ekerete Udoh, said, “Today, we remain indivisible, united and dedicated to utilising our diversity as a source of strength rather than division.

“As we celebrate our Independence Day today, I pray that we remain committed to the pursuit of our national aspirations anchored on justice, peace, tolerance and fair play.

“Let us continue to support President Bola Tinubu, especially as he gets set to submit himself again to be returned to Aso Rock to deepen the economic reforms he has initiated over the last three years plus, which today are beginning to show tremendous results across all sectors.”

Aliyu, Idris Urge Nigerians to Sustain FG-State Synergy to Defeat Banditry, Others

Sokoto State Governor, Ahmed Aliyu, and his Kebbi State counterpart, Nasir Idris, called for greater collaboration between the federal and state governments to defeat banditry and other forms of criminality bedevilling the country.

Aliyu made the appeal in his goodwill message to the people of Sokoto State to mark the 66th independence anniversary.

He commended the support of the federal government in the fight against banditry in the state and stressed the need for the support to be sustained.

The governor expressed optimism that stronger synergy would make insecurity a thing of the past.

“There is a strong synergy between the Sokoto State Government and the Federal Government of Nigeria in our collective commitment towards protecting the lives and property of our people,” he said.

The governor listed some of the interventions by his administration to complement conventional security agencies, including the provision of over 200 patrol vehicles, two bulletproof vehicles for emirate councils, 100 Buffalo APCs, 200 motorcycles, 3,200 security hardware, 2,000 bulletproof vests, and 200 night-vision goggles.

Other interventions, according to him, included 100 thermal-vision scopes, facilitating the full operationalisation of the Nigerian Air Force Base, Sokoto, upgrading the DSS tracker from 4G to 5G, and establishment of the Sokoto State Community Guard Corps.

He added that the government procured 40 Hilux vans and 700 motorcycles for the corps and facilitated the establishment of a military barracks in Illela and a Police Mobile Barracks at Tara village in Sabon Birni Local Government Area.

Aliyu reassured the people of the state of his administration’s determination to bring an end to banditry and appealed to citizens to support security agencies with useful information.

For his part, Idris urged Nigerians to keep hope alive, remain united, and continue to pray for leaders at all levels as the country marked its 66th Independence anniversary.

Idris described Independence Day as a moment of national pride, sober reflection, and renewed hope for a stronger and more prosperous Nigeria.

He stated, “Today, we honour our founding fathers whose sacrifices gave birth to Nigeria, while celebrating the resilience of our people, particularly the people of Kebbi State, who continue to uphold peace and productivity.”

The governor said his administration had embraced people-centred governance, stating that Kebbi now paid N75,000 minimum wage, above the federal government benchmark.

He also said the government had cleared more than N10 billion in gratuities and death benefits.

He added that N2.11 billion was recently released to settle the entitlements of 772 retirees and bereaved families, while over 2,000 schools had been constructed and renovated and 2,000 professional teachers recruited.

On healthcare, Idris said 22 general hospitals, 179 primary healthcare centres, and 63 dispensaries had been revitalised, with over 2,200 health workers recruited to strengthen delivery.

On infrastructure, he cited the construction of the ultra-modern State Secretariat named after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, dualisation of 88 roads, reconstruction of Kayan Gwari Market, and deployment of over 800 mass transit buses.

Bago Sues for Sustained Peace, Unity 

Niger State Governor, Alhaji Mohammed Bago, charged the people to build on the peace and unity existing in the state for its continued progress.

Bago said without unity and peace the developments recorded in the state over the years would be eroded.

In the independence message by his Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, Bago explained that Nigeria had made significant progress in its journey of nationhood from 1960 because the people demonstrated tolerance, resilience, strength, and unity, and by also sticking together as one entity, despite cultural diversity.

“Nigeria is a blessed nation with abundant human, natural, and capital resources,” he said, adding that Niger State has experienced development by successive administrations. Bago said the present administration was working assiduously to ensure peace and tranquillity.

“As we celebrate the 66th year of nationhood, I urge all residents of Niger State to reflect deeply on our success stories rather than discouraging ones,” he declared.

AbdulRazaq Tasks Nigerians to Reflect on Resilience, Renew Commitment to Nation

Kwara State Governor and Chairman, Nigeria Governor’s Forum (NGF), AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, charged all Nigerians to see Independence Day as a time to reflect on their resilience, diversity, and shared identity, and to renew commitment to building a nation of choice. AbdulRazaq stated this in Ilorin at the celebration of Nigeria’s 66th Independence Day held at Rasidi Yekinni Sports Stadium.

The governor saluted the citizens for their manifest courage, enterprise, creativity, and determination against all odds.

While congratulating President Bola Tinubu and the entire citizenry on the anniversary, he urged citizens to reject violence, criminality, hate speech, and embrace peace and collective security.

He stated, “Today, as we celebrate Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary, I warmly congratulate the people of Kwara State and Nigerians at home and abroad.

“Independence Day is a time to celebrate our resilience, diversity and shared identity, but also to renew our commitment to building the Nigeria we desire.

“Despite our challenges, Nigerians continue to demonstrate courage, enterprise, creativity and determination—our greatest national assets.”

AbdulRazaq used the occasion to highlight his government’s scorecard, citing projects  that impacted lives, most especially in education, agriculture, health sectors, and urban renewal.

He said the government had continued to strengthen the agricultural value chains and livelihoods of farmers through the Kwara SAPZ, L-PRES and other interventions, which he said had continued to expand opportunities for over 100,000 farmers, agro-logistics hubs, rural roads, and mechanisation support.

Mutfwang Pardons 130 Inmates, Urges Renewed Faith in Nigeria at 66

Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, congratulated Nigerians on the nation’s 66th Independence Anniversary and called for renewed commitment to unity, peace and national development.

Mutfwang seized the opportunity to grant pardon to 130 inmates and commuted the death sentences of four others to life imprisonment.

In a goodwill message marking the anniversary of Nigeria’s independence, the governor described the occasion as a moment for reflection on the country’s journey since 1960.

He urged citizens to honour the sacrifices of the country’s founding fathers, while remaining steadfast in building a stronger and more prosperous federation.

Mutfwang said the anniversary offered Nigerians the opportunity to assess the country’s progress, acknowledge its challenges, celebrate its achievements, and renew collective faith in the promise of a united and thriving country.

According to him, the responsibility of nation-building must be embraced by all citizens irrespective of ethnic, religious or political differences.

He stressed the need to preserve Nigeria’s unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, stating that every generation has a duty to contribute to the growth and stability of the nation.

The governor maintained that Nigeria’s greatest strength lay in the determination of its people to rise above divisions and work towards a society where every citizen felt a sense of belonging and had the opportunity to realise his or her aspirations.

Mutfwang acknowledged Tinubu’s efforts in sustaining national unity and stability, commending the president’s focus on peace, economic development and national cohesion as essential ingredients for advancing the Nigerian project.

Political Differences Must Not Undermine Rivers’ Peace and Progress, Declares Fubara

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, called on residents to embrace peace and unity, warning that political differences must not be allowed to undermine the development and collective interest of the state.

Fubara made the call in a goodwill message to mark Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary. He urged Rivers people to reflect on the country’s journey since independence in 1960 and renew their commitment to peaceful coexistence.

He described peace and unity as indispensable pillars of socioeconomic development, stressing that Rivers State can only achieve meaningful progress in an atmosphere of stability and cooperation.

According to him, Rivers, as the “Treasure base of the Nation” and a melting pot of diverse ethnic nationalities, had historically prospered when its people lived in harmony.

“We may disagree as politicians, but we must never disagree on the peace and progress of Rivers State,” he said.

Fubara maintained that rancour, division, and political hostility could frustrate development efforts, stressing that the interests of the state should remain paramount, irrespective of political affiliations.

He said his administration had, since assuming office, made peace a central pillar of its governance philosophy, describing it as “the most invaluable infrastructure”.

According to the governor, the relative peace in Rivers State has enabled his administration to attract investments and execute development projects across the three senatorial districts.

He appealed to youths, traditional rulers, political leaders, and other stakeholders to serve as ambassadors of peace in their communities, wards, and local government areas.

“No one benefits when the State is in crisis,” the governor said, urging stakeholders to prioritise dialogue and peaceful coexistence in resolving political and social differences.

Atiku: My Administration Will Provide Welfare for Nigerians

Presidential candidate of African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, yesterday, continued his attacks on Tinubu’s economic policies.

Atiku said contrary to the present situation in the country, his administration, if elected president next year, would provide affordable welfare and protection of life and property for all Nigerians.

He also asked Tinubu to explain how N750 billion was distributed to Nigerians without telephones.

Atiku made the comments while addressing a press conference at the national secretariat of his party in Abuja, titled, “Bola Tinubu Calls It Prosperity, But Nigerians Can Barely Afford To Live.”

The former vice president said, “From my first day in office, I will put affordability and the protection of life at the centre of government. We will begin bringing down the costs of food, fuel, and power, improving access to healthcare and education, and restoring security to communities living in fear.

“I will account for public spending and measure progress by what Nigerians can afford and whether they can live safely.”

Referring to what he called the unacceptable actions of the APC government, Atiku said, “Then there is your party chairman’s claim that more than 10 million Nigerians received N75,000 each in cash transfers—at least N750 billion in all. Professor Yilwatda says many beneficiaries have no phones. So how did your government identify, contact, and pay them, particularly in parts of Yobe and Borno, where insecurity makes access difficult?

“Did officials deliver the money by hand? If so, who delivered it and where are the receipts? If it went into bank accounts, show the transaction records. Nigerians are not asking you to expose poor families. They are asking for an auditable account of how the money reached them. If you could find 10 million people to pay, you can account for the payments.”

Atiku said, “Sixty-six years after independence, millions of Nigerians are fighting for things a free country should never put beyond their reach: food on the table, a wage that lasts the month, and a safe journey home.

“The past three years under Bola Tinubu have plunged Nigeria into the most severe cost of living crisis in our history. Families are not merely tightening their belts. They are skipping meals, delaying treatment and borrowing to survive until payday.

“And what has this government asked of them? More patience. More sacrifice. More faith in figures they cannot eat. While Nigerians are lectured about hardship, those in power preside over brazen waste, corruption and a budget process that makes a mockery of fiscal discipline. The people are told there is no money to ease their pain, yet government always seems to find money for its own appetites.”

Atiku added, “Tinubu removed the fuel subsidy with one announcement and no credible protection in place for the families who would bear the shock. Petrol, transport and the cost of moving food rose. He promised that the savings would benefit Nigerians. Three years later, the pain has an address in every home. Bola, where is the benefit?

“And beyond the market, our nation is bleeding. Armed groups have killed thousands and driven families from their communities. Farmers fear their fields. Parents fear for children in their classrooms.

“Families dread the call demanding ransom for someone they love. A government that cannot make life affordable and cannot protect life has failed the two tests that matter most to its people.

“This is not the Nigeria our founders struggled to set free. But I will not ask you to surrender to despair. Despair is not a strategy. We have a path to recovery, and we must take it.”

He stated, “Today, Bola Tinubu told us that the ‘emergency treatment is over’ and the ‘age of prosperity’ has begun. A president may announce a new chapter in a speech. He cannot announce food onto a family’s table or money into a worker’s pocket. Bola, where is this prosperity?

“Bola says inflation has fallen. A slower rise in prices does not restore what families have lost. He cites growth and rising exports. Nigerian businesses deserve credit for what they have achieved. But growth must improve lives. It cannot be a certificate of success that government awards itself while citizens struggle to survive.

“Bola, you call Nigeria a patient with cancer. After three years of your treatment, why is it harder for Nigerians to buy food, pay for medicine or even get to work? Why does your government have more money while the people can afford less?”

Atiku also brought up the issue of allegedly unpaid local contractors, saying, “Local contractors who completed government projects remain unpaid. Many borrowed from banks to do the work and now face demands for repayment on money the government owes them.

“Some have lost their property; their representatives say some have died under the financial strain. Bola, why do your friends get huge contracts while Nigerian contractors have to protest to be paid for work they have already done? Pay the contractors. Publish what is owed and when it will be paid. Nigerians are entitled to know whose prosperity your government is building.”

He said, “Nigeria’s public debt stood at N166.79 trillion at the end of June, and your government is now discussing another $1.5 billion in World Bank loans. Before you borrow another dollar in the people’s name, tell them what the money already borrowed has delivered. Name the projects. Show what they cost, who benefited and who was paid.”

Nigeria’s Problem Is Leadership Failure, Not Lack of Resources, Peter Obi Declares

Presidential candidate of Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr Peter Obi, declared that Nigeria’s greatest challenge was not a lack of resources but the failure of leadership to convert the country’s enormous wealth into human development, productivity, security, and shared prosperity. Obi stated this in his Independence Day address to journalists in Abuja to mark Nigeria’s 66th anniversary.

He said the country had become weighed down by poverty, insecurity, hunger, unemployment, poor healthcare, and a large population of out-of-school children, despite its abundant human and natural resources.

He said the anniversary should not be reduced to celebrations and patriotic speeches, but should provide an opportunity for Nigerians to critically examine the country’s journey since independence and determine whether it was still moving towards the vision of its founding fathers.

According to him, Nigeria must confront three fundamental questions: “Where are we today? Where do we want to be? How do we get from where we are to where we want to be?”

Obi said the questions had become particularly urgent because, despite the promises made by the All Progressives Congress (APC) government in 2023, Nigerians had continued to face severe difficulties across virtually every critical sector of national life.

He listed poverty, out-of-school children, insecurity, hunger, maternal and infant mortality, unemployment, and substance abuse among the major challenges confronting the country.

Obi said more than 140 million Nigerians were living in poverty and severe hardship, while more than 18 million children were out of school.

He also stated that more than 35 million young Nigerians were unemployed or underemployed, while over 40 million Nigerians could face extreme hunger by the end of 2026.

On insecurity, the NDC candidate said terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping continued to threaten lives and livelihoods, while drug abuse and substance misuse were increasingly affecting young Nigerians.

He stated that Nigeria’s life expectancy stood at 54 years, compared with a global average of 74 years, describing the country’s social conditions as requiring “serious, sober and honest reflection”.

Obi rejected the suggestion that Nigeria was inherently cursed, stating that the country is “immensely endowed and blessed”.

He stated, “Our greatest problem is not a lack of resources; it is the failure to convert our enormous resources into human development, productivity, security and shared prosperity.”

Tinubu’s Independence Speech Bereft of Solutions, Says Makinde/Daura Campaign

The Makinde/Daura Presidential Campaign Organisation dismissed the 66th Independence Day address by President Bola Tinubu as a rhetorical exercise bereft of clear plans to address the crushing economic hardship, pervasive poverty, and widespread insecurity in the country.

In a statement by Director of Strategic Communications, Makinde/Daura Presidential Campaign Organisation, Richard Ihediwa, the campaign group said, “It is, indeed, disappointing that the president’s address failed to present specific, measurable and binding economy and security policy commitments for which Nigerians can hold him accountable. Instead, the speech remained vague and failed to provide concrete answers or direction on major national issues.

“This lack of binding policy commitment shows that the All Progressives Congress (APC) administration has no solution to the challenges facing our nation. In the four consecutive Independence Anniversary speeches presented by President Tinubu since he assumed office in 2023, Nigerians have listened to promises of a better future that never came.”

Ihediwa said it was absurd for the president to claim in his speech that his administration’s reforms did not weaken the economy, when the abrupt removal of subsidy on petrol and the floating of the naira created a calamitous economic shockwave that led to astronomical rise in the pump price of fuel, from N187 per litre to N1,500 today, and the weakening of our currency from N460 to USD1 to about NI,380 today.

He stated, “The undeniable negative impact of President Tinubu’s reforms is the crippling of our productive sector, closure of millions of businesses, high cost of transportation, food, medicare and other basic necessities of life, degraded purchasing power of citizens, widespread poverty and utter hopelessness across the country.

“Due to the negative impact of President Tinubu’s reforms, major multinationals including GlaxoSmithKline, Procter and Gamble, Kimberly-Clark, PZ Cussons, Equinor, Microsoft, Uber and a host of others have left our nation.”

The campaign organisation’s spokesman stated, “It is also incongruous that the president’s speech promised prosperity to the citizens when it presented no decisive plans to address Nigeria’s infrastructure deficit which has hit an estimated $2.3 trillion; no concrete commitment for agriculture, industrialization and local manufacturing.

“It presented no clear-cut strategy to repay the nation’s foreign debts which has accumulated to an upsetting N166.7 trillion under the current administration.

“Is it not ironical that while Mr. President is promising prosperity to Nigerians, his government is still busy seeking for more foreign loans including the recent request for $1.5 billion loan from the World Bank?”

PDP Factions Disagree on State of Nation

The Tanimu Turaki-led faction of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) criticised President Bola Tinubu’s Independence Day message, accusing the president of presenting himself and his administration as “Moses” leading Nigerians out of economic hardship.

But the faction loyal to Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, said the future of the country remained bright, saying Nigerians must not despair.

The Turaki faction described Tinubu as “the Pharaoh” pursuing Nigerians through a “Red Sea of economic pain”, stating that the hardship being experienced by citizens has worsened under the All Progressives Congress (APC) administration.

National Publicity Secretary of the PDP Interim National Working Committee, Comrade Ini Ememobong, made the position known in an Independence Day statement.

Reacting to the president’s Independence Day message, Ememobong said the reference to the Biblical Israelites’ journey through the Red Sea in the president’s message amounted to an attempt to portray Tinubu as Moses leading Nigerians from “slavery to freedom”.

He said the economic realities facing citizens presented a different picture.

PDP quoted the presidency as acknowledging that, by 2023, “poverty was rising, and hope was nearly gone,” but stated that many Nigerians now believed their circumstances had become worse since May 29, 2023.

“Yes, Mr. President says Nigerians should not look back, because he knows that is where the truth is,” the party said, adding that citizens are instead confronted with higher costs of rent, transportation and education.

However, the Wike-led PDP, in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Jungudo Mohammed, urged Nigerians to continue to preach peace, unity, and national cohesion.

It also charged Nigerians to honour the sacrifices of the country’s founding fathers and all those who had contributed to national development.

It stated, “The PDP acknowledges that, as a nation and as a people, we are not yet where we aspire to be. However, we must not despair. The future of Nigeria remains bright, and our collective hope must remain stronger than our present challenges.

“Nigeria is a blessed nation, endowed with enormous human and natural resources. Let us harness these resources, alongside our rich ethnic, cultural and religious diversity, into an instrument of unity, creativity and national progress.

“The PDP, therefore, calls on all Nigerians to continue to preach peace, unity and national cohesion. Our leaders and followers alike must remain patriotic, reject violence and corruption, and always place the interests of Nigeria above personal and sectional considerations.”

The Wike group said, “Above all, let us build a nation where our young people can dream, aspire and look to the future with confidence and hope,” the statement read in part.”

CAN: Prosperity Must Be Felt in Every Home

Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) called on the federal government to ensure that its promised prosperity was felt in every Nigerian home as the country marked its 66th Independence Anniversary.

In an independence message by its President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, yesterday, CAN said while it welcomed the shift from economic reforms to prosperity, progress must go beyond statistics.

“The true test of progress is not in statistics alone. It is whether families can afford food, young people can find decent work, communities can live in safety and every child has a fair opportunity to build a future,” Okoh said.

CAN called on government to make reduction in food, transport, and energy costs a measurable priority, stating that Nigerians who have endured years of economic pressure deserve tangible relief.

It also demanded that social protection programmes should reach the most vulnerable, with support for families, education, healthcare, and affordable credit strengthened and transparently administered.

“Prosperity that does not reach the ordinary Nigerian home remains incomplete,” the association said.

On security, CAN said there could be no meaningful prosperity where citizens lived in fear.

It stated, “There can be no meaningful prosperity where citizens cannot farm, trade, travel or sleep peacefully because of fear.

“We urge sustained action to protect lives, secure communities and restore confidence across the country.”

Ahead of the 2027 elections, CAN cautioned political actors against weaponising faith, stressing that no politician is the Messiah.

“Christians are free to support or criticise any candidate, but the name of Jesus Christ must not be dragged into partisan rivalry or used as a political weapon,” Okoh warned.

Catholic Secretariat Urges True Patriotism, Declares Nation Must Belong to Everyone

Secretary General of the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria (CSN), Abuja, Rev. Fr. Michael Banjo, charged Nigerians to exhibit true patriotism as the country marked its 66th Independence anniversary, saying the country would not be rebuilt by laws and symbols alone but by genuine love for one another.

In an Independence Day statement, titled, “Patriotism as Responsibility for One Another,” Banjo said Nigeria needed a new kind of patriotism beyond affection for the flag and enthusiasm for the national anthem.

He stated, “This is the patriotism Nigeria requires: not merely affection for the flag, enthusiasm for the anthem or support for those in power, but an unwavering commitment to the dignity and welfare of every Nigerian.

“It refuses to excuse injustice because the offender is ‘one of us’ and recognises that no group can build lasting peace or prosperity upon the exclusion of another.”

Banjo said the challenge of nation-building was shared and called on every Nigerian to make the culture of family visible in daily life.

No Ambition is Worth Setting Nigeria Ablaze, Senate Leader Warns Politicians

Leader of the Senate, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, warned political parties and their candidates against inflammatory rhetoric, hate speech, and actions capable of triggering political unrest and ethno-religious violence ahead of the 2027 general election.

Bamidele gave the warning in his Independence Day message to Nigerians.

He urged political actors to conduct their campaigns peacefully and in strict compliance with the 1999 Constitution and Electoral Act 2026.

The senate leader, in the statement by his media office, said political ambitions should be pursued with decorum, patriotism, and restraint, stressing that no political aspiration is worth jeopardising the peace and unity of the country.

Bamidele said, “No ambition is worth setting the nation ablaze. As we mark our 66th anniversary of political freedom and prepare for the 2027 elections, political parties and their candidates must conduct their activities within the ambit of the law.”

Dickson Urges Nigerians to Keep Faith in Nigeria, Backs Democratic Renewal

Former Bayelsa State Governor and leader of Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Senator Seriake Dickson, appealed to Nigerians to continue to keep faith in the country, saying its diversity remains a major strength that must be harnessed to build a stronger, united, and prosperous nation.

Dickson, in a message to mark Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary, called for renewed commitment to justice, equity, unity, democracy, and equal opportunities, stressing that these values must remain at the centre of efforts to achieve national renewal.

He said the anniversary provided an opportunity for Nigerians to reflect on the country’s journey since independence and honour the sacrifices of the founding fathers and others who had contributed to the country’s development.

According to him, despite the challenges confronting the country, the resilience of Nigerians and the enormous potential of the nation provide reasons to remain hopeful about its future.

He stated, “Our independence reminds us of the enduring responsibility to honour the sacrifices of our founding fathers and all those who have contributed to the growth of our nation, while renewing our commitment to building a Nigeria founded on justice, equity, unity, democracy, equal opportunities, and respect for the dignity of every citizen.”

Dickson, who represents Bayelsa West in the Senate, stressed that the principles must remain central to the country’s efforts at national renewal, urging citizens and leaders to work collectively towards strengthening democratic institutions.

He said, “Despite the challenges we face, I remain confident in the resilience of our people and the great potential of our country.”

Natasha Urges Nigerians to Sustain Hope, Demand Accountability on Reforms

The senator for Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, called on Nigerians to sustain faith in the country, strengthen national unity, and demand accountability as the federal government implemented its economic and development reforms.

Akpoti-Uduaghan, in a goodwill message, said the country’s journey since independence had demonstrated the resilience of its people and underscored the need for citizens and leaders to remain committed to building a more prosperous and inclusive nation.

She said the anniversary should not merely be an occasion for celebration but a reminder of the sacrifices made by the country’s founding generation and the responsibility of present-day Nigerians to consolidate the gains of democracy and development.

The senator stated, “At 66, Nigeria has every reason to look ahead with renewed hope. We have faced difficult moments as a nation, but the resilience of Nigerians has remained unshaken.

“Independence Day reminds us that nation-building is a continuous responsibility that requires unity, courage and faith in our collective future.”

NHRC Seeks Equal Justice, Rights-based Devt

National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) called on governments at all levels, security agencies, and public institutions to place human dignity, equality, and justice at the centre of Nigeria’s development.

The commission said the success of the federal government’s reforms should ultimately be measured by their impact on the lives, rights, and dignity of ordinary Nigerians. It warned that economic growth could not be considered sustainable if its benefits failed to reach vulnerable and disadvantaged groups.

Executive Secretary of NHRC, Chief Tony Ojukwu, made the call in his Independence Day message to Nigerians.

Ojukwu commended citizens for their resilience, creativity, and determination in confronting the country’s social, economic and political challenges.

Reflecting on the national theme, “From Reforms to Stability: Consolidating Nigeria’s Renewed Hope for Shared Prosperity,” Ojukwu said the country’s transition from reform to lasting stability must include a deliberate commitment to protecting fundamental rights and ensuring equal access to justice.

Ojukwu, in the statement by the commission’s Director, Corporate Affairs and External Linkages, Fatimah Mohammed, urged governments to strengthen social protection mechanisms, expand access to basic services, and ensure that economic policies and reforms remained consistent with Nigeria’s constitutional and international human rights obligations.

The NHRC boss also charged law enforcement and security agencies to combine the protection of national security with respect for fundamental rights, insisting that security operations must be guided by professionalism and accountability.

He said the rule of law and an independent and effective justice system remained essential to building public confidence, particularly among poor and vulnerable Nigerians, who often faced significant barriers to accessing justice.

Chevron Vows Firmer Alliance with Nigeria

Chevron companies in Nigeria reaffirmed their confidence in the country and their long-standing commitment to partnership, investment and responsible energy development.

Chairman and Managing Director of Chevron Companies in Nigeria, Jim Swartz, in a statement by the organisation’s Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, Nigeria and Midwest Region, Olusoga Oduselu, said, for more than six decades, Chevron had contributed to Nigeria’s growth through oil and gas production, deepwater investment, gas development, local content, human capacity development, and strategic community partnerships.

Swartz said Chevron was a leading oil and gas producer and investor in Nigeria, with operations across the Niger Delta and interests in major deepwater assets. He added that the company took a long-term view of Nigeria, with continued focus on operational excellence, efficiency, innovation, and investment across its portfolio.

He stated that Chevron remained committed to building enduring relationships that enabled human progress today and in the future.

Swartz said, to support sustained growth, Chevron was expanding and optimising its assets through exploration, infill drilling and production enhancement, stating that the company supports the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021 and the federal government’s efforts to strengthen the industry’s regulatory framework and investment climate.

According to him, since PIA, Chevron has renewed and converted key joint-venture and deepwater leases; recorded discoveries at Meji NW-1, Delta South AA and Awodi-07; entered PPLs 2000 and 2001 through farm-in agreements; acquired deepwater block PPL 2010; and renewed Oil Prospecting Licence 215.

He stated, “Chevron is also participating in strategic deepwater opportunities, including the announced Bonga Southwest/Aparo and Owowo/Usan developments.

“Completion of seismic acquisition across several deepwater leases is supporting future exploration, while planned infill drilling at the Agbami and non-operated Usan hubs is intended to mitigate natural production decline and sustain output.”

Anosike Promises Welfarist Revolution in Abia

The governorship candidate of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Abia State, Dr. Kelechi Anosike, congratulated the people of Abia State on Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary, pledging to run a welfarist government that would put the welfare of the people above everything else.

In a statement by the media unit of the Dr. Kelechi Anosike Campaign Organisation to mark Independence Day celebration, Anosike said Abians deserved better than what they had gotten in the 35-year history of the state.

According to him, October 1 is a reminder of the courage of Nigeria’s founding fathers and the resilience of Abians who are industrious, creative, and God-fearing.

He stated, “As we celebrate 66 years of nationhood, we must pause to reflect. The journey of Abia in the last 35 years has been mixed. We have had moments of progress, but the welfare of the ordinary Abian – the trader in Ariaria, the farmer in Bende, the civil servant in Umuahia, the shoemaker in Aba, the student in Ohafia – has not been placed at the centre of governance as it should be. That is what I intend to change.”

The PDP candidate said his administration would be anchored on “Welfarist Governance Philosophy”, where every policy and every kobo of the state’s resources will be judged by how it improved the lives of Ndi Abia.

NILDS DG Urges Unity, Inclusivity in Nation-Building, Dwells on Diversity

Director-General of National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), Professor Abubakar Olanrewaju Sulaiman, called on Nigerians to strengthen national unity and embrace inclusivity.

Sulaiman, who spoke in an Independence Day goodwill message in Abuja, said Nigeria’s diversity in gender, ethnicity, region and religion should be harnessed as a source of national strength rather than allowed to become a basis for division.

Aligning his message with the 2026 Independence theme, “From Reforms to Stability: Consolidating Nigeria’s Renewed Hope for Shared Prosperity,” he urged citizens to remain committed to the Nigerian project and take collective responsibility for building a peaceful, inclusive and prosperous country.

He described Nigeria’s 66 years of independence as a testament to the resilience of its people and the continuing efforts of successive administrations to realise the vision and aspirations of the nation’s founding fathers.

According to him, although the country has yet to achieve all its aspirations, Nigeria has continued to evolve and strengthen its democratic institutions.

Sulaiman urged Nigerians to sustain their faith in the country, embrace patriotism, and remain actively engaged in efforts to address its security and development challenges.

At 66, SOJA Demands Justice, Accountability, Rule of Law in Nigeria

Speak Out for Justice Advocacy Ltd/Gte (SOJA) challenged the government and citizens to make justice, human rights, accountability, and the rule of law the defining features of the country’s freedom.

SOJA, in an Independence Day statement by its Founder and Executive Director, Hameed Ajibola Jimoh, said Nigeria’s independence should not be measured only by the number of years since the country gained freedom from colonial rule, but by the extent to which citizens enjoyed dignity, liberty, security, equality, and access to justice.

Nigeria became independent on October 1, 1960, and the federal government declared October 1, 2026, a public holiday to commemorate the 66th anniversary.

The advocacy organisation said the meaning of independence must go beyond political sovereignty to include freedom from injustice, corruption, impunity, unlawful discrimination, oppression, insecurity, and violations of fundamental human rights.

“True independence must also mean freedom from injustice, corruption, impunity, unlawful discrimination, oppression, insecurity and the denial of fundamental human rights,” SOJA said.

Okocha Urges Rivers Residents to Embrace Peace, Support Renewed Hope Agenda

The Rivers State chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC), Tony Okocha, urged Nigerians, particularly residents of Rivers State, to embrace peace, unity, and constructive engagement.

Okocha, in an Independence Day message, congratulated Nigerians and commended the people of Rivers State for their resilience, hard work, and commitment to peace and development.

He said Nigeria’s 66-year journey since independence had demonstrated the endurance of its people, despite economic challenges, political transitions, and social difficulties.

According to him, the contributions of Rivers State to Nigeria’s economic growth and national development remains significant.

He acknowledged the role of the state’s coastal communities and urban centres in sustaining the country’s economic vitality, while commending Rivers people for their “unyielding courage, hard work, and loyalty to the peace and progress” of the state.

The APC chairman also reaffirmed the party’s commitment in Rivers State to supporting the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.

• Project Gazelle, Leopard account for N8.13tn in crude-backed financing

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) has committed more than 186,000 barrels per day of future crude production to debt repayment under three crude-backed financing arrangements.

The commitments, captured in the newly released 2025 Audited Financial Statements (AFS) of the national oil company, involve Project Gazelle, Project Leopard and Project Leopard II, under which NNPC raised trillions of naira against future crude production.

The disclosure comes against the backdrop of another major financing arrangement involving Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates, as First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB), the UAE’s largest lender, is seeking to spread its exposure to Nigeria’s $5 billion financing by bringing other international banks into the transaction.

The move would allow FAB to retain its role as the principal counterparty while sharing the economic exposure with other lenders, according to people familiar with the $5 billion  transaction.

������Ƶ learnt that the three arrangements (projects) form part of NNPC’s wider financial obligations, with the company having settled only N2.886 trillion out of an aggregate N12.083 trillion commitment across crude oil forward-sale arrangements, gas supply agreements and upstream project funding obligations as of December 31, 2025.

This left about N9.8 trillion in commitments outstanding, according to the financial statements, as NNPC continues to manage obligations entered into to provide liquidity for its operations and upstream investments.

The largest of the crude-backed arrangements are Project Gazelle and Project Leopard, which together account for about N8.13 trillion in financing.

Under Project Gazelle, NNPC entered into a five-year forward-sale agreement in December 2023, committing 90,000 barrels of crude oil per day. The company drew N4.9 trillion from the N5.1 trillion facility and had repaid N2.09 trillion in principal by the end of 2025, leaving N2.81 trillion outstanding.

Similarly, Project Leopard involved a N3.05 trillion facility, which was fully drawn by February 2025. NNPC had repaid only N420 billion in principal by the end of last year, leaving N2.47 trillion outstanding.

The repayment obligation is further compounded by Project Leopard II, under which NNPC obtained N3.03 trillion against a commitment of 61,250 barrels of crude oil per day.

The facility was fully drawn by December 31, 2025, but no principal had been repaid as of that date. Repayment was scheduled to commence in June 2026 after a six-month moratorium, leaving the entire N3.03 trillion principal outstanding at the reporting date.

Taken together, the three crude-backed arrangements commit more than 186,000 barrels of crude oil per day to debt repayment, effectively earmarking a portion of NNPC’s future crude receipts for servicing the facilities.

Beyond the crude-backed arrangements, NNPC’s financial statements showed significant commitments tied to gas supply and upstream asset development.

For instance, under an incremental gas agreement between NNPC Exploration and Production Limited and Nigeria LNG Limited, NNPC has drawn N535 billion from a N772 billion arrangement, while gas worth N312 billion has been recovered, representing 40.41 per cent.

The upstream portfolio also carries substantial funding commitments. Under the OML 42 arrangement, only N44.98 billion has been provided against an estimated N1.54 trillion funding commitment, leaving about N1.49 trillion to be funded.

For OML 65, N13.93 billion had been drawn from a N957.65 billion facility, leaving about N943.72 billion outstanding. Similarly, under OPL 809/810, NNPC has provided N88.16 billion out of a total commitment of about N430 billion, leaving approximately N341.85 billion yet to be funded.

NNPC also reported an uncalled capital commitment of N95.99 billion relating to its Class B shares in Afreximbank, after subscribing N159.98 billion and paying N63.99 billion, representing 40 per cent of the subscribed amount.

Despite the substantial commitments, during the period, NNPC reported a 33 per cent increase in Profit After Tax (PAT) to N7.2 trillion in 2025, from N5.4 trillion in 2024, while revenue stood at N34.5 trillion.

Remittances to the federal government through taxes, royalties and other statutory payments also increased by 39 per cent to N22.3 trillion. On the operational front, crude oil and condensate production reached a five-year peak of 1.77 million barrels per day, while natural gas supply rose to a three-year high of 7.2 billion standard cubic feet per day.

The disclosure comes as Nigeria is also seeking to raise dollar liquidity through structured sovereign financing, with First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB), the United Arab Emirates’ largest lender, seeking to bring other international banks into its $5 billion financing arrangement with Nigeria.

People familiar with the matter told Bloomberg that FAB was sounding out potential lenders on their appetite to take portions of its economic exposure to the Nigerian deal, in a move that would spread its risk while allowing it to retain its position as the principal counterparty to the transaction.

The discussions are private and do not represent an intention by the Abu Dhabi-based bank to withdraw from the transaction, according to a source.

If concluded, the arrangement would enable FAB to distribute part of its financial exposure among other lenders, while potentially earning fees for arranging the syndication.

The development adds another dimension to Nigeria’s efforts to access dollar liquidity through structured financing rather than conventional external borrowing. The federal government accessed $1.5 billion of the $5 billion facility in June.

The transaction is structured as a total-return swap under which Nigeria provides naira-denominated government securities as collateral. The securities are valued at about 133 per cent of the amount financed, providing substantial collateral backing for the lender while giving Nigeria access to foreign currency.

The proposed syndication is expected to broaden the number of international financial institutions carrying exposure to the Nigerian government through the structure, while reducing the concentration of the transaction on FAB.

The transaction had earlier attracted scrutiny from credit analysts because of the complexity of derivative-based sovereign financing and questions about how such obligations could be treated in any future restructuring of Nigeria’s debt.

Fitch Ratings, while recognising that such instruments could provide sovereigns with greater financing flexibility and access to hard-currency liquidity, warned in June that the arrangement could make Nigeria’s debt risks less transparent and potentially complicate any future restructuring.

The development comes against the backdrop of rising public debt and the government’s continued search for funding to meet expenditure and refinance existing obligations.

Nigeria’s public debt stood at N166.79 trillion at the end of June, comprising N91.59 trillion in domestic debt and N75.20 trillion in external obligations. External debt rose from about $43.1 billion when President Bola Tinubu assumed office to roughly $54.5 billion in June, while domestic debt increased from about N59.1 trillion to N91.5 trillion.

•Declares extension must drive farm productivity

James Emejo and Aminat Hassan in Abuja

Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, has warned that the country cannot meet the food needs of its projected 400 million population by simply expanding the amount of land under cultivation.

Kyari stressed that productivity gains must increasingly come from knowledge, technology, and stronger agricultural extension systems.

He spoke at the opening of Africa Agribusiness Extension Summit (AAES) 2026.

The minister said agricultural extension should be treated as critical infrastructure capable of delivering productivity improvements across millions of farms.

He stated that the country’s rapidly growing population made it imperative to move beyond fragmented agricultural interventions and build an extension system that could continuously deliver the right information to farmers.

Kyari stated, “Nigeria reflects that reality. We are home to more than 240 million people, with our population projected to approach 400 million by 2050.

“Most of the food required by Africans still must be produced from the farms that are already here with us now. We cannot feed that future on more land alone.”

With agriculture accounting for about 34 per cent of total employment in Nigeria, Kyari said the effectiveness of extension services would have implications not only for food production but also for household incomes, resilience and livelihoods.

He cited evidence showing that access to extension services was associated with lower food insecurity and significantly higher household assets, while mobile agricultural advisory services had been found to improve yields and increase adoption of recommended farm inputs.

According to him, the implication is that relatively small improvements in farm-level knowledge can translate into significant productivity gains when deployed across millions of farmers.

“Extension must be treated as infrastructure,” he said, comparing agricultural advisory systems with roads and power infrastructure that must remain functional and deliver economic value over the long term.

He said, “A project can deliver advice for three seasons. Infrastructure must deliver for 30 years. For Africa, that distinction matters.”

Kyari said the federal government was already shifting extension from conventional face-to-face services towards digital platforms capable of reaching farmers more quickly and in forms they could use.

He disclosed that more than 100,000 farmers across six states received weekly text messages on rainfall expectations and crop protection, while a digital agricultural extension platform was being rolled out to provide advisory services through text and voice in Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba and Pidgin.

The government, he added, had deployed more than 1,000 digital extension agents equipped with tablets through the National Agricultural Development Fund, while 774 agricultural desk officers were being positioned across local government areas.

The minister also disclosed that he had approved a steering committee to harmonise the ministry’s various digital extension initiatives involving its departments and agencies.

He said the move was intended to prevent the emergence of competing information systems as more agricultural services moved online.

“The farmer should hear one trusted message, not many competing ones,” Kyari said, adding that the government would also work with the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) to integrate climate information into advisory services.

He warned that digitalisation could otherwise reproduce the same fragmentation that had weakened conventional extension systems.

“As African countries digitise agriculture, we must avoid replacing institutional fragmentation with digital fragmentation,” he said.

The summit also highlighted the gender dimension of extension. Kyari said women, who played major roles in planting, harvesting, processing, and marketing, should be deliberately targeted by advisory systems.

He advocated direct outreach to women farmers, including through female extension agents who understood local cultural contexts.

Chief Executive/Co-founder of Extension Africa, Tajudeen Yahaya, said Nigeria’s extension system remained severely constrained by inadequate personnel, weak data systems, and poor coordination among stakeholders.

Yahaya said one extension agent currently served about 10,000 farm families, making it difficult to provide farmers with timely technical advice.

He called for investment in extension personnel, farmer data, technology, and partnerships, stating that no single intervention can fix the system.

He said, “What is missing is just that collaboration… that partnership amongst stakeholders. That intentionality around building that infrastructure.”

Yahaya said the economic test of agricultural technology should ultimately be whether it lowered farmers’ production costs or improved their access to premium markets.

“For farmers, it’s about cost reduction and profit maximisation,” he said.

He also called for extension to become a viable career for young Nigerians, stating that attracting a new generation of professionals would require sustainable remuneration and clearer economic opportunities.

Kuni Tyessi in Abuja

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has said West Africa is confronting increasingly complex security threats that are spilling across national borders and require stronger regional cooperation.

ECOWAS listed violent extremism, terrorism, political tensions, organised crime and humanitarian pressures as interconnected challenges confronting the region.

The Director of Political Affairs, ECOWAS Commission, Dr. Babatunde Afolabi, said this at the Pre-west Africa Peace and Security Dialogue (WAPSeD) 2027 Strategy and Review Meeting held in Abuja.

The meeting, convened by the Building Blocks for Peace Foundation with the theme: “From Dialogue to Action: Reflecting on WAPSeD 2025 Commitments and Setting the Agenda for WAPSeD 2027,” brought together policymakers, peacebuilders, researchers, youth and women groups.

Afolabi, who was represented by Gnacabja Constant, said sustainable peace cannot be achieved by one institution or government alone.

He said ECOWAS remains committed to providing platforms for regional institutions, civil society organisations, development partners and peace practitioners to deliberate on emerging challenges.

“If we want to achieve sustainable peace, we need to work on three Ps: People, prevention and partnership,” he said.

Afolabi said peace and security must go beyond crisis response, with prevention at the core of regional efforts. For ECOWAS, peace and security is not only about responding to crises; it is also about preventing crises,” he said, admitting that the Commission is learning from criticisms over poor communication.

He stressed the need to move from dialogue to action, noting that good analysis must translate into implementable recommendations.

“We recognise that the existence of initiatives is not enough. We need to act. How do we process the recommendation for action? That is the main essence of us being here,” he said.

In his keynote, Board Chair of the Building Blocks for Peace Foundation and Professor of International Relations at Obafemi Awolowo University, Charles Ukeje, urged stakeholders to ensure meaningful participation of women, youth, minorities and marginalised groups.

“If civil society claims to represent communities, then communities must actually have a voice in the processes that affect them. We cannot speak about participation while excluding the people most directly affected by insecurity and poor governance,” Ukeje said.

He called for mobilisation of local resources and capacities, warning against over-reliance on external actors “in an increasingly uncertain global environment.”

On his part, Executive Director of the Building Blocks for Peace Foundation, Rafiu  Lawal, said the security landscape is rapidly changing.

Lawal identified disinformation, information manipulation, drug trafficking and illicit economies as new threats eroding public trust and social cohesion.

“The geography of insecurity is changing, the nature of insecurity is changing, the actors are also changing, and therefore the tools required to prevent and respond to insecurity must also change,” he said.

Lawal said WAPSeD, established in 2024, provides a safe and inclusive platform to examine evolving challenges and develop practical conflict prevention approaches.

Also speaking, Director-General of the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR), Dr. Joseph Ochogwu, represented by his Personal Assistant, Mr. Olaniran Olusola, said the region still grapples with economic downturn, poverty, human rights abuses, poor governance, terrorism and transnational crime.

“These challenges continue to threaten peace and stability, undermine livelihoods and impede socio-economic development,” Ochogwu said, calling for dialogue to be translated into concrete action.

The Secretary-General of the Society for Peace Studies and Practice, Dr. John Tor Tsuwa, said weakening indigenous security structures has created gaps exploited by criminal groups.

“We have traditional rulers everywhere, but there is no legal function for them,” he said, challenging the description of some areas as ungoverned.

He warned that displacement patterns in North-central Nigeria could create new security risks if not managed.

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

������Ƶ leaders and technology experts have urged organisations to embrace agentic artificial intelligence (AI) responsibly, warning that the shift from AI tools that assist employees to systems capable of executing tasks and making decisions requires clear governance, defined limits and sustained human oversight.

The experts spoke at a virtual webinar organised by the EY Nigeria Alumni Association as part of the EY Global Alumni Week. The session, themed: “Leading with Confidence in the Age of Agentic AI,” examined how increasingly autonomous AI systems could reshape business operations, decision-making, customer service and the workforce.

The webinar featured Wilfred Mamah, Partner and Digital Transformation Services Leader at EY West Africa; Tomiwa Adefokun, Senior Manager, Technology Consulting at EY; and Ashish Bakhshi, Partner and Head of Markets at EY West Africa. The session was moderated by Bisi Onasanya, former Group Managing Director of FirstBank.

Mamah said agentic AI represented a fundamental shift from conventional software that primarily supports users to systems capable of pursuing defined goals, planning tasks, using digital tools and executing approved actions.

According to him, the defining change was not simply improved content generation but the transfer of specific tasks, decisions and actions to software.

“The defining shift is not simply better content generation; it is the delegation of tasks, decisions, and actions to software,” he said, adding that organisations should therefore view agentic AI as a transfer of clearly defined decision rights rather than merely an enhanced chatbot.

He identified banking, insurance and public services as sectors where agentic AI could have immediate applications, including credit and service orchestration, claims triage and settlement support, as well as citizen-service fulfilment.

Mamah explained that AI agents could gather evidence, coordinate approvals, identify exceptions and communicate the next steps, potentially changing not only how individual tasks are performed but also how organisations structure work.

He said the wider impact of agentic AI could be organisational, with work moving away from departmental silos towards business outcomes, routine execution increasingly giving way to exception management and decision-making becoming more continuous and responsive.

Adefokun, however, stressed that the degree of autonomy granted to AI agents should be determined by the level of risk and potential impact associated with their actions.

He said organisations should consider factors including risk, reversibility, confidence and business impact when determining whether an AI system should merely recommend an action, prepare it for human approval, execute it independently while notifying a human, or escalate the matter for intervention.

He urged organisations to establish clear boundaries around the outcomes an AI agent is expected to deliver, the decisions it can make independently, when it must escalate an issue, who is accountable for its actions and the data and systems it is authorised to access.

“The future is not autonomous AI operating without people,” Adefokun said. “It is responsible human-agent collaboration, where technology provides speed and scale while people provide purpose, judgement, and accountability.”

Bakhshi challenged business leaders to move beyond discussions about the potential of AI and translate them into practical changes within their organisations.

He said successful adoption should not be measured by the number of AI agents deployed, but by whether organisations were able to redesign valuable work responsibly while maintaining the confidence of employees, customers and other stakeholders.

The experts said responsible deployment would require organisations to designate accountable business owners for AI agents, establish clear authority and data-access limits, maintain human oversight over sensitive decisions and actions, and ensure that activities undertaken by AI systems could be traced and audited.

They also called for continuous monitoring and formal procedures for approving, updating, suspending and ultimately retiring AI agents as circumstances change.

The speakers warned that poorly governed AI agents could expose organisations to risks including excessive system permissions, manipulated instructions, unauthorised actions, leakage of confidential information, compromised third-party integrations, inadequate audit trails and uncontrolled proliferation of AI systems.

They therefore stressed that as organisations move towards greater AI autonomy, governance and accountability must evolve alongside the technology to ensure that the speed and scale offered by AI do not come at the expense of human judgement, security and organisational responsibility.

Emma Okonji

Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), in collaboration with Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), yesterday, rolled out the Zero-Rated Data Access to Approved Educational Platforms and Content Initiative.

The programme supports NCC’s mandate to promote modern, universal, efficient, reliable, affordable, and accessible communications services across Nigeria.

Under the initiative’s Operator-Sponsored Model, eligible users will receive up to 100 megabytes of free daily data allowance to access designated educational platforms. This means a learner receiving the full 100MB allowance would have access to about 700MB of educational data each week, roughly 3GB every month, and up to 36.5GB annually.

 The initiative is designed to reduce the cost of data for digital learning, enabling eligible learners to use approved platforms for studying, research, online courses, and other academic activities.

NCC revealed the initiative in a statement it issued yesterday, jointly signed by its Director, Public Affairs, Nnenna Ukoha, and Chairman of ALTON, Gbenga Adebayo.

Speaking on the October 1, 2026 rollout of the initiative, Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, said the initiative, which provides learners with free access to approved educational platforms, formed part of broader government efforts to equip Nigerians with digital skills, knowledge, and advanced human capital development.

Maida stated that the programme aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s vision of building a $1 trillion economy, which depended significantly on investing in people through education, skills acquisition, and access to learning opportunities.

He said the significance of the initiative should be viewed beyond the daily 100MB allocation, particularly when considered over time and across the millions of learners expected to benefit from it.

He stated, “One hundred megabytes of data might sound a little, but when you look at it over a month and over a year, and cumulatively over the millions of learners and students that are going to access it, it’s really a significant investment by the industry towards the future of this country.”

Maida added that increased connectivity would help bridge disparities in access to educational resources across different parts of the country by connecting students to teachers, learning materials, and knowledge resources, irrespective of location.

For his part, Adebayo, said the telecommunications and wider technology industry had demonstrated significant commitment to the Zero-Rated Access initiative through financial and in-kind contributions amounting to almost N200 billion for the initial pilot involving 5,000 learners.

According to Adebayo, the aggregate value considers the daily 100MB connectivity allocation, network resources, devices, terminals, and other supporting contributions provided by industry stakeholders, which he says is a demonstration of the industry’s commitment to supporting the federal government’s education and digital inclusion agenda.

Adebayo explained that telecommunications operators were absorbing the cost of providing the connectivity and network capacity required to deliver daily access to approved educational platforms. He added that this represented a substantial commitment of network resources over the duration of the programme and was being undertaken in support of a national development objective.

• Mobilises Nigerian financial institutions for African Finance Summit

Dike Onwuamaeze

International Finance Corporation (IFC) says with less than five per cent of commercial banks’ lending in Nigeria going to agriculture, the country suffers a serious development gap.

IFC made the statement yesterday in Lagos during a press briefing to mobilise Nigerian financial institutions to attend the oncoming “African Financial Summit 2026,” scheduled to hold in November in Luanda, Angola.

The theme of the summit is, “Making Capital Count: Unlocking Growth Through African Finance.”

Speaking during the press briefing, Divisional Director, Nigeria and Central Africa, IFC, Mr. Oliver Buyoya, said the corporation was developing a value chain analysis that would address the barriers hindering the flow of credit to agriculture. This became necessary because less than five per cent of commercial bank lending went to agriculture, Buyoya said.

Buyoya stated, “So I used that as an example of a serious development gap that we are facing in Nigeria, and frankly, across the whole continent.

“We have in Nigeria probably one of the most sophisticated banking sectors in Africa.

“And yet, one of the most important sectors of the economy receives less than five per cent of lending from commercial banks. That is a fact.

“We need to understand why that situation has been there for decades.

“Commercial banks are financial intermediaries and if a sector is being considered risky, then it is going to be extremely difficult to expect that a commercial bank will deploy money in that sector.

“That is the problem we are trying to solve.  You need to look at that sector (agriculture) from a value chain standpoint. How do you move goods that are produced to markets?”

He said AFIS 2026 was an occasion to bring stakeholders in the financial service sub-sectors in the room and co-create solutions, whether for agriculture or infrastructure financing.

Buyoya said, “We are working, putting together platforms, programmes that would mobilise funding from different sectors. 

“We partner to help accessing finance from commercial banks to agriculture because on average less than five per cent of commercial bank lending go to agriculture.

“And that cannot continue if we want to ensure food security for our population and create jobs.”

In his remarks, Director of AFIS, Mr. Hicham El Morabet, said the paradox about Africa was that return on regional equity for financial institutions was about 90 per cent, while the cost of finance was so high that operators in the real sector struggled to finance their businesses.

El Morabet said the six strategic priorities of the summit were finance that reached the real sector; scale with purpose; technology on African terms; turning African savings into African investments; integration that made scale possible; and urgency in the rules of finance.

According to him, AFIS 2026 will move from dialogue to implementation since the first five years of the summit were focused more on how to make the African financial industry stronger for the future.

He said, “We are moving from how to make the industry stronger to how to make this industry a way to channel investments and financing to the real economy.

“I think we already know this diagnosis, but maybe some figures are important here to keep in mind.

“For the African banking sector, for example, the average return on regional equity is around 90 per cent, and it is the double of the global average.

“Also, in terms of number of assets under management for African institutional investors, there are more than $2 trillion assets under management.

“So, the financial sector is doing well but the paradox is that the cost of capital and the cost of financing in general is high, and the real economy struggles to find the right financing to finance infrastructure projects, and also all corporate development projects.

“So, this is why we chose this theme this year.”

• Eyes 30% rise in credit applications with new ‘MyBOI’ portal 

•Olusi: faster financing process critical to investment, business growth, says platform to cut friction, improve transparency in development finance

James Emejo in Abuja and Nume Ekeghe  in Lagos

Bank of Industry (BoI) has unveiled a fully digital lending portal, MyBOI, to cut barriers to credit and make financing more accessible to Nigerian businesses.

The end-to-end lending portal seeks to simplify credit process for Nigerian enterprises and ease access to business finance, shortening the path to credit, and expanding access for productive activity.

Managing Director/Chief Executive, BoI, Dr. Olasupo Olusi, said access to finance should not be measured only by the amount of money available to businesses, but also by how efficiently they could navigate the process of obtaining it.

Olusi said, “Access to finance is not only about the availability of funding; it is also about making the journey to that funding simpler and more efficient.”

According to him, MyBOI would use technology to “reduce unnecessary friction, improve visibility and give our customers a more seamless way to engage with BOI,” while retaining the security and rigour required of a development finance institution.

In a statement, Olusi said, “MyBOI portal represents an important step in our commitment to making development finance more accessible, transparent and responsive to the needs of businesses.

“We recognise that access to finance is not only about the availability of funding; it is also about making the journey to that funding simpler and more efficient.

“Through MyBOI Portal, we are using technology to reduce unnecessary friction, improve visibility and give our customers a more seamless way to engage with BoI, while maintaining the security, rigour and developmental purpose for which the Bank is known.”

The initiative, according to the bank, is designed not merely to digitise its lending process, but to also remove bottlenecks that can delay viable businesses from converting financing opportunities into investments, production and jobs.

Under the new platform, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs); large businesses; cooperatives; associations; and other eligible customers can initiate financing applications, complete onboarding, undertake impact and sustainability assessments, submit documents, and track their applications digitally throughout the credit lifecycle.

The move seeks to address persistent concerns over the cost, speed, and complexity of accessing finance, particularly for businesses that depend on timely working capital and investment funding to expand operations.

The platform replaces significant elements of the traditionally manual and branch-dependent financing journey with automated workflows, digital authentication and real-time application tracking.

Essentially, the portal is expected to improve data accuracy, reduce human interface, strengthen compliance, and support faster decision-making, and provide the bank with enhanced reporting and analytics to improve the management of the credit process.

The initiative is aligned with BoI’s ambition to become a more digitally enabled, customer-centric Development Finance Institution.

The bank’s objectives include increasing qualified digital financing application intake by 30 per cent within 12 months, reducing front-end application initiation turnaround time by at least 40 per cent within nine months, and achieving at least 60 per cent self-service adoption for new applications within 12 months.

The launch followed the completion of required cybersecurity certification, CBN validation, pilot execution and successful go-live readiness assessment.

The bank had set up a digital help desk across its 36 state offices nationwide to assist customers with navigating the portal.

“With MyBOI Portal, the Bank of Industry is taking a significant step towards a more accessible and digitally enabled financing experience, helping businesses spend less time navigating processes and more time pursuing growth,” the bank added.

The objective is to ensure that businesses spend less time navigating financing procedures and more time deploying capital towards productive economic activity.

• Gov receives Champion Against SGBV Award for supporting prevention, response initiatives

Sunday Ehigiator

Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) has honoured Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and other individuals, institutions, and organisations for their contributions to the prevention and response to domestic and sexual violence in the state.

The honours were presented at the Governor’s Commendation Night organised by the agency as part of activities marking the 2026 Domestic and Sexual Violence Awareness Month.

The event brought together government leaders, law enforcement stakeholders, healthcare providers, civil society organisations, development partners and survivors to recognise efforts towards strengthening Lagos State’s response to domestic and sexual violence.

A major highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of Lagos State Champion Against SGBV Award to Sanwo-Olu in recognition of his “immense support, unwavering commitment, and invaluable contributions towards the prevention and elimination of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence in Lagos State”.

The governor, represented at the ceremony by the founder of Oasis Mediation and Solicitors, Mrs. Tawakalitu Toriola, commended frontline workers and institutional partners for their efforts in protecting survivors, holding perpetrators accountable, and building safer communities.

He said the evening was “not only about celebrating past milestones but also about inspiring all sectors of society to actively take responsibility for ending domestic and sexual violence”.

In his welcome address, Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro, SAN, who was represented by Director of Advisory Services, Lagos State Ministry of Justice, Mrs. Folashade Anibaba-Bossman, commended the awardees and partners for their commitment to strengthening the state’s response to domestic and sexual violence.

Pedro stressed “the importance of sustained collaboration among government institutions, law enforcement agencies, healthcare providers, civil society and other stakeholders in protecting survivors and ensuring access to justice”.

Executive Secretary of DSVA, Mrs. Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, expressed “deep appreciation to the awardees, partners, and state leadership” for their contributions to the fight against gender-based violence.

Vivour-Adeniyi said, “Combating gender-based violence requires a seamless, multi-sectoral approach connecting police units, health facilities, justice systems, social services, and civil society, with survivors remaining at the centre of all interventions.”

The agency also honoured institutions and individuals for outstanding contributions across key response sectors.

The Festac Family Support Unit (FSU), represented by ASP Okanlawon Yetunde, was named the Most Responsive Family Support Unit, while Family Social Services, Kosofe Local Government, represented by Mrs. Abosede Owovoriho, received the Family Social Service of the Year award.

In the healthcare sector, Ita Elewa Primary Health Centre, represented by Dr. Osagie Ehimeme, won the Most Responsive Primary Health Care award, while Somolu General Hospital, represented by its MD/CEO, Dr. Adesina Ayodele, was honoured as the Most Responsive General Hospital.

The Walk Against Rape and Indirect Discrimination Foundation (WARAID), represented by Mrs. Bunmi Onilude, received the NGO of the Year award.

The awards recognised contributions in areas, including rapid response, compassionate survivor care, healthcare delivery, child protection, community advocacy, and institutional collaboration.

Lagos State Government reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining a “coordinated, survivor-centred framework”, while ensuring accessible legal, medical and psychosocial support services across the state.

DSVA urged citizens and institutions to, “Maintain the collective momentum towards creating a Lagos entirely free from domestic and sexual violence.”

•Advocates mandatory standards, enforcement to curb costly energy waste

James Emejo in Abuja

Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has identified energy inefficiency as a major drag on Nigeria’s productive economy.

It said businesses could significantly cut operating costs and improve productivity by investing in energy-efficient technologies.

JICA stressed that energy inefficiency was quietly inflating business costs and weakening productivity.

Chief Representative of JICA in Nigeria, Ishigame Keiji, described energy efficiency as the “first fuel”, stating that the cheapest unit of energy is the one that does not have to be produced.

Keiji spoke at a two-day national workshop on energy efficiency and conservation organised by JICA and Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN), with the theme,  “Accelerating Energy Efficiency and Conservation in Nigeria: From Policy to Implementation, Regulation and Measurable Impact.”

The agency said the economic burden extended beyond electricity consumption, as industries were forced to spend heavily on self-generated power while households, businesses, and public institutions continued to operate inefficient appliances and systems.

He said improving efficiency across buildings, industries, transportation, and appliances could lower energy costs, increase productivity, and strengthen the country’s energy security.

“By adopting energy efficiency technologies in buildings, industries, transportation and appliances, Nigeria can reduce energy costs, improve productivity and enhance energy security,” he said.

He added that Japan’s development experience demonstrated that energy efficiency could serve not merely as an environmental intervention but also as a driver of economic growth and industrial competitiveness.

Keiji said, “JICA remains committed to supporting Nigeria’s efforts towards sustainable and inclusive energy development, and we hope this workshop will produce a practical roadmap to guide future investment and institutional collaboration.”

The economic cost of energy inefficiency was further highlighted by Director General/Chief Executive Officer of ECN, Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi, who disclosed that industrial energy expenditure in Nigeria ran into trillions of naira annually.

A significant portion of the expenditure, he said, went into diesel-powered self-generation, which he described as one of the most expensive and least efficient sources of energy available to Nigerian industries.

Abdullahi said the scale of spending meant that energy inefficiency was effectively diverting resources that could otherwise be deployed into production, expansion, employment and investment.

“Inefficiency in the energy chain is money leaving the productive economy for no productive return,” he said.

He said the workshop was intended to move the country beyond policy formulation by bringing policymakers, regulators, and implementers together to agree on specific actions and timelines.

“Energy efficiency policy that is not backed by clear standards, and standards not backed by institutions able to enforce them, do not change outcomes on the ground,” Abdullahi said.

Meanwhile, former Minister of Science and Technology, Professor Abubakar Sambo, identified another cost channel in the country’s energy-efficiency challenge—the continued inflow of inefficient appliances through the country’s porous borders.

Sambo said Nigeria lacked sufficient decentralised testing capacity to verify the energy ratings of appliances entering through its ports, creating an enforcement gap that could lock consumers and businesses into higher energy costs for years.

He called for a shift from voluntary compliance to mandatory, customs-enforced energy-efficiency standards at the point of entry.

He said, “We must integrate compliance between the Standards Organisation of Nigeria and the Nigeria Customs Service to flag high-energy intensity imports at the ports.”

According to him, improving efficiency could deliver additional energy capacity without requiring equivalent investment in new generation infrastructure.

“Efficiency is our cleanest, cheapest and most abundant energy source. It requires no new power plants, only the political will to enforce what is already on paper,” Sambo said.

Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr Kingsley Udeh, stressed the role of technology in reducing the country’s energy burden.

Udeh said smart energy systems, artificial intelligence, and digital monitoring tools were already transforming energy management globally and should be deployed more aggressively in Nigeria.

Represented by Director, Technology Acquisition and Adaptation, Michael Anpe, Udeh also called for stronger links between research institutions, universities, technology hubs and industries to ensure that innovations developed locally translated into commercial solutions.

He said, “We must move beyond research that remains on shelves towards innovations that solve real problems in Nigerian homes, offices, industries and communities.”

He stated that although Nigeria had made progress in developing energy-efficiency policies and institutional frameworks, their economic impact would depend on implementation, monitoring and enforcement.

Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning also backed the initiative, with its representative, Fatima Sheji, describing energy as a cross-cutting input affecting infrastructure, education, industry, and wider economic development.

Sheji urged ECN to support the programme and ensure that its outcomes were implemented across the country.

Wale Igbintade

The Society of Public Interest Lawyers in Nigeria (SPI-LAW) has petitioned the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC) of the Body of Benchers to initiate disciplinary proceedings against former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, over findings contained in an International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) arbitration arising from the Mambilla Power Project dispute.

The petition, filed in Abuja on September 28, 2026, and registered as BBLPDC/2196/2026, asked LPDC to investigate allegations of professional misconduct and infamous conduct in a professional respect against the former attorney-general.

The petition was filed through lawyers, including Olukunle O. Edun, SAN, John Aikpokpo-Martins, and Olajide A. Abiodun.

Affidavits in support of the petition were deposed to by Aikpokpo-Martins, President of SPI-LAW, and Edun, its Vice President.

SPI-LAW said its complaint was based principally on findings contained in the ICC tribunal’s September 16, 2026 Final Award in Sunrise Power and Transmission Company Limited & Anor v. Federal Government of Nigeria, arising from the long-running dispute over the Mambilla Power Project.

The group is asking the LPDC to examine whether the conduct attributed to Malami in the arbitral proceedings and related matters amounted to professional misconduct warranting disciplinary action under the applicable rules governing legal practitioners.

According to the petition, the tribunal found that Malami and the then Minister of Power lacked actual and apparent or ostensible authority to execute the January 21, 2020 Settlement Agreement and March 25, 2020 Addendum on behalf of Nigeria.

The petition also cited the tribunal’s finding that the settlement instruments were “a product of corruption” and unenforceable for violating Nigerian public policy.

SPI-LAW further alleged that the tribunal accepted evidence that Malami directly solicited a bribe and claimed a share of the settlement sum payable to Sunrise.

It said the tribunal drew an adverse inference that “a corrupt deal was in fact reached” between Malami and Mr. Adesanya, involving an alleged promise to pay the former AGF a share of the settlement sum in exchange for committing Nigeria to the settlement instruments.

The petition also relied on the tribunal’s finding that Malami, as Nigeria’s chief law officer, “deliberately acted against the best interests of Nigeria” and was negotiating not for Nigeria but for Sunrise, allegedly motivated by “other incentive(s)”.

SPI-LAW said the tribunal further described the relationship between Malami and Adesanya as “an inappropriate relation”, marked by “a high degree of trust” and “a lack of moral compass”, while identifying red flags it considered indicative of a corrupt relationship.

Another allegation concerns Malami’s conduct during the arbitration. SPI-LAW said the former AGF, despite being in Paris during the hearing and meeting former President Muhammadu Buhari, declined to appear for cross-examination as a witness called by Nigeria.

The tribunal, according to the petition, expressed “serious dissatisfaction” with the disregard allegedly displayed by Malami for the administration of justice.

SPI-LAW is asking the LPDC to determine whether the alleged conduct violated Rule 1 of the Rules of Professional Conduct for Legal Practitioners, 2023, and Section 11 of the Legal Practitioners Act.

The organisation listed the particulars of its complaint as alleged solicitation of a bribe or participation in a corrupt deal while serving as AGF; acting against the interests of Nigeria; maintaining an inappropriate relationship with a party adverse to the federal government; executing instruments without requisite authority; and disregard for the administration of justice.

The petitioners also pointed out that the 2023 professional conduct rules relied upon in the complaint were signed into law by Malami while he was Attorney-General and Minister of Justice.

SPI-LAW said the AGF’s office, as the country’s highest legal office, required absolute integrity, loyalty to the Federation and fidelity to the rule of law.

It urged the LPDC to certify that there was a case to answer and invite Malami to defend the allegations.

The organisation also submitted the ICC Final Award and certified extracts of the material findings as exhibits.

SPI-LAW said it filed the petition in the public interest pursuant to Rule 4 of the LPDC Rules, 2020, arguing that no public office holder should be beyond professional accountability.

Kuni Tyessi in Abuja

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has declared unwavering support for the ongoing transformation agenda in the insurance sector and condemned attempts to derail the recapitalisation exercise.

Speaking yesterday at a press briefing, NANS National President said the apex student body representing over 40.1 million Nigerian students across universities, polytechnics and colleges of education stands firmly behind the reforms reshaping the industry.

He said it recognises the strategic importance of a strong, modern and resilient insurance sector to national economic development and commended the leadership of the federal government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for initiating bold economic reforms.

President of the association noted the recapitalisation exercise is critical to strengthening the financial capacity, stability and global competitiveness of insurance institutions in Nigeria.

It warned against any attempt by vested interests to frustrate or derail the exercise, describing such moves as inimical to national interest and economic growth.

NANS reaffirmed its commitment to supporting policies that promote economic stability and protect the interest of Nigerian students and the general populace.

•Brent rises above $100 as China curbs fuel exports

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

The European Union governments have spent €17.9 billion, equivalent to about $21 billion, this year to cushion households and businesses from the impact of higher oil and gas prices, even as Nigeria has largely exited its long-standing petrol subsidy regime.

The European Commission, in a note prepared for discussions by euro zone finance ministers on October 8, disclosed that 25 member states had introduced fiscal measures since the outbreak of the Middle East conflict to mitigate the impact of rising energy prices.

The measures represent about 0.1 per cent of the EU-27’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

The disclosure comes against the backdrop of renewed volatility in global energy markets, with Brent crude yesterday climbing back above $100 a barrel as concerns over refined fuel supplies added to the pressure created by the conflict in the Middle East.

The commission, however, cautioned that more than two-thirds of the $21 billion intervention consisted of untargeted price measures, arguing that future support should be directed more specifically at vulnerable households and businesses, while limiting fiscal costs and remaining consistent with the bloc’s efforts to decarbonise its energy system.

However, the contrast with Nigeria is significant. President Bola Tinubu announced the removal of the country’s petrol subsidy in May 2023, shortly after assuming office, with the government subsequently defending the decision as necessary to end what it described as an expensive and distortionary system.

In a July 2023 national broadcast, Tinubu said the subsidy had outlived its usefulness and acknowledged that its removal had pushed up fuel costs, with food and other prices subsequently rising. The pronouncement has subsequently raised petrol prices to about N1,500 per litre.

But unlike Nigeria’s approach, the measures adopted by EU governments in response to the latest energy shock have included fiscal interventions intended to shield consumers and businesses from higher energy costs.

The European Commission said, however, that such measures should be temporary and carefully designed rather than broad-based price interventions.

The commission also urged member states to increase investment in electricity grids and adjust energy taxation so that electricity is taxed less heavily than gas. The measures, it said, would provide incentives for consumers and businesses to shift away from fossil fuels while strengthening the bloc’s power infrastructure.

The latest European intervention follows a renewed increase in global oil prices. Brent crude, the international benchmark, rose 2.9 per cent to $100.87 a barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate gained 1.4 per cent to $91.72.

The rise followed reports that PetroChina, China’s state-owned oil company, had cancelled a number of gasoline and jet fuel shipments scheduled for October, raising concerns about refined-product availability as the global market continues to adjust to disruptions in the Middle East.

Although crude flows from the region have been recovering towards pre-war levels, refined fuel supplies, particularly gasoline, have remained tighter. The resumption of Saudi Arabian tanker loadings from its Red Sea port of Yanbu has provided some relief after the kingdom restarted operations on its East-West Pipeline, offering an alternative route for moving crude from the Gulf.

The recovery in crude flows had previously helped moderate oil prices, but traders remain focused on the possibility of prolonged disruption to fuel supplies as the conflict continues.

For Europe, the renewed energy shock is also complicating the economic outlook. The European Commission said euro zone growth this year was likely to be somewhat stronger than its previous 0.9 per cent forecast, but projected weaker growth next year than its earlier estimate of 1.2 per cent.

Inflation is expected to remain around three per cent this year, while the commission projected 2027 inflation at 2.3 per cent, higher than its previous forecast. It also warned that borrowing costs for member states had increased substantially, underscoring the need for fiscal prudence.

The commission posited that governments can still provide relief when energy prices rise, but such interventions should be targeted, temporary and fiscally sustainable.

It cited lessons from the 2022-2023 energy crisis, when European governments deployed substantial support to protect households and businesses from soaring energy bills.

For Nigeria, where the petrol subsidy was removed as part of a wider reform programme aimed at reducing government expenditure and allowing fuel prices to reflect market conditions, the European response highlights a different policy approach to managing energy-price shocks.

Felix Omoh-Asun in Benin City

Indigenes and stakeholders of Orogho Dukedom in Edo South have raised the alarm over alleged activities of some oil companies and traditional rulers of the community.

Some indigenes of the community, who spoke to the journalists in Benin City, the Edo State capital, on Wednesday, said the oil companies in cohort with some of their leaders were cornering the resources meant to develop the community.

According to the representatives of the seven communities that make up the dukedom, their area has remained largely underdeveloped despite millions of naira that have been channelled through a particular monarch.

Osahon Imaru, the convener, alleged that misappropriation of funds meant for seven communities in the Dukedom, namely Orogho, Uwuo, Obagie Nunuamen, Iwevbo, Ugbigun, Obanakhoro and Ekhigbe, by the Enogie, Prince Patrick Osayande Akenzua, had been the order of the day.

Imaru stated that since the ascension of the present Enogie, several concerns had been raised by the stakeholders across the seven communities concerning the administration of the dukedom.

The convener also said one of the most worrisome concerns was the introduction of Enogie Representatives or Sub-Enogie in each of the seven communities, which he said had allegedly taken advantage of those positions to oppress the people whom the Enogie was expected to protect.

They expressed their worry over the alleged misappropriation of N38.5 million that was disbursed among ancestral land owners and the dukedom communities that NEW CROSS Petroleum’s pipeline transverse.

The group equally raised concerns regarding the alleged disposal of a large parcel of land in the Savannah area of Ere-Egwa farm without the knowledge or consent of the community leaders or the wider communities within the dukedom.

The people further stated that the land was subsequently recovered after well-meaning indigenes of the Orogho and Owuo communities intervened and stopped Ere-Egwa Farm from securing a Certificate of Occupancy (Cof O) from Edo State Ministry of Lands and Survey in respect of the land.

The group reiterated that the issues raised were not mere allegations made without basis, as relevant documents were in their possession and available for verification by the appropriate authorities.

They said having exhausted several avenues to resolve the issue internally, they decided to seek the intervention of the Palace of the Oba of Benin as the highest traditional authority relevant to the matter, which they said was followed by a letter submitted through the Secretary to the Benin Traditional Council.

The group added that having discovered that the Enogie resorted to the oppressive and autocratic style of administration, which he exercised through the Enogie Representatives or Sub-Enogie, they were compelled to seek the intervention of Edo State Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs and Orhionmwon Local Government Council.

On the proposed election in the community, which was put on hold, the group considered the development significant as it demonstrated the importance of allowing the appropriate authorities to understand the underlying issues before any process that could further deepen division within the communities.

The group said they were not opposed to the traditional leadership, as they recognised and respected the Benin traditional institution and the historical significance of the Enogie institution. They said their concern was the manner in which the institution was being administered.

They advocated that the seven communities should be allowed to have meaningful participation in decisions affecting them.

The group called on the Oba of Benin, Edo State Ministry for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Orhionmwon Local Government Council, and other relevant authorities to give the matter the necessary attention.

The concerned indigenes and Stakeholders concluded that their intervention on the issues was not a campaign against the institution of the Enogie, but a call for accountability and responsible administration.

They stated, “We believe that traditional institutions can only remain strong when they enjoy the confidence of the people they represent.

“Our struggle is, therefore, directed towards ensuring that the seven communities of Orogho Dukedom are governed through a system that promotes peace, justice, accountability, consultation, transparency and development.”

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

President Bola Tinubu on Thursday evening led top government officials to watch the premiere of the documentary on winner of June 12, 1993 presidential poll, Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola entitled MKO at the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and the Creative Arts in Iganmu, Lagos.

The President was joined at the event by the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu; President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio; Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu; his Ogun State counterpart, Dapo Abiodun and that of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.

Others present included Deputy Senate President, Senator Jibrin Barau; Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu; Chief of Staff to the President, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila; Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy Hannatu Musawa; former Ogun State Governor, Aremo Segun Osoba and other top government officials.

The documentary, MKO, directed by Nigerian-American filmmaker Ose Oyamendan, chronicles the life, political journey and legacy of the late Chief MKO Abiola, with particular focus on the June 12, 1993 presidential election, its annulment, subsequent detention and the pro-democracy struggle that followed.

The film, which had its international premiere at the Sheffield International Documentary Festival in the United Kingdom in June 2026, features archival materials and first-hand accounts from key personalities connected to the period

With its national premiere in Lagos on October 1, the documentary is scheduled for release in cinemas nationwide on October 2, 2026

Late Chief MKO Abiola occupies a prominent place in Nigeria’s democratic history as the winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, which was annulled by the then military government of General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida.

Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan

Families of 19 prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members travelling from Ibadan to the orientation camp in Abia State were thrown into panic on Thursday after suspected kidnappers reportedly intercepted two buses conveying the youths along the Onitsha-Abia axis.

Most of the prospective corps members are graduates of the University of Ibadan (UI), Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso, and other tertiary institutions in Oyo State.

The incident triggered anxiety at the Ibadan office of Udua King Transport Services in the Samonda area, where distraught parents and relatives gathered to demand information on the whereabouts of their children and the steps being taken by the transport company to secure their release.

It was gathered that four buses were deployed by the company to convey the prospective corps members to the NYSC permanent orientation camp in Abia State. Two of the buses reportedly escaped the suspected kidnappers’ ambush, while the other two were allegedly forced to stop by the gunmen.

According to information obtained from the transport company, 11 passengers and the drivers of the two affected buses managed to escape, while 15 others were reportedly taken away by the attackers.

The transport company’s manifest listed those allegedly abducted as Akande Kehinde, Olaleye Mary, Oladosu Greatness, Obafunsho Rhoda, Abdulrof Anifat, Esther Oyede, Hassan Usman, Ayomide Isa, Mary Makinde, Azeez Adejoke, Abdulrazaq Anifat, Sarah Temilolu, Adeoye Elizabeth, Eniola Samuel and Usman Temi.

A representative of the transport company, who declined to disclose his name, said the prospective corps members were allegedly abducted around Ihiala in the early hours of Thursday.

One of the parents, Mrs Alimot Akande, whose daughter, Kehinde Akande, a LAUTECH graduate, was among those reportedly abducted, said the journey had appeared uneventful until the family received a brief and frightening message from her.

According to her, the prospective corps members boarded the Udua King bus at Samonda in Ibadan for the journey to Abia State and stopped at Onitsha at about 10pm on Wednesday.

She said the journey resumed the following morning, but her daughter suddenly sent a message which simply read, “Kidnappers!”

Akande said that was the last communication she had with her daughter, adding that the family had been unable to establish further contact with her since the incident.

The development left parents who converged on the transport company’s premises visibly distressed, with many demanding details of the company’s efforts to locate and rescue the affected passengers.

Sunday Ehigiator

The Federal Government (FG), through the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Technical, Vocational and Entrepreneurship Education (OSSAP-TVEE) has empowered 70 digital media personnel with tablets to strengthen grassroots communication and awareness of Federal Government vocational and entrepreneurship programmes.

The initiative, unveiled in Abuja, is aimed at improving information dissemination on the National Poverty Reduction with Growth Strategy (NPRGS), as well as government’s vocational, entrepreneurship and digital empowerment programmes.

The Senior Special Assistant to the President on TVEE, Dr Abiola Arogundade, presented the tablets during a media information and empowerment meeting with digital media managers.

Arogundade said the engagement was designed to provide media practitioners with first-hand information on government initiatives and strengthen their capacity to connect potential beneficiaries with available opportunities.

She explained that the office would subsequently engage print and broadcast media practitioners to ensure that all segments of the media ecosystem were carried along in its grassroots outreach.

“The empowerment of media personnel is deliberate because you play a critical role in ensuring that government programmes reach communities, young Nigerians, entrepreneurs and other potential beneficiaries,” she said.

Arogundade stressed the importance of the media in taking information about government interventions beyond Abuja and into communities across the country.

“Without you, even if we go to these places, nobody will know. We want everybody to know what President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is doing, not just here in Abuja, but in all states,” she said.

According to her, millions of young Nigerians, artisans, trained professionals and small entrepreneurs possess the skills and determination to participate in the digital economy but lack access to appropriate devices.

“A phone or laptop is a tool to find new customers and turn training into certification. Without it, even the most capable people are locked out of the world,” she said.

The presidential aide said the Federal Government was taking digital devices and skills training to states across the country to expand opportunities for Nigerians to participate meaningfully in the digital and vocational economy.

She urged the beneficiaries to deploy the tablets productively, particularly by amplifying information about government programmes and connecting potential beneficiaries with available opportunities.

“We cannot keep empowering technical people and forget the media. You are the people helping us pass this message to the world. That is why you are here,” Arogundade said.

She also called for robust media coverage of the forthcoming NPRGS Oyo State phase, scheduled for September 28 to October 9, 2026, describing it as part of the government’s grassroots empowerment drive.

The initiative, according to the office, reflects the Federal Government’s commitment to expanding access to vocational skills, digital tools, entrepreneurship opportunities and timely information as part of efforts to promote inclusive development at the grassroots.

• Says president’s second term non-negotiable for Nigeria’s prosperity, national unity 

•Northern-based professionals in creative industry pledge full support for Tinubu’s return, election of all APC candidates

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

Vice President Kashim Shettima on Wednesday urged northern-based professionals in the creative industry to support the re-election of President Bola Tinubu in the interest of fairness and unity of the Nigerian project.

He said the president deserves the support of the North, assuring the group of Northern artists that the Tinubu administration will continue to support the growth of the entertainment industry in the region.

Speaking during an audience with a delegation of Northern Performing Artists under the auspices of Triple-R For Renewed Hope at the All Progressives Congress (APC) campaign office in Abuja, Shettima emphasised the region stands to benefit significantly from the administration’s creative economy initiatives.

According to him, the president deserves the collective support of the North, as the federal government under his watch was implementing policies designed to empower local talent, stimulate cultural preservation, and generate economic opportunities through the creative arts.

Underscoring the importance of reciprocal support from Northern stakeholders to ensure the seamless execution of the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, the Vice President assured the delegation that the federal government will continue to roll out targeted interventions to support regional artists, filmmakers, and musicians.

On the gains of the reforms being undertaken by the Tinubu administration, Shettima urged the group to remain steadfast with the government and the APC as a party, maintaining that the benefits of its programmes and policies will continue to manifest across different sectors in the coming months and years.

Earlier, Director-General of the Presidential Campaign Council, Sen. Abdulaziz Yari, said the re-election of President Tinubu in the 2027 general elections would be based on facts and achievements, while urging support groups and individuals to be guided by the performance of the administration.

He also called on creative industry professionals to disregard claims by political opponents about the exclusion of the North in terms of appointments and projects, saying the region has been fairly treated by the current administration and remains an integral part of the country’s democratic journey.

In his remarks, Deputy Director General, Parliamentary Mobilization, APC Presidential Campaign Council and former governor of Katsina State, Hon Aminu Bello Masari, thanked the creative industry professionals for their resolve to support all APC candidates, including President Tinubu, in the forthcoming general elections.

He said the programmes of the Tinubu administration and its policies are positively impacting the fortunes of creative industries, urging professionals to leverage the opportunities enhanced by the administration to improve their lives and livelihoods.

Also speaking, former Kano State governor and erstwhile APC National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, thanked the group for their support and urged them to stand for justice, fairness, and inclusiveness to ensure the re-election of President Tinubu in 2027.

Acknowledging the commitment, love and passion of the group in supporting the party’s candidates across all levels, Ganduje insisted that Triple-R For Renewed Hope remained one of the most organic support groups of the APC in the country.

He advocated the enhancement of the entertainment industry in Nigeria through the provision of infrastructure and training of upcoming artistes from the region.

On his part, president of Triple-R For Renewed Hope, Alhaji Dauda Kahutu Rarara, pledged the support of the group for the reelection of President Tinubu and all other candidates of the party across the north.

He noted that northern Nigerian creatives remain focused on building a united front to support the reelection of President Tinubu and regional APC candidates.

He said the support of northern-based professionals was organic and based on performance, noting that all professionals in the film industry from the northern part of the country were united in supporting all APC candidates in the 2027 elections.

Also, National Chairman of the group, Alhaji Lawan Ahmad, and Secretary of Triple-R For Renewed Hope, Alhaji Ahmad Bifa, who spoke separately, expressed their readiness to work for the success of President Tinubu and all the APC candidates in the forthcoming elections.

They sought the support of the federal government in the reorganisation of the creative industry in northern Nigeria, particularly in the provision of the necessary infrastructure and wellbeing of professionals.

Alex Enumah in Abuja

Justice Mohammed Umar of a Federal High Court, Abuja, has dismissed a suit challenging the emergence of former Cross River Governor, Donald Duke as the presidential candidate of the People’s Redemption Party (PRP) for the 2027 general elections.

Justice Umar dismissed the suit filed by an aggrieved aspirant, Yakubu Muhammed Kingsley, for being incompetent and lacking in merit.

Besides Duke, the PRP and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) were the other defendants in the suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/1234/2026.

The plaintiff had asked the court to among others determine whether Duke was dully returned as the presidential candidate of PRP in the May 25 primary election, in which its results was declared on May 26, having not been a registered member of the party as at May 4, when the PRP’s membership register was submitted to INEC.

Besides, Kingsley also asked the court to determine, “Whether over voting in states like Bauchi, where the registered members of the 1st defendant in its membership database is 593 and the total votes cast was 760, in Gombe State the registered member was 348 and the votes cast was 1,431 and in Kwara State, the registered members is 55 while the vote cast was 82 votes, will not call for the nullification of the said primary election.”

Delivering judgment in the case on Wednesday, the court held that the case of the plaintiff was without merit and subsequently dismissed it.

Ruling in the preliminary objection filed by the PRP and Duke, the court held that the case of the plaintiff was statute barred haven filed outside the time prescribed by the Constitution.

In the same vein, the court also considered the substantive issues raised by the plaintiff and resolved them in favour of the respondents.

On Duke’s alleged membership of the PRP, the court held that membership of a political party was an internal party matter and therefore outside the court’s jurisdiction.

The court found that Kingsley failed to place before it the party guidelines, which he alleged had been breached during the party’s screening exercise.

On the allegation of over-voting in the PRP primary election in Bauchi, Gombe and Kwara states, the court held that the plaintiff failed to provide the party’s membership register, accreditation records and final primary election results to substantiate the claim.

Consequently, the court dismissed the suit and resolved all the issues in favour of the PRP, Duke and INEC.

Yemi Kosoko in Jos

The Berom Youth Moulders Association (BYM) has called on the federal government to revoke Mining Lease No. ML-129 covering the Latya community in Du District of Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State, alleging irregularities in the issuance and administration of the lease.

Addressing journalists in Jos on Wednesday, the group claimed the mining lease being utilised by Dr. Joshua Egbagbe was obtained without adequate consultation with landowners and members of the host community.

The association also raised concerns over alleged arrests of community members and the deployment of security personnel to the mining site.

BYM urged the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, the Mining Cadastre Office and security agencies to investigate the circumstances surrounding the lease, verify its validity and review compliance with community development obligations required under Nigerian mining laws.

The group further called for an investigation into the deployment of police and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps personnel to the area, while demanding the withdrawal of security operatives from the site and the review of cases reportedly instituted against some community members.

However, responding to the allegations, Dr. Egbagbe, Managing Director of Mining Technologies Company Limited, maintained that the lease was lawfully acquired and remains valid and subsisting.

He said the company complied with statutory requirements and attributed the dispute to activities of alleged illegal miners operating within the lease area.

According to him, security agencies became involved following complaints and investigations into illegal mining activities.

Egbagbe also rejected claims that the company had failed in its community responsibilities, stating that efforts had been made to implement community development initiatives but were disrupted by recurring conflicts around the mining site.

He explained that the transition from an earlier lease designation to ML-129 followed a federal revalidation process that accompanied the migration of mining records from an analogue to a digital system.

While denying any wrongdoing, Egbagbe called for an independent committee comprising government officials, traditional leaders, security agencies, community representatives and the media to examine the issues and establish the facts.

The dispute has now placed the spotlight on federal and state authorities, who are being urged by both parties to intervene and provide clarity on the status of the mining lease and activities at the Latya mining site.

• Envoy recalls Nigeria’s role in ending apartheid, birthing democratic South Africa

•As Tourism, Nollywood, Music, Film remain bridges between two African powers

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

South Africa has reaffirmed its enduring ties with Nigeria, declaring that the two countries must continue to draw strength from their shared history, culture and African identity despite challenges that have occasionally strained relations between their peoples.

The Deputy High Commissioner of South Africa to Nigeria, Ambassador Lindy Mminele, stated this in Abuja at the 2026 Heritage Day celebration hosted by the South African High Commission, where she said her country had chosen unity and Ubuntu as guiding principles for its relationship with Nigeria and the wider African continent.

Mminele told diplomats, government officials, tourism stakeholders and South Africans resident in Nigeria that the philosophy of Ubuntu — broadly expressed in the belief that “I am because you are” — remained central to South Africa’s national identity and its relations with other African countries.

“Therefore, we choose unity. We choose Ubuntu. We choose the ties that bind us together,” she said.

The celebration, held under the theme “Celebrating Our Living Heritage: Strengthening the Ties That Bind Us,” provided the envoy an opportunity to highlight the historical, cultural and people-to-people connections between Nigeria and South Africa.

Mminele recalled that Nigeria’s support for the struggle against apartheid predated the emergence of democratic South Africa, describing the relationship between the two countries as one rooted in a shared history of the continent.

“South Africa’s bilateral relations with Nigeria predate our democracy,” she said, adding that the contribution of Nigeria, other African countries and international friends of South Africa ultimately helped in the emergence of the democratic South Africa of today.

Her comments underscored the longstanding role played by Nigeria in opposing apartheid and supporting the liberation struggle in Southern Africa through diplomatic, political and material assistance.

Mminele said the relationship had since evolved beyond political solidarity to encompass culture, entertainment, tourism and extensive people-to-people exchanges.

She particularly identified Nollywood, Afrobeats, Amapiano, music and film as powerful contemporary bridges between Nigerians and South Africans.

According to her, Nigerian films are widely appreciated in South Africa, while cultural institutions in both countries continue to collaborate under a Memorandum of Understanding on cultural cooperation.

She said South Africa participates in Nigeria’s Zuma International Film Festival, while Nigerian filmmakers participate in South African festivals, including those held in Durban.

Describing the relationship between the cultural institutions as “tight and ongoing,” the envoy said the creative industries had become an important channel for strengthening relations between the two countries.

She also described Nigeria’s cultural heritage as a vibrant mosaic comprising more than 250 ethnic groups, noting that Nollywood and Afrobeats had helped project Nigerian stories and cultural expressions to audiences across the world.

The cultural exchange, she noted, was particularly visible among young people, with Nigerian Afrobeats enjoying popularity in South Africa while South Africa’s Amapiano has gained a substantial following in Nigeria.

Artists from both countries have also increasingly collaborated, creating a shared entertainment space that cuts across national boundaries.

On tourism, Mminele urged Nigerians to explore South Africa’s diverse attractions, including Table Mountain, the Garden Route and Kruger National Park, as well as the country’s beaches, cultural sites, cities and wine regions.

She said South Africa also offered adventure activities ranging from hiking and surfing to safaris and shark cage diving.

“So our offerings of Mpumalanga or any other province of South Africa for tourism are open for business,” she said.

The envoy encouraged diplomats and their families serving in Nigeria to visit South Africa before completing their tours of duty, saying South African Tourism was ready to welcome them.

She commended South African Tourism for supporting the annual Heritage Day celebration and acknowledged its representative, Thekiso Rakolojoane, and his team.

She also recognised Nigerian tourism and cultural partners, including the Department of Culture and Tourism, the National Association of Nigerian Travel Agencies (NANTA), Nigeria Association of Tour Operators (NATOP) and the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), describing them as important enablers of people-to-people cooperation.

Welcoming guests to “Ekhaya”, meaning home, Mminele described the High Commission as South Africa’s “home away from home” and thanked the Nigerian government for hosting her country.

She said the celebration was also an opportunity to reflect on South Africa’s long and difficult journey towards democracy and the importance of preserving the country’s diverse heritage.

Recalling former President Nelson Mandela’s 2002 Heritage Day address, she said the occasion remained important to nation-building and the consolidation of a national identity founded on “unity within diversity.”

She also cited President Cyril Ramaphosa’s recent Heritage Day message, which celebrated South Africa’s languages, music, food, clothing, stories and customs as expressions of the country’s living heritage.

The envoy’s emphasis on unity and African solidarity came against the backdrop of recent tensions surrounding the treatment of Nigerians and other African migrants in South Africa, including reported attacks and deaths involving Nigerian nationals.

Nigerian authorities have repeatedly raised concerns over the safety of Nigerians in South Africa, while the South African government has maintained that it opposes xenophobia, racism and discrimination.

Against that backdrop, Mminele stressed that South Africa’s identity could not be separated from its African roots.

“South Africa is not just a country in Africa but an African country,” she said, stressing that the country’s past, present and future remained connected to the wider continent.

She said South Africa would continue to strengthen the ties that promote national unity, its relations with the wider international community and, most importantly, its bonds with Africa.

Mminele concluded her remarks by drawing from former President Thabo Mbeki’s celebrated 1996 “I Am an African” speech.

“I am an African. I recognise myself in you. You recognise yourself in me,” she said.

The celebration ended with Nigerian and South African cuisine, music and cultural interaction, with Afrobeats and Amapiano providing the soundtrack as Nigerians and South Africans gathered to celebrate their shared African heritage and the historical ties between the two countries.

Funmi Ogundare

The Association of Professional Party Organisers and Event Managers of Nigeria (APPOEMN), yesterday called for greater focus on leadership, business sustainability, professional standards and the development of emerging talent.

The President of the Association of Professional Party Organisers and Event Managers of Nigeria (APPOEMN), Ayiri Oluwadumoye, made this call at the 9th edition of The Events Industry Conference (TEIC 9.0), themed, ‘The Great Reset: Reinventing the Event Industry’, in Lagos.

She urged stakeholders in the Nigerian events industry to demonstrate stronger leadership, professionalism and innovation in driving the sector’s growth.

The three-day conference brought together industry practitioners, business leaders and emerging professionals for executive learning, talent development and recognition of excellence in the events sector.

Ayiri said the event was more than an annual gathering but a platform for shaping the future of the industry, adding that the conversations, knowledge-sharing sessions and relationships established at the conference had reinforced the need for stakeholders to work collectively towards building a more professional, sustainable and globally competitive events industry in Nigeria.

According to her, “ the responsibility of advancing the sector does not rest solely on industry associations but requires the active participation of professionals and businesses across the value chain.

“As we look ahead, I encourage every participant to take the lessons and connections from TEIC 9.0 beyond the conference hall and translate them into better standards, stronger businesses, greater professionalism and more opportunities for those coming behind us,” she stated.

The president noted that Nigeria’s events industry had enormous potential, adding that the association would continue to provide platforms for capacity building, advocacy, collaboration and recognition of excellence.

“To the Nigerian event industry, our journey continues. There is enormous potential within our sector, and APPOEMN remains committed to providing platforms that promote capacity building, advocacy, collaboration and recognition of excellence,” Oluwadumoye added.

In her remarks, the Chairperson of the occasion and Chief Executive Officer of Omega Events, Gbemisola Ope, called for greater inclusion and participation across all segments of Nigeria’s events industry.

 She stated that the annual conference remained important because of the continuous evolution of the events industry.

TEIC, she noted, had become a platform for industry stakeholders to learn, ask critical questions, build relationships and develop solutions to common challenges confronting the sector.

According to her, the conference has also contributed to stronger collaboration, improved commitment to professional standards, increased visibility for talent and opportunities for stakeholders to discuss ways of building stronger and more sustainable businesses.”

Ope, who is also the former president of the association said the focus of TEIC 10.0 should be on ensuring that stakeholders at different stages of their careers and businesses feel represented and have opportunities to contribute to the industry’s future.

“For TEIC 10.0, my strongest expectation is inclusion at every level. Whether you are just starting out or represent a business with generations of experience, from zero years to a100 years in the industry, you should feel that you belong and that your voice matters,” she stated.

She called for broader participation across specialisations, geographical regions and stages of business, noting that the learning and experiences at the conference should reflect the diverse realities of stakeholders in the industry.

The conference featured an executive masterclass, the TEIC FutureReady Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, which focused on leadership, business growth, financial literacy, professional credibility, insurance, healthcare and the overall wellbeing of event professionals.

It challenged practitioners to look beyond individual projects and build sustainable businesses capable of navigating the pressures of an increasingly demanding and competitive industry.

Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has revealed that a total of 9,324,349 young Nigerians were newly registered during the 2026 Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercises.

INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, made the disclosure on Wednesday at the investiture ceremony of the newly appointed Youth Ambassadors in Abuja.

The chairman who was represented by the National Commissioner, Prof. Rhoda Gumus, said the figure underscored the growing importance of youth participation in the electoral process.

Amupitan in a statement issued yesterday INEC Director of Voter Education and Publicity, Mrs. Victoria Eta-Messi, stressed the active involvement of young Nigerians was vital to strengthening and sustaining democracy.

According to him, this figure reinforces the critical role of active youth participation in Nigeria’s electoral process, which also helps in shaping electoral outcomes and strengthening public confidence in the democratic process.

The chairman explained that the appointment of the Youth Ambassadors was aimed at deepening the Commission’s engagement with young Nigerians and broadening their participation in the electoral process.

He added: “The appointment of these distinguished young Nigerians as INEC Youth Ambassadors is therefore a deliberate step towards strengthening the connection between the Commission and the youth population.

“We believe that the youths are more likely to engage with electoral information when it is communicated through credible, relatable and influential voices within their communities and social networks.”

The chairman urged the ambassadors to use their influence to raise voter awareness, promote peaceful and responsible participation, counter electoral misinformation and encourage young people to play an active role in shaping the nation’s democratic future.

Earlier, the National Commissioner and Chairman, Outreach and Partnership Committee (OPC), Prof. Kunle Ajayi, urged the Youth Ambassadors to speak against electoral violence and manipulation.

He also urged young people to protect their future and refuse to be used in activities that could endanger their lives or disrupt the electoral process.

On his part, the Minister of Youth Development, Hon. Ayodele Olawande, represented by the Deputy Director, Network and Social Mobilisation Department, Mrs. Lami Bature, urged the ambassadors to promote electoral awareness, peaceful participation and responsible citizenship.

Also, the Director-General, National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mallam Lanre Issa-Oniru, represented by the Director, Civic Values and Democracy Education, Dr. Olukemi Afolayan, urged the ambassadors to use their influence to promote civic responsibility, electoral integrity and peaceful participation ahead of the 2027 general election.

Meanwhile, the electoral body has presented the Certificate of Return to the winner of the Gombe/Kwami/Funakaye Federal Constituency by-election held on Saturday, 19 September 2026.

The certificate was presented to the member-elect, Hon. Kallamu MaiJama’a, by the National Commissioner supervising Gombe State, Rear Adm. Jamila Malafa (rtd) yesterday at the Commission’s Headquarters in Abuja

Hon. Kallamu MaiJama’a commended the Commission for the conduct of the election, describing the exercise as free, fair and credible.

Sunday Ehigiator

Chain Reactions Africa, a public relations and communications consulting firm, has warned Nigerian political leaders that the country’s young voters could play a significant role in determining the outcome of the 2027 general elections.

The firm also urged politicians and government institutions to pay closer attention to evolving youth behaviour, expectations and attitudes towards leadership, governance and public institutions.

It gave the warning yesterday in Lagos at the public presentation of its latest youth trends and culture intelligence report, ‘Youth Futures 2026: A Culture Intelligence Report on African Youth’, held in Lagos.

The report identified gaps in youth employment, mental health infrastructure, digital rights and online safety, as well as policies relating to the creative economy, as some of the areas with significant implications for young Nigerians.

Speaking at the event, Managing Director and Chief Strategist, Chain Reactions Africa, Israel Opayemi, said young Nigerians could no longer be regarded merely as an electoral constituency to be courted during election periods.

According to him, their changing experiences and choices around work, migration, identity, technology, relationships and meaning were increasingly shaping their expectations of leadership and institutions.

“Young people are not simply the audience of the future; they are already living through the future that the rest of society is only beginning to understand.

“Their choices around work, migration, identity, technology, relationships, and meaning are not isolated youth behaviours. They are signals of where society itself is heading.

“This insightful report by Chain Reactions Africa allows us to listen to those signals – not to speak for young people, but to understand what they are already learning to live with,” he said.

Opayemi said data from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) showed the scale of the youth electorate ahead of the 2027 elections.

He said Nigerians aged 18 to 34 accounted for 37,060,399 of the 93,469,008 registered voters in the 2023 general election, representing 39.65 per cent of the registered electorate.

“This is a significant number that can potentially determine the outcome of the 2027 elections if they turn out in good number to vote again.”

He said the report’s findings on governance also showed that young Nigerians had not abandoned the idea of governance, but had become increasingly sceptical of institutions that had failed to meet their expectations.

“Young Nigerians have not given up on governance; they have given up on the specific institutions that have consistently failed them.

“In the trust hierarchy, the report shows that self-trust and peer trust run high, community trust follows, and institutional trust sits as the weakest layer, one that must be earned through proof loops, not assumed. Nigerian youths now trust based on proofs.”

He added that institutions could no longer expect young people to trust them merely because of their status or promises.

“Institutions do not earn trust by asking for it any longer. Rather, they earn it by doing the thing they were supposed to do or promised to do and being held accountable when they fail.”

Opayemi also drew attention to what he described as a widening mismatch between the speed at which youth culture evolves and the pace of institutional response.

“Culture now moves in hours and days, brands respond in weeks and months, and government policy in months and years,” he said.

He therefore called for cultural intelligence to be embedded in public policy and business decision-making processes, rather than relying on reports after problems had already emerged.

Opayemi also said the #EndSARS protests had permanently altered the relationship between a generation of young Nigerians and the Nigerian state, adding that the scepticism created by the experience could only be addressed through demonstrable change.

Speaking while unpacking the report, Executive Vice President, Strategy and Innovation, Chain Reactions Africa, Franklin Ozekhome, said trust in institutions could still be rebuilt when young Nigerians saw evidence of competence, responsiveness and accountability.

He cited the digitalisation of tax processes by the Federal Inland Revenue Service, visible infrastructure delivered by some state governments and government agencies that responded to public complaints with tangible resolutions as examples of how institutional trust could be restored.

“Legitimacy is now a function of demonstrated competence and accountability,” Ozekhome declared.

He identified four areas where the gap between youth realities and policy responses was particularly consequential.

They included youth employment policies designed around formal jobs that many young Nigerians would never hold, mental health infrastructure, digital rights and online safety, and policies supporting the creative economy.

Ozekhome said young Nigerians were not merely consumers or participants in economic activities but were increasingly influencing how industries, communities and culture evolved.

“Young people are not simply participants in the economy; they actively shape how industries evolve, how communities form, and how culture travels. The decisions young people make today will influence the decade ahead,” he said.

He described the relationship between young Nigerians and authority through four paradoxes: “Intimacy Without Trust, Visibility Without Safety, Belief Without Institutions and Mobility Without Arrival. Today, belief, in particular, is being assembled outside churches, governments and formal organisations, and mobility no longer guarantees progress.”

Ozekhome also cautioned political actors against relying solely on the aesthetics of youth culture to connect with young voters, noting that the same digital infrastructure that enabled mobilisation during #EndSARS could also facilitate coordinated disinformation.

“The tools of power are not exclusively in good hands,” he warned.

He also cautioned political leaders and businesses against treating Nigerian youths as a single bloc, stressing that their experiences and expectations differed across regions and communities.

“Lagos is not Nigeria. Life’s condition, not age, is the variable that matters most. Youth culture in Kano, Enugu, Port Harcourt, and Ibadan have their own mentality and decision frameworks. So, a campaign built on visibility alone will not earn belief,” he said.

The report was produced by strategists, trend spotters, culture anthropologists and industry experts working across brands, business and youth culture in Africa.

It examined the experiences, choices and cultural shifts shaping the next generation, with particular attention to governance, trust, work, migration, identity, technology, relationships and the creative economy.

Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja

The Emir of Zazzau, Amb.Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, has called for continuous improvements and sustained efficiency in the administration of Hajj exercises for Nigerian pilgrims.

He made the appeal when he paid a visit to the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Ambassador Ismail Abba Yusuf at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja.

The royal father assured NAHCON of the traditional institution’s  support and commended the leadership of the commission for its ongoing efforts to reform Hajj operations, noting the strategic planning and monumental task involved in managing the logistics for tens of thousands of pilgrims.

 The royal father emphasized that the Zazzau Emirate, and the traditional institution at large, remain a critical stakeholder in mobilizing and sensitizing intending pilgrims to ensure a seamless exercise.

“Hajj is a significant spiritual journey, and the comfort, safety, and well-being of our people while fulfilling this religious obligation must remain paramount,” the Emir stated.

“We are here to offer our prayers, counsel, and  support to NAHCON. We also urge the commission to sustain its drive toward structural efficiency, early preparations, and transparent communication to overcome recurring operational challenges.”

Responding, the Chairman of NAHCON, Amb Yusuf, expressed deep gratitude to the Emir of Zazzau for the historic visit, describing it as a major morale booster for the management and staff of the commission.

He briefed the royal father on the commission’s latest policy frameworks, digital innovations, and strategic partnerships aimed at reducing costs, improving accommodation and feeding arrangements, and streamlining the airlift of pilgrims.

The NAHCON boss assured the Emir that the commission would look into the valuable insights provided during the interaction, reiterating NAHCON’s commitment to delivering a world-class Hajj experience that meets the expectations of the Nigerian government and the Muslim Ummah.