The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • AMACOS 94/99 set, AGH to launch multi-million naira library in Ogun

    AMACOS 94/99 set, AGH to launch multi-million naira library in Ogun

    In a remarkable demonstration of alumni commitment to educational development, the Association of Mass Communication Students (AMACOS) 94/99 Set of Moshood Abiola Polytechnic (MAPOLY), Abeokuta, in partnership with After God’s Heart Incorporated (AGH), has announced the upcoming inauguration of a multi-million naira Mini Community Library.

    The facility, situated within Abeokuta North Local Government Area, is poised to serve both students and residents of the area.

    Designed as a student-friendly learning hub, the Mini Community Library is equipped with reading desks, shelves, study materials, reference books, and other essential educational resources.

    The project aims to bridge learning gaps, promote a culture of reading, and provide a safe and conducive environment for academic development.

    The initiative forms part of the Legacy Projects of the AMACOS 94/99 Set, commemorating their reunion activities themed #30YearsOfFriendshipAndTogetherness, and underscores their dedication to fostering educational advancement in Ogun State.

    Speaking on the reunion plans, the chairman of the Reunion Planning Committee, Lady Lolade Akokhia, highlighted a series of activities lined up for the alumni.

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     “Our activities include courtesy visits to the Mass Communication Department of MAPOLY for the inauguration of an advertising studio and ARCON accreditation project, as well as joint presentations to non-academic staff. We will also visit the Rector, attend Jumat service, commission the library, visit the Abeokuta Correctional Centre, and round off with a Reconnect & Refresh evening event,” she said.

    The three-day reunion, continuing on Saturday with a FunFest at Olumo Rock and culminating with a thanksgiving service on Sunday, is designed to strengthen professional bonds, reconnect old classmates, and reinforce the alumni’s commitment to community development and educational empowerment. Commenting on the Mini Library, the Chairman of AGH, Dr. D. Olawale, said, “This project is driven by a shared passion for youth empowerment and academic excellence. The Mini Library will provide students with access to quality learning materials, especially as they prepare for critical examinations such as WAEC and JAMB. Collaborating with AMACOS 94/99, a group of professionals deeply committed to community growth, has been truly inspiring.”

    Echoing this sentiment, the President of AMACOS 94/99, Mr. Adenekan Moruff, expressed gratitude to AGH and the Abeokuta North Local Government leadership for their support. “

  • LASUSTECH: Taking digital literacy  notches higher

    LASUSTECH: Taking digital literacy  notches higher

    In line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, the Digital Learning Centre established at the Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH) would prepare  students for a rapidly changing, technology-driven world, as it aligns  with the institution’s mission to nurture innovation and equip learners with relevant digital skills. THANK GOD WEKPA(LASUSTECH) reports.

    It was a defining moment for the Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH) as it witnessed the official inauguration and handover of a Digital Learning Centre by the First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu.

    The Digital Centre is an initiative of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), a parastatal under the Federal Ministry of Communication, Innovation and Digital Economy in close partnership with the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) which is under the National Chairmanship of Senator Tinubu.

    The Digital Learning facility in LASUSTECH, is one of the centres  situated at different locations spread across 10 states of the federation.

    The centres include the Shehu Sule College of Nursing, Damaturu, Yobe State; Zamfara State Library Board, Gusau, Zamfara State; Nasarawa State Information Technology Agency, Lafia, Nasarawa State; Women Development Centre, Umuahia, Abia State; Grammar School, Uromi, Esan Central, Edo State; Ondo State Public Training Institute, Ondo State; ICT Centre, Kano State; Model Technical College, Asaba, Delta State; Model Primary School, Jakasawa, Katsina State; and Lagos State’s centre which is domiciled in LASUSTECH, Ikorodu.

    Senator Tinubu explained that the handover ceremony presents another opportunity under the mandate of the Federal Government through its Federal Ministry of Communication, Innovation and Digital Economy to further expand digital access across the country by providing communities with the resources it requires to develop ICT skills, thereby empowering the citizens to participate meaningfully in the digital economy.

    “This collaboration aligns with one of the key RHI Social Investment Programme of realising a nationwide digital skills empowerment. The 10 digital learning centre will accelerate economic diversification through industrialisation and digitisation, especially as it translates among other benefits, into seamlessness in the ease of doing business,” she said.

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    She disclosed that more of similar facilities are in the pipeline.

    “We are hoping to achieve a total sum of 592 Digital Centre nationwide by the end of this administration. We have completed and handed over, more than 200 centres, and with more of this digital centres, this opportunity will get to every nook and cranny of our nation, thus, achieving our objective of national digital transformation,” she added.

    She however, urged the members of the various beneficiary communities to maximise the opportunity in advancing themselves and their immediate communities.

    Vital to accelerate economic diversification

    Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi stated that the occasion signifies the unlocking of potentials as well as putting the nation on the right track to drive inclusivity for the entire citizenry.

    “This is in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda which promises to transform our country and ensure that we harness our most valuable resource being the human capital by empowering them with what they need to thrive in a digital nation.

    “Under the Renewed Hope agenda, it is also being identified, that digital transformation is a key to accelerating our economic diversification and inclusive growth in the country. As NITDA, we align with this mandate and we’ve been working in partnership with the RHI,” he said

    He further re-echoed Senator Tinubu’s earlier statement, affirming her claims.

    “ Under your leadership, Your Excellency, we have established 296 Digital Learning Centres in Nigeria. This year, we are going to do additional 148. Our target is that by 2027, we will establish 592 Digital Learning Centres across the country. This will empower our citizens all over the country to have access to digital infrastructure and services which in turn, will translate to improved living standards through the application of technology in making informed decisions in every aspect of their endeavours, especially in a rapidly evolving world,” he said.

    A complement to Lagos digital literacy investment

    Meanwhile, the First Lady of Lagos State, Dr Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu declared noted that the Digital Learning Centre is both significant and timely as it complements the state’s ongoing investment in digital literacy, innovation, and youth technology programmes.

    “Here in Lagos, under the leadership of our Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, our administration continues to prioritise technology as a key driver of development, in line with the THEMES Plus Agenda — focused on making Lagos a true smart city.

    “We are proud to be one of the beneficiaries of this laudable project. This is a great stride in our collective effort to expand access to digital infrastructure and ensure that our young people are fully equipped to thrive in a knowledge-driven economy.

    “All over the world, digital technology is the way forward, not only for the youth but also for adults. On behalf of the Government and people of Lagos State, I express our profound gratitude to Her Excellency, Distinguished Senator Oluremi Tinubu, CON, for her visionary leadership and steadfast commitment to youth empowerment through technology and innovation.

    “The establishment of the Digital Economy Centre in Lagos is a strong testament to the Renewed Hope Administration’s dedication to bridging the digital divide, nurturing creativity, and building a generation of globally competitive Nigerians.

    “We also appreciate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) for their collaboration and technical support in making this vision a reality.

    “To our students, I urge you to take full advantage of this facility. Learn, explore, and innovate. The world is evolving rapidly, and your creativity, adaptability, and drive will determine your success. Please protect and maintain this centre responsibly. It belongs to you — do not let anger, unrest, or neglect lead to its destruction. Handle the equipment with care and use it to empower your future,” she said.

    VC lauds Fed Govt for ‘’thoughtful initiative”

    Vice Chancellor of LASUSTECH, Prof. Olumuyiwa Odusanya described the initiative as not only thoughtful but also impactful as it benefits primarily,  the university, her students, and everyone in tremendous ways.

    He thanked the President and Senator Tinubu  for their steadfast support, expressing delight in being a beneficiary of the national programme.

    “As an institution, we are proud and thankful to be a beneficiary of the Digital Learning Centre. As you may know, this centre is one of ten across the country.

    “We fully integrate with the vision and objectives of the Digital Learning Centre initiative which aims at tackling poverty, job unavailability and producing tech-preneurs who are critical to driving the digital economy, thus, aligning with the “T” arm of our IMPACT agenda which focuses on Technology and Entrepreneurial Orientation.

    “The jobs of the future will not be mechanical or monotonous; they will demand digital literacy, creativity, and adaptability. The establishment of this centre reflects that vision — to prepare our students for a rapidly changing, technology-driven world. This aligns perfectly with our university’s mission to nurture innovation and equip learners with relevant digital skills.

  • LASU admits 14,893 of over 70,000 applicants as matric holds

    LASU admits 14,893 of over 70,000 applicants as matric holds

    The Lagos State University (LASU) has admitted no fewer than 14,893 of the over 70,000 candidates who sought admission in the institution.

    Speaking at the institution’s matriculation ceremony at the  main campus in Ojo, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello urged the freshmen to count themselves lucky, stressing that they should be serious with their studies.

    “You must count yourselves very lucky to be among the very few admitted. It is on this note that I will advise you to face your studies,” she said.

    The VC admonished them to eschew examination malpractice, corruption, hooliganism and other vice, adding that errant students would be dealt with in line with extant disciplinary measures.

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    “As young men and women desirous of a brighter future, it is expected that you abide by the university’s rules and regulations and remain committed to your studies.

    “Be regular in attending lectures, carry out all your assignments, shun deviant behaviours, avoid indecent dressing and carefully select your friends.

    “Bad friends destroy good habits, and our university has zero tolerance for cultism,” she said.

    She noted that her administration has zero tolerance for sexual and gender-based violence, culminating in the decision to establish the Directorate of Response and Prevention of Sexual and Gender-Based violence.

    “Do not keep silent when you are harassed or assaulted in any manner. If you see something, say something,” she said.

    Prof. Olatunji-Bello described the institution as a student-centred one committed to the development of generational leaders.

    “As a hub of learning, it embodies the spirit of freedom, providing an environment that nurtures growth and excellence.

    “Please be assured that your security in and around the university is paramount to the management; hence, we have put in place adequate security measures.

    “I plead with you to report any suspicious activities to the university authority for immediate response,” she said.

  • ‘Learn, grow and excel’

    ‘Learn, grow and excel’

    • By Precious Isaac

    The Vice Chancellor of University of Delta (UNIDEL), Agbor, Delta State, Prof. Stella Chinenye Chiemeke, has  urged freshmen of the institution to use every opportunity the school has to offer to grow, learn and excel.

    She spoke at the institution’s fifth matriculation ceremony for the 2024/2025 academic session.

    For the newly admitted students, the event was more than a formal induction. It marked a moment of identity, belonging and affirmation as they officially joined the university community.

    UNIDEL is one of the state-owned universities established in 2021 by the Delta State Government as part of a broader effort to expand access to higher education. Despite being relatively young, the institution has grown quickly, carving out a presence in the state’s academic landscape and attracting thousands of applicants each year.

    More than 15,000 applicants sought admission this year, with only 5,900 securing a place. For those who made it, the day carried a sense of achievement. Their excitement was evident in their smiles, chants and in the proud presence of family members who turned out in large numbers.

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    Prof. Chiemeke  urged them to conduct themselves responsibly throughout their time on campus. She stressed discipline, academic focus and good time management as essential habits.

    “You are stepping into a new phase of life.

    Use every opportunity UNIDEL offers to grow, learn and excel,” she said.

    The keynote address was delivered by Rev. Fr. Mario David, who spoke candidly about the realities of university life. He outlined seven key principles—motivation, mentorship, communication, empowerment, effectiveness, growth and expansion—describing them as pillars for academic success and personal development.

    Some of the fresh students, especially of the Department of Mass Communication, expressed delight at becoming bona fide student of the university.

    The main campus was vibrant and visually striking. Friends, family, well-wishers and returning students arrived in colourful outfits, adding flair to the event and turning the grounds into a lively space filled with celebration and photography.

  • ACU’s don  gets NSE Fellowship

    ACU’s don  gets NSE Fellowship

    • By Temitope Adejuwon

    Engineers and prominent Nigerians from across the country converged on the International Conference Centre of the University of Ibadan for the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) Conference on Monday to celebrate excellence, service, and decades of technical contribution to national development.

    This year, the engineering body conferred its prestigious Fellowship (FNSE) on 481 accomplished professionals. Among them is a man whose journey reflects academic depth and field experience, the pioneer and incumbent Director of Works at Ajayi Crowther University (ACU), Oyo, Dr Oluwole Aderogba Olaniyi.

    For Olaniyi, an associate professor of structures and materials, 2025 has been a year of professional affirmation.

    The NSE honour comes just weeks after he was conferred with the Fellowship of the Nigerian Institution of Civil Engineers (FNICE) on October 22 during the body’s international conference in Kano. Earlier, on October 11, he received yet another professional milestone: the Fellowship of the Nigerian Institution of Safety Engineers (FNISafetyE) at a ceremony held at The Polytechnic, Ibadan.

    These recognitions cement his standing as a multi-disciplinary asset in civil engineering, structures, and safety management.

    Olaniyi’s journey into engineering began at the Federal Polytechnic, Ado-Ekiti, where he earned an OND in Civil Engineering in 2003. He proceeded to Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso, obtaining his B.Tech. and M.Tech. degrees in 2008 and 2014 respectively.

    In 2023, he capped his academic pursuit with a Ph.D. in Civil Engineering from the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN), specialising in Structures and Materials, a field that blends scientific precision with practical problem-solving in building.

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    While building his academic credentials, Olaniyi was equally active on construction sites, supervising multi-million-naira projects across Nigeria, including in the Federal Capital Territory.

    In classrooms, he developed a reputation for mentoring young engineers who today occupy roles in both the private and public sectors. His early teaching career at LAUTECH later transitioned into international service when he joined the Technical Aid Corps (TAC) at the University of The Gambia.

    There, he helped pioneer the establishment of the Civil and Electrical Engineering Departments and designed curricula that continue to influence engineering education in the West African country.

    Olaniyi returned to Nigeria in 2020 and joined Ajayi Crowther University’s Civil Engineering Department. In September this year, he was appointed Associate Professor of Civil Engineering.

    But his contributions to ACU extend far beyond the lecture hall.

    From 2000 to 2024, he served as the institution’s Project Engineer, before being appointed its first Director of Works in October 2024. In that role, he has overseen major construction and redevelopment projects, including the Wole Olanipekun Lecture Halls, Professorial Office Complex, and the Registrar and Bursar’s Lodge.

    A registered engineer with the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), Olaniyi has been an active member of the NSE, NICE, and NISafetyE for more than a decade.

    He currently serves as the General Secretary of the NSE Oyo Branch and has worked on several conference and technical committees, including the Venue Sub-Committee for the 2025 NSE International Conference/AGM and the Protocol/Technical Sub-Committee for the Engr. Olumuyiwa Ajibola FNSE Annual Lecture.

    Beyond administrative and professional roles, Olaniyi remains committed to research. His works have appeared in peer-reviewed journals, and he has co-authored laboratory manuals widely used by engineering students.

    Some of his notable papers include:

    “Safety of Concrete Infrastructure in Nigeria: Steel Reinforcing Bars Perspective.”

    “Compressive Studies of Steel, Bamboo, and Rattan as Reinforcing Bars in Concrete.”

    “Price Trends and Geometric Size Patterns of Steel Reinforcing Bars in South Western Nigeria.”

  • Students hail free, fair SUG election

    Students hail free, fair SUG election

    • By Rabiat Abdullahi

    The Prince Abubakar Audu University (PAAU), Kogi State, has  held her 2025/2026 Student Union Government (SUG) election. It held on the institution’s campus.

    The voting commenced with the gathering of  faculty representatives, departmental reps, aspirants, and the presiding officers, as well as the campus safety reassurance team. Dr. Okolo,

    Chairman of Electoral Committee Executive Committee, Dr Okolo issued the voting slip, and by noon, voting  concluded and the winner of the SUG election was  announced.

    The Public Relations Officer of the institution, Fr. Damian Amana, emphasised proper confirmation of information before posting or sharing news content online, to avoid uproar and chaos. He assured of the VC’s commitment  to students’ and staff welfare and safety.

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    The election was nothing short of free and fair. The attendees testified to this at the end.

    A student in 100-level who craved anonymity said: “This is absolutely a conducive environment for learning. The organisation and cordial display of professionalism by the staff and students show that together we are united, and knowledge gained in this university is for self-reliance. The patrolling forces truly are a reminder that we are protected.”

    Aspirant representatives declared satisfaction at the results, with Comrade Rilwan Abubakar was announced the winner with  570 votes  against Comrade Agbene Fredrick’s 138.

    Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Johnson Orugun,  urged students to avoid late nights, adding that the management remains fully committed to ensuring a safe and secure environment for all members of its community.

  • ‘Inclusive economic devt. agenda vital for prosperous Africa’

    ‘Inclusive economic devt. agenda vital for prosperous Africa’

    • By Sanusi Opeyemi

    Deputy Vice Chancellor of Anglia Ruskin University in the United Kingdom,Prof. Kamil Omoteso, has said an inclusive economic development agenda was imperative for a prosperous future for Africa.

    He delivered a  paper at the 2025 Annual Conference organised by the Faculty of Management Sciences, Lagos State University, on the main campus in Ojo.

    The conference had the theme:  “Institutional Dynamics, Innovation and Inclusive Economic Development In Africa”.

    According to him, Africa is lagging behind in all areas of economic development with its abundant mineral resources.

    Omoteso noted that half of the world’s gold was  in South Africa, Ghana, Tanzania, Mali and Democratic Republic of Congo while one third of all mineral resources were in Africa.

    He highlighted corruption, inter tribal wars and mismanagement of resources as the bane of Africa, adding that a new idea, method or approach was required to move Nigeria and the continent forward.

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    The don noted that educational and research institutions such as LASU must come up with strong and purposeful research and collaborate with the government  to aid  economic development.

    The Special Adviser to Lagos State Governor on Central Internal Audit, Dr. Opeyemi Ayoola emphasised the need for countries in Africa to synergise, stressing the need for robust institutional dynamics that will regulate the continent, promote innovation and creativity and transform the current economic growth and development narratives.

    The Vice Chancellor,  Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello,represented by the Dean, Faculty of Education, Prof. Olugbenga Akindoju, described the theme of the conference  as not only timely but  strategic.

    She said to  fully harness its opportunities, Africa must interrogate and strengthen institutional frameworks,  rethink policy direction and  encourage innovation as a driver of competitiveness and inclusive growth.

  • Foundation gives  free forms to  students

    Foundation gives  free forms to  students

    • By Erinjogunola Femmy

    Students in the Ipokia Kingdom, Yewa South, Ogun State, were filled with joy as the I’m Somebody Foundation, founded by Nigerian-American musician  Dr Yinka Al-Hassan has donated educational materials and free WAEC forms to more than 20 students in the area.

    The outreach, held in partnership with his wife, Dr. Ugonna Hassan Adeola, Yeye Bobadara of Ipokia Kingdom.

     More than  300 others received exercise books and pens. Beneficiaries were drawn from Community Senior Secondary School and District High School, Ipokia.

    Speaking on the motivation behind the gesture, Al-Hassan said his humble beginnings shaped his desire to support students facing financial challenges. “As someone who started from a humble beginning, I understand how it feels to be in need. I hope and wish to do more for Ipokia and other related communities,” he said.

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    Principals and vice principals of the benefiting schools received the  forms on behalf of the students and thanked the donor  for the timely intervention. They also praised the Onipokia of Ipokia Kingdom, Oba Olusola Olaniyan, for his continued advocacy for education and community development.

    The foundation’s delegation was led by its President, Hassan Olaide Kafilat, alongside executives Taofik Afolabi, Odejinmi Opeyemi, Jamiu Akinlawon, Ajoke Balogun and Erinjogunola Femmy.

    Kafilat reiterated that the NGO was established to support the less privileged, particularly students struggling to pay examination fees.

    Senior Prefect of Community Senior Secondary School, Arowolo David, described the support as life-changing.

    “I am very glad to be among the beneficiaries of this amazing opportunity from I’m Somebody Foundation. I want to thank the founders and also urge wealthy individuals to learn from their generosity,” he said, noting the shortage of teachers and absence of a library or laboratory in the school.

    The event ended with cheers and prayers as students, teachers and community members celebrated the foundation’s commitment to empowering young people through education.

  • An appeal to President Bola Tinubu

    An appeal to President Bola Tinubu

    • By LaBode Obanor

    Your Excellency, Nigeria stands at a fragile and consequential moment in its history. Across every region of our country, tension, distrust, and insecurity have reached deeply troubling levels. The nation is confronted with violent extremism, ethnic tension,etc.   Amid all these,  the continued detention and recent sentencing of      Mr. Nnamdi Kanu have become a symbol of division that threatens to deepen the national fault lines we can no longer afford to ignore.

    This is written with a sincere commitment to the unity and stability of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. I respectfully urge you to consider granting a presidential pardon to Mr. Kanu, as a strategic national decision grounded in history, security considerations, and the urgent need for reconciliation.

    Nigeria has faced similar moments in the past where bold acts of forgiveness and reconciliation helped prevent further conflict. Allow me to cite some historical precedents for this act of presidential gesture. On May 18, 1982, President Shehu Aliyu Usman Shagari pardoned Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu. After the Biafran conflict, while Ojukwu was in exile, President Shehu Shagari extended a pardon that allowed Ojukwu to return home and reintegrate into national life. That decision helped calm tensions at a time when the Southeast could have descended into prolonged rebellion.

    During the early years of the Fourth Republic, presidential pardon and clemency were used to lower political tensions and reintegrate aggrieved actors into the democratic process. On March 4, 1999, the transitional military government of General Abdulsalami Abubakar ordered the release of Lt. Gen Oladipo Diya, who had been imprisoned under General Sani Abacha’s regime for an alleged coup plot. This move was widely seen as a significant gesture of national reconciliation and a step towards ending the cycle of political imprisonment that characterised military rule.

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    Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, Obasanjo’s former deputy during his first military rule, implicated in a coup plot and died in prison under the Abacha regime, was granted a posthumous pardon by President Obasanjo. This was intended to honour his memory and reconcile with his political allies and the broader northern political elite.

    In November 2002, on the first anniversary of his presidency, Obasanjo also announced a pardon for 80 former soldiers who had fought for the secessionist state of Biafra during the Civil War. These soldiers had been dismissed from the Nigerian armed forces and stripped of their benefits. The clemency converted their dismissals into formal retirements, making them eligible for pensions and wiping out the stigma, which was a significant step toward healing historical civil war grievances and fostering national unity.

    In June 2009, President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua declared an unconditional amnesty for the Niger Delta militants. Through that gesture, a region that had become ungovernable experienced a dramatic reduction in violence. The alternative was endless combat. Instead, a political solution delivered national economic and security benefits.

    Your Excellency, sir, these examples demonstrate that Nigeria has never relied on force alone to achieve peace when political grievances are involved. The pardon power has historically been used to pull the country back from the brink. Today’s situation calls for a similar statesmanlike intervention.

    The Southeast remains deeply unsettled. For many in the region, the incarceration of Mr. Kanu is not viewed as a legal matter alone but as a political symbol of marginalisation. Whether or not this perception is accurate, it is real, and it is fueling heightened anxiety, increased mistrust of the federal government, growing sympathy for separatist narratives, sporadic violence, and shutdowns that damage the local economy. A pardon in this present situation does not validate past actions. It acknowledges that the country needs healing more than it needs escalation. It signals to millions of citizens in the Southeast that the concerns of their region matter to the federal government.

    Your Excellency, unity cannot be enforced with force alone. Sometimes unity is advanced through magnanimity.

    Across the world, separatist and ideological movements gain momentum when their leaders are seen as martyrs or victims of oppression. This dynamic is already visible in parts of the Southeast. The continued imprisonment of Mr. Kanu strengthens the emotional and symbolic power far more than it weakens the movement. A pardon removes the mystique and places the burden of leadership back on the civilian population and regional elders. It is easier to negotiate peace with a free man than with a symbol turned into a grievance. As long as Mr. Kanu remains imprisoned, genuine dialogue with Southeast leaders, youth groups, and civil society is stalled. A pardon opens the door to (1) structured dialogue, (2) a regional reconciliation process, (3) a peace pathway that restores normalcy to communities, and (4) stabilising the economic and security situation.                                                                                                                                

    Your Excellency’s administration has repeatedly committed to national unity, security, and economic recovery. A pardon, issued in the spirit of reconciliation, would be one of the most powerful steps toward rebuilding trust across regions. Such an act would not weaken the state. It would strengthen it. It would demonstrate that Nigeria is mature enough to rise above division and that leadership is defined by wisdom and restraint rather than force alone.

    Should the government choose a conditional pardon, it may include reasonable and enforceable terms such as a commitment to non-violence, a prohibition on any form of incitement, participation in peace-building dialogues, and cooperation with federal peace initiatives. These conditions ensure accountability while still advancing reconciliation.

    Finally, sir, the question before the nation is simple: will Nigeria gain more from punishment or from peace? A pardon at this moment would not erase the past. Instead, it would chart a new course for the future, demonstrate national maturity, de-escalate tension, and deny extremists the fuel they seek. And most importantly, it would bring the Southeast and the rest of Nigeria one step closer to the unity we so desperately need.

    The country is at a crossroads. A gesture of reconciliation from the highest office in the land may be the difference between further fragmentation and renewed nationhood. With utmost respect, I urge Your Excellency to consider granting a presidential pardon to Mr. Nnamdi Kanu as a bold step towards healing, stability, and a more united Nigeria.

    .Obanor is President, League for Social Justice

  • AMCON repays N3.6tr to CBN, says MD

    AMCON repays N3.6tr to CBN, says MD

    Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON), the government-owned agency established in 2010 to stabilize and revitalize the Nigerian financial system, has repaid about N3.6 trillion to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) since inception.

    Managing Director and CEO of the corporation, Mr. Gbenga Alade, disclosed this at a media parley in Lagos, remarking that even though it has paid N1.7 trillion to purchase the toxic assets of banks, it has been able to repay about N3.6 trillion and still owing about N3 trillion.

    He said AMCON restructured the banks by offloading toxic assets from their books and injecting fresh funds, aligning with corporate insolvency restructuring principles.

    He added that with this mechanism, bank depositors retain their deposits because they have confidence in the financial system, assuring banks’ ability to honour their obligations.

    The CEO added that AMCON then manages the acquired Eligible Bank Assets (EBAs) preparatory to their disposal.

    He noted that the law establishing AMCON upsets and reverses the contractual rights and securities law hierarchy by conferring priority to AMCON in disputes with bank debtors over collateral and contracts.

    Alade also said, as part of our recovery strategy, we have commissioned some foreign asset tracers who will help us locate where some of these obligors have hidden their assets across the globe.

    Speaking on the financial performance of the corporation since he assumed duties as the helmsman, he said the corporation recorded total revenue of N156.25 billion and total operating expenses of N29.04 billion, remarking that total operating revenue/revenue ratio was 19 per cent.

    Alade said projected total revenue for 2025 will be N215.15 billion while projected total operating expenses will be N29.06 billion, while total operating/revenue ratio will be in the region of 13.5 per cent.

    Alade said: “It is important to stress that the corporation has done tremendously well, especially when compared to other notable government-owned Asset Management Corporations around the world. “Based on the balance at purchase, AMCON outperformed other Asset Management Corporations all over the world by achieving over 87 per cent in recoveries despite the unique challenges associated with debt recovery in Nigeria.

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    “The Malaysian Danaharta, which is adjudged one of the best performing Asset Management Corporation’s, only achieved 58 per cent. The Chinese Asset Management Corporation, despite its stricter laws, achieved just 33 per cent.

    “Only the Korean Asset Management Corporation (KAMCO), South Korea, has achieved more recoveries than AMCON, with about 100 per cent. This was due to their brute force with which they chased the obligors.

    “Despite KAMCO’s recovery records, the agency is still operational to date with slight realignments in its mandate. Other noted Asset Management Corporations that have transitioned into a perpetual institution of the various governments include, China Asset Management Company, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) USA, and KFW Germany.

    “So, gentlemen, without sounding immodest, AMCON has done well, and we will not relent until all the outstanding debts are fully realized.”

    He said the current EXCO of the corporation has engaged seasoned consultants to carry out a comprehensive audit review of all AMCON cases across the Courts – the Federal High Court (FHC), which is the Court of first instance, the Court of Appeal, and the Supreme Court.

    He said the leadership of the judiciary at the three layers of the courts share the pain of AMCON, and deeply understands the challenge that the obligors pose to AMCON.

    Consequently, all the courts have approved the New Practice Direction for AMCON debt recovery. In addition, the FHC has also created the Insolvency Units in the bid to fast-track all AMCON cases that are pending in different courts.

    The CEO also noted that the corporation’s recovery efforts have been strongly supported by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the judiciary, the CBN, the Federal Ministry of Finance and the Attorney General of the Federation, and Minister of Justice, the Board of Directors of AMCON, the EFCC, the Police, the ICPC, the National Assembly, the Media and a host of other sister agencies of government.

    He said the corporation “will continue to go about its recovery mandate with the fear of God, love of country, and complete adherence to the rule of law.

    “Let me also alert you that, as we are tightening the noose through the Courts on the obligors and deploying our strategies, most of the debtors would want to leverage the media to misinform the public.

    “Please note that most of them took the loans with no intention whatsoever to repay the debt. So, I beg you, no matter the skewed narration they peddle in the newsrooms, kindly take it with a pinch of salt, and touch base with us because we have the accurate records, which is evident in some of the landmark cases that we have won against many of the obligors.

    “Yes, the wheel of justice grinds slowly sometimes, but with patience and dedication, we have continued to make progress. Our cases have also contributed to the development of jurisprudence in the country with the publication of the first set of the AMCON Legal Compendium – a compilation of AMCON cases at both the Federal High Court and the Court of Appeal.”