The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Repentant cultists surrender arms to police in Ondo

    Repentant cultists surrender arms to police in Ondo

    The Ondo State Police Command has achieved a major peace breakthrough in Ondo town, the headquarters of Ondo West Local Government Area, as several repentant cultists voluntarily surrendered their weapons to the police.

    Ondo town had, in recent months, recorded violent clashes among rival cult groups in a series of supremacy battles that left casualties in their wake.

    The latest truce, driven by a disarmament initiative launched by the Commissioner of Police, CP Adebowale Lawal, forms part of broader efforts to curb violent crime and restore stability in communities long troubled by cult-related attacks.

    The command’s spokesman, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, who disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday in Akure, said the initiative reflects the police command’s proactive strategy to rid the state of miscreants and reinforce public safety.

    Ayanlade revealed that some of the individuals who surrendered had been on the police watchlist for their roles in previous violent clashes, including incidents that claimed at least eight lives in Ondo city.

    “The police will intensify efforts to encourage others still in hiding to surrender,” he said.

    He explained that the intervention brought two long-feuding factions together for reconciliation, with both groups agreeing to end years of hostility and embrace peaceful coexistence.

    According to him, several repentant members expressed relief at exiting the cult lifestyle, admitting that fear of arrest had forced many to flee the state until the disarmament initiative provided a safe and supervised path for their return.

    During the exercise, the police recovered 17 arms and 12 rounds of ammunition, including locally fabricated weapons and Beretta pistols – representing a significant step toward reducing the circulation of illegal firearms in the area.

    Ayanlade said CP Lawal commended Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the Ekimogun youths, and the Osemawe of Ondo Kingdom, Oba Adesimbo Kiladejo, for their support in facilitating the disarmament process.

    He urged others still in hiding to surrender, warning that those who continue to engage in criminal activities would be tracked down and prosecuted.

    The police spokesman added that CP Lawal, alongside senior officers and members of the Ondo Ekimogun Youths under the “End Miscreants in Ondo” initiative, personally supervised the arms surrender.

    He said all repentant individuals will be enrolled in counselling and mentorship programmes as part of their rehabilitation, reaffirming that anyone who renounces cultism, surrenders arms, and demonstrates good conduct will be reintegrated into society.

    The command reiterated its commitment to strengthening community engagement and sustaining people-oriented policing to ensure lasting peace and security across Ondo state.

  • Why we shut down schools, by Governor Mohammed

    Why we shut down schools, by Governor Mohammed

    Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has stated that the decision to close all state, federal, and private schools, covering primary, secondary, and tertiary institutions, was based on security agencies’ advice.

    Speaking on Wednesday in Bauchi ahead of the State’s Executive Council (SEC) meeting, Mohammed explained that intelligence reports indicated a potential threat of school invasions and student abductions in the state.

    The closures, he said, were aimed at averting such attacks.

    “Yes, we closed our schools because the security agencies advised us to do so. They have more information than us, and even though I am the Chief Security Officer, I don’t have the personnel to act alone. They warned of possible abductions of our students, similar to incidents that have occurred in other states,” the governor said.

    Mohammed stated further that the decision was proactive and aimed at safety, not to instill fear, adding that measures are being taken to secure schools, particularly those that are hard to reach or more vulnerable.

    “We have closed the schools, and we will ensure that such schools are fenced, possibly before the end of this year,” he said.

    He further stated that all schools in the state would be equipped with security fencing and lights, while the recruitment of vigilantes would run alongside the Safe School Programme as outlined by the Office of the National Security Adviser, promising full implementation in Bauchi.

    On the recent killing of five police officers in the Darazo Local Government Area, Mohammed clarified that it was not a banditry attack, as reported by some media outlets, but a community-related issue.

     “We had an incident in Darazo. While some reported it as banditry, it is actually a community issue. We are on the ground and will handle it with the police and DSS,” he assured.

  • Ex-NUC boss Okebukola to unveil first African scholarly referencing style

    Ex-NUC boss Okebukola to unveil first African scholarly referencing style

    A former Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), Professor Emeritus Peter Okebukola, is to formally launch the African Scholarly Referencing Style (ASRS), the first referencing style conceived, developed, and owned by Africa.

    The official unveiling of ASRS will put Africa on the brink of a ground-breaking intellectual milestone with Okebukola as one of the continent’s most decorated higher education reformers.

    ASRS is designed to fill a major gap in global scholarship. Despite Africa’s deep intellectual heritage and thousands of universities, none of the world’s 29 major referencing styles originates from Africa.

    The existing systems, such as APA, MLA, Chicago, Vancouver, Harvard, and IEEE, are entirely Western in origin and structure.

    The Secretary-General, Association of African Universities (AAU), Professor Olusola Oyewole, said: “The proposal by Professor Peter Okebukola, who is AAU’s Ambassador for West Africa, is for the development of an African-origin referencing system.”

    According to him, this represents a ground-breaking and highly visionary contribution to Africa’s intellectual sovereignty.

    “Professor Okebukola’s initiative rightly responds to long standing concerns around epistemic colonialism, the marginalisation of African epistemologies, and the under-recognition of African scholarly traditions in global citation frameworks.”

    Speaking to newsmen in Abuja, Okebukola said, “ASRS responds to a longstanding gap in global academic practice. Although Africa has produced centuries of scholarship and hosts thousands of universities, none of the twenty-nine internationally recognised referencing styles currently in use originates from the continent.

    “Systems such as APA, MLA, Chicago, Vancouver, Harvard, and IEEE were all created outside Africa and reflect Western epistemological traditions. ASRS offers Africa an unprecedented opportunity to assert its scholarly identity and intellectual sovereignty.”

    Okebukola confirmed that the initiative has already secured strong continental and international endorsement.

    “The Association of African Universities has formally expressed its support and willingness to host its development and deployment, while Senior UNESCO officials and leaders of Academies in Africa have commended the initiative as timely, transformative, and aligned with global efforts to diversify knowledge systems.

    “In addition, more than 500 leading scholars from universities and research institutions both within and outside Africa have endorsed ASRS, underscoring its relevance and global credibility,” he added.

    Among the over 500 scholars who expressed delight at the emergence of ASRS as proposed by Okebukola are Professor Jibrila D. Amin, former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Maiduguri; Professor Eyitope Ogunbodede, former Vice-Chancellor of the Obafemi Awolowo University; Professor Sola Akinrinade, former Vice-Chancellor of Osun State University and past President of the Nigerian Academy of Letters, among others.  

  • Oborevwori presents N1.664tr 2026 budget to Delta Assembly for approval

    Oborevwori presents N1.664tr 2026 budget to Delta Assembly for approval

    Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, on Wednesday, presented a budget proposal of N1.664 trillion for the 2026 fiscal year to the State House of Assembly for consideration and approval.

    Giving the breakdown of the budget christened, ‘Budget of Accelerating the MORE Agenda,’ Oborevwori said N499 billion, representing 30 per cent of the total budget, was for recurrent expenditure, adding that N1.165 trillion, representing 70 per cent of the total budget, was for capital expenditure.

    He disclosed that the 2026 budget size indicated an increase of N685bn or 70 per cent over the 2025 Appropriation.

    He pointed out that the budget as proposed would be mainly funded from Statutory Allocation, Internally Generated Revenue, Mineral Derivation, Value Added Tax, Other Capital Receipts and Savings, and Oil Revenue Recoveries.

    The Governor disclosed that N720 billion, or 43.28 per cent of total projected revenue, was expected from statutory allocation, which, he said, was boosted by post-subsidy FAAC inflows and improved oil production stability in the Niger Delta, adding that Internally Generated Revenue was projected at N250 billion, representing an 86.5 per cent increase over 2025.

    While saying that the projected increase in the state’s IGR was driven by ongoing reforms to plug leakages and widen the tax net, he pointed out that VAT receipts were expected to rise sharply to N120 billion, buoyed by improved federal administration of the tax.

    The Governor said: “Capital receipts, however, have been deliberately cut down to N25 billion, a 73 per cent reduction as the government pushes toward a zero-borrowing fiscal strategy.

    “Savings and oil revenue recoveries are projected to contribute N489 billion. This is a testament to prudent and disciplined financial management.”

    According to him, the proposed recurrent expenditure estimates for 2026 of N499 billion is made up of personnel costs of N185 billion, representing 37 per cent of the proposed recurrent budget, stressing that N204 billion, representing approximately 41 percent, was earmarked for overheads.

    He pointed out that the balance 22 per cent or N110 billion was accounted for by social contributions, benefits, and grants, emphasising that the personnel cost of N185 billion anticipates the annual increments and allowances, while the overhead cost mirrors the inflationary trend in the country.

    Giving insights into the proposed capital expenditure estimate of N1.165 trillion, Governor Oborevwori noted that the proposal was N535 billion, or 85 per cent higher than the 2025 capital budget of N630 billion.

    “This is largely accounted for by the larger budget size of one trillion, six hundred and sixty-four billion naira (N1.664Trillion), as against the nine hundred and seventy-nine billion, two hundred million naira (979.2Billion) of 2025,” the Governor said.

    Highlighting the priority sectors of the budget, the Governor said N450 billion was budgeted for road infrastructure, N105.086 billion for education, N50.067 billion for health, N20 billion for the Delta State Capital Territory Development Agency, and N20 billion for the Warri, Uvwie, and Environs Development Agency.

    According to him, N16 billion was budgeted for Power and Energy, N10 billion for Agriculture, and N20 billion for Social Protection, adding that the sum of N100 billion was budgeted for local government intervention in the 25 local government areas in the state (N4 billion per local government).

    Reviewing the performance of the 2025 Budget themed, “Budget of Fiscal Consolidation,” where ₦979,228,818,719 was approved for funding both capital and recurrent expenditures, the Governor said the performance of the budget was encouraging.

    “From January to October 2025, the actual revenue receipts from the Federation Account Allocation Committee and Internally Generated Revenue stood at Seven Hundred and Thirty-Eight billion, Six Hundred and Forty million naira only (N738.640 billion), representing 90.5 per cent of the proportionate budget of eight hundred and sixteen billion, twenty-four million, fifteen thousand, five hundred and ninety-nine naira only (N816,024,015,599).

    “The recurrent expenditure for the period under review was three hundred and forty billion, five hundred and fifty-four million, six thousand, four hundred and forty-eight naira only (N340,554,006,448), as against a proportionate amount of two hundred and ninety billion, six hundred and thirty-nine million, seven hundred and ninety-eight thousand, eight hundred and sixty-three-naira, fifty kobo only (N290,639,798,863.50), representing 117 per cent performance.

    “The sum of five hundred and nine billion, seven hundred and eighty million, three hundred and thirty-six thousand, three hundred and seventy naira only (N509, 780, 336,370) was expended during the period under review, as against a proportionate amount of five hundred and twenty-five billion, three hundred and eighty-four million, two hundred and sixteen thousand, seven hundred and thirty-six naira only (N525, 384, 216, 736), representing 97 per cent performance.

    “It is pertinent to appreciate this stellar performance. It is also gladdening to note that the bold and reformist policies of the Federal Government have started to yield the desired result and the country is beginning to turn the corner,” the Governor added.

    While highlighting the importance of peace and security in promoting sustainable development, he said his administration had worked closely with security agencies to tackle crime, including kidnapping and cultism, with a view to ensuring sustainable peace and security in communities across the state.

    “We will continue to strengthen the security architecture in the state to better protect our citizens from all threats. This administration has invested heavily in security infrastructure upgrades and will continue to do so for enhanced peace and security.

    “We are looking at deploying cutting-edge technology, including drones and sophisticated intelligence gathering capabilities, and surveillance equipment. All these are in addition to the prompt payment of personnel emoluments and allowances, as well as the provision of covert logistics.

    “Mr Speaker, as I conclude this Budget Address, let me say that we are proud of the progress that we have made so far. However, there is still a lot more to do, and the journey to a more prosperous, secure, and stronger Delta will take the concerted efforts of all arms of government.”

    Earlier in his welcome address, the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor, who lauded Oborevwori’s administration for the steady strides it had recorded under the Renewed Hope for MORE Agenda, said sustained investments in critical infrastructure, impactful social interventions, prudent fiscal management of resources, and strategic initiatives aimed at promoting peace, security, and economic stability across the State have been witnessed over the past year.

    “Your Excellency, it is indisputable that your leadership has ensured the continuation of key legacy projects, expansion of road networks, ongoing construction of five strategic flyovers, improvement of healthcare facilities, empowerment programmes for youth and women, and the strengthening of the educational system.

    “These interventions have not only elevated the quality of life for our people but have also reaffirmed the State’s position as a sub-national model of development,” the Speaker said while thanking the Governor for the approval and payment of the Consolidated Legislative Salary Structure (CONLESS) to staff of the House and Assembly Service Commission.

    He noted that the projections in the Fiscal Strategy Paper (FSP) for 2026, 2027, and 2028 approved by the House reflected national, regional, and global economic dynamics, even as he assured the Governor that the 2026 Appropriation Bill presented to the House would be considered with a view to passing the Bill.

  • Customs seize $2.2million in undeclared cash at airports in six months

    Customs seize $2.2million in undeclared cash at airports in six months

    The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) said it has intercepted $2.2 million in undeclared cash at major airports across the country between January and July 2025.

    The service also disclosed that its collaboration with the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and other agencies has also led to the seizures of drones, arms, and endangered wildlife products.

    It said in the first half of 2025, it generated N3.7 trillion, exceeding budget targets by 12.5 per cent and outperforming 2024 collections by 25 per cent.

    According to NCS, the Murtala Muhammed International Airport Area Command alone contributed N97.16 billion.

    The Officer in charge of Special Duties headquarters, Abuja, Comptroller Haniel Hadison, disclosed these at the fourth quarter aviation stakeholder engagement in Abuja.

    The Service said its operations this year at various airports have evolved into intelligence-driven missions, shaped by citizen insights and collaborative agency efforts, adding that every tip from the public has helped it intercept contraband, enforce currency declarations, and protect the border.

    On its security and enforcement efforts, he said: “Between January and July 2025, the NCS intercepted $2.2 million in undeclared cash at major airports across the country. For instance, $193,000 concealed in a carton of yoghurt at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on March 20, 2025, $1,154,900 and SR135,900 in Saudi Riyals at the Kano airport from a passenger arriving from Saudi Arabia, and $578,000 in falsely declared cash was intercepted from an inbound passenger arriving from South Africa at Lagos Airport.

    He hinted that its advanced scanners, like the Orion 928DX, now detect threats faster, reduce physical checks, and enhance passenger experience.

    On revenue generation and operational efficiency, Hadison said: “In the first half of the year 2025, the NCS generated N3.7 trillion, exceeding budget targets by 12.5 per cent and outperforming 2024 collections by 25 per cent.

    “The Murtala Muhammed International Airport Area Command alone contributed N97.16 billion, a 20.92 per cent increase from the previous year. These figures reflect improved operational efficiency and strategic enforcement.

    “We seized contraband worth over N1.2 billion, including foreign rice, used vehicles, and unregistered pharmaceuticals. At Kano airport, foreign currencies worth N653.99 million were intercepted. These results are not just numbers; they represent the dedication of our officers and the effectiveness of our systems”.

    He expressed the commitment of the NCS to make customs services faster, cheaper, and more predictable without compromising security or revenue. 

  • CAN to FG: Nigerians need protection

    CAN to FG: Nigerians need protection

    The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), on Wednesday, urged the federal government to explore every means to protect Nigerians and curb insecurity.

    CAN President, Archbishop Danial Okoh, made the plea at the opening ceremony of the 32nd Triennial General Assembly of the Christian Council of Nigeria (CCN), held at the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria, Wuse II, Abuja.

    Speaking on the Assembly’s theme, ‘Demand for Justice and Righteousness,’ Okoh said the current security situation threatens the nation’s soul and places fresh moral demands on the government.

    He said, “The government has a constitutional, moral, and sacred responsibility to protect the lives and property of all Nigerians; without discrimination, without delay, and without excuses.”

    The CAN President urged the CCN to continue standing with CAN in pushing for stronger national action, adding that the Church must remain firm and consistent in demanding justice for affected communities.

    He listed urgent actions expected from the government, including strengthening security structures, bringing perpetrators of violent crimes to justice, supporting displaced families, rebuilding destroyed communities, and tackling the deeper causes of insecurity.

    “Our voices must not waver. Our message must remain consistent and sincere,” he added, encouraging churches to defend the vulnerable and reflect Christ’s values through their actions.

    He reminded the gathering that true Christian witness goes beyond ceremonies and worship spaces.

    “Our Christian witness today will not be judged merely by our prayers or magnificent sanctuaries, but by how faithfully we reflect the character of Christ in our commitment to justice, compassion, and righteousness,” he said.

    The CAN President also commended the Christian Council of Nigeria for its decades-long role as the oldest ecumenical body in the country, noting its enduring contributions to unity, justice, and peace.

    Reaffirming CAN’s partnership with the Council, he said both bodies remain committed to promoting moral integrity and national healing.

    “Together, we will continue to uphold the unity of the Body of Christ, defend the oppressed, and advance the values of God’s kingdom on earth,” he assured.

  • Civil society group refutes claims on Kogi LGAs’ allocations

    Civil society group refutes claims on Kogi LGAs’ allocations

    The Coalition of Civil Society Organisations (CCSO) has dismissed recent allegations that Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Kogi State were not receiving their federal allocations.

    Speaking at a press briefing, Dr. Wisdom Ohalete, Convener of CCSO, said the claims were being circulated by “faceless groups who clearly do not mean well for Kogi and are out to blackmail the government of the state for cheap political gains.”

    He added that the coalition conducted an independent investigation covering all 21 LGAs in the state.

    Their review included meetings with the Auditor General for Local Governments, the commissioner for local government and chieftaincy affairs, council officials, and the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees.

    “Our investigation was thorough, independent, and fact-driven,” Dr. Ohalete said.

    He noted that the LGAs “have been receiving their allocations directly from the Federal Government. The records further show that the LGAs in the state enjoy full autonomy, in line with constitutional provisions and federal guidelines. There is zero interference by the state government.”

    CCSO also highlighted development projects across the state, including the construction of “at least 80 new Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) … in addition to ongoing renovation and upgrading of existing health facilities,” as well as youth training programs and women and youth empowerment initiatives.

    Dr. Ohalete warned that the allegations were part of a planned smear campaign, saying, “This propaganda is part of a larger plan to blackmail the state government by sponsoring frivolous petitions to anti-corruption agencies, all geared towards giving Kogi State a bad name.”

    The coalition urged the public and media to “disregard the false claims and continue to support efforts aimed at strengthening governance at all levels.”

  • Foundation provides free surgery for indigent Edo residents

    Foundation provides free surgery for indigent Edo residents

    The Dr. Paddy Emmanuel Foundation has provided free surgery for over 100 persons with fibroid, hernia, breast lump, and lipoma in Edo State as part of activities to mark the birthday of Edo Commissioner for Education, Dr. Paddy Iyamu.

    Director General of the foundation, Mr. Zion Oshiobugie, said over 3000 persons have benefited from the free medical surgeries over the last 10 years.

    Oshiobugie said the first nine editions of the medical outreach were held in Delta State.

    She said Dr. Iyamu opted to sponsor the free surgery to provide life-changing healthcare for indigent citizens during his birthday celebration.

    According to him, “What he does is to mark his birthday on the 30th of November every year with the free surgeries which have benefitted 3,000 persons. He wants humanity to benefit from his birthday instead of just partying.

    “So this programme, which takes place for one week every year, is borne out of love for humanity, which is in line with the motto of our foundation, ‘Touching Lives”

    “Every year, we partner with our surgeon, Dr. Benjamin Olowojebutu, who brings his team from Lagos. He has been one of our partners, and he is a respected member of the Nigerian Medical Association.”

    Dr. Olowojebutu said a ghastly accident he survived many years ago made him embark on giving free surgery across the country.

    “I am here with 24 members of my team from Lagos. We perform fibroid surgeries, which have allowed women to have their own children. We also perform hernia, lipoma, breast lump, and other surgeries.

    “Last week, we got a text that one of the women we operated on in 2020 now has three kids. That means this intervention is creating relief for our people.

    “The focus is on the less privileged because when you do this, you give to God. Each year we come back, people give testimonies of the good things that have happened to them.”

    On his part, Dr. Iyamu said the free surgery was to fulfil God’s desires to take care of the poor.

    A beneficiary, 19-year-old Nelson Ehigie, who had a hernia surgery, thanked the foundation for the free surgery.

    He said he couldn’t raise money to go to the hospital.

    “I’m very grateful to the Dr. Paddy Foundation. My parents couldn’t afford the cost, so we had to come here for the surgery. God bless Dr. Iyamu.”

  • Tinubu approves establishment of N50bn seed fund to boost agricultural transformation

    Tinubu approves establishment of N50bn seed fund to boost agricultural transformation

    President Bola Tinubu has given the green light for the establishment of a N50 billion Presidential Catalytic Seed Fund, an intervention aimed at revitalising Nigeria’s seed industry, improving food security, and driving private-sector-led growth across the seed value chain.

    This was disclosed by Vice President Kashim Shettima on Wednesday in Abuja during the opening of the 8th SeedConnect Africa Conference and Exhibition, which also coincided with the 50th anniversary celebration of the National Agricultural Seeds Council (NASC).

    He also unveiled the Seeds for Renewed Hope Programme (S-RHP), which will serve as the engine room for the country’s new seed transformation agenda.

    Shettima, who was represented by his Senior Special Adviser on Food Security, Dr. Kingsley Uzoma, said the fund is expected to deliver significant socio-economic and environmental benefits while addressing long-standing structural challenges within the seed subsector.

    According to him, seed is the first technology, the original data packet that determines the success or failure of the agricultural value chain.

    As part of the programme’s rollout, government and private sector partners distributed improved varieties of rice, maize, and vegetable seeds to farmers.

    The Nation learnt that the federal government aims to boost annual seed availability for key crops by 10 percent from 2025 to 2027, in a bid to close the existing gap between seed demand and supply.

    The N50 billion fund, which activates Section 45 of the NASC Act 2019, will support private-sector-led seed production, expand farmers’ access to certified seeds, and remove barriers slowing down the development of the seed industry.

    Shettima further revealed plans to upgrade seed testing laboratories, intensify the crackdown on adulterated seeds, and increase youth and women participation in seed entrepreneurship.

    In his remarks, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, described the seed sector’s 50-year history as a testament to Nigeria’s resilience and commitment to strengthening its agricultural foundation.

    While reaffirming that quality seeds remain central to President Tinubu’s food security priorities, he said agriculture is the measure of Nigeria’s national resilience and a pillar of stability.

    Kyari highlighted key achievements in the sector, including the expansion of the National Agricultural Growth Scheme–Agro-Pocket (NAGS-AP), increased wheat production across several states, the successful introduction of rainfed wheat in Plateau State, the recapitalisation of the Bank of Agriculture with N1.5 trillion, an additional N250 billion funding window, and the full activation of the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF).

    He noted that food prices have begun to ease in several commodity markets.

    “While we are not yet where we want to be, this positive trend confirms that we are moving in the right direction.”

    NASC Director-General, Fatuhu Muhammed, in his address, highlighted the Council’s transformation into a regional leader in seed regulation and digital seed traceability.

    He cited major milestones, including the release of over 60 improved, climate-resilient seed varieties, the implementation of the Digital Seed Certification System, new guidelines on crop variety registration and third-party certification, and Nigeria’s expanding footprint in global seed bodies such as ISTA, UPOV, OECD schemes, and ECOWAS COASEM.

    Muhammed disclosed that Nigeria exported more than 4,000 MT of certified seeds in 2023, earning over $8 million.

    To celebrate NASC’s Golden Jubilee, the Council unveiled the Nigeria Seed Industry Book, the Seeds for Renewed Hope Programme, the Nigeria Seed System Strategy Document (supported by AGRA), and the official NASC 50th Anniversary Logo.

    He added that the newly approved N50 billion fund, housed in the Bank of Industry with a 6% concessional interest rate, would significantly enhance breeding, early-generation seed supply, quality assurance, and commercial seed production over the next four years.

  • Solomon Ayodele bags double awards at 2025 Future Awards Africa

    Solomon Ayodele bags double awards at 2025 Future Awards Africa

    The Head of Innovation at WEMA Bank and Executive Director, Boys Quarters Africa, Solomon Ayodele, has bagged double awards at the 2025 edition of The Future Awards Africa (TFAA).

    At the 19th edition of TFAA, themed “Threads of Legacy,” held recently at Landmark Event Centre, Lagos, top creatives and contributors defining African futures were honoured across diverse sectors.

    Ayodele is an experienced technology and product innovation manager with over a decade of experience across business analysis, strategy, corporate transformation, data analysis, executive support, IT Project management & product management.

    He is the founder of Boy Child Transformation Movement – a global boy child advocacy movement, and he greatly contributed to this cause as a gender-based violence expert, through Pan African projects like Project SABI – mobilizing thousands of men as allies in ending violence against women and girls.

    Ayodele is the Head, Product and Technology [IDEAx Labs] at WEMA Bank & ALATByWEMA [Nigeria’s first fully digital bank].

    He holds a degree in Political Science & Public Administration and an MBA from Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh Business School, United Kingdom.

    Reflecting on this year’s edition, Ayodeji Razaq, the Executive Director of The Future Awards Africa, said the awards recognition is impactful for young people to achieve the glorious future Africa deserves.

    “We are proud to honour the exceptional young people who are adding threads to our collective legacy. Tonight’s winners have proven with their powerful work and impact.

    “The legacy is not built in a single moment but through every decision we make. After tonight, we will keep weaving our collective tapestry to bring Africa into the glorious future we all deserve,” Mr Razaq said.

    At the event, Ayodele clinched the Future Awards Africa Prize for Activism and Advocacy and the Future Awards Africa Prize for Intrapreneurship, respectively.

    In his acceptance speech, Ayodele said, “This is truly an eureka moment. I’ve been nominated for these categories in 2021 and 2023, and here I am tonight returning home with the two awards.

    “I dedicate this award to my dad – Pastor Isaac Ayodele, my late Mom – Pst. Susan Ayodele, My Siblings, my entire KINGS Family, led by the amazing pastor Dami Oluwatoyinbo, my WEMA bank family, and the amazing leadership under whose guidance I’ve been able to soar.

    “My amazing MD, Mr. Moruf Oseni, Babatunde Mumuni, Tajudeen Bakare, and the entire innovation team. This is truly not a 100-meter dash; it’s a marathon.”

    Meanwhile, Super Falcons star Rasheedat Ajibade, content creator Adebowale Adedayo, popularly known as Mr Macaroni, and skit maker Mariam Apaokagi, popularly known as Taaooma, were among the other winners.