The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • AFCON 2025: Fans decry poor officiating in Nigeria’s loss to Morrocco

    AFCON 2025: Fans decry poor officiating in Nigeria’s loss to Morrocco

    Some football fans have berated the Confederation of African Football (CAF) over poor officiating in Nigeria’s 2-4 loss on penalties to hosts Morocco in the semifinals of the 2025 African Cup of Nations (AFCON).

    The fans took to social media to criticise Ghanian referee Daniel Nii Laryea, who took charge of proceedings on the day, alleging that his decisions were biased.

    At the Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium on Wednesday, Morrocco put a dent to Nigeria’s unscathed run in the tournament as both teams could not find the back of the net in120 minutes.

    After the game, Super Eagles right-back, Bright Osayi-Samuel, while interviewed by journalists, noted that the referee made numerous unfair calls.

    “It was very painful to lose. I think we played well. The back four was amazing and I am proud of the team.

    “The manager and board members came down to say they are proud of the team. It is painful that we lost on penalties—which is about luck.

    “One thing I would say is that the referee was appalling. I am not saying that is the reason we lost, but (he) was making very wrong decisions.

    “It is painful to see that we have such referee in big games like today. However, I wish Morrocco all the best,’’ Osayi-Sameul added.

    Nigerian actor, Pere Egbi, on his X account, lambasted referees in AFCON, alleging unprofessionalism while urging CAF to henceforth invite officials outside the continent.

    “AFCON should never have referees from Africa officiating its games again.

    “Bring in European or American referees who would referee a game with fairness and zero prejudice.

    “You can’t tell me that the refereeing in this AFCON has been fair! Referees now come in the pitch to play games as well now.

    “This is my take, I don’t care if you like it or not,’’ he said.

    A Nigerian journalist, Sulaiman Adebayor, who is in Morrocco, on his X account noted that poor officiating could have affected Super Eagles mentally.

    Read Also: BREAKING: AFCON 2025: Morocco beat Nigeria on penalties to book final date with Senegal

    “I can understand people saying we shouldn’t blame the officiating alone but if you understand football & how it works, biased officiating could knock you off psychologically.

    “All the niggles & inconsistent calls affected flow of the game and mental state as well.

    “Imagine, a Moroccan player kicked the ball away to prevent play from commencing immediately and the referee warned him instead of issuing a card.

    “Although, we didn’t play to our level. Substitutions were late and we need to take our penalty sessions seriously in training,’’ Adebayor noted.

    Another Nigerian journalist, Osasu Obayiuwana, said he had no words for the center referee.

    “…But for @DanielLaryea3, the Ghanaian referee that handled this #MARNGA #AFCON2025 semi-final, I have no good words for him’’.

    The loss means Nigeria will face Egypt for the third-place finish on Saturday while hosts Morrocco will take on Senegal in the final game on Sunday.

    (NAN)

  • Nigeria’s economy to grow by 4.68% in 2026 – Edun

    Nigeria’s economy to grow by 4.68% in 2026 – Edun

    Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Mr Wale Edun, says the economy is projected to grow 4.68 per cent in 2026 as the government drives investment-led, inclusive growth aimed at creating jobs and boosting citizens’ welfare.

    Edun made the remarks on Thursday in Lagos while delivering the keynote address at the launch of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) Macroeconomic Outlook Report for 2026.

    He said the growth projection aligns with the government’s medium-term goal of achieving seven per cent annual growth and building a one-trillion-dollar economy by the end of the decade.

    According to Edun, the economy in 2026 is projected to grow at 4.68 per cent, consistent with our path to seven per cent growth per annum and a one-trillion dollar economy by 2030.

    He projected average inflation at 16.5 per cent and the exchange rate at about N1,400 per dollar.

    “For inflation, as we have said, we need to get into simple figures. It is expected to average 16.5 per cent and the exchange rate, N1,400 per dollar,” he said.

    Edun noted that the 2026 budget, titled “Budget of Consolidation, Renewed Resilience and Shared Prosperity,” reflects President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to ensuring that macroeconomic improvements translate into real gains in Nigerians’ daily lives.

    “It is not about the metrics or the percentages; it is about the lived experience of Nigerians in terms of electricity supply, food availability and improved welfare,” he said.

    He said the budget deficit, estimated at about four per cent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP), reflected the scale of Nigeria’s development needs and the ambition to accelerate growth.

    Edun emphasised that following the removal of distortions and recent stabilisation measures, the focus of economic policy had shifted to driving growth through increased investment.

    “Ongoing investments in digital infrastructure, including the rollout of over 90,000 kilometres of fibre optic cables in collaboration with the World Bank and the Ministry of Communications are part of efforts to empower young Nigerians and support technology-driven growth,” he said.

    The minister said the reform programme was anchored on four objectives.

    “These include: consolidating macroeconomic stability, improving the business and investment climate, strengthening human capital while protecting the vulnerable through social protection, and stimulating broad-based economic growth,” he noted.

    On fiscal performance, Edun said that even with shortfalls in oil and gas revenues compared to budgeted levels, the Federal Government prioritised fiscal federalism, transparency, and accountability in managing the federation account.

    “This ensured that funds due to states and sub-national governments were fully disbursed, significantly strengthening their financial positions,” he said.

    He added that many states recorded budget surpluses of about three per cent, enabling increased spending on health, education, public services, and other social and economic priorities.

    Edun also highlighted that the Federal Government demonstrated fiscal discipline by extending the 2024 budget to ensure the completion of priority capital projects.

    “Aggregate capital expenditure in 2024 stood at about N11.1 trillion, representing an 85 per cent performance, reflecting the administration’s emphasis on completing ongoing projects,” the minister explained.

    He said all statutory obligations, including foreign and domestic debt servicing as well as salary payments, were fully met.

    “These outcomes underscore a strong commitment to transparency, structural reform and fiscal discipline, as well as laying the foundation for rapid, sustained and inclusive growth,” Edun added.

    He noted the government’s long-term growth target of seven per cent was aimed at outpacing population growth and lifting millions of Nigerians out of poverty.

    The minister e xplained that reducing reliance on debt was a key fiscal priority, with renewed emphasis on boosting government revenue through digitalisation, central billing systems, and improved reconciliation processes to block leakages.

    Read Also: Edun, Olopade sympathize  with  Joshua after road accident

    “The introduction of a central billing and receipt system would enhance transparency by tracking assessments and payments in real time across government agencies,” he said.

    Edun also highlighted the implementation of a new tax law designed to be pro-poor, broaden the tax base, simplify compliance, and exempt essential goods, food items, and small businesses.

    He said President Tinubu’s strategic vision was to build a resilient, diversified, and globally competitive economy, leveraging exchange rate stability and expanded trade opportunities under ECOWAS and the African Continental Free Trade Area.

    Edun identified key priorities for 2026 to include improving competitiveness through sound governance, boosting agricultural productivity and food security, accelerating infrastructure and energy development, and investing in human capital.

    He acknowledged constraints in global concessional financing and said Nigeria must increasingly rely on domestic resource mobilisation and private sector investment to fund development.

    Edun urged Nigerians at home and in the diaspora to take advantage of improved macroeconomic conditions to invest in the economy.

    “The private sector is indispensable to sustaining growth,” he said.

    Edun said although the task ahead was challenging, the Federal Government remained resolute in translating economic stability into inclusive, job-rich growth.

    “We remain committed to delivering tangible benefits to the average Nigerian,” he stressed.

    (NAN)

  • Tinubu’s opponents ‘confused’ ahead of 2027 elections, says APC chieftain

    Tinubu’s opponents ‘confused’ ahead of 2027 elections, says APC chieftain

    An All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, Abdulhakeem Adegoke Alawuje, has said critics of President Bola Tinubu are “confused” because the President is “operating on a different political frequency,” ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    Alawuje dismissed claims that President Tinubu faces any significant electoral threat from opposition figures such as Atiku Abubakar, Nasir El-Rufai, or Peter Obi. He argued that the country deserves “truth over political noise” and leadership defined by strategy, resilience, and long-term vision.

    “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is operating on a different political frequency, and that is precisely why his opponents remain confused,” he said.

    In a statement issued on Thursday, Alawuje criticised recent political commentary attributed to media personality Dele Momodu, describing it as “speculative politics disguised as analysis” and asserting that it is outdated and misleading.

    He added that suggestions that President Tinubu could be unseated in 2027 on the platform of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) or through any similar coalition amount to “wrong political novice calculations.”

    “None of the mentioned personalities possesses the political weight, structure, or national momentum capable of dislodging President Tinubu in 2027.

    “Persisting in this narrative is nothing more than a waste of time, energy, and resources,” Alawuje said.

    Alawuje accused some critics of turning attacks on President Tinubu into a commercial enterprise, arguing that criticism now attracts more media attention than objective analysis.

    He recalled that Tinubu had warned during the 2023 presidential campaign that insulting or criticizing him had become a business model for certain individuals and platforms.

    He further alleged that Dele Momodu’s political assessments were rooted in the past and disconnected from Nigeria’s evolving political realities.

    Read Also: Tinubu, top officials honour fallen heroes, serving troops at Remembrance Day

    “The Nigeria of today is not operating on recycled assumptions,” Alawuje said. “The 2027 election will be an elephant test, too heavy for Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, given the limits of his political reach, and far too complex for Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, considering the entrenched political forces involved.”

    Commenting on Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, Alawuje suggested that Obi should focus on his private business interests rather than pursuing “political equations that do not add up.”

    The APC chieftain maintained that President Tinubu operates on a level beyond that of his critics, which, he said, explains their persistent misunderstanding of his leadership approach.

    Highlighting what he described as emerging gains under the Tinubu administration, Alawuje pointed to signs of economic stabilization, including gradual fuel price adjustments after subsidy removal and an improving naira exchange rate.

    He also cited the exposure of internal sabotage and what he termed a more mature and strategic diplomatic posture. “Yes, President Tinubu revived many long-abandoned systems simultaneously,” he said. “While critics argue this slowed visible achievements, the truth is that none of these systems can function in isolation.”

    Alawuje acknowledged that progress may appear gradual but insisted it is steady and sustainable. He called for constructive criticism rooted in reality rather than what he described as sensational journalism driven by personal relevance and outdated media influence.

  • Tinubu, top officials honour fallen heroes, serving troops at Remembrance Day

    Tinubu, top officials honour fallen heroes, serving troops at Remembrance Day

    President Bola Tinubu on Thursday led other top government officials to honour fallen and serving members of the Nigerian military at the Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day (AFCRD) ceremony in Abuja.

    The AFCRD is celebrated every January 15 to commemorate the sacrifices of both living and dead, both in foreign missions and internal security operations.

    As in previous years, the 2026 AFCRD began with the submission of the parade state by the parade commander.

    This was followed by inspection of the Guard of Honour by the Vice President, Kashim Shettima, who represented the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, accompanied by the Commander, Guards Brigade, Brigadier General Adebisi Onasanya.

    A firing party thereafter led dignitaries to the cenotaph for the laying of wreaths. The Last Post was sounded in honour of fallen heroes as all present stood in respect.

    Special prayers were later offered by an imam and a chaplain for the repose of the souls of the departed and the protection of serving personnel. This was followed by a minute of silence in honour of the fallen soldiers.

    The dignitaries laid the wreath at about 10:35 a.m., at the cenotaph, beginning with the Vice President, followed by the Senate President, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (retd) , Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, and High Commissioner of Cameroon, Salaheddine Ibrahima.

    The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, led the service chiefs to lay the wreath at the cenotaph. The CDS was followed by the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and other officials.

    Three volleys were fired by the firing party after the wreath-laying, and the Vice President thereafter signed the anniversary register and released pigeons to mark the occasion.

    Dignitaries at the event included the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun; Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume; the Minister of Defence; the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa (retd); the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; the Inspector-General of Police; Kayode Egbetokun, the Senate President; Godswill Akapbio; the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives; and members of the diplomatic corps, led by the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps and High Commissioner of Cameroon, Salaheddine Ibrahima.

    Read Also: Make Armed Forces Remembrance Day public holiday

    Speaking to journalists after the event, the Minister of Defence, General Musa (retd) emphasized the significance of honouring Nigeria’s fallen soldiers, wounded personnel, serving officers and their families, noting that the country owes them continued appreciation and support.

    “It is always important to appreciate those who have made sacrifices — those who lost their lives, their family members, those who were injured, and those who are still serving,” the Minister said.

    “It is a comprehensive effort we undertake together to appreciate them and encourage them by reminding them that Nigerians face challenges, Nigerians love them, Nigerians are praying for them, and that we need to support them.

    “If you recall, even the name has been changed. It is no longer only the Armed Forces Remembrance Day. Now, we have a week-long programme of activities.

    “It is now the Armed Forces Celebration, where we celebrate those who are alive and remember those who have passed on. I think that is very comprehensive.”

  • NFF will decide my future as Super Eagles coach – Chelle

    NFF will decide my future as Super Eagles coach – Chelle

    Super Eagles head coach Éric Chelle has stated that his future with the national team rests solely in the hands of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

    The 48-year-old tactician signed a two-year contract with the NFF in January 2025 with a clear mandate to guide the Super Eagles to the final of the Africa Cup of Nations.

    However, Nigeria’s campaign at AFCON 2025 ended at the semi-final stage after a dramatic 4-2 penalty shootout defeat to tournament hosts Morocco at the Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat on Wednesday night.

    Speaking after the encounter, Chelle made it clear he remains eager to continue his work with the team, but acknowledged that the decision on his future lies with the Federation.

    “My future, I don’t know for now. I am the coach of Nigeria at this moment, but it depends on whether the NFF want me to continue or not,” he said after the game with Morocco.

    “The tournament is not over yet. After the AFCON, I will meet with the NFF and we will decide the next step.”

  • 2027: APC chieftain Ikonne predicts total South-East victory for Tinubu

    2027: APC chieftain Ikonne predicts total South-East victory for Tinubu

    …says Peter Obi’s political strength has been whittled down in the region

    A leading figure of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abia State, Prince Paul Ikonne, has projected a sweeping victory for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu across all five states of the South-east in the 2027 general election.

    Ikonne, the immediate past Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA), said political leaders in the region had resolved to deliver the zone to the President.

    Speaking on TVC’s Politics Tonight on Tuesday, the APC chieftain expressed confidence that the President would secure full support from the region. He argued that nothing short of 100 percent victory would be satisfactory, stating that “90 percent of votes won’t be good enough.”

    Responding to the recent endorsement of President Tinubu by South-east leaders in Enugu, Ikonne said the region had moved beyond earlier projections.

    “We have gone beyond seventy percent. Some believe that with the calibre of people now in the APC in the South-east, 90 percent would not reflect the level of mobilisation, the ongoing decamping, and the number of influential figures joining the party,” he said.

    “Let me give you a clearer picture so you can understand what it means for the entire South. What Governor Hope Uzodinma is doing is not only for the Southeasterners residing in the Southeast. No, he has set up a team which I am part of, going around all the states in Nigeria where the Igbos reside, for us to begin to engage them, sensitize them, for them to understand the need to key into the 2027 re-election bid of Mr President.

    “So the votes that will come from the Southeast will not only be judged by the ones from those who are residing within the Southeast, but from the ones who are residing outside the Southeast. Outside that, using Abia as a case study, PDP has almost emptied into APC in Abia state. What does that tell you? It tells you that the votes that were lost without having PDP, now that those in PDP are part of APC in other states, we will have them.”

    When asked about the influence and popularity of Governor Alex Otti in Abia state, Ikonne said, “Our governor is minus one. This Governor Alex Otti is minus one in the sense that he doesn’t even have a party. As of today, he’s a member of the Labor Party, but he conducted local government elections with ZLP.

    “He has abandoned Peter Obi. So what does that tell you? He started with Peter Obi, and he’s not ending up with Peter Obi. Why is he afraid? Why is his interest hinting towards APC? Because you have seen that people have shifted, Abians have shifted, and southeasterners have shifted to support President Tinubu.

    “Now, no Southeastern will want to stay out or will want this region to stay out of the center. We cannot keep isolating ourselves. No, Southeasterners are no longer willing and ready to isolate themselves from governance because we need power, and we are traders. We are businessmen and women.

    “Aligning with the centre helps our businesses. We are present throughout Nigeria, and we cannot be perceived as being against the government at the centre. This is why Governor Hope and other leaders are working to ensure that the people understand the need to re-elect President Tinubu, not just with 10 or 20 percent, but with a significant majority.

    “I did say some time ago that Southeast will eventually become the stronghold of APC, and with this endorsement, it is beginning to be obvious that we are getting towards that point.”

    The APC chieftain also dismissed the perceived strength of the 2023 LP presidential candidate in the region. He said, “Peter Obi no longer commands the political strength to match President Tinubu in the Southeast ahead of the 2027 general election.”

    Read Also: Tinubu eulogises Eze Ikonne on 97th birthday, 52 years on throne

    Downplaying Obi’s political strength further, Ikonne argued, “If the only governor elected on his platform has effectively abandoned him, what does that tell you?” Ikonne asked, referring to Abia State Governor Alex Otti.

    He maintained that Tinubu’s endorsement by serving and former governors, ex–Senate, ministers, and other top political figures marks a strategic return of the South-east to the centre of national politics and naturally diminishes Obi’s standing ahead of 2027.Presidents

    “The caliber of leaders backing this endorsement shows a clear consolidation of political structures in favour of President Tinubu and the APC,” Ikonne said.

    He further said, “Politics is about numbers and structure. When leaders who command followership align, the votes follow.

    “This endorsement is a clear statement that the Southeast has properly realigned with the center to ensure that its votes count,” he said.

    Ikonne dismissed claims that the APC is struggling for credibility in the Southeast, insisting that the ruling party has become the major destination for defectors from rival parties in the region.

    “The Igbos are not fools, and no Igbo man wants to make one mistake two times. No, not at all,” he said. 

  • LASG charts new path for stronger primary healthcare

    LASG charts new path for stronger primary healthcare

    The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Primary Health Care (PHC) as the foundation for achieving universal health coverage and positioning the state as a leading medical tourism destination in Nigeria.

    This commitment was reiterated at a one-day Joint Leadership Dialogue with the theme: “Strengthening PHC Systems: A Joint Leadership Dialogue,” convened by the Lagos State Primary Health Care Board (LSPHCB) brought key stakeholders, including local government chairpersons, policymakers, development partners, and health sector leaders.

    Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, painted a candid picture of Lagos’ healthcare challenges and ambitions.

    He discloses that Lagos currently has about 50 hospital beds per 100,000 people, a figure far below global standards, while maternal and infant mortality rates, malnutrition, and low health insurance coverage remain critical concerns.

    According to him, data shows that four out of every 10 children in Lagos suffer from some form of malnutrition, while nearly 20 per cent of residents live with hypertension, most of them unaware of their condition.

    He stressed that weak primary healthcare systems have led many residents to bypass PHC facilities in favour of informal healthcare providers, often with grave consequences.

    He said, “Primary healthcare is the first point of contact and medical intervention in any state. If we follow WHO recommendations, Lagos needs at least 2,4000 additional PHCs to adequately serve its rapidly growing population of over 30 million.”

    To address human resource gaps, the commissioner announced the establishment of a standalone University of Medicine and Health Sciences in Lagos, aimed at significantly increasing the production of doctors and other health professionals.

    “Nigeria currently has about 40,000 doctors against an estimated need of 300,000, while Lagos alone requires about 33,000 but has only about 7,000,” he said.

    He also highlighted major reforms in health financing, including the enforcement of mandatory health insurance following the domestication of the National Health Insurance Act. Through the ILERA EKO Social Health Insurance Scheme, the state hopes to scale coverage from about 1.5 million enrollees to the majority of its population.

    Another major reform is the rollout of the Smart Health Information Platform (SHIP), a digital system designed to connect PHC, secondary, and tertiary facilities across the state, enabling real-time data for planning, monitoring, and early disease detection.

    The Director of Medical Services and Disease Control at LSPHCB, Dr. Veronica Iwayemi, described the dialogue as a critical step toward aligning state health strategies with grassroots realities.

    She emphasised that PHCs are often the only point of healthcare access for many Lagosians, making collaboration with local government leadership indispensable.

    The Permanent Secretary of the Board, Dr. Ibrahim Akinwunmi Mustafa, commended local governments that have invested in building and renovating PHC facilities but warned that infrastructure alone is not enough.

    “A functional PHC is more than a building,” he said, stressing the need for staffing, equipment, security, water, power supply, and strong governance structures.

    Read Also: LASG cancels 2025 greater Lagos fiesta, urges residents to pray for nation

    The Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development, Hon. Bolaji Robert, underscored the unique role of local governments in delivering people-centered healthcare, noting that effective PHC systems depend on strong community participation and accountability.

    In her remarks, the Special Adviser on Health to the Governor, Dr. Kemi Ogunyemi, charged local government chairmen to demonstrate strong political ownership of PHC under the PHC-Under-One-Roof framework, in line with the THEMES Plus Agenda of the administration.

    She described the initiative of the LSPHCB as a catalyst for sustainable health reforms and charged Local Government Chairmen to meet counterpart funding obligations, strengthen collaboration with the Board, and ensure transparency in resource management.

    EngenderHealth Country Director, Dr. Kabiru Atta, praised Lagos for its intentional investment in healthcare, particularly in human resources and funding, describing the state as being “on a clear journey toward a resilient primary healthcare system.”

    Participants at the dialogue agreed that sustained collaboration, adequate financing, digital innovation, and strong political will at the grassroots are essential to building a resilient PHC system capable of improving health outcomes and delivering quality, affordable care to all Lagosians.

  • World Bank projects Nigeria’s economy to grow 4.4% in 2026

    World Bank projects Nigeria’s economy to grow 4.4% in 2026

    The World Bank has projected that Nigeria’s economy will grow by 4.4 per cent in both 2026 and 2027, describing the outlook as the country’s fastest pace of expansion in more than a decade.

    According to the Bank’s Global Economic Prospects report released in January 2026, Nigeria’s 2026 growth forecast was revised upward to 4.4 per cent from the 3.7 per cent projection contained in the June 2025 edition of the report, while the 2027 estimate was retained at 4.4 per cent.

    The revised figures signal sustained optimism about Nigeria’s medium-term economic prospects, reflecting improving macroeconomic conditions despite persistent structural challenges.

    This outlook comes as Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) expanded by 3.46 per cent year-on-year in real terms in the third quarter of 2025, according to data from the National Bureau of Statistics.

    The World Bank said the anticipated expansion would be driven largely by continued growth in the services sector, a rebound in agricultural production, and a modest pickup in non-oil industrial activity.

    Read Also: World Bank: inflation decline drives 5.6% growth prospect

    “Growth in Nigeria is forecast to strengthen to 4.4 per cent in both 2026 and 2027—the fastest pace in over a decade,” the Bank noted, adding that services and agriculture would remain the main pillars supporting economic performance over the forecast period.

    The report also highlighted the role of ongoing economic reforms, particularly in the tax system, alongside prudent monetary policy, in supporting growth and strengthening macroeconomic stability.

    “Economic reforms, including in the tax system, along with continued prudent monetary policy, are expected to continue supporting activity,” the Bank said.

    According to the World Bank, these measures should help improve investor confidence and further tame inflation. It added that higher oil output is expected to offset weaker international oil prices, boosting fiscal revenues and improving Nigeria’s external balance.

    The Bank’s emphasis on non-oil sector growth underscores the gradual impact of Nigeria’s diversification efforts aimed at reducing dependence on crude oil exports. A stronger services sector and improved agricultural output could support job creation, price stability, and a broader government revenue base over time.

    For policymakers and investors, the forecast offers cautious optimism that recent reforms may begin to deliver measurable gains, even as Nigeria continues to manage underlying economic vulnerabilities.

  • Apple seeks Google’s aid to power AI upgrade for Siri

    Apple seeks Google’s aid to power AI upgrade for Siri

    Improvements to a number of Apple services – including a more personalised version of its virtual assistant, Siri – are to be powered with AI provided by Google.

    The tech giants have announced a “multi-year collaboration” which will see the iPhone-maker base some of its key tech on Google’s Gemini AI models.

    In a joint statement, the two firms said the partnership would unlock “innovative new experiences” for Apple users.

    However, experts say it demonstrates how Apple’s cautious approach to building and rolling out its own AI tools has left it reliant on other companies.

    “By outsourcing the foundational layer of its AI to Google, Apple is effectively admitting that its internal efforts couldn’t compete with Google’s Gemini in terms of capability and scale in the short term,” IDC analyst Francisco Jeronimo said.

    He told the BBC while the move was “a significant and pragmatic strategy” for Apple, it also marked a departure from its historic approach to development.

    “Apple always preferred to own every layer of its technology,” he said, adding that doing so “gave them an edge against their competitors”.

    Nonetheless he and other analysts say the deal is likely to be welcomed by consumers, noting demand among many iPhone users for AI features as Google, Samsung and other smartphone manufacturers continue to bring these to their handsets.

    Read Also: Why Nigeria losing in $27b global pineapple market

    Tech analyst Paolo Pescatore said Apple’s latest financial results suggested AI was not the most sought-after feature for people deciding whether to buy an iPhone.

    But he told the BBC “this will gradually change as AI-powered services gain adoption”.

    This is not the first deal Apple has struck with an AI firm.

    It unveiled a similar partnership with ChatGPT-maker OpenAI in June 2024, which made the popular chatbot available as part of its suite of generative AI tools, Apple Intelligence.

    Google and Apple said in a joint statement on Monday that Apple Intelligence would continue to operate in Apple’s Private Cloud Compute system.

    “After careful evaluation, Apple determined that Google’s Al technology provides the most capable foundation for Apple Foundation Models and is excited about the innovative new experiences it will unlock for Apple users,” they said.

    “Apple Intelligence will continue to run on Apple devices and Private Cloud Compute, while maintaining Apple’s industry-leading privacy standards.”

    BBC

  • Pro-chancellor seeks overhaul of Islamic education to boost economic empowerment

    Pro-chancellor seeks overhaul of Islamic education to boost economic empowerment

    The Pro-Chancellor of Abiola Ajimobi University, Ibadan, Oyo State, Dr. Adesola Adeduntan, has called for a comprehensive reform of Islamic education to ensure it extends beyond preparation for the afterlife and aligns more effectively with contemporary economic demands.

    Adeduntan made the appeal while delivering the 15th convocation lecture of Fountain University, Osogbo, Osun State, titled “From Faith to Fortune: Building a Prosperous Ummah Through Leadership, Education and Economic Empowerment.”

    He argued that the misinterpretation of Islamic leadership, particularly the conflation of spiritual authority with socio-economic stewardship, has contributed to a persistent gap between faith-based education and the practical skills required for modern development.

    Adeduntan stressed that no individual or community can engage competitively from a position of economic weakness, urging religious leaders to adopt teachings that enhance the well-being and economic prospects of their followers.

    He said, “To our esteemed Islamic leadership – the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), The Muslim Ummah of South-West Nigeria (MUSWEN), and all bodies of authority, you must move from being custodians of mosques to architects of economies by promoting ethical entrepreneur, organise investment funds, build bridges and set agenda. 

    “We must re-engineer Islamic Education for Life, not just the afterlife. We must rethink our approach to Islamic education. Our current system of Islamic education excels at preservation but fails at preparation. It teaches the soul about eternity but leaves the intellect ill-equipped for the immediate, complex demands of this world. 

    “We have perpetuated a damaging dual-track model, where spiritual and worldly knowledge run parallel but never intersect. This must be replaced by a new paradigm: the unification of knowledge, where faith is the framework through which we understand, engage with, and transform our reality.

    “We must move from theory to integrated, project-based learning by integrated classrooms, applied theology and entrepreneurship as a capstone.”