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  • Fatima Aliyu Proving the power of partnership in governance

    Fatima Aliyu Proving the power of partnership in governance

    By Emmanuel Ado

    In Sokoto State, Dr. Fatima Aliyu, wife of Governor Ahmed Aliyu and First Lady, has shown that governance is most effective when built on teamwork. Through supportive leadership grounded in empathy and public service, she exemplifies how strong partnerships can reinforce policy outcomes and bring government closer to the people. Through her dedication and hard work, Dr. Fatima has emerged as a quiet, supportive and influential force in her husband’s administration.

    In many respects, Fatima Aliyu’s approach echoes a proud historical legacy. She is following in the footsteps of Nana Asma’u, the celebrated daughter of Shehu Usmanu Danfodiyo, who played a transformative role in advancing education, women’s learning, and social reform in the Sokoto Caliphate. Like Nana Asma’u who used knowledge, moral authority, and community engagement to uplift society, Fatima Aliyu has deployed soft power and social advocacy to strengthen governance and expand opportunity, particularly for women and girls.

    Even in the United States of America, where the role of the President’s spouse, though not defined by law,  has however over the years become a powerful platform that has positively impacted  various programmes that address critical social issues. Eleanor Roosevelt, for instance, transformed the role by championing human rights, education, and women’s welfare, proving that influence can extend beyond ceremonial duties. Similarly, in Nigeria, Maryam Babangida used her position as First Lady to elevate the welfare of rural women and children through the Better Life for Rural Women programme, demonstrating how advocacy and public engagement can reinforce government priorities.

    Fatima Aliyu, is no doubt on a firm ground building on the foundation laid by these notable women.

    It is a fact that when such power is exercised with purpose, such roles like that of Fatima Aliyu complements formal governance by advancing policy implementation and fostering social acceptance. Fatima Aliyu’s   activities reflect this keen understanding. Her activism does not seek to rival executive authority; rather, it reinforces the policies of her husband particularly in areas where key government policies need the buy-in of women to succeed. Her effort in getting the people to embrace these policies can’t be denied.

    Often described as the wife of the Sokoto State Governor or simply as the First Lady, Fatima Aliyu has chosen a path defined by substance rather than flamboyance. Her various engagements consistently focus on social welfare, maternal and child health, women’s inclusion, youth development, and support for vulnerable populations. These are far from peripheral concerns; they form the social foundations upon which the administration’s broader development agenda is built.

    For instance, one of the defining priorities of Governor Aliyu’s administration is the revitalization of education, particularly at the basic and secondary levels. From the rehabilitation of schools to renewed emphasis on enrolment and learning outcomes, education has been framed as both a developmental and moral imperative. Fatima Aliyu’s vigorous outreach to parents, women’s associations, and community leaders reinforces this agenda at the grassroots. By engaging mothers on the importance of girl-child education and providing financial support for schooling, she helps address the social barriers that the provision of infrastructure alone cannot resolve. In this sense, her activism functions as a social multiplier for government investment.

    Her commitment to girl-child education is  reflected in her oversight of the disbursement of cash support to 41,821 female students under the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) project. The intervention, implemented as a Conditional Cash Transfer programme, is aimed at advancing girl-child education in Sokoto State by reducing financial barriers and encouraging school retention. Speaking on the initiative, Fatima Aliyu underscored its broader societal value, noting that “By educating girls, AGILE is helping to build a more just and prosperous society.”

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    In the same vein, Governor Aliyu’s administration’s emphasis on improved primary healthcare and maternal health is strongly reinforced by Fatima Aliyu’s consistent advocacy. Sokoto State, like many states in the North, continues to grapple with challenges related to maternal mortality, child nutrition, and access to basic health services. While government-led efforts to upgrade healthcare facilities and expand access are essential, their success depends largely on community participation. Through health sensitization engagements that promote antenatal care, immunization, and preventive health practices, Fatima Aliyu has strengthened these initiatives with cultural sensitivity and personal engagement. Her role underscores a critical truth that healthcare outcomes improve when effective persuasion is incorporated into public policy.

    Governor Aliyu’s emphasis on social welfare and poverty alleviation also finds resonance in her public work. From engagement with widows and low-income families to advocacy for support for displaced or economically vulnerable communities, Fatima Aliyu amplifies the administration’s concern for social protection. While government interventions may take the form of relief materials, empowerment schemes, or targeted assistance, her involvement adds a human dimension that strengthens public confidence in such efforts. She signals that governance is attentive not only to economic indicators, but also to the dignity of the people.

    The focus on women’s empowerment is particularly noteworthy. Women play a crucial role in household and community well-being, and investing in their development yields far-reaching benefits. According to a report by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), empowering women economically leads to improved health, education, and social outcomes for entire families. By prioritising women’s skills acquisition and entrepreneurship, Sokoto State under Ahmed Aliyu is therefore not just fostering inclusive growth, but also strengthening social stability. Fatima Aliyu’s advocacy in this area reinforces the administration’s understanding that sustainable development must be gender-responsive.

    Youth development is another area where Fatima Aliyu’s invaluable contribution is evident. With unemployment and social dislocation posing security risks to the stability of the society, the Sokoto State Government has emphasized skills acquisition and economic inclusion as part of its development strategy. Fatima Aliyu’s interactions with the young people,  particularly in discussions around skills acquisition, self-reliance, and community responsibility reinforce these priorities. By lending her voice to conversations about taking advantage of available opportunities, she has helped frame youth development as a shared societal responsibility rather than a task for the government alone.

    While security remains the responsibility of formal state institutions, it is also shaped by important social dynamics. The administration’s efforts to improve security through collaboration with traditional leaders and community structures have benefited from trust at the local level. Fatima Aliyu’s respectful engagement with these structures, especially women leaders and community influencers, has contributed greatly to the improved stability. In communities where informal networks matter deeply, such engagement is not incidental; it is strategic.

    What distinguishes Fatima Aliyu’s approach is her understanding of the power of soft power. She operates without executive authority, yet her influence lies in accessibility, cultural fluency, and moral persuasion. By listening to community concerns and amplifying them through appropriate channels, she creates feedback loops that have enriched governance. In doing so, she complements the governor’s emphasis on inclusive governance.

    Fatima Aliyu’s role reflects a deeper philosophy of spousal partnership in public life. Rather than existing as a symbolic presence at official functions, she has wisely chosen to function as a partner on purpose by reinforcing the administration’s development priorities through social engagement. This partnership is not about visibility for its own sake; it is about alignment. Governor Aliyu deserves credit for recognising her value and deliberately empowering her to contribute to the effective governance of the state.

    Importantly, Fatima Aliyu’s activism is marked by cultural sensitivity. In a society where tradition and religion play a major role in shaping public norms, progress must be negotiated rather than imposed. Her engagements respect existing structures while subtly expanding the civic space for women, much in the tradition of Nana Asma’u, demonstrating that women’s participation in public life is deeply rooted in history.

    As Sokoto State navigates the complexities of socio- economic development, Fatima Aliyu continues to prove that partnership in governance, when grounded in public service and aligned with the general good, remains one of leadership’s most powerful assets. Through compassion, advocacy, and quiet effectiveness, she stands as a modern embodiment of a timeless truth: that societies progress fastest when women are empowered to lead, serve, and inspire.

  • ‘How Nigerians can get good bargain, best deals’

    ‘How Nigerians can get good bargain, best deals’

    Ademuyiwa Adebola Taofeek is the CEO at Royale PR, and co-founder of Bango Nigeria, a data-driven platform which aims to help Nigerians get value for money, especially across all the market segments including fast moving consumer goods and others. In this interview with Ibrahim Apekhade Yusuf, the techpreneur shares insights on how his team is changing the narrative within the business ecosystem. Excerpts:

    You have expressed concern over what you described as arbitrary pricing. Do you think this battle is worth the while?

    No doubt, the Nigerian market is indeed the buyer’s nightmare with the different price regimes being arbitrarily forced on the unsuspecting consumers by mostly shylock sellers who in their greed will do everything to profiteer at the expense of the buying public. The result is that the hapless consumers use up their disposable income without getting any real value for money and ultimately the economy is the worst for it because of price inflation, which adversely affects the general living condition.

    This is why we decided to offer a provable solution to address this seeming challenge which easily sticks out like a sore thumb. Myself and Caleb Adenegan, my partner, conceived the idea of Bango, a data-driven concept to confront the hydra-headed monster of price arbitrariness, pauperisation of the consumers, to mention just a few.

    But the name Bango Nigeria sounds foreign. What does it mean? Is it a local or foreign derivative?

    It was derived from two words, which are Bargain and Go. It is not a foreign derivative. What informed the choice of name is that we needed a name that expressed a satisfied experience, something that showed a buyer had a good experience before leaving the market. Bango is all about helping buyers save money and time when they go to the market by providing them realtime information on what other buyers are paying in markets around them. It is a system we’ve built to reward fair pricing and sellers that do well by buyers.

    Besides, Bango was inspired by the experience of the founder, who two years ago intended to get baskets of tomatoes for Salah in Lagos but was quoted a very ludicrous price, which he believed the farmers who actually planted the tomatoes would not benefit much from. He made a tweet about it, and some people tried to justify it. He then went ahead to get the tomatoes from Jos and found out that the total price it took for him to buy and get them delivered to his house in Lagos was not up to one-third of the price he was told in the Lagos market. The realisation that there are sellers offering fair prices and doing well by buyers in markets across the country, but that people hardly hear of them, was what inspired the creation of Bango.

    Which organisation  are you benchmarking your standards with, in terms of the projections for Bango?

    To be honest, at the moment, we are building a commerce platform that actually works for us as Nigerians and Africans, and the benchmark is us, as this is a never-been-done-before solution.

    What is the unique selling point of Bango?

    It is community-powered.

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    With the benefit of hindsight, Bango comes across as a data-driven service. What is the authenticity or believability of this data? Do you have a way of verifying the data?

    Buyers are the ones who post these prices. If a buyer goes to a seller based on information uploaded by another buyer and the seller tries to be inconsistent with pricing, buyers will have the ability to make comments and report the inconsistency for other community members to be aware of. Remember, this is community-driven.

    Without sounding patronizing, I know you’re offering a public service, no doubt with intrinsic value to it. But as they say, what’s the WFM: what’s in it for you? Who is bankrolling the project?

    What we want to achieve is to help everybody save money and time, and this cuts across every part of the process involved in purchasing these commodities and delivery. It is currently bootstrapped because, right now, we want to first show people how letting each other know what the market is saying can help them go to the market more equipped with the right information. This, in turn, empowers them and helps them save money and time.

    In terms of user interface, how easy is it for prospects to navigate the site?

    At the moment, it is very easy to use. All you have to do is sign up and either find prices or submit prices. We intend to continue to make it easier as we progress.

    Bearing in mind that the majority of sellers dealing in consumer goods and produce are averagely literate, and the digital divide among this group could be wider compared to the literate community of buyers, how can they benefit from the service?

    It doesn’t matter if you are illiterate or literate when it comes to Bango. It doesn’t require literacy to do well by your buyers—that’s all you need to do as a seller. You do well by your buyers, and your buyers share it with other buyers by sharing the experience on Bango.  At the moment, it is very easy to use. All you have to do is sign up and either find prices or submit prices. We intend to continue to make it easier as we progress. The site usability is very seamless because once you log in it just pops up. https://www.bango.ng

    Are you thinking of infusing local dialects so as to be able to appeal to that segment of the market?

    Yes, we are. Before every price is submitted, a seller must consent to their information being shared.

  • CBN’s outlook for 2026: Economy will profit from financial sector reforms

    CBN’s outlook for 2026: Economy will profit from financial sector reforms

    The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), has projected an impressive growth outlook for the economy in the new year on the back of the reforms being implemented across the board, reports Ibrahim Apekhade Yusuf

    The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has projected a 4.49 per cent economic growth and inflation easing to an average 12.94 per cent in 2026. In its economic outlook for 2026, the apex bank said the growth and inflation easing will be driven by stable forex markets and rising oil output following critical reforms.

    The apex bank also tipped foreign reserves to hit $51.04 billion even as cost of lending is projected to decline. These projections will support the apex bank’s broader reforms to enthrone a stronger and viable domestic economy.

    The past year was remarkable in many aspects. It was marked by global uncertainty, domestic recalibration, and deep institutional rebuilding.

    Yet amid these challenges lies a moment of renewed clarity. Over the past year, the CBN under the leadership of Olayemi Cardoso, took strategic steps to restore macroeconomic stability, rebuilding trust, and strengthening the credibility in the financial services sector.

    For many analysts, the progress of the past year will be surpassed in 2026.

    In the past year, Cardoso said: “I am pleased to report meaningful progress on all three fronts, even as we remain fully aware of the work ahead. Our actions continue to reflect the policy direction we articulated from the outset, in other words, we said what we would do, and we have done it, transparently and consistently.”

    Key targets for this year are set on issues around inflation, growth, foreign reserves and non-oil export earnings.

    In its economic outlook for this year, the CBN projected that the country’s external reserves will rise to $51.04 billion in 2026.

    The forecast signals optimism after two years of sweeping reforms by President Bola Tinubu’s government, with the bank betting on structural changes in oil, tax and foreign exchange markets to sustain growth and disinflation.

    In its 2026 outlook, the apex bank projects stronger non-oil growth and sturdier external. “The growth prospect in 2026 is positive on account of continued gains from broad-based structural reforms… and improved stability in the exchange rate,” the central bank report said. Easing monetary policy would “add impetus to growth following the anticipated reduction in the cost of lending”, it added.

    Nigeria’s central bank kept its key rate at 27 per cent in November’s year-ending meeting, opting to let inflation cool further, but trimmed the deposit rate – a vote of confidence in the economy.

    The move surprised economists, who had forecast a 100 basis-point cut after September’s first rate reduction since 2020.

    According to CBN Governor, Olayemi Cardoso, over the past 12 months, Nigeria’s economy has transitioned from crisis management to laying the groundwork for a sustainable recovery.

    “After nearly a decade in which real GDP growth averaged about 2%, reforms have restored momentum and confidence in our broad macroeconomic environment. Our economy grew by 4.23% in the second quarter of 2025, the strongest pace in four years, driven by improvements in telecommunications, financial services, and oil production,” he said.

    “More importantly in terms of long-term stability, inflation, while still high, has moderated consistently. From a peak of 34.6 per cent in November 2024, it has more than halved to 14.50 in November 2025. This marks eight consecutive months of disinflation,” he said.

    This significant, steady decline in inflation is restoring real purchasing power for households and businesses. It also demonstrates disciplined execution and Nigeria’s return to orthodox monetary policy.

    “We continue with determination to bring inflation down further. The current double-digit rate cannot be acceptable. Price stability is the foundation of sustainable growth. Our transition to an inflation‑targeting framework is gaining traction. We have improved data analytics, strengthened communication, and ended monetary financing of fiscal deficits. These actions have strengthened monetary policy transmission and anchored expectations.

    “Our models project continued disinflation in 2026, helped by stronger domestic production, improved FX liquidity, and more disciplined liquidity management. As inflation moderates and becomes firmly anchored, we will calibrate the policy rate in line with evolving data.

    “Domestic and international observers alike have noted Nigeria’s “huge turnaround” in macroeconomic management. Our commitment remains clear: monetary policy will stay evidence-based, data-driven, and unwavering in its pursuit of price stability.”

    According to the apex bank, the expected increase in reserves builds on the positive external sector performance recorded in 2025, when the balance of payments posted an estimated surplus of $5.80 billion, while external reserves rose to $45.01 billion, compared with $40.19 billion in 2024.

    The Bank noted that relative stability in the foreign exchange market during 2025 was driven by domestic economic reforms, higher capital inflows, increased export receipts and expanding local refining capacity. These factors, it said, are expected to strengthen further in 2026 and support reserve accumulation.

    Looking ahead, the CBN projected that the current account surplus will rise sharply to $18.81 billion in 2026, underpinned by strong exports, steady diaspora remittances, increased oil and gas output, improved domestic refining capacity and rising global demand from key trading partners.

    The outlook also showed that portfolio investment inflows and external borrowings are expected to keep the financial account in a net borrowing position of $10.15 billion, while the International Investment Position (IIP) is projected to record a net borrowing position of $69.58 billion in 2026, as attractive yields are anticipated to boost capital inflows.

    The Director-General, the West African Institute for Financial and Economic Management (WAIFEM) Dr. Baba Musa, said gains in growth, inflation moderation, and investment confidence mark important progress, but the work is far from complete.

    In his report, titled: “Nigeria’s Economic Outlook at a Turning Point”, he said Nigeria’s economic story is one of resilience, renewal, and strategic recalibration.

    “To sustain the recovery, Nigeria must maintain macroeconomic stability, deepen structural reforms, and ensure that growth translates into tangible improvements for citizens. Achieving this requires collaboration among government, private sector, civil society, and development partners,” he said.

    According to him, by committing to policy consistency, human capital investment, and inclusive growth, Nigeria can consolidate its recovery and emerge as a more competitive, resilient, and equitable economy in the years ahead.

    “Globally, economies are grappling with slowing growth, projected at 2.7% in 2025 by the IMF for advanced economies, and heightened geopolitical risks that affect trade and investment. Against this backdrop, Nigeria has demonstrated remarkable determination. Domestically, inflationary pressures, infrastructure deficits, and unemployment persist, yet they now represent policy frontiers rather than defining constraints,” he said.

    Musa said recent policy measures, ranging from fiscal consolidation to targeted monetary adjustments, have laid the groundwork for a sustainable growth trajectory.

    “The real test, however, lies not only in achieving stability but in ensuring that it translates into tangible socio-economic outcomes: decent jobs, rising incomes, improved productivity, and broader social welfare. If Nigeria deepens reforms, invests strategically in human capital, and leverages its structural advantages, the country can achieve not only recovery but inclusive and durable economic transformation,” he said.

    He said the growth for Nigeria is underpinned by stronger oil production following operational improvements and policy reforms in the petroleum sector.

    “Recovery in services, particularly telecommunications, financial services, and transport, reflecting resilient domestic demand. Improved agricultural output, thanks to favorable weather patterns and government support for mechanisation and inputs,” he said.

    He said the recent GDP rebasing has also given a more accurate reflection of the economy, capturing growth in high-potential sectors such as digital services, modular refining, and the creative industries. This expanded view highlights opportunities for job creation, innovation, and revenue generation that were previously underappreciated.

    World Bank’s positive verdict on economy

    The World Bank also recently gave a positive verdict on Nigeria’s economic growth trajectory, highlighting three-year unbroken growth for the country.

    In the its Global Economic Prospects, the bank posited that Nigeria will have three-year unbroken growth records- growing at 3.6 per cent in 2025, 3.7 per cent in 2026 and 3.8 per cent in 2027.

    The World Bank however, slashed its global growth forecast for 2025 by 0.4 percentage point to 2.3 per cent, saying that higher tariffs and heightened uncertainty posed a “significant headwind” for nearly all economies.

    In its twice-yearly Global Economic Prospects report, the bank lowered its forecasts for nearly 70 per cent of all economies – including the United States, China and Europe, as well as six emerging market regions – from the levels it projected just six months ago before U.S. President Donald Trump took office.

    The bank stopped short of forecasting a recession, but said global economic growth this year would be its weakest outside of a recession since 2008. By 2027, global gross domestic product growth was expected to average just 2.5 per cent, the slowest pace of any decade since the 1960s.

    The report forecast that global trade would grow by 1.8 per cent in 2025, down from 3.4 per cent in 2024 and roughly a third of its 5.9 per cent level in the 2000s. The forecast is based on tariffs in effect as of late May, including a 10 per cent U.S. tariff on imports from most countries. It excludes increases announced by Trump in April and then postponed until July 9 to allow for negotiations.

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    The bank said global inflation was expected to reach 2.9 per cent in 2025, remaining above pre-COVID levels, given tariff increases and tight labour markets.

    “Risks to the global outlook remain tilted decidedly to the downside,” the bank wrote. It said its models showed that a further 10-percentage point increase in average U.S. tariffs, on top of the 10 per cent rate already implemented, and proportional retaliation by other countries, could shave another 0.5 percentage point off the outlook for 2025.

    According to the World Bank, growth in Sub Saharan Africa is projected to strengthen to 3.7 per cent in 2025 and average 4.2 percent in 2026- 27, assuming the external environment does not deteriorate further, inflation declines as expected, and regional conflicts subside.

    It said that despite weakening growth among emerging markets and developing economies (EMDEs) globally, SSA is one of two regions expected to see growth acceleration in the forecast period.

    The World Bank Group’s Chief Economist and Senior Vice President for Development Economics, Indermit Gill, said that outside of Asia, the developing world is becoming a development-free zone.

    “It has been advertising itself for more than a decade. Growth in developing economies has ratcheted down for three decades—from 6 percent annually in the 2000s to 5 percent in the 2010s—to less than 4 percent in the 2020s. That tracks the trajectory of growth in global trade, which has fallen from an average of 5 percent in the 2000s to about 4.5 percent in the 2010s—to less than three per cent in the 2020s. Investment growth has also slowed, but debt has climbed to record levels.”

    The World Bank’s Deputy Chief Economist and Director of the Prospects Group, Ayhan Kose, said emerging-market and developing economies reaped the rewards of trade integration but now find themselves on the frontlines of a global trade conflict.

    “The smartest way to respond is to redouble efforts on integration with new partners, advance pro-growth reforms, and shore up fiscal resilience to weather the storm. With trade barriers rising and uncertainty mounting, renewed global dialogue and cooperation can chart a more stable and prosperous path forward,” he said.

  • Abia governor’s wife welcomes First Baby of Year 2026

    Abia governor’s wife welcomes First Baby of Year 2026

    •Gifts Parents ₦1m

    The wife of the Abia State governor, Mrs. Priscilla Otti, welcomed the first baby of the year 2026 at the Akirika Ukwu Primary Healthcare Centre, Ukwa West Local Government Area, Abia State.

    The baby, Miss Oluebubechi Nwatuobi Excessgrace, was born at exactly 12:43 a.m. on January 1, 2026, weighing 3kg at birth.

    To commemorate the historic birth, Mrs. Otti presented the newborn and her mother with essential gifts, including bags of rice, milk, groundnut oil, sanitary items, as well as a cash donation of One Million Naira,

    She explained that the gesture was aimed at supporting the mother’s nutrition and overall wellbeing during the nursing period.

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    The Abia First Lady, who was overjoyed at the birth, also named the newborn “Ihuoma,” expressing hope that the child would grow in peace, grace, and favour.

    Otti, while describing the birth as a joyful and symbolic beginning to the new year, noted that it reflects the steady improvement and functionality of Abia State’s primary healthcare system.

    She enjoined expectant and nursing mothers across the state to have confidence in government-owned health facilities and make proper use of them.

    She also offered prayers for the newborn and urged the parents to raise her with strong moral values that would positively shape her future.

    The Commissioner for Health, Professor Enoch Uche, commended Mrs. Otti for her consistent support of the health sector, highlighting her contributions in complementing the reforms of the governor in strengthening healthcare delivery across the state.

  • Achebe’s name inspires us to carry out school projects in Anambra

    Achebe’s name inspires us to carry out school projects in Anambra

    •Ogidi hands over N200m project to school

    The people of Ogidi, in Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State, say, the name of the late literary giant, Prof Chinua Achebe has continued to inspire them to delve into projects in school.

    The Association of Boys Secondary School (BSS, Ogidi),  now Archbishop Heerey Technical College, came together to erect an edifice in the school worth over 200 million naira and handed over to the Archbishop of Onitsha, Most Rev Valerian Okeke.

    Speaking at the event, Chairman, Building Project Implementation Technical Committee, Chief Chris Onwudiwe , said the spirit of Achebe lives in anyone from the community and indeed, Anambra State.

    This, according to him, is because everybody aspires to be like Achebe, adding that being a world renowned literary giant, anything that concerns education in his community would make him turn anywhere he is.

    The event was graced by Archbishop Valerian Okeke, the popular Pharmacist in Nigeria and traditional ruler of Ogidi community, Igwe, Dr Alex Onyido, while High Chief Samuel Anyawutaku, was the chairman of the day

    Some of the old boys of the school in attendance are, former Managing Director, Arik Air, Chief Sir Chris Ndulue; Engr Ken Nwabueze; former Special Adviser on IT to USA President, George Bush, High Chief, Prof Frank Okafor, among others .

    According to Onwudiwe,”Yes, it is part of it. You know that this school is a Catholic school. The Catholic Church started it before the war and after the war, the government took over it.

    “Before the war it was Archbishop Heerey Memorial. Then after the war the government acquired it and named it Boys Secondary School, Ogidi.

    “There were also people from Nsukka, Ebonyi, Yoruba land and others that were in the school then. And they’re still in this association.

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    “But after Peter Obi handed over the school to churches, the Catholic Church recovered it and changed the name to Archbishop Heerey Technical College, Ogidi.

    “Chinua Achebe inspired a lot of us, because everybody was aspiring to be like him. Even when we were doing literature those days in secondary school, we were looking up to him; to be like our brother, Chinua Achebe, and some other Ogidi people that were very, very influential then, like Prof. Emesia, Prof. Onukogu, and others,” he said.

    In his remarks, Archbishop Okeke thanked the Old boys for such a gesture to the school. For 40 years, there were no developmental strides in the school, until Peter Obi came and handed schools back to the missions.

    “We beckoned to old boys, and they answered us from all over the world. Things to do are much, we’re like Oliver Twist, we demand for more. But don’t do beyond your capacity because it’s not forceful. We need teacher’s quarters in the place to stop teachers from paying rents. However, it’s a gradual process,” he said.

    The  monarch, Igwe Onyido, said he was overwhelmed by the initiative of the association, adding , “it’s not easy having such alumni in any place,” he said, while promising to build a bookshop in the school.

  • Assembly, stakeholders pledge support for maternal health care

    Assembly, stakeholders pledge support for maternal health care

    The Ogun State House of Assembly and key stakeholders have reiterated their commitment to improving funding for Family Planning (FP) services, aiming to enhance access to quality child spacing services for women of childbearing age.

    This assurance was made during a policy dialogue on Family Planning Financing, organised by the Ogun State Primary Healthcare Development Board (OGPHECADEB), Family Health Initiative Ogun (FAHIO), and supported by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).

    Chairman of the House Committee on Health, Hon. Wahab Haruna, represented by Miss Titilayo Bankole, emphasised the assembly’s dedication to legislative backing for maternal health and child survival issues, urging the executive arm of government to allocate adequate funding to enhance FP programmes.

    Chairperson of FAHIO, Mrs Oluwakemi Balogun, highlighted FP services as a proven intervention to prevent maternal mortality, unplanned pregnancies and unsafe abortion, stressing the need for increased budget allocation and timely fund releases.

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    Contributing, the Permanent Secretary, State Ministry of Health, Dr Kayode Oladehinde, noted that funding was crucial to achieving FP goals, calling on government agencies to expedite fund release for FP activities.

    In their goodwill messages, the Executive Secretary, OGPHECADEB, Dr Elijah Ogunsola and the representative of  UNFPA in the state, Mr Babajide Akindele stressed the need for the state government to sustain support from development partners to ensure women have access to free, effective, and safe FP services in public health facilities.

    Representatives of the Permanent Secretary of the Hospital Management Board, Directors and senior officers in health-related agencies were also in attendance

  • Ex-Imo governor laments unfulfilled vision for Imo

    Ex-Imo governor laments unfulfilled vision for Imo

    Former Imo State governor, Achike Udenwa’s 1998 political structure, ‘Redemption’, has not quite lived up to its promises despite the potential of the group to produce governors.

    Udenwa, who served as governor from 1999 to 2007, had envisioned that the structure could have produced governors, senators and  Speakers.

    Speaking on Friday during a get together of the group he hosted at his residence in Owerri, Udenwa noted that despite the group’s potential, councilors, who could have become governors, speakers, or senators were yet to reach those heights.

     “It’s not yet over,” he assured, urging members to stay focused and determined.

    The ex-governor emphasized ‘Redemptions’ collective vision, saying “whatever you want out of Redemption is what it will be , it’s not about me, but us.”

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    He praised the group’s growth from underdogs to a force in state politics.

    Udenwa who also announced his retirement from active politics encouraged young members to be purposeful, attributing his administration’s success to participatory democracy principles.

    “I don’t want to contest an election any longer but many of us are purposeful, but you have to help yourselves because heaven helps those who help themselves,” the ex-governor stated.

    The event was attended by former FUTO VC Prof. Jude Njoku, house of assembly members, local government chairmen, coordinators of Development centres, councilors, Redemption women among others.

  • Uzodimma signs N1.4tr. 2026 Appropriation Bill into law

    Uzodimma signs N1.4tr. 2026 Appropriation Bill into law

    The Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, has signed the State’s 2026 Appropriation Bill into law, officially unveiling it as the ‘Budget of Economic Breakthrough.’

    Uzodimma had presented the Budget proposal before the House of Assembly on December 22, 2025.

     The signing ceremony took place Wednesday at the Imo State Government House Annexe, in Eziachi, Orlu, on December 31, 2025.

     The Governor described the development as a “reflection of effective democratic governance,” praising the collaboration between the executive and legislative arms of government.

     He commended members of the Imo State House of Assembly for what he described as their “diligence and swift handling of matters of public importance.”

     Uzodimma stated that the ₦1.4 trillion budget was designed to stimulate economic growth and improve the standard of living of Imo residents.

     He stressed the need for prudence and revenue generation to ensure effective implementation of the budget.

     According to him, the administration remains committed to completing ongoing infrastructure projects across Imo state, particularly road construction and public facilities, before the end of his tenure.

     He noted that infrastructure development is driven by public utility rather than ownership, emphasising inclusiveness in governance.

     The governor also acknowledged the fiscal reforms of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, which he said have created opportunities for States to enhance revenue generation.

     He assured the people of Imo State of his continued dedication to responsible governance and service delivery in the coming year.

     Highlighting the importance of visible impact, Governor Uzodimma said improvements in electricity supply, healthcare services, and other social amenities would reinforce public confidence in government spending, adding that “citizen satisfaction remains a key measure of success for the administration.”

     He emphasised that the 2026 budget is expected to support small and medium-scale enterprises, attract local and foreign investment, and strengthen revenue-generating agencies, all to boost economic development.

     On security, the governor expressed optimism that peace is incrementally returning to Imo State, noting that “improved stability in the State has created a more conducive environment for business and investment.”

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    Earlier, the Imo State House of Assembly formally transmitted the 2026 budget estimates to the governor following legislative review and approval.

     The Clerk of the House, Barr. Chinelo Emeghara confirmed that the budget was returned after undergoing due legislative scrutiny to ensure alignment with the State’s development priorities.

     She was emphatic that Section 100 Sub Section 2 of the 1999 Constitution (as Amended) makes it mandatory for the Governor to assent to the passed appropriation bill sent to him by the legislature into law, to make the document implementable.

     Leading a delegation of lawmakers, Deputy Speaker Rt. Hon. Amara Iwuanyanwu, who stood in for the Speaker, Rt Hon. Chike Olemgbe, said the Assembly carefully examined the budget to ensure it addresses key sectors, including education, healthcare, infrastructure, agriculture, digital development, and rural growth.

     He described the budget as a strategic framework aimed at driving economic and social progress in Imo State.

    The Deputy Speaker also emphasised that the Assembly remains committed to transparency, accountability, and effective oversight throughout the 2026 fiscal year.

  • Philanthropists offer free 20 surgeries, cancer screening, others in Anambra

    Philanthropists offer free 20 surgeries, cancer screening, others in Anambra

    Two philanthropists, Prof Chiemelu Emegoakor and Dr Emma Nwokedi have sponsored a multi- million naira free medical outreach for less- privileged persons in Uke Community in Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State.

    Speaking at the Primary Healthcare Center, Uke, Emegoakor said he had been offering free surgery and medical outreach for four years running with his colleague and brother, Nwokedi who is also from the community.

    “It is our way of giving back to society. For me, the skill or resources I have is divine. So, I have dedicated at least one day in a year to give back to my community.

    “We have performed major, intermediate and minor surgeries. Those we undertook today include 10 Inguinal hernia, 4 Thyroidectomy (goitre removal), 4 Umbilical hernia(tube na abo), 3 Cyst, 1 Breast lump, 4 Lipoma, 3 Hydrocele and 1 Undescended testis.

    “Moreso, 30 women had ultrasound screening of their breasts and 110 patients with varying ailments were seen and given drugs sourced from the USA,” he said.

    Emegoakor further advised residents to be health conscious and learn good health behaviors particularly once they were up to 40 years.

    Read Also: Yoruba diaspora group hails Nigeria–US security collaboration

    “Do not wait until you break down before going to hospital, go for medical check-ups from time to time the way you go to the mechanic to check your vehicle engine.

    “Once you are up to 40 years, please check your blood pressure, blood sugar from time to time. If you discover anything abnormal in your system please visit the hospital. But an adult should not wait until he sees something abnormal.

    “Excluding my medical expertise which I bring to bear which is not quantifiable, we spent roughly N12 million for today’s outreach. It is the love for our community and we are not expecting anything from them,” said Emegoakor.

    A principal sponsor of the annual medical outreach, Dr. Emma Nwokedi expressed joy and satisfaction in seeing the community benefit from the free health care program.

    Nwokedi, an American-based oncologist however reflected on the huge cost needed to drive the programme, especially with respect to core professionals brought for surgeries and other key medical services.

    “Not minding what it takes to deliver this outreach every year, my joy is found in the fact that people’s lives are saved, especially those who cannot afford the cost of treating their ailments,” he added.

  • Kwara teachers protest over PSA exclusion

    Kwara teachers protest over PSA exclusion

    Kwara State teachers yesterday staged a peaceful protest over their exclusion from the newly approved 30 per cent Teachers Salary allowance (TSA) by the state government.

    The teachers converged on the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) state office in Ilorin and expressed their  displeasure at the state government’s decision

    They described the exclusion as unfair and discriminatory.

    But Governor Abdulraman AbdulRazaq during the 2026 budget presentation, promised that his administration would begin the implementation of PSA from January 2026.

    Speaking on behalf of the protesting teachers, Comrade Segun Afolabi  insisted that the 27.5 per cent TSA is a statutory entitlement and should not be merged with, or used as a replacement for, the newly approved 30 per cent allowance meant for workers.

    He said that “other states are implementing the 30% peculiar allowance and ours should not be an exception. Teachers earning in Kwaran State is far below the economic reality of the country.

    “Education suffers because teachers are not well paid. All civil servants in Kwara State were paid November 2024 palliatives; only teachers were exempted.

    “It is on this note that we demand immediate implementation of peculiar allowance for teachers, as it is being implemented for other civil servants in Kwara State.”

    Reacting to the protest, the Kwara State Chairman of the NUT, Comrade Yusuf Wahab Agboola, appealed to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq to urgently include teachers in the new allowance in the interest of equity and industrial harmony.

    He said the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Kwara State Wing, had appealed in a circular to public school teachers in the state to remain calm and avoid further protests over their exclusion from the recently introduced Peculiar Allowance approved for core civil servants in ministries, departments and agencies.

    Agboola acknowledged that teachers were pained by their exclusion from the 30 per cent Peculiar Allowance, noting that the development had triggered emotional reactions within the union.

    “There is no gainsaying that we are in pain and our hearts are disturbed by the missing gaps in the payment of the newly introduced Peculiar Allowance, from which Kwara public school teachers were excluded,” he said.

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    The NUT chairman dismissed claims that the union’s leadership failed the teachers, describing such perceptions as incorrect and misleading.

    He explained that: “The union had demanded during negotiations that the 30 per cent Peculiar Allowance be extended to teachers in addition to the 27.5 per cent and 21 per cent TSA already under consideration.

    “We categorically told representatives of the state government that the Peculiar Allowance should also be extended to teachers,” Agboola said.

    Agboola also criticised the protest staged by some teachers on December 22, alleging that it was driven by “ulterior motives,” exploiting the frustration of innocent members.

    He said the union’s leadership was absent during the protest because it was not formally notified, while secretariat staff were already on end-of-year holidays.

    He added that both the State Chairman and Secretary were out of the state at the time.