The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • N4m up for grabs as Ikoyi Club Tennis Masters begins

    N4m up for grabs as Ikoyi Club Tennis Masters begins

    The organisers of the Ikoyi Club Tennis Masters Tournament have earmarked N4 million as the prize money for this year’s edition.

    ‎The Chairman of the tennis section of Ikoyi Club, Diran Famakinwa, stated this at a briefing, highlighting the activities for the second edition of the tournament.

    ‎The tournament, which is in collaboration with MegaMound Investment Limited, is endorsed by the Nigerian Tennis Federation.

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    ‎According to Famakinwa, the male and female champions will receive N500,000 each, while the runners-up in both categories will go home with the sum of N350,000 each, with the remaining money to be shared among the semi-finalists and other participants.

    ‎Sixteen players, which includes the eight top ‎male and eight top female players, will feature in the one-week event, which started on December 5, and run till Saturday, December 13.

    ‎The female final will be held on Friday, December 12, while the male final will take up on Saturday, December 13.

  • Mactay Golfers Pro-Am debuts in Ikoyi

    Mactay Golfers Pro-Am debuts in Ikoyi

    MacTay Professional and Amateur Golf tournament marks its debut with the successful hosting of its maiden edition at the Golf Section Ikoyi Club 1938.

    The 18-hole competition, which featured professional and amateur golfers, was also used to showcase the youth development initiatives being embarked upon by MacTay Group.

    Themed “Heritage of Champions,” the tournament brought together elite professional golfers and dedicated amateur players of Ikoyi Club in a spirited Pro-Am format that honoured the Club’s legacy of excellence, discipline, and sporting mastery.

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    Meanwhile, Mike Makinde has emerged winner of the maiden tournament, shooting a 67-net score to win by 3 shots over the hard-hitting Ikoyi Club 1938 Vice Chairman, Bolaji Martins who carded 90 gross for 70 net to duck in the second position.

    Femi Feyide was further down on the winners’ chart after 71-net, while Sunkanmi Iyiola, with a score of 74-net completed the top 4 in the net category for men.

    Tim Ayomike won in the Gross category after carding 75 followed by Paul Tijani in the second position.

  • Top five African countries with best nightlife, parties in December

    Top five African countries with best nightlife, parties in December

    December in Africa is the ultimate month for music, parties, and festive celebrations. From bustling city clubs to vibrant beach parties, the continent comes alive as locals and tourists ring in the year’s end.

    Here are five African countries leading the Detty December party scene.

    1. Nigeria

    Nigeria is the heartbeat of Africa’s nightlife in December. Lagos and Abuja shine with concerts, street carnivals, and Afrobeat parties.

    2. South Africa

    South Africa’s summer season makes Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Durban party capitals in December.

    3. Ghana

    Ghana offers lively parties and cultural celebrations along its coast. Accra, Cape Coast, and Elmina are must-visit destinations.

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    4. Kenya

    Kenya combines safari adventures with vibrant December nightlife. Nairobi, Mombasa, and Diani Beach are top destinations.

    5. Egypt

    Egypt blends history with luxury nightlife. Cairo, Sharm El Sheikh, and Hurghada host parties alongside cultural sightseeing.

  • PDP’s Segun Showunmi hails Umahi’s ‘giant strides’ on road infrastructure

    PDP’s Segun Showunmi hails Umahi’s ‘giant strides’ on road infrastructure

    …engages in 10-hour road project tour with minister 

    A prominent opposition figure and chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Otunba Segun Showunmi, has applauded the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, for the significant progress recorded in transforming road infrastructure across the country.

    Showunmi’s commendation followed a 10-hour project inspection tour he undertook with the Minister and a team of opposition party representatives, including Dr. Kanti Uthman of the ADC, Engr. Musa Zubaru of the AA, and Sunday Ayeni of the NNPP.

    He praised the rehabilitation of the Keffi–Mararaba Road and the swift reconstruction of the Keffi Bridge, which recently collapsed.

    In a social media post, the former spokesperson to ex–Vice President Atiku Abubakar also lauded Umahi’s extensive engineering expertise and his hands-on approach to supervising ongoing projects.

    “Dave truly loves engineering. He understands construction deeply. He thrives in the field engaging contractors, giving instructions, verifying the quality of work, checking bills of quantities, and ensuring that agreements match execution.

    “At the Maraba road, I was both shocked and delighted by the amount of work already done by a combination of local and foreign companies. I’ve often asked him, “Can’t our people build roads? Will they get the jobs too?” His answer is always the same: “As we inspect, you’ll see Nigerians who can match anyone in this field. The bidding and evaluation processes are competitive. And the value chain of construction supports millions of Nigerians, even when foreign contractors are involved.” He added that the President is just as concerned about developing local capacity”, he said. 

    He however criticized Nigerians for being good at raising complaints about the bad state of roads but unable to show appreciation when things are done right, querying what kind of people Nigerians are. 

    “When we reached the bridge, I was pleasantly surprised it was not only restored but strengthened, rebuilt better, and protected with gantries to prevent a recurrence. And all within such a short time. I asked His Excellency, “Professor in Practice” Dave Umahi how they accomplished this so fast, given that it was an unplanned emergency. 

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    He explained: once the collapse was broadcast on TV and Nigerians began lamenting, the President issued a marching order, backed it with immediate funding, and the ministry scoped the work and mobilized a contractor. In less than three months 29 days after completion the bridge was quietly reopened”, he added. 

    The 10-hour journey also took the team to Kaduna where Otunba Showunmi saw sites where works are actively going on, where street lighting and other facilities will also be put in place. 

    “From there, we headed toward Kaduna, stopping at critical points to observe the work. What struck me most was that at every single location, men and women were actively working. I heard in some areas Dave ordering ministry supervisors to temporarily relocate to boost oversight. 

    He urged contractors to take advantage of the good weather, double their workforce and equipment, and work day and night under floodlights. 

    He emphasized tree planting every 10 meters, the development of side corridors, and the provision of streetlights”.

    Dave Umahi dirrected all praises to the President saying that he was just carrying out the presidents agenda of making Nigeria a better place.

  • Ambassadorial nomination: I saw it coming for Ajimobi

    Ambassadorial nomination: I saw it coming for Ajimobi

    By Kehinde Olaosebikan

    When someone has a quality, it may be latent, but when a person is made of great quality, it is discernible to all. Behind every successful man, they say, there is a woman. Her husband has gone to rest in the bosom of the Lord, but she keeps the flag flying and very far beyond expectations. This is the story of Chief Mrs Fatima Florence Ajimobi, the First Lady of Oyo State from 2011 to 2019.

    During Senator Abiola Ajimobi’s administration as the Governor of Oyo State, his wife was exceptional in supporting and promoting the cause of her husband. In very decent, proactive and respectable ways, Mrs Ajimobi made lasting impacts across the 33 local government areas of Oyo State. Successful as First Lady, Florence Ajimobi has become spectacular out of office and as a widow.

    Appreciating the pedigree, antecedents and great qualities inherent in her, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the president reputed for precision in his appointments just few days ago nominated Florence Ajimobi as an Ambassador.

    Without being vainglorious, I can say that I saw these qualities in her and their manifestation, very long ago. In my piece: ‘The Face of New Oyo Woman’ published in December 2017, I lauded Mrs Ajimobi for the brilliance, momentousness and creativity she brought on board as the First Lady of Oyo State and declared that she was headed for greatness. As I congratulate Mrs Ajimobi on this noble nomination and eventual appointment as an Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, let me share some paragraphs from the write-up.

    “The First Lady of Oyo State, Mrs Florence Ajimobi, is complementing the three-point agenda of Restoration, Transformation and Repositioning of her husband, Governor Abiola Ajimobi.

    “Starting with the Ajumose Food Basket, a programme that gives food items to a number of people across the 33 local government areas of the state on  monthly basis; Access to Basic Medical Care (ABC Foundation),  recently adjudged as the Most Outstanding NGO in the South West by the House of Representatives; to ICT Corner for Women in Public Service and Educate a Rural Child Project that provides educational materials for the indigent students amongst others, Mrs. Ajimobi is concretely connecting with the Oyo  people in all facets of life and in all the nooks and crannies, making living, easier and more meaningful.”

    In addition to all the aforementioned programmes, this paragon of beauty and brain, triggered off the unusual with the introduction of intellectualism into the office of the First Lady. When she came up with the idea of bringing the wives of public office holders in Oyo State under the aegis of Oyo State Officials’ Wives Association (OYSOWA), many had thought the group was for the usual women’s stuff, partying and other frivolities.

    But Mrs Ajimobi toed the line of intellectualism by introducing a yearly conference of women of note to discuss and further the course of development of not just the women in Oyo or Nigeria but also in Africa and across the globe.

    For three years running, the programme has become a huge success. She has, in an unprecedented manner, mobilised fellow First Ladies all over Nigeria and beyond our shores to chart new courses for progress and development.

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    This year’s edition, which came to a close on Friday, was attended by over 1,000 delegates including world acclaimed women leaders like the former Zimbabwean Vice President, Dr. Joice Mujuru, former First Lady of Liberia, Senator Jewel Howard Tailor, four state governors, 21 First Ladies. The conference has become a toast to all, eliciting affirmative comments and commendations in public places and son ocial media.

    For this beautiful woman to have successfully turned a supposedly frivolous association in Ibadan to an intellectual hub and well recognised across the continent; it is established that Mrs. Ajimobi has truly changed the face of the Ibadan woman from that of a cloth or pepper seller to that of a beauty and a thinker.

    I must add here that Oyo has been particularly blessed with exceptional First Ladies since the beginning of our nascent democracy. From the motherly and benign Alhaja Sarat Adeola Adesina, wife of the late Great Lam who came in with her well packaged Health is Wealth Programme, it has been positive all through. The Health is Wealth Program of Alhaja Adesina has existed to date in the Office of the First Lady.

    The elegant black beauty, Alhaja Mutiat Ladoja, also initiated Idera De Foundation with headquarters in Ido for the disabled and underprivileged, while the gorgeous, vivacious, well-built wife of Otunba Christopher Adebayo Alao-Akala, Oluwakemi, came up with Community Link Advancement Program (CLAP) for the uplift of the less privileged urban and rural women. They all served their purposes well.

    However, with the intellectualism and passionate execution of her projects, it is certain that Mrs. Ajimobi’s projects have not only come to stay, they have individually become a challenge to the future First Ladies.

    That is from the piece about the phenomenal wife of the late former Governor Isiaq Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State. Today, I continue to celebrate her as she takes on the onerous task of representing Nigeria as an Ambassador. I am sanguine, she will excel. Congratulations ma.

    •Olaosebikan is Chief Consultant, Midas Communications Limited.

  • From neglect to renewal: Sokoto’s big bet on education

    From neglect to renewal: Sokoto’s big bet on education

    By Mohammed Bwago

    Education in Sokoto State has long existed at the intersection of aspiration and limitation. For decades, public classrooms across the state have struggled to bridge the widening gap between a rapidly growing population and the limited resources devoted to shaping their future. In many communities, parents have watched their children learn in crumbling structures, sit on bare floors, share outdated textbooks, or study under teachers whose morale has been worn down by years of neglect. Against this backdrop, Governor Ahmed Aliyu’s decision to allocate about 25 per cent of the 2025 budget to the education sector is more than a fiscal gesture. It is an attempt to redefine what the state prioritizes and an acknowledgement that human capital must become the foundation of its long-term development strategy.

    What makes this allocation noteworthy is not merely the percentage itself, but what it signals. In northern Nigeria, education has long been dogged by the lingering effects of historical underinvestment, demographic pressures, cultural complexities, and structural weaknesses. Many state budgets struggle to keep pace with the sheer scale of need. Allocating nearly a quarter of public expenditure to education in such an environment is bold; it reflects an understanding that Sokoto cannot progress unless the quality of its schools and teachers changes decisively. It is also a source of cautious optimism, suggesting an attempt to match rhetoric with actual commitment.

    The scale of what needs fixing is massive. Many public schools still operate in conditions that would be unthinkable in other parts of the world: roofs that leak during the rainy season, classrooms without doors or windows, schools without functional toilets, and teachers working with outdated or insufficient teaching materials. For years, tertiary institutions across the state—from colleges of education to professional institutes—have grappled with accreditation challenges that limited their ability to expand programmes or maintain academic standards. These weaknesses collectively limit the pipeline of qualified teachers, health workers, engineers, and technical professionals the state needs.

    The 2025 budget attempts to reverse some of these trends by focusing heavily on infrastructure restoration. Large sums are earmarked for renovating classrooms, constructing new school blocks, installing digital learning facilities, upgrading workshops and laboratories, and replacing worn-out furniture. Several schools damaged by age or environmental factors are also slated for full rehabilitation. Government officials argue that this is part of a structured, multi-year plan rather than a one-off spending spree. In a number of local government areas, students are already attending refurbished blocks with restored electricity and improved water supply—early signals of what a properly funded education system could begin to look like.

    But infrastructure alone cannot repair an education system. Teachers remain the heart of any serious reform, and in Sokoto, they have faced some of the toughest conditions. For years, many worked without timely promotions, with limited access to training, and often with salaries that neither reflected their workload nor the importance of their profession. Unsurprisingly, some left for federal agencies, private schools, or even non-education jobs. This has contributed to chronic shortages in science subjects, technical fields, and rural schools.

    Governor Aliyu’s plan attempts to address this by increasing teacher pay, clearing backlogs in promotion processes, and expanding opportunities for professional development. Pilot training sessions already launched in clusters across the state indicate growing enthusiasm. Teachers have reported better attendance, increased engagement, and a renewed sense of professional purpose. For many, the recognition that the state is paying attention after years of indifference is an important morale boost. The governor’s frequent reminder that “no education system can rise above the quality of its teachers” captures an important truth: infrastructure is necessary, but not sufficient.

    At the tertiary level, the administration is also attempting to repair longstanding accreditation problems. Sokoto’s colleges of education, polytechnics, and technical institutes play a crucial role in workforce development, especially in fields like agriculture, health, engineering, and teacher training. However, outdated laboratories, inadequate libraries, and insufficient staffing have repeatedly triggered accreditation setbacks. The new funding will be used to modernise facilities, purchase updated equipment, and support compliance with regulatory standards. Several accreditation teams are expected to visit institutions in the coming months, raising hope that the state will regain lost ground and expand academic offerings. A stronger tertiary sector would not only produce better graduates but also elevate the state’s academic reputation.

    The focus on education is also fundamentally linked to Sokoto’s broader economic goals. The state has ambitions to modernise its agricultural value chains—from rice mills to tomato processing facilities—and to stimulate small-scale industry, renewable energy, and service-sector growth. Yet every one of these sectors depends on the availability of a skilled, adaptable workforce. Without strong foundational education, investments in agriculture or industry will be limited by skill shortages, low productivity, and weak innovation capacity. The education budget, therefore, is as much an economic blueprint as a social investment. It is the state’s attempt to reposition itself for competitiveness in a rapidly evolving regional and global landscape.

    Yet, the challenges ahead cannot be ignored. One of the most significant issues is the issue of absorptive capacity—the ability of ministries, schools, and agencies to execute projects effectively within a single fiscal year. Historically, public institutions in the state have struggled with delays, incomplete projects, and bureaucratic bottlenecks. This raises a familiar question: can the system efficiently translate a large allocation into visible results? The administration says it is addressing this by setting up monitoring teams within the Ministry of Education, adopting digital procurement systems, and improving inter-agency coordination. These reforms, if sustained, could strengthen transparency and reduce the risk of waste.

    Corruption remains another persistent concern. Previous oversight mechanisms have sometimes failed to prevent inflated contracts, substandard construction, or the quiet disappearance of funds. The current administration has pledged to adopt more transparent procurement procedures, publish major contract details, and involve community monitoring groups in project supervision. Civil society organizations have welcomed the initial openness but continue to push for stronger independent oversight. Supporters of the administration cite recent cancellations of questionable contracts as evidence that the government is serious about accountability. Whether this momentum is sustained will be critical as the sector begins to absorb more funds.

    Teacher retention also poses a long-term challenge. Even with improved pay, Sokoto competes with opportunities in other states, federal positions, and private institutions. Attracting and retaining quality educators—especially in rural areas—will require continuous incentives such as rural allowances, better housing, stronger security, and career progression pathways. Without tackling these structural issues, improved training alone may not prevent outflow.

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    A final concern is the sustainability of funding. Sokoto currently benefits from external support, including donor-funded programmes for girls’ education, early childhood learning, and teacher training. These partnerships have amplified state investments, but they cannot be counted on indefinitely. Economic volatility, donor fatigue, or shifting political priorities could disrupt them. The administration’s plan to expand internally generated revenue, encourage private contributions through education endowment funds, and diversify the state’s revenue base indicates awareness of this risk. But these efforts will take time to mature.

    Despite these challenges, the direction of policy is clear. Sokoto’s future depends on its people, and the decision to allocate 25 per cent of the budget to education represents a serious—perhaps historic—attempt to rebuild the state’s foundation. One year will not solve a decade of decay, and a budget line will not repair every failing school overnight. But the early signs—from construction sites to training centres—suggest that progress is possible when political will is matched by resources and a coherent plan.

    Ultimately, the success of this effort will not be measured by the eloquence of budget speeches or the number of groundbreaking ceremonies. It will be measured by improvements in literacy, numeracy, examination outcomes, attendance rates, teacher satisfaction, and the employability of graduates. If the administration sustains its momentum, strengthens oversight, and keeps its focus on long-term institutional reforms, the 2025 budget could mark a turning point in the educational history of Sokoto.

    The coming years will determine whether this moment becomes a genuine transformation—or another missed opportunity. For now, the state appears to have made the right choice: investing in its people, betting on its future, and recognizing that no society rises beyond the quality of the education it provides.

    feel comfortable.” Her words capture the essence of this moment: education reforms are ultimately about the futures of children who only need a fair chance.

    Sokoto now stands at a threshold. If the Governor Aliyu administration sustains its momentum, strengthens oversight, and remains committed to long-term reform, the investment of the 2024 and 2025 budgets would mark a turning point in the state’s educational history. But if resolve weakens, this moment may dissolve into the long list of missed opportunities.

    For now, the state has taken a necessary step—choosing to invest in its people, strengthen its institutions, and bet on a future in which every child can learn with dignity. Whether that promise is fully realised will define the next chapter of Sokoto’s story.

  • Okojie: New Edo has risen, shining bright

    Okojie: New Edo has risen, shining bright

    At the intersection of business, community service, and national politics stands Hon. Prince Odi Okojie, the lawmaker representing Esan North-East/Esan South-East Federal Constituency. Over the years, he has evolved from a young Esan entrepreneur with big dreams into one of Edo Central’s most influential political figures, respected for his accessibility, development-driven agenda, and unwavering commitment to his people.

    In this exclusive interview with NICHOLAS KALU, Okojie opens up about the experiences that shaped his early life, the discipline behind his business success, and the values that continue to guide his political journey. He also speaks on his legislative strides in the last two years, offering insight into how his private-sector background informs the impactful programmes and projects transforming communities across Esan land. Excerpts:

    Your pivotal role as the Edo Central Director-General of Governor Monday Okpebholo‘s 2024 campaign was legendary. Many say your grassroots mobilisation in Esan turned the tide…

     Where do I begin? As Director General for the Okpebholo Campaign in Edo Central, I saw a man whose vision mirrored Edo’s soul: progress without pretence. The previous administration left us with debt and deferred dreams, but Senator Okpebholo brought renewed energy.

     We mobilised like never before — from ward to ward, community to community, unit to unit, and market to market, going door-to-door across every Esan village. Town halls overflowed with passionate voters. We changed the narrative, and today the governor has turned Edo into a construction hub. Everywhere you go, the transformation speaks for itself.

     The last election was not just a campaign; it was a people-powered revolution against falsehood and maladministration. As the former Governor, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, described it, it was “double-breasted pilfering” of our collective patrimony.

    Victory came through divine grace and the people’s trust in then-Senator Monday Okpebholo. But let’s be clear: his integrity, his accommodating spirit, and his humility sealed that victory. He listens, acts, and delivers. From fixing dilapidated hospitals, schools, and roads to constructing new ones, he produces results. I gave my all because I believed in him, and history has vindicated us. Edo is reborn. A new Edo has risen, and Edo is shining.

     How has his (Okpebholo) leadership exceeded expectations, and what fuels your staunch loyalty?

    Exceeded? He has shattered every bar! He has silenced the naysayers. The man is a performer. He is aligning Edo with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    Security? Kidnappings and farm-related crimes have drastically reduced, nearly eliminated through community policing with salaried vigilante operatives.

     Health? Hospitals are being revamped.

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    Education? Almost 10,000 teachers have been employed and issued appointment letters—real employment, not ‘audio appointments’. Schools across the state have also been renovated.

    Infrastructure? Flyovers are emerging across Benin. Roads are opening up rural communities to investment. Tourism is back. Sports and agriculture are thriving. Youth employment is rising. The list is endless. In just 12 months, he has fulfilled and surpassed every promise. As for loyalty—mine is ironclad. Governor Okpebholo is Edo’s architect. He has restored dignity to widows, opportunity to graduates, and hope to farmers. I have staked my reputation on him because he is the leader Edo deserves. We call him ‘Akpako Rescue’ because God sent him to rescue us from years of divisive and destructive leadership. The Governor is working, Edo is rising, and the people are happy.

    With local and general elections coming, how will you rally support for your party and the governor, especially in light of the commitment to deliver 2.5 million votes for President Tinubu?

     It is full steam ahead. No backing down. The Governor has given the marching orders. He has delivered, and such performance deserves consolidation. I will give my full support with every vigour to what I call the “Defend the Dividend Tour.” Every polling unit will feel our presence. We will deploy digital mobilisation tools—platforms that track project impact, compelling stories of transformed lives, youth ambassadors, and coordinated door-to-door engagement. Our message remains clear: “Continuity for Prosperity.” Tinubu must continue, and Okpebholo must succeed.

     Expect mega rallies in Uromi and across Edo Central. Cultural carnivals that merge Esan identity with governance achievements. We will court the undecided with evidence of transformation.

     Edo’s GDP is rising, unemployment is falling, security has improved, and development is visible everywhere. For these reasons, I will campaign until my voice cracks. Loyalty to excellence is my creed. Edo forward, under Governor Okpebholo —always.

     You have publicly supported President Tinubu’s petroleum and economic reforms. How does this align with your legislative role in the midstream sector?

     My alignment with President Tinubu’s agenda is both principled and practical. The president’s vision emphasises industrialisation, value addition, and energy independence. These are not slogans; they align with my convictions.

     As Chairman of the House Committee on Petroleum Resources (Midstream), I am positioned to support and implement these reforms. We oversee compliance with the Petroleum Industry Act and refinery rehabilitation.

     The removal of fuel subsidy created public anxiety. You acknowledged that the N500 billion palliative was inadequate but still urged Nigerians to trust the government. How do you justify continued support amid hardship?

     I will never deny that Nigerians are feeling hardship. The removal of the subsidy brought immediate shocks. I said publicly that the N500 billion proposed for cushioning the effects was insufficient. However, we must look beyond the present pain.

     If we remain tethered to unsustainable subsidies, we undermine investment in education, health, and infrastructure. I support the administration because the policy direction is sincere and necessary for long-term stability.

     My responsibility is dual: hold the government accountable and support reforms that unlock future benefits. At the committee level, we ensure subsidy savings translate into refineries, pipelines, host-community programmes, and tangible benefits for everyday Nigerians.

     To my constituents, I say: the transition is tough, but we are working to scale relief programmes. Locally, I continue to support education, health, agriculture, youth development, and infrastructure so that federal policy shocks do not crush the Esan people. Complaints alone cannot solve our problems. Engagement, accountability, and participation will.

     What is your blueprint for Esan in the next two years, and what message do you have for young politicians watching you?

    For Esan, our agenda is ‘Esan Ascendancy’. It is upwards ever and backwards never. It is progress and above only. We will push for more federal presence, more empowerment initiatives, more productive bills, and more opportunities for our people.

     To young politicians, politics is always about lobbying, negotiation and persuasion. That is the name of the game. Enter the arena with heart, not hunger. Politics is not a meal ticket; it is a mission. Understand Edo’s challenges and amplify the voices of the people, just as I did in the markets of Esan. Align yourself with leaders who deliver real results. Dream boldly, serve with humility and remember that true power is measured by how many people you uplift. Esan, Edo and Nigeria — together, we are building a future worthy of our people.

     Your tenure in the National Assembly has been marked with bold interventions in infrastructure, education, agriculture and youth empowerment. How has your business acumen shaped your legislative priorities, and what key achievements stand out for your constituents in the last two years?

    My business background has been central to how I serve in the Green Chamber. It taught me efficiency, accountability, and the importance of delivering measurable value. These principles guide every decision I make on behalf of my people.

     Over the last two years, we have empowered more than 5,000 youths and widows across Esan North-East and Esan South-East. We have constructed roads, supported housing projects, and opened pathways for sustainable livelihoods. Our skills acquisition programmes have trained hundreds of young people in welding, fashion design, catering, technology, and other vocational fields, positioning them for participation in a modern economy.

     We have also provided vehicles, tricycles, motorcycles, deep freezers, and other income-generating tools that help families build stability and independence. We have also strengthened security in my constituency by providing operational vehicles to the relevant agencies. In addition, we facilitated the construction of the General Hospital Road in Uromi, a vital access route that now supports local businesses and improves movement across the community.

     We also launched a solar-powered street lighting initiative known as ‘Operation Light Up Agbazilo,’ which restored safety and vitality to communities that once lived in darkness. Streets that were previously unsafe at night now experience life, activity, and renewed confidence.

     These interventions are not photo opportunities; they are genuine lifelines. Today, our people are witnessing representation that delivers: better roads, improved schools, renovated clinics, and community-centred development across the constituency.

  • Entertainment Week Africa: 28,000 participants advance Pan-African creative mobility

    Entertainment Week Africa: 28,000 participants advance Pan-African creative mobility

    The inaugural edition of Entertainment Week Africa (EWA) represented a cultural festival as it brought together creators, executives, investors, policymakers and industry leaders for a six-day, multi-venue event. Featuring an impressive line-up of stars including Tiwa Savage, Teni, Don Jazzy, Yemi Alade, Waje and Sasha P.

    Founder of Entertainment Week Africa, Deola Art Alade said the idea of the event was borne out of the vibrancy of Lagos as an economic, intellectual and artistic hub. “Our ambition over the coming years is for Entertainment Week Africa to establish itself as a critical part of the economic, intellectual and artistic capital of this great city. We’re delighted with the first steps towards that,” she stated.

    The event, which positioned Lagos as a rising global centre for creative-economy innovation, held across several of the most notable venues for creative endeavours in Lagos, including the Livespot Entertarium, Eko Hotel, EbonyLife Place, Alliance Française and Heritage Place.

    According to organisers, in just its first edition, the festival, themed “Close the Gap,” set a powerful foundation for pan-African creative mobility and global cultural exchange and served as both a challenge and a blueprint, uniting talent, capital, policy and platforms in one ecosystem.

    At the Opening Night, dignitaries including Jumoke Oduwole, Minister of Trade & Investment; Johnny Baxter, British Deputy High Commissioner; Olufolake Abdulrazaq First Lady of Kwara State; Toke Benson Awoyinka and the Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts & Culture.

    In his remarks, Jonny Baxter, British Deputy High Commissioner, emphasised the festival’s diplomatic and economic significance. “Entertainment Week Africa represents a week of celebration, partnership and progress. By “Closing the Gap,” we are not just building bridges; we are creating highways for ideas, talent and investments to flow freely between Nigeria and the UK,” he stated.

    Over the six days of the festival, from November 18th – 23rd, the event welcomed 28,683 pass-holders from 8+ countries and over 50 different industries across the conference, screen, music and interdisciplinary creator programme touch points.

    A landmark gender-equity conversation with Yemi Alade, Waje, Qing Madi, Teni, Sasha P and Tiwa Savage spotlighted representation gaps, with sound bites such as “Out of the top 100 songs in Nigeria on Apple Music, there’s only one female song,” “The gap is too wide, we need to balance the scale” as music executive, Don Jazzy added: “We’re too masculine… It affects the numbers, the airplay, the clubs.”

    In terms of numbers, the top four countries at the festival apart from Nigeria are Ghana, Senegal, Kenya, and the UK. Passes to the inaugural event were bought by 51 different industries, with the highest attendance coming from entertainment while sectors such as creators, advertising, music, technology, media, marketing, filmmaking were among those well represented. Others came from industries such as business consulting, events; design; public relations and  communication services.

    The milestones flowed well beyond numbers, countries and sectors. EWA 2025 delivered more than 35 panels, 22 workshops, 20 masterclasses, and 93 film screenings, tackling themes like distribution pipelines, creative entrepreneurship, emerging technology, youth culture, and cross-border mobility. Creators and young professionals moved fluidly through the different centres, as the Creators Hub, Creative Job Fair, Gen Z Republic, and the EWA Creative Marketplace drew large crowds.

    In the realm of film offerings, highlights include the just released Chronicles of Afrobeat produced by Bankulli, Daniel Etim-Effiong’s wave-making The Herd, Dust to Dream produced by Mo Abudu and directed by Idris Elba, and Mama Nike & Magazine Dreams, accompanied by high-demand director sessions.

    There was also a 4-day intensive Story Lab workshop for aspiring writers facilitated by Lani Aisida, Nicole Asinugo and Dami Elebe, and supported by Netflix, Amazon Prime, NdaniTV and Africa Magic. From 15 contenders, the session led to a shortlist of 8 participants which ended up producing 6 polished loglines and pitch-ready story concepts.

    The Deal Room embodied the “Close the Gap” theme, with four days of mentorship, readiness labs and investor sessions. It received 178+ entries, with 9 companies making it to the accelerator programme after a series of interviews. Four of these companies: Aktivate, FriendnPal, Growwr and Sports Reels, were identified as fully ready to scale, with each attracting investor interest in the room. Beyond the numbers, founders hit key milestones: which was the first time of pitching to investors for many.

    This momentum has already translated into continental success: Atsur, one of the startups that participated in the EWA Deal Room, recently won prize money after placing 4th among the five winners at the prestigious NBA Africa Triple-Double Accelerator pitch competition held in Rwanda, demonstrating EWA’s role in propelling African talent onto the global stage.

    The Hackathon part of the event extended this impact through two days of product refinement, which saw the selection of 10 teams to build and iterate rapidly. Three standout companies; Musetter (Music Tech), Owambe (Fashion Tech) and Alaba (Music Tech) emerged from the sprint. Some of the investors that are supporting the Deal Room and Hackathon are Future Africa, Askya Investment Partners, Catalyst Fund and Consonance Invest.

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    Fashion programming also took centre stage, with 120+ entries, 10 emerging designers, all of whom showcased on the EWA Runway Coterie stage, spotlighting designers such as Korede James, Dust of the Earth, Nex by Necca, Josh Amor, PK Crochet, Estaz, David Black, Bernard Samuel and Sevon Dejana. Each of the designers presenting forward-thinking interpretations of contemporary African style.

    The week also featured celebratory cultural moments, including Jokes & Jollof, where Lucky Chidiebere Obi, winner of Big Spoon 2025, received a ₦1 million prize and the announcement of his upcoming tour with Basketmouth.

    The event was supported by sponsors including Livespot, Rent-A-Rig, Heineken, Lagos State Tourism, Pepsi, MTN, TikTok, British High Commission, High Commission of Canada, US Embassy, Essenza, Multichoice, Eko Hotel, EbonyLife Place and Alliance Française. Other industry partners are Blu Pictures, Netflix, Amazon Prime, NdaniTV, Africa Magic, Choc City, ONErpm, Vuga Music, Alec, Mad Solutions, Circuits Global Solutions, Africa Magic, Showmax, Wonder Media Kind, MBO Capital, Regal Stone Capital, Xchange, Empire, ONErpm, Virgin Music, WeTalkSound, Chocolate City, Rollingstone Africa, TechCabal, Marie Claire, Business Insider Africa, News Central TV, Culture Custodian, Business Day, BellaNaija, Olori Supergirl, Nollywire, Amplify Africa, Trace and CoolFM.

    In her closing remarks, Tiwa Medubi, Managing Director of Livespot360 underscored the essence of the event, stating: “This year, under the theme ‘Close the Gap,’ we set out to do something very specific: bring talent, capital, policy and platforms into the same room – not in theory, but in practice.

    “Across every lab, panel, showcase, screening and performance, one thing was clear: the gap between potential and reality is closing, because people are doing the work.”

    The festival is due to return next year and run through November 17–22, 2026, with expanded pan-African programming and a continued commitment to accelerating creative-industry growth across the continent.

  • NDPHC’s renewed momentum: assessing progress under Adighije

    NDPHC’s renewed momentum: assessing progress under Adighije

    By O’Diakpo Obire

    The Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC) was established in 2005 as a special-purpose vehicle jointly owned by the Federal, State and Local Governments of Nigeria. It serves as the implementing agency of the National Integrated Power Projects (NIPP), one of the country’s most ambitious power-sector interventions aimed at fast-tracking the expansion of electricity infrastructure nationwide.
    NDPHC’s core mandate spans three critical areas:
    Power Generation; developing, operating and maintaining NIPP power plants capable of adding multiple gigawatts of reliable generation capacity to the national grid.
    Transmission Infrastructure: Constructing transmission lines, substations and evacuation facilities to ensure generated power moves efficiently from plants to the national grid.
    Distribution Infrastructure: Delivering injection substations and distribution assets that strengthen electricity access for communities, industries and households.
    Through these mandates, NDPHC was designed to close long-standing gaps in Nigeria’s electricity supply, optimise under-utilised assets, and provide the critical backbone required to stabilise the grid and energise economic growth.
    It is against this backdrop that the leadership of Engr. Jennifer Adighije, appointed MD/CEO in August 2024, must be assessed.
    Visible progress under the leadership of Engr. Jennifer Adighije includes the 625 MW of Recovered Capacity Added Back to the grid. Within her first year, NDPHC successfully restored and re-activated dormant turbine units across several NIPP power plants. These interventions collectively injected approximately 625 megawatts (MW) of additional capacity into the national grid, a significant boost at a time when Nigeria struggles to meet rising demand.
    This recovery was not theoretical. It resulted from targeted maintenance, fast-tracked procurement, renewed vendor engagement and strengthened gas-supply coordination, all driven by tighter management oversight.
    Another milestone of her administration is the rehabilitation of underperforming assets. Before August 2024, several NIPP power plants suffered from extremely low availability. Plants such as Ihovbor, Alaoji and Omotosho were operating far below technical potential, with availability factors reported in single digits.
    Under Engr. Adighije’s stewardship, these plants saw aggressive turnaround actions: Restart of dormant turbine units, overhaul of critical components, restoration of stranded capacity and closer collaboration with gas suppliers and technical partners.
    One outstanding example is the Ihovbor Power Plant, where output grew dramatically following the revival of previously idle units, providing a meaningful addition to national generation.
    Adighije’s ability to improve governance, accountability and transparency is another success achieved within a short period in the history of the company. With a recurring challenge in public-sector generation companies is the absence of clear performance discipline.
    The current NDPHC administration has introduced reforms including; clear departmental KPIs, quarterly performance reviews, strengthened monitoring and reporting frameworks and more transparent communication on operational challenges. These efforts have helped reposition NDPHC as a more structured and professionally run enterprise.

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    In realigning the company commercial model, Engr. Jennifer, recognised that electricity generation is meaningless without sustainable revenue recovery, her management-initiated reforms that include; exploring bilateral power sale agreements with eligible customers, strengthening commercial viability of assets, addressed liquidity challenges caused by huge market debts and started advocating for structural reforms in transmission capacity and gas supply. Such moves represent an important shift toward a more financially resilient NDPHC capable of sustaining its assets.
    Engr. Adighije’s results have earned recognition across the energy sector and built stakeholders confidence, including awards and commendations from industry groups and civil society bodies. More important than the accolades is the renewed confidence among sector players, contractors, suppliers, regulators and partners, who now see NDPHC as an agency undergoing genuine transformation.
    Though challenges are still ahead; to be clear, Nigeria’s power sector challenges remain deep; Transmission bottlenecks still prevent full evacuation of NDPHC’s capacity, gas supply constraints continue to limit optimal plant output, over ₦600 billion in accumulated debts owed to NDPHC strains its operations and the liquidity crisis within the electricity market remains unresolved.
    Yet, NDPHC’s progress of the past year shows that with focused leadership, measurable improvements are possible.
    In conclusion, as an intervention agency created to accelerate power development, NDPHC plays a crucial role in Nigeria’s economic aspirations. Under Engr. Under Jennifer Adighije’s leadership, the company has demonstrated commendable improvement, with 625 MW restored, idle assets revived, operational discipline strengthened and greater transparency introduced into public discourse.
    These achievements, though early, are meaningful. They also set the foundation for deeper reforms, especially when aligned with government efforts to stabilise generation, expand transmission capacity and ensure more reliable electricity for Nigerians. If sustained, this momentum could help reposition NDPHC as a dependable pillar in Nigeria’s energy transition and national development.

  • Lafarge Africa reaffirms commitment to sustainability

    Lafarge Africa reaffirms commitment to sustainability

    Lafarge Africa Plc, a leading innovative and sustainable building solutions company and manufacturers of a range of cement brands, has reaffirmed its commitment to sustainability demonstrated by the rehabilitation and preservation of a cultural and historical heritage – the Independence Memorial Obelisk at the iconic Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS), Lagos.

    The rehabilitation focused on structural strengthening, aesthetic renewal, accessibility upgrades, and restoration of symbolic carvings and historical inscriptions, while preserving the monument’s original design and significance.

    Speaking during the unveiling ceremony, the Group Managing Director/CEO of Lafarge Africa Plc, Lolu Alade-Akinyemi, noted that the rehabilitation of the Independence Memorial Obelisk reflects the company’s contribution to Nigeria’s infrastructure renewal through sustainable building practices.

    Alade-Akinyemi explained that the project also demonstrates Lafarge’s commitment to sustainability, as the renovation incorporates the use of Ecoplanet Elephant, its eco-friendly cement solution that delivers structural durability with at least 30% fewer carbon emissions, underscoring the company’s ambition to build for the future without compromising environmental responsibility.

    “At Lafarge Africa, we remain committed to contributing to Nigeria’s development through projects that promote history, sustainability, and better living for future generations. We are deeply honoured to play a role in preserving this national treasure. The Independence Memorial Obelisk represents a defining moment in our country’s history, and ensuring its longevity is not just an investment in infrastructure, but an investment in identity, memory, and national pride,” he said.

    Also speaking at the event, Minister for Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, noted that preserving historical assets like the Obelisk is essential to nurturing a culturally aware nation, particularly now that Nigeria is placing greater focus on the intersection of history, innovation, and sustainable development.

    Oduwole, commending Lafarge Africa for its commitment to safeguarding historical monuments while supporting national development, noted that, “Lafarge’s unwavering commitment to Nigeria is undeniable. The Obelisk stands as a powerful symbol of our nation’s hope and optimism. As Nigeria’s story continues to evolve and rise, we must all embrace the responsibility to build with intentionality, pride, and a deep respect for our heritage,” she said.

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    In his speech, the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu represented by the Commissioner for Tourism, Arts & Culture, Mrs Toke Benson-Awoyinka, stated, “The Obelisk stands as a powerful symbol of heritage and sustained development—reflecting the strength of our diversity and the enduring hope of the Nigerian people. It embodies the values of unity, peace, progress, and nationhood, while enhancing cultural preservation and boosting tourism.

    We commend Lafarge Africa for making this vision a reality.”

    In her remarks, the Managing Director, Tafawa Balewa Square, Lucia Shittu said, “The Obelisk, standing proudly within the 14.6-hectare expanse of Tafawa Balewa Square, is more than a monument, it is a living testament to Nigeria’s journey toward independence and democracy. As the site where the Union Jack was lowered, it holds deep historical significance and continues to inspire national pride and reflection.”

    Other dignitaries at the event include the Chairman, Senate Committee on Trade and Investment, Senator Umar Suleiman Sadiq; Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Commerce, Honourable Ahmed Munir; Honourable Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment (CCT&l), Lagos State, Mrs Folashade Bada Ambrose; Independent Non-Executive Director, Lafarge Africa PLC; Mrs. Adenike Ogunlesi; President and Chairman of the Council, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Mr Gabriel Idahosa, FCA; Vice President, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Prince Abimbola Olashore, FCA; Director-General, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Dr Chinyere Almona, FCA among others.