The Nation Newspaper

Category: Discourse

I feel fulfilled at 70, says Ekiti ex-commissioner Otitoju

A former Commissioner for Information, Sports, Culture and Social Development in Ekiti State, Sir

Kayode Otitoju said he feels fulfilled with the political and personal journey he has traversed.

In an interview ahead of his 70th birthday in Lagos yesterday, Otitoju, an All Progressives Congress(APC)chieftain recounted defining moments of his political career.

He recounted the dramatic episode that led to his emergence as the National Conscience Party (NCP) senatorial candidate for Ekiti North in 2003.

“My last visit to activist lawyer Femi Falana before the deadline for submitting party candidates to INEC was decisive.” .

“As I hesitated to sign the nomination form, my wife took a sheet, wrote my name, and handed it over to Falana. He laughed and insisted the name must be in my handwriting. That night, around midnight, I signed it, and Falana submitted it the next morning,”he recalled.

That act, Otitoju said, marked the beginning of an energetic campaign season where he, Falana, and the late Chief Gani Fawehinmi ran on the NCP platform for Senate, Governor, and President respectively.

Though Otitoju did not win the senatorial seat, the campaign dealt a heavy blow to the then-dominant Alliance for Democracy (AD), with the NCP securing two state Assembly seats and winning two wards in Ekiti North.

Otitoju said he later entered into a tactical alliance with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to prevent AD from winning the governorship race, a move he described as “divine vengeance” for the injustice he faced.

He attributed his political relevance and subsequent appointments on the platform of the PDP to the support of Governor Ayodele Fayose. Despite not formally joining the PDP initially, Otitoju noted that his loyalty and influence earned him positions, thanks to what he called Fayose’s “political sagacity.”

“In gratitude, when Fayose was detained by the EFCC three years after I resigned from his administration, I stood surety for his bail,” Otitoju said.

Reflecting on Nigeria’s political evolution, Otitoju criticized the AD’s internal practices in 2003, which he believed triggered its collapse in the Southwest, except in Lagos.

“In the end, AD lost woefully to PDP in the 2003 general election in the South West. In fact, only Lagos State, through the resilience and stubbornness of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, was able to survive the avalanche of political defeats recorded by the AD.

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“Many blamed Chief Olusegun Obasanjo’s re-election bid for the defeats, but I say it was AD’s impunity that led to its downfall,” he added.

Otitoji acknowledged the financial demands of politics, noting that his successful car dealership, Jukot Motors, funded his early political ambitions.

“Politics made me sell vehicles, land, and houses in Lagos,” he said. “But I have no regrets. I’ve helped the voiceless, brought attention to my community, and proved that politics isn’t only for society’s rejects.”

Beyond politics, Otitoju spoke proudly of his contributions to public service. He cited his role in revamping Lekki Phase 1 as Chairman of the Lekki Residents Association (LERA), and his tenure at the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), where he chaired the board’s project committee and helped secure a permanent headquarters for the agency.

He also celebrated his legacy through his daughter, Tosin Otitoju, a globally recognized academic who topped the West African Examination Council (WAEC) exams in 1996 and later became the first Howard University graduate to win the prestigious Puncaire Scholarship for doctoral studies at Caltech, USA.

Known for his tenacity and belief in the judiciary, Otitoju said he always resolves conflicts through legal channels and always wins.

“At 70, I feel fulfilled,” he concluded. “I believe I have served God, humanity, and my people well.”

May 6, 2025
Challenges and innovations in poultry meat production for sustainable growth

Poultry meat production plays a critical role in global food security, serving as a major source of affordable protein. However, the industry faces persistent challenges, including inefficiencies in processing, labor shortages, and the need for sustainable manufacturing practices.

In regions such as Nigeria and across Africa, these issues are further compounded by limited technological adoption and inconsistent production standards.

While large-scale industrial operations have optimized processing techniques, non-conventional manufacturing processes continue to struggle with productivity and profitability.

Addressing these challenges requires a systematic approach to process improvement, ensuring that poultry meat production remains both efficient and economically viable.

One promising avenue is the application of industrial engineering principles to optimize manufacturing processes, minimize waste, and enhance labor retention. This approach has the potential to transform poultry production, not only improving output but also making the industry more resilient to supply chain disruptions and workforce fluctuations.

In an interview with Esther Akinrinde, a researcher at Auburn University, she emphasized the importance of integrating industrial and systems engineering methodologies into poultry meat production to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and drive the adoption of smart technologies in non-conventional poultry processing.

Her research focuses on leveraging data analytics, Six Sigma, and lean methodologies to identify key inefficiencies and develop targeted solutions.

“The goal is to create a structured approach that allows producers to benchmark their processes, identify areas for improvement, and make informed decisions regarding advanced digital technologies,” Akinrinde explains.

One of the key aspects of her research is the implementation of overall equipment effectiveness (OEE) in poultry processing, providing a data-driven method to measure productivity and optimize operations.

Beyond improving efficiency, Akinrinde’s work has broader implications for labor retention in the poultry industry. With the sector facing high turnover rates and a shortage of skilled workers, her research explores how smart processes can reduce manual workload and create more sustainable employment conditions.

“Resistance to change is often a barrier, not because people are unwilling, but because they do not see the immediate benefits,” she notes. “Effective communication and stakeholder involvement are critical in ensuring that these improvements are successfully adopted.”

As global demand for poultry meat continues to rise, innovative research such as Akinrinde’s is paving the way for more sustainable and cost-effective production methods. By integrating industrial engineering tools into poultry processing, she is contributing to a future where food production is not only more efficient but also more resilient in the face of economic and environmental pressures.

Her research underscores the importance of continuous process improvement in agricultural manufacturing, offering a model that could be replicated in other sectors facing similar challenges.

May 6, 2025
Zacch Adedeji and FIRS’s TaxPro-Max

By Rabiu Usman

A few days ago, the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) ordered all banks in the country to identify and close any tax and levy collection accounts not authorised under the agency’s TaxPro Max system. The banks are to abide by this directive immediately.

Like others before now, this decision by Executive Chairman of FIRS, Dr Zacch Adedeji, is another of his tax reforms aimed at enhancing transparency, accountability, and efficiency in the country’s tax administration.

Before now, the FIRS had launched the new USSD code *829#. This has in no small measure revolutionized taxpayer engagement and access to essential tax services.

Since October 9, 2024, that it was officially launched, the USSD code *829# has simplified tax processes and provided a seamless, efficient service experience, with taxpayers now able to effortlessly access a range of services, including TIN retrieval, Tax Clearance Certificate (TCC) verification, and general inquiries all from the convenience of their mobile phones and without need for internet access.

Also in operation is the Merchant Buyer Solution (eInvoice), a government initiative under the FIRS Digitial Transformation Strategy (2023/24) that is now being used by all Value Added Tax (VAT) registered taxpayers’ businesses to manage the issuance of e-invoices in accordance with Section 25, Part 5 of the Tax Administration and Enforcement Act 2007.

The FIRSMBS (eInvoice) is effectively replacing traditional paper or electronic documents such as invoices, credit notes, and debit notes.

Now, it is the enforcement of the use of the TaxPro Max system, a self-service platform or portal that enables taxpayers to file tax returns, pay taxes, process and validate Tax Clearance Certificates.

TaxPro Max is a digital solution introduced by the FIRS to centralise and automate tax administration processes. It is a self-service platform that facilitates various tax-related activities, including registration, filing, payment, and the issuance of Tax Clearance Certificates (TCCs) for both resident and non-resident taxpayers.

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It has been central to the FIRS’s strategy to modernise Nigeria’s tax administration infrastructure, reduce human contact in tax processes, and improve ease of compliance for taxpayers.

By the FIRS new policy, all tax and levy collections must now be processed exclusively through the TaxPro Max platform.

According to the FIRS notice, titled; “Directive to close unauthorised FIRS tax collection accounts,” any accounts outside the TaxPro Max system are now considered unauthorised. Consequently, banks are expected to discontinue the use of such accounts without delay and ensure strict adherence to the new collection procedure.

“Effective immediately, all tax and levy collections on behalf of FIRS must be processed exclusively pursuant to an assessment raised on the TaxPro Max platform.

“All banks participating in the FIRS Collection, Remittance and Reconciliation Scheme are hereby advised to comply with this directive within the stipulated period,” the notice stated.

Dr Zacch Adedeji mandating the exclusive use of the platform, will eliminate the proliferation of multiple collection accounts and bring uniformity to how taxes are assessed, collected, and reconciled.

As for taxpayers, implication of the new policy is that all payments to FIRS must now be based strictly on assessments raised through the TaxPro Max portal. Payment through any unauthorised channel or to any unauthorised account will be invalid and could expose taxpayers to penalties.

To the banks, they are expected to avoid regulatory breaches that may incure santions by aligning their internal tax collection mechanisms with the TaxPro Max system.

For Dr Zacch Adedeji, the reformist tax collector, this is not the last from the book of tax reforms, other steps are in the pipeline to ensure that FIRS takes it position as the crude oil of Nigeria.

Rabiu Usman, a public affairs commentator lives in Abuja

May 2, 2025
Afe Babalola: Agriculture remains way to go

By Tunde Usman Olofintila

Legal colossus and Founder of the 21st Century Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti, ABUAD, Aare Afe Babalola, has traced the myriads of problems afflicting the Nigerian state to the unwise and condemnable abandonment of Agriculture, Nigeria’s otherwise cash cow until the discovery of oil in Oloibiri, Rivers State, in 1956.

Painting a gory picture of what the abandonment of Agriculture has pitiably visited on Nigeria, Babalola who was recently decorated as the Africa Man of the Year in Food Security for 2024, the second time in 10 years, said no nation, especially in Africa, can thrive or achieve greatness without a viable and productive Agricultural Sector.

Receiving the Award in his University in Ado-Ekiti, Babalola, who clinched the Award after defeating other nominees from across the continent, recalled the days of yore when everybody, no matter his business or vocation, had a small garden at the back of his house.

This, he said, made it possible for everybody to have ready and easy access to food stuffs. Then, people were not only able to feed themselves, but they also were able to give freely to others with nobody being hungry then. In his view, “that time should be reinvented in the interest of all”.

The organizers of the Award, the Forum for International Green Sustainability (FIGS), a body that promotes interest in Agriculture with a view to ensuring food security worldwide, predicated Babalola’s nomination for the Award on what they described as his “many radical revolutions on Agriculture, namely; ABUAD Bio-Diversified Farms, granting of millions of Naira under the Afe Babalola Annual Agricultural Grants to hundreds of farmers, ABUAD Talent Discovery Centre, ABUAD Planetarium, ABUAD modern Dam, ABUAD Industrial Park that houses over 124 Farm Industries and ABUAD FM Radio among several others”.

In his acceptance speech, Babalola who has been adjudged one of the leading large-scale farmers in Nigeria and the largest single farmer in Ekiti, his home state, where he is also renowned as the highest taxpayer, and second largest employer of labour after the state government, expressed gratitude to the global body for recognizing his contributions in Agriculture, describing it as a challenge at ensuring food sufficiency.

Babalola, who described Nigeria as a net consuming country, said the nation cannot achieve true development without prioritizing large-scale production of goods and services, particularly in Agriculture.

He urged governments at all levels to create conducive environments for farmers to ply their trade, stressing that this would enable the subnational to be a self-sustaining food hub.

His words: “The major cause of our problems in this country is that we do not produce, and yet, we eat. Even the Bible teaches us that he who does not work does not deserve to eat. Why then are we disobeying this time-tested Biblical injunction?’

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He added: “When I started this University in 2009, I made Agriculture a matter of priority. I made Agriculture a compulsory subject for every student. And to encourage more of our young people to make a career out of Agriculture, I slashed the tuition for those studying Agriculture by 50%. And that is not all, upon graduation, I give every graduate of Agriculture the sum of N250,000 as seed money to start his/her Agri-business.

“At the state level, I have in the last 11 years been organizing an Annual Agric. Festival in Ado-Ekiti called ABAEX (Afe Babalola Agric Expo) with the Best Overall Farmer in the state going home with N2,000,000 while the Best three farmers in each of the 16 Local Government Councils in the state go home with N250,000 in this order: The best farmer (N200,000), the second best (N100,000), and the third best (N50,000)

“Today, as we speak, our farmers under the umbrella of Afe Babalola Beneficiaries are influencing people positively in Oyo, Lagos and Osun, among several others”.

Continuing, he said, “What governments at all levels need to do is to encourage farming and make the environment conducive for all so that Nigerians could farm without let or hinderance.

To get out of the malaise of hunger and poverty, Babalola suggested the following:

• Government should introduce Agriculture into our school curriculum from Primary to Secondary Schools

• Government should ensure that allocations to Local Governments go to them directly and not through their respective Governors.

• Local Government should assemble farm implements which they will hire to farmers at subsidized rates.

• Local Government should be encouraged to produce seedlings for sale to farmers at low prices.

• The government should revive the old Farm Settlements by Awolowo in the former Western Region and extend it to other states in the country today.

• Government should ensure that farmers do not only produce food crops but cash crops. This will ensure the revival of the Cocoa in the West, Rubber and Palm Oil in present Edo and Delta States and the Groundnut Pyramids of the North in those days.

• The government should also encourage adding value to Agricultural products just like ABUAD is doing in its 124-unit large, medium and small-scale industries at its Industrial Park

• Finally, National Honour should be given to successful farmers and promoters of farming and not only to politicians.

Babalola recalled how former President Olusegun Obasanjo was in power as a Military Head of State between 1976 and 1979, made farming a matter of priority for everybody through his government’s Operation Feed the Nation, OFN.

Babalola lamented the situation today when many Nigerians complain about hunger because of the abandonment of Agriculture, adding that “I do not believe any Nigerian should complain of hunger, especially with our God-given fertile lands, lots of rains and so on.

“In short, the problems we have in this country can be traced to the abandonment of Agriculture. It will be my joy to see my people comfortable, live in peace, go to the farm peacefully, and come back home without harm. I insist that without Agriculture, this country cannot make it”.

He said the Award would spur him to do more in his singular efforts, aimed at returning agriculture to its rightful place and lifting it to the expected destination of a competitive revenue earner.”,

A firm believer in the power of Agriculture, Babalola established ABUAD Agricultural Enterprise Centre to boost food production and ensure food security. Indeed, many stakeholders like the Embassy of the United States of America, Japanese Embassy and the International Institute for Tropical Agriculture (IITA) have visited the flourishing Agricultural Enterprise Centre and unanimously agreed that it is the biggest of its type in any university in Nigeria today.

IITA, which has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the university, has also designated the University as a Centre of Research where students learn many areas of Agriculture.

ABUAD Agricultural Enterprise Centre has the following Divisions: Cash crops Division with 110,000 Mango Trees, 1,000,000 Teak Trees and 500,000 Gmelina Trees, the Arable crops Division with yam, maize, cassava, plantain & Banana, pigeon peas, Legume Division with various vegetables, Moringa Division with ABUAD Moringa leaf powder, ABUAD Moringa seed, ABUAD Moringa capsule, ABUAD Moringa hair cream, ABUAD Moringa oil, ABUAD Moringa body cream and ABUAD Moringa tea as well as ABUAD Moringa soap.

It also has the Fisheries Division with five large fish lakes with at least 100,000 fishes in each of them, the Feed Mill Division where various feeds are compounded and Hatcheries as well as the Livestock Division made up of a Piggery, Snailery, Turkey, Guinea Fowl, Quail and Mushroom as well as an incubator.

In his burning desire to harmonize University Education with Industry, provide quality and functional education, provide opportunity for hi-tech scientists, innovators, inventors, geniuses, research, community service, stimulate economic development and provide employment for university graduates, professionals and artisans, Babalola established the ABUAD Industrial Research Park.

The Industrial Park designed to house 124 units if small, medium and large-scale industrial has since become functional with the production of a variety of AB Foods such as Fufu, Poundo Yam, Garri, Fufu, Rice, Ogi, Carbonated Drinks, Cashew and Carbonated drinks.

As a major player in the Agricultural Sector of the nation’s economy, Babalola has received various Awards in appreciation of his contributions in that sector, including, but not limited to President, Forestry Association of Nigeria, Patron, Agbekoya Farmers Association of Nigeria, Patron, Fadama Association of Nigeria, Member, AfricaRice, and Grand Patron and the Distinguished Africa Man of the Year in Food Security 2014, courtesy of the Forum for International Green Sustainability (FIGS) before clinching the Award again this year.

Earlier in his remarks, FIGS’ Country Representative, Mr. Caleb Osasona, explained that Babalola’s contributions to the development of Agriculture and food security earned him the Award.

Osasona who could not conceal his admiration for Babalola’s commitment and dedication towards Agriculture, said Nigeria would have been more developed and food-secure if such actions were replicated nationwide.

Speaking at the event, Ekiti Governor, Mr. Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, commended the legal icon’s contributions to the Agricultural sector and described the continental recognition and the award to Babalola as a moment of glory and pride for the state.

Represented by the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Ebenezer Boluwade, Oyebanji commended the elder statesman as a man of vision, tenacity and commitment. He said his works and landmark achievements in agriculture which have redefined and reinforced food security in Nigeria, inspired generations of young farmers and demonstrated that Agriculture is not just a tool for survival but a gateway to prosperity.

“Through the ABUAD Bio-Diversified Farms and the Afe Babalola Annual Agricultural Grants to farmers, among other laudable gestures, he has shown Africa what is possible when intellect meets innovation in Agriculture.

“In Ekiti State, we are proud to align with and take a cue from the laudable programs of this great sage,” he added.

•Olofintila is ABUAD’s Director of Corporate Affairs

May 2, 2025
Imperative of devolution of power now
- By Ladipo Adamolekun
I. DEVOLVE OR DIE: MY POLITICAL CREDO FOR NIGERIA

“Nigeria and I: Where do I invest my intellectual contribution in public affairs from now on? The answer came to me this morning: promoting devolution within the Nigerian geo-political space.”

– Diary entry, June 1, 2003.

In 2004, I adopted “Devolve or Die” as my political credo for Nigeria. This was in the context of drafting my reflections on fifty years of federalism in Nigeria: “Nigerian federation at the crossroads: the way forward,” published in 2005. The following are the concluding two sentences of the article: “Only devolution can unleash the forces for consolidating democracy and achieving accelerated socioeconomic progress in Nigeria. The alternative to devolution will likely be the death of the federation” (italics and bold added).

Eighteen years later, I elaborated on this conviction as follows in Nigeria & I. Getting Politics Right to Make Nigeria Work (2022).

“A devolved federation is a necessity, not a choice

The devolved federation that Nigeria needs will have [these] characteristics… six federating units (the existing six geo-political zones) instead of the existing thirty-six states of which only about six are viable; assignment of functions between the central government and the federating units based on the principle of subsidiarity similar, to a considerable extent, to the assignment of functions in the 1963 Constitution; and allocation of resources that is consistent with both the imperative of fiscal federalism and the proposed increased functions for subnational governments.

Adopting and faithfully implementing a devolved federation is critical to keeping Nigeria one; it is a fundamental condition for making our multi-ethnic, multi-religious and multi-lingual country work. In particular, a devolved federal system is very likely to enhance the ability of central and subnational governments to more effectively deliver goods and services to citizens. In my considered opinion, the reality that the pace of socio-economic development would vary among the federating units is a better outcome than the poor development performance recorded nation-wide under the prevailing overcentralisation and uniformity.”

II. ESTABLISHING DEVELOPMENT COMMISSIONS AND A FEDERAL MINISTRY OF REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT IS ANTITHETICAL TO DEVOLUTION

Against the backdrop of the above elaboration of my DEVOLVE OR DIE political credo, the veracity of this assertion is self-evident. Yes, THEY ARE MUTUALLY INCOMPATIBLE.

1. Who has created these two institutions?

Answer: The central government of today’s Nigerian federation.

2. Wo provides the funding and staffing of these institutions?

Answer: Idem.

3. And crucially, to whom are the entire staff/personnel, including the supervising political appointees, accountable or answerable?

Answer: Idem

Without question, and consciously or unconsciously, the promoters and supporters of these institutions are entrenching overcentralisation and delaying devolution. I would confidently assert that DELAYING DEVOLUTION IN NIGERIA IS DANGEROUS.

And I’ll add three final posers:

A. Are these institutions reconcilable with the “true” federalism featured in the manifesto of the All Peoples Congress (APC) that has been ruling Nigeria since 2015? (The ruling party’s commitment to true federalism was further elaborated by a Committee chaired by former Kaduna Governor, El Rufai in 2018).

I would unhesitatingly answer in the negative.

B. Are these institutions reconcilable with the following two PROMISES in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s presidential election manifesto: increased functions and resources for Nigeria’s federating units pari passu with reduced functions and resources for the central government?

Again, I would answer in the negative.

C. Can Nigeria’s Regions/States be meaningfully developed from Abuja where most powers and resources are concentrated?

The obvious honest answer is NO. Among the existing 25 federations on the planet, there is no example of any that has recorded good development performance through the concentration of powers and resources at the central government level. This testimony on the Indian experience is apposite: “A big part of India’s success has come from devolving power to the country’s state governments. What happens at the centre is of correspondingly less importance.” (The Economist, London, May 15, 2004).

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CASE CLOSED; QED (Quod erat demonstrandum). What is the way forward?

III. WAY FORWARD

If it is not already too late, I would strongly advise the incumbent president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to use the same method he used to effect the change of our National Anthem to ensure the reallocation of functions and resources between the central and subnational governments in the country. Specifically, I would recommend a 35:65 share for the central and subnational governments respectively, with respect to both powers and resources. Of course, the proposed percentages of sharing would be subject to debate. However, to ensure a peaceful and well-performing Nigerian federal system, the share of subnational governments must be significantly higher than that of the central government with respect to both powers and resources.

MY LAST WORD

In Whither Nigeria? Directions for future development (2012), I prognosticated the following three possible scenarios:

A. Maintenance of the status quo: muddling through until the country settles for either B or C below.

B. Optimistic scenario: the country finds a viable path to achieving a [devolved] federal democracy and economic prosperity.

C. Pessimistic scenario: the dreaded “d” word – disintegration of the federation.

Unsurprisingly, I re-echoed in 2012, the political credo for Nigeria that I had articulated in 2004: DEVOLVE OR DIE. Today, April 24, 2025, I still stand by the same political credo.

References

I Remember. The Autobiography of LADIPO ADAMOLEKUN. Ibadan: Safari Books, 2016.

“Nigerian federation at the crossroads: the way forward,” Publius, The Journal of Federalism, 35, 3, 2005, 383-405; also published as a chapter in J. C. Senghor and N.K.

Poku (eds) Towards Africa’s Renewal, London: Routledge, 2022, 319-334.

Nigeria & I: Getting Politics Right to Make Nigeria Work, 2022, pp. 5-52.

“The challenge of federalism, democracy, and development,” in Ladipo Adamolekun and

Adele Jinadu (eds). Whither Nigeria? Directions for future development. Ibadan: Caligata Publishing Company Ltd. 2012.

Ladipo Adamolekun, “Some Reflections on Democracy and Development in Africa”. Africa Peacebuilding Network (APN) Lecture Series No. 2, 2018.

See also, Muyiwa Adeyemi, “Regional devt commissions should herald power devolution”

Guardian, 21 November, 2024 and “Rebutting VP Shettima on federalism – Vanguard News” Editorial.
May 1, 2025
e-Visa, e-Gates: Tunji-Ojo’s birthday ‘gift’ to Nigerians
- By Femi Salako
Today is Workers’ Day, coincidentally the birthday of Interior Minister Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, whose ministry is rolling out the phenomenal security initiatives to make Nigeria more secure and more prosperous. The rollout is Nigeria’s bold step into the digital future with the official launch of the country’s much-anticipated electronic visa (e-Visa) system—ushering in a new era of efficiency and ease for travellers. Fittingly, the historic leap in Nigeria’s immigration reform will remain evergreen for the man in the saddle: Hon. (Dr.) Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Minister of Interior.

It is a poetic alignment—one that reflects the minister’s lifelong dedication to innovation, digital transformation, and public service. Under the Renewed Hope Agenda (RHA) of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Tunji-Ojo has emerged not just as a policy-driver but as a symbol of results-oriented leadership in a nation hungry for change.

Since assuming office in 2023, Tunji-Ojo has rapidly transformed the Ministry of Interior from a bureaucratic relic to a dynamic powerhouse of reforms. Encouraged by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s clear vision and unwavering support, he has deployed technology and policy innovation across all the parastatals and agencies under the ministry’s supervision—from the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) to the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), the Federal Fire Service (FFS), and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

The 2023 passport reform stands tall among his achievements. He introduced a fully-automated passport application process that ended years of inefficiency and corruption, drastically reducing waiting times and restoring public trust. Within his first few months in office, over 204,000 passport backlogs were cleared and more than 50,000 new passports were processed. A centralised dashboard for real-time monitoring that enhanced transparency has been drawing global attention. The Nigeria’s passport reform model got attraction from the U.S. last year.

The reform also saw the deployment of 40 e-Gates across international airports in Abuja, Lagos, Kano, Enugu, and Port Harcourt, ensuring faster, more secure passenger processing. Additionally, the ministry, under Tunji-Ojo’s watch, launched the contactless biometric passport, taking the Nigerian travel document into the realm of modern digital identity.

On the national ID front, he spearheaded the clearance of 25 million National Identification Number (NIN) modification backlogs, further reinforcing Nigeria’s digital governance infrastructure.

Security and border management under his leadership received a major boost with the commissioning of 30 operational vehicles dedicated to border surveillance and patrol. He also established a state-of-the-art Command and Control Center, strengthening real-time coordination across interior agencies.

To address Nigeria’s overcrowded prisons, Tunji-Ojo initiated a prison decongestion drive that led to the release of 4,068 low-risk inmates with the mobilization of N585 million through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) contributions. The idea did not only reform justice outcomes but saved the government over N3 billion in annual feeding costs. Simultaneously, he oversaw the rehabilitation of several Correctional Centers, restoring dignity and functionality to the nation’s penal system.

Under his guidance, the ministry promoted over 50,000 paramilitary personnel—the largest number ever—reflecting a commitment to merit and morale. He also launched the Safe School Initiative, ensuring secure learning environments amid growing security concerns.

The Federal Fire Service, once underfunded and outdated, is undergoing a revival. Through the remodeling of its academy in Abuja, Tunji-Ojo has repositioned it to serve as a regional center of excellence for the West African sub-region.

In the area of natural resources security, he, in conjunction with the Minister of Mineral Resources Development Dele Alake, launched the Mines Marshal initiative, empowering the NSCDC to crack down on illegal mining. Over 300 illegal miners have been arrested, thereby boosting government revenue and environmental protection.

Born on May 1, 1982, in Oyin Akoko, Ondo State, Tunji-Ojo’s leadership traits were visible early. From his days as Senior Prefect at FUTA Staff Secondary School to earning degrees in Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Digital Communication, and Networking, he built a foundation in innovation. With 18 professional ICT certifications, he became one of the UK’s first certified ethical hackers.

At 24, he was CEO of Matrix IT Solutions Ltd., consulting for high-profile clients like NNPC, PTDF, NSIA, NCDMB, JAMB, and the World Bank. His work in digital transformation laid the groundwork for his national relevance.

Elected in 2019 to the House of Representatives, he represented the Akoko North-East/North-West Federal Constituency with distinction—championing infrastructure projects and youth empowerment.

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Upon his inauguration, he mobilized 246 other lawmakers to support the speakership ambition of former Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila, under the forum of first-timers lawmakers, chaired by him. Months later, he was appointed as the Chairman of the House Committee on Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

As chair of the committee on the NDDC, he was instrumental in its rebranding and anti-corruption reforms.

A loyal party man and strategist, he also played a critical role in the emergence of Tajudeen Abbas as Speaker. His political influence helped in the delivery of a clean sweep of electoral victories (18:0) for his party in Ondo State.

His leadership has made the Ministry of Interior a magnet for investment—attracting over $500 million in private partnerships within a year. His energy and vision have earned him accolades from the National Assembly, the Nigeria Union of Journalists, and institutions like Joseph Ayo Babalola University, which awarded him an honorary doctorate degree in Public Administration in 2021.

A dynamic speaker, he delivered over 50 talks in 2024 alone, addressing themes of governance, digital policy and public reform. He has also proven himself a loyal and advocate of the RHA of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, matching his words with actions and measurable impacts in the process.

As Nigeria opens a new digital chapter with the launch of the e-Visa system, the story of Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo is a reminder that transformation is possible when vision meets execution. His legacy is not just in policy but in people—in the hope rekindled, the systems revived, and the future imagined.

And as the sun rises on both a new national reform and the Minister’s birthday, one truth stands firm – Tunji-Ojo is just getting started.
- Salako is media consultatnt to the minister
May 1, 2025
Nigerian Breweries gets Corporate Affairs director

Nigerian Breweries Plc has appointed Sade Morgan as the Corporate Affairs Director for Heineken Africa & Middle East (AME) region.

Her appointment takes effect on May 1.

The appointment was conveyed in a statement by the Managing Director, Hans Essaadi on April 4.

Morgan, who is currently Nigerian Breweries Corporate Affairs Director, has been elevated to a global role at Heineken, succeeding David Paterson and becoming the first regional national from AME region to hold this senior leadership role.

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In this role, Morgan joins both the Heineken Global Corporate Affairs Leadership Team and the Heineken AME Management Team to continue to drive the Corporate Affairs strategy in advancing the growth agenda and protecting reputation for HEINEKEN in AME.

Since joining NB Plc in 2018 as Corporate Affairs Director, she has led high-stakes regulatory and fiscal engagements in a dynamic operating environment, driving a robust optimal business climate agenda for the Nigerian business, mitigating significant excise tax increases and securing a more viable regulatory framework.

More recently, she played a key role in managing the temporary suspension of operations in select breweries in Nigeria, ensuring seamless stakeholder engagement and business continuity.

April 29, 2025
NBA-SBL to address ethical, legal challenges of AI

The Nigerian Bar Association Section on Business Law (NBA-SBL) has said the legal profession must evolve to address new challenges, including regulatory frameworks, data privacy, ethical considerations, and liability issues.

It said these challenges are posed by Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital transformation, which redefine industries.

The section’s 19th edition of the International Business Law Conference, with the theme: “The Future of Business Law in an Intelligence Age,” will address this subject and more.

Billed for July 2 to 4, 2025, at Harbour Point, Victoria Island, Lagos, it will bring together leading legal minds, policymakers, and business professionals to explore the evolving intersection of law, technology, and artificial intelligence.

Conference Planning Committee Chair, Ms. Solape Peters, said: “As AI continues to reshape industries and automate decision-making processes, lawyers must rethink traditional legal frameworks to ensure fairness, accountability, and compliance in an increasingly digital world.

“This conference is designed to equip legal practitioners and business leaders with the knowledge and tools to navigate these changes effectively.

“It will provide a critical platform for discussing the legal implications of AI-driven business models and strategies for legal practitioners to remain ahead of the curve,” she stated.

Chair of the NBA-SBL, Mrs Ozofu Ogiemudia, stressed the broader impact of the event.

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“The NBA-SBL International Business Law Conference has consistently set the agenda for progressive legal discourse in Nigeria and beyond.

“This year’s theme is particularly timely, as AI and automation rapidly disrupt traditional business and legal landscapes.

“Our goal is to provide a platform for thought leadership, meaningful dialogue, and actionable insights that will help shape the future of business law in Nigeria and beyond,” she said.

Ogiemudia added that corporate organisations, law firms, and industry stakeholders are welcome to support the event through sponsorship opportunities.

“With a strong lineup of keynote speakers, insightful panel discussions, and unparalleled networking opportunities, the conference offers a sponsor a unique platform to engage with top legal and business professionals, while reinforcing their commitment to innovation and thought leadership,” she added.

April 29, 2025
Adenuga: Chronicles of African entrepreneurial giant at 72

By Dan Aibangbe

Mike Adenuga, fondly called the Bull,” is a no-nonsense legendary entrepreneur and prominent African figure. Known for his unwavering dedication to hard work and excellence, he embodies a remarkable combination of discipline, visionary leadership, and entrepreneurship.

Adenuga’s standout personal traits include meticulousness, determination, audacity, focus, competence, and dexterity. These qualities, undoubtedly, drive his impressive achievements in various industries, including telecommunications, oil, and banking.

It is pertinent to point out here that the recent features in some renowned publications such as the Forbes have barely managed to scratch the surface of the empire built by this man, who has successfully established a diverse business portfolio encompassing telecommunications, oil (through Conoil Producing), banking, and real estate. His versatility and strategic insight are hallmarks of his success.

Adenuga’s leadership style is characterised by a hands-on approach, a keen eye for talent and a readiness to take calculated risks. Unlike many business magnates, he avoids the limelight, allowing his accomplishments to speak for themselves.

His ability to inspire loyalty among employees and stakeholders reflects a unique blend of authority and empathy, making him a role model for aspiring entrepreneurs. Those who know him describe him as a man who listens attentively, values loyalty, and treats everyone with respect, regardless of status.

Often referred to as the “Spirit of Africa,” Adenuga leads a life of solitude, choosing to remain reclusive. Unlike many of his contemporaries, he refrains from engaging in political manoeuvrings for business gains or favours.

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Adenuga firmly believes that nothing is impossible, a conviction that led him to single-handedly bring the Glo 1 international submarine cable from London to Nigeria, traversing 14 African countries.

He is known for generously rewarding hard work and excellence while having zero tolerance for laziness. This is true despite the orumours suggesting he hires and fires employees at will. At Glo’s 20th anniversary in 2023, for instance, over 750 out of more than 4,000 staff members had been with the company for 20 years.

Adenuga’s influence extends beyond business. He has consistently advocated for policies that encourage indigenous participation in Nigeria’s economy, challenging the dominance of multinational corporations. His commitment to creating jobs and empowering local talent has earned him respect as a patriot whose vision aligns with Nigeria’s aspirations for self-reliance.

His impact reaches far beyond Nigeria, earning him international recognition and fostering connections that enhance the country’s global profile. In 2018, France awarded him the prestigious Commander of the Legion of Honour, acknowledging his contributions to cultural and economic ties between Nigeria and France.

The Allianz Francais Centre in Lagos, established with his support, stands as a testament to his dedication to fostering cross-cultural dialogue. This state-of-the-art facility is one of the largest of its kind in Africa, promoting the French language and culture while serving as a hub for artistic expression.

Adenuga’s commitment to the arts spans music, film, and literature. Globacom’s sponsorship of cultural festivals, such as the Ojude Oba Festival in Ijebu-Ode, underscores his dedication to preserving Nigeria’s heritage. The company supports the entertainment industry through endorsements of its stars and celebrities as well as concerts, thereby constituting the single most beneficial platform for the youths to express their creativity beyond Nigeria.

His light continues to shine, illuminating paths for others to follow in Nigeria, Africa, and the world at large. His investments in cultural institutions, such as the Allianz Francais Centre, have created spaces where creativity flourishes, nurturing a new generation of Nigerian artists.

Family is central to Adenuga’s life. Married to Titi Adenuga, a woman of grace and strength, he is a devoted husband and father to his children, including Bella Adenuga-Disu, who is following in his footsteps as a business leader.

The Adenuga family is known for its tight-knit bonds, with Otunba prioritising quality time with his loved ones despite his demanding schedule. His ability to balance professional success with personal fulfilment reflects his grounded nature and deep-rooted values.

Adenuga’s philanthropy may be his most enduring legacy. Through the Mike Adenuga Foundation, he has quietly transformed countless lives, focusing on education, healthcare, youth and women empowerment. The foundation provides scholarships to indigent students, enabling them to pursue higher education and break the cycle of poverty. Its healthcare initiatives, including donations to hospitals and support for medical research, have all improved access to quality care for thousands.

Adenuga’s philanthropic efforts are characterised by discretion. He avoids publicising his charitable acts, preferring to let their impact speak for itself.

Notable charitable activities of the Adenuga foundation include donating about $3.2 million to assist flood victims in Bayelsa State. It also supports vulnerable communities through food distributions. Additionally, it contributed N1.5 billion to help combat the COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria.

Through strategic partnerships, the foundation creates sustainable social and economic development across multiple sectors in Nigeria and other African countries.

Mike Adenuga is prominent in Nigerian business and society. His exceptional leadership qualities, extensive international connections, contributions to art and culture, humility, family values, and philanthropic efforts have made him a beloved personality among Nigerians and the global community.

As we celebrate his birthday, we also honour his lasting legacies and the significant impact he continues to have on our nation and beyond.

•Dan Aibangbe is a Media and Public Relations Consultant

April 29, 2025
72 Hearty Cheers to Mike Adenuga jr

By Abayomi Agbetola

A billionaire businessman whose investments cut across different sectors of the economy, Adenuga is known for always considering Nigeria first in his investment moves such that his MA Group can be termed Nigeria-centric, ensuring that Nigerians are the greatest beneficiaries of his multibillion investments.

His support for the nation cut across different sectors of the economy. He is noted for:

Wealth creation,

Sports sponsorship,

Employment,

Massive philanthropy,

Empowerment,

Nation’s economic supports,

No 1 in Ambassadorial supports

Art and cultural supports and sponsorship

Dr. Michael Adenuga, the God sent Chairman of Globacom Telecommunication has quietly been at the centre of massive support for Nigeria and Nigerians over the years.

Very clairvoyant and tenacious, The guru operates codedly in his business moves and his other investments in different parts of the world, yielding millions of dollars that are only known to few. No wonder people believe he is worth more than it’s being quoted.

Apart from his family business which he helped to structure when he returned from United States, after his education, his businesses have been gigantic and big including banks: Equitorial Trust and Devcom which he founded at mid thirties, and the Oil and Gas audacious move which led to the rise of Consolidated oil, the first indigenous Nigeria Oil company to discover crude oil in commercial quantity.

His other bold moves include acquisition of National Oil marketing company which is today Conoil Marketing and the Telecoms move which gave birth to Nigeria’s Telecommunication giant, Globacom.

Adenuga loves to operate unnoticed, moving like a submarine and conquering territories after territories silently and taking over in style.

Like a Volcano, Globacom entered the telecoms sector in Nigeria erupting the larva of ‘per second billing’ that other networks, which started operations about two years before it had claimed, was impossible. Glo under Adenuga came in powerfully and offered Nigerians the package with millions of Nigerians joining the network immediately to Glo with Pride.

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Prior to the arrival of Globacom , GSM SIMs were selling for between N20,000 and N25,000. Glo brought this down to N6,999 and later to N100. Globacom also ensured that N50 per minute for calls were stopped. It crashed the tariff to as low as 1kobo per second.

Glo became the first telecom company to single handedly build an international submarine cable, Glo-1, connecting thousands of kilometers of national fibres to all parts of Nigeria and neighboring landlocked countries across Africa to the world.

The Globacom-1 (Glo-1) submarine cable system is a 9800km submarine cable connecting Bude in the UK to Lagos in Nigeria and the rest of West Africa. It has landing points in Nigeria, London, Lisbon in Portugal, Accra in Ghana, etc. It consists of 2 fibre pairs, with an initial design capacity of 320 (32*STM-64), and upgraded to 2.5Tbps.

Landing in Lagos in Nigeria in September 2009, the whole project completed in July 2010. Globacom activated the Glo-1 cable system for service in October 2010 and since then has been providing bandwidth across the country and beyond.

The Glo 1 submarine cable recently proved to be a strong force when it remained the only cable working when massive internet outages were reported in Nigeria and in some parts of Africa, following damage to international undersea cables supplying the country with connectivity.

The damage affected major undersea cables near Abidjan in Côte d’Ivoire and has led to internet downtime across West and South African countries and Telecommunications companies and a number of banks in Nigeria which relied on the affected cables for internet services were affected by the outage which lasted for many days.

It was only Glo 1, owned by Globacom, that was not affected by the damage as Data users, internet service providers and financial institutions which run on Glo 1 have continued to operate normally all through the period.

Adenuga has also been honoured across the world for these outstanding accomplishments including many national and global awards, as well as the highest individual honour for a private citizen in Nigeria, GCON, and many others of high note like “The Companion of the Star of Ghana’’ from Ghana and “Commander of the Legion of Honour’’ by French President, Emmanuel Macron.

His philanthropy is legendary. He is the biggest promoter of football in Nigeria. At a time he gave Super Eagles whooping 1 million dollars after winning the African Cup of Nations in South Africa. This is in addition to the Premier League, national teams, the Supporters Club, Glo CAF Awards and Glo Soccer Academy’s sponsorships.

Not forgetting art and culture. Top festivals in Nigeria including Ojude Oba, Lisabi, and Ofala festivals are still being sponsored by Globacom.

Another milestone recorded by Dr. Adenuga was in 2022 when he quietly signed a business contract in Paris between Globacom, and Eutelsat, the French Satellite conglomerate. Many communities across the country without access to internet links will benefit immensely from VSAT/Satellite-based internet service and Satellite-based community Wifi internet service, courtesy of Globacom.

I salute the quiet billionaire and philanthropist par excellence. Happy Birthday, Sir. Many years ahead in good health and more investments in Nigeria for the benefit of Nigerians, like you have always been doing.

God bless Mr. Chairman

•Agbetola is a Business Consultant.

April 29, 2025