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Category: Discourse

  • Brazen arrogance and dangerous assault on democracy in Benue

    Brazen arrogance and dangerous assault on democracy in Benue

    By Prof. Iyorwuese Hagher

    On 13th December 2025, the Tiv nation celebrated Tiv Day, a day of joy and festivities for all Tiv people worldwide. President Ahmed Bola Tinubu instructed his trusted friend and political ally of many decades, Senator George Akume, CON, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), to represent him at the celebration. The President’s message of solidarity with the Tiv people was clear, passionate, and deeply resonant.

    I was a member of this presidential delegation alongside the Honourable serving cabinet minister, Professor Joseph Utsev, Minister of Water Resources, and a distinguished Tiv elder, my fellow Second Republic Senator Jack Tilley-Gyado; serving members of the National Assembly, Hon. Asema Achado and Hon. Terseer Ugbor; as well as Dr Pius Akuta and Dr Matthias Byuan, and Christopher Tarka Tiv sons holding high offices in the administration. We departed Abuja on a presidential flight that landed in Makurdi. We were all dressed in various styles and shades, highlighting Tiv culture. We looked forward to a joyful celebration and warm welcome among our brothers and sisters, as well as to relishing the honours conferred by the Tiv Traditional Council through traditional titles with diverse appellations.

    However, as soon as we landed at Makurdi airport, the Benue State Government and the Tiv Traditional Councils’ welcome party and festivities for the President’s envoy and delegation were absent. Instead, we faced a chilling and shocking display of arrogance, lawlessness, and violent intolerance in our state. What I saw on Saturday remains one of the most disturbing episodes in Nigeria’s recent political history.

    Apart from representing the President, Senator George Akume is not only the highest-ranking federal officer from Benue and a founding member of the party, but also a two-term Governor of Benue State, a three-term Senator, and a former minister. His current position is the highest any Benue person has ever held in any Nigerian Government. Moreover, he is a longstanding political benefactor to the succeeding governors of the state and to many within its political structure, including being at the forefront of the platform that elected Governor Hyacinth Alia.

    By every standard of civility, culture, and political hierarchy, the SGF deserved a respectful and dignified reception. All members of the delegation, both individually and collectively, are the very pinnacle of Tiv society and form part of the national and global elite. What we received was not a welcome but a humiliation.

    From the moment of arrival, it was clear that the Governor of Benue State, Reverend Father Dr Chief Hyacinth Alia, either failed or refused to offer the basic courtesy expected of his office. Based on his past actions, it was apparent that the Governor orchestrated the humiliation of the presidential delegation through a bold display of unwarranted political arrogance.

    Instead of a warm welcome, the Governor’s reception party was hostile, verbally abusive, and contemptuous. They sang derisive chants of “No Alia, No Benue,” a slogan weaponised to insult and diminish the SGF in full public view. It was an act of arrogance so brazen that it stunned members of the delegation. The SGF and his delegation, along with supporters, moved into their waiting vehicles to avoid escalation of chaos.

    We were compelled to flee from the hostile mob and make our way to Gboko, the venue of the Tiv Day celebration, in the hope that the cultural setting would restore calm. However, the situation worsened. A much larger, more aggressive crowd surged towards the area where the SGF was seated. Meanwhile, his delegation, the Honourable Minister, and Members of the National Assembly either shared seats, sat precariously on armrests, or stood, gazing at the rapidly unfolding, volatile, and frightening atmosphere.

    In the chaos, I saw a horrifying act. A member of the Governor’s mob, shouting “No Alia No Benue”, drew a knife and stabbed a youth who was begging for calm. The young man fell to the ground, wounded, as panic spread. The celebration ground turned into what could only be described as a battlefield — noisy, hostile, and completely out of control.

    Even the reading of the Presidential address was not spared from this disgrace. As the SGF attempted to deliver the message of Mr President, the mob surged forward onto the stage, drowning his voice with aggressive drumming, hissing, and animalistic howling. It was a deliberate attempt to silence not only the SGF but also President Tinubu himself.

    In this tense and perilous environment, members of the delegation were targeted individually. I was personally pursued by some miscreants chanting their maddening refrain, “No Alia No Benue.” Fearing for my life, I escaped into a parked bus as I watched the SGF and other members being evacuated from the arena to safety by the military. In the chaos, I missed the Presidential convoy, which managed to break free and return to the airport in Makurdi for an emergency departure back to Abuja.

    Stranded and shaken, I had to spend the night in Makurdi under tense circumstances and could only return to Abuja by road the following day, 14th December.

    This incident I witnessed is not merely an embarrassing moment for Benue State; it is a matter of national concern. It signifies a grave insult to the office of the Secretary of the Government of the Federation and the Presidency. It reflects a troubling tolerance and a disturbing admiration by the Benue Government for political intimidation, mob violence, and abuse of power within Benue State.

    Governor Alia alone should accept responsibility and acknowledge the hostile environment that allowed this disgrace. Leadership requires restraint, respect for institutions, and safeguarding guests, regardless of political differences. The incidents in Makurdi and Gboko were failures of leadership and tarnish Benue State’s reputation.

    Benue State and Nigeria cannot afford to normalise such dangerous intolerance. I have decided to speak out because all lovers of democracy must condemn the treatment meted out to the SGF and the Presidential delegation in the strongest terms in the interest of democracy, unity, and national stability.      

    Finally, as one of Nigeria’s longest-serving and most senior politicians, intellectuals, and diplomats from 1977 to 2025, I have paid my dues and earned the right to state the following:

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    a.         To His Excellency Rev. Fr. Dr. Chief Hyacinth Alia (whom I have never met in person), I have nonetheless observed your administration with deep concern: the firm grip on the State House of Assembly, the political contagion and manipulation of traditional institutions, and your involvement in conduct you should be ashamed of, such as failing to control your fiercely violent supporters and threatening to use witchcraft on people. However, nothing in your playbook of toxic leadership surpasses your ongoing, unwarranted cruelty towards the SGF, in an attempt to establish dominance. Everyone knows that the SGF’s unforgivable sin in your eyes was aiding your rise to become governor of Benue State when you were a complete outsider to the APC platform.

    b.         IF THIS DESPERATION, WHICH I HAVE SEEN YOU DISPLAY AGAINST THE BENUE STATE POLITICAL LEADERS AND PEOPLE, IS AIMED AT BECOMING A ONE-TERM GOVERNOR, THEN YOU HAVE JUST ACHIEVED YOUR GOAL AND EARNED THE PASS MARK. 

    c.         To His Royal Highness the Tor Tiv, I would like to let you know that you hold a royal, revered and prestigious stool of our ancestor Takuruku Anyam Azenga. Please do not desecrate it with political partisanship. It is deeply troubling. Please redress, Your Majesty.

    d.         To the SGF, I implore you to listen to yourself in the Bible’s parable of the Sower you gave in your Tiv Day speech. You are the Sower who sowed on hard ground, the stony ground and the thorny ground. But the next seed you will sow will be in the good and fertile ground. Do not despair, the best is yet to come.

    A word is enough for the wise.

    •Prof. Hagher was former Minister of State for Power and Steel

  • Hope Uzodimma: Securing mandate to preach Renewed Hope gospel

    Hope Uzodimma: Securing mandate to preach Renewed Hope gospel

    By Sunday Dare

    When President Bola Ahmed Tinubu recently tapped Governor Hope Uzodinma to serve as the Director General and National Coordinator of the Nationwide Renewed Hope Ambassadors Project, it came as no surprise to discerning observers. For a man whose capacity to mobilize people, design functional structures, and drive strategic mobilization is well established, the assignment fits with almost mathematical precision. It is a role that demands credibility, composure, organization, and results — qualities Uzodinma has demonstrated over time

    Uzodinma’s political and governance trajectory has never relied on noise or theatrics. It has been defined by structured thinking, problem-solving, and a quiet resolve to deliver. As Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum, he emerged as a steady hand in moments when the party and the country required calm, negotiation, and clarity. In tense transition periods and during sensitive internal realignments, he consistently played the role of mediator rather than agitator — a solution finder with a reputation for listening carefully, thinking strategically, and acting decisively.

    Yet, he is not just a negotiator; he is a builder. His work in Imo State reflects a deliberate focus on infrastructure, economic renewal, governance reforms, and investor confidence. One of the most visible pillars of his administration has been the aggressive rehabilitation and construction of critical roads. The reconstruction of the Owerri–Orlu and Owerri–Okigwe roads, for instance, has significantly improved connectivity, reduced travel time, and unlocked economic corridors that are vital to trade and commerce within and beyond the state.

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    In urban infrastructure, the delivery of the Assumpta Flyover at the Assumpta Roundabout in Owerri stands out as both a functional and symbolic achievement — easing congestion at a major traffic node and signalling a commitment to modern city design. Complementing this is the rebuilding and upgrade of the Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu International Conference Centre and improvements around the State House of Assembly complex, helping position Owerri as a credible destination for high-level dialogue, conferences, and institutional events.

    On the transport and logistics front, the revival and upgrade of the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport has further anchored Imo as a gateway for commerce, investment, and connectivity in the South-East. These are not abstract projects; they are tangible assets that residents, traders, investors, and visitors can see and use.

    Most recently, Governor Uzodinma convened the Imo Investment Summit held last week — a strategic forum aimed at repositioning Imo as an investment destination of choice. The Summit brought together local and international investors, development partners, financial institutions, and private-sector leaders together.

    They gathered to explore opportunities in infrastructure, industry, tourism, energy, agriculture, and services. It was not an event for optics; it was an intentional effort to chart a pathway towards a more diversified, investment-driven Imo economy, with commitments and follow-up mechanisms embedded into the state’s broader development agenda.

    Beyond physical projects and economic initiatives, Uzodinma has also pursued governance and fiscal reforms: tackling legacy debt, improving internally generated revenue, prioritizing workers’ welfare, clearing pension backlogs, and advancing initiatives like “Light Up Imo” to support productivity and public safety. These decisions underscore a mindset that sees governance as a long-term management responsibility, not a short-term performance for headlines.

    There is, however, another layer to his profile that is often underappreciated — his intellectual and reflective side. Recently, Uzodinma authored and presented a book titled “A Decade of Impactful Progressive Governance in Nigeria”, a serious contribution to Nigeria’s contemporary political and governance literature. The work goes beyond partisan commentary; it situates the experience of progressive governance within a wider historical, institutional, and policy context. That a sitting Governor, takes the time to think, write, and document at that level says something important- Uzodinma views governance not just as administration, but as part of Nigeria’s unfolding historical narrative.

    It is this blend of strategic political skill, governance delivery, developmental ambition, and intellectual grounding that makes his appointment as helmsman of the National Renewed Hope Ambassadors (NRHA) Project both logical and instructive.

    He has been one of the most vociferous promoters of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s policies and programs- always exploring ways both the Federal and sub nationals can work together towards achieving good governance.

    The NRHA is not a campaign platform. It is not designed for electioneering or partisan sloganeering. Rather, it is a structured mass mobilization and public enlightenment architecture, conceived to bridge the gap between government reforms and citizen understanding. Its mandate is to translate policy into plain language, to carry accurate information down to the ward level, and to channel feedback from communities back up to the institutions that make and implement decisions.

    In many ways, the Renewed Hope Ambassadors framework is civic education meeting mass mobilization — a nationwide network of trained ambassadors, mission officers, and coordinators who will engage markets, communities, faith institutions, youth groups, traditional authorities, and other stakeholders with facts, programmes, and opportunities, not rumours and speculation.

    This project needs a leader with:

    •            Organizational intelligence – to design structures that work from the national level down to the wards.

    •            Strategic communication sense – to ensure messages are clear, consistent, and credible.

    •            Consensus-building skills – to align party structures, public institutions, and community actors behind a shared objective.

    •            Intellectual depth – to understand the policy content behind the messages and not just the sound bites.

    His Excellency, Hope Uzodinma fits this profile. His experience chairing the Progressive Governors’ Forum, his record of delivery in Imo, his convening of the Imo Investment Summit, and his authorship of that seminar governance work,, together project a public figure who is both practitioner and thinker.

    By assigning him this role, President Tinubu has sent a signal: the awareness of the Renewed Hope Agenda will not be left to chance. It will be systematic, evidence- based, and anchored on verifiable progress. The NRHA under Uzodinma’s leadership will function as a national interface — carrying government to the grassroots and bringing the grassroots back to government.

    In a season where misinformation travels faster than facts, where cynicism often drowns out genuine progress, and where citizens demand not just promises but proof, the choice of Governor Hope Uzodinma to “preach the gospel of Renewed Hope” is more than mere political patronage. It is a strategic deployment of a problem solver, a solution provider, and a capacity builder to the frontlines of national communication of policy outcomes.

    Renewed Hope, after all, is not just something to be said. It is something to be organized, explained, and demonstrated. And in that assignment, Uzodinma now carries a mandate that is as heavy as it is critical.

    God will help Nigeria to succeed.

    • Dare is a Special Adviser to the President

  • The Uzodimma effect: Globalisation of Imo Economic Summit

    The Uzodimma effect: Globalisation of Imo Economic Summit

    By Chekwube Nzomiwu

    In a long while, I have not seen any event in Nigeria that witnessed a convergence of high-caliber global political and business leaders like the just concluded Imo Economic Summit 2025, held at Concorde Boulevard, Owerri. The summit which launched Imo State to global horizon had in attendance notable international figures, such as the former United Nations (UN) Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon and former British Prime Minister, Boris Johnson.

    African political leaders in attendance at the two-day event included President Joseph Boakai of Liberia, President Amina Akim of Mauritius and the Prime Minister of Sao Tome and Principe, Americo Ramos. Vice President of Nigeria, Kashim Shettima GCON, declared the summit open on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR.  Lest I forget, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Chief Wale Edun, physically attended the event that attracted several Nigerian state governors.  

    The roll call of the global business leaders at the summit included the richest man in Africa and founder of the multi-billion dollar Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, immediate past President of Afreximbank, Professor Benedit Oramah, Managing Directors and Chief Executive Officers of leading commercial banks in the country, and other industry leaders. The premium event was hosted by Imo State Governor, His Excellency Hope Uzodinma.

    Themed: “Unlocking Imo’s Economic Potential: Partnership, Investment and Innovation,” Governor Uzodinma used the opportunity to announce the entrance of Imo State into a new era of economic transformation, driven by strategic reforms, massive infrastructure expansion and a pro-business environment designed to attract and protect investment.”

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    The Uzodinma effect:

    Recall that since assuming office on January 15, 2020, Governor Uzodimma has painstakingly pursued his vision of transforming Imo State into a premier economic hub, leveraging its oil and gas reserves, agriculture, strategic location and improved infrastructure. Aligned with national reforms, his vision is geared towards achieving a $1 trillion economy for the state and creating jobs, with focus on energy, digital economy, infrastructure development, agriculture and value chains, as well as security and governance.

    Globalisation of Imo Economic Summit:

    The Oxford Dictionary defines globalization as “the process by which businesses or other organisations develop international influence or start operating on an international scale.” Judging by this definition, the just concluded Imo Economic Summit 2025, the first of its kind in Eastern Nigeria, exemplifies a strong “consolidated” global platform for political and business leaders to brainstorm on how to take advantage of the massive transformative opportunities in Imo State to engender economic growth and sustainable development in the state and by extension, Nigeria and the African continent.

    It is interesting to note that the discussions at the summit did not just centre on how to harness the economic potential of Imo State, but extended to issues of global concern, including climate change and sustainable development. The quest for Artificial Intelligence (AI) driven secure clean and sustainable power for Imo State and the entire Nigeria, Nigeria’s deep historic and cultural ties with Britain, Nigeria’s security, desire for peace, democracy and good governance in Africa, economic roadmap, both for Imo, Nigeria and Africa, and investment opportunities were equally discussed. 

    For instance, Ban Ki-moon reiterated that Africa holds the solutions to resolving many of the world’s pending challenges, particularly climate change and sustainable development, which the UN Sustainable Goals (SDGs) envisions. The South Korean politician and diplomat, however, made it clear that the world cannot achieve true sustainability without first addressing the unique challenges of the African continent.

    Describing the climate crisis as already a lived reality, the former UN scribe urged nations to uphold the Paris Agreement despite recent setbacks. Zeroing in on the African continent, Banki-moon highlighted the injustice faced by African nations, saying “although 54 African countries contribute only four percent of global emissions, they remain among the worst affected by climate disasters.”

    In a keynote address, Boris Johnson praised Governor Uzodinma for his push to provide 24-hour electricity in Imo State as part of efforts to drive economic growth. The former British Prime Minister suggested that Artificial Intelligence (AI), being the future, would play a critical role in helping the governor realise his plan to secure clean and sustainable power for Imo State and the entire Nigeria.

    Johnson recalled that Nigeria and Britain share deep historic and cultural ties, strengthened by continuous exchanges of skilled professionals. Contrary to widespread security concerns about Nigeria, including the latest UK travel advisory, urging Britons to reconsider their need to visit Nigeria, Johnson declared that he felt perfectly safe in the course of his visit.

    Bringing the discussion home, President Boakai noted that Imo and Liberia have a lot more in common, beyond occupying geographical space in West Africa, adding that they share a history of resilience, desire for peace, commitment to good governance and the belief that Africa can rise on its terms, through its own efforts. While highlighting Liberia’s recent elevation to a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council as an honour for Africa, Boakai looked forward to a fruitful collaboration between Imo and Liberia through regional alliances, focused on development and democratic governance. He expressed confidence that innovation could become the engine that drives the transformation of Imo State.

    President Akim of Mauritius and Prime Minister Ramos of Sao Tome and Principe, also acknowledged the promise of Africa as the beacon of hope for the world, urging deeper collaboration to harness the potential of Imo, Nigeria and the African continent at large.

    Instant results:

    Unlike other economic summits that end in elocutions, the Imo Economic Summit started yielding instant results, with Aliko Dangote challenging Governor Uzodinma to show him where to invest and forget the rest. The President of Dangote Group expressed the readiness of his conglomerate to become the biggest investor in Imo. Dangote urged the Governor to identify priority areas, assuring that his group would make commitments once directed. 

    Earlier, Vice President Shettima who represented President Tinubu, reaffirmed the unwavering commitment of the federal government to the economic development of Imo State and highlighted the summit’s role in fostering and attracting investments through various initiatives.

    Conclusion:

    By all indications, the Imo Economic Summit yielded the desired benefits. Quoting the Commissioner for Finance and Coordinating Economy in Imo State, Dr. Chuck Chuckuemeka: “Imo State has risen but people do not know it. The summit was an opportunity for people to see the quantum of transformation, innovation and investments that occurred here in the last few years, as clearly articulated in the Governor’s speech. And frankly, the level of investments inquiries in the last few days has been unabated in all sectors, anchored on the post-summit activities and strategies.”

    I cannot end without applauding Governor Uzodinma for his foresight in organising the Imo Economic Summit. Section 14 (2) (b) of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria (as amended) makes security and welfare of the citizens the primary duty of government. The welfare of the citizens can only be guaranteed by a viable economy.  Taking a cue from the Imo State Government, the states can do a lot in this regard. It is important to note that security and welfare go hand in hand. It is difficult to have either of them without the other.

    • Nzomiwu Ph.D, MNIPR is the Director of Media and Publicity, Development Communication Research Association of Nigeria (DECRAN). Reactions to this article are welcome via chekmma@yahoo.com and 08037752672 (WhatsApp only)

  • ABUAD to launch ‘Air Purifier’ in another giant stride

    ABUAD to launch ‘Air Purifier’ in another giant stride

    • By Tunde Olofintila

    Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti, ABUAD, is set to hit global headlines again as students of the 15-year-old university ranked by Times Higher Education Impact Rankings among the Best 100 Universities in the world and No. 1 in Nigeria for four consecutive years: 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025, are set to launch “Air Purifier”, an ICT device/solution for gauging air humidity, in February next year, the first of its kind in Africa.

    The launch under the supervision of New Horizons, the world’s largest ICT training organization established in 1982, is the product of ABUAD/New Horizons’ partnership and determination to ensure the production of entrepreneurship-minded graduates and not those with mere academic certification that will be shopping for jobs after graduation.

    Speaking over the weekend when the university’s Founder & Chancellor, Aare Afe Babalola, OFR, CON, SAN, was conducted round the ultra-modern Information Communication Technology Centre equipped with 150 sophisticated computers designed to further boost performances of students and lecturers of the university, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of New Horizons, Mr. Tim Akano, said that through the launch, ABUAD students will be turned into marketable innovators while the attention of the world would be shifted to ABUAD.

    Akano emphasized that the launch will largely be predicated on “Internet of Things”, IOT, a concept which underscores the use of the internet to monitor virtually anything, adding that it will be beneficial to ABUAD students in many ways, including but not limited to the following:

    •          The launch and its continuous application will build the requisite confidence, focus and discipline in ABUAD students in the ever-competitive global job market, stressing that in the contemporary world, the would-be employers look beyond university certificates before offering their jobs to prospective employees,

    •          Product developed after the launch could be commercialized,

    •                      The launch will position ABUAD as a university that is entrepreneurship-focused, a university that will be producing job creators and not mere job seekers, and

    •          The launch will ensure that every student attending the university benefits from digital empowerment and practical exposure expected of a world-class institution of Higher Education.

    Speaking on a global note, Akano lamented that most graduates in contemporary times do not have the required requite skills the industries are looking for in addition to university degrees.

    His words: “Graduates of nowadays do not have what the industries require: skills in addition to academic certification. It must always be realised that as good as academic certificates are, they are not sufficient. We are therefore out to marry certification with the requisite skills required in today’s employment market”.

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    He added: “For graduates of today to thrive, they need ICT skills in their respective areas of study/specialization. ABUAD was established to teach others how a university, properly so-called, should be run. Our partnership will strengthen the ABUAD franchise in the comity of universities globally.

    “We want to put ABUAD in the Guiness Book of Records by ensuring that it will be the first university in Nigeria to have 2,500 computers in one hall. This will be in addition to producing and providing solutions of world standards. We want the world to shift attention to ABUAD. It is possible because we have done it in 90 different countries around the world, including USA, UK, France, Germany, China, Hungry and South Africa among others”.

    In Nigeria, New Horizons operates in 150 Universities and High Schools, training over 100,000 students yearly. Some of the New Horizons’ partnering universities include but are not limited to Babcock University, Ilishan, Remo, Redeemer University, Ede, BOWEN University, Iwo, BELLS University, Ota and Lead City University, Ibadan as well as University of Lagos.

    Reacting to the salutary development of the launching of Air Purifier in February next year, the elated Founder & Chancellor of the university, Aare Afe Babalola, OFR, CON, SAN, LL. D (London), Fellow, King’s College, London, FNAE, said the  launch will be a further realization of his dream and desire to make the university a shining example of how a university, properly so-called, should be run.

    According to him, the avalanche of national and international Awards, accolades and recognitions as well as encomiums so far showered on the university by notable Regulatory Bodies and Educational stakeholders have already confirmed his position.

    For example, the National Universities Commission, the Regulator Body for University Education in Nigeria, has acknowledged the university as “a model, benchmark and reference point” as well as “the pride of University system in Nigeria” and endorsed by the Association of Vice Chancellors of Nigerian Universities (AVCNU) as “the most successful private university in Nigeria”. UNESCO also acknowledged it as “a world class institution of Higher Education”.

    The former Pro Chancellor & Chairman of Council of the University of Lagos recalled what the former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Ibrahim Tanko Mohammed, said about him when he visited the university in June 2014.

    After touring the length and breadth of the university, the former CJN came to the ultra-modern College of Law Building. Looking round the massive building, the learned Jurist took a deep breath and asked rather rhetorically: “Aare Afe Babalola, what else do you want? If it is money, you have it. If it is goodwill, you have it in quantum. If it is success in your career, you are by any means successful. I don’t know what else you want to become”.

    Replying the learned Jurist, I said: “I thank God for what he has enabled me to achieve in my lifetime. My wish, my hope and prayer are that this university must, in my lifetime, be recognized by the international body as one of the Best 100 in the world. So, I still have a lot of work to do to bring this dream into fruition”.

    Now that the university has been ranked by Times Higher Education Impact Rankings among the Best 100 Universities in the world, Babalola has shifted the goal post of his dream and ambition about his university: He said his dream, prayer, wish and hope now are that his university, ABUAD, should be ranked among the Best 50 in the world before his very eyes on the planet earth.

    May his dream, prayer, wish and hope come true and before his very eyes.

    •Olofintila, ABUAD’s Corporate Affairs Director, writes from Ado-Ekiti.

  • Uba Sani’s new agenda for Kaduna’s rich mineral wealth

    Uba Sani’s new agenda for Kaduna’s rich mineral wealth

    • By Haruna Manzo

    Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, on the sidelines of the recent G-20 Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, (the first to be hosted anywhere in Africa), in which Kaduna State participated in the International Investment Forum and Roadshow for Solid Minerals in Nigeria), delivered a compelling keynote address titled “Unlocking Kaduna’s Green Minerals Future: From Exploration to Industrialisation.” In his speech, he presented Kaduna not as a mere supplier of raw materials but as a dynamic mining and industrial hub ready to integrate into the global green economy. A completely new agenda for the state’s rich mineral deposits.

    Kaduna State’s mineral wealth is reportedly staggering. Geological surveys have identified at least 23 key assets, including gold, lithium, tin, tantalite, iron ore, and limestone, with some sources suggesting the presence of up to 70 different minerals such as nickel, manganese, columbite, wolframite, titanium, cobalt, amethyst, tourmaline, sapphire, and garnet. These resources, scattered across the state’s diverse terrain from the Birnin Gwari goldfields to the lithium-rich zones in southern Kaduna, have long been underutilized. Governor Uba Sani, however, has signaled his determination to harness the mineral wealth of the state for the good of the people.

    Historically, Nigeria’s mining sector has been plagued by artisanal exploitation, illegal activities, and a heavy reliance on raw exports, which deprives local communities of value addition and sustainable benefits. Governor Uba Sani, recognizing this as a missed opportunity, has made it a cornerstone of his administration to pivot toward a “green minerals future”—one that emphasizes environmental sustainability. He highlighted the state’s deliberate strategy to prioritize value addition over extraction, through investments in processing, beneficiation, mineral certification hubs, and robust public-private partnerships. This approach, he argued, would establish Kaduna as a center for integrated industrial growth, contributing to Nigeria’s broader economic diversification.

    The keynote was more than rhetoric, it was backed by concrete actions. During the forum, the Kaduna State Government, through the Kaduna Mining Development Company (KMDC), signed five strategic Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with international partners. These agreements underscore Sani’s commitment to collaborative development all aimed at harnessing the mineral wealth in the state for the good of all indigenes of Kaduna State. For instance, the partnership with X-Calibur Smart Mapping focuses on advanced mineral mapping, tracking illegal mining activities, and developing bankable assets. Another MoU with Core International Mining & Marketing Co. establishes the $150 million Kaduna State Green Mining Investment Fund, a private sector-driven initiative to finance early-stage exploration for critical minerals like lithium and rare earth elements. This fund addresses a key bottleneck in Nigeria’s mining sector: the lack of risk-tolerant capital for initial drilling and project preparation. By committing anchor capital, Kaduna State signals its seriousness to global investors, aiming to de-risk the ecosystem and attract further funding.

    Additional partnerships include Rosebank Capital for investment mobilization and transaction advisory services, Vuka Group for integrating Kaduna into Africa’s broader mining ecosystem, and DCX Global & Precious Metals Tswane for establishing a gold aggregation and processing center.

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    These collaborations are designed to support artisanal miners through technology transfer, capacity building, and environmentally sustainable models. Governor Uba Sani has emphasized the importance of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards, ensuring that mining activities benefit local communities while minimizing ecological harm. Over the next two years, these efforts are projected to attract $2.5 to $3 billion in new investments, create more than 10,000 jobs, generate up to $90 million in household income gains, and lift 50,000 to 70,000 citizens out of poverty.

    For the record, Governor Uba Sani’s administration has already made significant strides in repositioning the solid minerals sector before the G-20 summit. One flagship project is the Lithium Processing Plant at Kangimi, along the Kaduna-Jos road—a pioneering facility in Nigeria, developed in partnership with Ming Xin Mineral Separation Nigeria Ltd. Launched with an initial investment of $20 million (set to rise to $50 million), the plant has a starting capacity of 1,500 metric tonnes per day, expandable to 3,000 tonnes. It not only processes lithium for use in batteries, glass, and aluminum but also plans to utilize by-products for tile production, creating an additional 500 jobs.

    This initiative exemplifies the value addition Governor Uba Sani has been harping on instead of exporting raw lithium. Admittedly, Kaduna is building an industrial ecosystem that retains economic benefits locally.

    To combat illegal mining, which has long eroded revenue and endangered lives, Governor Uba Sani has implemented enhanced surveillance and regulatory measures. Illegal operations have drastically reduced, and the administration is forming cooperatives for artisanal miners, transforming them into “foot soldiers” for legitimate investors. These miners, familiar with the terrain, can provide valuable intelligence and labour while benefiting from formal training and fair wages. The KMDC has acquired 18 additional mineral titles, further expanding the state’s portfolio and inviting reputable international operators to explore responsibly.

    Governor Uba Sani’s strategy extends beyond mining to other sectors, recognizing that mineral wealth must fuel broader development. At the same G-20 event, he showcased Kaduna’s priority areas: agriculture, transport, solid minerals, and renewable energy. Initiatives like the Special Agro-Processing Zone (SAPZ) and the Agro-Industrial Quality Assurance Centre (AQAC) link mineral revenues to agricultural industrialization. For instance, limestone and other industrial minerals can support cement production for infrastructure, while lithium enables renewable energy storage solutions. Partnerships with entities like Atlantic Mining Techniques Limited ($300 million investment) and Hebei Province in China (MoU for cooperation in solid minerals, energy, and infrastructure) amplify these efforts.  

    The results are already transformative. Over $2.1 billion in long-term investments have been attracted, signaling strong investor confidence. Exploration by international firms is widespread, and the focus on green minerals aligns with global demands for sustainable sourcing in the energy transition.

    Governor Uba Sani has called for a deeper Nigeria-South Africa cooperation in investment and technology transfer, acknowledging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s reforms that enhance subnational autonomy and ease of doing business. Yet, Governor Uba Sani’s vision is people-centered. By emphasizing job creation, poverty alleviation, and community engagement, he ensures that mineral harnessing benefits all the people of Kaduna State. Artisanal miners are integrated rather than displaced, environmental protections are prioritized, and revenues fund social programs in education, health, and security. This holistic approach mitigates the “resource curse” that has afflicted many mineral-rich regions, but rather fostering inclusive growth.

    In essence, Governor Uba Sani is not just mining Kaduna’s earth; he is cultivating its future. The governor is thinking tomorrow’s challenges today—through innovative policies, strategic partnerships, and a commitment to sustainability—he is positioning Kaduna as Nigeria’s next frontier for green-minerals-driven development. As the state emerges as a beacon of industrial progress, Governor Uba Sani’s leadership serves as a model for subnational entities across Africa, proving that with vision and action, natural resources can indeed pave the way to prosperity for all.

    •Manzo, a development economist and good governance advocate, writes from Zaria, Kaduna State.

  • Assessing NNPC’s transparency, accountability

    Assessing NNPC’s transparency, accountability

    By Enam Obioso

    For decades, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited sat at the centre of public suspicion.

    Every spike in oil prices sparked a new round of accusation, every dip opened the door to speculation, and every audit prompted arguments about what was paid, what was deducted, and what was truly missing.

    The latest claim, a supposed N210 trillion gap in NNPC’s accounts, followed the same pattern.

    It swept through the public space quickly, but analysts were blunt in their response: the allegation belonged more to myth than to mathematics.

    What stands out today is not the noise around the numbers, but the way the new NNPC Limited is choosing to confront it. There is a marked shift toward openness, documented reporting, and a willingness to let auditors, analysts, and even critics examine the books. In many ways, this is the quiet revolution shaping Nigeria’s most strategic company.

    The phantom trillions and the new clarity

    When lawmakers raised the N210 trillion claim, some analysts, such as Professor Uche Uwaleke, an authority in accounting and capital market, Mr. Victor Eromosele, former chief financial officer at Nigerian top companies, dismissed it as “an accounting impossibility that reveals a fundamental misunderstanding of national cash flows.” They explained that the figure was larger than the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) and far beyond what decades of crude oil sales could produce.

    More importantly, they said the allegation stems from treating gross revenue as if it belonged to NNPC to lose. In the words of one them, “the total sales value was never NNPC’s money. It was always subject to first-line charges: funding joint venture (JV) cash calls, paying for petrol subsidies, and covering operational costs before anything could be remitted to the Federation Account.”

    This was the structural flaw of the old system. NNPC served as both operator and collector. It deducted costs first, remitted later, and battled constant suspicion over the balance.

    The analyst noted that this confusion is exactly what the Petroleum Industry Act was designed to end. The new framework “makes NNPC a taxed and dividend-paying entity, separating its commercial finances from state revenue in a clear, auditable way.”

    Cash calls and the shift to discipline

    The transformation is also evident in how NNPC now handles joint venture funding. Under the old structure, cash call delays were routine. They stalled investment, caused mounting arrears, and froze new projects. But the expert describes the issue as structural, not ethical. “The JV cash call system was historically the Achilles heel of the sector. Government budgets simply could not keep up.”

    The new incorporated joint venture model changed that. “This means the JVs are now standalone legal entities with their own financing, moving liabilities off NNPC’s balance sheet,” he said. The company’s claim that it no longer owes cash calls holds true under this new system. Legacy arrears are being resolved in a controlled process, while new projects are funded on schedule. International partners have responded by approving multi-billion-dollar investments that previously sat on hold.

    Profit, performance, and the question of sustainability

    NNPC’s N5.4 trillion profit in the 2024 financial year raised eyebrows, but analysts warn against seeing it as a fluke. Yes, the removal of the petrol subsidy removed a major financial burden. Yet the analyst pointed to deeper changes within the company. “Look beyond the top line. Operating expenses per barrel are falling, and refinery utilisation is rising. This shows structural improvement, not just a policy-driven windfall.”

    The next test, he said, is capital discipline. “If this profit is used to fund high-return, low-cost projects and gas infrastructure, it creates a virtuous cycle. If it is pulled into quasi-fiscal duties, the gains will evaporate.”

    So far, the company’s strategy signals the former. There is an emphasis on upstream reinvestment, gas expansion, and long-term, revenue-generating assets.

    The transparency model that never existed before

    Critics often point to opacity in past remittances, but the analyst stresses that those issues belonged to another era. “The old model was inherently opaque because NNPC was both a commercial operator and a revenue collector. The new model is fundamentally cleaner.”

    Under the current structure, NNPC sells its crude, pays its taxes, pays royalties, and then pays dividends. Each of these is a distinct, auditable line item.

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    “This makes tracking and verification infinitely easier,” he said, adding that IFRS-compliant reporting and external audits give the public something they rarely had in the past: verifiable numbers.

    Gas, the transition, and the long game

    Some observers have questioned the heavy investment in gas infrastructure like the AKK pipeline, suggesting it might become a stranded asset. The analyst strongly disagrees.

    “That view misunderstands both the global transition and Nigeria’s context. Gas will remain in demand until at least 2050. For Nigeria, this is not just about transition but about industrialisation.”

    He explained that the AKK pipeline is designed to replace diesel use, reduce emissions, power industry, and strengthen the non-oil economy. “These pipelines can even be retrofitted for hydrogen. This is a strategically sound investment in national infrastructure.”

    The strongest evidence: voluntary transparency

    Perhaps the most telling sign of change lies not in numbers but behaviour. The analyst said the real proof of transformation is the company’s willingness to subject itself to scrutiny. “By holding an earnings call, they are inviting analysts to scrutinise every claim.

    By publishing IFRS-compliant accounts audited by a major firm, they are creating a legally binding record of their performance. By talking about an IPO, they are signalling an intention to be valued by global investors.”

    His conclusion was blunt: “You cannot fake this for long. The market will punish any regression.”

    A turning point built on openness

    In a sector where suspicion once overshadowed facts, the new NNPC Limited is betting on transparency as a strategy. The numbers are clearer, the obligations are cleaner, and the company’s operations are more visible than at any time in its history. Nigeria’s energy future still carries uncertainties, but the shift from opacity to accountability proves to be the most important reform yet.

    •Obioso, a veteran journalist, writes from Abuja

  • How international status for Akwa Ibom Airport signals economic take-off

    How international status for Akwa Ibom Airport signals economic take-off

    By Ibas Emmanuel

    When Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno stepped off his flight at the Victor Attah International Airport, Uyo, on Thursday, the moment carried more than the routine ease of arrival. It marked the dawn of a long-anticipated economic turning point for the oil-rich but increasingly diversified state. Only hours earlier, the Federal Government had granted the airport full international status, setting the stage for Akwa Ibom to connect directly with the global aviation, trade and tourism ecosystem.

    For Governor Eno, the approval represents years of quiet advocacy, strategic alignment and patient negotiation coming to fruition. Speaking with journalists at the airport, he did not conceal his satisfaction, even as he maintained the measured tone that has become his leadership signature. “For this region, trade will be enhanced. Tourism will be boosted. Jobs will be created,” he said. “Flights will land directly here. There will be a whole lot of economic activities for the good of our people and our state.”

    Originally inaugurated in 2009, the Victor Attah International Airport has for more than a decade served as Akwa Ibom’s primary air gateway. Despite its impressive runway, modern terminal design and strategic location in Uyo, the airport largely operated domestic routes, connecting the state to Lagos, Abuja and a handful of other Nigerian cities.

    The limitation, according to analysts, was never infrastructure alone, but status. Without international clearance, the airport could not receive or process foreign carriers or operate cross-border flights. That bottleneck is now decisively removed.

    On November 27, 2025, the Federal Government officially approved the airport for full international flight operations, authorising it to serve as a direct gateway linking Akwa Ibom to destinations outside Nigeria. The approval followed a high-level meeting between Governor Eno and the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, underscoring the importance of federal-state collaboration in unlocking major infrastructure milestones.

    The implications of the upgrade are significant. International airports are not merely transit points; they are catalysts for commerce. For a state positioning itself beyond oil dependency, direct global access translates into easier export of goods, import of technology, and smoother movement of investors.

    Akwa Ibom’s comparative advantages are well-known: fertile agricultural belt, expanding manufacturing base, a peaceful social climate, and a growing hospitality and leisure sector. Until now, however, investors and tourists often had to route through Lagos or Port Harcourt before making the final domestic hop to Uyo. That inconvenience, Governor Eno noted, is about to end.

    “With this region, trade will be enhanced and tourism will be boosted,” he said, emphasising that international flights will land directly in Uyo, stimulating a web of economic activities ranging from logistics and hospitality to retail and professional services.

    Tourism, in particular, stands to gain. Akwa Ibom’s beaches, cuisine, festivals and emerging leisure resorts are already gaining national attention. Direct international access could place the state firmly on the West African tourism map, attracting visitors from the diaspora and beyond who seek convenience, security and cultural depth.

    One clear beneficiary of the new status is Ibom Air, the state-owned carrier that has steadily built a reputation for reliability and service quality within Nigeria. Governor Eno noted that the airline is “favourably positioned” to expand its operations and partner with international carriers now that the airport enjoys full global clearance.

    “Our airline stands favourably to expand its operations and partner with other international airlines to choose here as part of their business routes in Nigeria,” the governor said, framing the development as the culmination of deliberate efforts to build an aviation ecosystem rather than a single infrastructure win.

    For Ibom Air, international status means opportunities for code-sharing, regional routes across Africa, and potentially long-haul connections that would place Akwa Ibom on international flight schedules. Beyond commercial benefits, such expansion promises job creation for pilots, engineers, cabin crew, ground staff and allied service providers.

    Governor Eno’s comment that he prefers “working behind the scenes to achieve results” offers insight into how the approval was secured. Unlike high-profile political campaigns, aviation certification requires technical compliance, regulatory engagement and sustained federal cooperation.

    “You know how long we have been pursuing this status for our airport,” he admitted, reflecting on what many observers describe as years of incremental progress. For Eno, alignment with the centre became a strategic necessity rather than a political slogan.

    The international airport approval, he explained, reinforces why Akwa Ibom needed to collaborate closely with the Federal Government to unlock development opportunities of national scale. Such alignment, analysts say, reduces bureaucratic friction and accelerates approvals in sectors that remain federally regulated.

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    Beyond aircraft landings and take-offs, the most tangible impact of the airport upgrade will be felt on the ground. International operations demand expanded customs, immigration, cargo handling, security, hospitality and transport services. Each layer generates employment and skills transfer.

    Local businesses like: hotels, car hire services, logistics firms, restaurants, tour operators, stand to benefit from increased traffic. For young people, particularly those trained in aviation-related disciplines, the internationalisation of the airport signals new career pathways closer to home.

    Governor Eno underscored this point when he spoke of jobs and economic activities multiplying across the state. For a government focused on inclusive growth, the airport’s new status fits neatly into broader plans to diversify revenue streams and reduce unemployment.

    While the approval is already official, full international flight operations are expected to commence no later than the first quarter of 2026. That timeline, according to aviation experts, allows for final certification steps, airline scheduling, personnel training and operational testing.

    For Akwa Ibom, the months ahead will be critical. Infrastructure upgrades, service readiness and global marketing will determine how quickly the state converts status into sustained traffic. But confidence remains high, driven by the airport’s existing facilities and the administration’s stated commitment to results over rhetoric.

    As Governor Eno summed it up, “By the grace of God, all of this is coming together for our good.” In that statement lies both gratitude and quiet determination. With the Victor Attah International Airport now a recognised global gateway, Akwa Ibom stands poised at the threshold of a new economic chapter, one where trade, tourism and talent can flow freely between the state and the world.

    •Ibas Emmanuel, writes from Uyo, Akwa-Ibom

  • Let us stop this blame game and get serious

    Let us stop this blame game and get serious

    By Femi Osunro

    A few days ago, I saw a video in the Social media where a man was insulting our female football players in a bus in Switzerland by calling them terrorists and shameless athletes from a terrorist Country. Some of the football players reacted furiously to the assailant who kept telling them that if they dared assault him, he would get them arrested by the police. I was nearly moved to tears by the embarrassment and humiliation these young lasses were subjected to due to no fault of theirs. However, I was very much impressed by the wonderful show of patriotism by these young Nigerians as they also continued to resist the intimidation and stood their ground.

    No doubt, such an ugly incident was apparently brought about my the recent declaration of Nigeria as a Country Under Watch by President Donald Trump of USA who claimed that Christians were being subjected to genocide and kidnapping in Nigeria. He even went further to threaten that he would order American troops to invade Nigeria to liberate Christians from the Islamic Insurgents. At first, when President Trumps made the allegation, I thought that it was a mere diversionary tactic to ease the pressure on his Administration which was facing unprecedented bashing from various fronts in USA. Indeed, to many Americans and some other watchers of the situation in that Country, America had never had it so bad. Many are even asking the question – “how did America get to this sorry pass?”

    At present, USA is facing crises in various fronts viz the immigration policy of Donald Trump which has spiraled out of hand, the incessant shootings of students in their Schools; the “unconstitutional” invasion by Federal troops into some States without their consents/invitation, thus leading to many Court cases challenging these constitutional breaches, the on-going agitations for the release of the ‘Epstein Files’ on the live and escapades of Jeffery Epstein, a convicted felon who was a bossom friend of Trump for years before he was eventually arrested, jailed and later committed suicide in prison. Despite the attempts of Trump Administration, the call for the release of the Epstein files had refused to die down and indeed it is threatening the very foundation of Trump Administration. There is also the spate of indictment of some Legal Officers of some States by the Trump Administration which are being contested in various Courts of Law across the United States. On top of all these is the case of the longest shut-down of Government in the history of United States which had caused various disruptions in the lives of Americans notable of which is the non-payment of salaries of some essential workers of the Federal Government. The list of various problems confronting Trump’s Administration is quite long. Indeed, things had gone so bad for Donald Trump that some media organisations like the MSN are now calling him unprintable names while some even question his state of mind and thence his competence to govern the ‘largest democracy’ in the world. Things have gotten so bad for Trump that his assessment rating had been on a downward spiral for quite sometime and this has even been validated by the recent losses of his party – The Republican Party – in some Mayoral elections. In essence, to say that Donald Trump is in the worst crisis of his political life will be an understatement. With all these, my initial reaction to Trump’s allegation of genocide against Christians in Nigeria was that this was a usual recourse of Trump to diversionary tactic to shy away from the multi-dimensional problems of his Administration. At the time of his claim, there was nothing to support that there was genocide against Christians in Nigeria. What we had substantially was the case of romping bands of brigands who were attacking and kidnapping people randomly for monetary gains or for sadistic and satanic reasons.

    However, and to my utter bewilderment many Nigerian especially some politicians seized the opportunity of Trump’s claim to start bashing the Federal Government of Nigeria for failing to put an end to the spate of banditry as if it just started under the Administration. In essence, some saw the “development” as failure of Government and governance. Such actions tend to validate the assertion of Trump while some were even calling on Trump to, as he threatened, come and save Christians from Islamic genocide. To me, such positions were grossly unpatriotic. While one grants  Trump the right to continue to make his weird outbursts e.g. threatening to annex Canada as the 51st State of USA etc., I expect our people to question Trump’s right to be a judge in our affairs as a sourverign country. Also, I expected people to declare to Trump that “physician, heal thyself.” But trust Nigerian politicians -they will do anything to discredit any Government in power to get themselves enthroned in the saddle. To the opposition parties, they hardly saw anything good about the Government in power. However and unfortunately, their motive had always been to seize power at all possible means and not that they have any better plan for Nigeria.

    Be that as it may, I think that it is high time that we sat down to take a deep reflection of our situation in this country about this sudden upsurge in cases of abductions solely targeted at Christian establishments and organisations. Some pertinent questions need to be asked – Is this development a deliberate act by the enemies of Nigeria, both inside and outside our shores – to get a reason to discredit and possibly push out the present Administration? Is there any possible foreign interest in all these meant to truncate the independent chatting of a new foreign policy direction by the present Administration to look beyond its traditional allies for support and collaboration? Is anybody or country being threatened by the emerging loss of pre-eminent relationship, with Nigeria? Is this a ploy to call the “dog a bad name to destroy it”. One cannot but ask such questions with the disturbing escalation of deliberate and concentrated attacks on Christians organisations in some parts of the Federation. As the Yoruba people will say – EJO LOWO NINU!!. I had always had this knack that kidnappers were being sponsored by some “businessmen” who were using them to make easy money. Or how else do you explain the fact that most of those who had been captured / arrested as kidnappers did not look like people who have seen or counted hundreds or thousands of Naira not to talk of millions that were said to have been paid to them as ransoms.

    In the face of all these, I think that we, Nigerians, should now start to think seriously about how to put an end to the escalating insurgency and save our country from an impending catastrophe, which, at the end, will not do anybody any good. That is why I am now calling on our people to start thinking of and taking concrete steps to stem this horrifying trend of kidnapping etc. This is not an attempt to defend Government’s position on this issue. The Government already has a plethora of media and advertisement gurus who can do this. All the same, it is most unfair if not unreasonable to put all the blame of the persistent insurgency on Government alone. We all have a role to play to save our country from this looming disaster which the insurgents and their backers/collaborators want to impose on us.

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    That is why I expect our religious leaders to start praying to God to put to shame these insurgents and their sponsors before they destroy this Country or plunge all of us into hardship and severe disruption. For example, our Christian adherents should remind our Heavenly Father of His unfailing declaration that the wiles of the devil shall never prevail against the Church. I am also amused by some religious leaders pleading with Trump to come and ‘save’ Nigeria. What about what they are teaching us in our Churches that we should not look up to man but to God who is our Refuge in times of trouble. Why not pray to God who turned the “Counsel of Ahithophel to foolishness” to intervene in our affairs and expose, punish, frustrate the efforts of the evil machinations of the insurgents and their sponsors? And what about the prayer that God should “trouble our troublers”. In essence, the trouble is not with our stars but with ourselves that we are still struggling under the oppression of these insurgents. Why don’t we pray to take back our Country from insurgents. What of the spiritualists who claim to have ‘powers’ to do and undo? They should now come out and use their ‘power’ against these enemies of our Country. After all, we all have no other Country to call our own. What about our local communities especially the vigilante groups. We all have to be much-more watchful and pro-active to expose these agents of the devil, who are residents in our area, before they destroy us.

    This is no longer of a question of us and them i.e. the citizens on one part and the Government on the other. We should never be in doubt that any Government, however well-intentioned cannot put an end to this kind of insurgency on its own as, to me, it appears to be sponsored, encouraged and sustained. No doubt, the Government has to do much more to put an end to the ugly trend but the truth must be told, Government cannot do it alone. It needs the support, prayers, cooperation and active participation of the citizens to confront these agents of the devil. After all, even if we recruit more security agents in large numbers, they cannot be at all places at the same time particularly in such a large Country as Nigeria with its many rural communities some of which are barely accessible by motorable roads.

    Personally, the most-disturbing phenomenon of the activities of the insurgents is that they are debarring those who had worked tirelessly over the years for the good of this Country to have peace of mind, move freely within the Country and enjoy their advanced years. May the Good Lord save us and confront those who are disturbing our peace and comfort. Any weapon fashioned against our dear Country Nigeria will never flourish and God will surely heal our Land.

    I see myself as a Patriot of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and I am a passionate lover of good governance. But I want to remind all us that a people get the type of Government they deserve. To salvage this Country from the present menace imposed on us by these insurgents, all hands must be on deck to take back our Country. Now is the time to stop the blame game and chart “the way forward” to save our dear Country. A word is enough for the wise.!

    •Femi Osunro, a retired Permanent Secretary, resides in Ibadan.

  • Sanwo-Olu’s health mandate seals Lagos’ 2025 Hajj success

    Sanwo-Olu’s health mandate seals Lagos’ 2025 Hajj success

    By Taofeek Lawal

    “When you expect the best, you release a magnetic force in your mind which by a law of attraction tends to bring the best to you.” – Norman Vincent Peale.

    This quote captures the foresight of Lagos State Governor, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, whose wise counsel during 2025 Eid-el-Fitr celebration laid the foundation for this year’s successful Hajj operation. At the event the governor and Ministry of Home Affairs hosted at Lagos House, Marina, Sanwo-Olu urged prospective pilgrims to prioritise their health, saying: “I appeal to those with health challenges to reconsider travelling for the 2025 Hajj.”

    This advice was not lost on the Commissioner for Home Affairs and Amir-ul-Hajj, Olanrewaju Layode. In a response, a team of medical professionals was commissioned to screen intending pilgrims. The goal was to ensure that every participant was medically fit for the journey to the Holy Land, where intense desert heat—often exceeding 45°C—and physical exertion during the rites could pose health risks.

    The screening, coordinated by Dr. Mazeedat Erinosho of Ministry of Health, was extensive. Pilgrims were tested for HIV, hepatitis B and C, tuberculosis (TB), kidney function (electrolyte, urea, creatinine), pregnancy, and full blood count (FBC). The addition of TB and kidney function tests was an upgrade from previous years. Thankfully, all pilgrims were certified fit, with only minor health concerns identified and managed proactively.

    The initiative reflected not only care but also vision. Hajj is the fifth pillar of Islam and demands full physical and mental fitness, in addition to financial capability. The Quran (22:27) enjoins Muslims: “And proclaim to the people the Hajj… they will come from every distant pass.” But fulfilling this obligation requires traversing significant distances under harsh conditions—Mina to Arafah (14.4km), Musdalifah to Jamarat (7km), and several kilometres for other rites. While buses ease some movements, others, such as the symbolic stoning at Jamarat require trekking and stamina.

    Recognising these challenges, the government bankrolled the process—an initiative that saved each pilgrim N50,000. Sanwo-Olu and his deputy, Obafemi Hamzat, made this gesture to cushion effect of the N8.78 million Hajj fare and ensure the health and safety of pilgrims.

    The screening, which began at Badagry Local Government secretariat on April 19, was decentralised in 10 designated centres statewide. Of 1,400 pilgrims screened, 1,315 eventually secured visas. Importantly, not a single casualty was recorded during the Hajj. Except for minor ailments – headaches and fatigue, all pilgrims remained healthy and active.

    This achievement is attributable to not only divine grace but also the pilgrims’ cooperation. Unlike in previous years when some bypassed screening or used proxies, the 2025 cohort complied. Medical personnel, led by Dr. Erinosho, were active throughout the pilgrimage. Lagos-supplied drugs were distributed at clinic points in the pilgrims’ hotels without delay or complaints.

    Beyond the screenings, Sanwo-Olu’s generosity extended to other welfare provisions: monetisation of Ihram clothing, daily breakfast and dinner of Nigerian delicacies, payment for Hadiyah (sacrificial) rams, and organised Ziyarah (visits) to religious sites in Makkah and Madinah. Pilgrims were housed in Tent B+—an upgraded and comfortable tent facility at Mina and Arafah—with hotels close to the Haram.

    In a post-Hajj self-assessment, Layode declared the operation a success. Speaking at the return of the last batch at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, he praised the pilgrims for their discipline and decorum in the Holy Land, calling them worthy ambassadors of Lagos State and Nigeria. He lauded the governor and his deputy for the support, particularly the medical screenings that proved pivotal to success of the Hajj operation.

    On behalf of the pilgrims, the Central Working Committee, led by Dr. Ahmad Jebe, also appreciated the care and planning. Dr. Jebe praised the government for fulfilling all welfare promises and lauded Saudi Arabia for the smooth Hajj experience. He highlighted the role of NUSUK—an official identification pass issued by Saudi—which granted pilgrims unrestricted access to key Hajj sites like Mina, Arafah, Musdalifah, and Jamarat.

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    Pilgrims were equally full of praise. Alhaja Kudirat Adebayo, speaking on arrival in Lagos, described Sanwo-Olu as “Mr. Talk and Do,” lauding the quality of food, medical attention, and spiritual guidance received. “We were taken to all historical sites for Ziyarah and received all the promised welfare packages. I urge future pilgrims to go through Lagos State for a fulfilling Hajj experience,” she said.

    She also offered prayers for the success of the administration of Sanwo-Olu and President Bola Tinubu, and for excellence in future Hajj operations. Others echoed similar sentiments, affirming that Lagos State remains the benchmark for Hajj administration in Nigeria.

    Secretary of Lagos State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Mr. AbdulHakeem Ajomagberin, described 2025 Hajj as the best yet, in terms of planning, preparation, and execution. He thanked Allah for safety of every pilgrim and assured that preparations for 2026 Hajj would begin promptly. Early planning, he noted, is essential to securing visas before Saudi Arabia’s portal closure and complying with directives from Saudi Ministry of Hajj and National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).

    In conclusion, the success of 2025 Hajj stands as a testament to what visionary leadership, collaborative planning, and compassionate governance can achieve. The free and compulsory medical screening sponsored by the governor and his deputy was not just a health intervention—it was a life-saving initiative that set a standard for pilgrimage preparation in Nigeria. It is not surprising that stakeholders have called for institutionalisation of the free medical screening in subsequent Hajj.

    Lagos has again shown that when leadership places wellbeing of residents at the centre of policy and action, excellence is not just possible—it is inevitable.

    •Lawal is deputy director (Public Affairs) of State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board

  • Anatomy of the Tinubu gains in health sector

    Anatomy of the Tinubu gains in health sector

    This year has been an eventful one for the Tinubu administration. From reforms correcting long-standing distortions across multiple sectors and establishing durable understructures for sustained national development, to policies expanding enterprise and creative opportunities for citizens, the gains of the passing year have been well-forged and hold strong prospects for broader impact in the coming year.

    In the health sector, for instance, the achievements recorded in 2025 have been far-reaching and sector-wide. Landmark programmes and initiatives were introduced; primary and secondary healthcare systems saw significant improvements; strategic agreements to promote local pharmaceutical manufacturing were signed; thousands of health workers were trained and others newly recruited; health infrastructure received major upgrades, including new top-tier cancer centres across the geo-political zones; hospitals were rehabilitated; and several turnaround policies were implemented.

    So far, under the Renewed Hope Health Agenda, N68 billion for vaccine procurement has been approved, released, and transferred to the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA). In addition, outstanding liabilities of N500 billion have been settled, creating greater fiscal space for health spending.

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    The nation witnessed a 17 percent reduction in maternal mortality in MAMII local government areas, while public sentiment regarding the health sector is shifting from pessimism to optimism. Over 60,000 health workers trained nationwide, improving confidence and quality of care.

    Health insurance coverage expanded from 3 percent to over 11 percent during the year under review, representing more than 21.1 million Nigerians enrolled across Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) channels. BHCPF allocation was N131 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach N298 billion in 2026, enabling states and local governments to achieve more in primary healthcare delivery. From these funds, a total of 8,309 BHCPF primary health centres have benefitted across all states of the federation, with planned expansion to 13,521 BHCPF primary health centres by the first quarter of 2026.

    Worthy of note, the federal government’s health budget has risen by 60 percent over the past two years, reaffirming that health remains a top priority for the Tinubu administration. According to the Central Bank of Nigeria, spending on medical tourism has dropped by 52 percent since 2023 as a result of President Bola Tinubu’s health reforms.

    In the past one year, 2,125 primary healthcare facilities have been revamped, with service integration rising to 72 percent. Primary healthcare facility quality scores have also improved from 42 percent to 70 percent.

    More than 7.2 million Nigerians are now registered on the National Health Information Exchange, and over 200 hospitals operate with electronic medical records.

    In March, President Tinubu launched the National Health Fellows Programme to provide opportunities for young Nigerians and improve service delivery at primary healthcare centres. The first cohort of fellows, drawn from all 774 local government areas (LGAs), served as fiduciary agents monitoring primary healthcare development and performance. A second cohort of public health fellows from all 774 LGAs will be inaugurated after a screening process scheduled to conclude by February 2026.

    The first batch of fellows was deployed alongside Performance and Financial Management Officers (PFMOs) across the 774 LGAs at the primary health level, improving accountability for BHCPF funds at that cellular level.

    In July, the federal government inaugurated three state-of-the-art oncology centres in Katsina, Enugu, and Edo. I participated in the inspection of the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital oncology centre in Nsukka during the federal government’s south-east engagement tour in August. The centres are equipped with advanced diagnostic and radiotherapy technology.

    Service delivery and consumer confidence have improved remarkably in the past two years. Hospitals recorded 10 million visits nationwide in the second quarter of 2024, rising sharply to 45 million visits in the second quarter of 2025.

    More importantly, Nigerians are increasingly utilising life-saving vaccines. Twenty-five million measles vaccine doses and 22 million yellow fever vaccine doses were administered, alongside the successful rollout of Africa’s first Mpox vaccine. Five million children have been immunised with the pentavalent vaccine, and 10 million additional children have received the Tetanus-Diphtheria vaccine as part of the nationwide diphtheria response.

    Since 2023, Nigeria has also administered the HPV vaccine to 14 million girls aged 9–14, protecting them from cervical cancer, which afflicts 12,000 Nigerian women annually.

    The federal government has taken critical steps to resolve legacy challenges in health-sector labour relations. The new hazard allowance for all health workers is being processed, while more than N10 billion owed under the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund has been paid in recent months.

    Furthermore, the federal government is institutionalising the salary relativity adjustments demanded by health unions for CONHESS-aligned workers and CONMESS-aligned doctors.

    The recent suspension of the strike by the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) attests to the government’s commitment to improving staff welfare and working conditions.

    According to the association, two of their demands have already been met.

    “The Professional Allowance Table has been released, and a directive has been given to the Head of Service that the entry level for doctors should be CONMESS 3. So, the strike has been suspended immediately,” the Secretary-General of NARD said.

    The National Emergency Medical Service and Ambulance System (NEMSAS) has continued to consolidate its role as Nigeria’s central framework for pre-hospital and in-hospital emergency care.

    Key milestones in 2025 include the expansion of EMS-onboarded states from eight to 31; strengthened audit and verification mechanisms, including the establishment of an NEMTC Claims Review Sub-Committee; nationwide collaboration with State Social Health Insurance Agencies for primary-level claims verification; and the onboarding of federal tertiary health facilities as Referral Emergency Treatment Centres, providing access for states not yet fully operational.

    In line with the National Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative, NEMSAS is supporting MAMII to reduce preventable maternal and neonatal deaths across 172 priority LGAs. Through community-based emergency transport systems, NEMSAS is addressing the “second delay” in accessing Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care (EmONC). Functional community emergency transport systems have been established in 166 of the 172 MAMII LGAs, significantly improving timely access to lifesaving care in rural and underserved communities.

    So far, NEMSAS has supported 31,870 pregnant women. In addition, 12,049 children under five (including newborns) have received emergency care, and 14,832 victims of road traffic accidents have received free ambulance transport and hospital treatment.

    Nigeria’s health security has also strengthened with the enhanced capacity of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC). Some of the milestones achieved so far include, expansion of the molecular laboratory network, enhancement of diagnostic capacity and reduction of turnaround time for disease detection across states.

    Others are transition to digital surveillance systems, enabling efficient data collection, analysis, and real-time reporting of public health events; broadening of the Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (PHEOC) network; improvement of coordination and response to outbreaks at national and subnational levels; and strengthening of strategic stockpile capacity, ensuring timely availability of essential medical and laboratory supplies during health emergencies.

    Recently, Nigeria and Brazil signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen local pharmaceutical manufacturing and industrial cooperation. The MoU, signed by the Presidential Initiative for Unlocking the Healthcare Value Chain (PVAC), EMS Brazil, and Oaks Medical Limited, was supervised by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate.

    The partnership follows earlier discussions between President Tinubu and President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva during the Nigerian President’s visit to Brazil, where both leaders agreed to expand cooperation in pharmaceutical development, vaccine production, and related industrial areas. This MoU is one of over 20 that PVAC has recently signed with world-class companies to implement impactful projects.

    Under PVAC, $1 billion in investment-guarantor financing has been secured from AFREXIMBANK, while the European Investment Bank’s Human Development Accelerator (HDX) is also providing a €1 billion pool for investments in the health sector.

    With PVAC as the driving force, 84 new healthcare companies are in active discussions with international financiers for support in implementing various manufacturing and related investment projects.

    Nigeria’s global health investment efforts have secured more than $250 million in new investment commitments from the Americas and the Asia-Pacific, with PVAC working to translate these commitments into actual investments.

    Under President Tinubu and Professor Pate, Nigeria has taken a leading role in global public-health initiatives. The country provided the highest contribution of all African nations to the Global Fund for HIV, Malaria, and Tuberculosis at the recent G20 meeting in Johannesburg, South Africa. Nigeria also contributed $54 million to the StopTB Partnership’s global mission.

    Nigeria is no longer merely the continent’s largest beneficiary but has become its foremost committed donor nation.

    In the coming years, as President Tinubu’s reforms deepen and more initiatives take shape, Nigeria’s pursuit of widespread improved health outcomes and self-reliance in local drug manufacturing is expected to evolve from ambition to a quotidian reality.

    •Nwabufo is Senior Special Assistant to the President on Public Engagement