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Category: Saturday Magazine

  • CBN, Bank of Angola partner to drive African economic, financial integration

    CBN, Bank of Angola partner to drive African economic, financial integration

    The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and Bank of Angola have signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to enable them exchange technical assistance that would strengthen financial sector regulations in both countries. The partnership deal, signed at the just concluded 2025 International Monetary Fund (IMF)/World Bank Annual Meetings in Washington DC, further extends to payment, clearing and settlement systems management as well as financial sector development. Both apex bank leaders said the MoU aligns with Africa’s broader goals of economic integration and financial stability, reports Assistant Editor COLLINS NWEZE

    A financially stable Africa’s financial system comes with great benefits for the continent. Aside creating a larger single market, increasing intra-African trade, boosting productivity and competitiveness, a financially stable Africa will help in attracting more foreign direct investment to the continent. That explains why the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Bank of Angola signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for bilateral technical cooperation at the just concluded 2025 International Monetary Fund (IMF)/World Bank Annual Meetings in Washington DC.

    CBN Governor, Olayemi Cardoso, who signed on behalf of the Bank alongside the Governor of the Central Bank of Angola, Manuel Antonio Tiago Diaz, noted that the MoU aligns with Africa’s broader goals of economic integration and financial stability. Both apex bank leaders said the partnership marks a critical development between the two institutions in their efforts to deepen bilateral cooperation and technical exchange.

    By the MoU, the two institutions are expected to establish a bilateral forum for the reciprocal exchange and sharing of technical assistance between the authorities, to enhance capacity in the execution of their respective Central Bank functions. They are also expected to cooperate and collaborate in the cross-border supervision of authorised institutions and exchange of cybersecurity information between them.

    According to them, the institutions are to partner on licensing, supervision, resolution planning and implementation of resolution measures for cross-border financial establishments. They are also to ensure transparent and smooth periodic exchange of information as well as define procedures for exchange of information. The cooperation will also extend to exchange control, financial markets and foreign reserves management, currency management and  economic research.

    The partnership further extends to payment, clearing and settlement systems management, financial sector development, banking supervision and regulation as well as Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism. Both central bank leaders said it is their hope that the outcome of the MoU implementation will be a win-win for both parties.

     Nigeria investors’ forum in Washington DC

    As part of sustained efforts to boost investor confidence and strengthen Nigeria’s economic outlook, Cardoso and Minister of State for Finance, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, engaged global investors at a high-level forum on the sidelines of the IMF and World Bank Fall Meetings in Washington, D.C. They were joined by CBN Deputy Governor (Economic Policy), Dr. Mohammed Abdullahi; Special Adviser to the President on Finance and the Economy, Mrs. Sanyade Okoli; and other key government officials.

    Read Also: CBN, Bank of Angola sign MoU on bilateral cooperation

    The session offered a comprehensive update on Nigeria’s ongoing macroeconomic reforms, enhanced fiscal-monetary coordination, and the policy measures shaping the country’s growth trajectory. Governor Cardoso highlighted sustained stability in the foreign exchange market, steady accumulation of external reserves, and growing investor participation across fixed income and equities. Discussions emphasised how coordinated fiscal and monetary policies, supported by market transparency and strategic infrastructure reforms, are laying the foundation for durable, private-sector-led growth. “Nigeria’s focus remains clear: strengthening our fundamentals, advancing reforms, and unlocking opportunities for sustainable investment and growth. We are encouraged by the progress made so far and remain confident that ongoing reforms are laying a stronger foundation for a more resilient economy,” Cardoso said.

    The Nigerian delegation reaffirmed the government’s commitment to policy consistency and continued reform momentum, creating an environment that is open, transparent, and attractive to long-term capital. Participants expressed optimism that Nigeria’s strengthened institutions, enhanced investor trust, and ongoing reforms will continue to drive sustainable growth and broaden opportunities for all stakeholders.

    Building restructured, resilient economy

    Nigeria’s economy has been fully restructured and is now resilient, with huge buffers against global risks, Cardoso declared said. He spoke during the Intergovernmental Group of Twenty-Four (G-24) press briefing in US. Cardoso, who is the leader of the Nigeria delegation at the meetings, said the naira has equally emerged as a competitive currency, with the economy witnessing positive trade balances and large businesses moving from imports to export of locally produced goods and commodities.

    According to him, the positive economic indicators have combined to create resilient and strong buffers, keeping the economy in great shapes. Speaking on the impact of the trade tariffs on the domestic economy, the CBN boss said the tariffs are less of problems for the country. “And for us again, oil is basically the only commodity that was so exposed to the tariffs, and the impact of that was relatively modest. We now have a more competitive currency with the results that, for once, we have a situation where we have a positive balance of trade surplus, and we expect it to be six per cent in GDP for some time,” he said.

    “So basically, what is happening is a complete restructuring of the economy, where we are encouraging people to go into domestic production, and, of course, discouraging imports.

    “And I think we were very fortunate, because a lot of the things that were needed to have been done, we did them much earlier, and as a result of that, we’re able to create resilience and buffers against potential shocks,” he stated.

    Cardoso explained that oil was the oil commodity that was exposed to the trade tariffs, but the impact was equally modest. “So, and of course, in terms of anchoring expectations, we found that those who followed the Nigerian economy were fairly comfortable. And for us, again, oil is basically the only commodity that was so exposed, and the impact of that was relatively modest,” he said.

    He said the G-24 has played significant role in finding solutions to global challenges, through dialogue and exchange of ideas with global financial institutions. He said although global growth has been slow, but not as behind as would have been expected to be.

    In his remarks, G-24 Chairman, Pablo Quirno noted that recent adverse shocks in global economy have left growth below pre-pandemic levels, with rising policy uncertainties creating substantial medium-term headwinds. “Emerging market and developing economies have faced deteriorating terms of trade, reduced export volumes, and declining foreign currency earnings. Many of these countries have implemented domestic policies to mitigate uncertainty, but constrained policy space underscores the urgent need for collective solutions supported by multilateral institutions,” he said

    IMF’s views on reforms benefits

    The reforms in exchange rate and monetary policy tightening of the CBN played significant role in the gradual drop of inflation rate to 18.02 per cent in September, International Monetary Fund (IMF) Director of the Africa Department, Abebe Selassie said. Speaking during the Regional Economic Outlook for Sub-Saharan Africa session in Washington DC, he said the Fund is encouraged by the September inflation rate, but advised that the government do more to bring down the cost of living for the people.

    Nigeria’s inflation rate dropped to 18.02 per cent in September 2025, down from 20.12 per cent in August, marking a six-month streak of decline and the lowest rate in over three years. Selassie said the economic reforms will further support the projected 3.9 per cent growth for 2025, and 4.1 per cent growth for 2026. He said that to rein in inflation, the CBN tightened policy aggressively, raising rates by more than 800 basis points and strengthening liquidity management.

    Selassie said the use of orthodoxy by halting central bank financing of government beyond statutory limits and re-anchoring monetary policy on its core mandate also supported the decline in inflation rate. He said the outlook for Sub-Saharan Africa is showing resilience, despite a challenging external environment with uneven prospects in commodity prices, still tight borrowing conditions, and a deterioration of the global trade and aid landscape.

    “Economic growth is projected to remain steady at 4.1 percent in 2025 with a modest pickup in 2026, supported by macroeconomic stabilization and reform effort in key economies. But this resilience cannot be taken for granted. Overlapping monetary, financial, external, and fiscal vulnerabilities are present in much of the region. Uncertainty persists and risks remain tilted to the downside. Domestic revenue mobilization and strengthened debt management, can help bolster macroeconomic stability while funding essential development needs,” he said.

    Selassie said the region has demonstrated remarkable resilience to a series of major shocks over the past several years, and it features several of the world’s fastest-growing economies, including Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Ethiopia, Rwanda, and Uganda.

    “However, economic performance remains markedly weaker in resource intensive countries and in several conflict-affected states. In these economies, which represent most of the region’s population, gains in income per capita remain modest—around one per cent a year on average, and less in the poorest countries,” he said.

    He disclosed that fiscal fragility is a key vulnerability for much of the region, and especially lower-income countries while average public- debt ratios have stabilized but at an elevated level.

    “And the debt-service burden, in terms of interest payments relative to fiscal revenues, has increased steadily, rising far above its level in other regions and crowding out priority development expenditures, for instance in Kenya and Nigeria. Twenty countries in the region are at high risk of or in debt distress,” he said.

    Selassie explained that faced with high external borrowing costs and limited financial market access, governments across the region have increasingly shifted to domestic financing. Although this shift may help cushion external shocks and reduce exchange rate risk, it has not proved a panacea.

    He said that the domestic cost of capital remains elevated across the region. “Local financial markets are underdeveloped—characterized by shallow depth, fragmentation, illiquidity, and high transaction costs and lending spreads. These structural weaknesses raise financing costs for both governments and firms and constrain the capacity to absorb debt, particularly longer-term instruments. Monetary instability and inflation, opaque financial sectors and debt exposures, and regulatory uncertainty intensify the problem,” he stated. The Fund also lauded Nigeria’s tax reforms, determination to increase tax revenue and reduce spending.

    Division Chief, Fiscal Affairs Department at IMF, Davide Furceri, said Nigeria has done significantly well in improving revenue through tax reforms and streamlining the tax code. He said: “I think on the revenue side, there is scope to improve revenue through reform of the tax administration — to increase revenue mobilization in a way that doesn’t outgrow, for example, tax reform. And actually, Nigeria has done quite a lot in the past years. I think many of the laws that have been passed have tried to streamline the tax code,” he said.

     “These are policies that go in the right direction. On the spending side, there is scope to, on the one hand, improve the efficiency of the spending itself — and we also talk in the chapter about the gains that can be achieved when countries improve the efficiency and composition of spending — but also to increase social spending to address social vulnerability in the country,” he added.

  • Economic forces driving Nigeria’s high-rise construction boom

    Economic forces driving Nigeria’s high-rise construction boom

    Nigeria’s urban skylines are undergoing a dramatic transformation as real estate developers adopt a bold strategy: tearing down the old to make way for the new. Beyond a fleeting trend, this is a calculated response to the country’s surging demand for modern, high-density housing in cities where land has become a scarce and costly asset. OKWY IROEGBU-CHIKEZIE reviewed several estates but zeroed in on two new estates and high-rise buildings in the centre of the town.

    In Lagos, the demolition and planned reconstruction of iconic landmark such as the Obafemi Awolowo House popularly known as Glass House in the heart of Ikeja, and the re-modelling of   Eric Moore Towers, a 13 flour, 24 units luxury 2 bedroom flats with boys’   quarter, high rise property with elevator formerly known as Salvador Towers in Surulere is a beautiful sight to behold. This high-rise has 1765 square metres in land size with a net price of N2.5 billion. Telling the story of how Nigeria is reshaping its future—one skyscraper at a time.

    Once celebrated for their history, these structures are now at the centre of a real estate revolution, destined to rise again as gleaming towers that reflect the ambitions of a new era.

    A new era of vertical urbanisation is transforming the skylines of the world’s major cities, and Nigeria is no exception. From Lagos to Abuja, once familiar landscapes of bungalows and low-rise blocks are being rapidly replaced by gleaming towers that stretch higher each year. The shift is part of a global surge in high-rise development, driven not only by local demand but also by international capital following the well-worn paths of property booms in Hong Kong, New York, and Vancouver.

    In Nigeria’s prime urban centres—Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt—land has become both scarce and prohibitively expensive, leaving developers with little choice but to build upward. Vertical construction promises more housing and commercial space on smaller footprints, while also offering developers and investors premium returns. A single plot that once supported a handful of detached houses can now yield a high-rise brimming with luxury apartments or Grade-A offices, commanding higher prices and rental yields. With modern amenities—uninterrupted power supply, elevators, 24-hour security, gyms, and swimming pools—these towers are redefining urban living and outshining the aging structures they replace.

    The landscape of Lagos is undergoing a profound transformation, as property owners increasingly demolish or remodel older buildings to make way for modern high-rises. In a city where land is both scarce and valuable, the drive to unlock the full investment potential of prime urban locations has fueled an unprecedented wave of redevelopment.

    Yet, amid the relentless pace of change, certain structures stand as silent witnesses to Lagos’s past. Some are vanishing under the bulldozer’s weight, while others are being reinvented to align with the city’s modern aspirations. Among these landmarks, the Obafemi Awolowo House in Ikeja and the Eric Moore Towers in Surulere tell compelling stories of endurance, decline, and renewal, reflecting how Lagos balances history with progress.

    READ ALSO: Davido meets French President Macron

    When it was unveiled in 1978, the Obafemi Awolowo House, Ikeja symbolized architectural modernity and corporate prestige. With one of Nigeria’s earliest glass curtain walls, the building quickly became a beacon of innovation in Ikeja’s Central Business District. Owned by Wemabod, a subsidiary of Odu’a Investment Company Limited, it attracted top-tier businesses, maintaining full occupancy for years. More than just real estate, the structure echoed the vision of its namesake, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, the revered nationalist and statesman whose ideas of enterprise and innovation shaped post-independence Nigeria.

    A similar spirit of ambition drove the construction of the Eric Moore Towers in Surulere. Built by the Federal Government in the 1970s, the six 13-floor high-rises were designed as residences for senior civil servants. Rising above the bustling neighborhood, the towers symbolised both privilege and the orderly life of the bureaucracy. For decades, they stood as a model of urban planning, offering a glimpse into how the government once sought to accommodate its top officials in serene, well-planned environments.

    Currently, both landmarks face the realities of age, wear, and the evolving needs of a metropolis that rarely stands still. Lagos, defined by its perpetual motion, continues to replace the old with the new. Gleaming towers and luxury apartments increasingly dominate the skyline, while ageing icons such as Awolowo House and Eric Moore Towers undergo renewal or await transformation.

    Their stories are more than architectural footnotes. They capture the essence of a city constantly negotiating between memory and modernity, tearing down and rebuilding, yet never entirely severing ties with its past. As Lagos marches into the future, these buildings remain powerful reminders that behind every skyscraper lay a history of vision, ambition, and reinvention.

    For decades, the Obafemi Awolowo House stood as a relic of 1970s architecture. While it was once a symbol of corporate grandeur, its outdated design and infrastructure no longer served the demands of a modern commercial center. The iconic glass curtain wall, once a mark of innovation, had grown old, and the building’s internal systems were in desperate need of a complete overhaul. To remain relevant in Lagos’ rapidly evolving economy, a mere facelift would not suffice. The building, in its original form, was a bottleneck, a physical limitation on the kind of growth and innovation the city now craves.

    The decision to completely demolish the structure was a bold but necessary step. The site is now undergoing a complete transformation.

    The A.T. Mall, a state-of-the-art technology hub, is rising from the ground where the old edifice once stood. Like Obafemi Awolowo House, the six towers at Eric Moore were built with a forward-thinking purpose in mind: to provide housing for the nation’s elite civil servants. However, over the years, the buildings’ infrastructure deteriorated.

    Outdated plumbing, failing electrical systems, and a lack of modern amenities meant that the towers were no longer a symbol of luxury but a representation of neglect. Their public ownership model did not allow for the kind of consistent maintenance and investment required to keep the buildings up to date. The once-pristine residential hub was in a state of disrepair, a stark contrast to its original promise.

    The privatisation of the towers under the Federal Government’s monetization program opened the door for their much-needed renovation. The new private ownership by Dock Management Nigeria Limited led to a full-scale revitalisation. The buildings, now known as Salvador Towers, have been completely revamped. The new developers have invested heavily in a complete overhaul of the buildings, adding modern amenities such as elevators, a swimming pool, and a clubhouse. The transformation is dramatic, turning what were once ageing, government-run flats into a sought-after, gated community for a new generation of affluent residents.

    The stories of Obafemi Awolowo House and Eric Moore Towers are a powerful demonstration of the challenges and opportunities in urban renewal. They highlight a fundamental truth about Lagos: that to stay relevant and valuable, buildings must constantly evolve.

    In a bold move to preserve its heritage while embracing the digital future, the Odu’a Investment Company Limited (OICL) announced the redevelopment of the iconic Obafemi Awolowo House in Ikeja into a modern technology hub. The project, officially named the Awolowo Technology Mall (AT Mall), will transform the historic “Glass House” into a five-story, ultra-modern commercial complex designed to foster innovation and enterprise.

    The groundbreaking ceremony, held at the site along Obafemi Awolowo Way, marked a significant milestone for the Odu’a Group. Group Chairman, Mr Bimbo Ashiru, described the project as a strategic evolution, highlighting OICL’s shift from passive asset management to proactive, value-driven real estate investment. He emphasized that the redevelopment is a clear statement of the company’s commitment to unlocking value from its legacy assets through visionary thinking and strategic partnerships.

    Originally designed by Towry Coker Associates in 1978 and featuring one of Nigeria’s earliest glass curtain walls, the Obafemi Awolowo House has long been a hub for top-tier institutions. However, OICL leadership recognised the need for change to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving digital economy. The Managing Director /Chief Executive, OICL, Yinusa Abdurahman, noted that the redevelopment, a joint venture with Wemabod Limited and El-Salem Nigeria Limited, will transform the site into a 21st-century digital and commercial powerhouse.

    The new AT Mall will significantly increase the commercial space from 4,800 square meters to approximately 9,000 square meters, more than doubling its capacity. This expansion aligns with Wemabod’s strategic direction to increase market share and contribute meaningfully to Lagos State’s economic development.

    According to Abdurahman, the facility will be a “smart, sustainable facility positioned to host leading technology firms, startups, and service providers,” creating a future-forward ecosystem for innovation and enterprise.

    The project is strategically located near the bustling Computer Village, making it an ideal magnet for technology firms, innovators, and entrepreneurs.

    The Chairman of Wemabod Limited, Nureni Oladipo Adisa, stated that by positioning the development at the intersection of commerce and technology, Wemabod is laying the groundwork for a space that will nurture ideas, fuel business, and contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s digital economy.

    The Odua Group’s decision to demolish the iconic Obafemi Awolowo House in Ikeja and the ongoing remodeling of Eric Moore Towers in Surulere are prime examples of this “highest and best use” principle in real estate.

    According to Otunba Shola Enitan, a lawyer and estate surveyor, the rationale behind these projects is simple: to maximize investment returns. He explained that as cities expand, the value of land appreciates dramatically, often far exceeding the value of the old structures on it. “That property (Obafemi Awolowo House) is old; it’s probably 50 years or more.

    The income the building is bringing is no longer a fitting for the location. For example, they bought the land at maybe N10, 000, and now it’s maybe 2 billion or 3billion Naira. If you allow such a small property on that location, you will not be maximising your investment returns,” Enitan stated.

    He explained that in the ever-evolving world of commercial real estate, a clear trend is emerging: realtors and investors are increasingly shifting their focus from legacy buildings to modern high-rise complexes. The strategic move, according to him, is driven by a powerful combination of financial incentives and tenant demands that older structures simply cannot meet.

    He explained that the appeal of a new high-rise is rooted in its potential for maximised revenue. His words: “Modern buildings offer a higher rental income potential with longer lease agreements, which provides a more stable and predictable cash flow for investors. Tenants are willing to pay a premium for spaces in these buildings because they often come with a wide array of luxurious amenities such as state-of-the-art gyms, rooftop gardens, and modern conference rooms. These amenities not only attract businesses but also support employee retention by creating a holistic work environment.”

    Beyond the amenities, he noted a modern high-rise serves as a powerful brand statement for Odua Investment and that the property at Ikeja offers prestige and credibility, helping them attract top-tier talent and high-value clients.

    While legacy buildings such as Obafemi Awolowo House offer opportunities for value-added improvements, he indicated they often require costly upgrades to meet modern standards. New construction, on the other hand, according to him, is built with contemporary features, technology, and energy efficiency in mind, which can lead to reduced operational costs and higher tenant appeal.

    He sees the decision of the Odua group to pivot towards a modern high-rise building as a calculated business move in terms of investment in long-term profitability, higher occupancy rates, and a future-forward approach to commercial real estate that resonates with the demands of today’s market.

    His words: “For the Obafemi Awolowo House, which was a low-rise office building, redevelopment became the only logical path forward. The new plan is for a high-rise office building, which is better suited for the area’s current market value and demand. This move is not just about a single building; it’s a reflection of a broader, city-wide economic principle. The only way you can do that [maximise returns] is by redeveloping the site. What is required for that kind of location is a high-rise office building. The same logic applies to residential properties, as seen in areas such as Victoria Island and the remodelling of Eric Moore Towers; in these locations, plots of land can be worth upwards of a billion naira.”

    A property owner with a low-density structure, such as a bungalow, would not be earning returns commensurate with the land’s value. You cannot but expect to have returns of about 5-7 per cent annually. And when you look at 5-7 percent of 1 billion, you are looking at between 50 million to 70 million naira. In a situation where you just have one small bungalow on the land, and you are earning maybe N25 million, you will discover that for most people, their returns are not maximized,” said Enitan.

    Regarding the ongoing work at Eric Moore Towers, Enitan clarified that the current remodeling and addition of more floors suggest an initial failure to develop to the site’s “highest and best use.” He believes the original developers may not have completed the project to its full potential, perhaps due to financial constraints. “If they are now adding more floors, it means that they did not develop to the highest and best use initially. If you have an approval for 12 floors, and at a certain time, you just got there and you say, ‘Well, I don’t have money to continue, let me just leave it at seven floors,’ you can always recommence development to ensure that the highest and best use is maintained,” he said.

    Enitan also highlighted the distinction between two types of returns in real estate: rental income and capital gains.

    He stressed that a property that only provides rental income is an “imperfect investment.” He advocated for a more robust financial system that allows property owners to unlock their capital gains and reinvest them. “You should always be in a position where you can unlock and take out your capital gains into new asset development,” Enitan said.

    He lamented that in Nigeria, capital gains often remain “locked in the building.” In more advanced economies with credit-based systems, he noted, “you can always do the valuation, take it to the bank, (and) the bank will give you what they call equity, which is your capital gains that is locked in. You can release that and move into other developments.”

    In an evolving real estate landscape, Past Chairman, Lagos State Chapter, Nigeria Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers, Dotun Bamigbola, said developers are increasingly transforming legacy buildings and ageing urban districts into modern high-rise, mixed-use developments to meet changing consumer preferences and seize new business opportunities.

    The shift, according to him, is influenced by technological advancements, a focus on sustainability, and a move toward more integrated urban spaces.

    He explained that visionary developers in Lagos are transforming iconic relics into vibrant, high-value, mixed-use destinations, breathing new life into forgotten spaces and reshaping the very fabric of cities. The modern approach to urban renewal, according to him, driven by a new business model, is proving that a commitment to both history and innovation can be a powerful engine for economic growth.

    The redevelopment trend, fueled by the principles of highest and best use and the pursuit of maximised returns, according to him, is set to continue reshaping Lagos’s skyline.

    As property values skyrocket, older, low-density buildings are increasingly giving way to vertical structures that can generate a higher yield, ensuring that investment in prime real estate remains both profitable and sustainable.

    According to Bamigbola, demolishing structurally unsound or non-compliant old buildings is part of a broader urban renewal trend.

    He attributed the recent demolition of the iconic Obafemi Awolowo “glass house” in Ikeja to the building’s inability to generate maximum returns and the rising costs of maintenance.

    Bamigbola provided insight into the decision, stating that the building’s external appearance was deceptive.

    “The glass facade you are seeing before the owners demolished it was actually initially not there at the onset. Initially, that glass facade was covering up the entire structure to give it a good face, to give it a good presentation. But internally, the property has needed a redevelopment a long time ago.”

    He explained that the property was not yielding the best rent for its prime location.

    “The highest development that will produce the highest return in that area is the optimal investment for any location,” he stated.  He noted that current rents in Ikeja, which can be as high as $100 to $150 per square meter for a top-range property, were not being realised by the old building.

    Bamigbola also pointed to the building’s internal state and the high cost of maintenance as key factors. “The cost of maintenance will be increasing over time if it’s still the old structure, covered with that facade, without having a proper value”, he said. He added that while remodelling could be an option, it may not be sufficient to bring the property up to modern standards and ensure maximum profitability.

    “Once your cost of maintenance rises to like 40 per cent, then you are not really making… or even 60, 70 per cent .Modelling can take you as much as to keep you balanced, but if you want to really return to profitability, you would have to take some critical steps,” ,” he cautioned.

    He posited by highlighting the business decision that owners face. “If you look at your numbers and it says demolished and redeveloped, then you have to,” he stated, explaining the rationale behind the Odu’a Group’s decision to redevelop the property into a high-rise.

    Bamigbola noted that the building’s outdated design and facilities, including floor tiles and safety measures, may not be able to accommodate the modern technology and designs required to command higher rents and attract the best tenant mix.

  • Troops arrest 28 oil thieves, recover 290,000 litres of products

    Troops arrest 28 oil thieves, recover 290,000 litres of products

    Troops of 6 Division, Nigerian Army, in collaboration with other security agencies have arrested 28 suspected oil thieves, dismantled four illegal refineries and seized over 290,000 litres of stolen products in the Niger Delta.

    The acting Deputy Director, 6 Division Army Public Relations, Lt. Col. Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, confirmed the development in a statement he released in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

    Danjuma said at Okrika in Okrika Local Government Area, the operatives intercepted two wooden boats which were loading Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) from a vessel offloading the product at a jetty.

    He said two boats were also intercepted at Okrika, with one loaded with over 33,000 litres of stolen products at a jetty in Okrika, adding that another wooden boat loaded with over 5,000 litres of stolen products was also found in the area.

    Danjuma noted that following a tip-off on illegal oil bunkering activities around a pipeline after Sterling Global Company Road, Akpabo, at Elele Alimini in Emohua LGA, the troops stormed the area and impounded a tanker with registration number Rivers JJN 287 ZU coming out of the pipeline right of way.

    He said he vehicle was suspected to have loaded about 90,000 litres of stolen products from the site and confirmed that two suspects, the driver and his motor boy, were taken into custody.

    He further explained that at Okolomade in Abua/Odual LGA, over 2,600 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) were recovered by the troops.

    READ ALSO: NLC issues four-week ultimatum to FG over ASUU crisis

    Danjuma said along Imo River, the troops deactivated two illegal refining sites and seized three drum pots, three receivers, and over 2,500 litres of stolen crude around Obuzor, Asa Asa in Ukwa West LGA of Abia State.

    He noted that at Orashi River waterside, two wooden boats were intercepted with over 700 litres of Dual Purpose Kerosene recovered adding that six suspects were arrested in connection with the seizures.

    In Delta State, the troops, who were said to have acted on credible intelligence on the activities of oil thieves along the PAN Ocean Pipeline right of way in Ethiope East LGA, closed in on criminals, who on sighting them fled the area.

    “However, one suspect was arrested and various items recovered. These included vandalized pipes, hoses, a large quantity of Bagco sacks, and leather materials. Others included one Peugeot 406 car, a Camry car, one Toyota Jeep, as well as a lorry van loaded with over 1,650 litres of stolen products”, the statement said.

    He added that the troops on pipeline surveillance along the Midwestern Oil and Gas Pipeline Rright of way at Umusan-Obodogwa in Ndokwa West LGA intercepted a Mercedes-Benz truck with registration number Enugu VE 174 ENU conveying 24 pieces of 14-inch pipes and three gas cylinders.

    While saying that two persons were arrested, Danjuma explained that the pipes were suspected to have been vandalized from the SEPCO Oil and Gas pipeline at Kwale.

    He said that around Eruemukohwarien in Ughelli North LGA, a Toyota Hiace bus with registration number Delta PTN 926 XA was intercepted for conveying 10 drums filled with 2,500 litres of condensates, adding that the driver was arrested.

    Danjuma said in Bayelsa and Akwa Ibom states, the troops scaled up both kinetic and non-kinetic operations, effectively dominating the operational landscape and denying criminal elements the freedom of action.

    He quoted the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen..Emmanuel Eric Emekah, as commending the troops for their exploits.

     The GOC further charged them to sustain the operational tempo in clamping down on economic saboteurs and other associated crimes in the Niger Delta Region.

  • Police arrest robbery suspect disguised in NYSC uniform

    Police arrest robbery suspect disguised in NYSC uniform

    Operatives of the Enugu State Police Command have arrested a 25-year-old man, Chinecherem Ugwuagu, who allegedly disguised himself in a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) uniform while attempting to escape after a robbery operation.

    Police Public Relations Officer, SP Daniel Ndukwe, said the suspect was apprehended on October 11 by officers attached to the Safer Highway Patrol along the Enugu–Onitsha Expressway.

    Recovered from the suspect were a Carter motorcycle, an imitation gun fashioned from a body lotion container wrapped in cloth, clothes, a bank ATM card, and other items believed to have been stolen.

    READ ALSO: Alleged forgery: Anyanwu signed letter before Govs, Saraki, Aliyu, others – PDP

    Police investigations revealed that Ugwuagu had, earlier the same day, allegedly broken into a house at 9th Mile in Udi Local Government Area, where he used the fake gun to threaten and rob the victim of the recovered items.

    He reportedly put on the NYSC uniform in an attempt to evade security checks while fleeing the scene.

    Commissioner of Police, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, commended the operatives for their vigilance and professionalism, which led to the arrest.

    He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to combating crime in the state and urged residents to remain law-abiding and provide credible information to aid policing efforts.

    The police said the suspect would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.

  • Building Africa’s future leaders in public service

    Building Africa’s future leaders in public service

    Africa’s progress rests on the strength of its public institutions and the vision of those who lead them. Through the Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation’s AIG Scholarship, exceptional public servants from across the continent are gaining access to Oxford University’s Blavatnik School of Government, where they receive world-class training in leadership, governance, and policy design. More than an academic opportunity, the programme is shaping a new generation of ethical, innovative public leaders committed to building accountable institutions and delivering lasting impact across the continent, reports JULIANA AGBO

    Through the Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation’s AIG Scholarship, exceptional public servants from across Africa are gaining access to one of the world’s most prestigious educational experiences — the Master of Public Policy (MPP) at the Blavatnik School of Government, University of Oxford. The programme offers more than academic prestige; it provides an immersive year of global learning, blending intellectual rigour with practical problem-solving. Participants are trained to analyse complex policy issues, craft innovative solutions, and lead with vision in challenging governance environments.

    The AIG Scholarship represents a unique partnership between the Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation and the University of Oxford, one that is helping to redefine what leadership in the public sector should look like. Each year, a select group of mid-career public servants from Nigeria and other African nations are chosen through a highly competitive process. Their shared mission: to return home after their Oxford experience and apply what they have learned to strengthen governance, enhance accountability, and improve service delivery.

    The one-year MPP programme at Oxford’s Blavatnik School builds advanced skills in policy analysis, evidence-based decision-making, leadership, and governance. Participants also engage directly with global policymakers, scholars, and peers from around the world, gaining exposure to cutting-edge ideas that can be adapted to African contexts. But the AIG Scholarship goes beyond classroom learning. It is a launchpad for reform-minded leadership, nurturing a new generation of public officials who see governance as a tool for transformation, not just administration. Upon returning to their home countries, alumni are positioned to design and implement policies that address real challenges — from education and health reform to economic inclusion and digital governance.

    Already, the Foundation’s investment is yielding measurable results. Data from post-programme evaluations reveal a remarkable transformation in the capabilities and confidence of participants. Before attending Oxford, most AIG Scholars rated their policy analysis and development skills as “poor” or “fair.” After completing the programme, nine out of eleven participants rated their skills as “very good” or “excellent.” This leap in competence is not theoretical — it is translating directly into action and measurable change within public institutions.

    Across ministries, departments, and agencies, AIG Scholars are taking on leadership roles and driving reforms. They are improving transparency in procurement processes, streamlining service delivery systems, and introducing data-driven approaches to policymaking. Each success story reinforces the Foundation’s core belief that strong institutions are built by capable, ethical, and visionary people. Through the AIG Scholarship, the Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation is helping to address one of Africa’s most pressing development gaps — the need for well-trained, reform-driven public servants who can transform policy into impact. By investing in people, the Foundation is investing in systems. And by equipping public servants with world-class education and global perspectives, it is laying the foundation for a more accountable, effective, and prosperous Africa.

    The story of Taiwo Olawole, a 2022 AIG Scholar, captures the transformative power of investing in public sector talent. When she arrived at the University of Oxford’s Blavatnik School of Government, she was filled with both excitement and uncertainty. The Master of Public Policy (MPP) programme—renowned for its intensity and diversity—quickly upended her assumptions about leadership and governance. “In my first year after Oxford, I realised the experience broke me, humbled me, and challenged me,” she recalls. “Yet, it also shaped me in ways I didn’t fully appreciate until I returned to Nigeria.”

    Today, Olawole serves as a Counsellor in the Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, where she translates that experience into meaningful public impact. Her role involves analysing the outcomes of global meetings, drafting policy papers, and ensuring that Nigeria’s international commitments align with domestic priorities. Her approach reflects the kind of reform-minded leadership the Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation envisioned when it created the AIG Scholarship—leadership that is grounded in evidence, collaboration, and global best practice. “My Oxford experience helps me see both the bigger picture and the finer details,” she says. “I understand how policies translate into real change for people and how to ensure coherence between what we commit to internationally and what we practice at home.”

    Olawole is now part of a team developing a renewed Economic Diplomacy Strategy, a blueprint designed to enhance Nigeria’s influence in African economic policy and align national interests with broader continental and global goals. Her journey from an ambitious public servant to a policy influencer underscores how access to world-class education can reimagine public service in Africa—one leader at a time. “My Oxford experience helps me see both the bigger picture and the finer details.”

    Across Africa, alumni of the Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation’s AIG Scholarship are translating their Oxford education into bold public-sector reforms that are reshaping governance and service delivery. Their impact spans multiple sectors—proof that world-class training, when matched with commitment, can yield tangible national outcomes. In Nigeria, AIG Scholars have played pivotal roles in major reforms, including the formulation and review of the National Development Plan (2025–2030), the development of a Disability Inclusion Policy for the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), and a gap analysis of the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act. Others have designed public–private partnership (PPP) models that attracted healthcare investment, strengthened routine immunisation and maternal–child health programmes, and improved accountability and human-resource capacity in sub-national health systems.

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    In Ghana, Abdul-Fatawu Hakeem, an AIG Scholarship alumnus and Head of Debt Policy and Risk Management at the Public Debt Management Office, Ministry of Finance, has been instrumental in steering one of the country’s most consequential economic reforms. He led the coordination of Ghana’s debt-restructuring programme, a complex national effort with far-reaching fiscal implications. “I have been deeply involved in shaping Ghana’s financial and policy landscape,” Hakeem explained. “My contributions include drafting medium-term debt-management strategies and sustainable-finance frameworks that now guide fiscal policy and investment planning. I also played a central role in developing the policy initiatives section of Ghana’s 2025 national budget.”

    From Nigeria to Ghana and beyond, the growing network of AIG Scholars is demonstrating how transformative education can be a catalyst for effective governance. Their work exemplifies the Foundation’s mission—to nurture a new generation of reform-minded leaders capable of translating knowledge into lasting national impact.

    Building confidence, clarity and collaboration

    These outcomes demonstrate how a single year of world-class learning can ripple outward, enhancing efficiency, accountability, and innovation across Africa’s public service. For many AIG Scholars, the Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation’s AIG Scholarship is far more than an academic opportunity—it is a transformative leadership journey that builds the courage to think differently, act decisively, and communicate with purpose. At its core, the programme equips participants with three vital assets: confidence, clarity, and collaboration. Scholars learn not only how to analyse policies but also how to communicate ideas with conviction, negotiate across competing interests, and lead teams towards evidence-driven solutions.

    According to Taiwo Olawole, a 2022 AIG Scholar, studying at the University of Oxford’s Blavatnik School of Government reshaped how she approaches decision-making. “Oxford gave me confidence in my voice,” she said. “Being in an environment where diverse perspectives were encouraged taught me the value of bringing clarity, structure, and evidence into conversations. Today, I try to embody that in how I support decision-making.”

    Participants consistently cite the value of core courses such as policy analysis, stakeholder engagement, strategic communication, and evidence-based decision-making, which strengthen their ability to design and implement policies that deliver measurable results. Beyond technical skills, the experience profoundly influences career trajectories. The Oxford brand confers prestige, credibility, and higher expectations—often accelerating professional advancement and enhancing opportunities for collaboration across sectors. Scholars return home with renewed determination to reform systems and inspire peers to pursue excellence in public service.

    Another alumnus reflected, “The AIG Scholarship gave me a profound grasp of economics, politics, and philosophy, alongside practical skills like negotiation and policy communication—absolutely crucial for delivering real outcomes.” Through these experiences, AIG Scholars emerge not just as policymakers, but as reformers—leaders who combine intellectual rigour with empathy, and who recognise that true transformation begins with how they communicate, collaborate, and lead.

    A legacy of learning and leadership

    Over the past eight years, the Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation has quietly but powerfully built a new generation of reform-minded African public servants. Through the AIG Scholarship, 33 exceptional individuals have passed through the prestigious Blavatnik School of Government at the University of Oxford—each returning home not just with a degree, but with a renewed sense of purpose and a toolkit for change.

    Many of these alumni now occupy strategic positions in government, development agencies, and international organisations. They are shaping national policies, driving public sector reforms, improving service delivery, and—perhaps most importantly—mentoring younger officers who aspire to serve with integrity and excellence. From restructuring debt portfolios to strengthening healthcare systems and crafting inclusive social policies, AIG Scholars are proving that leadership grounded in learning can transform governance outcomes.

    For the Foundation, the AIG Scholarship remains the flagship expression of its mission: to build a critical mass of public sector leaders capable of transforming Africa’s institutions from within. It is not charity—it is capacity building for sustainable change. By investing in people rather than programmes, the Foundation ensures that knowledge and reform capacity multiply organically across ministries and borders. Each scholar’s journey becomes part of a larger continental story of renewal. The shared ethos is clear: leadership in public service must be informed, ethical and courageous.

    As one of the recent beneficiaries, Olawole, advised the 2025 AIG Scholars, “Own your spot and do it beautifully. The fact that you made it to Oxford means you deserve to be there. Define what success looks like for you, and focus your energy where it will have the most lasting impact.” Her words capture the essence of the programme’s legacy—confidence rooted in competence, and ambition anchored in service.

    From lecture halls in Oxford to government offices in Abuja, Accra, Nairobi, and beyond, AIG Scholars are living proof that when learning meets leadership, nations move forward. Their impact continues to ripple across institutions and generations, strengthening the belief that Africa’s transformation will be driven not from outside, but from within—by visionary public servants equipped to lead with insight, empathy and excellence.

  • Cross River community where entire children of secondary school age dropped out

    Cross River community where entire children of secondary school age dropped out

    • Lack of teachers in community’s only school forces mass withdrawal

    • We need N40,000 daily as transport fare for each child to access education in neighbouring community

    • Cult activities already on the rise, clan chief laments

    Each secondary school pupil in New Ekuri, an agrarian community in Akamkpa Local Government Area of Cross River State, needs about N40,000 on a daily basis to access quality education. For more than a year, a good number of the pupils have dropped out of school because there are no teachers to teach them. To have a sound education, the pupils will have to spspend fortune and quality time travelling to the local government headquarters on a daily basis; something practically impossible for them and their parents. The pupils risk becoming tools for social vices if urgent steps are not taken to address the challenge that has left them idle and pliable, INNOCENT DURU reports.

    Maxwell Otey, an 18-year-old pupil of Migrant Secondary School, New Ekuri, a suburb of Cross River State, nurses a lifetime ambition of becoming a lawyer. But his hope began to dim last year when teachers started exiting the school for various reasons. All the teachers eventually left, leaving behind only the principal and his assistant.

    The situation has forced the pupils to drop out of school.

    “I stopped going to school last year. It is almost two years since I dropped out,” Maxwell said as he bemoaned the stark darkness that has been cast on his dreams and aspirations.

    “I wish to study Law in the university, but that appears impossible now since I am no longer going to school,” he added.

    Asked why he had not deem it necessary to continue his education in one of the neighbouring communities, Maxwell said: “My parents are cassava farmers. They have no money to send me to school outside this community.”

    In the last two years that he dropped out of school, Maxwell has been loitering around the community as he said he had not been gainfully engaged in any productive venture.  “I have not been doing anything since I stopped going to school,” he said.

    Samuel Okey, another 18-year-old, said that he also dropped out of school last year while he was in SS1. “I dropped out because we didn’t have teachers,” he said.

    According to him, there were four teachers in the school while he was in JSS 3.  “Two of the teachers were transferred without being replaced. We were left with the principal and the vice principal,” he said.

    Dropping out of school has not been good experience for the teenager, who said he was always worried  by the prospects  of not achieving his dream of surpassing the level his parents attained.

    He said: “I feel very sad I am out of school and doing nothing. For almost two years, I have been doing nothing.

    “My siblings are also not going to school anymore. I have two siblings and all of us are out of school.”

    A 19-year-old ex-pupil who gave his name as ThankGod Clement, said the regrettable state of learning in the school has put his dream of becoming a teacher in danger.

    According to him, “the last time I went to school was in 2024.  I dropped out because there was no teacher to teach and the school became so boring that it made some students leave the community to go to school in other places.  We that our parents  don’t have money to send us to school outside the community have to drop out.  We have stayed back to manage life in our community.”

    In spite of the odds around him, ThankGod still earnestly desires to go back to school. “I wish to be a teacher later in life. I have the skill. I have been watching the way they teach and I always  say in my mind that when I grow up I will like to be like them. If the school doesn’t come back to the standard that I am expecting, if it doesn’t, I  may not realize my dream of becoming a teacher.  I am just praying that God should just make a way  so that we can continue here.  If that does not happen, I pray that God will make a way for me to go out to realize my ambition.”

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    In the last one year that he has been out of school, ThankGod said : “I have been hustling to raise money so that when the resume resumes, I can pay my school fees.I go to the bush and pluck afan and sell. I make between N3, 000 and N4, 000 daily. I always save part of the money so that I can use it to go to school subsequently.”

    Also rueing his untimely exit from school,  Celestine Etta, a 17-year-old, said: “I am no longer going to school because there are no teachers to teach us.

    “I was in SS1 before I dropped out. I am still in the village doing nothing.

    “The only thing I do is to help my parents with house chores and farm work.”

    Like Samuel, he said: “I feel very sad that I am no longer going to school. My other siblings are also not going to school.

    “There is no other secondary school in the community. The place where there are schools is Akamkpa, the local government area.  From here to Akamkpa is about N20,000 to go and N20,000 to return.”

    Celestine’s father was, however full of sadness about the son’s and other pupils’plight when he spoke with our correspondent. 

    Corroborating the son’s remarks, the father said: “There are no teachers in the school. They only have the vice principal and the principal. The pupils have not been going to school since last year.”

    Asked what his son has been doing since he dropped out of school, he said: “My son does nothing. I don’t have the resources to make him go to school outside our community.

    “If he wants to go from New Ekuri to Akamkpa, he will be spending a fortune every day.

    “From here to Ochon will take three hours, and it costs between N11, 000 and N12, 000 because of the bad road. From Ochon to Akamkpa  will cost between N8, 000 and N10,000.  So going  will cost about N20, 000 and coming back will cost another N20,000.”

    Speaking on the efforts made by the community to rectify the challenge, he said: “When our clan head went to Calabar to complain that we don’t have teachers in the school, they promised to send teachers. But up until now, we have not seen any teacher.”

    Community employs PTA teachers

    With the state government failing to send teachers to the school and worried about the dark cloud that hangs over the academic dreams and future of their children, the community recently engaged natives of the community to teach the children.

    Unfortunately, many of the pupils who have dropped out of school are reluctant to return.

    One of the PTA teachers, Nathaniel Okon, said: “We are three PTA teachers and two government teachers including the principal and vice principal in the school. The school had been shut down since January this year because there were no teachers. Now, the clan head and the community have asked us to come back.”

    Explaining why the teachers sent in by the state government usually abandon the school, he said: “Because of the deplorable state of the road, some of them are afraid to come.

    “Some wrote retirement letters to the government, while some of them even went back without the consent of the government. The school is suffering because of  lack of teachers. Some of the pupils whose parents don’t have what it takes to send them outside are here in the community.

    “If we have teachers, those students can come back. We had about 10 pupils in attendance last week.

    “Others are still at home waiting for who will bell the cat. Those are the common challenges that we have.

    “I believe that now that we have started, there will be improvement as we go on.

    “Some  parents said they will not send their children to school if there are no teachers.”

    He noted that “some of us who are natives are here because we want our community to grow educationally.  I graduated from the University of Calabar. I came down to the community to help. I am being paid N20, 000 but we are trying to negotiate so that they can increase it.  It is a challenge but it is a sacrifice on our part.  When I come back from school, I go to my farm. Even when it is 2 o’clock, I defy the hot sun and go to the farm. I really don’t care. It is just a sacrifice.”

    Speaking on the dilapidated state of the buildings, he said: “Some of our classrooms have broken down as you can see. We have made arrangements for the renovation.

    “We are making efforts for the pupils to have a conducive learning environment.

    “Everything is done by the community. An NGO recently gave us benches and chairs.”

    Clan head weeps over community’s plight

    The Clan Head of Ekuri Clan and Village Head of New Ekuri, Chief Abel Egbe, is saddened by the state of the Migrant Secondary School and the implications for educational development of the community and the children.

    Before government took over the management of the school and renamed it, Chief Egbe said:  It had teachers when it was Community Secondary School. Then, the students  were up to 96 .

    “This Migrant Secondary School thing came when the government decided to take over the school and sent me three teachers, including the principal.

    Initially,  we were happy.  I also employed three PTA teachers to add so that they could run their subjects and everything smoothly, and the  school was okay.

    “But later, the government decided to transfer three teachers out of the school, leaving only one teacher.  How would one teacher run from JSS1 to Ss3?

    The one that I employed was from Abi.  He was the one that was teaching pure science subjects.

    “It was this community that was taking care of him. We gave him food and  accommodation, among other things. He was happy and stayed to teach the children.”

    Chief Egbe, however, said after some time, “the teacher became sick and injected himself.

    “Before we could discover that he was sick, the injection had gone so much into his system. We could not help, and he eventually died.

    “So, from that time, the government has not supplied teachers and parents cannot allow their children to remain there.

    “When lectures are supposed to be going on, there would be  no teachers to teach them. 

    “Those are the challenges we are facing.”

    As the leader of the community, he is disturbed by the mass drop out of pupils in the community from school.

    He said: “I am even crying now. That is the reason for the falling  standard of education in the community.

    If children are no longer going to school, how do you think the community will grow? The children will no longer be in the way they’re supposed to be measured with other children outside.

    “There will be problems in the community. The children will become stubborn because they are not educated. 

    “That is why we have all these problems of cultism, because the ones that are doing those things are not educated.

    “We already have the challenge of cultism in the community. Yes, we do. 

    “Some of the children are not trained.

    They remain in the community, and then they do what they like. 

    “Some of them don’t even stay in the same house with their parents. They stay on their own and do what they like.

    “If those children were in school and they had been trained,  they would not have been doing all those things.  They would have been focused on their education.”

    From the body language of the community members, Chief Egbe said, “parents are still looking forward to seeing if teachers will come so that they can retain their children without going out again. 

    “We now have the school  principal and vice-principal.We have three PTA teachers but we have employed one and two are still waiting to be employed.

    “We also wanted science subject teachers so that they would be able to run the school well.”

    He further said: “Now that we are going to be employing PTA teachers, it is the community that will be paying them. That is the problem. 

    “Initially, when we were employing PTA teachers, and we knew that government teachers were not there,  what we used to do was that after collecting school fees from the students, we would use it to pay the teachers. 

    “Now, we  hope to get money to pay them  by  levying ourselves. The levy is according to age groups by age groups, or we can do it by asking women, youth and men to pay a certain amount.” 

    Challenge with schools board

    Reliving his challenges with state schools board, Chief Egbe said: “When the school board called me, they said they learnt that  parents have moved out their children from the school since the government has transferred all the teachers.

    “They wanted to close the school. How do you close the school instead of sending us teachers?

    “I told them to  give me teachers who would go to teach in the school so that parents will allow their children to come back to the village.

    “I told them they were the cause of the problem for transferring all the teachers from my school.”

    Confirming claims that pupils wishing to go to the local government area to school will pay as much as N40,000 daily, he said: “I paid N20,000 to get to Akamkpa yesterday. Yes, It is between N18,000 and N20,000.

    “If you carry a load, it is exactly N20,000. To go and come back is like N36,000.”

    Cross River breaks law, charges school fees without teachers, infrastructure

    As part of its efforts towards making education accessible to every child and stemming the high number of out-of-school pupils in the state, the Cross River State Government in 2006 signed into law the bill for free education for all primary and secondary school pupils. Findings from New Ekuri, however, showed that the law was a complete ruse as pupils in the state still pay fees.

    Unfortunately, the payment has not been coming with infrastructure upgrade in the schools.

    This much was confirmed by the former Executive Chairman of the State Universal Education Board (SUBEB), Elder Esu Effiong Esu, in August 2024.

    Acknowledging the challenges plaguing most public schools in the state while briefing journalists, he said: “They are schools in Cross River that are in very bad shapes.

    “Some have no roads. In some, children sit on the floor.

    “We will ensure that all this become a thing of the past.

    “We’ll improve enrollment and infrastructure, after needs assessment, work plan, head to Abuja for approval, and return to get the job done.”

    Lofty as the promise sounded, the people of New Ekuri are still without teachers and basic infrastructure.

    Commissioner reacts

    The state Commissioner for Education, Sen Prof Steve Odey,  in  a terse response to our WhatsAPP message last Friday regarding the plight of the pupils and the community in general  said: “I will find out from my Education Secretary what is going on there pls. Thanks.”

    One week after making the promise, the commissioner didn’t provide any information about  the anticipated feedback from the education secretary.

     When our correspondent reached out to him again yesterday via WhatsApp message, the commissioner  didn’t provide any response.

    Checks showed that the message was delivered to him at 2.30pm and read by him at 2.53pm. 

  • All eyes on global investors as Nigeria enters new era of monetary policy easing

    All eyes on global investors as Nigeria enters new era of monetary policy easing

    While favourable external conditions have often supported Nigeria’s economic growth, sound domestic policies remain the real game changer. The Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) exchange rate unification policy, alongside other reforms driving down inflation, is helping to reopen the economy to global investors. With the return of monetary policy easing—marked by the first interest rate cut in five years—comes a renewed push to attract fresh investments, reduce lending costs and reinforce the government’s broader agenda of sustainable growth and stability, reports Assistant Editor COLLINS NWEZE

    Nigeria’s economy expanded by 3.9 per cent in the first half of 2025, up from 3.5 per cent in the same period of 2024. The growth, according to the latest Nigeria Development Update (NDU) released by the World Bank, reflects the positive impact of ongoing fiscal and monetary reforms. The report credited the President Bola Tinubu administration’s bold policy moves—including the unification of exchange rates, removal of fuel subsidies, and tighter monetary measures—for helping to stabilise macroeconomic conditions and restore investor confidence.

    With monetary policy easing now in full swing, analysts say global investors are likely to deepen their commitments to Nigeria, attracted by improving fundamentals and the prospect of higher returns. Overall, the Nigerian economy has remained resilient in recent months, despite a decline in crude oil prices, which still account for over 90 per cent of the country’s foreign exchange earnings. Key indicators—such as the growth in Gross Domestic Product (GDP), a gradual drop in inflation, exchange rate stability, rising external reserves, and increased capital inflows—underscore the steady progress being made.

    Aminu Gwadabe, President of the Association of Bureaux De Change Operators of Nigeria (ABCON), noted that monetary policy implementation has significantly improved, strengthening the economy’s resilience and boosting market confidence. “Findings showed that in the past, many economies were reluctant to let their exchange rates move freely. But with better-anchored inflation expectations and stricter macroprudential regulation, Nigeria has increasingly allowed the exchange rate to act as a shock absorber, and central bank shifted its focus toward stabilizing economic activity,” he said.

    According to him, by sustaining ongoing reforms and building on stronger economic foundations, Nigeria can transform its hard-won resilience into long-term stability and sustained growth. Monetary policy easing began last month, when the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)-led Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) cut the benchmark interest rate by 50 basis points, from 27.5 per cent to 27 per cent—the first rate reduction since the tightening cycle began five years ago. The decision, reached at the 302nd MPC meeting, marks a strategic shift toward supporting economic growth amid easing inflationary pressures. This move follows five consecutive months of slowing inflation, with projections pointing to continued disinflation through the remainder of 2025.

    According to analysts, the policy easing underscores the CBN’s confidence in a stabilising macroeconomic environment. It is also designed to stimulate economic activity by reducing borrowing costs, improving liquidity within the banking sector, and spurring both consumer spending and investment growth.

    Adeyemi Adeniran, Statistician-General of Nigeria and CEO of the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), confirmed the positive trend, noting that the latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) report showed headline inflation dropping from 21.88 per cent in July to 20.12 per cent in August. “Headline inflation (year-on-year) moderated further to 20.12 per cent in August 2025, from 21.88 per cent in July, driven by the decline in both food and core inflation. Besides, the second quarter GDP report solidly puts growth within the quarter at 4.23%, representing a 4-year high of 4.23 per cent in second quarter of the year,’ up from 3.13 per cent in first quarter,” he said.

    The NBS report showed the growth was driven by appreciable improvements across the oil and non-oil sectors, with stability in the oil sector and expansions in agriculture, industries and services sectors cumulating in above average performance output. According to the GDP breakdown, oil sector grew by 20.46 per cent in second quarter 2025 as against 1.87 per cent recorded in first quarter, riding on the back of double-digit growth in crude oil production.

    Olayemi Cardoso, CBN governor, said monetary policy easing became necessary following a review of macroeconomic developments. According to him, the decision by the MPC to ease the policy stance was made in the light of improving inflation trends. “The committee’s decision to lower the monetary policy rate was predicated on the sustained disinflation recorded in the past five months, projections of declining inflation for the rest of 2025 and the need to support economic recovery efforts,” Cardoso said.

    Bukola Bankole, Partner & Corporate Finance Expert at TNP, said that by lowering the benchmark rate by 50 basis points to 27%, the MPC made a modest but symbolic move as it marks the first break from months of aggressive tightening. For businesses already borrowing at rates above 30% however, this adjustment will not ease financing costs immediately, but it signals recognition that growth cannot be perpetually stifled in the name of inflation control. “For investors, Nigeria’s yield story remains unchanged because even after the cut, local instruments remain among the most attractive across frontier and emerging markets. So, a half point change does little to alter that. The real test is whether inflation starts to ease and whether the Naira can achieve meaningful stability.

    “As we all know, inflation in Nigeria is not demand-driven; it is cost-push, reflecting exchange rate volatility, the knock-on effects of subsidy removal, high energy costs, and food supply disruptions. So certainly, against this backdrop, further hikes would have been the wrong medicine.

    “I will say this MPC decision reflects an effort to balance vigilance on inflation with the need to create space for credit expansion and investment. The real challenge however remains consistency, as without predictable policy, stronger fiscal alignment, and structural reforms that address the root causes of inflation, this cut will remain symbolic as with a lot of other actions previously taken. If those elements are however in place, then this small cut could truly mark the beginning of a more sustainable policy mix that supports growth without abandoning the fight for price stability.”

    Bismarck Rewane, managing director, Financial Derivatives Company Limited, said the remainder of 2025 appears poised for a stronger performance, with foreign currency inflows and stable commodity prices providing support.

    Monetary policy perspectives

    In its efforts to tame inflation, the CBN recently hosted the Monetary Policy Forum 2025, featuring fiscal authorities, legislative, private sector, development partners, subject-matter experts, and scholars with the theme: “Managing the Disinflation Process.” The forum is a major push to improve monetary policy communication, foster dialogue, and collaborate on critical issues shaping monetary policy.

    During the event, Cardoso explained that the apex bank’s focus is to sustain price stability, the planned transition to an inflation-targeting framework, and strategies to restore purchasing power and ease economic hardship. He said the apex bank is continuing its disciplined approach to monetary policy, aimed at curbing inflation and stabilising the economy. Cardoso reiterated that the goal of the CBN is to ensure that monetary policy remains forward-looking, adaptive, and resilient.

    In addressing our economic challenges, collaboration is key: “Managing disinflation amidst persistent shocks requires not only robust policies but also coordination between fiscal and monetary authorities to anchor expectations and maintain investor confidence. Our focus must remain on price stability, the planned transition to an inflation-targeting framework, and strategies to restore purchasing power and ease economic hardship,” Cardoso said.

    The CBN also focused on strengthening the banking sector, introducing new minimum capital requirements for banks (effective March 2026) to ensure resilience and position Nigeria’s banking industry for a $1 trillion economy. These reforms and developments reflect the Bank’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for inclusive economic development. However, achieving macroeconomic stability requires sustained vigilance and a proactive monetary policy stance. “As we shift from unorthodox to orthodox monetary policy, the CBN remains committed to restoring confidence, strengthening policy credibility, and staying focused on its core mandate of price stability,” Cardoso stated.

    He said moving from the exchange rate targeting framework to the inflation targeting framework aligned with the apex bank’s determination to bring inflation upsurge under control in line with its price stability mandate. Inflation uptick has remained a major concern to the CBN and is the time to use monetary policy tools to control it.

    Non-oil sector growth continues

    The non-oil sector also recorded growth of 45 basis points, expanding by 3.64 per cent in second quarter 2025 as against 3.19 per cent in the previous quarter. Non-oil sector’s contribution to the economy stood at 95.95 per cent in second quarter as against 96.03 per cent in first quarter, despite the strong oil sector growth. Segmental analysis indicated appreciable growths across the non-oil sector. Agriculture GDP grew by 2.82 per cent in second quarter 2025 as against 0.07 per cent recorded in previous quarter. It had grown by 2.60 per cent in second quarter 2024.

    Read Also: World Bank and Nigeria

    Industries GDP, which had grown by 3.72 per cent in second quarter 2024, doubled to 7.45 per cent in second quarter 2025 as against 3.42 per cent in first quarter 2025. However, Services GDP was slower with a growth of 3.94 per cent in second quarter as against 4.33 per cent in previous quarter. It had recorded 3.83 per cent in second quarter 2024. In terms of contribution, services, agriculture and industries accounted for 56.53 per cent, 26.17 per cent, and 17.31 per cent of the overall GDP respectively.

    Experts said the latest GDP report showed that the economy was on the right track but called for more synergistic policies to deepen economic productivity. Chairman, Nigeria Economic Summit Group (NESG), Mr. Niyi Yusuf, said the economic report underlined the gains of macroeconomic reforms, although the government needs to do more to catalyse the full potential of the economy. “This is a steady progress in the right direction, and we need to stay the course, maintain momentum, and drive for broad based growth across all sectors of the economy. We need more pro-growth regulations and regulators, predictable justice system, more private sector investments in critical sectors and security of lives and assets to fully unlock the potential of the economy,” Yusuf said.

    World Bank growth projection

    The World Bank recently gave a positive verdict on Nigeria’s economic growth trajectory, highlighting three-year unbroken growth for the country. In the bank’s Global Economic Prospects for June, the bank posited that Nigeria will have three-year unbroken growth records- growing at 3.6 per cent in 2025, 3.7 per cent in 2026 and 3.8 per cent in 2027. The World Bank, however, slashed its global growth forecast for 2025 by 0.4 percentage point to 2.3 per cent, saying that higher tariffs and heightened uncertainty posed a “significant headwind” for nearly all economies.

    In its twice-yearly Global Economic Prospects report, the bank lowered its forecasts for nearly 70 per cent of all economies – including the United States, China and Europe, as well as six emerging market regions – from the levels it projected just six months ago before U.S. President Donald Trump took office. The bank stopped short of forecasting a recession, but said global economic growth this year would be its weakest outside of a recession since 2008. By 2027, global gross domestic product growth was expected to average just 2.5 per cent, the slowest pace of any decade since the 1960s.

  • Powering businesses, industries with customised panels

    Powering businesses, industries with customised panels

    Reliable power is essential for economic growth, industrial development, and improved quality of life. As Nigeria pushes toward energy sustainability, customised power solutions are playing a critical role in addressing the country’s unique energy challenges. This report explores how tailored systems are transforming key sectors—such as healthcare, real estate, and infrastructure—by delivering reliable, efficient, and scalable power. It also highlights how customised panels have become vital enablers for industries that demand precision, efficiency, and uninterrupted power distribution for seamless operations, reports Associate Editor ADEKUNLE YUSUF

    A steady power supply is one of the most fundamental needs for businesses and communities alike. This is why Sidi Ould Tah, President of the African Development Bank Group, emphasized: “Reliable, affordable power is the fastest multiplier for small and medium enterprises, agro-processing, digital work, and industrial value-addition. Give a young entrepreneur power, and you’ve given them a paycheck.”

    Recognising this, the World Bank Group and the African Development Bank Group—alongside key partners like the Rockefeller Foundation, the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP), Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL), and the World Bank’s Energy Sector Management Assistance Program (ESMAP) trust fund—are aligning efforts to power Africa more effectively. Numerous development partners and finance institutions are also supporting Mission 300 through co-financing and technical assistance.

    In Nigeria, the drive to expand access to reliable, affordable electricity is gaining momentum—thanks to the efforts of both public and private sector players committed to lasting energy solutions. Among them is Mikano Power, whose approach combines global partnerships and localized innovation. With collaborations involving renowned international brands like ABB and Schneider Electric, Mikano Power designs and manufactures high-quality Low Voltage Switch Boards (LVSBs) and a full range of customized panel solutions. These systems are engineered to address Nigeria’s unique energy challenges while meeting international standards, including ISO 9001 and ISO 45001.

    By blending global certification with deep local expertise, Mikano Power delivers solutions that are not only dependable—but world-class. According to Samih Ghraizi, Business Unit Head, Electrical and Lighting Solutions at Mikano Power: “Our customized panels are not off-the-shelf products. Each one is designed, engineered, and assembled to meet the specific needs of our clients across various industries.”

    From medium- and low-voltage synchronising and load-sharing systems, to motor control centers (MCC), main and sub distribution boards (MDB & SDB), and compact substations, Mikano Power offers versatile and scalable solutions. These systems serve everything from small operations to large-scale infrastructure projects—ensuring flexibility, efficiency, and future-ready performance.

    “The strength of Mikano Power’s customised panel division lies in its ability to deliver end-to-end solutions. From Automatic Transfer Switch Panels (ATS) and Automatic Main Failure Boards (AMF) to advanced Building Management Systems (BMS), Power Factor Correction (PFC), and feeder pillars, the company ensures that every aspect of power distribution and control is addressed with accuracy,” he said.

    These innovations are not theoretical. They are actively shaping how industries like real estate, healthcare, and infrastructure manage their power systems, creating environments where reliability is no longer a luxury but a guarantee. According to him, in real estate, particularly in Nigeria’s growing urban centers, energy infrastructure is one of the defining features of property value. Residential and commercial developments require uninterrupted and efficiently managed power to ensure occupants and tenants enjoy modern living standards. Developers understand that a building is only as good as its utility backbone, and this is why they have found Mikano’s customised panels indispensable.

    For example, in high-rise apartments and mixed-use developments, customized distribution boards and bus-riser solutions streamline how power flows from the grid or generator into every floor and apartment. Automatic Transfer Switch Panels (ATS) ensure seamless switching between different power sources, minimizing downtime for residents and businesses.

    “With Nigeria’s real estate sector rapidly embracing smart city concepts as seen in projects like the Eko Atlantic, Mikano Power’s customized panels also integrate Building Management Systems (BMS). These systems allow developers and property managers to monitor and optimize energy consumption, reducing wastage while guaranteeing comfort and efficiency. By offering reliability and cost savings, Mikano Power is helping to raise the benchmark for real estate development across the country,” Ghraizi pointed out.

    It can be safely stated that few sectors rely on reliable power as critically as the healthcare industry. Hospitals, clinics, and laboratories cannot afford power fluctuations or outages, as lives depend on the constant functioning of critical medical equipment. From ventilators and surgical machines to refrigeration units for vaccines and medicines, every device requires a secure and consistent supply of electricity.

    Mikano Power’s customised panels provide the safety and resilience healthcare institutions demand. Automatic Main Failure Boards (AMF) and synchronizing systems ensure immediate backup in the event of a power cut. Distribution boards are designed to manage load effectively, preventing surges or outages that could damage sensitive equipment. He added: “What distinguishes Mikano Power’s approach is the ability to tailor solutions to the unique operational needs of medical facilities. A small clinic in a semi-urban community may need a compact substation built to withstand harsh weather while maintaining stable output. By contrast, a large teaching hospital in Lagos might require a complex integration of motor control centers and load-sharing systems. Mikano’s expertise allows it to deliver both ends of the spectrum with equal precision.”

    Beyond reliability, these customised solutions align with international safety standards, offering healthcare providers peace of mind that their operations are backed by globally certified systems. For the medical sector, Mikano Power is not just delivering equipment but helping safeguard lives. On the other hand, Nigeria’s infrastructural development from roads and bridges to airports, railways, and public utilities — depends heavily on robust power management systems. Large-scale infrastructure projects often involve multiple contractors and require power systems that can integrate seamlessly across various components.

    Ghraizi said Mikano Power’s customised panels play a central role in this sphere by ensuring efficient and reliable power distribution for complex, high-demand environments. Feeder pillars and compact substations are built to withstand extreme weather conditions while maintaining stable internal temperatures. Strategically placed vents allow natural air circulation, reducing overheating risks, while centralized transformer positioning makes maintenance easier and safer. It was gathered that such features are particularly vital in infrastructure projects like transport hubs or industrial complexes, where downtime can disrupt not just operations but entire supply chains. By delivering solutions that are durable, safe, and globally certified, Mikano positions itself as a key enabler of Nigeria’s infrastructural ambitions.

    The story of Mikano Power’s customized panels is ultimately one of vision to design products engineered for the Nigerian environment while meeting international benchmarks. As Nigeria continues to urbanize, expand its healthcare sector, and invest in infrastructure, the demand for reliable and efficient power distribution will only grow. Mikano Power’s customised panels are already proving they can rise to this challenge, creating solutions that empower industries, protect investments, and improve lives.

    “By marrying world-class engineering with local knowledge, Mikano Power is setting the pace for how energy solutions can be both functional and transformational. The customized panel is more than just a product; it is a statement of intent that Nigeria’s industries deserve solutions built to global standards, but designed with their realities in mind,” he said.

    Ghraizi further explained that Mikano Power’s customized panels are not only revolutionizing power management but also driving technological advancement and local capacity development in Nigeria’s electrical manufacturing space. “Every customised panel produced by Mikano is a product of collaboration between local engineers and our international partners. This partnership allows us to transfer knowledge, build local expertise, and create job opportunities. Today, Mikano Power is proud to have trained and employed hundreds of skilled Nigerian engineers who are part of the process of designing, assembling, and maintaining globally certified power systems,” he stated.

    He noted that the company’s manufacturing process is deeply rooted in research and continuous improvement, with every design iteration reflecting lessons learned from the unique challenges of the Nigerian energy landscape. “Our environment presents complex power variables — fluctuating grid voltage, irregular maintenance culture, and environmental stress. By studying these realities and applying global engineering standards, Mikano Power has been able to innovate panels that are not only robust but adaptive. They are engineered to thrive where others fail,” Ghraizi said.

    Read Also: Edun: allocation to states rises by 111%

    He also emphasised that sustainability and energy efficiency are central to Mikano Power’s customized panel philosophy. According to him, every solution is developed to optimise power usage, minimize energy loss, and ensure that businesses achieve greater output with lower operational costs. “In an age where energy efficiency is critical, our systems help organisations reduce waste and enhance performance. Whether it’s a data center seeking stable power distribution or an industrial plant optimizing machinery load, Mikano’s customized panels are designed to keep operations sustainable, cost-efficient, and future-ready,” he explained.

    Looking to the future, Ghraizi reaffirmed Mikano Power’s commitment to driving innovation and digital integration within Nigeria’s power infrastructure. “We are already working toward smarter panels — systems equipped with IoT-based monitoring and remote control capabilities that give operators real-time insights into their power systems. This evolution will redefine how energy is managed across industries, allowing clients to predict faults, schedule maintenance proactively, and reduce downtime. The goal is simple — to ensure that every watt of power is delivered safely, efficiently, and intelligently,” he concluded.

    These specialties have helped Mikano Power grow into Nigeria’s largest assembler and solution provider for power generating sets, with a reputation for its partnership with global brands like MTU, Perkins, and YORC. They offer a diverse range of diesel and gas generators from 9KVA to 5000KVA, alongside comprehensive services like sales, maintenance, overhauling, and rental solutions for homes, businesses, and large industrial projects, including IPPs. The company also provides integrated power solutions and electrical equipment for the Nigerian market.

    Other Nigeria initiatives

    The Nigerian government has recently launched a N100 billion solar electrification programme aimed at powering public sector infrastructure—such as schools, hospitals, and government buildings—with clean, renewable energy. The initiative, known as the National Public Sector Solarisation Initiative (NPSSI), was officially unveiled during a joint agreement signing ceremony held in Abuja. The event brought together key stakeholders including the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), the Budget Office of the Federation, the Infrastructure Corporation of Nigeria, and the Ministry of Finance Incorporated.

    In a statement released by the REA on Friday, the agency confirmed that the first phase of the NPSSI will be fully funded by the Federal Government. The programme is designed to phase out diesel-powered generators in public institutions across the country, replacing them with distributed solar energy systems. This move is part of a broader national strategy to cut carbon emissions, lower the cost of powering public infrastructure, and accelerate the transition toward a more sustainable energy future for Nigeria.

    “Nigeria’s energy transition journey, the Rural Electrification Agency has officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Budget Office of the Federation, Infrastructure Corporation of Nigeria, and the Ministry of Finance Incorporated, marking the official launch of the National Public Sector Solarisation Initiative, a flagship, government-led programme designed to accelerate the deployment of distributed solar energy solutions across Nigeria’s public sector institutions, including schools, hospitals, security posts, government offices, and more.

    “At its core, this initiative was birthed from a strategic national priority: the urgent need to power critical infrastructure with clean, reliable energy, while moving away from diesel dependence and reducing the public sector’s carbon footprint.”

  • ‘Tough life experiences turned us into inmates of Lagos rehabilitation centre’

    ‘Tough life experiences turned us into inmates of Lagos rehabilitation centre’

    •Lagos rescue team told me the governor wanted to see me, says inmate

    In the shadowed corridors of the Lagos State Rehabilitation and Vocational Training Centre in Owutu, Ikorodu, where hope often struggles to rise above the heavyweight of reality, The Nation correspondent approached a quiet woman named Flora Iwulegi. Her story, though told with composed voice and tired eyes, speaks of a life journey marked by dreams deferred, survival and a longing for dignity in the midst of neglect.

    “I am Flora Iwulegi from Delta State,” she said as if reaffirming her identity to herself.

    “I was living in Lagos and was working. But the job stopped and I could not pay my rent. My landlord threw my things out and somehow, I found myself here.”

    Once employed at a now-defunct organisation called SBA Research, lwulegi studied Secretarial Studies at Lagos State Polytechnic; a course she believed at the time would open the door to a stable life. But she would later realise that stability can be painfully fragile as the roof over her head vanished as soon as her job did.

    Between 2009 and 2016, Flora shuttled between Lagos and her village as she tried unsuccessfully to find her footing again. “But things just did not work out,” she said.

    Unfortunately, she had no one to share her plight with as her parents were long gone. They died while she was still very young, leaving her to face life all alone. Hence she found herself begging on the streets of Lagos. In the process, the Lagos State rescue team found her and took her to the rehabilitation centre after telling her that the governor wanted to meet her.

    “I believed them when they told me that the governor wanted to see me. I hoped I was going to see him, but I never did. My first month in the centre was full of anticipation and hope that l would see the governor”.

    Life inside the centre

    Arriving at the rehabilitation centre in 2016, lwulegi has lived in it for nearly a decade. Asked what life had been like at the centre, she said: “It is terrible; really terrible.”

    She noted that inmates are packed into large halls with shared bed spaces. “Some have mattresses, others make do with the wrappers they spread on the floor. That becomes yours space whether it is comfortable or not,” she said.

    Read Also: Lesotho vs Nigeria: Chelle, Ekong tip  Eagles to crush Crocodiles

    Iwulegi also said there was inconsistency in the feeding arrangement. She said although meals are served twice or thrice a day, the quality is barely tolerable. “You eat what they give you not because you like it, but because you must survive.”

    Despite the presence of a vocational training centre offering courses in tailoring, shoemaking, and hairdressing, lwulegi was yet to learn a skill. Instead, she found solace teaching children in the centre’s makeshift classroom.

    The correspondent sighted the classroom which had old benches and a chalk board that was not placed on the wall well. “I joined myself with the children’s section and became a teacher to them,” she said.

    A mother apart

    Iwulegi has a child, though the two have lived apart for many years.

    “Someone offered to take care of him, so he did not come here with me,” she said as her voice trailed off at the mention of motherhood. There was no bitterness; only the fatigue of someone who has had to make peace with absence.

    Asked what she hoped for, lwulegi’s answer was disarmingly honest: “As soon as I get accommodation, I will leave. I will find a teaching job, maybe. But more than anything, I just want to face my God.”

    Her words are not despairing; they are resolute. After years of hardship, the idea of finding meaning in faith feels like the only certain destination left. Now in her mid-fifties, lwulegi is not concerned about remarrying or acquiring material things. “At my age? Well, if God wills,” she said in response to a question about remarrying.

    Hers is the story of a once-educated and gainfully employed woman swallowed by an unkind system; a story of how easily life can unravel, and how difficult it is to rebuild when the system forgets to follow through.

    “Living in this environment makes me feel bad. It is like one is living in the past and one is not progressing,” Iwulegi lamented. Yet, within her is a strength not easily erased; a woman who though rattled by circumstance refuses to let go of her humanity.

    Faith, loss, survival: the story of Prophetess Oluwakemi Osikoya

    On that humid afternoon at the centre in Owutu, Ikorodu, a soft-spoken woman walked smartly, her bag clutched firmly in her hands. “My name is Oluwakemi Osikoya. I am from Ijebu Ode,” she said.

    While Osikoya spoke with disarming calmness, her life story was anything but simple. Behind the calm voice of the Ibadan-based prophetess is a life defined by faith, betrayal and a mother’s enduring pain.

    She recalled her early days in Ibadan, where she built a church “with God’s help” as a prophetess of the Cherubim and Seraphim Church. She spoke of a vibrant ministry and a congregation she nurtured with prayers and resources but it was not long before cracks began to form.

    She said: “Some people came to me. They wanted me to join their lodge. They said the lodge members include Muslims, traditionalists, herbalists and prophetesses, but I told them that with my Jesus I would not hold another god.”

    Her response, she said, sparked resentment and hostility. Soon, things began to spiral. “They tried to block my people from entering my house. If I locked my door and went out, they would break the door and take everything I had at home.”

    In all this, she said, her husband offered no support. “People called him. Church members called him. They wanted to contribute money for me to buy land, but he told them he could not support them because he is a salaried man,” she said regretfully.

    In the midst of the resultant tension, riots broke out against her. “They called me a liar. They said, ‘Come and see Jesus. She is Jesus.’” She said she was wounded in the attacks.

    With her life in danger, Oluwakemi fled Ibadan for Shomolu, Lagos, taking her two young children aged seven and five with her. But tragedy struck again.

    She said: “I first took them (the children) to their father’s family house. I don’t know who called him. He came and snatched the children and ran away.

    “When he came around, l told my children not to go and see him. But my eldest child said Mummy, let us go and greet him, it is not fair. As the children came out to see him, he took them away in his car to lbadan. Since then, I have not seen them.”

    That was in 2004. Twenty-one years later, she still hasn’t seen her children. “I know where they are,” she said quietly. “If I get to Idiarere in Ibadan, I will see them. But I have not heard about them—schooling, work, anything.”

    Her voice trailed off. It is the kind of loss that lingers; heavy and unspoken.

    From Church founder to sleeping under bridges

    When she arrived in Shomolu, she discovered that their family house had been sold. With no home, no children and no income, Oluwakemi was forced to sleep outside—sometimes under bridges, sometimes anywhere the night caught her.

    “It was terrible,” she recalled. “Rain will beat you, sun will beat you. You have no clothes, no water to drink, no water to bathe. By dirt, you will go into madness,” she said.

    In 2017, she was brought to the Lagos State Rehabilitation Centre, where she has lived since.

    Today, Oluwakemi is learning horticulture at the centre. For the first time in years, she has a skill she believes can help her to rebuild her life.

    “I am ready to face life as a horticulturist. That is what I am going to do.”

    Yet, even as she learns, her faith remains her anchor. “If God sends me, I will still do His work,” she says of her role as a prophetess. “I’m not the one forcing myself.

    A place of refuge with gaps to fill

    Unlike some other residents, Oluwakemi speaks positively of the centre. “This place is beautiful. It is good for somebody who has nowhere to sleep, who rain is beating, sun is beating. It helps us,” she said.

    But she also believes there is more that can be done. “Government should help us with more food and they should give us more training. Those who gave us training last time—they are Life Foundation. They brought materials for us. Government should do more,” she said.

    Asked if she would ever reconcile with her husband, Oluwakemi shook her head in the negative. “Somebody who could not help me to survive, how am I going to cope? I can’t.”

    What about remarriage?

    She hesitates, then answers: “No.”

    Born in 1965, she has learned to lean on herself and her faith. “I am my own esteem here,” she said, a quiet pride in her voice.

    Despite everything, loss, betrayal, poverty, she radiates resilience.

    Osikoya’s story is one of many inside Lagos’s rehabilitation centres. It is a story of how life can change overnight, how a person of faith and influence can be pushed to the margins, and how government interventions can make the difference between despair and survival.

    Her dream now is simple: to leave the centre, earn a living through horticulture, and—if it is God’s will—to continue her ministry.

    “I thank God for today,” she said softly, clutching her bag again. “This place has helped me. But I am ready to start life again.

    Agboche fights for life beyond addiction

    Called at the verge of having his first meal at about 1pm, 35-year-old Romeo Agboche looked many years older than his age. His eyes were weary, his voice fragile, but there was a quiet determination behind every word.

    Agboche hails from Edo State, but it was the streets of Ikorodu, Lagos that shaped much of his adult life—both the rise and the fall.

    “I started smoking at the age of 20,” Agboche admits, staring into the distance. “Now I am in this place for the third time.

    “The first time, my mother came to pick me. The second time, I didn’t take my medications and I broke down again. This third time, they brought me back.”

    This time, he says, might be different.

    His descent into substance abuse began in his early adulthood. His drug of choice? “Smoking,” he says, with an air of shame and resignation. He refers to himself as an “addict smoker,” but insists he has now stopped.

    “I don’t smoke anymore. I don’t drink. I have been clean for 10 months,” he said. The credit, he said, goes to the rehabilitation programme, where they are given psychotropic medications and occasional treatment for illnesses like malaria.

    “The main reason we are here is to take psych drugs so that our brain would be corrected,” Agboche explained.

    His story isn’t just one of addiction; it’s also about lost opportunities.

    “I went to school in Ikorodu,” he said. “I finished secondary school but did not go further after that because I used to go for football training morning and evening. I was a grassroots footballer.”

    He wanted to become a professional footballer, but lack of sponsorship and support derailed his dream. “That is why I did not go to school,” he said, repeating the sentence like a painful refrain.

    Agboche said before coming to the centre, he worked as a stylist for a lady in Ikorodu—a small but significant step towards stability.

    Now, with his football dreams dimmed, he has his eyes set on something more grounded: learning a handwork—barbing.

    “I would like to open a shop. When I leave here, I want to practice my barbing skills and look for a job.

    Harsh realities of rehab life

    While Agboche speaks with hope, he does not sugarcoat life inside the rehabilitation centre. “The food here is nothing to write home about. We are fed once or twice daily, and the nutrition in the food is appalling,” he said.

    Perhaps more heartbreaking is his lack of visitors. “It’s been 10 months. My family hasn’t visited me once. It is what I see here that I eat. I don’t have any money.”

    Asked what advice he would give to young people like him, Agboche did not hesitate in offering one: “They should stop smoking. They should stay away from bad friends.”

    He blamed much of his past on peer pressure. “The friends I was moving with led me into it. Anything they want to do, it is friends that allow them. That was how I started. So they should focus on themselves and on God.

    “They should just leave friends on one side and focus on their future dreams and goals.”

    Calls for compassion, support

    Agboche’s story is not unique. Across Nigeria, thousands of young people battle addiction, mental illness, and abandonment. And while centres like the one in Owutu offer a lifeline, they are often underfunded, overcrowded and in need of reforms.

    “We really need support and care so that the reforms here can stay long,” Agboche said.

    As the sun set over the courtyard, Agboche sat back, his expression unreadable. Is he hopeful? Is he afraid? Perhaps both. But one thing is clear: he wants a better life. Whether the third time will be the charm remains to be seen.

  • How Christopher Kolade touched our lives, by associates, mentees

    How Christopher Kolade touched our lives, by associates, mentees

    • As Cadbury chairman, he was my choirmaster – Vicar
    • ‘We called him CK; he wasn’t crazy about titles’

    For the renowned elder and statesman, Dr Christopher Kolade, who passed on last Wednesday at age 93, even in death, his image looms larger than life. His long-standing friends and associates, who worked with him both in secular life and the religious circuit, have continued to shower encomiums on him as they relive their memorable relationship and precious encounters with him, reports IBRAHIM APEKHADE YUSUF

    He expected nothing but the best!’

     Dr Victor Oladokun, former Senior Advisor to the President of the African Development Bank Group, Akinwunmi Adesina, also worked with Dr Kolade at Cadbury Nigeria Limited. In his tribute, which the reporter culled from his LinkedIn wall, the corporate communications guru and former international broadcaster recalled how Kolade impacted his career.

     He said, “Dr Kolade (‘CK’as we named him) was an extraordinary and visionary CEO; a man of exceptional integrity; and a passionate and talented organist … a skill he put to good use for decades, in the service of his church in Ikeja, Lagos.

     “I had the privilege of serving under CK at Cadbury in several managerial positions. First, as Publications Manager, Media Relations Manager, and later on, as Public Relations Manager.

     “CK was the quintessential communicator. His diction was exquisite. He had a way with words that probably only someone like Wole Soyinka could compete with. Long before Google, smartphones or ChatGPT, CK expected nothing but the best from his Comms team.

     “I remember being called into his office one morning. Across his desk was my draft of an urgent corporate media release covered in red ink. He went straight to the point. ‘Victor, what are you trying to say here?’ I explained. Looking me straight in the eye, and without skipping a beat, he responded, ‘Now, go back to your office, and write it just like you’ve explained.’ I thanked him and as I reached for the door, he added, ‘By the way, cut out the big words. Keep it short and simple.’ I am truly grateful for the privilege of serving alongside him.

     “Last year, I visited with CK in the company of his adopted daughter, Mosunmola Umoru and his longtime Executive Assistant, Yewande Karunwi. And what a reunion it was. As usual, CK was sharp of wit, profuse and funny with several personal reminiscences.

     “A former DG of the Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation, CEO and Chairman of Cadbury Nigeria, Nigerian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of the Pan-African University; and a thought leader of great repute, Dr Kolade remains one of the iconic greats of the Nigerian public and private sector today.

     “Ambassador Christopher Kolade was a national treasure and a rare and highly distinguished Nigerian. CK, you will be greatly missed. R.I.P. eternal.”

    ‘We called him CK; he wasn’t  crazy about titles’

     Dr Chido Benedict Nwakanma, a communication strategist and media scholar who worked with Dr Christopher Kolade, whilst the latter was at Cadbury Nigeria Plc, shared some insights about his persona.

     He said, “My first thought on the passing of Dr Christopher Kolade was gratitude. Gratitude for his longevity. Gratitude for his contributions and gratitude for his impactful life. CK, as Dr Christopher Kolade was fondly called, gave of himself wholeheartedly.

     “I met Dr Kolade at the last stage of my interview to join Cadbury Nigeria in 1990. He was friendly yet asked tough questions. He engaged me in a conversation on suit styles. All smiles, but the question was profoundly about dressing and protocol. CK’s primary contribution at Cadbury was developing the human capital and strategy.

     “He floated the Cadbury Award for Excellence. He caused a change in the use of titles. Instead of titles that change with each promotion, he pushed for the use of people’s initials. So I became CBN in Cadbury style, coined from my name, Chido Benedict Nwakanma. I didn’t have to change it when I moved from Corporate Affairs to Sales & Marketing.

     “He was an encourager and yet a disciplinarian. He was the boss who made his points by carefully chosen and spoken words, modulated with telling impact as a thespian. Dr Kolade pioneered broadcasting on the frequency-modulated wave band in Nigeria. He introduced FM radio at Radio Nigeria 2.”

    ‘He was a supportive boss’

     Emeka Oparah, a corporate communications professional, also worked at close quarters with the late Dr Kolade at Cadbury Nigeria. In a Facebook post titled, ‘You need supportive bosses to blossom in your career’ published four years ago, Oparah, who is the Group Vice President, Corporate Communication & CSR, Airtel Africa, spoke enthusiastically about his former boss.

     He said, “I just remembered 1996 or so, at the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), Broad Street, Lagos. I was then a middle Manager, actually Media Relations Manager at Cadbury Nigeria Plc, a position I took over from Chido Nwakanma and left for Akin Fadeyi.

     “We had gone to the NSE for the Facts Behind the Figures, an eponymously named annual event where quoted companies explained the facts behind the figures they have published in their annual reports.

     “Dr Christopher Kolade (CK), the Executive Chairman, as usual, dazzled the city with his masterful presentation. After the Q&A session and closing ceremonies, he made to leave through the back door, but he was ‘waylaid’ by Capital Market Correspondents.

     “I was watching my Chairman from a distance. My boss, Kevin Ejiofor, had told me I would have to deal with the media on my own. Apparently, he thought I had matured enough to handle that.

     “So I started making my way to the exit to assist Dr Kolade. As I got closer, I heard him say to the journalists, “You see, gentlemen, my boss is not here. You know Emeka (pointing at me)? I’m going to wait right here until he comes to tell me what to say.” That made my day!

     “My dear friends, that’s the stuff careers are made of. He made the journalists know I’m important, even calling me his boss. And yes, I was his boss when it came to Media Relations.

     “This, friends, is called empowerment. He told the media there and then how important my job was and, indeed, how important I was. What question could Kolade not answer, but he was following the company’s Media Policy, which stated that no one, repeat no one, could speak to the media behind me or without my say so.

     “I will never forget that experience which, in the most part, has influenced the way I did my work over the years-with my bosses and my subordinates. I let them do their job without any hindrance.

     “Today, even when I’m at an event, the Head of PR, Erhumu Bayagbon, is the one who engages the media. Some journalists wonder why I refer them to my Head of PR, but that’s his job. He must do his job. He must build and grow his influence. He must be empowered to do so.

     “If you want to get the best out of your people, clearly define their job roles and rewards and consequences. Ensure they understand them. Equip them (tools and training) well for the job and empower them to do it. Then and only then can you hold them accountable. And trust me, they will serve you like loyal servants, knowing the rewards and honours due them will be justly theirs.

     “My eight years in Cadbury, 1994-2002, were truly a blessing. I’ll never forget, regardless of some disappointments, which mercifully later turned out to be blessings. Almost everything I know in Communication and Management came from Cadbury. Airtel Nigeria (by whatever name called) gave me the wings to fly! I’m thankful. Otitodirichukwu.”

    ‘He’s integrity personified’

     Prof Fabian Ajogwu (SAN), senior lawyer, author, and Professor of Corporate Governance, equally shared fond memories of the deceased.

     In his glowing tribute to Dr Kolade, Prof. Ajogwu said he was a father figure who was “Integrity Personified.”

     He said, “A great Iroko has indeed fallen. With the passing of Dr Christopher Kolade, our nation has lost an institution, a vast human library whose volumes were written with integrity, wisdom, and a solid moral compass.

     “He was the custodian of ethics and corporate governance, a title he did not merely hold but lived with every fibre of his being. In the boardrooms of corporate Nigeria and the halls of public service, his voice was a steady, resonant call for principle over profit, character over convenience, and service above self. At the Lagos Business School, he was a teacher who taught not just with words, but by the impeccable example of his life.

     “Dr Kolade was a bridge-builder, the connection between the East and West, a father figure, and a lighthouse guiding generations away from the rocky shores of moral compromise. His legacy is not only in the institutions he led, such as the Society for Corporate Governance Nigeria, Pan-Atlantic University and others, or the policies he shaped, but in the countless lives he mentored and the high standard he forced us all to see as attainable even whilst serving as the Nigerian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom.

     “He was a diplomat in the truest sense, building bridges of trust and respect for our nation where they were most needed…Though the great Iroko has fallen, the forest he nurtured, the seeds of integrity, professionalism, and faith he planted, will stand for generations to come. Dr Kolade was a life of profound impact, beautifully lived. I have lost an elderly friend. May his gentle soul find perfect rest in the arms of the Almighty. Requiscat in pace.” 

    ‘LBS rode on Kolade’s credibility’

     Professor Bongo Adi, a distinguished Professor of Economics at the Lagos Business School (LBS), Pan-Atlantic University, Lagos, had a working relationship with the late Dr Kolade while he served as the Chancellor of the varsity.

     He said, “Dr Christopher Kolade was our Chancellor. I actually worked with him very closely. We worked together on a case. We wrote the case on Cadbury, you know, he was also the CEO of Cadbury at some point. We interviewed him. I spoke with him a number of times. We also set up the Christopher Kolade Centre for Ethics and Leadership at the LBS. So, this is a man who was dedicated to ethical principles in organisations. He raised the bar when it came to governance issues in Nigeria’s private sector.  When you talk about credibility, institutional probity, integrity, transparency, and, you know, due diligence process, I think you are talking about Dr Christopher Kolade.

     In fact, he was one of those who gave LBS the credibility that it enjoys even to this day. So, he was one of the earliest LBS leaders within that community, and the governance centre, where LBS operated, you know, he was setting the highest level of standards.  So, I mean, he would be truly missed.”

    ‘A man of excellence and integrity’

     Hilda Nkor, Principal Consultant/CEO, HNC Professional Service Limited,  worked under the late Dr Kolade at the Society for Corporate Governance of Nigeria.

    She said, “I had a working relationship with Dr Christopher Kolade. I have known him for a very long time. I worked under him in 2002. He was the pioneer President/Chairman Board of Trustees at the Society for Corporate Governance of Nigeria, where I worked, and I had to report to the Board directly. Of course, that brought me in very close proximity to him.

    “Even after he left as the Chairman because he served for about five years in that role, we maintained a very close relationship. He was there as a mentor, as a father and as a guardian as well. So, he was always ready to give advice as regards work, and all of that. We had a very good relationship. Dr Kolade was a God-fearing man and a very principled individual. A man of integrity, who will never compromise his standards, and he believes in telling the truth, no matter at whose expense. He was a very compassionate human being, a kind person and a father to all.

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    He would never impose his views on you. But he would make you know why you should consider his opinion. So, Dr Kolade for me was a one-in-a-million kind of person. As such, I consider it a privilege to have known and associated with him. He was really a great man, and he will be sorely missed.

    “I remembered when he took up the role at the Nigeria Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme (SURE-P), I went to the house to quarrel with him as to why he took up such a job, and he said, ‘Listen, Hilda, we all cannot continue to complain from the sidelines; let me go in there and contribute my quota. If they accept me, fine and if they don’t accept me, no problem, but I would have made an effort, I would have tried.’ So this is one lesson I took from him.”

     ‘An extraordinary Nigerian who excelled in every assignment’ 

    Prof. Eghosa Osaghae, Director General of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), in his tribute to Dr Kolade, shared interesting insight on his foray in the diplomatic circuit.

    He said, “Though I didn’t have the privilege of associating with him on a personal note, I have watched him from a very close range and followed his activities from his broadcast years to his diplomatic years and then to the boardroom.

    “Dr Christopher Kolade served Nigeria meritoriously by wearing many caps. He was at one point a distinguished diplomat who served as Nigeria’s ambassador to the United Kingdom. He did so at a time when Nigeria needed a lot of traction, not just in the UK, but also in Europe, and he was a strong voice in that regard. For people like him, the difference is made by diplomats who know their onions, and so it was with Dr Kolade. But what distinguished him was the several caps he wore. He was a veteran broadcaster, as the Director-General of the Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC), and he was a reverend gentleman. He was a business guru in every sense because he also chaired the boards of several companies and so on.

    “He was just an extraordinary Nigerian. I think that these kinds of people inspire us so much as icons, and as people who have things we can emulate.

    “For me, I believe Nigerians can draw immense lessons from his versatility because he brought to every sphere of engagement that spirit. Whatever calling he finds himself whether as a diplomat, broadcaster, boardroom guru and as a reverend gentleman, indeed, the elements were so mixed with him as William Shakespeare would say, and they would say of him, ‘This was the man!’”