The Nation Newspaper

Category: Special Report

  • Travails of volunteer healthcare workers in Nigeria’s, Ghana’s forgotten villages

    Travails of volunteer healthcare workers in Nigeria’s, Ghana’s forgotten villages

    By David Adenuga (Bauchi) and Daniel Kwabena Mantey (Ghana)

    • Millions of heart-related diseases patients sitting on time bomb, experts warn

    Every morning, before the first light of dawn, 65-year-old Malam Idris Bunun Fadan Mai checks his blood pressure. The resident of Misau, the headquarters of Misau Local Government Area in Bauchi State, lives several kilometres away from the nearest hospital. But thanks to the tireless visits of community health volunteers, Malam Idris can now monitor his condition and stay healthy.

    “I check myself every morning and take my medicine. If not for these volunteers, it would have been very tough,” he said, his face calm yet marked by years of quiet endurance.

    Narrating how he was diagnosed with hypertension and had to be on medications to regulate his blood pressure, he said: “There was a time I hit my head on the door while going to the toilet. Fortunately, I was working with the Ministry of Health then, and the Permanent Secretary asked me to go to the hospital.”

    Across West Africa, from Bauchi in northeastern Nigeria to Suhum in Ghanas Eastern Region, men and women like Idris rely on local volunteers for their survival. 

    These are the Community Health Influencers, Promoters and Services (CHIPs) and grassroots health workers — ordinary citizens filling the gap where health systems fall short.

    They bring essential health services straight to people’s homes — from blood pressure checks to health education and treatment referrals. But despite their impact, they work under immense strain, facing little or no government support, misunderstanding from residents, and the daily challenges of unpaid labour.

    Battling the silent killer in Bauchi

    When 45-year-old Amina Abdullahi began experiencing dizziness and headaches, she assumed it was stress. It was not until some health volunteers visited her home in Misau that she discovered her blood pressure was dangerously high.

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    “Yes, I used to feel dizzy and had frequent headaches. When they tested me, they confirmed that I had high blood pressure. It has been about a year now, and we are very grateful for their support,” she said.

    Amina and Idris are among hundreds in Bauchi whose lives have been transformed by CHIPs volunteers.

    Many Nigerians sitting on time bomb — Health experts

    Hypertension has become alarmingly prevalent in Bauchi State. In January 2020, Governor Bala Mohammed revealed that about 150 people died in Azare — Katagum Local Government Area — within 30 days, from hypertension and related illnesses.

    Worried by the prevalence of hypertension in the country, a Nigerian cardiologist, Dr. Ahmed Abdulrahman Mohammed, revealed that hypertension, caused by persistently high blood pressure, has become the leading cause of death in Africa after road accidents.

    Dr. Mohammed, who was the overall best graduate of cardiology in 2012 from the Memorial Saad Medical Centre, University of Cairo, Egypt, disclosed this during an interactive session with journalists in Bauchi.

    The Bauchi-born medical expert lamented that Nigeria’s health sector continues to suffer setbacks due to poor technological advancement, irregular power supply and inadequate medical equipment in hospitals.

    According to him, his decision to specialise in cardiology was driven by the shortage of heart specialists in the country and the frequent death of patients suffering from cardiovascular diseases.

    “I chose cardiology because I was disturbed by the number of lives lost daily to heart-related illnesses. Nigeria needs more trained experts in this field,” he said.

    Dr. Mohammed stressed that countries that have made significant progress in medicine are those that invested heavily in modern technology.

    He therefore urged the Nigerian government and medical institutions to give more priority to the health sector to encourage young people to pursue medical specialties like cardiology.

    Similarly, a Consultant Cardiologist at Providence Multi-Specialty Hospital, Abuja described hypertension as a silent killer that often shows no symptoms until it leads to stroke or heart failure.

    Many people don’t know they are living with very high blood pressure, said Dr. John Asekhame. If not detected and managed early, it can make someone slump and die suddenly.

    The American Heart Association (AHA) also warned that sudden cardiac arrest — one of the complications of untreated hypertension — can occur without prior symptoms and accounts for nearly half of all heart-related deaths.

    In a 2016 article titled Heart-stopping conditions could come with warning signs, Prof. Sana Al-Khatib of Duke University Hospital noted that people with risk factors such as diabetes, high cholesterol, or a family history of heart disease should take any warning signs seriously.

    “Even if the symptom seems minor, don’t ignore it. Go to the hospital and ask the right questions,” she advised.

    Volunteer network saving lives

    In Bauchi State, volunteers like Comrade Yusuf Aliyu Fada, Chairman of the Ibrahim Ali Pate Usman Foundation, lead local health outreaches, visiting homes and checking people’s blood pressure for free.

    “We try our best to check BP for people around the PHC. Even without payment, we still help those in need.

    Some call us to their houses; others come to our outreach centres. We just want people to stay alive,” he said.

    He recalled a case where his 50-year-old neighbour suffered constant headache.

    “When I checked his BP, it was 200/250. I told him to start treatment immediately. Now, he is fine, he said.

    “Yet, the work comes with challenges. People think the government pays us, but that is not true. Only one local government gives us a small allowance, he added.

    Another volunteer, Abdullahi Muhammad Mubarak, noted that residents often misunderstand their mission. “Some people think were showing off., but we are farmers and small business owners. We just want to help our community,” he said.

    Parallel effort in Ghana

    Across the border in Suhum, Ghana, a similar story unfolds. The Youth Aid Initiative (YAI), founded in 2015 by two university graduates, leads volunteer-led campaigns against diseases such as tuberculosis, malaria, HIV, and neglected tropical skin infections.

    However, the volunteers do not conduct tests on suspected clients themselves. Instead, when they identify a potential case, they promptly notify the disease control officers at the nearest health centre.

    The officers then accompany the volunteers to the affected communities to examine the clients and collect samples from those requiring laboratory testing.

    Diagnosis is made by the disease control officers based on both laboratory results and physical examinations. Once confirmed, the clients are supported by the volunteers and the Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) to access treatment at designated health facilities, while follow-up monitoring is jointly carried out by the volunteers and the disease control officers.

    “We use local volunteers because they know the people and understand their language,” said founder Bright Owusu. 

    “That trust helps us to reach communities where hospitals can’t.

    “However, sustaining the work is tough. Our volunteers started with so much energy, but now, due to the economy, many struggle to continue,” Bright lamented.

    “Still, their dedication keeps us going,” he added.

    Like many grassroots health organisations, the Youth Aid Initiative in Ghana has struggled with limited funds, volunteer fatigue, and logistical constraints.

    Government’s response in Bauchi

    Meanwhile, the Bauchi State Government has expanded its hypertension screening programme from 24 to 132 primary healthcare centres as part of efforts to curb the rising cases of the disease across the state.

    Deputy Director of Public Health at the Bauchi State Primary Health Care Development Board, Umar Hassan Waziri, disclosed this in an interview with our reporter, noting that hypertension remains a major health concern not only in Bauchi but across Nigeria.

    According to Waziri, the state records a hypertension prevalence rate of about 23 to 24 per cent, prompting the need for an intensified response.

    He said the intervention by Population Services International (PSI) through its Healthy Heart Africa programme, launched in January 2023, has been instrumental in improving screening and early detection.

    “PSI began screening in 18 states, including Bauchi, selecting six local government areas—Bauchi, Toro, Alkaleri, Ningi, Katagum, and Gamawa. In each LGA, three primary health centres were designated for daily screening, with a general hospital serving as a referral point. That gave us 24 active facilities”, Waziri explained.

    He said that before the intervention, the state lacked clear data on hypertension cases.

    “With PSIs support, we’ve been able to detect and manage cases that would have otherwise gone unnoticed,” he added.

    According to him, between 2023 and now, 1,284,662 people have been screened, out of which 125,162 showed elevated blood pressure while about 54 were confirmed hypertensive.

    Waziri said PSI has also donated essential materials such as weighing scales, BP apparatuses, and free drugs to the 24 facilities.

    He commended PSI for providing free services, drugs, and capacity-building for health workers, adding that proper training had long been overlooked in managing the condition.

    ‘With the support of Dr. Rilwanu Muhammad under the PHC Board, we’ve gone this far’, he said.

    Waziri revealed that PSIs involvement followed an advocacy visit to the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, after which Bauchi leaders approved collaboration due to the silent rise in hypertension cases.

    He said the government has now incorporated the programme into its Annual Operational Plan (AOP) to ensure sustainability beyond PSIs presence.

    “We are scaling up to 132 PHCs out of the 212 in Bauchi. This step shows the governments commitment to sustain the project by funding it directly”,he said.

    A region’s lifeline

    Whether it is volunteers like Yusuf Fada in Misau or Conne David in Suhum, one truth binds them — their unpaid service keeps hundreds alive.

    In places where hospitals are miles away and ambulances never come, they have become the first responders, counselors, and sometimes the only hope for patients battling chronic illnesses.

    But the question remains how long can goodwill sustain a service the state should guarantee? Until West African governments strengthen rural healthcare systems, these volunteers — unsung and unpaid — will continue walking dusty roads, carrying blood pressure cuffs, and saving lives one household at a time.

    “Whether in Misau or Suhum”, Idris said with a faint smile, “they are the reason many of us still wake up to see another day.”

    This story was supported by Nigeria Health Watch and the Solutions Journalism Network.

  • 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.

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    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.

  • 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.

    Read Also: Africa loses tourist revenue, investment to air travel barriers – Achimugu

    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.

  • 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.

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    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.”

  • Tackling decades of insecurity with a new approach

    Tackling decades of insecurity with a new approach

    Nigeria’s post-independence era has been marred by a multitude of security challenges, with successive governments achieving varying levels of success in mitigating these issues. MUSA UMAR BOLOGI’s historical analysis sheds light on the evolution of insecurity in the country, underscoring the diverse approaches employed by different administrations to address these complex challenges.

    Since returning to civilian rule in 1999, Nigeria has faced numerous security challenges, including terrorism in the North-East, banditry in the North-West, farmer-herder clashes in the North-Central, secessionist agitation and armed robbery in the South-East, and oil bunkering and piracy in the South-South. While successive administrations have tackled these challenges differently, it is worth noting that Nigeria’s security crisis predates the current democratic era.

    Following independence, Nigeria’s early years were marked by political turmoil, setting the stage for future unrest. The 1960s and 1970s were characterized by military coups and civil war, including the 1966 coup, the counter-coup, and the 1967-1970 Civil War, which exacerbated ethnic rivalries and left lasting resentments among different regions. The civil war also led to a proliferation of small arms and light weapons, laying the groundwork for subsequent security challenges.

    During tumultuous period of the civil war, General Yakubu Gowon’s administration took decisive steps to address widespread insecurity by implementing key initiatives. These included creating 12 new states to replace the four regions, aiming to weaken secessionist movements and promote national unity; launching the Reconciliation, Reconstruction, and Rehabilitation (3Rs) policy to mend war scars and rebuild infrastructure; establishing the National Rehabilitation Commission to restore essential services; and granting amnesty to secessionist fighters, thereby promoting national reconciliation and reintegration.

    Despite these measures, armed robbery surged immediately after the civil war, largely fueled by the proliferation of arms during the conflict. Reports suggested that some civilians and ex-military personnel exploited the availability of arms for criminal activities, including armed robbery. Successive military governments’ efforts to mop up illegal arms yielded little result. According to security experts, after the civil war, underlying socio-economic and political issues that fueled insecurity in post-independence Nigeria persisted under successive military regimes for decades. These regimes, led by military juntas, utilised the state’s coercive apparatus to suppress the populace. Scholars argue that economic marginalization and political instability, coupled with widespread underdevelopment during the military era, exacerbated the insecurity situation for decades.

    Return of democracy

    Despite Nigeria’s transition to democratic rule in 1999, underlying socio-economic and political factors persisted, creating an environment conducive to new and existing security threats. The Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) insurgency, which emerged in the early 2000s, capitalised on existing social problems such as poverty, high unemployment, and distrust of the government in Northern Nigeria. According to reports from the United Nations and other sources, terrorist attacks in Nigeria have resulted in thousands of deaths, mass abductions, and the displacement of millions of people, despite military interventions. The administrations of Goodluck Jonathan and Muhammadu Buhari employed different approaches, including amnesty to repentant insurgents and military onslaught, to combat terrorism. Even though they recorded some successes with the surrendering of some terrorists, the problem persisted and spread to the Northwest, which was already grappling with banditry.

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    President Tinubu’s efforts

    President Bola Tinubu’s administration inherited a multitude of security challenges, including terrorism in the North East, banditry and kidnapping in the North-West and North-Central, crude oil theft and bunkering in the South-South, and secessionist agitation by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) in the South-East. Notably, his administration distinguished itself through the effective deployment of both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches to combat and defeat non-state actors. Key successes include investing in military equipment to enhance combat capabilities, leveraging diplomatic skills to secure convictions of terror sponsors, and successfully arresting high-profile terrorists, all made possible by strategic coordination – a marked improvement over previous administrations.

    The North-East has seen a marked decline in Boko Haram’s activities over the past two years, driven by effective coordination between the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and the military high command, led by General Christopher Musa. The military, supported by security agencies and regional alliances, has reclaimed most territories and degraded the groups’ operational capacity through strategic operations like Operation Hadin Kai During the 50th anniversary celebration of the Nigerian Defence Academy’s 18 Regular Course, the NSA disclosed that the government’s counter-insurgency operation has resulted in the neutralisation of over 13,500 terrorists and the surrender of more than 124,000 Boko Haram/ISWAP fighters and their families. “Weapons caches and thousands of rounds of ammunition and been recovered. Areas once held by insurgents in the Sambisa Forest, Lake Chad Basin, and Timbuktu Triangle are now under government control,” Ribadu had said.

    Ribadu added that non-kinetic strategy, including the “innovative” Operation Safe Corridor in the North East, has also led to the surrender of 35 terrorist leaders. This once unimaginable, but through coordinated military pressure and community-based peace efforts, we are making real progress.” Over 300 persons have been rescued from bandits and kidnappers since the beginning of operations under this administration. In August 2025, the NSA reunited over 128 persons rescued from bandit captivity in Kaura Namoda, Zamfara State, with their families. The victims, comprising men, women, and children, were freed through a series of coordinated military and intelligence operations.

    The North-West, a new theatre of concern, has seen the emergence of a new terror group, Lakurawa, which has exploited the region’s existing banditry crisis. Nevertheless, notable progress has been made, with hundreds of bandits/terrorists eliminated, including 50 prominent bandit leaders, such as Ali Kachalla, Halilu Sububu and Dogo Bwari. The Lakurawa threat, which surged in recent years, has also been subdued through intense military operations in Kebbi and Sokoto states.

    The present administration has made significant strides in capturing and arresting notorious terrorist leaders. For instance, on August 16, 2024 is not mentioned but 2025 is, the NSA announced the capture of two globally wanted ANSARU leaders, Abu Baraa and Mahmuda, through months of high-risk, intelligence-led counter-terrorism operations. This achievement earned Nigeria international accolades and recognition of the administration’s commitment to ending terrorism. Shortly after, a high-profile Boko Haram commander, Ibn Ali, surrendered to troops in the North East, bringing his weapons and ammunition with him in Bama Local Government Area of Borno State. Last month, Ifeanyi Eze Okorienta, a notorious IPOB commander known as Gentle de Yahoo, who had been terrorizing the Southeast, was neutralised during a military operation.

    Security experts believed that, the capture of IPOB fighters and commanders, along with the arrest of IPOB financier Simon Akpa in Finland through diplomatic efforts, and enhanced community engagement in the Southeast, has brought relative calm to the region, surpassing the progress made under previous administrations. The once-observed ‘sit-at-home’ order by IPOB has significantly waned, coinciding with the arrest of many key figures. In the Niger-Delta, the government had reclaimed control of the country’s lifeblood in the region once plagued by massive crude oil theft and economic sabotage. According government authorities, oil production had increased from historic low of one million barrel per day to an average of 1.8 million, indicating a major economic boost. And in the first time in about three decades, the federal government announced resumption of oil exploration in Ogoni land.

    The current administration has made significant progress in addressing modern security threats. According to Ribadu, the federal government has achieved notable success in cyber defense and financial intelligence, disrupting illegal financial flows that support terrorism and separatism, particularly through crypto platforms. Additionally, a National Digital Forensics Laboratory and a Critical Infrastructure Protection Plan have been deployed to enhance national cyber resilience.

    Military hardware procurements

    The past two years have been a golden era for the military under this administration. Within this period, the federal government has handed over 15 aircraft to the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) to enhance its counterterrorism and counter-insurgency operations. The aircraft include six T-129 ATAK helicopters, two AW-109 Trekker Type A helicopters, three Beechcraft King Air aircraft, and four Diamond 62 reconnaissance planes. According to the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, speaking at the 2025 Aircraft Engineering Conference in Abuja, the NAF plans to significantly expand its aerial fleet with the acquisition of 49 state-of-the-art aircraft by the end of 2026. Also, the Nigerian Army received it’s first The Nigerian Army (NA), operationalized its aviation wing with the delivery of two new helicopters. The operationalization of the aviation wing was parts of efforts to strengthen the ongoing fight against terrorism and other security threats.

    The setbacks

    Despite adopting innovative approaches to confront terrorism, Nigeria has faced setbacks in its counter-terrorism campaign, including the loss of personnel and equipment in combat operations. Nevertheless, the security forces continue to fight with renewed zeal and determination. Meanwhile, the government remains committed to supporting their welfare and that of their families through improved remuneration and allowances. For instance, in February 2025, the Nigerian Army increased the daily Ration Cash Allowance for troops from N1,500 to N3,000, while introducing housing scheme to ensure retiring military personnel have a house of their own after retirement.

  • Celebrating a decade of change

    Celebrating a decade of change

    Ten years ago, Nigerians chose change over comfort, hope over habit. Last Tuesday in Owerri, that choice came full circle as Governor Hope Uzodimma unveiled A Decade of Impactful Progressive Governance in Nigeria. In that moment, politics met posterity — a story of leaders who dared, citizens who endured and a nation still learning to turn promise into progress, reports Associate Editor ADEKUNLE YUSUF

    In the grand sweep of Nigeria’s chequered history, decades are often measured not by the turning of calendars, but by the milestones of governance, the lives reshaped by policy, and the stories a people choose to tell about themselves. Last Tuesday, in the heart of Owerri, the Imo State capital, one such story was told — not merely in words spoken, but in a book unveiled, a legacy affirmed, and a movement celebrated.

    That day, Governor Hope Uzodimma stood before a gathering of the nation’s political elite to present his book, A Decade of Impactful Progressive Governance in Nigeria. It was not just a book launch; it was a symbolic marking of ten years of Nigeria’s experiment with progressive governance under the All Progressives Congress (APC). The venue itself — the Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu International Conference Centre — stood like a monument to the occasion. One of   signature projects, the glass-and-concrete edifice gleamed in quiet splendour, as though conscious of its own symbolic weight. Within its walls assembled the full force of Nigeria’s political establishment: President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, ministers, governors, lawmakers, traditional rulers, and party faithful — a tableau of power gathered to celebrate both a book and an era.

    Ten years in proper perspective

    It began not with the rustle of pages or the flourish of a book launch, but with memory — collective memory. A decade ago, in 2015, Nigerians made a choice that shook the foundations of their politics. They turned a page on one era and opened another, entrusting their hopes to a party that promised change. It was a moment charged with expectation — a national gamble on the possibility of renewal.

    Ten years on, that choice has returned in the form of a book. Yet this was more than a political memoir; it was a ledger of hope and hardship, of milestones and missteps, of promises kept and promises still in the making. A decade may be brief in the span of history, but in Nigeria, ten years can feel like a lifetime. The APC’s journey from the euphoria of 2015 to the reckoning of 2025 has been nothing short of seismic.

    Governor Uzodimma’s book maps this journey with candour and conviction. From Muhammadu Buhari’s war against corruption, through years of economic tremors and security battles, to Bola Tinubu’s reformist pragmatism, the narrative is one of endurance and hope. Uzodimma does not shy away from the shadows — insurgency that tested the nation’s soul, inflation that squeezed households, and scepticism that gnawed at legitimacy. Yet he insists there has also been light: roads built, reforms initiated, reserves strengthened, and exports diversified. “It is not my story alone,” Uzodimma told the audience. “It is the story of a party, of a people, and of a nation struggling but never surrendering.”

    When the APC wrested power from the long-dominant Peoples Democratic Party in 2015, it was hailed as a watershed moment. Nigerians, weary of corruption and inertia, placed their hopes in a party that carried the banner of change. What followed was a decade of reforms, setbacks, resilience, and renewal — a decade of experiments in governance and hard-earned lessons in leadership. Uzodimma’s book seeks to capture that arc. He chronicles the Buhari years — the battle against graft, the fight to tame insecurity, and the ambitious investments in railways and infrastructure. Then he moves through the turbulence of subsidy removals and currency reforms, before celebrating the Tinubu era’s drive to stabilise the economy and open new frontiers for trade and industry. Each chapter reads like a mosaic of the nation’s recent history — textured by struggle, tempered by faith.

    The book as distilled through an academic lens

    The hall grew still as Prof Bennet Chima Nwanguma, an erudite scholar of biochemistry, rose to deliver his review. His words carried not only the authority of academia but also the weight of history itself. At the heart of it all was the scholar, who peeled back the book’s layers with the scalpel of intellect, wielding both the precision of a scientist and the depth of a thinker. In that moment, he was not merely reviewing a text — he was dissecting a decade-long experiment in Nigerian democracy, distilling for the audience the meaning of progressivism in action and revealing why A Decade of Impactful Progressive Governance in Nigeria mattered far beyond its pages. “This work is both a testimony and a mirror,” he declared. “It reflects the victories, the struggles and the spirit of resilience that have defined Nigeria’s governance under the All Progressives Congress from 2015 to 2025. But more importantly, it challenges us to ask: what does it mean to govern with impact in a nation as diverse and complex as ours?”

    With those opening lines, Nwanguma set the tone for a day that was less about celebration and more about reflection — a day when leaders, thinkers and citizens gathered to examine the trajectory of what many now call Nigeria’s most consequential decade in recent memory. Methodical yet moving, the scholar unpacked the layers of the book with the discipline of a scholar and the empathy of a citizen. He identified three defining strengths. First, its chronological clarity — a careful mapping of the APC’s journey from 2015 to 2025, tracing how a party that began as a political coalition evolved into a governing institution. Second, its candour — the author’s willingness to confront Nigeria’s difficulties head-on: insecurity, fiscal pressures, social discontent. And third, its conceptual depth — a persuasive framing of “progressivism” not as mere ideology, but as inclusion, solidarity, and service.

    Yet the scholar’s admiration came with a caveat. “This book is both a mirror and a lamp,” he told the gathering. “It reflects where we have been, but it must also illuminate where we ought to go. Ultimately, it is the Nigerian people who will judge whether the decade chronicled here has been impactful.” The hall fell into thoughtful silence at his words — a silence that carried weight. It was a reminder that governance is not judged by statistics alone but by lived realities: by whether roads lead somewhere, whether policies lift lives, whether the promise of democracy feels tangible to those at the margins.

    But A Decade of Impactful Progressive Governance in Nigeria is not a book trapped in national abstraction. Interwoven with Nigeria’s broader narrative is the story of Imo State itself — the roads reconstructed, the flyovers built, the conference centre now standing as a modern agora in Owerri. By blending state and national achievements, Uzodimma creates a dual narrative: at once a memoir of service and a manifesto of belief. President Tinubu, in his remarks at the launch, framed the book as a historical gift to the nation. “With this book,” he declared, “Governor Uzodimma has given Nigeria a gift. No nation will forget its own journey, and no leader will forget the beauty of stewardship.”

    Tinubu used the moment to situate Uzodimma’s reflections within the broader progress of the APC-led government. He cited fresh data: 4.23 per cent growth in the second quarter of 2025, inflation down to 20.12 per cent, and external reserves up to 42.03 per cent — the highest in six years. “These are not abstractions,” he said. “They are proof that Nigeria is no longer where it was 10 years ago. We have endured the storms, and now we are beginning to see the sunshine.” The President’s tone was both celebratory and cautionary — a leader’s mix of pride and prudence. He appealed for patience from Nigerians, urging them to see resilience as the necessary price of transformation. “Change,” he said, “does not arrive on the wings of comfort.”

    The National Chairman of the APC, Prof Nentawe Yilwatda, hailed the publication as both a “compass” and a “guiding light” for the ruling party. He commended Governor Uzodinma’s intellect and depth of thought, describing him as a visionary leader whose reflections in the book will continue to inspire the APC’s ideological direction. “Governor Uzodinma is a man of deep thought,” he said, “and this book provides a guiding light for our party as we navigate the challenges and triumphs of governance.”

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    He further noted that through the book, Uzodinma has reminded the APC of its evolution since its historic formation in 2013 — a journey marked by resilience, reforms, and renewed faith in progressive ideals. The APC chairman also used the occasion to extol President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whom he described as a “Master Strategist” and a leader who fully understands what true transformation entails. Prof Yilwatda concluded by emphasising that A Decade of Impactful Progressive Governance in Nigeria goes beyond a chronicle of achievements; it is, in his words, “a compass to guide the APC forward, reaffirming the values and principles that brought us this far.”

    For Akpabio, the moment was equally personal. He lauded Uzodimma as a visionary who has “changed the face of Imo State with critical infrastructure,” commending him for placing those local achievements within a national story. “What Governor Uzodimma has done here is invaluable,” Akpabio said. “He has given us not just a record but a compass. Future generations will turn to this book to understand what it meant to govern with vision, courage, and accountability.”

    When his turn came, Uzodimma was both author and celebrant — part historian, part patriot. He described Nigeria’s journey under the APC as one of “resilience, sacrifice, and gradual transformation,” calling the book “a labour of love and a duty of history. This is not a personal achievement,” he told the audience. “It belongs to the APC family and to all Nigerians who have walked this journey with us.” He credited President Tinubu’s economic leadership for six consecutive quarters of trade surpluses and a significant rise in non-oil exports. “This shows,” Uzodimma argued, “that Nigeria has the capacity to diversify its economy and to thrive in a post-oil world.”

    Ten years of APC governance means different things to different people. For party loyalists, it is a decade of bold reforms, infrastructure renewal, and a recalibrated global image. For critics, it is a mixed ledger of progress and pain—of promises kept and promises deferred. Uzodimma’s book sits at the intersection of those verdicts, offering a partisan yet reflective account. As Nwanguma aptly noted, it is both a mirror of the past and a lamp for the future.

    President Tinubu reminded the gathering that “the journey of nation-building is not a sprint but a marathon.” Governor Uzodimma added with quiet conviction that “leadership is not about titles but about footprints—both in the hearts of people and in the structures that endure.” A decade on, Nigeria remains a work in progress—still marching, still striving, still believing. Whether the next ten years will deepen the gains or dissolve them will depend, as ever, on the courage of its leaders and the resilience of its people.

  • New tools to beat cheating in the age of generative AI

    New tools to beat cheating in the age of generative AI

    Artificial intelligence has unsettled classrooms, blurring the line between learning and cheating. But three young Nigerian innovators in the United States — James Duru, Sunday Ogunleye, and Moses Adebayo — are rewriting the script. Their creations, AI Guard and Cite Guard, are offline tools designed to block academic shortcuts and strengthen research credibility. Beyond coding, their mission is clear: restore trust in scholarship and defend the soul of education, reports Associate Editor ADEKUNLE YUSUF.

    One is James Duru, a chartered accountant who recently earned a Master’s degree from American University in Washington, D.C., the political heartbeat of the United States. Another is Sunday Ogunleye, an MSc graduate in Management and Data Analytics from Indiana Wesleyan University. No less accomplished is Moses Adebayo, who studied Quantitative Economics at Miami University and is now pursuing a PhD in Economics at Northern Illinois University.

    Though separated by hundreds of miles and charting careers in seemingly different fields, the trio discovered a unison of purpose that transcended books and borders. Together, they built a dual-function software system aimed at defending one of education’s most fragile values: integrity. AI Guard is designed to block students from copying real-time tests or exams into Optical Character Recognition (OCR) tools for answers from ChatGPT and other generative AI platforms, while Cite Guard helps researchers craft theses that are solidly referenced and academically sound.

    For them, this is more than tech innovation—it is a crusade. “As much as no student desires to fail, the least we can all do is to study a little more—not cheat the process to academic excellence,” says James, speaking from his Washington, D.C., office at H&R Block Inc., where he juggles a demanding tax consultancy schedule with his passion project. His comic, easy-going manner makes him a favourite at work, but he admits the venture is steadily eating into his nightlife. The sacrifice, he insists, is worth it. Sunday agrees, confessing that the project has consumed the time he once devoted to social media.

    Sunday has always been fascinated by social media trends and algorithms. At one point, he even wrote an article on how Elon Musk’s X (formerly Twitter) posts influenced the U.S. stock market—a subject that sharpened his understanding of the digital economy. For balance, he works as a financial reporting analyst at the Indiana University Foundation, where spreadsheets and statements keep him grounded in the realities of finance. Moses, on the other hand, barely paused after completing his Master’s before securing a scholarship for his PhD. The doctorate, often described as a marathon that consumes every corner of life, is no less demanding. Yet Moses dares the odds, carving out space for both his research and the AI Guard/Cite Guard project. “I have a lot of hope for this project. That is why I don’t mind pouring all my resources into its success,” Moses says. He refuses to see the PhD as a narrow, solitary path. “If this project becomes another contribution I make to the academic community, I am satisfied.”

    Sunday, however, is less easily contented. “My aspiration is to replicate the applications of this software in the schools where the three of us studied. Beyond that, I want to see it adopted widely by lecturers across the United States.” Once that milestone is reached, Sunday dreams of bringing the innovation to Nigeria. He envisions a tour across African universities, beginning in Nigeria, to promote AI Guard and Cite Guard as a way of giving back to the communities that shaped them.

    From ‘Yahoo Boy’ to ‘Tech Bro’: How African innovators are rewriting the narrative

    James, Sunday, and Moses wear their impressive academic laurels with pride. Yet, it is their shared passion for artificial intelligence that has carried them beyond the professional lanes they already mastered. They are not alone in this pursuit. Across Africa, the rise of the so-called “tech bro” has become a cultural phenomenon—one that is rattling old stereotypes and positioning the continent as a serious player in the global tech revolution.

    Take Nigerian-born Iyinoluwa Aboyeji, for instance. Trained in legal studies at the University of Waterloo, he pivoted into fintech entrepreneurship and went on to co-found Andela and Flutterwave. In 2019, New African magazine listed him among the 100 most influential Africans, after he led Flutterwave to process over $2 billion across 50 million transactions, pulling in millions of dollars in annual revenues. The list of black and indigenous talents transforming Africa into a budding Silicon Valley is growing—and fast. More importantly, it is upending a damaging stereotype. Once, the continent’s digital-savvy youth were dismissed as “yahoo boys,” shorthand for internet fraudsters. Today, they are more likely to be recognized as software developers, fintech disruptors, and artificial intelligence pioneers. And it’s not just fintech. In South Africa, Sam Hutchinson’s Sendmarc has emerged as a cybersecurity force, helping businesses fight phishing, spoofing, and impersonation through automated DMARC, DKIM, and SPF controls. From Lagos to Johannesburg, Nairobi to Accra, Africa’s innovators are rewriting the continent’s tech story—one line of code at a time.

    Introducing the first-of-its-kind offline AI software in academics

    Since the disruptive rise of artificial intelligence, its application across fields has become almost inevitable. The COVID-19 pandemic, which triggered a global lockdown, accelerated this shift dramatically. With classrooms shut and offices emptied, AI-powered tools helped bridge the gap between people and their work-life. At the height of the pandemic, even the United Nations endorsed remote learning as a way to preserve quality education and ensure social inclusion. Artificial intelligence was the engine that kept learning afloat.

    Globally, the education technology sector saw an explosion of platforms. In Singapore, Erudite became a household name for personalized online learning, while in the United States, Yellowbrick carved a niche with its expansive digital courses. The U.S. now dominates the edtech landscape, accounting for more than a third of leading platforms worldwide. China follows with around 10 percent, while the United Kingdom contributes just over 6 percent. Even Brazil has carved a space, with Afya, a company that runs medical schools and delivers online courses in health sciences, earning a spot among the global top 10. Yet, as impressive as these platforms are, they share one limitation: connectivity. That is where the first-of-its-kind offline AI academic software steps in to change the game.

    Even if the idea of AI use for learning and grading had been alien to less developed countries, COVID-19 made sure that changed. Despite the advantages of AI in education, its threat to education is a greater nightmare. This is why the AI Guard/Cite Guard are nipping the bud in the head. “My mentor, Prof Augustine Duru, approached me with his concerns about how his students were mostly inactive and less-performative in classes but acing their tests and exams, he suspected they received some forms of assistance,” James recounted the story of how his team’s project was conceived.

    “The prof further investigated the issue and found out indeed that students are able to copy questions and transfer to Chat-GPT for answers. It was then I knew it was a problem that needed an urgent solution. He shared the problem with me because he perceived I was tech-savvy.” During his Master’s programme at AU, he was a research assistant under Prof Duru in the same college, and grew fond of the professor in spite of his educational feat.

    James grew increasingly restless after one of his lecturers voiced concerns about the creeping influence of artificial intelligence on academic honesty. Determined not to leave the problem unattended, he reached out to two erudite colleagues with whom he had once toyed with the idea of co-authoring research papers in Economics. What began as casual intellectual brainstorming soon evolved into long hours of Zoom meetings that gave birth to AI Guard—a tool designed squarely to address lecturers’ anxieties. Out of that same creative fire, the trio later forged Cite Guard, born from their shared desire to ease the recurring headache researchers face when managing references in their theses.

    AI Guard is built to empower educators. The software allows mobile and computer users to edit, format, and convert text documents into various image formats. It supports loading and saving text from file types such as .docx and .pdf, while offering robust text editing and image-handling options. Crucially, it encourages faculties to upload assessments—tests and examinations—as reduced-quality but clearly visible images on learning platforms. By doing so, students are hindered from running Optical Character Recognition (OCR) tools to extract questions accurately for AI-driven solutions. In essence, AI Guard safeguards the sanctity of real-time academic assessments.

    Cite Guard, on the other hand, is crafted specifically for researchers. It streamlines the painstaking process of citation verification by automatically detecting missing or uncited references in academic manuscripts. Compatible with widely used citation styles such as APA, Chicago, and Harvard, the tool enables users to load documents, analyse them for compliance, and generate reports highlighting gaps. For students and scholars alike, Cite Guard is a quiet guardian—helping to strengthen the credibility of research outputs by ensuring references are not overlooked. Together, the innovations embody one mission: protecting academic integrity. The duo of AI Guard and Cite Guard could easily have joined the long list of plagiarism- and cheating-detection tools like Turnitin, Quetext, and Scribbr. But James, Sunday, and Moses pushed their idea a step further, introducing a groundbreaking twist: both applications were designed to function offline. This decision was not cosmetic—it was strategic.

    For years, U.S. schools have grappled with the menace of data leaks. Even before AI surged into classrooms, vulnerabilities in educational software exposed millions of records. A study by Comparitech’s Charlotte Bond revealed that since 2005, K–12 school districts and universities across the United States have suffered 3,713 data breaches, compromising more than 37.6 million records. The problem reached crisis levels in 2023—the year before AI Guard and Cite Guard were conceived—when educational institutions recorded 954 breaches, nearly seven times the 2022 figure of 139. That year alone, almost 4.3 million student records were exposed, much of it traced to exploitation of vulnerabilities in internet-connected systems.

    Against this backdrop, the trio understood their assignment: protecting academic integrity must not come at the cost of worsening exam leaks or exposing sensitive data. Thus, they built a platform that works independently of the internet. This offline attribute is the software’s unique selling point, one the developers believe will win the trust of lecturers, administrators, and students alike. As they put it in their mission statement: “Any software is more vulnerable to attack when it is run over the internet. Setting up an offline software reduces the chances of a hacker a great deal.” That offline-first philosophy makes AI Guard and Cite Guard not just tools against academic dishonesty, but also guardians of institutional security—offering peace of mind in an age of digital vulnerability.

  • A new dawn in Imo

    A new dawn in Imo

    It wasn’t just a presidential visit — it was a turning point. In the early rain, Owerri, Imo State capital, stood still, expectant. Roads once seen as metaphors for neglect were now freshly paved. As President Bola Tinubu arrived, what transpired wasn’t just ceremony, but symbolism — of promises honoured and progress taking shape, reports Associate Editor ADEKUNLE YUSUF

    Owerri woke before dawn. The rain came early—a gentle, almost apologetic drizzle—but it did little to quiet the city’s rising energy. As morning broke, pale ribbons of sunlight slipped through the clouds, catching the sheen of wet streets and rooftops. By 8 a.m., the city was wide awake. Schoolchildren clutched tiny flags, men pulled raincoats tight around their shoulders, and women balanced umbrellas against the lingering mist. Children perched on shoulders for a better view. Crowds gathered—beneath trees, along sidewalks, behind metal barriers. All eyes turned in the same direction, all feet planted with quiet anticipation. They had come for one purpose: to welcome President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to Imo State.

    This was no ordinary visit. It was, as many would later say, a moment of pride — a public display of what many believe is change in motion, progress being commissioned into concrete and asphalt. And even though the rain attempted to borrow attention, the vibrant energy of the crowd outshone the droplets. The heart of Owerri was transformed. The major arteries — the roads leading to Assumpta Cathedral Roundabout, the highways heading toward Mbaise and Umuahia — were draped in bright banners. APC flags fluttered alongside national flags. Security vehicles, vans, motorbikes moved purposefully, some standing guard, others guiding traffic. Drums beat in distant corners; voices chanted slogans. Passengers peered out windows, marveling at the turnout.

    This was no ordinary visit. It was, as many would later say, a moment of pride — a public display of what many believe is change in motion, progress being commissioned into concrete and asphalt. By the time President Tinubu’s motorcade arrived, the atmosphere was electric. He was flanked by APC governors, party leaders, and top members of the National Assembly. And even though the rain attempted to borrow attention, the vibrant energy of the crowd outshone the droplets. Major arteries of Owerri—roads stretching from the Assumpta Cathedral Roundabout to the highways leading to Mbaise and Umuahia—were draped in bright banners. APC flags fluttered beside the national colours, catching the breeze like a signal of unity. Security vehicles, vans, and motorbikes moved with intent—some forming a shield, others directing the flow. In distant corners, drums pulsed and voices rose in song. Passengers leaned out of car windows, eyes wide, swept up in the spectacle.

    The newly reconstructed Owerri–Mbaise–Obowo–Umuahia Road

    One of the most talked-about highlights of President Tinubu’s visit to Imo State was the commissioning of the newly reconstructed Owerri–Mbaise–Obowo–Umuahia Road — a 26-kilometre stretch of critical infrastructure that, for decades, existed more in frustration than functionality. This road is far more than just a stretch of tarmac. It’s a major economic and cultural artery, linking Owerri, the capital of Imo State, with Mbaise and Obowo — two densely populated regions with strong agricultural and commercial roots — before extending into Umuahia, the capital of neighbouring Abia State. For years, the road was infamous for its craters, flooding, and traffic bottlenecks, slowing down trade, isolating communities, and contributing to the wear and tear on transport vehicles.

    According to traders, commuters, and logistics operators who frequently used the route, a journey that should have taken 30 to 40 minutes often stretched into hours during the rainy season. The road’s condition also made it a security risk, especially at night — with broken-down vehicles vulnerable to theft, and commuters stranded in poorly lit, isolated areas. What makes the Owerri–Mbaise–Obowo–Umuahia Road particularly strategic is not just its length or its improved surface — but the vital lifeline it represents between two state capitals and, by extension, two major economic zones in Nigeria’s South-East region. It connects Owerri, a bustling hub of commerce, education, and urban development, to Umuahia, a capital city known for its administrative significance and agricultural economy. But the importance of this road runs deeper than geography. It is a road that serves people, livelihoods, and entire communities whose lives are shaped by their ability to move.

    The flyover at the Assumpta Cathedral Roundabout

    The newly inaugurated flyover at Assumpta Cathedral Roundabout stands as both a literal and symbolic elevation of Owerri’s urban future. For decades, that junction — a key point where traffic from the Port Harcourt–Onitsha axis intersects with the city’s core — was a daily source of congestion, frustration, and delay. It’s a roundabout that once pulsed with the honks of gridlocked buses, the slow crawl of petrol tankers, and the weaving chaos of okadas and private cars. At peak hours, the entire area became a bottleneck, stretching the patience of commuters and draining productivity.

    Now, with the sleek overpass in place, traffic flows with an ease many commuters had stopped believing was possible. Designed to separate the heavy through-traffic from local city movement, the flyover allows vehicles travelling between Port Harcourt and Onitsha — two of the busiest commercial cities in southern Nigeria — to bypass the gridlock entirely. Beneath the bridge, urban planners have restructured the ground-level lanes for better pedestrian access and reduced conflict zones. It is more than a concrete structure; it is a redesign of movement, an answer to a long-unresolved urban headache. For residents of Owerri, this single flyover represents something broader — a glimpse into what the city could become when infrastructure keeps pace with population growth.

    The Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu International Conference Centre and other projects

    Not far from the hum of moving vehicles and newly opened lanes stands another flagship project — the Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu International Conference Centre (EIICC). Towering with sleek glass and steel, and named after one of the state’s most prominent elder statesmen and business icons, the centre is a declaration of ambition. It is built not merely as a venue, but as a statement: Imo is open for business, for diplomacy, for discourse. The EIICC boasts the kind of modern facilities anyone would expect to find in Abuja or Lagos: multiple auditoriums, breakout halls, press rooms, digital presentation capabilities, and expansive exhibition spaces. It’s tailored to host everything from economic summits and medical conventions to tech expos and cultural festivals. With a growing demand for high-end event infrastructure in the Southeast, the centre is poised to become a regional hub, drawing visitors, investors, and ideas into Owerri.

    But the most transformative projects are often the ones less visible to the casual observer — the quiet revolutions taking place in administrative backrooms, dusty archives, and underutilised corridors of government. That’s where the Imo State Land Information Service Centre (LIS Centre) comes in. Housed in a modern facility, the LIS Centre is part of a deliberate push to digitise land records, streamline property transactions, and eliminate the labyrinth of paper trails and corruption that has long dogged land ownership in the state. For decades, acquiring or verifying land titles in Imo was a process fraught with uncertainty and delay. Double allocations, missing files, extortion, and years-long court cases were all too common. With the launch of the LIS Centre, Governor Uzodinma’s administration is attempting to pull land governance into the 21st century. Now, prospective landowners, surveyors, and developers can access digitized maps, apply for certificates of occupancy, verify ownership, and monitor processing timelines — all online. The implications of this are enormous. Easier land transactions mean faster property development. Less fraud means more investor confidence. And more transparency means everyday citizens — not just the well-connected — can access land without fear of manipulation or exploitation.

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    Beyond roads and flyovers, some projects quietly shape the spirit of governance. The renovated Government House Chapel, though modest in scale, reflects a commitment to reflection, faith, and moral grounding in public service. It’s a space for prayer, unity, and pause amidst political noise. Nearby, the restored Concorde Hilton Hotel marks a revival of Owerri’s hospitality sector. Once faded, it now boasts modern rooms, event halls, and improved services—ready to welcome business travellers and dignitaries. Together, these projects—both symbolic and strategic—are part of a broader urban renewal vision, reshaping not just Owerri’s skyline, but its sense of purpose.

    Voices from the crowd

    Under umbrellas and plastic tarps, faces glowed with hope. Some had come to feel seen; others to be heard. Madam Nkechi Okoro, a small business owner in Emekuku, said she had already lost hours daily to gridlock. “Before, the journey from Owerri to Umuahia is a stress, money wasted on fuel, time gone. With this new road, we expect quicker access to markets, hospitals, schools,” she said, her voice clear over the drizzle.

    A young man, Chinedu, perched on a motorbike, described this as more than infrastructure. “What is happening now,” he said, “is that government actually listens. Roads, flyovers… these are things we feel. We see. They don’t just talk.” Others were skeptical, of course. “Let them finish,” said Mrs. Ifeoma Eze from Obowo. “Many times we celebrate projects before they are done. I want to see it when I drive those roads in dry season.” But even her doubt carried curiosity — perhaps expectation.

    Standing on the new flyover, Governor Uzodinma addressed the public earlier that morning, despite the rain. He spoke not just of the structures being commissioned — but of governance without shortcuts. He spoke of performance, not promises. He reminded the people that poor materials, substandard finishes, stalled construction had once been the norm — but that under his Renewed Hope Agenda, those days were being challenged. More than 120 roads, the Governor said, had been built or rehabilitated across the state. The digital land platform, he emphasized, will reduce corruption, ease land transfers, and remove the confusion that long plagued real estate and property ownership in Imo. Government House Chapel and hospitality projects aim to boost tourism and civic pride. All are pieces of a larger puzzle: transforming Imo into a state that matches its potential.

    As the rain eased to a gentle drizzle, President Tinubu addressed the crowd, praising Imo’s progress but urging that the newly commissioned projects be seen not as endpoints, but as stepping stones. He stressed that lasting change depends on maintenance, transparency, and shared responsibility. Roads, flyovers, and new facilities, he said, must unlock growth, not just headlines. Yet even amid celebration, quiet questions lingered—about sustainability, traffic flow, and disruptions to local businesses. Still, beneath the banners and applause, a deeper shift was taking root. On that rainy morning in Owerri, what truly emerged was not just infrastructure — but renewed hope.