The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Nigerian

  • Hospitals as slaughter slabs

    Hospitals as slaughter slabs

    Reported deaths from medical procedures in recent times freshly raised concerns about the quality of healthcare delivery in Nigerian hospitals. Bitter experiences that people had ranged from wrong diagnoses of ailments and errors in surgical processes to delayed treatment even in emergencies and poor post-surgical care, resulting in loss of loved ones who entered hospitals seeking help and never returned home. Allegations are rife that many of the patients might have made it, but they were speeded onto their death by indiscretions or utter negligence of medical personnel in healthcare facilities who, for most part, deny responsibility.

    Early last week, there was the report of a school headmistress in Ibadan who died because hospitals in the Oyo State capital declined response to her emergency situation. Relations said the headmistress of the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA) Model Nursery and Primary School, Letmuck Barracks in Mokola, Mrs. Ajayi Omowunmi Fajuyigbe, gave up the ghost after being rejected by several hospitals to which she was rushed in critical condition. A relative was cited saying Fajuyigbe, on Monday, 13th January, was moved at night between hospitals in Mokola, Adeoyo, Oluyoro and Basorun areas of the capital city, but was denied admission on sundry grounds until about 1:00a.m. when a private hospital in Idi-Ape took her in after a hefty payment.

    Even then, according to the relative, an urgent surgery that was required for the endangered patient was not carried out by the hospital that finally took her on admission, until she went into coma and eventually died. “It is painful that hospitals appear more interested in money than saving lives,” she lamented, wondering why hospitals would turn away emergency patients at night. “My sister’s life could have been saved if she had received prompt attention,” the relation added.

    A particularly sensational case was the death on 6th January in a Lagos hospital of 21-month-old Nkanu Nnamdi, one of the twin boys of internationally renowned Nigerian author, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. Nkanu and his twin brother were born to United States-based Adichie and her spouse, Ivara Esege, a doctor, by surrogacy in 2024 – eight years after the birth of their first child, a girl. He died at Euracare Hospital, a private medical facility, following a brief illness.

    Nkanu’s death occurred a day before he was due for medical evacuation to Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, not far from the couple’s US home. He had been referred from another Lagos hospital to Euracare for a series of diagnostic procedures that included an echocardiogram and a brain MRI. The parents, in a legal action filed against Euracare, alleged lapses during the child’s admission and lack of basic resuscitation equipment, amounting to medical negligence.

    In a WhatsApp chat to family members that was leaked to social media, Adichie said a doctor confessed to her that the resident anaesthesiologist administered sedative overdose on Nkanu. Despite efforts at his resuscitation and being put on a ventilator, the boy suffered cardiac arrest that led to his death. Adichie described the anaesthesiologist as having been “fatally casual and careless.”

    In response to the leak, Euracare expressed its “deepest sympathies” over the loss of the child but denied administering improper care, saying its services were “in line with established clinical protocols and internationally accepted medical standards.” According to the hospital, it is inaccurate to suggest that medical negligence caused Nkanu’s death, but rather that its personnel provided standard care upon admission of the toddler who was brought in “critically ill.”

    Lagos State Government ordered a probe of the matter, saying it “places the highest value on human life and has zero tolerance for medical negligence or unprofessional conduct.” Special Adviser to the State Governor on Health Matters, Dr. Kemi Ogunyemi, added: “Any individual or institution found culpable of negligence, professional misconduct or regulatory violations will face the full wrath of the law.”

    Meanwhile, a 30-year-old Lagos father, about the same time Adichie’s bereavement became news, took issue with government’s own facility, accusing a primary healthcare centre in the state of causing the deaths of his nine-month-old twin boys whom he took for routine immunisation. Samuel Alozie, known as Promise Samuel on TikTok, alleged that the twin boys died same day after being administered immunisation at Ajangbadi primary health centre in Ojo council area.

    Alozie said in a social media post that he took the children for immunisation on December 24, 2005, and they died on Christmas Day. According to him, the immunisation made the boys very weak and inflamed their body temperature such that they had to be given paracetamol as advised by the nurse. “My wife and I, after we left the health centre, went home and gave the two of them paracetamol, but it didn’t solve anything. We even bathed them in cold water,” he recalled.

    The distraught father dismissed explanation by the health facility that food bacteria was responsible for the infants’ death: “The nurse said it was food bacteria that killed my children… Food that I’ve been giving them from one month to nine months, and it didn’t kill them?” Alozie accused the health centre of having possibly administered expired or fake vaccines, or an overdose on the twins for which he held government liable. He noted that while an autopsy had been conducted, he has reservations about the possible outcome: “The reason I’m scared is that I don’t know if government will give me justice because this is government-to-government. The primary health centre is government’s, and the people running the case are government people.” The Lagos State Ministry of Health and the Primary Health Care Board had yet to issue an official statement on the alleged incident or release autopsy findings.

    Easily the most scandalous of medicare miscarriages was the case of Aishatu Umar, who died as a result of surgical implement being forgotten in her bowel after surgery. The 33-year-old mother of five lost her life 12th January, 2026, not from a sudden ailment but what family members described as drawn-out medical negligence that began with a surgery she underwent at Abubakar Imam Urology Centre (AIUC), Kano, in September 2025 after doctors diagnosed her with a kidney cyst that caused her frequent abdominal pain.

    Read Also: Ugbe: A pillar leaves MultiChoice Nigeria

    That surgery was projected to bring her relief, but the contrary was the case. Aishatu began having chronic pain that, upon complaining to the hospital, she was repeatedly assured was a normal post-surgery experience that would soon fade out. Unknown to her and her family, something had gone terribly wrong in the operating theatre: a surgical implement was forgotten in her bowel by doctors before sewing her back. Aishatu’s husband, Abubakar Mohammed, said he got a distress call from her on 9th January that she could no longer bear the excruciating pain. Upon being referred to Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH), a series of scans and other diagnostic tests revealed the object left in her abdomen during the earlier operation at AIUC. “Immediately the result came out, she was prepared for emergency surgery. Around 11p.m. on January 12th, Aishatu was taken into the theatre, but she did not come out alive. Before they even started operating, we lost her,” Mohammed recounted.

    The Chief Medical Director of AIUC, Balarabe Muhammad, was reported denying claims that a scissors was forgotten in Umar’s bowel: “It was an artery forceps that was forgotten in the patient and not a scissors. An artery forceps is not as sharp as a scissors.” He added: “I am not denying that a medical implement was forgotten in her system, but I can say that Aishatu didn’t die as a result of the forceps that was in her system. Rather, she died from anaesthesia administered on her at AKTH.”

    For his part, AKTH’s Chairman, Medical Advisory Committee, Suwaid Abba, rebuffed the claim that anaesthesia killed Aishatu.  “It is very unfair to push the blame on AKTH. If a medical equipment wasn’t forgotten in her system, she would not have been here in the first place,” he argued, adding: “She died before our doctors operated on her. It is unfair that anyone will blame us for the death.”

    The problem is largely the ecosystem of healthcare delivery in this country. Besides inadequacy of facility in hospitals, available doctors are overwhelmed by a high volume of patients amidst severe “brain drain” of medical professionals – with nearly 19,000 doctors having emigrated over the past couple of decades and a record 3,974 leaving in 2024 alone. Over 50 percent of licensed doctors have left, with more than half of those remaining actively seeking ways to leave. Official data show that Nigeria currently has roughly 3.8 doctors per 10,000 patients, significantly below World Health Organisation prescription. Government must find a way of stimulating reverse personnel traffic – i.e. “brain gain” – to remedy the situation.

    •Please join me on kayodeidowu.blogspot.be for conversation.

  • Nigerian women gaining ground in nation building, says WAWA Grand Patron

    Nigerian women gaining ground in nation building, says WAWA Grand Patron

    Nigeria is making measurable progress in advancing women’s participation in nation building through increased representation in governance and the civil service, Chief Moyosore Adewuyi, newly conferred Grand Patron of the West Africa Women Association (WAWA), has said.

    The frontline businessman spoke at the WAWA Africa Investiture Ceremony held Thursday at the ECOWAS Liaison Office in Lagos, where notable personalities were honoured for their contributions to women empowerment and regional development.

    He described Nigeria’s current trajectory on gender inclusion as encouraging, pointing to visible gains in leadership across key sectors.

    According to him, the presence of women in ministerial positions and senior public service roles reflects deliberate policy choices over time.

    He recalled that during President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s tenure as governor of Lagos State, women were actively promoted within the civil service. “Teachers became permanent secretaries,” he noted, adding that the growing number of female judges in Lagos and other states further underscores Nigeria’s commitment to gender inclusion.

    Read Also: Nigeria, Africa set sights on borderless digital economy ahead of RACE 2026

    Adewuyi’s investiture as Grand Patron also highlighted his long-standing relationship with WAWA, which dates back to 2007. He said his engagement with the association began after meeting WAWA’s regional president, Hon. Khady Tall Fall, at an African Union event in Yaoundé, Cameroon. That interaction, he explained, evolved into collaboration that strengthened WAWA’s footprint across West Africa.

    Expressing gratitude for his recognition, Adewuyi said the honour was unexpected but deeply appreciated. He pledged to actively support the association in his new role, particularly in strengthening its visibility and capacity. “I will assist WAWA. I will promote WAWA in Nigeria and mobilise support for the organisation to be in a position to carry out some of its functions,” he said, while also calling for collective financial support to address the association’s funding challenges.

  • Are regulators signalling a new era of accountability?

    Are regulators signalling a new era of accountability?

    Sir: For years, Nigerian consumers have complained, sometimes loudly, sometimes helplessly, about poor services. Airlines, telecom operators and banks were always the biggest culprits. In fact, flight delays became routine, dropped calls almost normal, and unexplained bank charges a recurring irritation. What often followed were apologies, excuses and the almost obligatory regulatory silence.

    It now appears that that era may finally be ending.

    Recent moves by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), alongside a growing pattern of firm enforcement by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), suggest that regulators are beginning to assert their authority more forcefully. The message is becoming clearer: protect consumers, or pay the price.

    The NCAA’s recent warning to domestic airlines over chronic flight delays marks one of its strongest public stances in recent years. In a sector long shielded by sympathy for “operational challenges,” the regulator has now signalled that patience is wearing thin.

    According to NCAA data, between September and October 2024 alone, domestic airlines recorded 5,225 delays and 901 cancellations out of 10,804 flights. This means that nearly half of all flights were delayed. While weather and technical issues are unavoidable realities of aviation, the NCAA argues that persistent inefficiency, poor planning and weak communication are not.

    What appears to have triggered the tougher tone is not just the delays themselves, but how passengers are treated when things go wrong. Complaints about lack of information, poor handling at terminals and disregard for First Needs Compensation have become increasingly common.

    By referencing JetBlue’s $2 million fine in the United States for chronic delays, the NCAA is clearly signalling its intent to align Nigeria’s aviation regulation with global best practices. Support for airlines, the regulator insists, must now be matched by accountability and service improvement.

    The NCC’s warning to telecom operators follows a similar pattern: longstanding consumer frustration, followed by a regulator armed with data and renewed resolve.

    Telecom subscribers have endured dropped calls, slow internet speeds and unstable connections, even as tariffs increase and digital dependence deepens. The NCC’s response has been to partner with Ookla to produce a transparent, data-backed assessment of network performance across operators.

    The results were revealing. MTN emerged as the strongest performer nationally, while others showed notable weaknesses, Globacom with high latency and jitter, Airtel grappling with transition challenges, and 9mobile delivering inconsistent service across regions.

    More important than the rankings, however, is the regulatory shift they represent. By grounding enforcement in independent performance data, the NCC is moving away from abstract warnings to evidence-based regulation.

    Underperforming operators can no longer hide behind generic claims or marketing slogans.

    The commission’s message is blunt: improve network quality, especially latency and stability, or face sanctions.

    In a digital economy where banking, commerce, education and healthcare increasingly rely on connectivity, poor service is no longer a minor inconvenience; it is a systemic risk.

    Unlike the NCAA and NCC, the Central Bank of Nigeria has already shown what tough regulation looks like in practice.

    Read Also: US suspends immigrant visa processing for Nigeria, 74 others

    Over the past few years, the CBN has sanctioned several banks and financial institutions for regulatory breaches ranging from Know-Your-Customer (KYC) failures and anti-money laundering lapses to poor consumer protection practices. In some cases, banks have been fined billions of naira, publicly named, or restricted from certain operations.

    Taken together, the actions of the NCAA, NCC and CBN point to a potential turning point in Nigeria’s regulatory culture. For too long, regulators were perceived as either underpowered or overly sympathetic to operators, often citing harsh operating environments as justification for weak enforcement.

    For operators, the implications are clear. Compliance can no longer be treated as a box-ticking exercise. Investments in infrastructure, customer service, communication systems and operational planning are no longer optional; they are survival strategies.

    For consumers, the shift offers cautious optimism. Stronger regulation does not automatically translate to better service, but it creates the conditions for improvement. When penalties are real and enforcement credible, behaviour changes.

    The real test, however, lies ahead. Warnings must be followed by action. Sanctions must be consistent, transparent and fair. Regulators must resist pressure, lobbying and regulatory capture.

    Yes, after years of looking the other way, Nigeria’s regulators appear to be waking up. The question now is whether they will stay awake.

    •Elvis Eromosele, elviseroms@gmail.com

  • U.S. to deport Nigerian convicted for armed robbery, illicit drug trade

    U.S. to deport Nigerian convicted for armed robbery, illicit drug trade

    The United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is set to deport Ibrahim Tunde Ijaoba, who was convicted for armed robbery and trade in illicit drugs.

    In a notice published on Monday, ICE said Ijaoba is a former member of the ‘Bloods’, a notorious gang famed for violent crimes, entered the country “illegally” and was convicted of certain crimes, including aggravated assault on a police officer with a firearm, and armed robbery.

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    “Ibrahim Tunde Ijaoba is a criminal illegal alien from Nigeria and former member of the Bloods — a notoriously violent street gang.

    “He entered illegally and then racked up an extensive rap sheet that includes convictions for: Aggravated assault on a police officer with a firearm; assault & aggravated assault; armed robbery; obstruction; drug sales; and escaping police custody.

    “He has a final removal order and awaits deportation in ICE custody,” the statement reads.

    Recently, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) arrested Oluwadamilola Ogooluwa Bamigboye, a Nigerian, for allegedly evading arrest and abducting an immigration officer.

    Bamigboye and his accomplice, Rekeya Frazier, have been taken to court for assaulting a federal agent.

    The accused was also charged with overstaying his student visa.

  • EU-backed programme opens for young Nigerian STEM professionals in Europe

    EU-backed programme opens for young Nigerian STEM professionals in Europe

    Young Nigerian professionals in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) now have a unique opportunity to gain international work experience, thanks to the SUSTAIN programme, an initiative co-funded by the European Union and implemented by Seefar.

    The programme, designed to connect Nigerian talent with career opportunities in Germany and Ireland, will select up to 240 participants and provide them with extensive preparatory training.

    This includes soft skills development, cultural orientation, and career guidance, ensuring participants transition smoothly into their new roles.

    SUSTAIN Manager in Abuja, Emeka Anene, said the programme is not just about overseas employment but about long-term benefits for Nigeria.

    “SUSTAIN gives talented Nigerian STEM professionals the chance to gain valuable international experience while ensuring their skills ultimately benefit Nigeria. This initiative opens doors for our youth and drives knowledge transfer and economic growth at home,” he said.

    Deputy Head of ICMPD Brussels Mission,Oleg Chirita added that programmes like SUSTAIN address both Europe’s growing demand for STEM talent and provide opportunities for young professionals.

    “Global talent mobility can empower individuals, strengthen economies, and deepen cooperation between regions,” he said.

    For candidates like Peter Iroagbalachi, being shortlisted is a chance to make a difference.

    “If selected, I will use the experience in Europe to promote technology-driven solutions for inclusive growth in Nigeria and Africa, while inspiring other young professionals to pursue global opportunities,” he said.

    The programme responds to a critical skills gap in Europe, where nearly half of businesses report difficulty recruiting professionals with the STEM expertise they need.

    The European Commission estimates the EU requires an additional two million science and engineering experts.

    By linking Nigerian talent with European opportunities, SUSTAIN creates a triple-win scenario: Europe benefits from skilled professionals, Nigeria gains through knowledge transfer and stronger trade links, and participants acquire skills and networks that will boost their careers at home.

    Applications are open on the SUSTAIN website. Eligible applicants must be residents of Nigeria, aged 18–34, with at least two years of relevant STEM experience.

    The programme is a pilot labour mobility initiative designed to foster sustainable economic growth while promoting mutually beneficial partnerships between Nigeria and the EU. It is implemented by Seefar, a social enterprise with over 10 years of experience in migration and reintegration programmes across Europe.

  • Nigeria’s diplomatic missions as national risk management

    Nigeria’s diplomatic missions as national risk management

    • By Lekan Olayiwola

    Sir: Nigeria’s Foreign Service is often treated as ornamental, a stage for protocol, prestige, and patronage. Yet in a world defined by volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity, diplomacy is not decorum. It is infrastructure. It is insurance. It is the difference between survival and strategic drift.

    Nigeria’s first vulnerability lies in security. Every time citizens buy groceries, fill their tanks, or pay rent, a hidden “diplomatic tax” is levied against them because the Foreign Service has not shielded the economy from external risks. Global insurers classify Nigerian waters as a high risk zone. Every vessel carrying goods into Lagos, from oil tankers to container ships, is slapped with war risk insurance premiums. These costs are passed on to Nigerian importers, and ultimately, to consumers.

    Countries like Kenya and South Africa worked through their defence attachés — military diplomats embedded in embassies — to negotiate joint patrols and share real time intelligence with NATO and regional partners. They signalled stability, and those premiums dropped. Nigeria, by contrast, operates with a diplomatic security blackout. We have no systematic corps of defence attachés.

    We are blind to the rising tides of transnational threats, relying on costly, last minute military intervention instead of cheap, proactive intelligence. The result is hundreds of millions of dollars siphoned out of the Nigerian economy every year to pay for vulnerabilities our embassies were meant to insure us against.

    The second exposure comes from global finance. When Nigeria borrows money on the international market, our sovereign interest rate (the cost of the loan) is heavily influenced by our credit rating. Rating agencies don’t just look at debt to GDP ratios; they assess institutional credibility and the perceived risk of the nation.

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    Nigeria’s diplomatic missions, often under resourced and politically appointed, project fragility and miss early chances to shape investor and media narratives. This exposes the country to higher borrowing costs, where even small interest rate increases add billions in debt service — funds that could build schools, bridges, or hospitals.

    Debt service crowds out social investment, and while embassies are not the sole cause, their underutilisation within this chain of vulnerability prevents them from functioning as “sovereign profit centres” that lower risk premiums through investor diplomacy. Rwanda and Vietnam send dedicated commercial diplomats to Wall Street and the City of London, lobbying for lower interest rates. Diplomacy is macroeconomic policy, but Nigeria’s missions remain underutilised in lowering national cost of capital.

    The third untapped frontier is the diaspora. Nigerians abroad send over $22 billion annually in remittances, one of Africa’s largest flows. Yet we treat the diaspora as a cash channel, not a strategic asset. Vietnam mobilised its diaspora not only for remittances but also for lobbying power in host countries and technology transfer. India’s diaspora shaped US policy on visas and tech investment.

    Ireland’s diaspora influenced EU positions on trade and migration. Nigeria’s missions, by contrast, seem to treat the diaspora as an administrative burden, a line of citizens waiting for passport renewals. We fail to capture the brain circulation, the technology transfer, and the political leverage that comes from actively integrating our brightest minds abroad.

    This is not a question of budget but of mandate. Nigeria’s missions should be tasked with turning remittances into investment and diaspora influence into policy leverage. Without that clear directive, their potential remains untapped.

    Global shocks are no longer abstract. Nigeria, one of the most climate vulnerable states, has no comparable diplomatic infrastructure to negotiate adaptation finance or migration protections for its citizens abroad. This is an existential gap. Without diplomatic presence, Nigeria absorbs the shocks alone. Migration crises are equally pressing.

    Nigerian citizens abroad often face precarious conditions, yet missions lack the staffing and mandate to negotiate bilateral protections. In a world of tightening borders, diplomacy is the frontline tool for safeguarding citizens. Treating missions as ceremonial undermines Nigeria’s ability to respond to climate and migration shocks that will define the next decades.

    For Nigeria, with its large population, youth bulge, strategic location, and regional influence, diplomatic presence abroad is a necessity, not a luxury.  Every year of drift costs billions in lost investment, weakens security leverage, and leaves diaspora capital untapped. Every delay shrinks our relevance in global governance. Diplomacy, properly framed and funded, is survival work; the shield against risk, the lever for growth, and the bridge to opportunity.

    •Lekan Olayiwola,

    lekanolayiwola@gmail.com

  • 156 additional seats to be injected into parliament

    156 additional seats to be injected into parliament

    •Reserved seats for women get boost

    Nigerian women will gain an additional 156 seats in the parliament across the states and federal levels of the reserved seats for women bill currently before the National Assembly is passed and assented to by the President.

    The reserved seats for women bill, which seeks to amend the 1999 constitution to guarantee special seats for women in the National and state Assemblies, is seen by women advocates as a corrective, temporary and strategic reform bill that will redress decades of gender imbalance in political representation in the country.

    Although the bill seeks to have one seat reserved for women in the House of Representatives and the Senate in each state of the federation and three for women in state Assemblies, The Nation learnt that the Senate is advocating for one reserved seat per geopolitical zone for women in the Senate.

    Speaking at a training for members of the House of Representatives Press Corps organised by the House Committee on Media and Public Affairs in collaboration with TOS Foundation, Special Adviser to the Deputy Speaker on Legislative Matters, Chidozie Aja dispelled insinuations that the bill seeks to provide a platform for women to take over available seats from men.

    He said, “For emphasis, these seats will not replace existing seats, but will expand representation to create room for women at the table of decision-making.  It is important, also important to note that political parties will field only female candidates for these seats. 

    “It is meant to last for 4 election cycles of 16 years in all.  It is a temporary special measure.  However, adjustments being proposed so far may either completely remove the sunset clause or extend the duration.  Summarily, the Bill seeks to alter Sections 48, 49, 71, 77, 91 and 117 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999; and more recently recommended alteration of Section 42.

    “While this is novel in the Nigerian space, this approach has been used successfully by Rwanda, now the global leader with 61% women in Parliament. Other countries that have successfully implemented this approach, in various forms and mixes, include Tanzania, Uganda, Kenya, Burkina Faso and Senegal. 

    “It is important to note that even if additional 74 seats are granted in the Senate and House of Representatives, bringing the total number of seats to 543, it means that Nigeria will only secure 13.6% women representation in the national parliament.  Not an outstanding progress, but significant. 

    “The evidence is clear, countries that adopt structural gender quotas tend to experience stronger representation, better governance, and improved development outcomes”.

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    He explained that the bill will  strengthen democracy, “because democracy thrives when all voices are heard, adding that “currently, Nigerian democracy is functioning with only half of its potential. Women’s inclusion makes democracy deeper, more legitimate, and more stable.

    “Multiple global studies show that when women participate, parliaments pass better health policies, more education-focused laws, stronger social protection frameworks and more community-driven development policies. Simply put, women’s presence improves the quality of governance.

    “Women are critical actors in peacebuilding, especially at the grassroots. Their inclusion helps reduce conflict and improve community resilience. Gender inclusion is also an economic strategy.”

    He said further that a study by the McKinsey Global Institute estimates that Nigeria’s GDP would increase if women were fully included in economic and political life.  The Institute projects US$22.9 billion overall economic gain and 23% overall growth in GDP if Nigeria reduces gender inequality by 2025.

  • ‘Every Nigerian irrespective of faith can benefit from Islamic investment’

    ‘Every Nigerian irrespective of faith can benefit from Islamic investment’

    Alhaji Ibraheem Olayinka Adigun is President, Muassasat Nasrul IIm Wa Da’awat Foundation (MNIDF) and convener of the Muslim Economic Summit (MES 1.0) billed for January 2026. In this interview with Ibrahim Apekhade Yusuf, the Islamic finance advocate, holds the view very strongly too that the Islamic investment, especially non-interest banking, has a lot to offer investors irrespective of their socio religious leanings. Little wonder his organisation is one of those leading in the area of advocacy and awareness drive for such an investment window already gaining traction in the global financial ecosystem. Excerpts:

    What is the nexus between Islamic finance and halal economy?

    First and foremost, we can say that Islamic finance has its roots in the early days of Islam when the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and his companions established a just and equitable system of trade and commerce based on mutual cooperation and mutual benefit. However, it was not until the 20th century that Islamic finance started to take shape as a modern and organised industry.

    In the 1960s and 1970s, several Islamic financial institutions were established in countries such as Egypt, Pakistan, and Malaysia. These institutions were created with the aim of providing an alternative to the conventional banking system, which was seen as incompatible with the principles of Islam. Over the years, the industry has continued to grow and evolve, developing new and innovative financial products and services designed to meet the needs of the Muslim community.

    The 1990s saw a period of rapid growth and expansion for Islamic finance as more and more countries started to adopt the system, and more banks and financial institutions entered the market. This trend has continued into the 21st century, with Islamic finance now being offered in countries worldwide, including Europe, North America, and Asia.

    Currently, the Islamic banking industry has assets of 3.95 trillion dollars, with a projected total asset value of 5.9 trillion dollars by 2026. Popular Islamic finance products include Murabaha (cost-plus financing), Ijara (leasing), and Musharaka (joint venture). Islamic insurance, known as takaful, is also based on the principles of Islamic finance. Islamic bank has a significant global presence, with countries such as Malaysia, Iran, and the UAE being major centers for the industry.

    Today, Islamic finance is a thriving industry that is helping to promote financial inclusion, spur economic growth, and support sustainable development. And with the increasing demand for Shariah-compliant financial products and services, I am confident that the future of Islamic finance will be even brighter.

    To the second leg of your question, yes, Islamic finance is considered halal as it is based on principles and guidelines set by Islamic law (Sharia) and adheres to ethical and moral values. Transactions in Islamic finance are based on profit and loss sharing. It is designed to avoid Riba, Gharar, and Maysir to ensure fairness and justice.

    Coming nearer home, where do you see Nigeria in all of these?

    Nigeria, like other countries of the world have since adopted the different variants of what is called Islamic finance portfolio such as the Sukuk, Takaful insurance, and non-interest capital market instruments. We are beginning to see geometric growth in the number of institutions entering the space. Islamic financing, by design, invests in real assets such as roads, power plants, and digital infrastructure. In Nigeria, for instance, uninterrupted access to electricity could create a trillion-dollar economy.

    Islamic finance has been particularly suited for infrastructure development because it is asset-backed and promotes job creation and sustainable economic value. You will recall that the National Assembly recently approved President Bola Tinubu’s request for the issuance of a $500 million sovereign Sukuk in the international capital market, further signalling Nigeria’s deepening engagement with Islamic finance instruments.

    Your organisation has hinted of plans to host the maiden edition of the Muslim Economic Summit. What is this all about?

    The Muslim Economic Summit is about building a future where no one is left behind. We are creating a generation of Muslim entrepreneurs, professionals, and innovators who can compete globally while remaining true to Islamic values. This is a call to our youth, women, and business owners to seize this opportunity for transformation.

    One of the summit’s most remarkable components is the Pre-Summit Empowerment Training Program, targeted at training over 1,000 youths and women in high-impact skills such as digital marketing, solar installation, mini-import/export, and urban farming. These participants will receive certificates of completion during the summit, marking the start of their journey toward financial independence and ethical entrepreneurship.

    What really inspired the whole idea?

    The inspiration came from the urgent need to address the growing socio-economic challenges within the Muslim Ummah and Nigeria as a whole. Our foundation has been deeply involved in community empowerment, and we realised that faith-based economic collaboration is the next frontier. The Muslim Economic Summit is our response – a structured platform to align faith, finance, and the future. We want to empower young people, women, and businesses to build wealth ethically and sustainably. The timing is good – Nigeria needs practical, value-driven solutions now more than ever.

    MES 1.0 is not just a talkshop; it’s a solution-driven platform. Our goal is to move from theory to action – from prayer to productivity. The summit blends Islamic economic values with modern innovation and entrepreneurship. What makes it unique is that it’s built on sustainability: we are launching a Sustainable Waqf Fund to continue supporting youth and women empowerment long after the event.

    Can you share some of the major activities and programs lined up for the event?

    The summit will feature keynote addresses, lectures, and panel sessions from prominent scholars and industry leaders. We also have a Waqf Fund launch, a certificate presentation ceremony, and a trade fair to showcase halal products and services. In addition, we are flagging off our one-month Pre-Summit Empowerment Training, where over 300 young men and women will be trained in digital marketing, solar and inverter installation, mini-import/export, and urban farming. These are practical, income-generating skills that can transform lives.

    What are the expectations?

    I strongly believe that participants can expect to leave the summit with knowledge, inspiration, and access to real opportunities. Our participants will gain practical exposure to Islamic finance, ethical entrepreneurship, and digital skills. They will also connect with mentors, investors, and institutions that can help them scale their businesses. Beyond that, they will become part of a growing network of empowered Muslim professionals working collectively to improve their communities. The summit seems to have attracted a lot of attention.

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    Besides, we are honoured to welcome a distinguished lineup of guests – Islamic finance experts, scholars, government representatives, and industry leaders. Among our guests are renowned economists, Shariah scholars, development partners, and top executives from Islamic financial institutions. We also have several state and private universities represented. Our communications partner, Modo Ante Consulting, has been instrumental in ensuring this event reaches a national and global audience.

    How will this summit benefit Nigeria’s economy at large?

    At the heart of national growth is human capital development. By training and equipping youths and women with employable skills and entrepreneurial knowledge, we are directly contributing to productivity, job creation, and financial inclusion. From an economic standpoint, MES 1.0 supports the goals of SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth). Every trained participant is a new contributor to GDP, a new taxpayer, and a new innovator. That’s how we move the needle on Nigeria’s Human Development Index (HDI).

    For partners and sponsors, the summit provides immense visibility and brand value. It offers a chance to connect with a large, ethically conscious audience while investing in real social impact. Sponsors can align with empowerment programs, support the Waqf Fund, and enjoy exposure across national and digital platforms. More importantly, they are helping to build a better Nigeria — one empowered citizen at a time. As a prospective partner rightly observed, “MES is where faith meets innovation and impact.”

    What kind of legacy do you hope this summit will leave behind?

    Our goal is to institutionalise the Muslim Economic Summit as an annual platform for empowerment and collaboration. We want to see more young Muslims leading businesses, women running thriving enterprises, and communities practicing ethical prosperity. Ultimately, we want the world to see that Islam is not just about prayer – it is also about productivity, innovation, and compassion. That’s the legacy we are building for the Ummah and for Nigeria.

    The interesting part of the whole thing is that registration is free but compulsory. Interested participants can register through our online platforms or through our partner agencies. We encourage everyone – especially students, entrepreneurs, and women – to join us in person at the University of Lagos Main Auditorium or virtually through our live stream channels.

    What is your last word for Nigerians?

    My message is simple: the future belongs to those who are prepared. Let us combine faith with action, knowledge with enterprise, and unity with purpose. The Muslim Economic Summit is not just for Muslims; it’s a contribution to the national rebirth we all desire. A stronger Ummah means a stronger Nigeria. We pray Allah SWT makes it a successful summit and accepts it as our humble contribution to the cause of Islam and humanity at large.

  • Chelsea join European Chase for Nigerian youngster

    Chelsea join European Chase for Nigerian youngster

    Club World Cup champions Chelsea have entered the race to sign highly rated Nigerian winger Sani Suleiman, joining a host of European clubs monitoring the AS Trencin sensation, as reported by Tribalfootball.

    Suleiman, 19, has been in outstanding form since returning to his Slovak club after representing Nigeria at the U20 World Cup. His recent assist against Skalica earned Trencin a valuable draw and saw him named in the Nike Liga Team of the Week.

    Chelsea’s scouting team have reportedly requested updated information on the young winger, who is attracting growing attention across Europe. Suleiman’s contract runs until June 2026, with Trencin holding a two-year extension option, effectively securing his services until 2028 — a clause that strengthens the club’s hand in any transfer talks.

    Read Also: NFF to revamp youth football structure , says Gusau

    The Nigerian’s impressive displays have also drawn interest from Tottenham Hotspur, Rangers, and Bayer Leverkusen, alongside several Italian clubs making preliminary enquiries.

    According to the CIES Football Observatory, Suleiman was recently rated the most complete U21 winger in the world, based on seven key performance metrics, and ranked among the top 200 U20 outfield players globally.

    With his meteoric rise and increasing demand, this season could mark Suleiman’s final campaign at Trencin, as Europe’s elite continue to circle one of Africa’s brightest young talents.

  • Ghana’s competitive platform rewards Nigerian with N9m

    Ghana’s competitive platform rewards Nigerian with N9m

    Mrs Titilayo Olusola has won N9.102 million in Easywin Nigeria, a Ghana betting platform, through an agent in Sagamu, Ogun State.

     Titilayo shared her excitement, noting she had been playing for sometime.

    “I still can’t believe it! I was at home when I checked my Easywin account and saw the N9.102 million win. I received my money instantly,” she said.

    Read Also: Celebrated on two continents: Akinmulero bags House of Lords humanitarian award, another in Nigeria

    The betting site has built a reputation for fast payout, instant withdrawal, and cashbacks. With user-friendly interface and verified games, users in Nigeria enjoy entertainment and reliable winnings.

    In addition to instant payouts, Easywin Lotto Limited offers the best cashback, ensuring users get a percentage of their stakes back daily, win or lose. This has attracted many users, who see the platform not only as a betting site but also as a rewarding community.

    “We’re thrilled to celebrate another big win,” said a spokesperson for Easywin. “Our goal is to make sure every user enjoys fair gaming, fast withdrawals, and rewards through our cashback system. Grace’s N9.102 million win is proof EasyWin delivers.”

    With players across Nigeria, Easywin stands out as an innovative platform where users can win big, cash out instantly, and enjoy unbeatable bonuses.