Author: gqSbgCfmna

It was truly a privilege to serve on the Convention Planning Committee for the 4th Elective National Convention of the All Progressives Congress held at Eagles Square in Abuja. Being part of such a well-organised, seamless and purposeful event was both fulfilling and inspiring. The level of coordination, attention to detail and commitment from everyone involved reflects the strength and maturity the party has built over the years. I must sincerely commend the leadership and every individual who contributed to making the Convention a success.

More importantly, I was genuinely excited listening to the speech delivered by His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu. It was not just a political address. It was a clear policy statement, a reflection of governance priorities and a roadmap for where the country is headed. What stood out was the balance between honesty about challenges and confidence in the direction of reforms.

From a policy point of view, the President’s speech strongly emphasised unity as the foundation for progress. This is not just political language. It reflects an understanding that policy implementation in a country like Nigeria requires cooperation across regions, institutions and political interests. Without unity, even the best policies fail at execution stage. By placing unity at the centre, the President is signalling that governance success depends on collective responsibility, not just government action.

Another important theme in the speech was institutional strengthening. The President made it clear that the party was not created merely as a vehicle for winning elections, but as a platform for national transformation. This aligns with a policy direction that prioritises strong institutions over individuals. When institutions work properly, policies become sustainable, transparent and more effective over time.

On democracy and political competition, the President’s position was quite instructive. He openly rejected the idea of a one party state and acknowledged the importance of a credible opposition. From a governance perspective, this is critical because strong opposition improves policy quality. It forces the government to think deeper, defend its decisions and remain accountable to the people. This reinforces democratic stability and policy credibility both locally and internationally.

The section addressing the Electoral Act also reflects a commitment to rule of law and due process. By highlighting that the law went through legislative scrutiny and public participation, the President is reinforcing the legitimacy of the electoral framework. This is important for investor confidence and political stability, as credible elections are the backbone of a functioning democracy.

One of the most significant parts of the speech was the explanation of the Renewed Hope Agenda as a governing philosophy rather than just a campaign slogan. This distinction matters. It shows that policies being implemented are not random or reactive, but guided by a clear framework. The emphasis on difficult but necessary reforms, such as removing unsustainable subsidies and correcting economic distortions, reflects a long term approach to economic management.

The President’s economic policy direction came out strongly in his discussion of reforms and results. He highlighted improvements in infrastructure, including roads, seaports and airports. These are not just physical projects. They are productivity enablers that reduce the cost of doing business, improve trade and support economic growth.

He also spoke about tax and fiscal reforms. This is a key policy area because government revenue determines the ability to fund development. By reforming the tax system, the government is trying to create a more efficient and fair structure that supports growth while increasing revenue.

Another important policy signal was the focus on social investment programmes. This shows an awareness that reforms can be difficult for citizens in the short term. Social programmes help cushion the impact and ensure that vulnerable populations are not left behind. This balance between reform and social protection is critical for sustainable policy success.

The President also touched on macroeconomic stability. He mentioned improvements in foreign exchange buffers, trade surpluses, declining inflation and growing investor confidence. These indicators suggest that the policy direction is beginning to stabilise the economy. Stability is important because it creates a predictable environment for businesses, investors and households.

Energy and electricity challenges were also acknowledged openly. This is important because power remains one of Nigeria’s biggest structural problems. The proposed establishment of the Grid Asset Management Company shows a policy move towards restructuring and investment in transmission infrastructure. Addressing this issue will have wide impact across industries, job creation and overall economic performance.

Another strong policy area in the speech was youth inclusion. The President did not just describe young people as the future, but emphasised their role as present day contributors and decision makers. This is a shift towards more inclusive governance, where policies are shaped with active youth participation. Given Nigeria’s demographics, this is both necessary and strategic.

Similarly, his message to women reflects a policy direction towards gender inclusion. Expanding opportunities for women in leadership and governance is not just about fairness. It improves decision making, strengthens institutions and contributes to economic development. Empowering women is widely recognised as a key driver of national progress.

The President also focused on internal party democracy and discipline. While this may seem political, it has policy implications. Strong party structures often translate into more organised governance, clearer policy direction and better accountability within government systems.

His closing message about integrity, leadership and responsibility for those elected at the Convention reinforces the importance of ethical governance. Policies can only succeed when leaders implement them with sincerity, discipline and a sense of responsibility to the people.

Overall, the speech presents a government that is focused on long term reforms, institutional strength, economic stability and inclusive growth. It acknowledges challenges but frames them as part of a necessary transition towards a stronger and more resilient Nigeria.

It was an address that combined political messaging with clear policy direction, and it leaves a strong sense that the administration is committed to staying the course, improving systems and delivering measurable progress for Nigerians.

Ramadan is a sacred season marked by reflection, generosity, and togetherness. Throughout the holy month, Muslims gathered at Sahur and Iftar, sharing meals, supporting one another, and embracing acts of kindness in pursuit of spiritual fulfilment.

This year, as these moments unfolded across communities in Nigeria, Knorr brought its annual ‘Share The Good’ campaign to life, reaching over 33,000 Muslims with meaningful experiences.

Throughout the season, the seasoning brand showed up where it mattered most, joining fasting Muslims across the country in breaking their fast through scheduled Iftar visits to mosques and community centres with the ‘Share The Good’ bus, which made stops in Ogun, Oyo, Lagos, Abuja, Ondo, Kano, Kaduna, Kwara, and Adamawa. From sharing warm meals to quiet acts of kindness that brought people together, each interaction reflected the deeper spirit of Ramadan: generosity, gratitude, and togetherness.

Knorr’s Share the Good extended beyond physical gatherings into everyday life. Through weekly interactive cooking sessions on Instagram, Knorr invited families to bring the experience home by offering practical recipes for Sahur and Iftar, while encouraging more mindful, nourishing meals throughout the fasting period.

Recognising that connection also means staying in touch, especially during a busy season of movement, Knorr introduced the Share The Good Wi-Fi Initiative, providing free internet access to more than 10,000 people at key train stations along the Lagos-Ibadan and Abuja-Kaduna routes on the 18th and 19th of February. Other key locations included bus terminals and high-traffic communal spaces such as the Ikeja bus park, the Blue Line rail, YabaTech hostels, the MMA2 food court, and NRC rail lines. Designed to support commuters and travellers, this initiative ensured that even on the move, people could remain connected to what matters, whether it was to reach loved ones or stay informed. Knorr also distributed tasty meals to commuters upon arrival at their destinations.

As Ramadan drew to a close, Knorr joined Muslim faithful at several prayer grounds across the country to commemorate the successful completion of the holy month. From the NASFAT Prayer Ground along Ibadan Expressway and the Lagos State Secretariat Eid Ground, Alausa, to Quareeb Ajayi Farm Eid Ground, Ikeja; Teslim Balogun Eid Ground; Lugbe Eid Ground; Barbara Eid Ground; Agga Islamic Centre, Yola; Kano Pillars Stadium, Sabon Gari; Yidi Ground, Oba Ile Road, Akure; Central Eid Praying Ground, Agodi Gate, Ibadan; and Ilorin New Yidi Road, Ilorin.

Reflecting on this year’s ‘Share the Good’ campaign, Foods Demand Creation Lead at Unilever Plc, Damilola Dania, said, ‘Ramadan is a time that brings people closer through shared reflection, generosity, and community. Through ‘Share The Good’, we remain focused on showing up in meaningful ways, from sharing meals at Iftar tables to connecting with people in their homes and supporting them even while on the move. As we continue to expand our reach, our goal remains to create moments that reflect the kindness and togetherness that define the season.’

The brand rep further reinforced this commitment during a Ramadan special episode of Rubbin’ Minds TV show on Channels TV with Zainab Aderounmu, where she spoke on the full scope of Knorr’s ‘Share the Good’ Ramadan campaign. She also touched on how the success of this campaign clearly reflects Knorr’s meaningful impact and intentionality across Nigeria over the years.

Through Ramadan and beyond, Knorr continues to play a meaningful role in strengthening the bonds that unite families and communities. With a significant initiative like ‘Share The Good’, the brand remains committed to making wholesome meals more accessible while nurturing a culture of generosity, kindness and connection.

Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Ltd (PINL), the surveillance contractor for the Trans-Niger Pipeline (TNP), has cautioned that any team found involved in sabotage risks contract termination and legal action.

Dr Akpos Mezeh, PINL’s General Manager for Community and Stakeholder Relations, gave the warning during a meeting with host communities in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State. He highlighted a rise in vandalism and crude oil theft along the pipeline.

Mezeh noted that preliminary investigations into two recent oil theft incidents indicate a ‘coordinated conspiracy,’ and emphasized that all responsible parties will be held accountable once the investigation concludes.

His words, ‘we’re currently faced with an unpleasant situation, and I must use this opportunity to sound a strong warning to all our contractors and surveillance teams. Recently, at Atali axis – zone 4, two tankers were intercepted while attempting to load crude. It was only through the effectiveness of our backup intelligence system that this operation was foiled, otherwise, those trucks would have successfully loaded.

‘Preliminary findings point to a possible coordinated conspiracy. Let me be clear, once investigations are concluded, everyone found culpable will be brought to justice, and no one will be spared.

‘Furthermore, in Bayelsa State, at Otukpoti axis zone 9, we recorded yet another case of sabotage arising from negligence on the part of our surveillance guards. This is unacceptable. Let this serve as a clear and firm warning to all contractors and operatives that, any act of negligence, compromise, or collusion will not be tolerated.

Continuing, ‘ Going forward, any contractor found wanting will not only lose their contract but will also face full prosecution under the law. At the same time, we must continue to strengthen collaboration. The community intelligence systems have significantly enhanced information flow and improved response times’.

He promised to sustain advocacy for the provision of floating petrol and gas stations in riverine communities in Bayelsa state.

He called for enhanced collaboration between host communities, security agencies, government institutions, and pipeline operators to ensure success of securing critical national assets.

He said, ‘At PINL, we hold firmly to one guiding principle-Community Partnership is National Security. When Communities Protect Infrastructure, they Protect Livelihoods, National Revenue, and the Future of our Country’.

Mezeh highlighted the role of the nation’s energy sector in national development and economic stability.

‘According to the latest operational report released by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), the national oil company recorded a profit after tax of N385 billion in January 2026, generating N2.571 trillion in revenue and remitting N726 billion to the Federation Account during the same period after 1.64 million barrels per day production.

‘These figures demonstrate renewed operational efficiency and improved performance across Nigeria’s oil and gas sector. This improvement was driven largely by the successful completion of maintenance operations at key onshore facilities.

‘Nigeria also recorded encouraging progress in natural gas production, which increased to 7,283 million standard cubic feet per day, compared to 6,914 million standard cubic feet per day recorded in December 2025. Gas sales strengthened as well, reaching approximately 4,978 million standard cubic feet per day, reflecting improved supply to power plants, industrial consumers, and export markets’.

Mezeh said the firm will remain committed to promoting initiatives that improve the welfare of host communities and foster inclusive participation, including capacity building training for community-based contractors, prioritizing collaboration just as he noted that security was a shared responsibility

‘We’ll have more youth participation in pipeline protection activities, women-focused economic empowerment programmes, educational support through scholarship schemes.

‘Several interventions have been implemented, including, Scholarship programmes for students, Women empowerment initiatives, Medical outreach programmes, Distribution of humanitarian support and palliatives, We recognize that young people remain critical stakeholders in the future of our communities and for this reason, PINL is proposing a comprehensive Youth Skills Acquisition Programme in 2026 across our states of operations.

‘We also acknowledge stakeholder feedback regarding the women empowerment programme, particularly the need for faster disbursement. And so we’ re currently working closely with Premium Trust Bank, and payments will commence as soon as possible’, Mezeh reiterated.

In a goodwill message, Chairman of the State’s Traditional Rulers Council, HRM King Bubaraye Dakolo(Agada IV), praised the firm on its relentless efforts in developing oil and gas host communities for the better.

He praised the firm for its various initiatives aimed at bringing succour and awareness to host communities, calling on other oil and gas companies to emulate PINL to give relief to communities within their catchment areas.

The maiden edition of the Black Merit Awards is set to hold tomorrow, Sunday, March 29, 2026, at the Shell Zenith Hall, MUSON Centre, Onikan, Lagos.

According to a statement by the Creative Director and Founder of the awards, Mrs Oluwatoyin Black, the Black Merit Awards is a prestigious annual event aimed at celebrating outstanding individuals of African descent who have demonstrated excellence, innovation, and impact across various fields.

Black noted that the awardees cut across sectors, from the arts to enterprise, science to social advocacy, adding that the initiative is designed to spotlight Black excellence and amplify voices shaping the future.

She revealed that some of the honourees include the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, who will receive the Black Merit Grand Medal Distinguished Leader Award; veteran actor, Alhaji Adebayo Salami, as an Iconic Legend; and Daddy Showkey as the Street Music Icon.

Other awardees include Yemi Solade, Mercy Aigbe, Ruggedman, and Obesere, among others.

‘The awards are about celebrating our stories, honouring our greatness, and inspiring future generations.

‘It is also designed to showcase excellence in leadership, recognise visionaries transforming industries and communities, highlight creative innovation by artists pushing boundaries, and celebrate change makers building a more equitable world, as well as rising stars making early impact and icons whose enduring contributions continue to inspire,’ she said.

Black further stated that the platform aims to bridge continents by bringing global attention to Black excellence across Africa and the diaspora.

‘Whether in Lagos, London, Atlanta, or Accra, the Black Merit Awards serve as a beacon of celebration.

‘Representation is not just visibility; it is validation. By recognising those who dare to lead, create, and uplift, the awards foster pride, motivation, and cultural preservation.

‘Our goal is to celebrate excellence globally by honouring individuals, organisations, and initiatives that authentically represent and shape the narrative of the Black experience across the world,’ she added.

Popular social media personality and AI-themed content creator, Amadou Aminata aka Jarvis, has debunked the notion that content creation is easy, stressing that it requires deliberate effort, creativity and strategic thinking.

Jarvis made this known while speaking as a panelist at The Creative Blueprint masterclass hosted by Funke Akindele on Thursday, March 19.

According to her, many people underestimate the work that goes into building engaging digital content, often assuming it only involves recording and posting videos.

‘Creating content is not easy. The misconception people have is that it’s just about picking up your phone, making a video and posting. That’s not what real content creation is,’ she said.

She explained that her journey began as a TikTok streamer, where she initially created casual, conversational content but struggled to retain audience attention.

‘I started as a normal person who came online to talk. It was engaging at first, but my audience wasn’t sticking with me,’ she added.

Jarvis noted that her breakthrough came when she began to rethink her content strategy and identify what could set her apart in a crowded digital space.

‘I asked myself what I could do differently to keep people glued and entertained. That was how the AI robotic content came about,’ she said.

She added that the shift paid off, as audience engagement grew significantly, with viewers actively watching and interacting with her content.

‘It was exciting to see people connect with something new,’ she said.

Comedian Oluwaseyitan Aletile, popularly known as Seyi Law, has lauded President Bola Tinubu’s administration for its economic and administrative progress.

Speaking at the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Convention on Friday, Seyi cited significant growth in Nigeria’s foreign reserves, removal of the fuel subsidy, and unification of the FX market as notable achievements.

He praised Tinubu’s bold moves, including scrapping the fuel subsidy regime on inauguration day, and launching the student loan scheme, which benefits almost 1 million students.

He also highlighted the establishment of tuition-free technical colleges and massive infrastructure development, including several superhighways.

He said, ‘Today, ladies and gentlemen in education, Mr President has built several technical colleges across the nation, tuition-free for all the students; hence, students from federal technical colleges are receiving salaries up to the fee of 45,000 naira.’

The Comedian also cited the massive expansion of Nigeria’s road network, linking major economic hubs through what he described as an ‘ambitious super highway’ project.

‘Ladies and gentlemen, this is the president who decided that this nation will continue to thrive and is staking up giant infrastructural development. Today we are talking about the Lagos-Calabar costal highway of about 700km roads, we are talking about the 1000km Sokoto-badagry highway, we are talking about the repair and rehabilitation of the Sagamu- IJebu Ode- Ore highway. We are talking about the Ebonyi-Calabar Abuja super highway, we are talking about the Benin-Asaba rehabilitation. We are talking about the Iwo road to Ilesa to Akure super highway,’ Seyi Law noted.

The comedian expressed pride in Tinubu’s leadership, stating he has brought Nigeria back from economic collapse.

He urged Nigerians to applaud Tinubu’s efforts, emphasising systematic tackling of corruption.

Seyi Law said, ‘Nigeria was introduced, and I said to myself if I were to introduced Mr President how would I do it and I just said that this is a man that I’m willing to stake everything for because he is the man that brought Nigeria back from the brink of economy collapse when our net foreign reserve stood at barely 1 billion dollar but today we celebrate a net foreign reserve that is about 40billion dollar and a gross foreign reserve that is about 50.7billion US dollar.

‘I think Mr President deserve a round of applause. Ladies and gentlemen, corruption doesn’t just roll away; you tackle it systematically. And today I’m proud to say on the first day of his inauguration, he systematically tackled corruption by stopping the fuel subsidy regime. I think he deserves a round of applause.’

He added, ‘Ladies and gentlemen, he didn’t stop there; he looked at the nation, and our foreign exchange was eating deep into the nation, and he floated the foreign exchange. Ladies and gentlemen, the black market and the real market have been unified.

‘He is the man that understood education and that is why he said that the 4 year term will be 4 years and today with the agreement between ASUU and the federal government i can tell you boldly that this is the only administration that has the shortest strike ever with just 9days strike and today ladies and gentlemen, our student in the universities receive NELFUND loan. Almost 1 million students are already benefitting, and they are receiving a 20,000 naira monthly stipend.’

The Acting Country Director of Action Against Hunger (ACF) Nigeria, Andualem Fekadu, has commended the economic transformation drive of Bola Ahmed Tinubu under the Renewed Hope Agenda, describing it as a key enabler in addressing longstanding gaps in Nigeria’s social protection system.

Fekadu said the administration’s reform-oriented policies are reshaping the socio-economic landscape, creating pathways for inclusive growth and improved welfare delivery, particularly for vulnerable groups such as women, youth, persons with disabilities, and the elderly.

He spoke at the close-out ceremony of an Action Against Hunger project in Jigawa State, noting that the initiative aligns with the Federal Government’s broader economic reforms aimed at strengthening social protection frameworks for greater impact.

According to him, the Renewed Hope Agenda has provided clear policy direction and institutional backing to promote inclusive governance and expand opportunities for marginalised populations historically excluded from policy processes.

Fekadu also commended Umar Namadi for promoting transparency, accountability, and prudent resource management, particularly through the implementation of his 12-point agenda focused on economic empowerment and social inclusion.

He added that the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office-funded Inclusive Social Protection System and Promoting Rights-Based Interventions project has significantly enhanced participatory governance in the state.

The ACF boss noted that the intervention was deliberately designed to tackle structural gaps in the social protection system, especially the systemic exclusion of vulnerable groups due to socio-cultural barriers, weak civic engagement and limited institutional frameworks.

‘The project has strengthened the capacity of government institutions, civil society organisations and community-based groups to influence, implement and monitor social protection programmes using a rights-based approach,’ he said.

Fekadu listed key strategies deployed to include inclusive data capture for improved representation of marginalised groups in social registers, as well as targeted training on human rights, gender equality and inclusion for government officials and civil society actors.

He added that grassroots advocacy initiatives empowered women, PWDs and older persons to actively participate in decision-making processes affecting their welfare.

Other components of the intervention, he said, included organisational capacity assessments, advocacy campaigns and structured learning engagements coordinated through the Social Protection Technical Working Group (TWG).

Fekadu further disclosed that the project strengthened the technical and institutional capacity of key Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), including the Ministry of Budget and Planning, Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and the State Operations Coordinating Unit (SOCU), while promoting inclusive policy reforms through sustained advocacy.

Highlighting outcomes, he said there were marked improvements across key thematic areas between baseline and endline assessments.

‘Government actors have transitioned from limited technical capacity and weak coordination to improved competencies in programme design, stakeholder engagement and policy dialogue,’ he stated.

He added that institutional frameworks have become more coherent, with enhanced coordination mechanisms and gradual adoption of inclusive tools, replacing previously fragmented systems.

Fekadu noted that capacity development planning has evolved into structured, evidence-based processes, while awareness and integration of rights-based approaches into social protection programming have significantly improved.

On broader impacts, he said the project strengthened multi-sectoral coordination through TWG platforms, enhanced social protection information systems and empowered civil society groups, including community-based organisations and disabled persons organisations, to engage in advocacy and monitoring.

Fourteen-Year-Old rising rapper, Boluwatife Balogun aka Champz, has said his ambition is to inspire both young and older generations.

The teenage artist made this known during a recent chat with Apple Music’s Africa Now Radio.

‘It feels really good. Someone my age doing stuff like this, and being able to inspire my peers, people younger and older than me,’ Champz said.

Speaking further, the first son of Afrobeats star Wizkid added, ‘I just want to be the one to tell you that you can do it anytime. Once you push for your goals, you can achieve them at any time. You always have to keep going.’

On his latest extended play (EP), ‘Young Poet’, Champz described the project as a declaration of intent.

‘This new EP is like I’m solidifying my place. It’s to let everyone know that I’m really doing this. I’m not playing any games anymore. I’m doing this for real.

‘With this whole EP, it’s kind of like a statement piece for me. Not everyone can do what I do, and I want everyone to know that.’

He also expressed his desire for his music to connect with a wide audience.

‘To all the supporters of Champz and everyone who’s going to listen to ‘Young Poet’, I pray for you. I pray you can find meaning in my music. I pray you can dance to my music. If you want to go to the gym, I pray you can work out to my music. I just want everyone to enjoy my music at any time, any place, any day,’ he said.

WHAT are the lessons you have learned so far in your short span as a politician?

First, although politics should be about improving citizens’ lives, that is not always the case in Nigeria. Many participants are driven by personal or narrow interests.

Second, money plays a decisive role. Political success is often determined by financial capacity or sponsorship. Even at the level of party primaries, the highest bidder typically wins. The 2023 general election offered some exceptions through the Obidient Movement, where some candidates succeeded in winning elections to represent their constituencies at the National Assembly without heavy spending, but those cases remain limited.

Third, truthfulness is often compromised. While there are exceptions, many politicians do not uphold the values they publicly profess.

However, there are also examples of good governance. In Abia State, Governor Alex Otti is making a difference. He is investing in infrastructure, education, and public services. One key factor is that he does not appear to be heavily burdened by political godfathers. That allows him to use public resources more effectively for the people rather than servicing political obligations.

That model should be replicated. We need technocrats-people with proven competence-who can deliver results in governance.

What concrete steps can move Nigeria from its current preoccupation with multiethnic nationalities towards a sense of nationhood?

Unity is essential for development. Nigerians are hardworking and resilient, but leadership must harness these qualities and create a shared sense of identity.

If given the opportunity to lead, I would begin with a period of national reflection-possibly a week of prayer and fasting-because we have serious challenges and need collective introspection.

After that, I would ensure inclusive governance through balanced appointments across geopolitical zones.

I would also convene a constituent assembly made up of representatives from Nigeria’s ethnic groups-whether 250 or 300. They could meet in neutral locations such as Obudu Cattle Ranch or Yankari Game Reserve to deliberate freely.

Their mandate would be to answer fundamental questions: Do we want to remain one country? If yes, under what kind of constitution? If not, what peaceful arrangements can be made?

The idea that Nigeria’s unity is ‘non-negotiable’ should not prevent honest dialogue. People should have a voice in determining how they are governed.

Vote-buying is becoming part and parcel of elections in Nigeria. What would it take to break the monetisation cycle, given that poverty drives vote-buying?

We must address the problem from its roots-starting with party primaries. If candidates emerge through transparent and credible processes, the influence of money will reduce.

Leadership is also critical. When leaders refuse to engage in vote-buying and enforce rules, others will follow. At present, the system often enables and even encourages it.

Given the experience Nigerians are going through at the moment, where do you see the country in the next 10 or 20 years?

I see this from two perspectives-economic and political. Economically, Nigeria appears to be moving in the right direction through reforms such as deregulation. These reforms can reduce distortions, discourage rent-seeking, and encourage productivity.

As the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) chairman, our proposition for many years has been to deregulate the economy, so that we can reward hard work and stop corruption. In the past, people made money through round tripping in foreign exchange or fuel subsidies. That is not possible today.

However, these reforms come with pain and must be matched by fiscal discipline. Government spending must align with revenue. We must reduce waste, tackle corruption, and ensure value for money. More resources should benefit citizens rather than sustaining the political class.

If we sustain these reforms and manage resources prudently, Nigeria could see increased investment, improved revenue, and reduced borrowing over time.

Politically, however, the outlook is less certain. If the current trends continue, Nigeria risks becoming a one-party state, thereby weakening democratic competition and accountability.

For Nigeria to achieve its potential in the next 10 to 20 years, economic reforms must be complemented by political reforms-stronger institutions, credible elections, and leadership committed to national interest.

Only then can the country translate its vast human and natural resources into real development.

In what way did your encounter with an elderly American in 1986 affect your life or shape your worldview? You attended a conference in America, and he asked you why Nigeria is always in the news for the wrong reasons, despite its high educational standards and a pool of very smart people.

The Christian worldview has always dominated my life. I grew up as someone who loves his nation and respects constituted authority. One of the things we are taught is order, hierarchy, and obedience to authority. As a Christian, you are compelled to pray for your nation and your leaders-whether they are good or bad. I also believe strongly that God created each of us with a purpose: to join Him as co-creators, to solve problems, and to continue the good work He began by deploying the wisdom and power He has placed in us.

That belief drives me. Whatever I do, I try to do it as if I am doing it for God, not for men. I do not distinguish between small and big assignments; I take every responsibility seriously.

By the time I attended that conference in the United States in 1986, I was the Group Sales Manager for Pfizer. Within five to six years, I had risen from entry-level to senior management because I was determined to give my best at all times. At that conference, I performed very well and was eventually nominated as the best-performing sales manager among participants from 106 countries.

After the event, an elderly American congratulated me and asked where I studied. I said the University of Ife. He asked, ‘University of where?’ I repeated, ‘University of Ife, in Nigeria.’ He seemed surprised and asked whether Nigeria had good universities. I told him we had many and began to name them. He then said, ‘If you have such universities and someone like you, then there must be many smart people in Nigeria.’ I replied that there were millions.

Then he asked a question that changed my thinking: ‘Why is your country the way it is?’

That question stayed with me. For the first time, I became conscious of the gap between where I was coming from and what I had just experienced.

When I returned to Nigeria and landed at Murtala Muhammed Airport, the contrast hit me immediately. The heat, the poor infrastructure, the dirty toilets with no water, the inability to flush, and the litter scattered around-all these were things I had seen before but taken for granted. The arrival hall was over-crowded, passengers packed tightly, people jostling. I waited about an hour for my luggage on a wobbly conveyor belt. Outside, taxi drivers crowded around, each trying to outdo the other.

In contrast, in the United States or Europe, systems were organised. By the time you reached the baggage hall, your luggage was already there. You exited smoothly and got a taxi without stress.

That experience changed my perspective. I realised that Nigeria cannot remain this way. If we have good universities and intelligent people, then something is fundamentally wrong with how we organise ourselves. I concluded that we must take responsibility for improving our country.

I began to believe that change may not be a one-day or one-man job, but if each person improves their immediate environment, the country will improve. At the Lagos Business School, we talk about building ‘an oasis of sanity’ around us. If many people build such oases, they can eventually merge into something bigger-a force that transforms the nation.

That encounter made me reject mediocrity and inspired my vision of a ‘new Nigeria’-a country that competes with the rest of the world and reflects its true potential.

The most defining moment of your corporate experience came in 1997 when Pfizer International reduced its Nigerian operations, and you became CEO of Neimeth International almost overnight. In what way did the difficulties you experienced initially shape your ideas about leadership?

That period was a major training ground for me. When things are normal, learning is limited. It is when storms come that leadership is tested and refined.

Before 1997, as CEO of Pfizer Nigeria and Regional Manager for West Africa, operations were stable. Funding was readily available. If we needed money, Pfizer International would arrange it through banks, and we didn’t have to worry about the terms or structure.

But after the management buyout on May 14, everything changed. We had to raise about $300 million. I was asked to lead the process, but I personally had very little capital-perhaps about $20,000 at most. Convincing banks and stakeholders became a major challenge.

Once Pfizer exited, the company became a third-party entity, and banks became cautious. The company could have collapsed if all the banks had called in their loans. However, because of the goodwill we had built, some banks were willing to take a risk.

Still, the burden was enormous. We had multiple loans-both operational and those used to acquire shares. We initially performed well and even paid dividends in the first two years. But by the third year, we recorded losses, and the situation became difficult.

That period forced me to learn financial engineering, frugality, and resilience. I learned how to manage scarce resources and make tough decisions. There were times we delayed salaries to clear goods at the port because if production stopped, the company would collapse.

I also learned the importance of sharing leadership. Initially, I was both Chairman and CEO, carrying too much responsibility. When it became overwhelming, I relinquished the chairmanship to someone else. That decision strengthened the organisation.

The experience improved my managerial and leadership capacity significantly. Without going through those stormy waters, I might never have developed the depth of leadership I eventually attained.

At what point did you realise that your advocacy through NESG, Vision 2010, Vision 2020, and as a columnist was not making much impact, and that you must enter politics to effect change?

My journey into advocacy began after a difficult year when my company recorded losses. Until then, I had succeeded consistently, so the experience was unsettling. Later, I discovered that many companies also recorded losses-it was a recession. That made me realise that no business can outperform its environment indefinitely.

That insight drew me into advocacy through platforms like NESG, NECA, and my column writing.

However, a turning point came when former President Muhammadu Buhari removed the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Walter Onnoghen. To me, it raised fundamental constitutional concerns. How can one arm of government act against another in that manner?

I wrote an article titled ‘To your tent, O Israel,’ but I chose not to publish it because I felt it might worsen tensions. That was when I stopped writing and began to reconsider my approach.

Actress Adeola Yusuf Kafirat Omashalewa, popularly known as Basira Beere, has shared details of her experiences with pregnancy losses and challenges in her marital life.

Speaking in a recent interview on Oyinmomo TV, the actress said she was misinformed about marriage while growing up, noting that she had believed it revolved solely around sex due to what her parents told her.

Beere disclosed that she has suffered four pregnancy losses, including one she was initially unaware of, and recounted a difficult experience involving a man she said deceived her.

She also spoke about the emotional toll of these experiences, admitting she continues to grapple with the trauma.

She said, ‘My parents really misled me. How do I even begin to recount the number of times I’ve had sex? It’s not possible to have been married to these men without them having sex with me. I believed marriage was for sex, not for learning. To me, the ‘lesson’ in marriage was having sex morning and night.

‘I was once pregnant without knowing, because I was still having my period. I was deceived by flowers on the 14th of February. When I later discovered I was pregnant, they summoned the man responsible, and he admitted he already knew. His mother had even suspected it from observing my legs when I visited their house. I have lost four pregnancies’, she said.