Author: Nouman Ali

Nigeria’s Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, has issued a strong appeal for accelerated action on economic reforms and domestic resource mobilization across Africa to finance development and job creation.

Speaking on the sidelines of the G20 Investment Breakfast Dialogue in Johannesburg, the Minister stated unequivocally that, ‘we must accelerate bold economic reforms and strengthen domestic resource mobilisation to finance investments, jobs, and long-term development.’

Delivering the keynote address at a forum convened by MTN, which included CEOs from South Africa, the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC), and various development partners, Edun noted that the continent is meeting at a moment of ‘profound global economic change’ demanding coordinated action, deeper regional collaboration, and an investment climate built on stability and reform.

The Minister outlined four major disruptions currently reshaping the prospects of developing regions. First, global trade dynamics are being rewritten, with the established rules that supported the rise of economies like China, India, and Brazil changing rapidly.

Second, capital flows to emerging markets have tightened dramatically. Citing African Development Bank estimates, he pointed out that many developing economies now pay more in debt service than they receive in development assistance. Africa alone is projected to pay about $163 billion in debt servicing in 2024, while total foreign direct investment is less than $100 billion.

At the same time, technology is disrupting labour markets and reshaping the future of work, a worrisome trend for a continent where the median age is just 20, and millions of young Africans require jobs, skills, and opportunities.

Finally, he said the world faces a paradox of ‘insufficient resources to fight poverty, yet abundant resources to fight climate change’ – resources that often bypass Africa despite its disproportionate vulnerability to climate shocks.

Using Nigeria as a case study, the Minister described a disciplined programme of reforms that the country has embarked upon since May 2023, aimed at building a modern and competitive economy.

Nigeria’s strategy, he explained, rests on two key pillars: establishing macroeconomic stability so private investment can thrive, and increasing government savings to expand investments in education, healthcare, and infrastructure.

To this end, the government implemented several difficult but necessary decisions, including the removal of fuel subsidies, the liberalization of the foreign exchange market, landmark tax reforms, and structural adjustments across key sectors such as energy, power, logistics, education, and industrialization.

‘All these reforms have one purpose,’ Edun said, ‘to build a competitive economy where private capital is rewarded, innovation is encouraged, and businesses have the confidence to invest.’

Edun told investors that Nigeria is beginning to see clear signs of economic recovery and stabilization. He reported that Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew by 4.23 percent in Q2 2025, significantly up from 3.1 percent in Q2 2024 and 2.51 percent in Q2 2023. Inflation, though still elevated, has been consistently moderating since March 2025, reaching 16.05 percent by October. External reserves have also risen to $46.3 billion.

‘These indicators carry a simple message,’ the Minister proclaimed. ‘Nigeria is more stable, more predictable, and more investable than it has been in many years.’

He acknowledged, however, that the reforms have posed challenges for vulnerable populations. To cushion the impact, the government has expanded direct benefit transfers to 15 million households, with approximately nine million already receiving cash support.

The forum received positive feedback from the business community. MTN Group CEO, Ralph Mupita, described Nigeria as a ‘true African success story,’ noting that the country accounts for 35-40 percent of MTN’s business and serves 85 million customers. He further encouraged South African investors to leverage Nigeria’s reform momentum.

Similarly, the NIPC’s Executive Secretary, Aisha Rimi, credited President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s reforms for establishing the foundation for accelerated growth.

She stated that many of the long-standing issues affecting South Africa-Nigeria investment relations are now being addressed through the bi-national commission. Representatives from South Africa’s Department of Trade and Investment mirrored this view.

Governors from Nasarawa, Gombe, Kaduna, and Plateau States also made presentations, showcasing opportunities in agriculture, mining, transportation, and tourism. They noted that the federal reforms have expanded fiscal space for state-level investment, enabling a pivot toward value-added industries rather than raw material exports.

In his closing remarks, Minister Edun concluded that Nigeria has ‘laid the foundation for a modern, resilient, private-sector-led economy,’ with a medium-term ambition of achieving at least 7 percent growth driven by private investment.

Senator Sunday Marshal Katung (Kaduna South) said his loyalty to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu runs deeper than party lines, declaring that he would have vigorously campaigned for the president’s re-election even if he had remained in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Katung, who recently defected to the ruling party, said gratitude, not political calculation, drove his decision, noting that Tinubu’s interventions in Southern Kaduna within 18 months surpassed anything previous administrations had delivered.

The Senator, in a chat with journalists at the weekend, said, ‘Even if I stayed in PDP, I would have still worked 100 per cent for President Tinubu. No President, living or dead, has done for my people what he has done.’

He listed the establishment of a Federal University in his district, its College of Medicine, and a Federal Medical Centre as unprecedented legacy projects that will ‘outlive everyone.’

According to him, after consulting widely with stakeholders back home, the consensus was that supporting Tinubu fully was the right and honourable thing to do.

‘Remaining in PDP while working for him would have amounted to antipathy. My people said when someone does this much for you, you don’t stand aside,’ he said.

Beyond politics, Katung said one of his strongest motivations in the Senate is his revived sickle cell bill, which he described as a deeply personal mission dating back more than three decades.

He recounted a 1991 encounter with a child battling a sickle cell crisis who pleaded with his parents to ‘allow him to die so they could rest,’ a moment he said has haunted and driven him ever since.

Katung first attempted to sponsor the bill in 2016 while in the House of Representatives, but it stalled. Now, he insists, the legislation must be completed because ‘too many people have died needlessly.’

He also recalled the case of the late Kaduna Military Administrator, General Mukhtar, whose children died one after the other from sickle cell crises-an experience he described as painfully unforgettable.

The Senator disclosed that a public hearing on the bill is scheduled for Monday, after which the National Assembly will conclude work and forward it to the President for assent.

The bill proposes treatment centres in every local government area, centres of excellence across the six geopolitical zones, and policies to boost local production of critical sickle cell medication currently sourced from London.

Katung praised religious institutions for insisting on premarital genotype screening but said mandatory testing should emerge from stakeholder submissions to avoid unnecessary sensitivities.

He revealed that his NGO currently supports about 55 sickle cell patients under the care of a public-health physician, adding that he does it as a personal sacrifice, not for publicity.

Speaking on constituency challenges, Katung lamented that Kauru and Sanga Local Government Areas remain among the most neglected parts of the country, with communities lacking motorable roads.

He narrated how a 15-minute journey in the area often becomes a four-hour ordeal, and how he was moved to tears last year when he crossed the same river that previously claimed the lives of students trying to reach school.

The senator emphasised that his priorities include roads, healthcare facilities, and electrification, stressing that bottom-up planning and genuine community engagement are key to curbing insecurity and youth restiveness in the region.

Pedro Neto and Enzo Fernandez delivered a comfortable 2-0 win at Burnley to lift Chelsea to second in the Premier League.

The opener came when Neto met Jamie Gittens’ cross at the far post, while Fernandez sealed victory with a late run into the box after a counter-attack involving Neto and substitute Marc Guiu.

The Blues rarely moved out of second gear during the 90 minutes and were able to rest unused substitute Moises Caicedo, with matches against Barcelona and Arsenal to come.

However, resting players looked a gamble early on as Burnley started brightly, with Jaidon Anthony having two early shots blocked and Loum Tchaouna forcing a save from Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez with a strike from the edge of the box.

Chelsea started slowly and tested Burnley keeper Martin Dubvravka with a tame long-range effort from Trevoh Chalobah.

The Southwest Arewa Community for Asiwaju 2027 has pledged 600,000 votes for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu should he seeks re-election in 2027.

The group made this promise during South-West Stakeholders’ Summit. held at the Ndubuisi Kanu Park, Alausa.

Senior Special Assistant to the President on Political and Other Matters, Alhaji Ibrahim Kabir Masari, hailed the community for supporting President Tinubu’s bid to turn around the country.

Masari praised the South-West Arewa initiative for its loyalty and its strategic efforts towards the success of the Renewed Hope Agenda.

The venue brimmed as thousands of enthusiastic Arewa residents from across the Southwest, showcasing an impressive display of unity, commitment and renewed loyalty to President Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC).

He said, ‘Your presence reflects our collective commitment to unity, development and constructive engagement across our communities.

‘Today’s gathering brings together representatives from government, traditional institutions, market leadership and the Arewa community across the South-West. This diversity shows our strength and shared dedication to regional cooperation. We also acknowledge the ongoing national reforms and recent achievements under President Tinubu. Many here consider this summit as part of a continued partnership built on appreciation for his longstanding contributions to Nigeria and his support for communities across borders. Our structure has engaged deeply with grassroots networks, youth groups and community clusters, contributing significantly to civic awareness-reaching over 600,000 individuals across the South-West.

‘As we begin this programme, I encourage active participation, open dialogue and a united spirit. Thank you for being part of this important even.’

Represented by Alhaji Kabiru Magaji Gozaki, the Acting Chairman of Kafur Local Government in Katsina State, Masari commended the group for strengthening the long-standing bond between Arewa residents and their Yoruba hosts. He described their pledge to deliver over 600,000 committed votes for Tinubu in 2027 as a testament to trust, harmony and shared political vision.

One of the leaders of the group, Alhaji Shehu Usman ‘Sampam’, reaffirmed the group’s dedication to peaceful coexistence, civic participation and political continuity. He emphasised that the Arewa community remains an integral part of the political development of Lagos and the broader South-West.

The Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Defence, Hon. Babajimi Benson, has reaffirmed the importance of deeper collaboration between Nigeria and the United States, saying such a partnership remains crucial to addressing insecurity and other strategic challenges facing the country.

Benson stated this while reflecting on his recent engagements with senior U.S. officials, which he attended alongside other relevant committee chairmen with reporters in Abuja.

According to him, the series of meetings reinforced a consistent message: that Nigeria and the United States are stronger when they work together.

He said, ‘On 19 November 2025, I led a team of relevant committee chairmen to meet a United States delegation led by Ms. Cassandra Carraway and Mr. Mark Handloff. This followed the 13 August 2025 consultations with the military-political adviser at the U.S. Embassy, also involving Mr. Handloff, and the earlier 15 December 2024 dialogue with the U.S. congressional delegation led by Rep. John James, Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, alongside Reps. Young Kim, Sara Jacobs, Jonathan Jackson, and officials of the U.S. Embassy in Nigeria, led by Amb. Richard Mills Jr.’

Benson noted that each engagement reaffirmed the long-standing partnership between both countries and their shared commitment to peace, stability, and prosperity in Nigeria.

‘Rep. John James has consistently reiterated the U.S. government’s dedication to supporting Nigeria through both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches,’ he said.

He explained that the latest round of talks concluded with both sides agreeing on the need to deepen trust, expand U.S. support for Nigeria’s counter-insurgency efforts, strengthen human-rights protections, and enhance legislative diplomacy.

Benson added that Nigeria seeks a relationship with the United States that reflects not only the nation’s challenges but also the strength, creativity, and resilience of its youth, as well as the ongoing reforms aimed at restoring Nigeria to its rightful place as the giant of Africa.

He noted that Nigeria does not benefit from ‘condemnation or confrontation,’ especially at this delicate phase of its democratic evolution.

‘Our engagements with U.S. officials have consistently affirmed that cooperation, collaboration, and constructive partnership are the most effective tools for addressing our security concerns, deepening our democracy, and protecting human rights,’ he said.

Benson stressed that Nigeria remains open to honest dialogue, fair criticism, and mutual accountability-provided they occur within a framework of respect and shared strategic interests.

‘These,’ he said, ‘are the surest pathways to a more peaceful, more stable, and more prosperous Nigeria, in a manner that advances the long-term interests, values, and security of both Nigeria and the United States.’

When the stage play, Kashimawo, was staged at the popular Shaw Theatre, in London last October, Emmanuel Adejumo one of the stage directors of the play was at his best. Kashimawo is a play on the life and times of Chief M.K.O. Abiola, one man who combined business, philanthropy and politics to win the hearts of the people. The play, written by Ojo Bakare, a scholar who is grounded in stage theatre, has been staged in different locations within and outside Nigeria. The London outing in October was to further demonstrate to the world how important and acceptable the play has become not only to Nigerians at home, but to those in the Diaspora. Produced by Joseph Edgar, Adejuwo’s role on the stage presentation was apt due to his own versatility in affairs of dance, choreography and songs. In all situations, Adejumo, son of the late theatre guru and legendary comedian, Moses Adejumo (Babasala) has shown the world that he is up to the task.

As the acting head of dance department with the National Troupe of Nigeria, Adejumo has been up and doing in ensuring that stage plays, dance-dramas and all, put together by the Troupe keep coming out as the best. So the outing at Shaw Theatre in London further proved him right. In an interview about the show he said, ‘It was a good show. Nigerians from all over England showed up for the stage play. You could see how much they loved MKO Abiola. The play itself went deeper into the life of one man who was not just a pillar of sports in Africa but who also was a lover of humanity. He was a charitable person who died because of his love for the masses, and for what he believed in’.

Shaw Theatre is one of the greatest theatre stages in London. For the show to have taken place there, it shows how much the producers, Joseph Edgar and Tayo Elesin put in to make sure it attracted a reasonable audience. This was why Adejumo had to play a big role when he took charge of the dance and choreographic aspects of the show. He had to put in his best.

Adejumo is also a dancer himself, a comedian. He instructs dancers; he listens to the evocative sounds of the drums. He uses the voices of the drums to instruct his people. In London he was in charge of all that as he took the dancers, the actors and all, through all the stages to bring out the best in Kashimawo. He said ‘Yes, Biodun Abe played Kashimawo, the lead character. He was excellent as usual. He bestrode the stage like a colossus as he stammered in some instances to mimic Chief MKO Abiola. People were taken in by what he did that some even thought he was the man himself come back to life.

‘Yes, Abe was fully in character. His role brought back to life what Abiola stood for in the lives of the people. The audience roared, cheered, clapped and praised him on and on. Beyond that, Adejumo insisted that it is good to do more plays on some personalities that have helped the society grow in all areas of social, political and economic lives. People need to support such projects. That is why we admire and encourage Duke of Somolu, Joseph Edgar who has taken it upon himself to sponsor and produce such plays for the sake of posterity’.

Epic plays do not happen always. But when they happen, they register in the minds of the people. People learn one or two things from the exploits of epic personalities. Such has happened in the plays in this caliber that Kashimawo has truly become a reference point. People relate to it as one of the plays that strikes whenever it is staged. For Adejumo therefore, it will be more interesting as time goes on when more personalities are made into plays.

‘Shaw Theatre opened my eyes to a lot of things about theatre. Props, costumes, enough space to navigate on stage matter a lot. But in all, stage plays can appeal to all manner of audiences irrespective of your class or location in life. But first of all, the play has to have meaningful message, good plot, excellent cast and crew, good directing, all that make theatre a way of life’.

The local chant in Yoruba also tripped the people to no end. Songs were delivered in Yoruba but the audience got the message and immediately fell in line. ‘In fact, it was good, a good show that had no equal’, Adejumo said as he demonstrated with his two hands.

Before Adejumo became the acting head of dance for the Troupe, he was for many years a stage dancer with the Troupe. He is also an actor and dance instructor and choreographer. He has been involved in many stage shows by the Troupe within and outside Nigeria.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has celebrated the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Rufus Adeyemo Adejugbe Aladesanmi III, describing his leadership as an inspiration to Nigerians as the revered monarch marks his 80th birthday and 35th coronation anniversary.

President Tinubu spoke on Sunday at the celebration of the dual milestones of Oba Adejugbe’s 80th birthday and the 35th anniversary of his coronation, in Ado-Ekiti.

Represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, at the celebration, President Tinubu said the twin milestones were a moment of pride not only for Ado-Ekiti and Ekiti State, but for the entire nation, which holds the monarch in deep respect for his wisdom, dignity, and service.

According to a statement issued by special adviser to the SGF on media and publicity, Yomi Odunuga, the President noted that the Ewi stool, one of the oldest and most respected traditional thrones in Yorubaland, embodies centuries of guardianship, order, and cultural continuity.

He added that Oba Adejugbe has upheld and elevated these values with ‘uncommon grace and distinction’ throughout his 35 years on the throne.

‘For more than three decades, Oba Adejugbe has embodied these sacred responsibilities with distinction. Under his reign, Ado-Ekiti has witnessed sociocultural renewal, strengthened communal harmony, and closer engagement with government institutions,’ the President said.

Tinubu lauded the monarch’s advocacy for education, youth empowerment, peace-building, and the preservation of Ekiti’s moral and cultural heritage, noting that these qualities had earned him admiration far beyond the state.

Describing the 80th birthday as ‘a remarkable milestone’ marked by memories of service and dignity, President Tinubu said it offered a moment to honour a royal father whose influence had strengthened national unity and enriched Nigeria’s cultural fabric.

‘His Imperial Majesty has not only preserved the prestige of the Ewi stool, he has elevated it, demonstrating the highest ideals of integrity, humility, courage, and patriotic commitment,’ he said.

Ahead of the grand finale of celebrations on November 23, 2025, the President, through the SGF, prayed for God to grant the monarch renewed strength and long life.

He reaffirmed the federal government’s deep respect for the Ewi’s contributions to peace, unity, and national development.

Senator Akume also extended congratulations to the royal family, the Ado-Ekiti Traditional Council, and the people of Ekiti, describing Oba Adejugbe as a monarch whose life ‘continues to illuminate the path of justice, wisdom, and communal progress.’

‘We celebrate not just the age of 80, but a reign that has deepened the cultural dignity of Ekiti and captured the admiration of a grateful nation,’ he said.

The Nigeria Export Promotion Council (NEPC) says its partnership with the Centre for the Promotion of Imports from Developing Countries (CBI) under the Nigeria Ginger Sustainability Programme (2021-2025) is boosting Nigeria’s global competitiveness as a source of high-quality, sustainably produced ginger.

NEPC Executive Director/CEO, Nonye Ayeni, made this known in Abuja during a visit by the CBI buyers’ mission, noting that the initiative equips exporters with the skills, tools, and international exposure needed to thrive in the global market.

Ayeni explained that 17 ginger companies and 10 Export Support Officers (ESOs) were selected at the start of the programme, with 14 companies and seven ESOs remaining actively involved. The ESOs, who are NEPC staff members, have served as product specialists, guiding companies through training, compliance procedures, and market-readiness activities.

She noted that in the last four years, participating companies and ESOs have undergone intensive training within the CBI curriculum and joined trade missions to Europe, which successfully linked Nigerian ginger exporters to European Union buyers. All beneficiary companies have also developed company-specific Sectoral Export Marketing Plans (SEMPs), confirming their readiness for sustained international engagement.

Ayeni disclosed that CBI and several European spice companies had visited ginger firms in Lagos and Kano as part of a buyers’ mission, leading to a final buyer-seller meeting in Abuja to facilitate networking, deal-making, and increased exports to the Netherlands and other EU countries.

She welcomed five importing companies from Europe-Jayanti Spices, Verstegen Spices and Sauces, Mintas Specialty Foods, Nedspice, and Martin Baur-who are in Nigeria to deepen their understanding of the ginger value chain and explore sourcing and commercial partnerships.

‘For Nigerian exporters, this is an invaluable opportunity to showcase capacity and quality. For visiting buyers, Nigeria offers a vibrant supply base and a sector on the brink of transformation driven by sustainability, improved practices, and strengthened compliance,’ Ayeni said.

She added that as the programme enters its concluding phase, the mission reaffirms the potential of Nigeria’s ginger sector to become a global model for sustainable production, structured value-chain development, and mutually beneficial international trade.

Norrenberger Pensions Limited has announced a financial performance for the 2024 financial year.

It has expanded its Retirement Savings Account (RSA) client base to 164,619 and recorded a 31 per cent rise in total income, which reached N2.51 billion.

The company said the results underscore its resilience and sustained market growth despite Nigeria’s challenging macroeconomic conditions.

Speaking at the company’s 13th Annual General Meeting, Chairman of the Board, Ibrahim Aliyu Bala, said 2024 was shaped by global inflationary pressures, tight monetary conditions and geopolitical uncertainties, while Nigeria continued to adjust to fuel subsidy removal and ongoing foreign exchange reforms.

He said Norrenberger Pensions closed the year with an 18.54 per cent increase in Assets Under Management (AUM).

Bala added that the company’s rebranded Personal Pension Plan (PPP) would be a major growth driver going forward, particularly in expanding pension penetration in the informal sector.

Managing Director/CEO of Norrenberger Pensions, Mrs. Bolanle Onotu, described the 2024 financial year as one that tested the company’s resilience, citing inflationary pressures, currency volatility and rising operating costs.

Operating expenses grew by only 6 per cent-from N1.67 billion to N1.77 billion-due to deliberate cost-optimisation measures. This efficiency supported a sharp rise in profitability, with Profit Before Tax (PBT) surging by 209 per cent to N741million, from N240million recorded in 2023.

In his remarks, the Managing Director/CEO of Norrenberger Financial Group, Tony Edeh, expressed appreciation to the company’s regulators and auditors for what he described as invaluable collaboration and oversight.

The 6 Brigade Nigerian Army, operating under Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), has apprehended notorious kidnapper Umar Geyi at Jandei-Kulamu in Wukari Local Government Area of Taraba state.

Geyi was apprehended on November 22, following credible intelligence, spokesperson of 6 Brigade, Lieutenant Umar Muhammad, stated in a statement on Sunday.

The suspect was reportedly on the wanted list of security agencies and is believed to be a key member of a kidnapping syndicate that has terrorized several communities within the area.

According to the state statement, preliminary investigations indicate that the suspect is linked to the kidnapping of one Alhaji Jano, a Fulani resident of Jandei-Kulala on November 13.

‘Geyi was arrested after troops intercepted him during a phone conversation in which he confirmed the victim was still being held and demanded a ransom of ?20 million for his release,’ the statement said.

The statement stated that the suspect is in custody, undergoing further interrogation to determine the victim’s location and facilitate his safe rescue.