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Ahead of this month’s decisive 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, former International midfielder, Friday Ekpo, has raised serious concerns about the capability of the Super Eagles to ride their luck in the upcoming matches against Lesotho and Benin.

Nigeria lie in third position with 11 points behind both Benin and South Africa on 14 points in the

Group C of Africa Qualifications for FIFA World Cup 2026 after FIFA docked three points from Bafana Bafana for fielding an ineligible player in their previous match against Lesotho .

Speaking on the development, Ekpo believes the group remains wide open but warned that the Super Eagles must win their next two matches to have a realistic chances of booking a ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

‘My concern is not Benin or South Africa. We should watch out for Lesotho and Rwanda behind us,’ Ekpo, who represented Nigeria between 1989 and 1993, said in an interview aired on Brila Fm.

He pointed out that South Africa remain a strong threat despite recent points deduction by FIFA, adding the Super Eagles must in the qualifiers,

‘The situation is very critical,’ he said. ‘Nigeria not being able to win back-to-back games is a big worry. We need to sit back, rethink our strategy and ensure we pick up six points from our remaining fixtures. While we are busy calculating, other teams are simply focused on winning their matches.’

The Super Eagles will be away to Lesotho on October 10 while the coach Eric Sekou Chelle-led side hosts neighbouring Benin Republic on October 14 in Uyo.

However, the Super Eagles will have to make do without key players Ola Aina, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru and Cyril Dessers who are all sidelined with injuries.

Chief Economist at Afrexximbank, Yemi Kale, yesterday projected that inflation could fall to about 14 per cent by the end of 2026 if the Federal Government’s ongoing structural reforms are sustained.

Kale, former Statistician-General of the Federation, spoke at the Independence Day edition of ‘The Platform Nigeria’ yesterday, with the theme: ‘Rebuilding our nation.’

Others who spoke at the event convened by the Pastor Poju Oyemade Covenant of Nation were entrepreneur/ expert on food ecosystems, Ndidi Okonkwo Nwuneli; governance expert and lawyer, Joe Abah; strategy consultant, Leke Alder; and former Super Eagles captain, Segun Odegbami.

Delivering his speech entitled ‘Reform and resilience: Strengthening Nigeria’s economic Foundations,’ Kale projected that inflation could fall to about 14 per cent by the end of next year, if reforms are sustained.

He, however, cautioned that despite the projected drop in inflation, Nigerians would continue to feel the strain.

‘Between now and then, the hardship will continue. The lesson here is clear: reforms must be matched with targeted and effective social cushions to protect the most vulnerable,’ Kale said.

The expert urged the Federal Government to stay the course on reforms despite the short-term hardships they inflict on Nigerians.

He warned that abandoning the reform process could push the country back into another cycle of low growth, high inequality, and fiscal stress.

According to him, the government’s reforms since 2023, including subsidy removal, exchange rate unification, and tighter monetary policy, have begun stabilising the macroeconomy.

Kale, however, stressed that the reforms would be incomplete without strong social protection and structural transformation.

He said: ‘Reform is like curing a fever. You must endure some discomfort as the medicine takes effect. But the alternative of letting the fever run just because the pill is bitter, or the injection is too painful, is far worse.’

Kale pointed out that Nigeria’s monetary policy had regained credibility after years of inconsistency and quasi-fiscal interventions by the Central Bank.

He noted the sharp increase in the monetary policy rate to 27.5 per cent, one of the steepest in history, which was recently reduced to 27 per cent, as well as efforts to mop up excess liquidity through streamlined open market operations.

The Afrexximbank boss said importantly, these actions were accompanied by clearer communication, regular policy reports, forward guidance, and transparent explanations of the inflation outlook.

The results, according to him, are now visible.

For instance, headline inflation, which averaged 25-30 per cent in 2023 and 2024, he said, has begun to ease towards the low 20s.

Also, every percentage point reduction, he added, protects the real value of salaries, pensions, and savings, and reduces uncertainty for investors who must plan projects years in advance.

Kale was, however, quick to acknowledge that while macroeconomic stabilisation was visible in the data, millions of Nigerians still measure progress in ‘the price of food, the reality of electricity, and their children’s job prospects.’

He commended initiatives like the Student Loan Act and state-level fuel relief packages but called for deeper reforms in education, healthcare, and social protection.

‘Without shared opportunities, inequality and unrest will erode stability. Power and fiscal reforms should empower states, while federal economic and agro-processing zones can lift lagging regions,’ he said.

On Nigeria’s energy and electricity challenges, Kale lauded the Dangote refinery, which exported its first gasoline cargoes in 2025, as a step toward reducing dependence on imported refined products.

He, however, identified a number of unresolved issues that could hinder its impact on domestic supply, such as reliable feedstock supply, transparent pricing formulas, labour disputes, and clear currency settlement mechanisms.

Kale also identified infrastructure investment as both an economic necessity and a macroeconomic stabiliser.

Citing World Bank projections, he said Nigeria requires $3 trillion by 2050 to meet infrastructure needs, including $575 billion for the transport sector between 2020 and 2043.

He urged that part of the savings from subsidy removal should be legislated and earmarked for transport, logistics, and energy infrastructure.

Super Falcons forward Gift Monday has expressed her emotions after missing out on Nigeria’s campaign for the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), despite putting up a historic performance in the United States.

Speaking after her record-breaking display in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), the striker described playing for the Super Falcons as ‘a very big honour’ and reaffirmed her desire to return to the national team setup.

‘I am always more than happy to represent the green white green. I’m doing what I can to get my feet together and hopefully get called up. I am so, so glad to give Nigeria this precious gift,’ she said.

While her current exploits have grabbed global attention, Monday revealed her biggest motivation remains wearing the Nigerian jersey again. Having missed out on the recent WAFCON 24 campaign in Morocco ,she believes her form could soon open the door for another Super Falcons call-up ahead of the WAFCON qualifiers second round double header against Benin Republic next month

23-year-old Monday’s last involvement with the Super Falcons was in October 2024, when the Super Falcons faced Algeria in a two-legged friendly.

The U17 Women National Team, Flamingos, are wrapping up their World Cup preparations in Abuja with a streak of impressive results that demonstrate their growing confidence and cohesion.

Since returning to camp, the girls have played eight friendly matches, winning all, scoring 26 goals and conceding none-a perfect record that has boosted morale ahead of the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup finals taking place in Morocco.

Last week, the Flamingos turned on the style. They cruised to a 3-0 victory over Abuja All-Stars, with Praise Agba scoring on a loose ball, Olamide Olanrewaju converting from the penalty spot, and Zainab Raji adding a thundering third soon after the break. Goalkeeper Sylvia Echefu was heroic, pulling off multiple saves to keep her sheet clean. Earlier, they battled through a rain-disrupted friendly against Josiah Academy, winning 2-0 thanks to a Chisom Nwachukwu brace inside the opening 10 minutes before the heavens forced an early halt.

There were also emphatic wins over Nazareth Angels (5-0), with Queen Joseph scoring twice alongside goals from Praise Agba, Mariam Yahaya, and Chisom Nwachukwu, and a commanding 5-0 triumph over Horvel Prime, in which Queen Joseph grabbed a hat-trick in 35 minutes, supported by strikes from captain Shakirat Moshood and Azeezat Oduntan. In all their tune-up games, the Flamingos have demonstrated balance, depth, and hunger, from precise finishing in attack to defensive resilience.

The team is now fully focused on their World Cup campaign, where they have been placed in Group D against Canada, France, and Samoa.

The team is scheduled to depart Nigeria on 8th October, bringing their perfect run and growing belief to the international stage as they seek glory in Morocco (17th October – 8th November 2025).

The rush and craze for university admission among youths is no less encouraging. Many students see it as avenue to upgrade their status, others see it as an opportunity for learning and new experience. For some it is an opportunity to be certificated in certain fields, and start earning through knowledge gain. However, once they start rounding off their course of study, it is not uncommon for students to start thinking of the next thing.

Speaking to CAMPUS LIFE, Amuwa Olufemi, a 400-Level student, at Redeemer’s University, said: ‘After graduation, I plan to focus on my automobile business

I’ve always been passionate about cars, and I’m excited to build a business that will make a lasting impact on the industry and provide exceptional services to my customers.

‘I want to be my own boss and create something from scratch, I’m excited to take the risks and challenges that come with starting a business, and I’m confident that with hard work and determination, I can achieve my goals.

I also believe that my business will be successful because I’m passionate about cars and I’m committed to providing excellent customer service.’

Omowumi Olawale, an HND 2 student, at Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) said after completing her studies, she planned to further her education.

‘I believe that education is key to unlocking my full potential, and I’m determined to achieve my goals and make a positive impact in my field.

‘I’ve always been interested in learning new things, and I believe that education is a lifelong process, and I’m excited to continue learning and growing.

‘I want to use my skills and knowledge to make a difference in the world, and I’m excited to contribute to my community and help others achieve their goals.

‘I believe that furthering my education will give me the opportunity to achieve my goals and make a positive impact in my field,’ she said.

Esther Emedom, a 400-Level student, at Caleb University, Lagos, said: ‘I plan to start up a small business. I want to be my own boss and create something from scratch.

I’ve always been interested in business, and I believe that starting my own business will give me the freedom and flexibility to pursue my passions and achieve my goals. I want to be a successful entrepreneur and make a positive impact in my community,’ she said.

For Anozike Alexander, a 400-Level student at Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State, he wants to use his skills to help businesses and individuals achieve their goals.

‘I believe that social media is a powerful tool for communication and marketing, and I’m excited to use my skills to help businesses and individuals achieve their goals.

‘I’ve been managing social media accounts for student organisations and creating content for various projects, and I can build a successful career in social media and achieve my goals.

I want to use social media to build relationships and achieve goals, I’m excited to help businesses and individuals succeed in the digital age,’ he said.

A former President of the Handball Federation of Nigeria(HFN) , Dr. Lanre Glover, has backed the candidacy of Jibrin Saidu for the federation’s exalted position in the upcoming elections this month.

Glover said Saidu who is bidding to take over from Samuel Ocheho who has served his mandatory two terms, has the capacity to build on the achievements of the outgoing President of the HFN.

‘The outgoing President Sam Ocheho has done an excellent job bringing respectability to handball both locally and internationally. There is an important need to put someone in the position to continue the trajectory and that person is Jibrin Saidu,’ Glover said.

Glover, who also served as the first Vice President of African Handball Confederation, said Saidu has shown his commitment to the development of handball and has the financial capacity to take handball to a higher level.

He continued: ‘In 2015 during the Handball Nations Cup in Egypt, Saidu bailed the federation out by sponsoring the team when the then President, the Late Dauda Yusuf was helpless.

‘He has sponsored several championships in Nigeria and singlehandedly sponsored the African Delegates meeting of the Commonwealth Handball Association in Abuja. He has the financial wherewithal and experience to propel handball to greater heights.

Glover said he was publicly endorsing the candidacy of Saidu in order to ensure a capable successor to Ocheho practically turned the fortunes of the federation around, adding: ‘I seize this opportunity to salute Ocheho for a job well done as he bows out.’

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Nigerian Bottling Company (NBC) Limited, a member of Coca-Cola Hellenic Beverage Company (CCHBC), has again shown its commitment to sustainability and community partnership with an awareness walk in Apapa, Lagos, to mark World Clean-Up Day.

The initiative brought together volunteers, including employees from the company’s Ikeja Plant, HeadOffice at Iddo House, and its recycling plant in Apapa.

Walking with officials of Apapa Local Government, community leaders, and youth groups, volunteers engaged residents on importance of proper waste management and recycling as a way of life.

The activity, from Liverpool Roundabout to NBC rPET Hub in Apapa, was an opportunity for interaction with the community, raising awareness on environmental stewardship and reinforcing role of recycling.

Corporate Affairs and Sustainability Director, Soromidayo George, said the walk was part of a wider Waste-to-Wealth drive.

‘What we are doing goes beyond picking plastics; it is about creating awareness and changing mindsets. Recycling also provide economic opportunities. Our employees who volunteered are sustainability champions and with the community, we will build a cleaner and greener Apapa,’ she said.

Since the launch of its Apapa recycling plant in January, NBC has continued to strengthen its role in Lagos State’s green economy. The facility has provided jobs and become a model for other operators in the recycling sector.

Community voices also noted impact of the collaboration. Youth Coordinator in National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) in Apapa, Samuel Idoko, noted that NBC’s initiative complements youth-led recycling efforts.

Chair of Azare Community Development Association, Jide Santos, lauded NBC’s role in encouraging environmental consciousness in Apapa.

Through this, NBC shows that environmental protection is a shared mission with companies, governments, and communities.

The Chief of Special Services and Programmes of the Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Jamal Abdulsalam, has said the current welfare of soldiers is the best since the creation of the force.

He said the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, had, since his assumption of office, made soldiers’ welfare his top priority.

Abdulsalam spoke after inaugurating the newly completed blocks of 18 rooms and flats constructed by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Emmanuel Emekah, as transit accommodation for the general officers and staff at Bori Camp in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital.

He said: ‘The welfare of soldiers has never been as good as it is now since the creation of the Nigerian Army. Many welfare aspects of the soldiers have been tackled.

‘The ration cash allowance of soldiers has been doubled since the Chief of Army Staff came. Many issues about soldiers have been handled; their medical and accommodation, including the education of their wards and children. All the things provided for them are excellent, top-notch.’

Abdulsalam, the immediate past GOC of 6 Division, said the transit accommodation, codenamed Python Camp, was in line with the command philosophy of the COAS on staff welfare.

He said: ‘You can see that everything within the complex is meant for soldiers. He has been able to build this edifice that will accommodate nothing less than 40 to 50 soldiers.

‘It is a commendable project, and this is what the Army is all about everywhere. Everybody wants to emulate what the Chief of Army Staff is doing.’

Maj.-Gen. Emekah lauded the achievements of his predecessor in the division, saying the project was done in the spirit of continuity.

Addressing Abdulsalam, the GOC said: ‘It is an addition to the laudable achievements recorded under your command and it reflects the drive to align with the Chief of Army Staff’s command philosophy as it relates to troops’ welfare, the provision of befitting living and working conditions.

‘The project stands as tangible evidence of continuity, growth, and sheer commitment to the well-being of our personnel.’

According to him, construction work is also ongoing on a 60-unit block of flats within the division.

The GOC explained that the project was designed to address the accommodation deficit faced by officers and to complement the solid foundation his predecessor laid down during his tenure.

Emekah said Abdulsalam’s legacies remained enduring and assured him that they would be preserved and improved upon.

Governors have reaffirmed the pledge to raise their performance in line with calls by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for them to ‘wet the grass further’.

They use the opportunity of the Independence Day programmes and statement to convey their willingness to do more.

The President’s admonition is based on the improved revenue going to the states and councils as fallout of the removal of petrol subsidy.

From about N700 billion being shared from the Federation Account to the federation, states and council pre-May 2023, the Federation Account Allocation has risen to N2.2 trillion shared in August.

In many of the states, there were activities to mark the country’s 65th Independence Anniversary, the military parade which would have been held in Abuja was cancelled in the last minute.

The only activities from the Federal Government were the broadcast by the President and his inauguration of the refurbished National Art theatre in Lagos, which was named after Nobel Laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka.

Governors renewed their calls for unity, cohesion and peace as they joined Nigerians in the celebration.

They urged Nigerians to place patriotism and national unity above religious sentiments and ethnicity.

In messages to their people and Nigerians, Governors Usman Ododo (Kogi), Ahmadu Fintiri (Adamawa), Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau), Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo), Peter Mbah (Enugu), Monday Okpebholo (Edo), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), and Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike urged Nigerians to support the reforms of the Tinubu administration.

Ododo urged the people of Kogi to renew their love for the country and shun division.

He said: ‘Independence Day is more than a date on our calendar; it is a call to patriotism, to unity, and to the shared responsibility of building a nation that guarantees peace, justice, and prosperity. Our strength as a people lies in our courage to overcome challenges.’

The governor sympathised with victims of the boat accident in Ibaji Local Government, which claimed lives.

He vowed to promote people-focused policies, infrastructural renewal, healthcare reforms, educational transformation, agricultural expansion, and improved security.

Ododo added: ‘As patriotic citizens, let us continue to support the laudable reforms of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whose bold steps have set a template for sustainable development. As a nation, we are reaping the fruits of his courage.’

Mutfwang said the celebration offered opportunities for sober reflection, urging Nigerians to pray for peace and unity.

In a statement by his media aide, the governor paid tribute to the founding fathers for their courage, resilience, and spirit of togetherness.

Mutfwang said: ‘This milestone calls for sober reflection on our unity, peace, and progress. Our hope and confidence remain that God is at work in Nigeria, and despite our challenges, this nation shall be great.’

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to building a Plateau where peace, security, and prosperity will thrive.

Mutfwang promised to prioritise protection of life and property, infrastructural development, and the promotion of unity across ethnic and religious divides.

Okpebholo said actions and decisions of President Bola Tinubu is moving the country towards economic stability and growth.

He said in a broadcast that the Renewed Hope Agenda reflected the true essence of Independence.

The governor said he has remained focused on rebuilding Edo State into a land of peace, opportunity, and progress, adding that he has worked hard to make the state safer.

‘We are grateful to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his efforts to reposition Nigeria for greatness.

‘In two years of the administration, Nigeria has been freed from the chaos of long fuel queues, and from the satanic subsidy rackets, which siphoned our national wealth and left the masses in abject poverty.

‘The Renewed Hope has also expanded our economy and freed the states from having to queue for bailouts in Abuja before they could pay workers’ salaries. That era is over. We can only be grateful for these and other interventions of the Tinubu administration.’

Oborevwori urged Nigerians to remain steadfast in their commitment to building a stronger and more united nation.

He noted that the economy has improved, emphasising the need to support President Tinubu’s reforms.

The governor said in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, that the ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’ and his administration’s ‘MORE Agenda’ were designed to improve the living standards of the people.

Oborevwori appealed to ethnic groups in the state to embrace peace and unity, stressing that they are prerequisites for sustainable development.

Mbah urged Nigerians to be optimistic in the face of challenges, promising that the economic policies of the President Tinubu and citizens’ huge sacrifices would pay off, if the nation stays the course.

He said while the anniversary may understandably be low-key, it did not obviate Nigeria’s progress as an independent nation.

Mbah said: ‘At 65, our independence is a reminder of what we can achieve as a people when we are united. It is also a reminder that progress demands sacrifice and that tomorrow is shaped by the choices we make today.

‘The commemoration of our 65th Independence anniversary may understandably be low-key, but the significance of the progress we have made as a nation is by no means underwhelming.

‘They are manifest in the remarkable achievements in key sectors. They reflect as well in the bold reforms of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu that brought stability to the economy. The sacrifices may be huge today, but the end will vindicate the decisions if we stay the course.’

Mbah, while also recommitting to his administration’s inclusive development model, maintained that Enugu State, under his watch, was on the path of turnaround and exponential economic growth.

He added: ‘In Enugu State, this Independence Day is a fitting occasion to recommit to our pledge to make inclusion the cornerstone of government policy; to create wealth and deploy it for everyone in Enugu State. We are staying the course. And no one will be left behind.’

Fintiri described unity as Nigeria’s greatest treasure, urging Nigerians to strengthen the bond.

He said: ‘Like rivers that flow into one mighty stream, our differences must flow into one shared destiny,’ Fintiri said, asserting that a divided Adamawa – like a divided Nigeria – cannot stand.

‘As we mark this day, let us renew a sacred pledge: to make Independence matter – not in words, but in real change.’

The governor said his government has, in the last six years, executed projects to make Adamawa a better state.

A statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Humwashi Wonosikou, said the governor pardoned six prison inmates.

Aiyedatiwa said Nigeria is fortunate to have President Tinubu at the helm of affairs, praising his bold economic reforms and developmental agenda.

The governor spoke at the Independence celebration at the Arcade Ground in Akure, the state capital.

He said the country is making steady progress with the Renewed Hope Agenda.

Aiyedatiwa said: ‘Our country is blessed at a time like this to have a visionary leader like Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

‘We must continue to appreciate Mr. President for his bold economic reforms, social re-engineering, and massive infrastructural development. Indications are that Nigeria is making progress and on the path of glory with the Renewed Hope Agenda.

The governor urged Nigerians to remember the courage of the founding fathers and draw lessons from the country’s journey since 1960.

He added: ‘This celebration is not just about remembering a date in history. It is about reflecting on our journey as a people. Independence gave us more than self-rule – it gave us the dignity of identity, the right to dream as Nigerians, and the opportunity to chart a course for our future,’ he noted.

Aiyedatiwa said his administration has remained committed to its promises under the ‘OUR EASE’ agenda, highlighting key projects, including dualisation and rehabilitation of roads, improvements in the health sector, bursaries and scholarships for indigent students, and support for security agencies.’

Abia State Governor Alex Otti urged Nigerians not to lose faith in the face of challenges confronting the country.

Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke urged President Bola Tinubu and other political actors to respect the rule of law and obey judicial process.

He said in a statement by his media, Olawale Rasheed, that Nigeria should live to expectation as a federal state.

He described the celebration as a critical point to assess the state of national constitutional democracy, the rule of law and delivery of good governance.

The governor emphasised the need to guide and protect the foundation of national governance through full compliance with the constitution and respect for the rule of law.

He said: ‘We have made progress but we can move faster and better. We have recorded progress but we should continue to protect the foundation of our national existence, the constitution and its interpretation by a truly independent judiciary.

‘I felicitate with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Nigerians. I task the political class to strive towards true federalism. Federating units must be strengthened in the context of more devolution of powers and resources.

‘I urge Osun people to remain law-abiding, calm and peaceful as the state is deploying democratic tools to advance and protect the interest of the state. We must resist the temptation to take laws into our hands.’

Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani paid tribute to the founding fathers, noting that though the nation’s journey had been marked by challenges, Nigerians have demonstrated courage and hope.

He said: ‘Our path as a nation has been defined by resilience. Nigerians have shown capacity to endure and to hope. Together, we are overcoming. Together, we are rising.’

Highlighting Kaduna’s progress under his administration, Sani listed 85 road projects covering 785 kilometres, the reopening of key markets, and reclamation of over 500,000 hectares of farmland.

On peace building, the governor pointed to the expansion of community policing, as well as dialogue and reconciliation initiatives, aimed at strengthening security and fostering unity at the grassroots.

He reaffirmed Kaduna’s alignment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, stressing that bold national reforms were restoring prosperity and investor confidence.

Sani said: ‘Nigeria’s future is bright, and Kaduna’s role in that future is significant. With God’s guidance and our collective resolve, we will overcome our challenges and realise the full potential of our state and indeed the entire nation.’

Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun said the country is experiencing a rebirth, adding President Tinubu has demonstrated capacity.

He emphasised that the President’s economic blueprint reflects the needs of Nigerians and global realities of the 21st century.

Abiodun, who spoke at the celebration at June 12 Cultural Centre, Kuto, Abeokuta, the state capital, said Nigeria would be stronger if citizens work and cooperate with governments in the course of nation building.

He said the task of nation building is enormous, hence the need for Nigerians, irrespective of religion, ethnicity, political affiliation, and social status, to work with governments to realise the objective.

Abiodun said: ‘The theme of the celebration, ‘All Hands on Deck for a Greater Nation,’ was timely and instructive for Nigeria to work together for a greater nation.’

‘Building a stronger Nigeria is not the sole responsibility of the government; it is a duty for every Nigerian at home and abroad.’

The governor noted that as the gateway to Nigeria’s prosperity and transformative future, Ogun State remains a proud contributor to the nation’s project, as its history is intertwined with that of the country’s history through the activities and struggles of its forebears.

He said the celebration is a historic milestone in the life of the nation, as it afforded the people of the state an opportunity to join their compatriots here and in the diaspora to create a nation of resilience, unity, and hope.

‘It is not only marking the passage of time but reaffirming the resolve to choose freedom, unity, and shared prosperity envisioned by our founding fathers,’ he said.

The Speaker of the House of Assembly, Oludaisi Elemide, said the challenges facing the country are an indication that Nigeria is growing, urging Nigerians to stop complaining and start doing the right thing to take the nation to its destination.

Chief Justice Mosunmola Dipeolu said Nigeria is on the verge of overcoming its challenges, hence the need for continued prayers for the country.

Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia urged Nigerians to draw inspiration from the founding fathers.

He paid tribute to the founding fathers, who gave their lives in defence of freedom.

Alia, in a broadcast to the state, urged Nigerians to support President Tinubu’s reforms.

He said: ‘We are reforming our systems both at state and federal levels. The removal of fuel subsidy has enhanced the revenue leading to infrastructure development.

‘In just over two years, we have renovated 354 schools, employing over 9,000 qualified teachers and ensuring our children receive quality education in safe and welcoming environments.

Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo described Nigeria ‘a symbol of hope, freedom, and the possibility of the black race,’ urging citizens to see the celebration as a time of ‘sober reflection.’

He praised President Tinubu for implementing reforms, including removal of fuel subsidy, stabilisation of the exchange rate, among others.

The governor described the steps as ‘necessary medicine for an economy long distorted and pampered over.’

Soludo said: ‘With good governance laid at the foundation, the nation is poised for ‘accelerated growth and transformation.’

He highlighted the indomitable spirit of Nigerians in overcoming challenges, saying: ‘With vision, hard work, and faith, no obstacle is insurmountable.’

The governor urged Nigerians to stand firm in the face of adversity.

He called for a collective effort, urging individuals to play their roles in nation-building through patriotism, payment of taxes, support for reforms, and holding leaders accountable.

Speaking at the celebration organised by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Sanwo-Olu, said the nation could only achieve lasting progress if government and the people worked together in synergy, with shared trust and responsibility.

He said: ‘As Henry Ford once said, if everyone is moving forward together, then success takes care of itself. That is the spirit we must embrace as a nation.’

The governor noted that since the inception of his administration, deliberate policies had been introduced under the T.H.E.M.E.S agenda, later expanded into the T.H.E.M.E.S Plus agenda, to deepen social inclusion and youth empowerment.

Sanwo-Olu added: ‘We realised that to achieve greater impact, we had to double our pace and broaden our focus.

‘That is why the T.H.E.M.E.S Plus agenda goes beyond infrastructure to also strengthen gender balance, protect the vulnerable and empower our young people.’

The governor said no Lagos resident would be left behind in the drive for development, pointing to the expansion of the Lagos Social Register to capture over one million households across all 57 councils.

He stressed: ‘This register has become the backbone of our welfare programmes, ensuring that support truly gets to those who need it most – from widows to the elderly, and persons with disabilities.’

Sanwo-Olu listed interventions, including affordable healthcare through the State Health Insurance Scheme, food subsidy initiatives, affordable housing schemes, scholarships for indigent students, and empowerment through 37 skill acquisition centres.

He said: ‘Even during difficult times such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the removal of fuel subsidy, Lagos stood firm and people-focused, ensuring that our relief measures reached the most vulnerable.’

The governor called for unity among Nigerians, stressing that national progress required collective sacrifice.

‘Government alone cannot build this nation. It requires the commitment of every Nigerian, setting aside political, tribal and religious differences,’ Sanwo-Olu said.

He urged citizens to use social media responsibly, saying it should be a platform for constructive engagement rather than division.

‘The task before us is to build, not tear down. It is to unite, not divide; to inspire, not to discourage.’

Sanwo-Olu commended President Tinubu for his leadership, noting that recent downward trends in inflation, exchange rates, food prices and insecurity were signs that reforms were beginning to yield results.

He said: ‘As your cheerleader in Lagos, we are resolute in working with your administration to ensure that the promises made to Nigerians are realised in real time.’

Sanwo-Olu further expressed confidence in Nigeria’s future, assuring investors and the international community of Lagos’ position as a peaceful, investment-friendly destination.