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Speculation about a unified opposition front for Nigeria’s 2027 presidential election intensified this week after a key aide to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar publicly advocated for a joint ticket featuring Atiku and the Labour Party’s 2023 candidate, Peter Obi.

Demola Olarewaju, the Special Assistant on Digital Media Strategy to Atiku Abubakar, articulated his view on the ‘Mic On Podcast,’ arguing that Atiku-Obi presidential ticket represents the opposition’s ‘best bet’ to challenge the incumbent President Bola Tinubu.

Olarewaju suggested that a partnership between the two political heavyweights should aim to transcend a simple President-Vice President dynamic, proposing a unique ‘co-presidency’ scenario.

He explained, ‘I think the best bet would be to have the two of them on that ticket and give Nigerians this sort of sense of co-presidency.’ This arrangement, he implied, would allow the nation to benefit from the ideas and strengths of both leaders.

The aide stressed that such a merger is not only strategically strong but feasible due to their similar political ideologies.

‘The strongest ticket that the opposition can present is the marriage of Atiku and Obi,’ he asserted.

In making his case, Olarewaju highlighted Atiku Abubakar’s history of political resilience and commitment to supporting party decisions, even after personal setbacks.

He referenced the 2011 presidential primaries as an example: ‘He lost the primaries to Goodluck Jonathan in 2011 and worked for him, delivering Adamawa State in that election. That’s who Atiku Abubakar is.’

He also noted that while Atiku remains the strongest opposition candidate, he has expressed a ‘willingness to step down for a younger candidate if defeated in the primaries,’ indicating flexibility in the opposition’s eventual lineup.

Olarewaju also touched on the broader need for political parties to integrate youth, pointing to the African Democratic Congress (ADC)-a platform frequently rumored to be a potential home for a coalition-which plans to reserve a significant portion of its positions for young people and women.

‘Nigerians deserve a party that recognizes the strength of young people, Gen Z, Gen Alpha, even, and harnesses their potential,’ he concluded, positioning the suggested opposition alliance as a forward-looking coalition.

The call for an Atiku-Obi ticket, which would merge the massive vote bases of the two leading opposition figures from 2023, comes amidst ongoing but unconfirmed rumors that opposition leaders are discussing the formation of a grand coalition to unseat the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027.

After a high-level meeting with President Bola Tinubu in Abuja, Nigerian-born global investor Adebayo Ogunlesi expressed renewed confidence in the country’s economic reforms, indicating potential mega investments across energy, aviation, and port sectors.

He was joined in that optimism by Zacch Adedeji, Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), who stressed that the reforms were laying the groundwork for an export-driven economy.

Speaking to journalists after the closed-door meeting, Ogunlesi praised the sweeping policy changes under Tinubu’s administration, including the removal of subsidies, tax reforms, and the revival of a refinery already exporting aviation fuel.

‘We had an excellent meeting where we discussed how to put Nigeria front and centre for international investment. The President was very encouraging, and we shared useful suggestions on driving economic growth,’ Ogunlesi said.

Although he declined to reveal specific details, Ogunlesi confirmed that his firm is actively investing in Nigeria and assessing new opportunities.

‘Watch this space. Nigeria is not yet the most exciting investment destination, but that’s what we are working on,’ he teased.

Pressed on the sectors of interest, Ogunlesi highlighted energy, gas, aviation, ports, and renewables. Drawing on his firm’s experience with LNG projects in Texas and Australia, he noted Nigeria’s massive untapped gas reserves.

On aviation, he acknowledged his reputation as ‘the guy who bought Gatwick Airport’ and signalled interest in similar ventures locally.

He also admitted that one of his companies operates ports in Cotonou and Lomé but none in Nigeria, a point Tinubu reportedly challenged him on.

‘He forgave me but said, ‘you have to bring port investment to Nigeria,” Ogunlesi recounted with a smile.

International investor Hakeem Bello-Osagie, who was also present, underscored the importance of diaspora participation in Nigeria’s growth story.

‘When Nigerians at home and abroad invest in Nigeria, it sends a strong signal to the world,’ he said, lauding Tinubu’s policies for making the country ‘investable.’

Echoing the sentiment, FIRS chairman Adedeji described the reforms as the foundation for an export-led economy.

‘We’ve done the fundamentals, and now it is time to deliver growth,’ he said.

With global players signalling confidence, the momentum for Nigeria’s economic repositioning is gaining ground, setting the stage for transformative investments in key industries.

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has called for greater collaboration on flood-resilient measures to protect lives and livelihoods and strengthen Lagos’ capacity to adapt to the impacts of climate change.

The governor, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, made the call at the World Habitat Day 2025 celebration, held on Monday, October 6, at The Blue Roof, Lagos Television (LTV), Agidingbi, Ikeja.

He said that this year’s theme, ‘Urban Crisis Response: Flooding in Focus’, reflected the realities of Lagos as a coastal megacity and underscored the need for decisive and sustained action.

According to him, flooding had become a persistent urban challenge that demanded proactive long-term planning, sustainable investment, and active community engagement.

Sanwo-Olu explained that urban resilience had been a core component of the State’s development framework, the T.H.E.M.E.S.+ Agenda, with the Lagos State Resilience Office (LASRO) coordinating policies and projects that mitigate flood risks.

He urged private investors, development partners, and innovators to cooperate for sustainable and resilient Lagos, especially in the areas of climate adaptation and mangrove restoration in coastal areas as exemplified by the worthy partnership of the Dangote Group.

‘Investing in flood-resilient housing, smart drainage systems, renewable energy, and urban-risk insurance will safeguard communities while creating new avenues for growth,’ he said.

He added that his administration’s goal was to make Lagos not only livable but also sustainable for future generations.

In his welcome remarks, the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr Oluyinka Olumide, described World Habitat Day as an opportunity for governments and citizens to reflect on the state of human settlements and reaffirm commitment to sustainable urban planning.

He said that flooding in Lagos was not theoretical but a lived experience that demands proactive governance, stronger enforcement of development regulations, and the integration of climate adaptation principles into urban design.

Olumide emphasised that physical planning was beyond permits and building approvals as it embraced community resilience, sustainable construction practices, and inclusive development.

He commended Governor Sanwo-Olu’s leadership for prioritising infrastructure renewal, flood control, and dignified housing delivery across the state.

The Permanent Secretary, Office of Physical Planning, Engr. Oluwole Sotire appreciated all partners, youth participants, and stakeholders for contributing to the success of the event while reaffirming the state government’s resolve to deepen collaboration with all sectors to build a more sustainable and flood-resilient Lagos.

Goodwill messages were given by the Special Adviser, e-GIS and Urban Development, Dr. Olajide Babatunde, Chairman, Association of Town Planning Professionals( ATOPCON), Tpl. Hakeem Badejo and the Chairman, Nigeria Institute of Town Planners, Lagos State, Tpl. Dele Akindele, while the Permanent Secretary, Office of Drainage Services and Water Resources, Engr. Mahmood Adegbite.

The 2025 World Habitat Day celebration featured expert lectures, exhibitions, and youth debates showcasing innovative solutions in housing, flood management, and environmental sustainability.

A chairmanship aspirant for Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area in the forthcoming local government elections in Edo State, Honourable Ikponmwosa Clement Aitusi, has commended President Bola Tinubu for approving the inclusion of a 100-kilometre stretch of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway to pass through Edo State as part of his administration’s infrastructure revolution plan.

Ikponmwosa also lauded the efforts of the state governor, Senator Monday Okpevbholo, for having the president’s ears saying that the 100 kilometers will go a long way to open up the coastal line in Edo State and especially his constituency Ikpoba-Okha, as beneficiary of the project.

Tribune Online reports that the Minister of Works, David Umahi, had announced the approval during the Edo State Independence Gala Night held at the State Villa, Benin City, on October 1, 2025 which was contained in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media, Orji Uchenna Orji.

Umahi explained that Edo State was not originally captured in the highway’s alignment, which was first conceived by President Tinubu decades ago, but was later reworked to accommodate the state.

The APC frontline aspirant, who addressed journalists on Sunday night in Abuja, said if given the party ticket, he would leverage on the opportunity provided to quickly open up the rural area of the local government thereby increasing the revenue based of the council.

The Edo State Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIEC) has fixed primary elections for political parties between 10th and 29th of November, 2025.

The National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT) has issued a 14-day ultimatum to the Federal Government to address several unresolved issues affecting its members in the nation’s universities, warning that failure to do so will compel the union to embark on an industrial action.

In a statement signed by the President of the Association, Comrade (Hon.) Ibeji Nwokoma, following the outcome of its 60th regular National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held at the Federal University, Lafia, on Saturday, 4th October 2025, NAAT said the ultimatum became necessary after reviewing the Government’s handling of critical agreements and commitments made to the union.

According to Nwokoma, ‘Sequel to the outcome of the 60th regular meeting of the National Executive Council (NEC) of the National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT), presided over by the President, Comrade (Hon.) Ibeji Nwokoma, held at Federal University, Lafia, on Saturday, 4th October 2025. NEC reviewed the progress made following the conciliation meeting convened by the Honourable Minister of Labour and Employment on 30th July, 2025, where a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed, and the meeting convened by the Honourable Minister of Education on Thursday, 11th September 2025, and the unfolding events in the education sector.’

He explained that the core of the union’s grievances revolves around ‘the non-completion of the FGN/NAAT 2009 Agreement renegotiation, which seeks to review the existing salaries, allowances and other conditions of service in the Nigerian University system.’

‘It is worrisome to hear,’ he continued, ‘that a report has been submitted by the committee to the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) when in fact, only the inaugural meeting was held between the Mahmud Yayale Ahmed-led renegotiation committee and NAAT on December 10, 2024.’

The NAAT President also lamented the failure to mainstream Earned Allowances into the salaries of Academic Technologists ‘to curb further accumulation of arrears and their attendant consequences,’ as well as the ‘non-release of the enabling circular for CONTISS 14 and 15 to enable NAAT members to get to the peak of their careers.’

He further decried the recent delays in salary payments, noting that they ’cause untold hardship on NAAT members, considering the current economic realities.’

‘NAAT wishes to categorically state that it rejects and cannot accept the idea of disparity and distortions in salary tables of university staff and appeals to the Government to avoid any action that could precipitate a crisis in the system,’ Nwokoma declared.

According to him, ‘NAAT is of the view that addressing the salary increment should be comprehensive and all-encompassing by maintaining the existing relationships between various salary tables being operated in the Nigerian University system.’

Consequently, the Association has drawn a line, stating: ‘Consequent upon the above, the Union hereby issue a 14-day ultimatum to the Government to address the demands listed above.

‘While the Union remain open to dialogue, failure to address these demands by FGN at the expiration of the ultimatum, the Union will be left with no other option than to declare an industrial action to press home her demands without recourse to the Government.’

The statement further underscores NAAT’s readiness to pursue its demands through every lawful means should the government fail to act within the stipulated period.

In the digital age, the installment lending sector is moving from hidden fees to a more transparent market where borrowers may see the whole picture before signing a contract. In the past, you walked into a traditional payday lending store and were left bewildered about your loan’s actual cost.

Over twelve million people in the United States make use of the services offered by this multi-billion dollar industry on an annual basis, as indicated by the most recent data from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Furthermore, technology is being developed to increase transparency in ways that have never been seen before, ranging from comparison tools driven by artificial intelligence to blockchain-based transactions that are verified.

Decoding the Jargon of the Algorithmic Revolution

These algorithms are not only finding the right investors for projects, but also converting strings of financial jargon into words that people could understand. Machinery learning is now being used by services such as Payday Loans eLoanWarehouse to analyze hundreds of loan offers at once and provide side-by-side comparisons directly to borrowers that would have taken hours to compile by hand just a few years ago.

In 2024, a report produced by the Financial Health Network indicated that 78 percent of payday loan borrowers indicate they understand the relevant loan terms before accepting, up from just 41 percent in 2019.

Jonathan Reed, Founder and CEO at BestUSAPayday.com says: ‘We’ve put a lot of money into technology that makes the lending process less complicated. It displays every fee and calculates the total amount of repayments, along with alternatives if payment is early or late, so our borrowers see more than just an interest-rate. You never had this level of transparency in the old payday lending model.’

Mobile First : A New Level of Transparency in Your Pocket

Loan transparency has been brought to the palms of borrowers, thanks to the smartphone revolution. Pioneering platforms such as BestUSAPayday, LendUp, Earnin or Possible Finance have already created mobile applications that constantly inform you of your current balance, repayment dates, and interest accrued. Such apps deliver push notifications ahead of payment due dates, notify users about the potential for overdrawing their accounts, and provide one-touch access to customer service.

But more importantly, mobile technology has created an instant verification process that eliminates the paperwork and red tape typically associated with installment loans. Services like Plaid allow lenders to digitally verify a borrower’s income, eliminating the need for stacks of pay stubs and bank statements. By doing this verification step before underwriting, the risk of future misunderstandings about loan terms is minimized and borrowers are assured that they receive the most accurate quote based on verified financial data.

In fact, the difference is quantifiable: Digital-first payday lenders receive 43% fewer customer complaints for overdraft fees than their brick-and-mortar counterparts, according to data from the Online Lenders Alliance. It’s not merely about convenience, it provides a record that protects lenders and borrowers from potential future disputes.

Blockchain and Smart Contracts

Though in its infancy, blockchain technology could enhance transparency between all parties involved in payday lending thanks to the immutable records and smart contracts. Multiple fintech startups experiment on the blockchain-based lending platforms where the smart contracts encode loan terms, the payment process is automated, and every transaction takes a crystal-clear reference on a distributed ledger.

This simple technology solves the greatest transparency issue in the payday lending industry. Smart contracts can also be written to never let a loan rollover automatically without the consent of a borrower, which becomes an immutable record that you can find on the blockchain. They can also automatically enforce compliance, meaning lenders won’t be able to raise interest rates beyond state-mandated limits or change terms midway through the loan process.

Projects such as Bloom and Salt Lending have been showing that blockchain can reduce the cost of the loan process up to 40% whilst improving transparency. Borrowers benefit from lower interest rates due to lower operating costs, and transparency also helps create a virtuous cycle because the more information lenders disclose, the better their interest rates.

Regulatory Technology: Compliance Made Visible

With transparency lenders, compliance will be a selling point. Lending patterns used to occur in batches and sometimes it would take weeks for regulators to determine if any violations of state or federal regulations had occurred at a lending institution. Advanced monitoring systems now track this data in real time, which allows issues to be flagged before a violation takes place.

At the forefront of this trend are firms such as Oportun, Fig loans, etc. where the inclusion of RegTech solutions are shown by having their compliance certifications on their lending platforms. It provides borrowers with transparent information about what laws apply to their loan, their protections, and how to complain when something does not work. Such proactive transparency in regulation has gained these companies’ trust in an industry that has been infamous for its lack of trust for decades.

RegTech Association’s 2024 report shows that lenders using it report 67% fewer regulatory violations and resolve customer complaints 52% faster, and the numbers speak for themselves. This increased compliance not only benefits borrowers, but also allows good lenders to separate themselves from the bad things in an industry that thrives on a lack of transparency.

The Future of Lending

The evolution of the payday lending industry from an opaque, predatory industry to an increasingly transparent and consumer-friendly one is the biggest fintech success stories to date. This high-cost form of short-term lending isn’t going away thanks to technology, but it’s giving borrowers a tool they never had before: borrow (for free!), compare options, understand the terms, and make more informed decisions about the most important decision of their financial lives!

Moving forward into the next 10 years, the advancement of artificial intelligence, blockchain, and mobile will allow for even more visibility into the payday lending market. No longer are the questions whether technology has the ability to increase transparency – it now comes to how fast can the industry adopt these innovations and direct them towards those who would benefit the most from the borrowers.

Dangote Group has partnered with Ethiopian Investment Holdings (EIH) to establish a fertiliser plant with an annual production capacity of three million metric tonnes of urea, making it one of the world’s largest.

The facility, located in Ethiopia’s South-East region, will utilise natural gas from the Hilal and Calub reserves to boost agricultural productivity, create jobs, and enhance food security across the Horn of Africa.

Speaking at the launch, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed described the project as a symbol of cooperation, peace, and progress, reflecting the country’s determination to harness its potential and strengthen its global presence.

He urged Ethiopians to unite in driving industrial and agricultural growth.

Dangote Group President, Aliko Dangote, praised the Ethiopian government’s economic reforms and infrastructure development, noting that they have made the country attractive to investors.

He said the partnership represents a milestone in Africa’s drive toward industrialisation and food security.

Dangote revealed that the Gode project is only the beginning, with plans to produce more fertiliser types and make Ethiopia a regional hub.

He also announced plans for a polypropylene bagging plant and commended financial institutions backing the venture.

The ceremony was attended by senior Ethiopian officials, investors, and financiers, with Somali Region President Mustafa Omar calling Dangote ‘the anchor investor Ethiopia has been looking for.’

Chief Executive Officer of Winhomes Global Services Ltd, Engr Stella Okengwu, has said that the confidence of foreign investors in Nigeria is at risk if their ongoing concerns are not urgently addressed by the federal government.

In a statement signed Monday, Okengwu accused the Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi of actions that may threaten foreign investors’ confidence and undermine the rule of law.

She said the project in question, Winhomes Estate, is a $250 million diaspora-backed housing and tourism development designed to promote national growth and attract sustainable foreign investment.

According to her, the initiative was inspired by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and has drawn support from Nigerians in the diaspora and foreign partners.

‘We believed in the Renewed Hope vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu – a vision that inspired us to invest massively in Nigeria’s future.

‘But the recent actions and public comments of the Honourable Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, have crossed legal boundaries and endangered investor confidence,’ she said.

Okengwu explained that Winhomes legally acquired 20 hectares of land, subdivided into 2,500 plots – each valued at ?150 million – within a serviced estate equipped with roads, drainage, libraries, hospitals, and perimeter fencing.

She added that about 400 plots worth ?60 billion were affected by the ongoing coastal road diversion, bringing total estimated losses to ?85 billion.

‘This is diaspora sweat and real capital – now endangered by ministerial overreach,’ she said.

The Winhomes CEO further alleged that the minister invoked the President’s name in a matter still before the court, calling the action ‘improper and dangerous.’

‘This conduct exposes the President’s office to reputational risk and undermines judicial independence,’ she said, citing Section 1(3) of the 1999 Constitution, which upholds the supremacy of the rule of law.

Okengwu clarified that the dispute is still before the Federal High Court in Lagos (Suit No. FHC/L/CS/10063/25), contrary to reports suggesting a judgment in favour of the Federal Government.

‘The case is still ongoing before Justice Akintayo Aluko. No judgment has been delivered. Any attempt to revoke land titles mid-case is contemptuous and unconstitutional,’ she said.

She also alleged that the minister visited the disputed site and declared it under his control – an act she described as ‘deeply corrosive to Nigeria’s investment climate.’

Addressing concerns about the source of project funds, Okengwu said the investment was financed through legal financial channels such as Sendwave, MoneyGram, Western Union, and other CBN-regulated platforms.

She added that Winhomes is certified by the Special Control Unit Against Money Laundering (SCUML) under the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, confirming the legitimacy and transparency of all inflows.

‘Any suggestion that these funds are illegal is reckless and defamatory. These are lawfully earned funds from hardworking Nigerians abroad,’ she warned.

She called on President Tinubu to intervene by halting further ministerial comments, reaffirming judicial independence, and ordering a transparent valuation of diaspora investors’ losses.

She also urged the presidency to facilitate dialogue between WINHOMES and the Ministry of Works through their legal representatives, and to order investigations into alleged irregularities linked to the project.

‘Mr. President, this is a moment for decisive leadership. Either we protect the Constitution and investor confidence, or we allow ministerial impunity to erode decades of trust. The world is watching.’

She maintained that the Winhomes project represents a model for diaspora-led national development and warned that disputes of this nature could discourage future foreign direct investment in Nigeria.

The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) has condemned the appointment of the Rt. Rev. Sarah Mullally as the new Archbishop of Canterbury, describing the development as devastating and insensitive to the convictions of the majority of Anglicans worldwide.

In a statement issued on Monday by its Primate, The Most Rev’d Henry C. Ndukuba, the Church said Sarah Mullally’s election, announced on Friday, October 3, 2025, disregards the theological and moral challenges currently facing the Anglican Communion.

According to the statement, the decision to appoint Bishop Mullally represents a double jeopardy both because of her being a woman in episcopal leadership, which many Anglicans oppose, and her well-known support for same-sex marriage.

The Church cited Mullally’s remarks in 2023 following a vote by the Church of England to approve blessings for same-sex couples, where she described the outcome as a moment of hope for the Church.

The Church of Nigeria said such a position undermines biblical authority and threatens the unity of the global Anglican family.

‘It remains to be seen how the same person hopes to mend the already torn fabric of the Anglican Communion by the contentious same-sex marriage, which has caused an enormous crisis across the Communion for over two decades,’ the statement read.

The Nigerian Anglican leadership said the development confirms that ‘the global Anglican world could no longer accept the leadership of the Church of England and that of the Archbishop of Canterbury.’

Reaffirming its alignment with the Global Anglican Future Conference (GAFCON) movement, the Church of Nigeria pledged to uphold ‘the authority of the Scriptures, our historic creeds, evangelism and holy Christian living,’ in defiance of what it described as the Church of England’s ‘revisionist agenda.’

Archbishop Ndukuba also expressed solidarity with members of the Church of England who continue to reject same-sex marriage and other ungodly teachings, urging them to ‘contend for the faith once delivered to the saints.’

Rev. Mullally’s election marks the first time a woman has been chosen as Archbishop of Canterbury, a move hailed by progressives but met with sharp criticism from conservative Anglican provinces, including Nigeria, Uganda, and parts of Asia.

The Kwara State Elders Caucus of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has mourned victims of violent attacks in parts of the Kwara North and Kwara South senatorial districts.

The Forum commiserated with the families of the victims, particularly the people of Oke-Ode in the Ifelodun local government area, over the recent attacks by the non-state actors, which left 12 vigilantes dead.

It also sympathised with Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq on the incidents of attacks on innocent people in the Kwara North and Kwara South senatorial districts.

In a statement signed by its chairman, Kunle Sulyman, and secretary, Hon. AbdulMumini Katibi, the forum acknowledged and hailed measures which the governor has put in place to ward off criminals from the state.

The forum listed the governor’s strides at warding off criminals from the state, including the recruitment of about 2,700 Forest Guards, support for vigilantes and enrolling them in the State Health Insurance Scheme; consultations with relevant stakeholders and collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA), among others.