Author: user user

Wilmer, SAM Pharmaceuticals, and Ajeromi Public Health Centre recently held a community health seminar themed ‘Preventing and Managing Birth Complications in Our Community.’ The programme brought together community members and traditional birth assistants for training and awareness.

The panel featured Ahmad Amina of Ajeromi Ifelodun Primary Health Centre; Packson Akhenamen, Consultant Gynaecologist and Obstetrician at LASUTH; and Glory Chinaecherem Uzoigwe, Nutrition and Health Coach.

Akhenamen discussed danger signs to watch for in pregnant women and stressed the need for prompt referrals to hospitals to avert preventable deaths. Pharmacist Oluseyi of SAM Pharmaceuticals spoke on the dangers of counterfeit medicines in circulation and their risks to mothers and infants.

Uzoigwe’s presentation titled ‘Nutrition in Maternal Health: Preventing Complications Before They Arise,’ she outlined the nutrition-related challenges that affect pregnancy outcomes, including anaemia, low birth weight, gestational diabetes, preterm delivery, malnutrition, and iron deficiency. She also trained traditional birth attendants on identifying warning signs that warrant referral and introduced her ‘healthy plate’ model as a guide for expectant mothers.

Highlighting the urgency of addressing these issues, Uzoigwe said: ‘Truth is, all of the nutrition-related maternal complications are urgent, especially those that can affect both mother and child during pregnancy and the birthing process, starting from maternal anaemia, which is essentially iron deficiency. This can lead to haemorrhage, shock, infection and even maternal death. ‘It’s also imperative to add that maternal malnutrition is one of the issues that needs urgent attention as well because this leads to obstructed labour due to small pelvic size, poor wound healing, and increased risk of maternal and newborn death.’

Explaining her healthy plate model, she said: ‘My healthy plate model emphasises variety, grains, proteins, fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats, which helps cover multiple nutrient needs (iron, folate, calcium, vitamin A, protein, omega-3).

‘All of the aforementioned micro and macronutrients ensure mothers have everything they need during and after the postpartum phase, to support healthy birth weight, encourage variety, and keep energy level up.’

The seminar concluded with a special award presented to Uzoigwe in recognition of her dedication to advancing maternal health.

On Wednesday, October 1, 2025, a radio presenter greeted his many fans and listeners with ‘Which Way Nigeria?’, a song released in 1984 by Sonny Okosun, a late musician.

The song, which underscored a sense of directionlessness that still defines Nigeria’s political landscape after 65 years, also set the mood for the usual calls and commentaries by the listeners. But the listeners’ views were mixed, with more seeing no reason to celebrate that day, especially as the government cancelled the colourful parade, which many look forward to on Independence Day.

But away from the less cheers of October 1, 2025, the positive energy of the over 40,000 people, who gathered at the Lagos Race Course (now Tafawa Balewa Square) in October 1, 1960 to witness the lowering of the Union Jack and the raising of Nigeria’s new green-white-green flag, still speaks volumes on hope for the country.

As some observers have noted, the country may have seen more challenges in the six and half decades of her existence, but it is not all negative for these past years.

In the 65 years of independence, Nigeria, according to some observers, has faced legions of socio-economic and political adversities, especially a terrible civil war at the infancy, a number of economic recessions, political and social upheavals, religious riots and deepening trust deficit.

Also in the last 65 years, social cohesion has remained a scarce commodity in the country as it battles ethnic divisions and dangerous rhetoric from people of various ethnic hue, the observers pointed out. But their excitement is that the country has continued to trudge on despite her many challenges.

‘No African country, even across the world, will still be standing for 65 years with all the challenges Nigeria has faced and is still facing,’ Andrew Osaghele, an assistant director at a federation government parastatal, said.

‘I think, those who call us ‘Giant of Africa’ are seeing what we citizens do not see. We are truly a giant that has refused to go down despite the persistent attacks’.

Toeing the same lane, Olumide Ibidapo, economist and academic, noted that in 65 years, Nigeria has survived eight economic recessions, yet still standing.

‘From our first recession in 1967, we have had others in 1975, 1978 and 1981. But our worst have been the 2016 and 2020 recessions, yet we survived them. We have reasons to celebrate, at least, being together at 65 and still pushing harder. It is not all about negative things,’ Ibidapo said.

Though Nigeria lost its place as the largest economy in Africa to South Africa, and falling further to the fourth position, Ibidapo assured that the country will regain its continental economy leadership position soon.

‘South Africa is just the largest economy in Africa by nominal GDP, by the time the reforms of the current administration start yielding results, Nigeria’s economy will pick up and we will rise again. Don’t forget, we have fallen on that rating before and also regained it. We will rise soon,’ he noted.

Looking back at the country in 1960, Simon Pam, a Kaduna-based serial investor, noted that even the colonial masters will commend the strides achieved since then, especially in infrastructure.

‘There was no Abuja in 1960. Every visitor commends the city’s beautiful landscape, serenity, sense of organisation, more civilized style and security.

‘So, let’s be proud of something and not always complaining when outsiders are even envying what we look down on,’ Pam said. Pam, a Vom, Plateau State-born hotelier, manufacturer and an agro-entrepreneur, insisted that Nigeria has recorded remarkable growth in her 65 years nationhood, just that the rate has not been as fast as many desired.

‘You cannot say that Nigeria is stagnant for 65 years. I used to live in Lagos, when my father was serving in the army and I know how things have changed for good now.

‘Just go to Banana Island or Lekki, which used to be all swam till Eleko, the development will amaze you. Then, Eko Atlantic City is rising to become the future capital of Africa. It is twice the size of Victoria Island and the cranes have been raising the skyscrapers there. Let’s be hopeful for our country and do our part,’ Pam urged.

Citing example with Kaduna State, he noted some governors are doing even better than the president.

‘Since Uba Sani took over, insecurity has declined tremendously in Kaduna State without the huge budget spent in the past by Governor El-Rufai. The federal government should learn from him.

‘I learnt that the Oyo, Abia and Enugu governors are doing well. These are good leadership example to cheer for in our 65th independence,’ he said.

For Kenneth Orhue, a youthful returnee, the job opportunities in the country are huge draws for the diaspora.

Orhue, a software engineer, who works with a tier-1 bank, argued that if the country is that bad, in terms of unemployment and insecurity, why are other nationals trooping in good numbers.

‘Forget about the minimum wage, the plum jobs are here in the country, even in government agencies.

‘We don’t see such opportunities, but the Lebanese, Chinese and especially Indians, are seeing and taking advantage of them,’ he said.

‘I see many of them at Dangote Group, Globacom, Airtel, Lafarge, Indomie and name them. Why are they here if the country is not making any stride? ‘It is our wrong notion that everything good is abroad and also hope that foreigners are the ones to fix the country that are keeping some people down in the country. The country is rising, let’s rise with it, that is why I returned from the UK and I don’t have any regrets living and working here.’

Orhue points to the Lagos and Abuja modern rails as infrastructure to commend, expand to reach more passengers and replicated across cities in the country.

For Chijoke Umelahi, an Abuja-based lawyer, the major challenge the country is facing is just leadership, which, if sorted, the prosperity that will envelope the country, will be tremendous.

In the 65 years, Umelahi noted that Nigeria has witnessed some of the best leaderships in Africa, especially in the First Republic when founding fathers like: Nnamdi Azikiwe, Obafemi Awolowo, Ahmadu Bello, Tafawa Balewa, Michael Okpara, among others, led by example.

‘I urge those who are critical about leadership in Nigeria to check the feats of the premiers of the various regions then. They were all focused on developing their regions, across human capital, infrastructure, industrialisation and they harnessed resources in their regions to fund their developmental needs,’ the former Abia lawmaker said.

‘So, the lack of leadership today is just due to the rot in the system that has been institutionalised, especially among the political elite.

Anata Nigeria, one of the country’s most dynamic real estate investment firms, is expanding its portfolio with high-value residential and commercial projects aimed at High-Net-Worth Individuals (HNWIs) and global investors.

Through strategic estates and mixed-use developments across Lagos and beyond, the company offers investors sustainable rental income and strong capital appreciation.

Victory Johnson, Chairman/CEO described the vision as ‘building platforms for wealth, security, and legacy’ by creating investor-ready communities backed by transparency and trust.

Anata Nigeria’s proven models – land banking, rental properties, commercial leasing, and hybrid real estate ventures – provide both steady cash flow and long-term growth. Industry analysts highlight Lagos growth corridors like Badagry, Ibeju-Lekki, and Epe as Africa’s top real estate hubs. Anata Nigeria leverages these opportunities through Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) that secure each project with physical assets and investor agreements.

While Lagos is the core focus, Victory Johnson confirmed upcoming projects in Abuja, Port Harcourt, and other fast-emerging cities.

We are more than developers; we are partners in nation-building,’ Victory Johnson said. ‘Every project creates jobs, attracts capital, and secures the future for investors and communities.’

As global capital turns to Africa, Anata Nigeria is positioning itself as the trusted gateway for HNWIs, private equity firms, and international partners. Anata Nigeria – Building Wealth. Developing Communities. Powering Africa’s Future.

The longlist for Quramo Writers Prize (QPW) 2025, a manuscript prose fiction writing contest and critical creative component of the nine-year-old Quramo Festival of Words (QFest), has been unveiled after a month-long rigorous judging process by a three-man jury that comprises of Aduke Gomez, jury head, with Wase Aguele-Konu and Anote Ajeluorou as members. The longlist of five outstanding manuscripts from which a further shortlist has emerged are: ‘Black Bird’ by Chioma Jane Okeagu; ‘Kaku’ by Esther Eniola Oyeleye, ‘Moon Child’ Abiola Junaid, ‘Son of the Harem’ by Harry Onyeogo and ‘What Breaks, What Binds’ by Hubaidat Oyinkansola Ishola. The longlist was derived from 34 manuscripts submitted for the prize this year.

A cash prize of one million naira will be awarded to the winning manuscript plus a publishing deal. Dear Zimi by Chizeterem Chijoke won two years ago and was published last year. It earned Quramo Publishers a shortlist position in the USD$20,000 worth CANEX Book Factory Prize for Publishing in Africa 2025, won by South Africa’s Karavan Press for In Silence My Heart Speaks, by Thobeka Yose. ‘Black Bird’, ‘Moon Child’s and ‘What Breaks, What Binds’ are the shortlisted manuscripts for QWP 2025! The winner will be awarded the ?1,000,000 cash prize plus publishing deal. Apart from the prize, QFest 2025 has revealed the books and the writers that will feature in this year’s festival. They include: Hubris: A Brief Political History of the Nigerian Army by Dr. Akintunde Akinwumi; My Name Is Okoro by Sam Omatseye, chairman, editorial board, The Nation Newspaper; Across the Gulf and Shadows and Ashes by Dul Johnson, a professor at University of Jos. The books dwell on the infamous 30-month Nigerian Civil War from 1967 to 1970. Interestingly, the books constitute the nucleus of this year’s Quramo Festival of Words (QFest) 2025. For Gbemi Shasore, festival convener, it is about time to heal historical pains from the war, so that the country could move on in its march to a glorious future. According to her, ‘It is great when we talk about stories that tie to the Nigerian Civil War. Don’t forget, our name is Quramo Festival of Words. Very many things happen with words. Words provoke, words heal, words challenge, words nurture, words archive, words do a lot of things. As a publisher, as a filmmaker, I am thrown into words, flowery, unsavoury, humorous words, and so we thought about the civil war. We are not coming to it from an accusatory point of view. We are coming from the position that a lot has been written about the civil war, either to purge, to heal; either to come to terms, loads of fiction books, non-fiction books, entries into journals, gazettes in government documents; things have been written, words have been written about the civil war. ‘One thing is for sure; I lived the end part of the war as a child, and I think I was about seven or eight, because I remember I was trying to get a grip of my trainer bike, learning how to ride without trainer wheels when the war ended, when we heard the war had ended, and I know that it is not a place that Nigeria ever wants to go back to. So, let’s sit down in a very lovely environment where we have respect for one another and we are mindful of one another, our various interpretations of what we have heard and our various experiences and talk about it. ‘It is no longer the elephant in the room that nobody can talk about. We do not want to go back there. If you look at how we have public holidays for June 12 and even Independence Day on October 1, we should be able to have a day that we can apologize to one another, whether we did it or not. Apologize for the pain that the country went through, that our brethren went through, that we went through, and apologize and move on, because whether we like it or not, we are together, and the things that unite us are far better and more than what can divide us. Look at Ukraine and Russia; they were once a part of one another, but look at how they’re going at each other. If we all go three ways, maybe more ways, we would be more of a threat divided, in my own opinion, and so we will never get back there.’ Other personalities and books of the festival include: Mazi Nwonwu and his How to Make a Space Masquerade and Dele Sijuade’s Orisa will be in conversation for the speculative fiction panel. Also, Ndidi Chiazor-Enenmor’s See Morocco See Spain, Silva Nze Ifedigbo’s My Mind Is No Longer Here and Samuel Monye’s Give Us this Day, Henry Akubuiro’s Mighty Mite and Golden Jewel will feature in the children’s session, among others. Also, Moonbeam: An Anthology of Short Stories by Nigeria’s Foremost Culture Journalists (published by Narrative Landscape Press) will be unveiled at QFest 2025, with some of the contributors like Sam Omatseye, Adeniyi Kunu, Okechukwu Uwaezuoke, Terh Agbedeh and Henry Akubuiro featuring, and moderated by the editor Anote Ajeluorou. They will speak on ‘The Place of Anthologies/Collection of Short Stories in a Literary Ecosystem’. This anthology, the first by 15 culture journalists united in their singular passion for culture reporting such as Jahman Anikulapo, Toni Kan, Molara Wood, Abubakar Adam Ibrahim, Nehru Odeh, Evelyn Osagie (rest her soul), Sumaila Isa Umaisha, Greg Nwakunor and Akeem Lasisi, has been hailed as a bold cultural shift and boundary-defining.

The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) says it has observed a resurgence in activity within the country’s upstream oil and gas sector, with the rig count rising from 8 in 2021 to 69 as of October 2, 2025.

The Commission in a statement to mark its 4th year anniversary, signed by Eniola Akinkuotu, the head of media and strategic communication, said that the increase shows a renewed investor confidence in Nigeria. The latest rig count according to the commission, comprises 40 active rigs, eight on standby, five on warm stack, four on cold stack and 12 on the move.

‘The number is expected to increase even further in the coming months. This shows a renewed investor confidence in Nigeria. The success aligns with the charge of President Tinubu that Nigeria is ready for business and that the right investment climate prevails now in the Nigeria upstream as daily actioned by the NUPRC,’ it stated.

Also among the activities of the commission, since its inception is the implementation of ‘Drill or Drop’ policy which prescribes that unexplored acreages are to be relinquished.

The policy which is in line with the PIA, 2021, is designed to ensure the optimal use of oil assets and prevent dormant fields from tying up potential reserves. With this policy, the Commission said it has identified 400 dormant oil fields and has also propelled complacent oil companies to take quick action.

As part of its achievements in past four years, the Commission said, ‘To give meaning to the intent of the PIA, 2021, the Commission in consultation with stakeholders has developed 24 forward-thinking Regulations. So far 19 have been gazetted while five await gazetting. These forward-thinking Regulations serve as tools for transparency and creation of enabling investment climate and benchmark best practices.

‘The Commission approved divestments running into billions of dollars in 2024. From the Nigeria Agip Oil Company (NAOC) to Oando Energy Resources; Equinor to Chappal Energies; Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited to Seplat Energies; and Shell Development Company Nigeria Limited to Renaissance Africa Energy. The divestment is about investor portfolio re-ordering to focus on deep-offshore development.

‘The NUPRC completed awards of flare sites to successful bidders under the Nigerian Gas Flare Commercialisation Programme (NGFCP). The programme is aimed at eliminating gas flaring and attracting at least 2.5 billion dollars in investments.’ It also announced that the Host Community Development Trusts have remitted N122.34 billion, while dollar contributions stand at over $168.91 million as of October 2025. This translates to a combined remittance of over N358.67 billion based on the prevalent exchange rate.

‘Still on host community, the NUPRC is overseeing at least 536 projects at various stages of completion including schools, health centers, roads and vocational centers. These are being funded by the trust fund. The achievement has tremendously curbed crude oil theft.

‘In 2021, the average daily crude oil losses stood at 102,900 barrels per day or 37.6 million barrels per year. However, due to combined efforts of the General Security Forces and Private Security Contractors (TANTITA) as well as collaborative effort of the Commission this has reduced by 90 percent to specifically 9,600bpd in September 2025.

‘Furthermore, two pioneer regulations introduced by the Commission have also contributed to the success, namely: The Upstream Measurement Regulation and the Advanced Cargo Declaration Regulation respectively, have contributed as pioneer efforts at achieving transparency in hydrocarbon accounting.’

Highlighting transparent bid round as part of its achievements, the Commission explained that prior to its establishment, the licensing rounds were opaque and beclouded by political influence which made the process lack credibility.

It noted that with the support of President Bola Tinubu, the process has been transformed to be fully digital thereby enhancing transparency and credibility.

‘It was the most transparent bid round on record in Nigeria’s upstream petroleum history as it leveraged digital technology, devoid of any human interference, in a manner adjudged to be in line with global best practices which was even attested to by the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI),’ it added.

A multi-million-dollar deal was recently sealed by Veritasi Homes and Cooperative Investment and Thrift Society Limited (COOPLAG) who also turned the sod to develop 11-floor luxury residential tower in the highbrow Ikoyi neighbourhood.

The new development, known as Allied Towers, is a new addition to the numerous luxury residential developments stats in this neighbourhood. It will be bringing 26 premium apartments and penthouses to the market.

The 11-floor project, sitting on a 1,431-square metre prime plot on McGregor Street, is part of a multi-million dollar partnership deal between Veritasi Homes and COOPLAG.

It is backed by a consortium of major financial institutions and marks a multi-million-dollar partnership aimed at redefining urban living and cooperative investment in Nigeria.

The Towers is strategically nestled amidst high profile neighbours, including Ikoyi Golf Club, Microsoft Head Office and the new US Consulate General, blending cutting-edge architecture with premium amenities.

The developers assure that residents will enjoy premium amenities, including a gym, relaxation area, dedicated recreational floor, landscaped grounds and secure parking for residents.

The chief promoter, Veritasi Homes, is recognized by the Financial Times as one of Africa’s fastest-growing firms, and by this new development, it continues its innovation-driven expansion with over 1,000 homes delivered and 12 landmark projects launched in just seven years.

Nola Adetola, the chief executive officer of Veritasi Homes, says the project is a bold new chapter in Lagos’ skyline.

‘Today, as we break ground on Allied Towers, we are declaring possibility and our determination to do something meaningful with it. Together with COOPLAG, we begin a new chapter in Lagos’ skyline, in Nigeria’s housing story, and in Veritasi’s journey,’ he noted.

Adetola recalled, ‘Eight years ago, we looked at Nigeria’s real estate market and asked: Can we do better? That question gave birth to Veritasi Homes.

‘Guided by integrity, innovation, and customer-centricity, we began in 2017 with a small team and a big vision: to create developments that deliver value as reliably as they deliver shelter,’ he stated.

Projecting into the future, the chief executive said, ‘We envision a Veritasi that spans continents, a brand so trusted that wherever you see ‘Veritasi,’ you expect quality, innovation, and integrity. COOPLAG, we are honored to have you walk this journey with us. To our investors and future homeowners, this is your opportunity to own a share of Lagos.’

Francis Adeoye, President of COOPLAG, underscored the significance of the project and the vision behind it.

According to him, ‘Today, we are not just breaking ground, we are breaking barriers. We are laying the foundation for a future where cooperative strength meets architectural excellence, where innovation meets legacy, and where our members and stakeholders can aspire to live in spaces that reflect their values, ambitions, and achievements.’

‘This is the realisation of a shared dream, a dream to redefine urban living and empower our members. For over three decades, COOPLAG has stood as a beacon of cooperative strength, financial empowerment, and community development,’ he added.

Sharafadeen Alli, an All Progressives Congress (APC) Senator that represents the Oyo South Senatorial District, has revealed plans for an agricultural partnership with foreign investors to empower youths and support farmers in Igangan, Ibarapa North Local Government Area of Oyo State.

Alli, who disclosed this when Asigangan of Igangan, Oba Rafiu Ariwoola paid him a courtesy visit in his Ibadan residence. He said that agriculture remained a cornerstone of economic development, hence the need to engage youths in the sector.

The senator said the agricultural initiative would create jobs, enhance food security, and contribute to the region’s economic development.

The senator, who also reaffirmed his commitment to completing his one-per-ward borehole initiative, promised to deliver more projects, saying that the people supported him and deserved quality representation.

‘By God’s grace, we will do more. The 2024 budget is ongoing, and the 2025 budget will bring greater interventions,’ he assured.

In his address, Oba Rafiu Ariwoola hailed Senator Alli for transforming the community through impactful projects, declaring that ‘Igangan has never had it so good.’

The monarch, who led community leaders and parents to express their collective gratitude, stated: ‘I came to appreciate Senator Alli for all he has done for our people.

Since I became king, no leader has matched his efforts.’ He announced the senator’s facilitation of a high-capacity solar power project at the Federal Science and Technical College, Igangan, executed by Casbern Global Services Limited to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply.

‘The 64 solar panels, 32 batteries and inverters are a game-changer. Classrooms, laboratories and workshops now enjoy constant power for teaching, learning and innovation.’

Oba Ariwoola revealed that plans for a community health centre were also on course saying that land has already been earmarked for the critical project.

‘The senator has surpassed the community’s expectations; he has given us more than we demanded. If we had such representation earlier, things would have been much better.

‘We trusted many people who did nothing, before, parents withdrew their children from school. This project has changed everything for our students,’ he said. Isau Ayandele, Igangan Community Secretary described the project as historic, explaining that the community unanimously endorsed the visit.

‘The last time we witnessed such a development was during Senator Peter Adeyemo’s era. This is a joint appreciation for a senator who matches words with action,’ he stressed.

Meanwhile, Senator Alli has eulogised Oluremi Tinubu, First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, on the occasion of her 65th birthday, acknowledging her remarkable contributions to youth development, education and humanitarian causes.

Alli, in a statement he personally signed and made available to journalists in Ibadan, described her as a woman of grace vision and uncommon patriotism.

The lawmaker lauded the first lady for her commitment to nation-building and well-being of Nigerian families.

He commended Senator Tinubu for her exemplary virtues as a distinguished legislator, devoted mother and pillar of support to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Senator Alli said that the first lady’s selfless service has continue to inspire women across the country.

He added that her Renewed Hope Initiative was touching lives and giving hope to vulnerable Nigerians in remarkable ways.

‘As you celebrate this milestone, I join millions of Nigerians in praying for your continued good health, strength and divine wisdom to sustain your impactful service to humanity,’ Alli said.

Senator Alli prayed that God grant her long, prosperous life filled with peace, happiness, and greater accomplishments.

The lawmaker urged Nigerians to emulate her virtues of humility, compassion and dedication to the service of the nation.

Moreso, Alli has warned Nigerians to be wary of an unknown person who has fraudulently opened a Facebook account in his name to defraud unsuspecting members of the public.

‘My attention has been drawn to the activities of an unknown person who is duping people through Facebook in my name.

‘We strongly advise the public not to engage in any transaction or communication with anyone on social media platforms, particularly Facebook, Messenger, or any other similar channels, claiming to represent Senator Alli.

In a statement released by his media team, he said: ‘The Senator does not solicit funds, personal details, or business dealings through social media. Anyone who has information about the impostor is kindly urged to report to the nearest police station for necessary action.’

The Coalition of Youth and Women Supporters of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Adamawa State has called on the party’s national and zonal leadership to dismantle the current leadership structure in the state and install an interim arrangement that reflects greater inclusivity.

In a communiqué issued at the end of its meeting in Yola, the coalition, led by its Chairman, Mohammad Adamu, described the existing structure as unrepresentative and exclusionary.

Adamu emphasized that the inclusion of youths and women in the party’s leadership should be considered a right, not a privilege.

‘This is not right. Equality and justice should be the guiding principles in party politics. Women and youths must be considered for all leadership positions,’ he said.

He urged the National and Zonal Working Committees of the ADC to ensure that at least 17 of the 27 state-level party offices in Adamawa are allocated to young people.

The coalition further demanded that women be given equitable opportunities across all party structures, stating that their involvement should not be limited to stereotypical roles such as Woman Leader or Assistant Woman Leader. According to Adamu, young people make up about 70 percent of Nigeria’s population, while women account for roughly 62 percent, making both demographics central to the country’s democratic future.

‘ADC, as a political party, should harness the raw potential of young people and women by reserving at least 50 percent of elective positions within its structures for them. This is key to fostering inclusion and democratic accountability,’ he added.

The group also condemned what it described as the imposition of older individuals in youth leadership roles, citing the appointment of a 50-year-old man as a youth leader in a political party.

Adamu insisted that the position of youth leader should be strictly reserved for individuals between the ages of 18 and 39, in alignment with Nigeria’s demographic realities.

On the issue of micro-zoning of party positions, the coalition urged stakeholders to respect existing arrangements when selecting leaders. It also recommended Mr. Abdurrasheed Suleiman for consideration as State Youth Leader, should the position be zoned to Adamawa Central.

Despite its grievances, the coalition reaffirmed its loyalty to the ADC at both national and zonal levels and pledged to work towards strengthening the party’s standing as a major opposition force in the country.

The economic horizon for the growth and expansion of small and medium scale enterprises (SMEs) in the South-South and South-East got brighter recently with the engagement of a popular SME growth facilitator in the region, Larry-Goodwill Akintoba Ajiola, for higher global tasks.

Following his current multiple engagements as head of policy and diplomatic affairs at the United World Congress of Diplomats (UN-WCD), head of training and capacity development at the African School of Diplomacy and International Relations (ASDIR), distinguished fellow and certified global expert in political economy at the International Institute of Experts on Political Economy and Administration (IIEPEA) and head of communication, marketing and branding at the African Academic Achievers’ Awards (A4), the international SMEs/SDGs’ expert is now responsible for mobilizing distinguished individuals for membership in UN-WCD, assembling participants’ training on leadership, diplomacy and team development through ASDIR.

He is also facilitating affiliations of ASDIR with other universities, promoting the IIEPEA institute and championing a think-tank on political economic dynamics for a development-oriented governance and global economic growth as well as mobilizing institutions for A4 award and initiating institutional ratings to promote academic excellence.

With these latest engagements of Ajiola, known for his great passion for SMEs’ growth, operators within the South-South and South-East regional economic corridor believe that the global frontier market would be made more accessible to the sector.

A statement signed by Tunji John Asaolu, a professor and secretary-general of United World Congress of Diplomats (UN-WCD) in Abuja and made available to BusinessDay, noted that part of Ajiola’s new task also includes organizing occasional socio-economic and international diplomacy-enhancment programmes.

‘His (Ajiola’s) appointment is a testament to our organization’s dedication to fostering global peace, understanding, and cooperation,’ the statement added.

In an interview with BusinessDay in Port Harcourt, Ajiola described the multiple engagements as a good omen for the business sector in the South-South and South-East region in particular and in the nation at large, expressing hope that the new tasks would positively rub off on the sector.

Ajiola, an international ambassador for peace and PHD holder, noted: ‘It’s a recognition of the little efforts we have made over the years to promote the business, peace, diplomacy and international relations eco-system and I’m happy about it. I know there will be challenges but we shall succeed with unity of purpose and the diplomatic, academic and socio-economic sectors will all be impacted at the end of the day.’

Ajiola, who also is the managing director of I-Conntact.Connect Ltd, has supported a lot of SMEs in Port Harcourt and other cities in the South-South and South East Region while promoting peace advocacy and UN SDGs.

In August, he partnered with the International Association of World Peace Advocates (IAWPA) to mark the 2025 World Humanitarian Day at Enugu.

Following recent deadly attacks by Boko Haram insurgents and their rival faction, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), around the Bama and Gwoza local government areas of Borno State.

Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State has expressed concern that the security situation could deteriorate further if the military fails to strengthen its presence around border communities.

Recently, BusinessDay reported how the terrorists attacked several locations, including Darajamal in Bama Local Government Area, also Banki and Kirawa on fringe of Nigeria-Cameroon border community in Bama and Gwoza Local Government Areas, claiming the livies of over 65 civilians aside wanton private and public structures raze down.

Last Wednesday, October 1, Governors Babagana Zulum of Nigeria’s Borno State and Brig.Gen Mahamadou Ibrahim Bagadoma of Niger Republic’s Diffa Region held a closed-door meeting in Diffa, to, among others, re-strategize for lasting security around the Lake Chad shores.

Their discussions reportedly centered on joint patrols, intelligence sharing, and sustaining the recent gains that have pushed insurgents out of many of their former strongholds. Zulum, last Friday, October 3, undertook a commiseration and assessment visit to Kirawa community where the violent extremists killed one person and torched the district head’s palace, reportedly sending the district head to flee to the neighbouring Cameroon.

Following the frightening resurgence of terror attacks, Zulum charged the Nigerian Armed Forces to scale up military operations in Borno State to avert the possibility of terrorists reversing the gains recorded so far.

‘??’???? ???????? ???????????????? ?????? ???????????????? ???????????????? ???? ?????? ?????????????? ???? ?????????????? ????e??e ????????s ?????????????? ???????????????? which are Wulgo, Kirawa, Baga, Damasak, Malamfatori, and others are borders community that has to be protected because of the significant of these communities.’

He continued by expressing his frustration, ‘?????? ??????????????????????????, ???? ?????????????? ?????? ?????????? ???????????????????? ?????? ?????? ?????????????? ?????? ?????????????? ?????????????????? and two days ago you have seen these terrorists come to this town and destroyed everything.’ Zulum said while addressing journalists at Kirawa town on the spot assessment.

Governor Zulum noted that border communities in Borno State were recently attacked by insurgents after repeated warnings to Nigerian authorities went unheeded.

‘I am appealing to the Nigerian Armed Forces to be more committed. Above all, we need military operations. For sometime, military operations were not conducted in Borno State. ‘This has been instrumental to the renewed insurgency. We need to take note of one very important thing, continued military operations. There is need for us to sustain our military operations,’ Zulum said.

The governor sympathised deeply with residents over the tragic incident and condemned the attack in the strongest terms, assuring the people of his administration’s commitment to their safety and well-being.

He announced concrete steps that can improve security in the area, revealing that plans are underway to deploy additional security personnel and establish a new Civilian JTF post to enhance surveillance and rapid response capabilities in and around Kirawa.

Reacting to the latest development, Dauda Illiya, Governor Zulum’s spokesperson was optimistic that the recent setback would not deter the committiment of the current administration to resettle displaced persons.

Dauda pointed out that Governor Zulum has always emphasized the nexus between resettlement programme and development is adequate security which it is vital to defeating the terrorists. He added that the Governor’s two-day confidence building visit to the area further demonstrate and underscores his repeated statement.

Dauda said, ‘However, the border town of Banki is showing encouraging signs of recovery, with its population steadily increasing each day. Governor Zulum has consistently stated that the resettlement of displaced people, along with resilience and peace-building initiatives, are central to defeating the insurgency in the region.

‘His hands-on approach and connection with local communities have continued to earn him the trust of the people he serves. He is widely recognised for his close identification with the citizens of Borno.

‘This latest visit to the border area demonstrates Governor Zulum’s clear commitment to rebuilding a stronger and more prosperous Borno State.

‘The urgency for change of approach and strategy is highly imperative, not only to enable Borno State government safeguard and consolidate the significant success it has achieved in the resettlement of returnee communities in their ancestral abodes, but also to check further advances by the terrorists who seem hell-bent on reconquering liberated territories.

‘Liberation of all territories, (except Guzamala, Abadam, and parts of Marte and Kukawa) hitherto under the grips of the terrorists by the Nigerian military and the multinational joint task force restored the sufficient security that facilitated the state government’s reconstruction and resettlement programme tailored towards the rapid rebuilding of the state economy.

‘The current resurgence of terror activities across the Northern, the Central and parts of the Southern zones of the state glaringly shows the determination of the terrorists to halt the resettlement programme and this is the right time for the military to rise to the occasion by defending the territorial integrity of this country by protecting and safeguarding the borders communities in the northeast and northwest where these violent extremism are wrecking havoc on helpless civilians.’