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Sometimes your career shifts unexpectedly, and only in hindsight do the sharp turns reveal their true significance.

At the peak of my tenure as acting managing director, I was jolted by a sudden transfer, a move that felt more like a professional demotion than mere reshuffling.

My new assignment? Setting up a corporate governance, risk, and compliance system, entirely from scratch and alone. At that moment, I couldn’t help but see this as a relegation to unfamiliar territory.

I had spent years mastering audit and controls, accounting and finance, and business process reengineering, not the world of governance. I had built teams, balanced books, delivered results, and reshaped business operations narratives. Corporate governance therefore sounded abstract, and compliance conjured endless paperwork and a box-ticking exercise.

Embracing the unfamiliar

The first days stung with disappointment and doubt. Would this be my legacy, a solitary, thankless desk?

However, life rarely rewards brooding. Instead, I made a deliberate choice: e

Since every closed door has something to teach, I attended trainings, invested in self-study, and found mentors who had done this before.

I asked questions, learned the language, and exposed my vulnerabilities.

I soon discovered that humility is not a liability but a strength. Admitting what I did not know became the engine of my growth. Transforming setback into strength

Gradually, the haze lifted. I delved into understanding how to build governance and compliance frameworks and improved my risk modeling skills. background Strong risk management is not about dodging blame; it empowers leaders to navigate ambiguity.

Compliance, when properly understood, is not a checklist but a way to weave trust and endurance into the organizational culture.

Welcoming tomorrow’s challenges -ESG before its prime

My lone post soon became a platform. building governance and compliance systems made me a quiet pioneer, introducing practices that would evolve into the environmental, social, and governance (ESG) revolution years later.

I found myself drafting policies, guiding board discussions, and mentoring emerging leaders in areas that, at the time, were still seen as peripheral to business strategy.

Suddenly, being ‘sent to the sidelines’ positioned me to help organisations embrace sustainability, long before it was fashionable. The setback became the launchpad for my quiet impact. What lasts, is what we learn further in my career.

My greatest professional disappointment became my most formative chapter. The lessons learned while setting up governance and compliance systems extended well beyond my comfort zone and expertise. That solitary role unlocked a new perspective, showing me how growth is shaped not only by technical skills but by resilience, humility, and an openness to change.

Unexpected turns may never be welcome, but they are nearly always instructive. For every leader facing a setback, the invitation is the same: Treat each new door as an opportunity to learn. In doing so, the chapters once defined by doubt or discomfort may well become the ones remembered as the foundations of lasting impact.

Uade Ahimie is a chartered accountant with over 30 years experience, and pioneered ESG and corporate governance frameworks within Nigeria’s power sector and fintech ecosystem.

The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has declared all correctional facilities across the country as ‘Red Zones’ and strictly off-limits to the public, ahead of Monday’s nationwide protests demanding the release of Nnamdi Kanu, detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

In a public notice on Sunday, by Umar Abubakar, Service’s spokesperson, the NCoS warned that correctional centres are restricted areas and any unauthorised person found loitering or attempting to access the premises would be treated as a security threat.

‘All correctional centres are declared as Red Zones. Anyone who has no official business therein should stay off to avoid any untoward incidents or security breaches,’ the statement read.

The Service urged citizens to exercise caution and cooperate fully with security agencies to maintain peace and order during the planned demonstrations.

It emphasised that the measure was a proactive security step to safeguard the facilities, staff, and inmates in light of intelligence reports suggesting possible attempts to infiltrate or attack correctional centres during the protests. ‘It is equally important to respect restricted areas such as correctional facilities,’ the spokesperson added.

The Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) market in Nigeria is, curiously, lagging behind peers in spite of its growth potential as reflected in the country’s over 200 million population, housing deficit estimated at 28 million units, and an active rental market where 80 percent of the population lives in rented accommodation.

REITs is a specialised investment instrument that many people are not participating in. Investors are encouraged to make enquiries on the REITs through their stockbrokers or the Fund Managers. REITs, on their own, should also do their best to educate the investing public on the benefits of investing in REITs, which include high cash payouts and distributions, among other gains.

The REIT is an investment that is suited to a certain kind of investors. It constantly pays dividends, unlike companies that may suffer some fluctuations in their profit earnings. ‘By regulation, REITs are mandated to pay out dividends every year. So, it is an investment for people who want an annual income, and such income is not usually affected by the volatility of the stock market in terms of distribution,’ Odunayo Ojo, CEO, UPDC, explains.

According to him, REITs have returns that are stable and predictable, and that is something that makes investors cherish it. It is suitable for investors who want regular, stable and consistent income distribution.

Over the years, the REITs market has grown into a multi-trillion-dollar industry with an estimated value of $4 trillion. Reports have it that about 44 countries are enacting legislation to create REIT structures. It adds that more than 85 per cent of global REIT asset value is concentrated in just five countries, nearly 80 per cent of which is in the United States.

South Africa dominates Africa’s REIT landscape, with a market capitalisation of approximately $8.5 billion, while Nigeria trails at $600 million, followed by Kenya’s $300 million. Ghana, Morocco, and Egypt are laying legislative groundwork but have yet to see actual REIT listings.

In Nigeria, returns on REITs have remained discouraging. Investors earn only about seven per cent on Nigerian REITs, far below the 15 per cent offered in South Africa and nine per cent in Kenya. This gap reflects both operational inefficiencies and structural bottlenecks holding back the sector’s growth.

So far, only three Nigerian REITs -Union Homes REIT, SFS REIT, and UPDC REIT -have shown some resilience in Nigeria. Together, they recorded a rental income of N2.16 billion in 2023, according to the Knight Frank Africa Horizons report, which valued the Nigerian REITs market at $600 million in 2024. UPDC REIT, one of the largest and most diversified, has demonstrated strength and resilience over the years. Ojo revealed the company’s property portfolio spans more than 100 properties, including office towers, shopping centres, residential complexes, and student hostels across Lagos and Abuja.

Its flagship assets include Victoria Mall Plaza in Lagos, the Kingsway Building in Marina, UAC House in Abuja, and a hostel in Pan-Atlantic University, Epe.

Financially, UPDC REIT has turned the corner. After posting a net loss of N4.48 billion in 2021, it swung to net incomes of N1.68 billion in 2022 and N3.8 billion in 2023.

Union Homes REIT, with over 50 properties primarily in residential and mixed-use categories, continues to maintain a steady but modest profile. The SFS REIT is a specialist vehicle focused on prime office assets in Lagos and Abuja, owning just over 10 properties but with strong tenant bases.

However, while these funds demonstrate that Nigerian REITs can perform under difficult circumstances, they remain few, thinly capitalised, and limited in scope compared to their global counterparts and even African peers.

Until recently, with the new tax reform which promises tax exemption for REITs, Nigerian REITs risk double taxation, at both the trust and investor levels which erodes yields and discourages large-scale participation. Besides regulatory overlaps between the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Federal Inland Revenue Service, and the Nigerian Exchange all of which create compliance headaches, liquidity is also a critical barrier.

The few listed REITs are thinly traded, making it difficult for investors to buy or sell units without steep discounts. Institutional investors such as pension funds, insurers, and sovereign wealth funds, key players in global REIT markets, largely avoid Nigeria’s REITs due to these liquidity risks. Retail participation is also weak because public awareness is low.

On top of these structural problems, the macroeconomic climate adds to the difficulties. Currency depreciation, high inflation, and interest rates north of 20 per cent make government securities more attractive than REITs. In such an environment, investors prefer safer bets like treasury bills and bonds, further starving REITs of much-needed capital.

The Federal Ministry of Education has clarified that all students must continue to register and sit for English Language and Mathematics in their O-Level examinations.

The ministry in a statement signed by Boriowo Folasade, director, press and public relations, said that the new policy does not exempt any candidate from these core subjects but rather introduces a more inclusive and flexible approach to tertiary admission requirements.

‘English and Mathematics remain vital tools for communication, reasoning, and lifelong learning. The adjustment affects only admission criteria, not the requirement to take these subjects.’

Maruf Tunji Alausa, minister of education, explained that the reform promotes fairness and inclusiveness in tertiary education by ensuring that capable students are not denied admission due to deficiencies in non-core subjects.

‘The streamlining of O-Level admission guidelines aims to modernise Nigeria’s education system and align it with global best practices. ‘It allows institutions to admit candidates into specific programmes where credit passes in either English or Mathematics may not be compulsory, while still mandating that all students register and sit for both subjects,’ the statement reads.

The ministry explained that the reform supports the federal government’s vision of equitable access, inclusivity, and human capital development, broadening academic pathways and recognising diverse strengths among learners. The Ministry urges students, parents, and stakeholders to rely solely on official communication channels for verified policy updates.

The Ondo State Government has announced its readiness through the State Power Company (OSPC) to commence smart meters installation payment for communities and citizens across the state.

Johnson Alabi, the State Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, who disclosed at the weekend in Akure, said the initiative was part of the O’Datiwa Mass Metering Scheme, designed to provide reliable, affordable, and transparent access to electricity while ending the era of estimated billing.

According to him, the first phase of the programme will involve the deployment of 50,000 smart meters to communities, households, and businesses across Ondo State. He added that a trial run will begin this month, while the full rollout of installations is scheduled for November 2025.

‘With this programme, every citizen and business will have access to prepaid meters that guarantee fairness, transparency, and efficiency,’ the Commissioner said. Alabi hinted that the Ondo State Power Company (OSPC), working in collaboration with accredited Meter Asset Providers (MAPs), will oversee the rollout of the meters to ensure quality standards are met and the scheme runs smoothly.

Additionally, he noted that the metering programme will not only empower consumers but also strengthen the state’s electricity sector by boosting investor confidence and improving revenue assurance for operators. Alabi reaffirmed the Governor’s commitment to the improvement of power supply with a focus on enhancing the livelihood of citizens. He urged all to support the scheme as it lays the foundation for long-term electricity reforms and improved service delivery in Ondo State.

BusinessDay reports that the new feat underscores the Ondo State government’s unwavering commitment to advancing power supply and improving efficiency in the power sector across all and sundry.

Former Osun State Governor and National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Rauf Aregbesola, has accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of harassing opposition members across the country, saying the party’s actions prove it is not as popular as it claims.

Speaking in Ilorin, Kwara State, during the commissioning of the ADC’s state secretariat, Aregbesola challenged the APC to stop intimidating its rivals if it truly believes in its strength and popularity ahead of the 2027 general elections. According to him, the ruling party’s desperation to silence opposition voices across states like Lagos, Kebbi, and Kaduna shows fear, not confidence.

‘If the APC is sure of its strength, there would be no need to go after the opposition,’ Aregbesola said. ‘But because they know people are tired of their leadership, they resort to harassment and intimidation. Nigerians are watching.’ Aregbesola, who once served as Minister of Interior under the APC-led federal government, declared that he no longer believes the ruling party enjoys the people’s support. He confidently predicted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the APC would lose the 2027 general elections due to what he described as ‘widespread public dissatisfaction’ with their governance.

‘The APC knows it is not popular,’ he asserted. ‘If they were sure of their strength, they wouldn’t be desperate to crush the opposition. But because they are losing public trust, they are now using intimidation. By the grace of God, the ADC will take over leadership in Nigeria and in many states.’ He also dismissed the recent wave of defections of some governors and prominent politicians to the APC, describing them as ‘meaningless political moves by enemies of the people.’ According to him, such defections have nothing to do with the interest of Nigerians but everything to do with personal ambition and self-preservation.

‘The governors joining the APC are not doing so for the love of the people,’ Aregbesola said. ‘They are doing it for selfish reasons. Nigerians already know who they are, and they are not welcome. These politicians are only looking for protection, not service.’ Aregbesola’s remarks come as political tension continues to rise ahead of the 2027 elections, with opposition leaders repeatedly accusing the ruling party of using government power to suppress rival voices. His comments reflect growing discontent within the political class and renewed calls for fair play in Nigeria’s democratic process.

He urged Nigerians not to lose faith in the country’s democracy, promising that the ADC would present a genuine alternative to the APC’s style of leadership. ‘We are building a movement for real change,’ he said. ‘The ADC will not be a party of empty promises but one that truly serves the people and restores their hope in governance.’

Aregbesola concluded by calling on ADC supporters to remain united and courageous as the nation moves closer to 2027, assuring them that a new political direction for Nigeria is both possible and near.

Israel and Hamas traded blame on Sunday after fresh clashes erupted in southern Gaza, threatening to derail a delicate ceasefire agreement brokered by Donald Trump, United States president earlier this month.

The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) accused Hamas of firing an anti-tank missile and gunfire at its troops operating in Rafah, near the Egyptian border, calling it a ‘blatant violation’ of the ceasefire deal. The army said it responded with airstrikes to ‘eliminate the threat’ and destroy tunnels and military sites allegedly used by the Palestinian group. ‘Earlier today, terrorists fired an anti-tank missile and gunfire toward IDF troops operating to dismantle terrorist infrastructure in the Rafah area,’ the army said in a statement. ‘In response, the IDF has begun striking in the area. These terrorist actions constitute a blatant violation of the ceasefire agreement, and the IDF will respond firmly.’

The renewed hostilities mark the most serious flare-up since the US-brokered truce took effect on October 9. The agreement, seen as a major breakthrough in ending the two-year-long war, called for the release of all hostages and a phased withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza. Both sides had initially honoured the deal, exchanging prisoners and the remains of those killed during the conflict. But tensions have steadily grown amid mutual accusations of bad faith. Hamas swiftly rejected Israel’s claims on Sunday, dismissing them as ‘misleading propaganda’ and accusing Washington of siding with Tel Aviv.

According to Al Jazeera, Hamas, in a statement said, ‘The US allegations fully align with Israeli propaganda and provide cover for the continuation of the occupation’s crimes and organised aggression against Palestinians in Gaza.’ The group’s comments followed a warning from the US State Department late on Saturday that it had received ‘credible reports’ suggesting Hamas was preparing an attack on civilians in Gaza, in what would amount to ‘a grave violation of the ceasefire.’

‘Should Hamas proceed with this attack, measures will be taken to protect the people of Gaza and preserve the integrity of the ceasefire,’ the department said, without elaborating on the nature of the alleged threat. Hamas, however, insisted it was Israel that had been undermining the truce, accusing the IDF of dozens of attacks since the ceasefire began. The Gaza Government Media Office claimed nearly 50 Israeli violations had left 38 Palestinians dead and 143 injured. It described Israel’s actions as ‘flagrant and clear violations of the ceasefire decision and the rules of international humanitarian law.’

Meanwhile, pressure is mounting over Israel’s continued closure of the Rafah border crossing with Egypt – a key point for humanitarian aid and civilian travel. Palestinian officials say Israel’s refusal to reopen the crossing violates the ceasefire terms and worsens the humanitarian crisis in the enclave.

Rawhi Fattouh, president of the Palestinian National Council, called on the international community to deploy peacekeeping forces in Gaza to protect civilians and ensure the ceasefire is upheld.

The Abuja Continental Hotel (ACH) has been honored with the Distinguished Legacy Award for its outstanding contributions to elevating hospitality standards in Nigeria’s capital city.

The award was presented by Edvans Consult Ltd, in collaboration with the Institute of Hospitality (UK, Nigeria Region) and the Association of Tourism and Hospitality Consultants in Nigeria (ATHCON). The recognition celebrates the hotel’s enduring commitment to excellence, operational innovation, and its impact on the nation’s hospitality landscape.

Both Edvans Consult Ltd and the Institute of Hospitality have been instrumental partners in the Distinguished Legacy Award initiative, designed to recognize visionary leadership, sustainable operations, and lasting contributions within Nigeria’s tourism and hospitality sectors. The presentation took place at the second edition of Hotel Owners’ Dinner Outreach, a premier annual gathering of key stakeholders, investors, regulators, and innovators shaping the future of the Nigerian hospitality industry.

Presenting the award, Femi Olowoyo, head of Edvans Consult Ltd, commended Abuja Continental Hotel for its exemplary performance and brand legacy. He emphasized that the Distinguished Legacy Award programme aims ‘to support hotel owners, operators, and investors in building sustainable, globally competitive brands that reflect the true potential of Nigeria’s hospitality sector.’

The event, held in Lagos, featured high-level discussions on investment opportunities, branding strategies, policy frameworks, and regulatory trends driving the sector’s evolution. Receiving the award on behalf of the hotel, Karl Hala, Group General Manager, expressed delight at the recognition, describing it as ‘a great honor and splendid news for both employees and our esteemed guests.’

‘We are thrilled and delighted that Abuja Continental Hotel has received the Distinguished Legacy Award. This recognition celebrates the hotel’s ongoing transformation and commitment to elevating hospitality in Nigeria’s capital city,’ Hala stated. He further noted that the hotel’s success stems from its continuous drive for service excellence, innovation, and guest satisfaction – values that have solidified its position as one of Nigeria’s leading hospitality brands.

‘This award is a testament to our team’s dedication and to the trust of our guests. I dedicate this recognition to the staff and management team for their hard work, passion, and pursuit of excellence,’ Hala added.

The Institute of Hospitality (IoH), one of the collaborating partners, is a world-leading professional membership body for hospitality professionals. Established in 1938, the IoH is committed to promoting continuing professional development, ethical leadership, and lifelong learning across all sectors of hospitality worldwide.

The Distinguished Legacy Award underscores Abuja Continental Hotel’s role as a benchmark for quality and innovation – reaffirming its leadership in redefining modern hospitality in Nigeria’s capital city.

Controversy trailed a directive by Lawal Pedro, Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, ordering a fresh investigation into a protracted Lekki land dispute already before the Lagos High Court.

The move, which has drawn sharp criticism from the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA), is described as a potential abuse of prosecutorial powers and an affront to judicial independence.

At a press conference held in Abuja, Emmanuel Onwubiko, HURIWA’s national coordinator, criticised the Attorney-General’s reported decision to reopen investigations into the case, which is currently being prosecuted before Justice Sherifat Sonaike of the Lagos High Court.

According to HURIWA, the case involves a contested Lekki property acquired in 2005 by Obidigwe Eze., a U.S.-based dentist.

The group explained that the property was allegedly demolished and taken over in Eze’s absence, leading to a criminal prosecution on a five-count charge after an investigation by the Special Enquiry Bureau (SEB) of the Force Criminal Investigation Department.

Despite the matter being active in court, HURIWA alleged that the Attorney-General has directed a new round of investigation, a move the association described as unnecessary, unconstitutional, and capable of undermining judicial independence.

Quoting Section 211(3) of the Nigerian Constitution, Onwubiko stressed that while the Attorney-General has the authority to institute or discontinue criminal proceedings, such powers must be exercised ‘in the public interest, in the interest of justice, and to prevent abuse of legal process.’

‘The Attorney-General’s powers are not absolute; they are circumscribed by law, morality, and accountability. Any action that undermines a pending trial disrespects the judiciary and erodes public trust’, Onwubiko said.

It warned that any appearance of bias, interference, or undue influence in the matter would be a ‘serious affront to constitutional principles.’ ‘Any conduct that even remotely suggests bias, influence, or compromise is not only unethical, it is unconstitutional,’ he stated.

HURIWA said the development reflects a growing trend in which prosecutorial powers are allegedly weaponised to shield politically connected individuals from justice through mechanisms such as nolle prosequi.

‘The Office of the Attorney-General must never be reduced to a political sanctuary for the powerful. Its legitimacy rests on its ability to defend justice, not obstruct it’, Onwubiko warned.

The association urged the Inspector-General of Police and the Lagos State Commissioner of Police to ensure the safety of Eze, witnesses, and their legal representatives. It also called on the Lagos State Government to allow the ongoing trial to proceed without interference.

HURIWA reminded the federal government of its obligation to protect Nigerians in the diaspora who invest back home, saying that the credibility of Nigeria’s justice system was at stake.

‘Justice must not only be done, it must be seen to be done. If this culture of interference is allowed to persist, it will embolden criminals, destroy public trust, and entrench impunity’, Onwubiko said.

The Association of Tourist Boat Operators and Water Transporters of Nigeria (ATBOWATON) has commended the federal government for its efforts to develop the Nigerian water waterways and make them safer, and for supporting the tourism industry, while also calling for greater government support to develop these sectors.

The call was made by Ganiyu Tarzan Balogun, national president of the association, who is also managing director/CEO, Tarzan Marine Enterprises, when a delegation of the Association of Nigerian Journalists and Writers of Tourism (ANJET) paid him a courtesy visit to present to him an ANJET award notification letter. ANJET plans to honour him for years of dedicated service to the Nigerian tourism industry.

Speaking on nomination for the award, the ATBOWATON president explained that he accepted the award coming from ANJET because of members of the association’s vast knowledge of the industry and those that have contributed in shaping it. Balogun, a prominent figure in the maritime and tourism industries, thanked ANJET for believing in him, honouring and supporting him in the industry. He stated that if the government wants to encourage the operators in the business, those on ground should be encouraged and supported as well as whomever that is showing interest in the business as well.

He advised the government against killing the operators already in existence in the industry so that they can pave ways for their friends, or their brothers to come in.

According to him, ‘Some of the civil servants don’t like the truth because it doesn’t favor them. Most of the things they do is because of what they can get as a personal interest. So for that reason, it’s depreciating, revising and bringing tourism back a bit because those who are doing the tourism business are not encouraged’.

Balogun mentioned people like Sarat Braimoh of the National Inland Waterways Authority, NIWA, who always wants to do things the way they should be done, regardless of who is concerned.

He commended the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy for providing 42000 free life jackets for boat operators.

He said: ‘You cannot enter Tarzan boats without a life jacket. What is the excuse for that now? The government has given us life jackets. Beside the one I bought; I just sent a supply of 150 life jackets about three months ago before the federal government came.

‘In addition to this, over the years, my association, ATBOWATON, was the first that started enforcement of life jackets for all the passengers on our members’ boats. That was at Mekwen jetty by Bonny Camp, Victoria Island, Lagos.’ He called on all boat operators in the country to support the government by doing the right things on the waterways (making sure passengers wear life jackets). Balogun narrated how he advocated for the establishment of a filling station on the waterways for boat operators during a meeting with President Obasanjo in Aso Rock.

Balogun narrated further that: ‘They didn’t give us a fuel station here. But at least, they gave it to some other places.

‘What I am trying to say is that, after he left there, the successive government was supposed to continue from where he stopped. Now go to those places, there’s no fuel there.

At a personal level, as part of my company’s corporate social responsibility, I used to ferry students in Lagos from Tarkwa Bay to Lagos and back free when I was living there. When I moved to Lagos, I was doing the same at Eleke Crescent Victoria Island until I moved to Maroko, opposite Oniru Estate. I am now in Badore, I still ferry students in uniform, police, navy and army personnel in uniform free, up till today’.

Presenting the nomination letter, Okorie Uguru, ANJET president, applauded Balogun for his continuous support for the promotion of safety and growth of water transportation in Nigeria.

He said that Balogun was meritoriously chosen for the award based on his pedigree in promoting the growth of water transportation and tourism in the country.

Speaking also, Frank Meke, a renowned travel and tourism journalist, thanked Tarzan Balogun for his contribution to the growth of water transportation and tourism in the country. Meke noted that Balogun has the institutional memory of transformation of the water transportation business in the country.

‘When we talk about people like this, they should at least listen and learn from his experience, because he has the memory of it all. Tarzan is an enigma. He’s an institution’, Meke said.

He said Tarzan Balogun has touched lives in the industry which is why God is keeping him alive

He stated that the history of water transportation in Nigeria cannot be complete without the mention of Tarzan Balogun.

He thanked ANJET for recognizing and honouring Tarzan Balogun, adding that he is proud to be associated with him.