Author: user user

Nigeria and China have signed a new agreement to expand women’s participation in Nigeria’s gas sector, as part of efforts to boost inclusive growth and advance gender-responsive infrastructure.

The pact was sealed in Beijing during the first-ever Nigeria-China Women’s Infrastructure Investment Forum, co-hosted by Nigeria’s Ministry of Women Affairs, the China Chamber of Commerce for the Petroleum Industry, and the Mutual Commitment Group.

A statement from Nigeria’s Ministry of Women Affairs explained that the memorandum of understanding represents a major step towards expanding sustainable energy access for women-led enterprises and households, in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

The Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, who led Nigeria’s delegation to the forum, said the new agreement would accelerate the transition to clean cooking and strengthen economic opportunities for women across the country.

‘The engagements mark a decisive shift from policy dialogue to measurable action,’ the statement quoted the minister as saying. ‘Through partnerships like these, we are moving from advocacy to execution. The Renewed Hope Agenda is clear – empower women, strengthen families, and create shared prosperity.’

Sulaiman-Ibrahim noted that the new MoU complements other gender-focused initiatives such as the Women Agro Value Expansion (WAVE) Programme and the national framework establishing Safe Spaces and Sexual Assault Referral Centres.

In his remarks, Mr. Liu Zhaolong, Group Managing Director of the Mutual Commitment Group, hailed the agreement as a symbol of long-term partnership between both countries, adding that ‘all stakeholders are united by a shared commitment to honour promises wherever we work.’

The Chairman of the House Committee on Women Affairs, Hon. Kafilat Ogbara, also commended the initiative, describing it as evidence of seamless collaboration between the executive and legislative arms of government to advance women’s rights.

‘My presence here is a testament to the legislative commitment to inclusion. Through the Reserved Seats for Women Bill, we will continue to drive structural change for greater participation,’ she said.

Representing the Bureau of Public Procurement, Mrs. Eugenia Ojeah reaffirmed that affirmative procurement remains a vital tool for inclusive economic growth, while Chinese official Ms. Ma Li described the partnership as a model for cross-border cooperation on gender-responsive investment.

Private-sector players, including Newbury Energy Ltd and Easy Sales Export, pledged continued support for the Renewed Hope Social Impact Interventions targeting 10 million women across Nigeria’s 774 local government areas.

Sulaiman-Ibrahim expressed appreciation to the Government and people of China for their hospitality, stressing that the ministry would move swiftly to implement the new agreement with transparency and accountability.

‘These engagements are not ceremonial; they are operational blueprints for change. By investing in women, we are investing in the future of Nigeria,’ she said.

Kwara State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) has presented hundreds of school uniforms, writing materials, chairs and tables to Kanbi Hausa LGEA Primary School in the Moro local government area of the state.

Speaking during the presentation of the items, state chairman of the SUBEB, Professor Shehu Raheem Adaramaja, said that the state government is committed to tackling the menace of the out-of-school children phenomenon in the state.

The state SUBEB boss said that Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq directed the board to immediately procure the items following the report that the community was faced with the challenge of OUT-OF-SCHOOL CHILDREN.

He said the administration is leaving no stone unturned to increase school enrolment through the provision of school infrastructure that will aid teaching and learning.

‘The Enrolment Drive Committee of Kwara SUBEB was here earlier. They came with a report that there were many out-of-school children in the Kanbi Hausa community. When we told the governor about this, he quickly directed us to ensure that all the affected children are registered in the school immediately’, he said.

‘When we came here about five weeks ago, the number of registered children in this school was just about 178. Today, we have registered 672 pupils. In addition, the governor said we should give them uniforms. He also directed us to immediately add more classrooms’. All these are in addition to the provision of ECCDE chairs and tables for the school.

He said the construction of the classroom has since begun and will be delivered in the next three weeks, commending the contractor handling the construction for keeping to the specifications.

According to the Chairman, items donated to the school include 90 pieces of chairs and tables, 350 ready-made school uniforms with hijabs, 750 packs of exercise books, and biros and pencils.

Also speaking, Seriki Hausa of Kanbi community, Mallam Muhammadu Muazu, commended the governor for prioritising the educational rights of their children, saying nothing is more precious to bequeath to children than quality education.

He lauded the governor’s focus on educational development, saying that no government in the past has shown them this degree of passion and commitment to their welfare.

‘Nothing is more precious than acquiring a sound education. Because if people lack education, they may be induced to perpetrate crimes’, he said.

‘If you have education, you will never think of harming your neighbours or anybody you are living with. That is why we cannot but thank the government of Kwara state for this intervention. May God continue to strengthen it’.

He pledged the support of his people for the administration to succeed, insisting that he would make sure every child of the community was enrolled in school.

Also speaking, Magaji Kanbi Yoruba, Alhaji Usman Adisa, appreciated the administration for its education reform, which he said has changed the education sector for the better.

He praised Professor Adaramaja and his team for doing a yeoman’s job in implementing the educational policies and programmes of the government.

At the event were the Chairperson for Moro Local Government, ably represented by the Secretary, Moro local government Council, Hon. Salihu Lawal Ayanshola representing Shao, Oloru and Malete in the 10th Kwara State House of Assembly, Hon Medinat Raheem, Member representing Ipaye, Lanwa Ejidongari in the 10th Kwara State House of Assembly, Hon. Ramat Adelodun, Speaker, Moro Local Government, legislative council; Special Adviser to the Governor on Interparty Affairs, Hon. Moshood Alaka; Board Secretary, KWSUBEB, Mrs. Gloria Adebisi; Director of Administration, SUBEB, Alhaji Abdul lateef Sholagberu; Director of Physical Planning, Architect Saheed Animasaun; Director of Social Mobilization, Hajia Afusat Suleiman Uthman; Director of Training, Mrs. M. O. Awotunde; as well as Education Secretaries across the LGEAs in the state.

Deputy Senate President, Barau I. Jibrin, on Sunday, reaffirmed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s healthcare system.

He stated this during an inspection of seven major projects at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH).

Jibrin, accompanied by four senators, said the projects-worth billions of naira-align with Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to modernize teaching hospitals, curb medical tourism, and address the ‘japa’ syndrome among health workers.

He listed the projects to include the construction of a cardiothoracic centre, paediatric complex, classrooms, hostels, and internal road networks, noting that such investments will elevate AKTH to one of the best in West Africa.

Jibrin added that the National Assembly will continue to support the executive through legislation aimed at improving healthcare and other key sectors.

BUK Vice Chancellor, Prof. Haruna Musa, lauded the Deputy Senate President for facilitating two major projects for the institution within his short tenure.

The last remaining grandees of the Osogbo School,’ as writer and editor, Molara Wood described them in her essay, ‘The Art of Oshogbo’ in the book accompanying ‘Nigerian Modernism’ – the landmark exhibition at Tate Modern ongoing till May 2026 – were in high spirits when I met them at their hotel in Central London on the evening of Thursday, October 9 2025.

Chiefs Jimoh Buraimoh and Muraina Oyelami, along with textile artist Chief (Mrs) Nike Okundaye, had been loudly celebrated at the exhibition’s official opening the previous day. The two men are the last surviving members of the 1963/1964 Osogbo art workshops organised by the late German scholar and anthropologist Ulli Beier and his wife Georgina.

Other notable members of the group included Adebisi Fabunmi, Taiwo Olaniyi Osuntoki (Twins Seven-Seven), Rufus Ogundele, and Jacob Afolabi. The late Ashiru Olatunde had previously trained with the Beiers. Mrs Okundaye, artist, textile designer, and gallerist, who was once married to Twins Seven-Seven, attended a later workshop alongside Senabu Olatunde and Kikelomo Oladepo. She is widely recognised as part of the celebrated Osogbo group that helped bring Yoruba art and culture to global prominence.

The other distinct Osogbo group is the New Sacred Art Movement, comprising those mentored by Wenger. They included Adebisi Akanji, Sangodare Ajala, Ajibike Ogunyemi, Buraimoh Gbadamosi and Rabiu Abesu.

The trio had arrived in the United Kingdom on Sunday and were departing later that night. Having missed the opening ceremony due to a prior commitment, Chief Buraimoh was only too eager to share how it went.

‘I was amazed by the turnout. It was a massive crowd that came to see our works, especially since they are old creations that most people don’t have access to,’ explained the muralist and bead painter who first visited London in 1965 with Oyelami as members of the Duro Ladipo Theatre Group.

In the ‘Nigerian Modernism’ exhibition, the Osogbo artists’ works, which occupy two rooms, stand out for their unique features.These works, created without the influence of Western artists, are a testament to the artists’ deep connection with their culture and environment.

Buraimoh reiterated this while sharing how the opening went: ‘We are original artists who created works from our minds; no one influenced us. We are eight exhibitors, and none of our works resembles each other. I’m happy to be part of the exhibition. It’s historic and unfolding on the international stage, which certainly adds to its weight. We have all exhibited in individual shows across the UK, but this is a massive exhibition showing all other art movements in Nigeria.’

Apart from himself, Oyelami and Mrs Okundaye, also known as Mama Nike, other Osogbo artists on showcase are Bisi Fabunmi, Sangodare Ajala, Twins Seven-Seven, Georgina Beier and artworks by Wenger. Their exquisite works in the show have already attracted reviews in major Western publications.

However, a common worry among art lovers, particularly followers of the Osogbo Art Movement, is what will become of it after Buraimoh and Oyelami go the way of all mortals. Will Osogbo Art survive?

Buraimoh assured that their eventual passing won’t be the end of Osogbo art. ‘Apart from two of my children following in my footsteps, I have trained over 60 other artists in textile and painting, and marketing their works on the internet. I received a grant from the American Embassy to train artists in 2019 and again last year. I don’t entertain any fear about the future of Osogbo art because I have trained about 70, 80 people who are in turn doing excellent work.’

Like Buraimoh, Chief Oyelami, the Eesa of Iragbiji, hailed the ‘Nigerian Modernism’ exhibition. ‘It’s a positive development in further popularising Osogbo art, and I’m joyous to be part of it. The works being shown are those I made several years ago.’

He expressed happiness with the hands-off approach to the 1960s workshop organised by the Beiers and their collaborators. According to him, they were not prescriptive but allowed the artists to express their creativity freely. ‘There was never any time during the workshops that they said, ‘Look, what you’ve done is not right.’ If they were satisfied with the work, they commended you. If they thought it needed improvement, they would ask you to look at it again. They wanted us to develop our inner eyes, and over time, we did. We knew when an artwork needed further improvement. Amongst ourselves, we visited each other and engaged in what you could term peer review. We all became better for this approach.’

It’s worth noting that both octogenarian artists are still active, a testament to their unwavering dedication to their craft.

Mama Nike praised the organisers for putting on the show, hailing it as ‘most impressive’ and an outstanding achievement for Nigeria. She was also wowed by the turnout, estimating the attendance at thousands.

‘This exhibition is a great achievement for Nigeria and all the featured artists. Nigeria has always made Africa proud when it comes to creativity, and we are doing the same with this exhibition,’ said the textile artist, whose four works in the show are her very early embroidery

Like her male counterparts, the gallerist also does not joke with training. She has centres in Osogbo, where she trains 180 students in textile arts quarterly, and Kogi State.

Reflecting on her journey, Mama Nike expressed gratitude to the Osun goddess for her blessings. ‘I never knew that art could feed me and earn revenue for the nation. This is a dream come true, and I am grateful to the Osun goddess whose images adorn my textile creations, including the one being shown in this exhibition. When the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, visited Nigeria in July and came to our gallery, he was surprised by the 25,000 art pieces we have at Lekki. He was also excited when I told him Nigerian artists would be in London for the exhibition. We are here now, and it’s an excellent feeling to see viewers appreciating our works.’

Printmaker, painter and sculptor, Professor Bruce Onobrakpeya, who also benefitted from the Osogbo workshops but is classified among the Zaria School, was also in London for the exhibition. His work, expectedly, was not included in Osogbo Art.

Described by Wood in a post after the opening as ‘walking histories, cultural touchstones, potent representatives of Yoruba culture and arts, great ambassadors of Nigeria’, the trio embody the enduring spirit of the Osogbo School. Meeting them again, just before their flight home, was an honour and a privilege.

Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has reiterated that professionalism and ethical conduct remain non-negotiable for stockbrokers and other market intermediaries, as part of efforts to build investor confidence and sustain transparency in Nigeria’s capital market.

Director-General of the SEC, Dr. Emomotimi Agama, made this known at the 29th Annual Conference of the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS) held in Abuja at the weekend.

Speaking on the conference theme, ‘Capital Markets in a Digital, Ethical, Sustainable Era: Pathways for Economic Transformation,’ Agama noted that the theme reflects the evolving global landscape where technology drives innovation, ethics anchors trust, and sustainability defines the future of finance.

‘These three dimensions-digitalisation, ethics, and sustainability-are not separate pillars; they form the foundation of a modern, inclusive, and resilient capital market,’ he said.

According to him, the digital era has brought about new opportunities ranging from online trading platforms and digital assets to data analytics, blockchain, and artificial intelligence, all of which are reshaping how capital is raised and investments are managed.

Agama stated that the SEC is leveraging this transformation to improve market efficiency, transparency, and investor protection through the automation of regulatory processes, risk-based supervision, and enhanced market surveillance systems.

He disclosed that the Commission is working closely with key stakeholders, including the CIS, to promote digital literacy and build the capacity of market participants in adapting to technological advancements.

‘As technology evolves, so must our skills, ethics, and shared commitment to fairness and professionalism. No amount of innovation can replace the foundational importance of ethics,’ Agama emphasized.

He commended the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers for its continued partnership in upholding professional standards and ethical codes that define the stockbroking profession.

‘As regulators, we continue to emphasise that professionalism and ethical conduct are non-negotiable. Investors must have full confidence that the intermediaries who manage their wealth are guided by the highest standards of honesty and competence,’ he said.

Agama called for continuous ethics education, professional development, and stronger disciplinary frameworks to ensure that Nigeria’s capital market remains a place of trust, integrity, and investor protection.

AMIDST the facade of public excitement over the resignation of Bayelsa State governor, Douye Diri, from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and his likely move to join the All Progressives Congress (APC), Sunday Tribune can authoritatively reveal that there is growing tension in the Bayelsa State chapter of the ruling party.

Checks revealed that the apprehension has to do with the likely battle for the control of the APC structure ahead of the 2027 power game between the contending power blocs.

Diri, who has refused to disclose his next political destination, will have to battle for control of the party structure with the likes of former governor, Timpre Sylva; current Minister of State, Petroleum, Honourable Heineken Lokpobiri and the Managing Director of Niger Delta Development Commission, Samuel Ogbuku.

Multiple sources told the Sunday Tribune that the political camp of ex-Governor Sylva, who lost the last governorship election to Governor Diri, is wary of losing the party structure to the latter, who, by virtue of the practice in the party, will assume the status of the leader of the APC in Bayelsa as sitting governor.

Further investigation by Sunday Tribune revealed that Governor Diri’s coming, which is being facilitated by the Presidency, may frustrate the political permutation of Sylva and his loyalists.

According to sources, aside from the Presidency, Diri’s likely defection to the APC enjoys the blessing of the incumbent Minister of State, Petroleum, Heineken Lokpobiri. He is, however, being given a cold shoulder by Sylva, who perceived Diri as a threat to his political aspiration and power bloc.

The source revealed: ‘Timpre Sylva from Bayelsa East wants to come to Senate in 2027. He is also scheming to give the governorship ticket to his ally from his Senatorial zone, the incumbent Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Samuel Ogbuku. All that will be jeopardised as the sitting governor assumes the position of party leader and decides who gets what.’

Speaking with Sunday Tribune at the weekend, former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the APC, Honourable Yekeen Nabena, who is from Bayelsa State, expressed concern over unfolding development in the South-South state.

He said: ‘Let me explain something to you. Coming isn’t the problem; how is he going to manage it with people on ground already? That’s the question.

‘That’s the problem with APC. It also exists in Delta. It was recently that the Senator Omo-Agege group and the James Ibori group are now trying to attend meetings with the governor. So, if Douye Diri comes in, how is he going to manage the situation?’

A chieftain of the APC told Sunday Tribune in confidence that the Bayelsa governor has his own plan for dumping the PDP.

He dismissed insinuation that the Presidency is muscling the governors to dump their platforms for the APC in order to build a Southern coalition ahead next general elections.

The politician, incidentally from Bayelsa State claimed Governor Diri is scheming to use the Presidency to secure protection ahead of unveiling his 2027 aspiration.

He said: ‘The governor is desperate for protection from the Presidency. He wants to come to Senate in 2027 and install his successor. He knows that will put him in collision course with his godfather, Seriake Dickson.

‘He knows he can’t secure Senatorial ticket and still decides who succeeds him.’

Investigation by Sunday Tribune revealed that in a bold move to secure his seat, Senator representing Bayelsa central, Benson Konbowei, announced on the floor of the Senate on Thursday through the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, his formal resignation from the PDP and defection to APC.

Incidentally, both Governor Diri and Senator Konbowei are from same Senatorial zone.

There were indications on Sunday that the scheduled November 15 National Elective Convention of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) may hit the rocks as the National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, has petitioned security agencies, alleging the forgery of his signature appended to communications relating to the Ibadan convention.

Anyanwu, an ally of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, petitioned the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Inspector-General of Police.

He also petitioned the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on the same subject, calling for investigations into how his signature appeared on letters emanating from the PDP, since he didn’t sign them.

While Anyanwu’s petitions to the DSS and INEC were dated October 15, 2025, the one to the police was dated October 16, 2025.

In the separate petitions, the secretary claimed not to have co-authored the August 25, 2025, letter the PDP wrote to INEC to inform the electoral umpire about the Ibadan Convention fixed for November 15 -16, 2025.

By existing regulations, both the National Chairman of the party (in this case, Ambassador Umar Damagum) and Anyanwu are to jointly sign such a communication. However, in the unfolding drama, the secretary claims that his signature on the letter to INEC was forged.

The petition to INEC was titled, ‘RE: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Year 2025 Elective National Convention: Petition Against Forgery and Cloning of My Signature.’

The secretary wrote, ‘Regrettably, the quoted letter was never signed, authorised, or known to me. It is shocking to have a forged/cloned version of my signature on the letter.

‘I therefore request that this criminal conduct by officers of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and their collaborators within INEC be investigated and the culprits prosecuted.

‘Attached herewith is an excerpt of the forged document for ease of reference.’

In the petition to the DSS, where he specifically demanded the arrest and prosecution of the alleged forgers, Anyanwu stated, ‘My attention has been drawn to the above-titled official letter to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) with Ref. No. PDP/DOM/GF.2/Vol. 1M/25-140 dated Monday, August 25, 2025, purportedly signed by me.

‘Regrettably, the quoted letter was never signed, authorised, or known to me. It is shocking to have a forged/cloned version of my signature on the letter.

‘I therefore request that this criminal conduct by officers of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and their collaborators within INEC be investigated and the culprits prosecuted.’

In the IGP’s petition, Anyanwu also wrote,

‘My attention has been drawn to the above-titled official letter to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) with Ref. No. PDP/DOM/GF.2/Vol. 1M/25-140 dated Monday, August 25, 2025, purportedly signed by me.

‘Regrettably, the quoted letter was never signed, authorised, or known to me. It is shocking to have a forged/cloned version of my signature on the letter.

‘I therefore request that this criminal conduct by officers of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and their collaborators within INEC be investigated and the culprits prosecuted.

‘Attached herewith is an excerpt of the forged document for ease of reference.’

In the past few weeks, there has been uncertainty over the fate of the convention due to unresolved disputes between the majority members of the National Working Committee (NWC) and the allies of the FCT minister over the South-South zonal leadership of the PDP, the cases of congresses in Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Plateau, and a number of other states.

Similarly, the micro-zoning of offices ahead of the convention has not settled well with some stakeholders.

Amid the development, Honourable Austin Nwachukwu, the Imo state chapter chairman, and his counterpart from Abia state, Honourable Amah Nnana, filed a suit at an Abuja Federal High Court, seeking to stop the convention.

The matter comes up on October 20 for a substantive hearing before Justice James Omotosho.

There was more drama before the Court last week when the NWC disowned the party’s Legal Adviser, Mr Kamaldeen Ajibade (SAN), saying that he was not the appointed representative of the PDP in the suit.

In place of Ajibade, the party named Chief Chris Uche as its lawyer, while the latter continued to insist that he would be the legally authorised lawyer for the party.

In recent times, the party’s chairman, Damagum, and Anyanwu have written counter letters to INEC, each stating different positions on the state of affairs in the PDP.

Nigerian Tribune made attempts to get the reactions of the National Publicity Secretary of the party, Honourable Debo Ologunagba, on Sunday night, but had yet to return his call as of the time of filing the report.

In the last few years that you have been here, what has been the major task of the RAAMP programme in Ekiti State?

I think RAAMP is just an upgrade of Rural Access Mobility Vehicle that wound up few years ago before the commencement of what we now have now. RAAMP is an improvement on what they did then because the other one was mobility, which basically created access and what they did was surface dressing. But this time around, it was upscaled to a different level by adding the marketing of agro logistics aspect of it, which is constructing roads that link rural dwellers to the market and help to bring their goods from the farmstead to the market. That is just the beauty of RAAMP.

How many kilometers of roads have been constructed in the state under this current RAAMP programme and what are their impacts?

The impacts are overwhelming, and it is everywhere. We have awarded about 132 kilometers of road construction altogether and, as we speak, we have completed between 40 and 50 kilometers with asphalt laid on them. By the special grace of God, we should be able to commission at least two or three of these roads during the third anniversary of this administration in the coming days.

When will the rest of the kilometres of road be completed?

As we speak now, asphalting of these roads are ongoing and the commissioning of these roads will start and continue every week now till February next year because we have over 18 roads already lined up for commissioning.

What are the impacts of these roads on the people and the state in general?

Like I said earlier, if you visit any of our roads, then you would know what we are talking about. By the rules that brought up the programme, it is about opening up those farmsteads. For instance, if you go to Ise-Imola road in Ikere, we have a lot of farm settlements along the corridor and you will see how farmers suffer to bring their goods to the market or even to the main road.

By connecting those roads to the market or to the main road, it has improved their means of livelihood. If you go to Agbado-Ekiti, as we speak, you will see many goods that are stuck in the bush, you will see a lot of sacks of goods that are meant to be taken to the market that are hooked up in the bush, but with the coming up of what we are doing through the roads, that has been addressed. There is now easy movement of goods from those farms to the market. Go to Ilupeju-Ekiti, we have similar thing and in most of the areas.

Another instance is that of Ikole-Ikoyi-Isaba road, where the enrolment at the community school there was nothing to write home about. It had a few students and a teacher but, as we speak, we have no less than ten teachers at the place, and the enrolment has grown to above 200 students. Additionally, the market in the area that was closed down for years is now back on track, and you will see trucks moving goods from the place to other places within and outside the state.

But there are insinuations that these road projects are done solely by the World Bank without any inputs and commitment from the state government; what is the true state of things?

Let me tell you that it is just a partnership and collaboration. That is why it is called World Bank-assisted project. No World Bank will leave their country home and come to a state and start constructing a road. This office was a creation of the state. The state did everything here as part of its contributions. Money was spent in all those training, purchase of vehicles and every other thing that is part of what we are seeing at the preparatory stage. Then, the engagement of the consultant and every other thing was done by the state.

Not that alone, there is what we call counterpart funds, where every state has a percentage. It is 18% of the total contract sum that the state must put in place for civil works. It is not a grant, it is a loan that the state is using to construct roads through an assisted model and it will be paid back. They remain state government roads that were assisted by the World Bank loan, which will be paid back with a minimal interest around 1% or whatever. And that is why the sustainability of that particular road is key to the bank and to the state.

We have set up two agencies that are going to monitor those roads because we don’t have maintenance culture, not only in Ekiti, but all over. At least, this road must be maintained for at least 30 years to 50 years and the moment you notice a crack on it, you move in there, stop it and repair it.

Infrastructure brings development to a community, it brings buildings along that particular corridor, and people will need access to them. We have an agency that is going to be doing that the moment we hand over the road projects and they will continue to do the maintenance. If you notice anything on the road, their duty is just to go there and fix it.

Knowing full well the project started during the administration of the former governor, what has been the inputs and contributions of the present administration to the RAAMP project in the state?

You know, the irony of it is that we were at the preparatory stage when Dr Kayode Fayemi was in power and he gave us money to start up. That was what we used in doing our road design and every other thing. Let me tell you that a day after the inauguration of Governor Biodun Oyebanji in 2022 was the beginning of the good news. That was when we got the first tranche of the commitment from the World Bank and that was when the contract agreement was signed. We were not listed initially because it was designed for 13 states and Ekiti was not there but due to the passionate attitude of the former governor and the current governor who was the Secretary of the State Government (SSG) then, they took it upon themselves to visit Abuja several times to request that we be included in it. The World Bank said it was too late but said if we could put some things in place, we may likely be enlisted. We went on to flag-off six pilot roads, including Iyin-Odoro-Aroto road, Ogotun-Alagbede, Ago Aduloju-Kajola road, Itaji-Orisunmibare road, Imesi-Kosomolate-ipole road and FMS Okeako road, those are the things that were done in preparatory to the enrolment.

Are you saying Governor Oyebanji has been key to the success of the project in the last three years?

Yes, he (Oyebanji) has been critical to what we are doing here in RAAMP. There was a survey conducted last year and Ekiti took home two out of the five awards from among the 19 beneficiary states. People were asking how we were able to achieve that feat. That feat alone is one of the reasons we are part of the upscaling they are doing now.

The project’s Scale-Up phase aims to deepen these interventions, ensuring that improved rural infrastructure translates into sustainable economic growth, food security, and poverty reduction across Nigeria’s rural communities, including Ekiti. The attitude of the governor has been tremendous. He even at a time followed us to the bank to ensure all issues were resolved and he paid the counterpart funds in record time so that we would not be left alone.

What will you say has been the feedback from the people across communities where you have constructed these roads?

Let me tell you this, we don’t just embark on any road construction. What we do is in stages, starting from identification of those roads, to prioritisation and we also have it on the map to know the connectivity of those roads. In the local government areas, we identified roads that will make impacts in the lives of the people, not roads that lead to nowhere; we looked at roads that connect farmstead and the type of products that are coming from there. We didn’t construct a road because it leads to your father’s house. No, we don’t do it. We select those roads based on their degree of importance. For instance, we picked Enu Odi-Ita Eku-Igirigiri road because it leads to Igimakogo farm settlement in Ado Ekiti which is about 8 kilometres and if you go there, you will see a lot of farm crops, including cassava, along that route. At the Ben Folarin to Oke Aso road, you will see a lot of farmers there bringing their goods to the market and that was a thing they struggled to achieve in the past.

Will you say the administration of Governor Oyebanji has actually impacted positively on the state in the last three years and what should the people expect?

I would describe the administration in the last three years as so impactful and I see Governor Oyebanji as an addicted developer, somebody that can go the extra mile in doing things for the people. He is an intentionally committed someone that has a regular passion for development. That is why they call him a homeboy; he knows where the shoe pinches. The people should be expectant, and a lot is coming because we have listed no fewer than 30 fresh roads for construction and don’t forget we are moving to about 1,000 kilometers of roads. It took us time to start, but now that we started, you will see more work, it’s going to be more construction, supervision, delivery, and commissioning. Let me say that by the time it is for political campaigns next year, the roads will be ready for commissioning and by the time we are commissioning them, the benefitting communities will show appreciation to the governor with votes for a deserving second term.

The South West region has emerged as the hub of Nigeria’s informal economy, accounting for nearly one-third of all unregistered businesses across the country, according to the Moniepoint Informal Economy Report 2025 released in Abuja over the weekend.

The report revealed that Lagos alone hosts 16 percent, about one in every six, of all informal businesses nationwide, a figure equivalent to the combined total of the North East and South East regions.

The North East, meanwhile, recorded the lowest concentration of such enterprises.

According to Moniepoint, the concentration of informal businesses in the South West has grown by 2 percent over the past year, underscoring the region’s dominant role in Nigeria’s micro and small-scale enterprise landscape.

Citing 2024 data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), the report noted that Lagos State recorded the highest internally generated revenue (IGR) at ?815 billion, almost four times that of the Federal Capital Territory (?211.1 billion).

The report offered a stark look into the financial realities of informal business owners, revealing that 79 percent of enterprises experienced rising costs of doing business in the past year, while 38 percent earn less than ?10,000 in daily profits.

In addition, the average monthly income for most informal businesses remains below ?250,000.

While 65 percent of informal businesses reported an increase in revenue, only 47 percent recorded profit growth due to escalating operating costs.

Cash remains dominant in transactions, with half of all payments made using physical currency despite growing adoption of electronic transfers.

Moniepoint also observed that unemployment remains the most common motivation for starting an informal business, and about four in ten informal enterprises now employ others, contributing to job creation despite their limited earnings.

The report highlighted demographic trends within the sector, noting that businesses owned by young Nigerians constitute about 38 percent of the informal economy, while ownership among middle-aged Nigerians (35-44 years) has risen to 35 percent, up from 29 percent in 2024.

Gender participation also showed a slight decline, as women now own 35 percent of informal businesses compared to 37 percent a year earlier.

Commenting on the findings, Tosin Eniolorunda, Founder and Group CEO of Moniepoint Inc., said the company is working with government agencies such as the Federal Ministry of Trade and the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) to simplify business registration and promote formalisation.

‘The average monthly income of an informal business is less than ?250,000. While this confirms what many already sensed, it highlights the need for deeper support for the millions of small enterprises that power our economy,’ Eniolorunda noted.

The launch of the 2025 Edition of the Nigerian Informal Economy Report, unveiling of M – Nigeria’s First Informal Economy AI Chatbot, while commemorating and celebrating 10 years of Moniepoint’s economic impact and service to institutions, businesses, and everyday Nigerians, was the high point of the event.

The company said this was done with a view to strengthening public-private collaboration in building a more data-driven, inclusive, and digitised economy that supports the Renewed Hope Agenda of achieving a $1 trillion economy by 2030.

Nollywood star Muyiwa Ademola is basking in excitement after clinching the Outstanding Cinematic Achievement 2025 award at the Film Exhibitor Showcase organised by FilmonEng.

The veteran actor, producer, and director, known for his deep storytelling and signature emotional delivery, could hardly hide his joy as he took to Instagram to share the big news with fans and colleagues.

In a heartfelt post, Ademola, popularly known as AuthenticMuy, described the win as both surprising and humbling. ‘I’m hardly caught unaware and unprepared! Alas, it happened this evening. OUTSTANDING CINEMATIC ACHIEVEMENT 2025. I felt so elated and excited receiving this amazing award from @filmoneng in the presence of industry giants,’ he wrote.

The actor revealed that being the first-ever recipient of the award made the recognition even more special. ‘Being the first time they would do this blew me off completely and sincerely, I really want to do more,’ he added, hinting at more ambitious projects ahead.

Ademola expressed deep gratitude to God, his cast and crew, and his family, acknowledging their unwavering support through the highs and lows of his filmmaking journey. ‘A very special thanks to God Almighty. A big thank you to my entire cast and crew, my beautiful and amiable family,’ he said.

He also extended appreciation to his colleagues in the industry, media professionals, cinema houses, friends, allies, management team, and global fan base. ‘I received an award on your behalf tonight, everyone,’ he declared, dedicating the milestone to all who have supported his career.

The Orirebirth team, which worked closely with him on his recent projects, also got a mention in his emotional post, as the actor emphasized the collective effort behind his success.

Closing his message with gratitude, the award-winning filmmaker promised to keep pushing creative boundaries. ‘It took all, but you have given me reasons to do more. I am humbled and honored with this gesture. Big love,’ he wrote, signing off with his trademark humility and optimism.