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A defining moment has set upon us in our democratic journey as we have successfully converged on the Dome in Akure and engaged in robust deliberations at the South-West Engagement Summit held on the 28th and 29th of October, 2025. The summit, aptly themed ‘Strengthening Democracy Through Dialogue: Assessing Progress, Charting the Future,’ has not merely been another event on the civic calendar; it is a solemn call to action. It beckons us, as stakeholders in the South-West, to unite and reflect as we engage in constructive dialogue on the future of governance, democracy, and development in our region and nation.

For decades, the South-West region has stood as the conscience and intellectual compass of Nigeria. From the visionary political philosophy of Chief Obafemi Awolowo and the resilience of Afenifere to the institutional foresight of the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) Commission, we have consistently led the charge for good governance, equity, and progress. The two bodies, Afenifere and the DAWN Commission, have championed the cause of our people through policy advocacy, cultural preservation, and strategic collaboration across states. Afenifere, under the leadership of respected elder statesman Pa Reuben Fasoranti, and with the DAWN Commission steered by visionary technocrats led by Dr. Seye Oyeleye, our region has continued to show that regional integration and cooperation remain the surest path to sustainable growth.

The summit, therefore, represents a continuation and elevation of that enduring legacy. It serves as a unifying platform where traditional rulers, policymakers, civil society leaders, youth and women groups, academia, and private sector actors converge to deliberate on the pressing challenges of governance, economy, security, and inclusion. Through this open dialogue, we have built consensus on the path forward, aligning our regional priorities with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.

The summit has thoroughly examined the future and interests of the South-West within the Nigerian context and in relation to the wider global environment. While the focus has been on articulating the priorities and aspirations of our region within Nigeria and the world at large, we must not lose sight of the extant and critical interest of both the South-West and Nigeria as a nation – the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, as President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. This remains essential to ensure continuity and consolidation of the sustainable path of development that his policies, programmes, and projects have set Nigeria upon.

Since assuming office, President Tinubu has introduced far-reaching reforms aimed at repositioning Nigeria for long-term prosperity. His decisive actions on fuel subsidy removal, foreign exchange unification, public sector reforms, and fiscal transparency reflect a bold and pragmatic leadership – one that seeks not quick applause but lasting impact. His administration’s commitment to infrastructure renewal, job creation, and youth empowerment through initiatives like the Renewed Hope Housing Scheme, Student Loan Programme, and National Job Creation Initiative demonstrates that governance can indeed be people-centred when anchored on courage and clarity of vision.

Here in Ondo State, under the capable leadership of Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, the government has fully aligned with this national direction through the OUR EASE Agenda. In harmony with the spirit of Renewed Hope, his administration has undertaken strategic reforms and transformative projects aimed at driving inclusive growth and strengthening institutions.

Governor Aiyedatiwa has prioritised security, making Ondo one of the safest states in the country through the reactivation and modernisation of the Amotekun Corps. His government has also invested heavily in infrastructure, from road construction across senatorial districts to the revitalisation of the Ondo Port project, which holds immense potential for trade and employment.

In the education sector, Governor Aiyedatiwa has improved access and quality, ensuring that our children are well-equipped for the future through enhanced teacher welfare, school rehabilitation, and digital learning initiatives. He has equally advanced healthcare delivery with new facilities, recruitment of health workers, and the expansion of rural health services.

Agricultural programmes have empowered thousands of farmers, while the government’s investment in technology and innovation hubs continues to position Ondo as a rising centre for the next generation of entrepreneurs. All of these efforts are anchored on the Governor’s steadfast belief that governance must be inclusive, transparent, and accountable.

As the Attorney General of Ondo State and a member of the Local Organising Committee for the Summit, I acknowledge the unwavering commitment and visionary leadership of the entire South-West Governors – beginning with the host, His Excellency Governor Dr Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, FCA, and extending to Governors Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, CON, of Ogun State, Engr. Seyi Makinde, FNSE, of Oyo State, Senator Ademola Adeleke of Osun State, and Mr. Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State.

Their dedication to collective progress and regional integration continues to strengthen the South-West Governors’ Forum as a beacon of unity and purposeful leadership. Together, they are promoting policies that prioritise security, economic empowerment, and inter-state development. Through their collaboration, they have deepened the implementation of Amotekun for regional security, pursued infrastructural connectivity, and fostered economic cooperation in agriculture, energy, and digital innovation. Their partnership and support for this summit reaffirm their shared conviction that the destiny of the South-West must be built on dialogue, understanding, and collective action.

The South-West Engagement Summit is therefore not just an Ondo State initiative; it is an actionable movement for all Yoruba sons and daughters, and indeed all Nigerians of like mind – from Ekiti to Oyo, Osun to Lagos, Ogun to Ondo – extending to our kith and kin across the Middle Belt, North Central, and even beyond our borders in Ghana, Benin Republic, Togo, and other parts of West Africa, where Yoruba heritage thrives. The call is for every stakeholder to take ownership of this democratic rebirth – to contribute, to question, and to collaborate for the greater good of our people.

I therefore salute and congratulate Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for the successful turnout at the summit, as he has taken a leadership role in the South-West. I equally commend all members of the Local Organising Committee, led by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti, for their outstanding coordination. When the history of the South-West is being written, the name of Governor Aiyedatiwa and those who put this summit together will be proudly mentioned.

As we conclude this summit to assess our progress, refine our vision, and reaffirm our collective resolve to strengthen democracy through meaningful dialogue, let us sustain the momentum and transform our resolutions into actionable frameworks that will drive sustainable growth across our region and the nation at large.

In the words of our forebears, ‘Agbá j? p?, ?w? la fi n soya’ – together we can lift the land. Let us, therefore, rise above divisions and continue to embrace dialogue as we forge a new path of unity, prosperity, and hope for our region and our nation.

Under our shared commitment and in partnership with the Renewed Hope vision of President Tinubu, we will continue to build a South-West that stands as a model of progress, accountability, and human dignity.

A former Mayor of Blanco City in Texas, United States, Mike Arnold, has called on the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, to provide evidence clearing himself of alleged complicity in what he described as ‘jihad genocide’ and widespread killings across northern Nigeria.

However, the Sultanate Council of Sokoto dismissed Arnold’s statement as baseless and undeserving of a response, saying the Sultan would not dignify the accusations with a reply.

The controversy followed a series of social media posts by Arnold, founder of Africa Arise International, accusing the Sultan of being complicit in mass killings and resource looting in parts of the North.

The Sultan had earlier rejected claims that Christians were being subjected to genocide in the region, describing such allegations as false, divisive, and based on unverified social media reports.

In a statement on Saturday, Arnold insisted that available data and incidents across northern Nigeria suggested the Sultan could not be entirely detached from the violence occurring ‘under his nose.’

‘The evidence points to there being an intelligent designer of this whole diabolical machine of jihad, genocide, conquest, displacement, and resource extraction. There are many provable data points, and I believe they paint a picture that demands the Sultan be investigated.

‘I’m not declaring him guilty, only a prime suspect based on all available evidence. The facts demand investigation and answers to either determine his guilt or clear him of it,’ he told PUNCH.

Arnold further questioned what he described as the Sultan’s ‘silence and inaction’ amid the wave of violent attacks targeting Christian communities.

‘The Nigerian government estimates that at least $9bn a year in minerals are looted from his hereditary lands. Why hasn’t he tried to stop this? He has powerful armed militias under his authority, does he not? So why aren’t the illicit miners being stopped? Who is getting that money?’ he asked.

The ex-mayor also accused the Sultan of failing to act against militant Fulani groups, noting that while the monarch once issued a fatwa against Boko Haram after the sect challenged his authority, ‘no similar action has been taken against Fulani militants.’

‘There have been more than 7,000 Christians massacred this year in his territory. If his own statement that no killing happens without traditional rulers knowing about it is true, then he knows more than anybody else,’ Arnold added.

But in a reaction, the Secretary of the Sultanate Council, Alhaji Saidu Maccido, said the Sultan would not dignify the accusations with a response, adding that both the Federal Government and the Nigerian Senate had previously addressed the issue.

‘The Sultan will not bring himself down to respond to such allegations again. The Federal Government has responded, and the Senate also passed a resolution on it. Responding again will only make them feel important,’ Maccido stated.

He reaffirmed the Sultanate Council’s commitment to peace, unity, and national stability, urging Nigerians to ignore divisive and inflammatory narratives.

‘The Sultanate Council remains focused on promoting peaceful coexistence, mutual respect, and truth. We will not be distracted by baseless accusations,’ he said.

In a business landscape often dominated by profit motives, one brand continues to stand out as a truly Nigerian success story with people at its heart. Globacom, the nation’s indigenous telecommunications giant, has proven time and again that its mission goes beyond connectivity – it is about empowerment, accessibility, and shared progress.

From inception, Globacom has maintained a people-first philosophy that places affordability and value at the core of its operations. In a challenging economic environment, the company has deliberately designed products and services that respond to the needs of ordinary Nigerians. Whether it is data, voice, or value-added services, Dr. Mike Adenuga, GCON’s vision for Glo ensures that quality communication remains within reach of every income level. Its flexible pricing structure enables students, business owners, and families alike to stay connected without financial strain.

‘Every innovation we introduce is guided by one simple question,’ explained a Globacom spokesperson. ‘How can we make life better, simpler, and more affordable for Nigerians? That remains our compass.’

Globacom’s network reach and technological strength are equally impressive. With coverage extending across all regions of Nigeria, the company has built one of the country’s most robust telecommunications infrastructures. The Glo-1 submarine cable, a major investment in high-capacity connectivity, reinforces its ability to deliver fast, reliable internet and voice services. This infrastructure not only drives economic activity but also bridges the digital divide between urban and rural areas, ensuring that no community is left behind in the digital era.

Beyond infrastructure, Glo’s operations have a tangible human and economic impact. Across the country, its network supports both direct and indirect jobs – from field engineers and customer care teams to retail partners and distributors. Each connection made and job sustained is part of a long-term commitment to doing business responsibly, transparently, and in ways that support national growth.

Yet Glo’s true distinction lies in its humanity – its understanding of the everyday Nigerian experience. Through customer appreciation initiatives and national promotions, the company continually rewards loyalty and spreads optimism. These initiatives, from festive giveaways to subscriber reward schemes, are more than marketing exercises; they reflect a genuine desire to give back. Millions of Nigerians have benefited from these efforts, reinforcing Glo’s reputation as a brand that cares.

The company’s deep respect for Nigerian culture and identity further strengthens its connection with the people. By sponsoring major traditional festivals such as Ofala, Ojude Oba, and Eyo, Globacom promotes unity, heritage, and continuity. These commitments illustrate a belief that progress should never come at the expense of cultural pride, and that technology can coexist harmoniously with tradition.

Customer experience remains at the heart of Glo’s aspirations. The company continues to invest in technology upgrades, improved data speeds, and responsive service delivery. ‘Our customers are not statistics; they are the reason we exist,’ remarked another spokesperson. ‘Their loyalty inspires us to keep improving.’ This philosophy drives every initiative, ensuring that subscribers enjoy consistent value, reliability, and care.

Globacom’s journey reflects the resilience and optimism of Nigeria itself – a nation defined by creativity, perseverance, and hope. Choosing Glo is therefore more than a commercial decision; it is a statement of belief in a brand that listens, understands, and evolves with its people.

For millions of Nigerians, Glo is not just a network; it is a symbol of connection, pride, and possibility. It is the network that gives more, cares more, and believes more – a true reflection of the Nigerian spirit.

That is why it should always be Glo – the people’s network, Nigeria’s pride, and the brand with a heart for its nation.

Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, has announced plans to establish a state-owned independent electricity framework, following the recent constitutional amendment of the Electricity Act.

Zulum made the declaration on Friday during a high-level meeting with the Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Abba Abubakar Aliyu, at the Council Chamber of the Governor’s Office, Government House in Maiduguri.

The governor stated that his administration is now in the advanced planning stages to create a Borno State-owned electricity outfit.

He said, ‘I am very much aware of the new Electricity Act section 152/153, which clearly states that electricity is now under the concurrent legislative list.

‘This is something very important. I have started working on it. A draft memorandum has been submitted to me on how the state will establish its own electricity outfit.

‘We have invested hugely in a solar system. I believe that most of our health facilities are solar-powered, and many of our schools, especially the mega schools, are also solar-powered.

‘In the area of water supply, we have our water treatment plant, which is run by solar power. Then, coming to our industrial park, we have 5 megawatts of solar energy.

‘Borno is one of the states that has invested in solar power generation; we have established, along with several mini solar stations.’

Speaking earlier, the Managing Director of REA, Abba Abubakar Aliyu, stated that they are in Maiduguri as part of the agency’s efforts to implement the rural electricity supply framework.

The meeting was attended by the Secretary to the Borno State Government, Bukar Tijani, the Head of Service, Dr Muhammad Ghuluze, members of the state executive council and other senior officials.

After five years of superlative achievements under its current Vice-Chancellor, the Federal University, Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) is looking forward to a new era when there is a change of baton in the headship of the ivory tower early next year.

Created in 2011 among several others, FUOYE has had four Vice-Chancellors, with the incumbent, Professor Abayomi Fasina, appointed in 2021.

The historic rise of FUOYE to becoming one of the leading and respected universities in Nigeria began with the tenure of Fasina, who took FUOYE from infancy and groomed it into a prestigious university, one competing in academic laurels and innovation with the old generation universities. Indeed, it could be rightly said that the actual physical development of FUOYE began under the Fasina tenure, given the preponderance of the blue-roofed infrastructure at both Oye-Ekiti and Ikole campuses of the university, which is a signature for all physical developments initiated and completed during his tenure.

In four years, 156 projects – including a 1,000-capacity main auditorium, several faculty buildings, a professorial building, an innovation hub centre, a conference centre, a student union building, and many more – are all to the credit of the Fasina administration.

On academic depth, FUOYE researchers have improved tremendously since 2021 when Professor Fasina took over as Vice-Chancellor. Under his administration, it became mandatory for staff to publish articles in journals indexed in Scopus, Web of Science (WOS), IBSS and others – a practice that benchmarks the promotion of academic staff members of the university.

The number of authors affiliated to FUOYE whose works are indexed in the Scopus database increased from 261 in 2020 to 294 in 2021; 463 in 2022; 650 in 2023; and 769 in 2024. This is no doubt a legendary improvement. The university has improved tremendously in ranking by international bodies.

A worthy parting gift for the Vice-Chancellor of the university is the recent recognition of four scholars of FUOYE as being among the world’s top two per cent scientists in the 2025 annual ranking by the Top Scientists Network (TopSciNet). The annual ranking identifies scientists whose research impact, citations, and productivity place them in the top two per cent globally within their respective fields.

Similarly, the recently released rankings of Nigerian universities place FUOYE as the 11th best in the country – an improvement from the 12th position it occupied last year. The transformative leadership of Professor Fasina would be underscored by the fact that FUOYE was ranked 32nd in Nigeria in 2020, 25th in 2021, 23rd in 2022, 17th in 2023, 12th in 2024 and 11th this year.

Since 2021, the university has transitioned into the league of Nigeria’s best tertiary institutions. This is in addition to being the fourth most subscribed university in the country.

Recently, all 82 students of FUOYE’s Department of Medical Laboratory Science successfully passed the first professional Medical Laboratory Council examination during a two-day assessment in September, which tested the candidates’ professional knowledge and practical competence in medical diagnostics.

The sterling achievements of the Fasina tenure in FUOYE are hinged upon a deliberate focus by the management of the university to comply with global best practices and ensure a stable academic calendar.

Compared with any of its peers created in 2011, FUOYE today has more faculties and academic programmes and has more students in its enrolment. Unlike others, FUOYE has had an uninterrupted academic calendar since Fasina’s appointment. Indeed, no academic session was lost during the COVID-19 pandemic, thanks to the innovative and robust learning management systems with efficient ICT architecture.

All these form the backdrop of excellence in administration, research, and recognition that FUOYE’s new Vice-Chancellor would have to sustain.

It, therefore, goes without saying that whoever is appointed to lead the university for the next five years must come with a resourceful résumé that earns him or her easy recognition in the global academic community.

The new Vice-Chancellor of FUOYE must be someone who has the fibre of ingenuity and must be a genius in research and administration. In an era of acute competition in the world of research and innovation, FUOYE requires a Vice-Chancellor who can lead from the front and chart the pathway for the university’s rise to higher repute.

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has dismantled a transnational kidnapping syndicate that demanded N230 million ransom from foreign nationals lured into Nigeria under the guise of lucrative job offers.

Operatives of the command’s Scorpion Squad launched the sting operation around 8 p.m. on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, at Angwan Adamu Ruga Fulani Zone B, Riverside, Ado Mararaba, Nasarawa State, a border community near Abuja.

Fourteen suspected kidnappers were arrested and 23 foreign nationals rescued in the process.

According to police findings, the victims, all West African nationals, were deceived into travelling to Nigeria by a criminal network posing as employment recruiters.

Upon arrival, the victims were held captive, and the kidnappers demanded ransom from their families via WhatsApp and other online platforms.

FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, said on Friday that investigations identified the ringleader as Abubakar Jigiba, a suspected notorious cross-border criminal with known residences in Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana, Mali and Nigeria.

The syndicate, she explained, demanded four million CFA francs (about N10 million) per person, a total ransom demand of N230 million.

Adeh confirmed that efforts are ongoing to track down the principal suspect, Abubakar Jigiba, and his brother, Sougule Zoubere, both of whom remain at large.

She said: ‘In a major breakthrough against kidnapping and human trafficking, operatives of the FCT Police Command’s Scorpion Squad have successfully arrested fourteen (14) suspected kidnappers and rescued twenty-three (23) victims, all foreign nationals, from captivity.

‘The intelligence-led operation took place at about 8 p.m. on Tuesday, 21st October 2025, at Angwan Adamu Ruga Fulani Zone B, Riverside, Ado Mararaba, Nasarawa State.

‘The operation followed a report indicating that several foreign nationals had been lured into Nigeria under the pretext of lucrative job offers. Upon arrival, they were held hostage by their abductors, who demanded ransom payments from their families via WhatsApp and other online platforms.

‘Preliminary investigation revealed that the syndicate is coordinated by one Abubakar Jigiba, a transnational criminal kingpin with known residences in Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana, Mali and Nigeria. His younger brother, Sougule Zoubere, handles the recruitment, kidnapping and smuggling of victims from Mali into Nigeria, where they are detained pending ransom payments. The group demanded four million CFA (N10,000,000) for each victim.

‘Further investigations revealed that the victims were trafficked into the country through illegal border routes in a journey lasting about three days. They were subsequently confined in two fortified two-bedroom apartments under inhumane conditions.

‘Acting on actionable digital and reconstructive intelligence, the Scorpion Squad traced the hideout to the above address, where a total of twenty-three (23) victims – fourteen (14) males, eight (8) females and one (1) child – were rescued unhurt, except one who sustained a minor ear injury and has been taken to the National Hospital, Abuja, for treatment.’

Grade A Customary Court, Court 2, sitting at Mapo, Ibadan, Oyo State, has heard the prayer of divorce brought before it by a man, Adeyanju, against his wife, Olajumoke, whom he alleged was troublesome, violent, always fighting and threatening him.

Adeyanju stated that he and Olajumoke were not married but that he impregnated her while they were dating each other.

Adeyanju added that Olajumoke had refused that he had peace of mind since she had their child.

The plaintiff stated that the defendant is difficult to deal with and is a thorn in his flesh.

According to the plaintiff, the defendant was in the habit of calling him on the phone incessantly and making unreasonable demands of him, which he found irritating and annoying.

He further said that she sometimes came to his office to fight him, thus disgracing him.

Adeyanju again said that Olajumoke was in the habit of threatening him.

He thus requested an order restraining Olajumoke from threatening and interfering with his private life.

Olajumoke pleaded not liable to the claims brought against her.

The defendant stated that the plaintiff dragged her to court because she insisted that he enrolled their two-year and six month-old child in school, which did not go down well with him.

Olajumoke prayed the court to rule that the plaintiff enrolled their child in school.

The defendant entreated the court for their child’s custody and further pleaded that it mandated the plaintiff to be responsible for her upkeep giving feeding, education, and health care priority.

Adeyanju testified, ‘My lord, Olajumoke, and I were never married.

‘I impregnated her while we were dating, and she had a baby girl.

‘I have never shirked my responsibility towards our child.

‘I give Olajumoke N10, 000 every week as allowance for her feeding and also meet other needs.

‘Unfortunately, Olajumoke, being an ingrate is unappreciative of all that I do and is never contented.

‘She is also troublesome and full of complaints.

‘Olajumoke is in the habit of calling me on the phone almost all the time, not minding the time of the day.

‘Anytime she calls, she makes unnecessary demands of me.

‘I hate to pick her calls because she is always threatening and shouting on me.

‘She sometimes comes to my place of abode to make trouble and fight me.

Olajumoke makes the whole matter worse by coming to my workplace to fight and disgrace me.

‘She of recent demanded and insisted that I must enrol our two-year-old daughter in school.

‘I turned down her request because our child is still an infant.

‘I told her I would rather have our child attend a pre-school for now, but she would not hear anything of such.

‘She has been raising dust since I gave my verdict.

‘Olajumoke is a thorn in the flesh.

‘She has constantly denied me peace of mind, and I can no longer tolerate her excesses

‘I plead for an order restraining her from threatening and interfering with my private life.

‘I stay committed to our child’s welfare.’

Olajumoke responded, ‘My lord, Adeyanju is a liar.

‘The only truth out of all he said is that we are not married. I had a child for him while we were dating

‘Hd dragged me to court because I insisted our child is ripe for school.

‘He lied about our daughter’s age.

‘She is not two years old, but two years and six months old, and therefore ripe enough to go to school.

‘I pray this honourable court to rule that he enrols our daughter in school and be responsible for her upkeep giving feeding,education and health care priority.

‘I likewise entreat the court for our child’s custody.

Giving judgment after she has heard both parties, the court president, Mrs O.E Owoseni, stated they never contacted any form of marriage or better still, they do not have a subsisting customary marriage which can be dissolved by the court.

She added that the defendant did not discredit the plaintiff’s evidence of being troublesome, calling incessantly and going to his office to fight and disgrace him.

According to Owoseni, non contradiction of the plaintiff’s evidence means admission.

Owoseni, thus, gave an order restraining the defendant from fighting, threatening, and humiliating the plaintiff in his place of abode and office.

Owoseni further stated that the interest of a child is the foremost consideration in determining the custody of a child, particularly when the child is of a tender age.

According to her, the child in question is two years and six months, a toddler who is better cared for by the mother.

Owoseni, therefore, granted the defendant custody of their child and mandated the plaintiff to be responsible for her upkeep, giving feeding, education, and health care priority.

She ordered the plaintiff to give the defendant N40, 000 per month towards their daughter’s upkeep with immediate effect.

Building wealth can often feel like climbing a mountain – you start at the base, and every milestone you hit gives you a new, more expansive view. But unlike a linear climb, your financial journey is more like a spiral, where life events might occasionally send you back to solidify a lower stage before moving forward again. Understanding these four stages can give you the roadmap and the vocabulary to celebrate your progress and chart your ultimate course to financial independence.

Stage 1: Stability – Laying the Foundation

This initial stage is all about playing defense. Before you can think about generating massive returns, you must protect yourself from financial collapse. Think of this as the crucial stage where you install your financial safety net.

The primary focus here is eliminating high-interest debt. Those credit card balances and high-interest personal loans aren’t just annoying; they are actively crippling your future growth, acting like an anchor on your wealth.

Your second major goal is establishing an emergency fund – cash equivalent to three to six months of living expenses. This is your personal insurance policy, preventing unexpected events (like a medical bill or job loss) from forcing you back into the exact debt you just fought so hard to pay off.

You also need a solid, realistic budgeting system and a consistent savings habit. Without a reliable blueprint for where your money goes, you’ll never truly gain control. This stage grants you relief and resilience.

Stage 2: Strategy – Making Your Money Work for You

Congratulations! If you’ve reached Stage 2, you’ve neutralized immediate threats and are ready to go on the offensive.

This phase is defined by intentional planning and the proactive pursuit of growth. You’re shifting your mindset from merely being a saver to becoming an investor.

This means diving deep into retirement planning. Are you taking full advantage of your retirement savings? The magic word in this stage is compound interest – the sooner you start putting money into the market (through diversified stocks, bonds, or index funds), the more time your money has to grow exponentially.

This stage also demands attention to risk management. You need to understand your personal tolerance for market swings and build a portfolio that reflects your timeline and goals, balancing growth with safety.

Stage 3: Security – Living Well with Peace of Mind

This is the sweet spot where you start feeling the tangible, day-to-day benefits of your hard work in Stages 1 and 2.

Security isn’t about being rich; it’s about having financial certainty – the peace of mind that allows you to weather economic bumps without panic.

You are now able to live comfortably without relying on credit cards to bridge the gap between paychecks. Your basic needs are not just met; they are exceeded with quality. You have the freedom to experience life, whether that means taking that travel trip you’ve always wanted or simply being able to consistently choose healthy lifestyle options like better food or gym memberships without budget anxiety.

At this stage, you know your investments are maturing, your emergency fund is untouched, and your financial life is largely automated, allowing you to focus your mental energy elsewhere.

Stage 4: Freedom – The Ultimate Goal: Time Control

This is the peak of the mountain – financial independence.

At this stage, your passive income from investments and assets is sufficient to cover your entire cost of living permanently. Money is no longer a constraint but a tool for living life entirely on your own terms.

The ultimate measure of this stage is time freedom. You get to decide how every hour of your day is spent. You can choose to leave a high-stress job, pursue a passion project with no guaranteed income, or dedicate your time to giving back to causes you believe in.

The focus shifts entirely from accumulation to impact and legacy. You’ve successfully separated your income from your time – and that is true wealth.

The beauty of these four stages is that your financial well-being is a journey, not a destination. So, take a moment: Which stage defines your financial reality right now?

A housewife, Fauziya Ibrahim, has begged an Area Court in Ilorin, Kwara State, not to grant her husband, Hamza Musbau’s prayer of divorce.

She told the court that she does not want her marriage dissolved.

‘I have been married to my husband for 16 years and I want to remain in this marriage,’ she told the court.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN),Earlier, Hamza prayed for divorce on grounds of lack of love and affection.

The judge, Mr Toyin Aluko, said that on the strength of the provisions of the Holy Quran, Almighty Allah allows a wife to seek for settlement, just as divorce is allowed.

He, therefore, advised Fauziya to try her best to make peace and settle any misunderstanding between them.

Aluko adjourned the case.

Who or what inspired your decision to study pharmacy? What was the best experience you had studying the course, and what were your career expectations upon graduation?

Growing up, I was deeply curious about how drugs worked, how something so small could bring relief or even save a life. That curiosity grew into a desire to understand diseases and their treatments.

Studying pharmacy was intense but deeply rewarding. It gave me a strong foundation in both science and empathy. My favourite experiences were during clinical rotations, standing face to face with patients and realising that every prescription represented trust, responsibility, and hope.

When I graduated, I imagined a career in clinical pharmacy, perhaps managing hospital pharmacies or working in community pharmacies. And, for a few years, I did that in Nigeria. But as time went on, I felt a strong pull toward research, toward understanding why treatments work for some people but not for others. That unanswered ‘why’ became the turning point in my journey.

A few years after working as a pharmacist in Nigeria, you relocated to the United States for your PhD at the University of Montana. First, I could not find a record of your master’s degree. Why? Second, do you think doing a PhD in Nigeria is not good for you?

I actually went straight into a PhD programme without doing a master’s. In the US, it is quite common for outstanding candidates to be admitted directly into PhD programmes if their academic record and research potential are strong.

Doing a PhD in Nigeria is not bad. We have brilliant minds and strong institutions. But I was looking for very specific training, and at the time, such opportunities were limited back home.

Tell us how you secured the Montana PhD and how you are funding it.

I secured my PhD position through a competitive application process and funding from a departmental graduate assistantship. My funding covers tuition and living expenses.

Your first degree was in pharmacy. Why did you decide to major in immunology and cell and molecular biology for your PhD programme? How does pharmacy relate to these areas of your work and research?

I have always loved pharmacy, and I still love it. However, while practising as a pharmacist, I became intrigued by how the immune system determines whether a drug or therapy succeeds or fails. I wanted to move beyond dispensing medicines to understanding how the body itself responds to them.

Pharmacy gave me the clinical foundation to ask the right questions, while immunology gives me the tools to find the answers. The two are deeply connected – every effective drug relies on the body’s biological systems to work properly. So now, my research explores how immune cells communicate, how they learn from interactions, and how that knowledge can be used to design better immunotherapies.

This year, you were awarded the prestigious Besancon Scholarship. What does the scholarship mean to you and your work, and what do you intend to achieve with it?

Receiving the Besancon Scholarship was a humbling and affirming moment. It is given annually to a University of Montana graduate student who demonstrates academic and research excellence. For me, it was more than an award; it was a reminder that my journey, though far from home, is making an impact.

The scholarship allows me to focus more deeply on my research, attend conferences, and collaborate with other scientists.

What is your PhD thesis about, and what are the potential findings from it? How do you think it can impact society?

My research focuses on a fascinating process called trogocytosis, where immune cells ‘bite off’ and acquire pieces of other cells during contact. I am investigating how the strength of T cell receptor (TCR) affinity, that is, how tightly a T cell binds to its target, affects this process and the signalling that follows.

In simple terms, I am studying how T cells exchange information through touch. Understanding this could reveal why some immune responses are stronger or longer-lasting than others. If we can decode that, we could design better immunotherapies, improve vaccine responses, and perhaps even predict treatment outcomes for certain cancers.

It is highly technical work, but the societal goal is clear – to make treatments more effective.

In your bio, you noted passionately about a book chapter publication you wrote, titled ‘The biological significance of trogocytosis’. What is trogocytosis, and why are you interested in it? And, why should we be interested in it too?

Trogocytosis literally means ‘cell eating by nibbling’. It is an incredible form of cellular communication, where immune cells take small bits of other cells’ membranes and use that information to fine-tune their responses.

I became fascinated with it because it challenges the traditional view that cells only communicate through secreted signals. Here, they actually exchange pieces of themselves.

We should all care about trogocytosis because it is central to how our immune system learns, adapts, and sometimes misfires. It is linked to cancer, autoimmunity, and infection. The more we understand it, the better we can design therapies that harness or correct it.

Why is it that two people suffering the same type and stage of cancer – let us say lung cancer – and receiving the same type of treatment, but one dies from it, and the other survives it? How could you explain that?

That is one of the biggest mysteries in medicine, and it boils down to biology’s diversity. No two people are biologically identical. Our genetics, immune systems, lifestyles, and even the microbes in our guts shape how we respond to disease and therapy.

In cancer, the immune system plays a huge role. One person’s immune cells might recognise and destroy tumour cells effectively, while another’s might not. There is also tumour heterogeneity, where cancer cells evolve differently even within the same type of cancer. So, one patient might have a tumour that is sensitive to therapy, while another’s is resistant.

That is why personalised medicine is the future, tailoring treatment based on each person’s unique biology, not just the disease.

It is strange that most researchers are tirelessly working on finding the cure to cancer – even as reported cancer cases keep surging globally – with little research and campaigns on how to prevent it in the first place. Why is that? What natural ways of preventing cancer could you recommend?

You are absolutely right. Prevention does not get as much attention as cure, but it is equally important. Part of the reason is that prevention is harder to measure and fund. A cure is more tangible. Prevention is a silent success because people who do not get sick rarely make the news.

The truth is, lifestyle plays a huge role. Avoiding tobacco, limiting alcohol, eating fruits and vegetables, maintaining a healthy weight, and exercising regularly all reduce risk. Early screening and vaccinations, like HPV vaccines, also prevent certain cancers.

From your expertise so far, how would you advise the Nigerian government and health sector stakeholders on how to approach cancer research and treatment, especially the way you have seen and experienced it done in the US?

Nigeria has brilliant minds and a growing research community. What we need are stronger systems and investment in translational research, connecting laboratory findings to patient care. Government and private sectors should fund research consistently, not sporadically.

We also need better research infrastructure, such as well-equipped labs, grant opportunities, mentorship programmes, and collaborations with international institutions. Most importantly, data sharing and ethics frameworks must be strengthened to build trust and global partnerships.

If we can create environments where scientists are supported and appreciated, we will not just import solutions, we will develop our own.

What advice do you have for people living with cancer? Have you ever imagined a world where cancer is the easiest disease to treat? How soon do you think that world would be realised?

To everyone living with cancer, I would say: Hold on to hope. Science is advancing faster than ever. New immunotherapies are changing outcomes every day. But equally, your mental and emotional health matter. Surround yourself with support and believe that progress is real.

I have imagined a world where cancer is no longer a death sentence. I think we are getting closer, step by step. It may not happen overnight, but the momentum is there.

What are the major challenges you face in your studies and work, and how are you managing them? Behind work, what other extracurricular or social endeavours keep you busy at Montana?

Research can be demanding – long hours, failed experiments, etc. The biggest challenge is often balancing this with self-care. But I remind myself that science is a marathon, not a sprint. I also find strength in God, my family, and my friends.

Outside the lab, I volunteer with Letters to a Pre-Scientist, a pen-pal programme connecting STEM professionals to middle school students. Here, I share knowledge and inspire their curiosity in STEM.

Montana’s natural beauty helps too. There are mountains everywhere, which is lovely to see and very calming.

What is next for you after completing your PhD programme? Where would you like to work? And where do you see yourself and your career in five years?

After my PhD, I hope to continue in translational immunology, bridging laboratory research with clinical application. I want to work in cancer immunotherapy, developing treatments that are both effective and accessible.

In five years, I see myself leading a research team or working within an organisation that combines science, education, and advocacy. Ultimately, I want to be part of the global effort to make advanced therapies available to communities that need them most, including in Nigeria.

My journey began in Nigeria, and no matter where science takes me, that is the heartbeat behind everything I do.