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Sir: The recent inauguration of 13 new Emirates by the Bauchi State governor, Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, has once again drawn public attention – and criticism – over the government’s misplaced priorities. While palaces are rising and traditional titles multiplying, the essential pillars of society – education and health – are collapsing in silence.

Across the state, schools are falling apart. Children sit on bare floors; many classrooms have broken roofs and no learning materials. Some teachers go months without proper teaching aids. In many rural areas, pupils still learn under trees. In the same state, hospitals are struggling. Patients sleep without proper attention, drugs are scarce, and healthcare workers operate under poor conditions. Yet, huge sums of money are being spent on building palaces, buying luxury vehicles, and hosting ceremonies for newly appointed Emirs.

The painful truth is that Bauchi State has lost its sense of priority. Instead of investing in classrooms and hospitals – the real engines of human progress – the government appears focused on showy projects that do not improve the lives of ordinary citizens.

Development is not about how many palaces, flyovers, or investment summits a state can boast of. True development is about people – about children who can read and write, mothers who can give birth safely, and youths who can find meaningful opportunities to work and dream.

Bauchi’s government has spent billions on projects that have little or no direct impact on the common man. The creation of new emirates, the establishment of BAROTA, and the organization of investment summits may look impressive on paper, but they fail to address the deep problems facing education and healthcare in the state.

When schools are weak and hospitals are sick, no amount of ceremony can cure the pain of the people. The citizens of Bauchi deserve better – they deserve policies that place human development at the centre of governance.

Leadership is not about titles or thrones; it is about service. A true leader is a servant of his people – one who listens, understands, and acts in their best interest. Sadly, the current administration has repeatedly placed prestige over purpose.

The essence of democracy is simple: a government of the people, by the people, and for the people. When government actions stop reflecting the needs of the people, democracy loses its meaning.

As the next election approaches, the people of Bauchi must think deeply about their choices. We need leaders who will prioritize human welfare over political glory – leaders who will invest in books before crowns, and hospitals before ceremonies.

Our state does not need more Emirs; it needs more educated minds, more healthy families, and more opportunities for its youth. Bauchi can only rise again when our classrooms are alive with learning, our hospitals are centres of healing, and our leaders remember that power belongs to the people.

The Federal Government says food security remains a top national priority in the country.

The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, stated this during the distribution of farm inputs to smallholder farmers on Wednesday in Osogbo.

Kyari, represented by Mr Ayodele Olawumi, Director of Agricultural Extension in the ministry, said the Federal Government remained resolute in its commitment to developing the agricultural sector in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Kyari said to address the underlying challenges hindering national food security, the Federal Government embarked on bold economic reforms designed to stimulate productive capacity, create jobs, and reduce the cost of living.

The minister also said in addition to the economic reform, targeted humanitarian interventions and emergency responses had been implemented to cushion the effects of the current food crisis across the country.

‘I wish to assure you today that President Bola Tinubu has demonstrated unwavering political will and commitment to transforming Nigeria’s agriculture sector.

‘With food security positioned as one of the central pillars of his administration’s priorities,’ he said.

Kyari said since 2023, the Federal Government had undertaken a thorough review of existing programmes and initiatives to identify what needs to change and how best to realign them with the core mandates of the ministry.

‘Accordingly, the ministry has rolled out several programmes and projects aimed at addressing the challenges faced by farmers while ensuring that food remains available, accessible, and affordable to all Nigerians’, he said.

The minister said the distribution of farm inputs was in fulfillment of the president’s promise to cushion the effects of the prevailing economic situation and to encourage continued food production.

He said the intervention formed part of their broader program aimed at increasing national food production and ensuring stability in food availability and prices.

‘The ultimate goal of every nation is to attain food security, a global priority underscored in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

‘This administration remains resolute in its commitment to developing the agricultural sector in alignment with the SDGs,’ he said.

Kyari called on the beneficiaries to see the gesture as a demonstration of the government’s commitment to their welfare and to reciprocate by increasing productivity and contributing to the country’s food security.

In his remarks, Mr Taiwo Aiyegoro, the state Coordinator of the ministry, said the distribution of farm inputs was a testament to the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to supporting smallholder farmers.

According to him, the farm inputs will go a long way in enhancing the productivity and livelihoods of the farmers who are the backbone of the agricultural sector.

Mr Tola Faseru, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security in the state, commended the Federal Government for remembering the farmers in the state.

Faseru, represented by Mr Moshood Adepoju, Director of Administration and Supplies in the ministry, said the inputs would assist farmers in ensuring food security in the state.

Mr Wahaab Bello, the Chairman of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), commended the Federal Government for the gesture.

Bello, however, appealed to the government to resuscitate the services of farmers’ extension officers to assist farmers in their food production.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the farm inputs distributed included fertilisers, chemicals, grinders, seedlings, among others.

Preparations are underway for the inaugural edition of À?É10: A Reign of Peace, Culture and Unity, a global cultural festival designed to celebrate Yoruba heritage and strengthen connections across the African diaspora.

Organised by SloweGanzi International, the week-long event will hold from November 30 to December 7, 2025, under the royal patronage of Arolé Odùduwà, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojájá II, the 51st Ooni of Ife.

The festival coincides with the Ooni’s 10th Coronation Anniversary, marking a decade of what organisers describe as visionary leadership dedicated to peace, youth empowerment, and the global renaissance of Yoruba culture.

According to a statement from SloweGanzi International, À?É10 represents more than just a cultural gathering. It is a movement to reunite Yoruba people at home and abroad, from Africa to the Americas, the Caribbean, and beyond, in a renewed spirit of shared identity and cultural pride.

The festival will unfold across Lagos and Ile-Ife, combining exhibitions, performances, academic discussions, and traditional ceremonies that highlight the richness of Yoruba civilization.

Activities will include art and cultural showcases, film premieres, scholarly dialogues on Yoruba identity and Pan-Africanism, fashion and culinary displays, as well as music and dance performances blending traditional and contemporary influences.

A royal banquet and fireworks display will crown the week-long celebration in Ile-Ife, often regarded as the spiritual cradle of the Yoruba people.

In addition to the festivities, organisers will unveil plans for the Yoruba History and Arts Museum, a landmark legacy project to be established in Ile-Ife.

The museum is envisioned as a global center for the preservation and promotion of Yoruba art, history, and philosophy, ensuring that future generations can access and celebrate their cultural heritage.

Speaking on the significance of the event, a representative of SloweGanzi International described À?É10 as ‘a call to reconnect, rediscover, and reassert the power of Yoruba heritage as a global force for unity and peace.’

Her Royal Majesty, Queen Aderonke Ademiluyi Ogunwusi, also commended the initiative, noting that the Ooni’s decade on the throne has redefined traditional leadership as ‘a living, evolving anchor for culture, unity, and development.’

The organisers said the festival aims to promote cultural preservation, strengthen diaspora bonds, foster economic empowerment through tourism and creative industries, and position Ile-Ife as a global hub for African creativity and identity.

SloweGanzi International has called for participation from traditional rulers, cultural custodians, artists, scholars, entrepreneurs, development agencies, and sponsors across the world.

Based in the United States and Nigeria, SloweGanzi International is a global sports and entertainment event company known for creating transformative cultural experiences that connect communities, inspire engagement, and promote social and cultural growth.

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Anambra State has charged corps members to remain politically neutral and uphold the highest standards of integrity as they prepare to serve as ad hoc personnel in the November 8 governorship election.

Its State Coordinator, Mrs Pauline Ojisua, gave the advice during a Zonal Sensitisation Programme, where she warned the over 3,000 corps members in attendance against any form of partisanship, inducement, or misconduct during the election.

‘You are ambassadors of the NYSC. Your duty is to serve the nation impartially, with discipline, integrity, and courage. Remember-your neutrality is sacred, and your integrity is non-negotiable,’ she stated.

The Federal Government has allocated fertiliser worth over ?450 million for sale to farmers in Jigawa State at subsidised rates.

The drive, according to Governor Umar Namadi, is part of ongoing efforts to boost agricultural productivity and ensure food security under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

He spoke at the Citizens’ engagement programme in Miga, the headquarters of Miga Local Government Area.

According to him: ‘Under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, the Federal Government has allocated 20 trucks of fertiliser to Jigawa State to be sold at subsidised rates to farmers.

‘This initiative is aimed at supporting farmers with essential inputs and equipment to enhance food production and agricultural business across the state.’

Namadi noted that Miga, being an agrarian area with vast arable land suitable for year-round farming, stands to benefit significantly from the Federal Government’s agricultural support.

He explained that his administration’s 12-point agenda aligns with the Renewed Hope vision, with agriculture and food security as top priorities.

‘To complement President Tinubu’s efforts, we have introduced several innovations to modernise and transform traditional farming into a mechanised system,’ he said.

The Governor also revealed the establishment of the Jigawa State Farm Service Mechanisation Company Limited, to provide affordable and efficient mechanisation services to farmers across the state.

‘The company will operate a network of service centres equipped with modern tractors, combine harvesters, and other agricultural machinery. We are also seeking qualified and motivated individuals to manage and operate these centres effectively,’ he added.

When President Bola Tinubu signed the Nigeria Tax Act (NTA) 2025 into law on June 26, he ushered in one of the most ambitious fiscal reforms in Nigeria’s modern history. Alongside the Nigeria Tax Administration Act and the Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Act, this landmark legislation is not merely a consolidation of tax laws, it represents a structural re-engineering of how Nigeria mobilises, administers, and sustains its domestic revenue base.

At its core, the NTA 2025 seeks to modernise the tax framework, broaden the tax base, and align domestic practice with global norms, including the OECD’s minimum tax standards. It consolidates income classifications, introduces controlled-foreign-company (CFC) and top-up tax rules, reforms capital gains and corporate taxation, and streamlines administrative processes through enhanced automation and digital compliance.

Yet, even well-intentioned reforms can generate friction. Rapid transitions unsettle both administrators and taxpayers, particularly in a system already grappling with weak institutional capacity and uneven digital infrastructure. The challenge, therefore, is not whether Nigeria can reform its tax system; it’s how to transition painlessly from enactment to execution.

The case for careful transition

Fiscal transitions of this magnitude must balance ambition with realism. If rushed, reforms risk undermining business confidence, distorting cash flows, and triggering avoidable disputes. But if phased and well-communicated, they can achieve three goals simultaneously: boost revenue, build compliance culture, and foster trust between taxpayers and the state. Therefore, transition planning matters because the NTA changes are structural, not cosmetic. The Act redefines taxable income, alters reporting formats, and imposes new obligations on multinational groups. Without clear operational guidance, both small businesses and large corporates may misapply provisions – leading to revenue loss for government and compliance stress for taxpayers.

Principles for a smooth rollout

To achieve a seamless implementation, five guiding principles stand out:

Clarity First: Tax laws must be understood to be obeyed. The FIRS and State Revenue Services should publish plain-language guidance, worked examples, and industry-specific FAQs. Ambiguity fuels litigation; clarity fuels compliance.

Phased Implementation: The most disruptive provisions such as CFC computations and top-up taxation should be introduced gradually. A phased rollout allows taxpayers and administrators to align systems, test software, and adjust accounting models.

Technology-driven administration: End-to-end digital filing, e-payment systems, and automated data matching should replace paper-based and discretionary processes. These tools reduce leakages, improve audit efficiency, and minimise human interference.

Stakeholder partnership: Early collaboration with professional and industry bodies like ICAN, CITN, and chambers of commerce will make compliance pathways practical, not punitive. Consultation turns stakeholders into co-implementers rather than spectators.

Fairness and predictability: Transitional relief, clear grandfathering rules, and temporary compliance leniency should help businesses plan. Reform should encourage voluntary compliance, not breed fear.

Four-phase roadmap

Phase one – preparation and communication: From now until two months before the law’s effective date, the priority is communication. Authorities should issue explanatory notes and sectoral guides covering typical transactions from capital gains on asset disposals to cross-border profit allocation. Town halls, webinars, and consultations with key stakeholders will help surface ambiguities before enforcement begins. Draft regulations and operational rules delegated to the executive should be published early for review.

Phase two – pilot testing and capacity building: Pilot testing complex provisions will help refine compliance templates and tax forms. Volunteer firms can participate in ‘sandbox’ simulations of CFC computations and global minimum tax filings. Simultaneously, FIRS officers, helpdesk teams, and dispute resolution staff need intensive training, while SMEs should be supported through simplified filing tools and one-on-one clinics.

Phase three – soft launch and supportive enforcement: Implementation should begin with an assistance-first approach. In the initial months, taxpayers who make genuine filing errors should receive corrective notices rather than penalties. Complex provisions can be introduced in stages, giving firms time to recalibrate. Dedicated sectoral helpdesks such as for oil and gas, financial services, and digital firms should provide prompt responses to industry-specific issues.

Phase four – full enforcement and continuous improvement: After stabilisation, enforcement should become data driven. Risk-based audits and analytics can prioritise high-value or high-risk cases, while fast-track dispute resolution and expand tax tribunals can handle inevitable disagreements efficiently. The publication of monthly performance dashboards showing filings processed, refunds issued, and query turnaround times will promote transparency and trust.

Reducing the pain points

Even with the best preparation, implementation will still test institutional resilience. The government must therefore deploy targeted relief measures to ease pressure on vulnerable sectors.

Transitional pricing and grandfathering: Allow pre-effective-date contracts to retain prior tax treatment to avoid retroactive shocks.

Support for small businesses: Offer simplified regimes, temporary deferments, or tax credits to offset compliance costs.

Public education: Use radio, social media, and local-language campaigns to demystify registration, filing, and payment procedures.

Technology partnerships: Encourage fintech and accounting software providers to release NTA-compliant tools early. Private innovation can bridge administrative capacity gaps.

Cross-government coordination: Align FIRS, Customs, and state tax agencies to prevent double assessments and inconsistent interpretations.

Tracking Progress

Progress should be measured against tangible Key Performance Indicators (KPIs):

At least 80% of filings processed without manual correction within six months.

Average response time to taxpayer queries under seven business days.

90% of pilot-identified issues resolved before enforcement begins.

60-80% SME compliance uptake in the first year.

A higher ratio of corrective guidance to penalties, signalling education over punishment.

Such metrics transform implementation from aspiration to accountability.

Beyond revenue: Building trust and competence

The ultimate success of the NTA 2025 will not be judged by how much revenue is collected in its first year, but by how efficiently and fairly the system functions. Nigeria’s tax culture has long been weakened by mutual distrust; taxpayers suspect inefficiency or arbitrariness, while authorities assume evasion. The new regime offers a chance to reset this relationship. Thus, implementation should therefore be viewed as a partnership, not a confrontation. The tax authority’s role is evolving from a mere collector of revenue to a facilitator of compliance, a custodian of fairness, and a driver of national growth.

Done right, the NTA 2025 can strengthen domestic resource mobilisation without discouraging enterprise or investment. Done poorly, it risks litigation, economic distortion, and erosion of confidence. The difference lies not in the text of the law, but in the discipline of its execution. Undoubtedly, Nigeria has taken a bold step toward a modern, inclusive, and globally aligned tax system. The next test perhaps the most important is ensuring that this reform journey is guided by clarity, compassion, and competence. That is how transformation becomes progress.

For centuries, civilizations have consistently associated certain products with their places of origin. For instance, wines from Bordeaux, silks from Suzhou, olive oil from Tuscany and numerous similar examples.

The ancient Greeks and Romans in their wisdom, knew that the quality of a product(s) was shaped by the land it came from, and today, that timeless truth is enshrined in modern Intellectual Property law through what we now call Geographical Indications (GIs).

According to the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), a GI is a sign used on products that originate from a specific place and possess specific qualities, reputation, or characteristics essentially attributable to that origin. GIs protect the reputation of producers, preserve traditional knowledge, and create commercial value by linking authenticity with geography.

For Nigeria, a country of extraordinary natural resources, agricultural diversity, and cultural craftsmanship, the absence of a clear legal framework for GIs represents a vast, unmined economic opportunity.

The Global Legal Framework

Geographical Indications are protected under several international agreements, two of which Nigeria is a party. Key among them are:

The Paris Convention (1883 – Nigeria is signatory) which is the first to recognize indications of source as part of industrial property.

The Madrid Agreement (1891) and its Protocol (1989), extending protection against false or deceptive indications of origin.

The Lisbon Agreement (1958) and Geneva Act (2015), creating an international system for registering and protecting appellations of origin.

The TRIPS Agreement (1994 – Nigeria is signatory) administered by the World Trade Organization, which mandates GI protection and provides special safeguards for wines and spirits.

These instruments recognize that GIs are not merely marketing labels but legal rights tied to geography and reputation. They protect communities against misappropriation and ensure that the benefits of authenticity flow to the people and regions that created it.

Nigeria’s Legal Reality

Nigeria currently lacks a dedicated or sui generis Geographical Indications law. However, Section 43 of the Trademarks Act allows the registration of certification marks, which can indirectly serve GI-like functions by certifying the geographical origin or quality of goods.

This partial protection has enabled certain products, like Ofada rice, Ijebu garri, and Aso-Oke fabrics to gain regional distinction. Yet, without a specific GI regime, Nigeria cannot fully claim or enforce ownership over its indigenous brands internationally. Certification marks protect a product’s reputation but not the deep territorial and traditional link between place, people, and product, which is the very essence of GIs.

As WIPO’s 2019 Module on Geographical Indications notes, ‘the essential link between the product’s quality and its geographical environment is what distinguishes GIs from other forms of Intellectual Property protection.’ That link remains legally invisible in Nigeria today.

Forcados Crude: A Case for Industrial GIs

Consider Forcados crude oil, produced in the Burutu area of Delta State. This light, sweet crude with a specific gravity of approximately 31.5° API and sulfur content of 0.22%, is prized globally for its high yield of valuable distillates like gasoil. Its composition is uniquely tied to the geology of the Niger Delta.

For example, in 2025, Forcados crude oil became the major driver of Nigeria’s total crude output. Yet, despite its distinctive geographical characteristics, it enjoys no clear GI protection or framework. The danger in such development is that international traders can blend or rebrand similar crude oils under the same name, eroding both value and origin identity.

If registered and protected as a Geographical Indication, Forcados crude could become Nigeria’s first industrial GI, demonstrating that GI protection laws apply not only to agricultural or artisanal goods but also to extractive resources with specific origin-based qualities. This approach could redefine Nigeria’s IP economy and strengthen its export credibility.

Why Geographical Indications Matter

Across the world, GIs have become powerful tools for economic development and cultural preservation.

India’s Darjeeling tea and Basmati rice have achieved global dominance through GI protection.

Ethiopia’s Sidamo and Yirgacheffe coffees generate premium prices for local farmers after reclaiming ownership from foreign brands.

South Africa’s Rooibos tea now commands a thriving export market thanks to GI certification.

The premium value attached to Swiss wristwatches perfectly illustrates the advantage of Geographical Indication protection. Because the use of the ‘Swiss Made’ label is strictly regulated by law, only watches that meet specific standards of origin and quality can bear it, ensuring authenticity, maintaining consumer trust, and preserving the brand’s global reputation.

The lesson herein is clear: when a product’s reputation is tied to its origin and legally protected, value remains within the community. Producers gain bargaining power, consumers enjoy authenticity, and the state benefits from increased exports and tax revenue.

Nigeria, with its wealth of regional products such as Benue yam, Nsukka yellow pepper, Bida brass works, Kano leather, Aba shoes, Afikpo masks, and Forcados crude, has the raw material for a thriving GI ecosystem.

China’s Cultural Ambition and Africa’s Ownership Challenge

China’s recent announcement to establish its first national museum dedicated to African history and culture highlights a different but related challenge, which is cultural ownership. While this initiative may not breach GI law (since GIs protect goods, not institutions), it raises a vital question: who owns Africa’s identity and how is it represented globally?

If African artifacts, textiles, or symbols are curated and commercialized abroad without corresponding legal or economic returns to their countries of origin, it mirrors the same vulnerabilities seen in Nigeria’s unprotected GIs heritage without ownership and identity without income.

For Nigeria, the message is clear: just as our cultural heritage must be protected from misrepresentation, our geographical heritage, from oil to fabric to food and numerous others must be secured under the rule of law.

The Economic Roadmap Forward

To unlock the value of GIs, Nigeria should take the following steps:

1. Enact a Geographical Indications Act, a standalone law that defines, registers, and enforces GIs in line with WIPO and TRIPS standards.

2. Establish a GI Registry, preferably housed under the Trademarks, Patents, and Designs Registry to document and certify qualifying products.

3. Empower Producers’ Associations: Cooperatives should manage production standards, traceability, and quality control for GI-certified goods.

4. Launch Public Awareness Campaigns to educate farmers, artisans, and exporters on the financial benefits of GI protection.

5. Engage International Partners: Nigeria can collaborate with WIPO, the African Regional Intellectual Property Organization (ARIPO), and the African Union’s IP Office to secure reciprocal protection abroad.

These steps will not only elevate Nigeria’s reputation in international trade but also localize prosperity, ensuring that communities reap the rewards of their geographical uniqueness.

Conclusion: Law as a Catalyst for Prosperity

Geographical Indications are not mere technicalities of IP law; they are instruments of economic sovereignty. They transform culture into capital, identity into export power, and local heritage into global competitiveness.

Nigerian artisans, farmers, and innovators have long created products of global value. What remains missing is the legal machinery to capture that value. A dedicated GI framework could redefine Nigeria’s export economy, hence, ensuring that Forcados crude, Ofada rice, Aso-Oke and others command the recognition and premium they deserve.

‘Now, imagine if the phrase ‘Made in Nigeria’ were not just a slogan, but a legally recognized mark of origin, a protected Geographical Indication reserved solely for products certified by competent regulatory agencies. Such a framework would transform perception into policy, instilling confidence in international consumers while empowering local producers to reap the full economic value of their innovation, craftsmanship, and authenticity. It would be more than branding; it would be a national economic strategy.’

Consequently, to fully unlock the benefits of Geographical Indication (GI) certification, Nigeria’s regulatory bodies, especially the Standards Organization of Nigeria and related agencies must take a cue from Switzerland and urgently step up their efforts. They need to enforce strict quality control not only on imported products, but on those originating from Nigeria before they are exported; ensuring that consumers everywhere can trust in the authenticity and premium quality of goods and services that bear the Nigerian name.

In a world increasingly defined by intellectual property, protecting the geography of our genius and effective quality control regulations may well be the next frontier of Nigeria’s economic independence.

The Deputy Spokesman of the House of Representatives, Hon. Philip Agbese, has described the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, as ‘not just a super-performing minister but parliament’s treasured asset.

Speaking with journalists on Wednesday in Abuja, Agbese said the attacks on the minister were a ‘calculated attempt to distract a reform-minded public servant whose record of innovation and results has redefined service delivery in Nigeria’s public sector.’

‘In less than a year, Dr. Tunji-Ojo has transformed the Ministry of Interior from a bureaucratic enclave into a model of efficiency,’ he said. ‘He cleared over 200,000 passport backlogs in just three weeks, introduced end-to-end automation that eliminated touting and racketeering, and opened new passport offices across several countries to serve Nigerians in the diaspora. Today, citizens can apply for and collect their passports within days, not months – and that’s a direct outcome of his leadership.’

Agbese noted that Tunji-Ojo’s reforms also extended to other agencies under the ministry.

‘He has brought structure and discipline into the correctional system. Over 4,500 inmates were released to decongest overcrowded prisons, biometric systems have been deployed to track escapees, and jailbreaks have practically become a thing of the past,’ the lawmaker said.

According to him, the minister’s emphasis on human capital development within the paramilitary agencies has restored morale and professionalism.

‘He ensured timely promotions, introduced digital monitoring systems, and improved the welfare of officers. The ministry has become a place of dignity and performance. Under his supervision, it has generated over ?6 billion in revenue this year alone – proof that transparency and efficiency can go hand in hand,’ Agbese stated.

He dismissed the NYSC certificate controversy as ‘a hoax designed by desperate politicians who cannot match competence with results.’

‘The so-called certificate scandal is nothing but noise,’ he said. ‘These are the same old tactics of distraction deployed whenever a young, effective leader begins to challenge the old order. The enemies of progress cannot stand the fact that the Renewed Hope Agenda is working through people like Dr. Tunji-Ojo.’

Agbese urged Nigerians to focus on measurable performance rather than unsubstantiated allegations.

‘Governance is not about gossip; it’s about delivery. Every citizen can see the difference the Interior Ministry is making – faster services, cleaner processes, and greater accountability,’ he said.

He also warned against ‘the weaponisation of social media to smear public officials without proof,’ insisting that all legitimate concerns should follow due process.

‘If there are questions, let the institutions of state handle them – not political jobbers or social media mobs. The rule of law must not give way to mob hysteria,’ he cautioned.

Agbese described Tunji-Ojo as one of the brightest examples of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope vision, saying his blend of youth, competence, and patriotism had restored citizens’ confidence in government institutions.

‘Dr. Tunji-Ojo represents a new generation of leadership – focused, innovative, and accountable. He is building systems, not headlines. Those peddling falsehoods will fade, but his legacy of reform will remain,’ Agbese declared.

Club World Cup champions Chelsea have entered the race to sign highly rated Nigerian winger Sani Suleiman, joining a host of European clubs monitoring the AS Trencin sensation, as reported by Tribalfootball.

Suleiman, 19, has been in outstanding form since returning to his Slovak club after representing Nigeria at the U20 World Cup. His recent assist against Skalica earned Trencin a valuable draw and saw him named in the Nike Liga Team of the Week.

Chelsea’s scouting team have reportedly requested updated information on the young winger, who is attracting growing attention across Europe. Suleiman’s contract runs until June 2026, with Trencin holding a two-year extension option, effectively securing his services until 2028 – a clause that strengthens the club’s hand in any transfer talks.

The Nigerian’s impressive displays have also drawn interest from Tottenham Hotspur, Rangers, and Bayer Leverkusen, alongside several Italian clubs making preliminary enquiries.

According to the CIES Football Observatory, Suleiman was recently rated the most complete U21 winger in the world, based on seven key performance metrics, and ranked among the top 200 U20 outfield players globally.

With his meteoric rise and increasing demand, this season could mark Suleiman’s final campaign at Trencin, as Europe’s elite continue to circle one of Africa’s brightest young talents.

The Federal High Court in Abuja, on Wednesdays, rescheduled the hearing of the suit filed by the police against Omoyele Sowore and other conveners of #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest until Nov. 5.

The development followed the absence of the presiding judge, Justice Mohammed Umar, in court who was said to be sitting in Enugu division of the court.

The matter, which was on number 11 on the Wednesday’s cause list, was consequently fixed for Nov. 5 for hearing of the motion notice.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Justice Umar had, on Oct. 17, fixed Oct. 20 for the respondents in the police ex-parte motion to show cause why the interim order made by the court against the protesters should be vacated.

The hearing was, however, stalled as a result of the Oct. 20 protest which held same day, crippling the court activities at the Federal High Court in Abuja.

The judge had granted an interim order sought by the police, restraining Sowore and others from protesting for the release of Nnamdi Kanu in some sensitive areas in Abuja.

Justice Umar barred the protesters from demonstrating around the Aso Rock Villa, National Assembly, Force Headquarters, Court of Appeal, Eagle Square and Shehu Shagari Way, pending the hearing of the motion on notice.

The judge also made an order of abridgement of time ‘within which the respondents will respond to the application on notice to cause the ex-parte order be set aside on Monday, the 20th of October, 2025 at 9.00am,’ before adjourning until Oct. 20 for hearing of the motion on notice.

The order followed the ex-parte motion moved by the police lawyer, Wisdom Madaki, on behalf of Federal Republic of Nigeria (FRN), on Oct. 17.

The Police Force, in the ex-parte motion, marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/2202/2025, had sued Sowore, Sahara Reporters Ltd, and Sahara Reporters’ Media Foundation as 1st to 3rd respondents.

The force also joined Take It Back Movement (TIB), for the Transformation of Nigeria Or Any Form of Organisation or Any Other Person(s) Acting Either Express or Implied Instruction or Any Other Organisation or Group With the Like Intention; and Unknown Persons as 4th to 5th respondents respectively.

In the affidavit in support of the ex-parte motion deposed to by Bassey Ibithan, a police officer attached to Directorate of Legal Services, Force Headquarters, Abuja, the officer averred that if not granted, the protest might threaten the national security.

Sowore, publisher of Sahara Reporters, had planned to organised the protest for the release of Kanu, the detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

Sowore, who was also the 2019 and 2023 presidential candidate of African Action Congress (ACC), had mobilised for what he called a planned peaceful protest against Kanu’s detention on Oct. 20.(NAN)