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Tell us about the vision and mission of DJAN.

The Deejays Association of Nigeria (DJAN) was founded with a simple but powerful goal to unite DJs across the country and elevate the profession to new heights. Our vision is to empower Nigerian DJs, promote professionalism, and ensure they are recognised not just as entertainers, but as cultural ambassadors and creative entrepreneurs.

Our mission is centred on education, collaboration, and advocacy. We are building a sustainable platform that supports skill development, ethical practice, welfare, and business growth.

Ultimately, DJAN is helping shape a future where Nigerian DJs play a leading role in the creative economy driving entertainment, tourism, and youth empowerment through innovation and excellence.

Why is it important to have a mother body for DJs?

Before DJAN was formed, the DJ community in Nigeria lacked proper structure, representation, and support. Having a national body like DJAN brings unity, credibility, and protection to the profession.

We serve as the collective voice of DJs across the country by providing recognition, resolving industry challenges, creating opportunities, and ensuring that DJs are respected and properly rewarded for their work.

DJAN acts as a bridge that connects DJs with government agencies, corporate partners, local and international brands, and the global entertainment ecosystem. This helps us promote the welfare and interests of our members while advancing the business and creative sides of DJing nationwide.

People often think DJs just play music. What’s the real work of a DJ?

That’s one of the biggest misconceptions out there. A real professional DJ does much more than press play. DJs are sound curators, storytellers, and energy builders. We read the crowd, mix genres, and create unforgettable moments that connect people emotionally through music.

Today, DJs are also producers and trendsetters. We help break new music, promote artists, and influence global sounds. In short, a talented DJ is both an artist and a cultural influencer helping to shape the sound and spirit of entertainment as we know it.

DJAN is celebrating a milestone soon. Tell us about that.

Yes, we are excited to be hosting the 15th DJAN National Conference and Mix Master Championship Finals, taking place from November 3 to 5, in Ibadan, Oyo State.

Our theme this year is ‘Beyond The Spin: Building Resilience, Innovation, and Excellence in Nigeria’s DJ Community,’ the event will bring together DJs, music professionals, policymakers, and industry leaders from across the nation.

It is more than just a conference. It is a celebration of creativity, growth, and unity. We will also be honouring outstanding DJs through the mix master championship Finals, where winners will receive cash prizes and mentorship opportunities to help them scale their careers.

What challenges does the association still face, and how are you addressing them?

Like many creative organisations, we continue to face challenges such as limited funding, the absence of clear industry policies, and the need for stronger welfare systems to support our members.

However, we are addressing these challenges head-on. DJAN is actively building strategic partnerships, advocating for policy reforms, and organising developmental training and capacity building programmes designed to empower our members. These initiatives are helping to reshape mindsets, strengthen professionalism, and open up global opportunities for collaboration and growth but we need more help.

We are also working closely with stakeholders to create more sustainable pathways for DJs from workshops and to digital learning and mentorship platforms.

Our ultimate goal is to elevate DJing beyond an informal craft positioning it as a fully recognised, respected, and globally competitive profession that contributes meaningfully to Nigeria’s creative economy.

The #RespectTheDJ campaign made waves years ago. What was it about, and did it achieve its purpose?

#RespectTheDJ wasn’t just a hashtag, it was a movement demanding respect, fair pay, and proper recognition for DJs. At that time, many DJs were undervalued despite being central to the success of events and artistes.

The campaign sparked nationwide discussions and led to positive change. Today, DJs are acknowledged as key players in the music ecosystem as event partners, influencers, and brand collaborators.

While a lot has been achieved, the work isn’t over. DJAN continues to champion the message that DJs are not just playing songs, we are shaping culture, creating experiences, and driving the heartbeat of the entertainment industry.

Indications emerged on Thursday that the North is divided over the adoption of a former Minister of Special Duties, Tanimu Turaki, SAN, as the consensus National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ahead of the party’s November 15 National Elective Convention fixed for Ibadan, the Oyo State capital. The position had been zoned to the North after the party ceded the presidential ticket for the 2027 poll to the South.

Leaders and stakeholders in the North, after a consultative meeting held in Abuja on Wednesday night, had agreed to the micro-zoning of the office to the North-West and also ‘unanimously’ endorsed the choice of Turaki as the consensus candidate.

Adamawa State Governor, Honourable Ahmadu Fintiri, a key stakeholder from the North, and Chairman of the Convention Organising Committee (NCOC), had announced the decision of the region after the meeting.

‘We have met this evening to deliberate and take a decision on the office of the chairman of our great party, the PDP, which was zoned to the North.

‘In our meeting, we have reflected deeply and widely through consultation and going to Ibadan for our national convention, we have adopted a consensus candidate to represent the North, and by extension, Nigeria, as the chairman of the PDP.

‘That gentleman is KT Turaki, SAN. This is our decision this evening, and he is the person we are presenting at that convention as our chairman to represent our party, on the 15th and 16th of November in Ibadan’, he announced to reporters at the venue of the meeting.

However, 24 hours later, some individuals from the North-West led by the outgoing National Organising Secretary, Honourable Umar Bature, kicked against Turaki’s choice, alleging that he was imposed on the zone without due consultations with party members from the geopolitical zone.

Bature specifically accused Fintiri of unilaterally picking Turaki, who is from Kebbi State, a decision he said should have been left to members from the North-West to make by themselves without interference from other geopolitical zones.

He claimed that a meeting the North-West called at the instance of the Governor of Zamfara State, Mr Dauda Lawal, was later postponed, adding that as a result, the zone never held any consultations on the choice of a candidate for national chairman.

Addressing a select group of reporters in Abuja, he said, ‘This meeting was at the instance of the Governor of Zamfara with a view to adopting a particular individual for the national chairmanship position zoned to the North-West.

‘A meeting was held yesterday with other leaders of the northern zones, and the name of an individual was reportedly adopted.

‘The North-West has not met to agree on that position. That’s why we came for this meeting, and unfortunately, that meeting again was postponed.

‘So, what we want to make clear to everybody is that this zone has not adopted anybody as a candidate from this zone for the Peoples Democratic Party.

‘There is a lot of resentment due to a lack of consultation among the leaders of this zone. We believe we are the strongest zone in the PDP, and the attitude of our leaders in this regard made us take this position that we disagree with the governor’s position of yesterday, and we are going to have our own candidate that we will nominate for that position.

‘North West is the zone to which the national chairmanship has been zoned.This position has been determined by other zones, and we feel it is unfair for other zones to determine a particular candidate when this zone has not been consulted. That’s why we are taking this position.’

He added that since Fintiri, who is from the North-East, had made a choice for the North-West, the other members in the zone had the right to also pick their own candidate.

‘We are all stakeholders here. We are all party chairmen. We are all members of the National Assembly. None of us was consulted. We were at the meeting when these positions were zoned to the North West.

‘So, if Governor Fintiri can adopt his own in the North-East, why can’t we, stakeholders of the North West, be allowed to sit down and adopt our own candidate? I present him to you’, he added.

Those sighted at the session with Bature were former governorship candidates of the party in Jigawa, Kaduna, and Katsina states, as well as some state chairmen and a former National Secretary, Ibrahim Tsauri.

Incidentally, Governor Lawal, whom the Bature claimed was part of those opposing the choice of Turaki, was listed among those who attended and signed the attendance sheet at Wednesday’s consensus meeting.

Among those who were listed to be part of the Fintiri meeting were the National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Damagum; the Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum and Governor of Bauchi State, Senator Bala Mohammed; Governor of Plateau State, Caleb Muftwang; Governor of Zamfara State, Dauda Lawal; Governor of Taraba State, Agbu Kefas; Secretary of the PDP Board of Trustees (BoT), Ahmed Makarfi; Minority Leader of the Senate, Abba Moro; and former President of the Senate, Olusola Saraki.

Also on the attendance list were Sule Lamido, Professor Jerry Gana, Senator Hassan Dankwambo, Ibrahim Shekarau, Mike Omeri, Humphrey Abba, and Mohammed Goronyo.

Investigations by Tribune Online indicated that Bature’s grouse might be linked to his being excluded from the opportunity of re-contesting his position or being part of the next National Working Committee (NWC), like some colleagues.

For instance, Damagum, who was the National Chairman (North) before he was elevated to acting chairman in 2022, is opting to retain that position at the Ibadan convention.

This development, it was learnt, did not go down well with Bature, especially since he would be completely eased out of the next NWC.

The National Economic Council (NEC) on Thursday expanded the mandate of its committee on crude oil theft to include preventing theft of solid minerals.

The NEC’s approval followed the presentation of a memo by the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Atiku Bagudu, who proposed six key resolutions aimed at achieving the roadmap for the attainment of Nigeria’s $1 trillion economy by 2030.

The expansion of the mandate of the committee to include solid minerals will enable it to also supervise gold and other precious stone theft.

The NEC’s approval for the extension followed its meeting held in Abuja, where it also endorsed the comprehensive roadmap for the country’s target of achieving a $1 trillion economy by 2030.

President Bola Tinubu, President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio; Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Honourable Benjamin Kalu; Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele; Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, and several state governors attended the meeting chaired at the State House by Vice President Kashim Shettima.

It came as the council also praised the improvement in Nigeria’s daily crude oil production from 700,000 barrels when Tinubu assumed office in 2023 to 1.7 million barrels currently, made possible by its Ad Hoc Committee on Crude Oil Theft Prevention and Control.

The Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Atiku Bagudu, while presenting a memo on the roadmap to council, outlined key strategies to strengthen cooperation among the three tiers of government and sustain the ongoing reforms by the administration.

He noted, ‘The memo recognises the President’s deep respect for federalism and highlights the achievements made through collaboration between the federal and state governments over the past two and a half years.’

The minister proposed six key resolutions, which the meeting approved. He outlined them thus:

‘Regular Briefings on Economic Stability: The Coordinating Minister of the Economy, the Central Bank Governor, and the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning are to periodically brief NEC on policies supporting macroeconomic and monetary stability.

‘Sustained Infrastructure Collaboration: The Renewed Hope Infrastructure Fund shall remain a collaborative vehicle for nationwide infrastructure development, with periodic progress reports to NEC.

‘Enhanced Security Funding: Cooperation on national security shall continue, with additional investments to be determined by the President on NEC’s recommendation.

‘A NEC Committee on Security Investment Mobilisation was approved.

‘The NEC Committee on Crude Oil Theft will have its mandate expanded to include preventing theft of solid minerals, including gold and other precious resources.

‘Implementation of the programme shall remain a core national priority, with the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning submitting periodic progress reports.

‘NEC will adopt new measures to boost domestic production, as recommended by the Ministry of Budget and National Planning.’

Tinubu, following the approval of the roadmap, thanked council members for aligning with his administration’s economic reform agenda, reiterating his commitment to fostering inclusive growth across the federation.

On the improvement of crude oil production, Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State, who briefed State House Correspondents on the impression of council, attributed the success to coordinated security and regulatory interventions introduced by Tinubu since 2023.

Uzodimma, who doubles as the chairman of the NEC Committee on Crude Oil Theft, reported that output had risen from about 700,000-800,000 bpd before May 2023 to over 1.7 mbpd this year.

The governor explained that the progress resulted from a joint effort involving regulators, oil operators, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), the Navy, and other security agencies, as well as input from governors of oil-producing states.

Owing to the success recorded by the committee, he said the council expanded its responsibilities to include oversight of the solid minerals sector.

He said this would address illegal mining and smuggling of gold and other mineral resources.

He added, ‘Going forward, we will work with relevant agencies to ensure that revenue from solid minerals is properly accounted for and not stolen.’

The Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Bayo Lawal, on his part, presented the latest balances in Nigeria’s key national accounts.

He said as of October 23, 2025, the Excess Crude Account stood at $535,823.39; the Stabilisation Account at ?87,665,172,001.67; and the Natural Resources Account at ?141,585,815,008.16.

‘These figures reflect the financial position of the respective accounts following exhaustive deliberation of this item at today’s NEC meeting,’ Lawal said.

An International Non-Governmental Organisation, Sightsavers Nigeria on Thursday, disclosed that over 4.2 million Nigerians are blind or visually impaired.

Ms Barbara Marok, Eye health programme officer, revealed that many cases stemmed from preventable conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, and uncorrected refractive errors.

She made this known at a two-day media partners meeting with Journalists from Kogi, Federal Capital Territory, Benue, Kwara, Niger, Nassarawa, and Plateau State, held in Keffi.

While highlighting the staggering statistics, she called for increased awareness and investment in eye health services, particularly in rural communities where access to eye care remains a significant challenge.

Her words, ‘Over 4.25 million Nigerians are blind or visually impaired, many due to preventable or treatable conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, and corrective refractive errors.

‘Only 4.4 per cent of Nigerians access eye care health, compared to 38 per cent in middle-income countries,’ she said.

Nigeria loses billions of naira annually due to poor vision, which has reduced productivity, lower income, and educational setback, she said.

Also, Senior Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Manager, NTDs/ Safeguarding Lead, Sightsavers Nigeria, Ms Folake Aliu, in her presentation, said Nigeria bears 25 per cent of Africa’s NTD burden.

She explained that some causes of blindness were preventable, such as cataracts, glaucoma, and uncorrected refractive errors.

She added that the organisation was tackling the five most prevalent NTDs, which include lymphatic filariasis (elephantiasis); river blindness (onchocerciasis); trachoma; intestinal worms, and schistosomiasis.

As of 2024, Sightsavers has been able to ensure that over 653.1 million people were treated for NTD.

‘We also supported 74 local government areas to reach trachoma elimination threshold and provided 80 per cent support for trachoma elimination in Nigeria,’ she said.

She, however, noted challenges of insecurity, poor government ownership, funding gaps, ineffective execution of programmes, among others, as challenges affecting the elimination of NTDs in Nigeria.

Prof Joy Shuaibu, Country Director of Sightsavers Nigeria, in her opening speech, said the meeting was to equip journalists with information that would further amplify messages in the fight against avoidable blindness.

The Country Director, who was represented by Mrs Anita Gwong, Project Director, NTDs, said the organisation has impacted about 60 per cent of Nigeria’s population through its various interventions.

She, therefore, charged the media to amplify issues around NTD, encourage ownership of projects by the government, close funding gap, and implement policies that will address challenges affecting access to healthcare and education for PWDs.

Speaking on social inclusion, Ms Esther Bature, Sightsavers Advocacy coordinator, noted the discrimination often faced by Persons with Disabilities (PWD), which has hindered them from accessing healthcare, facilities, education, among others.

She added that through its inclusive programmes like the Support Mainstreaming Inclusion to all Learn Equally (SMILE), Inclusive Family Planning project, Inclusion Works ll, GESP-SABI Woman, they have promoted social inclusion.

BY 1997, the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) Limited (formerly the Nigerian Stock Exchange) had reached a pivotal point, recognising the need to fortify its public communications Department. Under the visionary leadership of the late Apostle Hayford Alile, it launched a rigorous headhunt for a communications professional whose expertise and character aligned with its values, image, and evolving aspirations for corporate excellence. Eventually, the mantle fell on Olusola Jacob Oni (widely known in the industry as Sola Oni), a journalist at The Guardian newspaper, Nigeria’s media flagship. Indeed, it was a twist of irony or perhaps destinyfor Oni to have emerged as the preferred ideal candidate by the Exchange. His consistent, insightful, and pungent reports on the capital market had become a tool for decision-making for capital market executives, which, in several instances, had also made the leadership on the Exchange uncomfortable. The strength of Oni’s network of sources and insider access, coupled with his journalistic instinct and news presentation style, stood him out. However, Oni’s transition to the Exchange was expected by the broader capital stakeholders, who had already marked him out as a future player in the market beyond the media.

At one point, Oni was temporarily de-accredited by the management of the Exchange, a reaction to his unflinching reporting. The Exchange formally requested that The Guardian assign a new correspondent. However, the newspaper stood its ground. Recognising the depth, credibility, and insight Oni brought to capital market coverage, The Guardian’s management made a clear statement: whether officially granted access or not, Oni would continue to cover the beat. Confronted with this quiet resistance and fully aware of Oni’s influence in the financial press, the Exchange reversed its decision and reinstated his accreditation. Oni joined the Exchange as a core financial journalist with a strong pedigree. But his transition into corporate communications was far from incidental; it was intentional. For many years, he worked under the tutelage of Mrs. Yinka Idowu, a public relations virtuoso. Under her guidance, he blended-journalistic precision with strategic messaging and corporate diplomacy.

On the Exchange, Oni donned his innate garment of intellect and strong work ethic like a camel in its natural habitat – the desert -and the water bears in the ocean. He continuously fired his intellectual projectile so high that within a short period , everyone in the organisation appreciated his contributions. He became a corporate champion, being sought after for troubleshooting. By setting ambitious targets for himself, Oni rose to every challenge like a phoenix from the flames. He evolved into a high-stakes, reflective leader, widely seen as a future top executive. His performance spoke for itself, so much so that no one could question his merit. His bold and impactful contributions earned him rapid, successive promotions that were beyond dispute. It was only fitting, then, that he was entrusted with significant responsibilities, all of which he carried out with unwavering diligence. Apostle Hayford Alile retired as Director General in 1999 and was succeeded by Professor NdiOkereke-Onyuike (then Dr. Okereke-Onyuike), who also recognizedOni’s potential. Some years later, she promptly endorsed Accenture’s recommendation, leading to his deployment to the Market Operations Directorate, a strategic move that positioned him for higher responsibilities.

For the 13 years he spent on the Exchange, Oni’s performance was nothing short of exemplary. He poured his heart and soul into every task, leaving a lasting legacy that is still reverberating till date. One of the qualities that defines Oni is his ability to navigate power circles untainted. Physically tall and morally upright, Oni’s stature mirrors his towering integrity index. He lives simply, remains content, and shows gratitude for what God has done for him. You can do business with him, shake hands, and sleep well – knowing no storm can shift his moral compass. As an Ekiti man, he is well-cultured in tradition, universal ethics, and values. He earned people’s respect because he believes he owes them more in a relationship. Our paths crossed in 1991 in Gongola State (now Adamawa), where I was posted to the National Spectator Newsmagazine in Yola for my NYSC. He was to be my immediate boss. However, I was redeployed to another location, and we lost contact. But fate brought us together in 1998 when I was posted to the NSE as a market correspondent for The Punch newspaper, where Oni was already making waves. He has since then remained my mentor, benefactor, friend, and much more – my brother, from whom I am still learning.

Today, Oni is a multi-faceted, well-respected professional. He wears many hats: veteran journalist, integrated communications strategist, chartered stockbroker, commodities broker, capital market registrar, and member of the Chartered Institute for Securities and Investment (CISI), UK, amongst others. As a prolific writer, Oni is now a voice in the capital market. His commentaries on capital market policy, structure, regulation, investor protection, transparency, and reputation management are well respected and regularly published in top media outlets. At 65, Oni is not yet done. He is still steaming and incubating ideas, beaming with the energy common to a serial entrepreneur. Like Colonel Harland Sanders, the American who franchised Kentucky Fried Chicken at 62, Oni remains pregnant with possibility.

He is the Proprietor of Sofunix International Schools, founder and CEO of Sofunix Investment and Communications,and Publisher of The Kernel Online Newspaper. These ventures reflect his passion for education, capital market development, and strategic communication.

As a hybrid entrepreneur, he is regularly sought after by corporate giants for brand positioning, training, and communications strategy.

A devoted family man, Oni is married to Olufunke, a retired Director of Education, and they are blessed with children who reflect the same sense of discipline and responsibility. Faith is central to Oni’s life. He served on the Parish Council of St. Augustine’s Anglican Church, Anthony Village, Lagos, for ten years and had previously served as chairman of the church’sHarvest Committee. His service in other churches also reflects his commitment to spiritual leadership and community.

Oni turned 65 on October 20, we celebrate not just a man who has left his mark, but one who continues to make a profound and lasting impact. Remember that age is merely a number.

We wish you more years of purposeful living, pursuing your passion, and continuing to shape the future.

Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, has condemned the ‘unlawful’ arrest and detention of human rights activist and pro-democracy campaigner, Omoyele Sowore, by the Nigeria Police.

‘We strongly condemn this reckless action as an assault on democracy, freedom of speech, and the fundamental rights guaranteed under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,’ Frank said in a statement in Abuja.

‘The arrest of Sowore is not only unjustifiable but represents a dangerous slide towards authoritarianism in a country that claims to operate under democratic principles.’

According to him, it is unacceptable that in 2025, Nigerians are still being harassed, intimidated, and detained for peacefully expressing dissenting opinions or calling for good governance.

‘The right to protest, to assemble, and to hold government accountable are fundamental pillars of any true democracy,’ he said. ‘Suppressing these rights through intimidation and arbitrary arrests is a betrayal of the democratic promises made to the Nigerian people.’

Frank, who is the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP), Ambassador to East Africa and the Middle East, called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and all relevant authorities to immediately and unconditionally release Sowore and other peaceful protesters arrested in Abuja and across the country.

‘Tinubu’s administration must demonstrate commitment to the rule of law and respect for human rights by ending the culture of fear and intimidation.

‘Nigeria is currently facing serious security, economic, and governance challenges that require constructive engagement, not repression,’ he said.

He urged the government to focus its energy on addressing pressing national issues instead of silencing the voices of dissent.

He said: ‘It is unbecoming of this administration to intimidate and oppress citizens in a democratic period like this.

‘We are not under military rule where dissent is a crime. This is supposed to be a democracy that Nigeria is practising.

‘Yet, under this administration, we are witnessing dictatorship, oppression, and the suppression of free speech.

‘This is why the international community cannot take Nigeria or this administration seriously.

‘There are so many serious security issues in the country. We expect our security agencies to channel their energy towards arresting bandits, criminals, and Boko Haram members, not innocent citizens who are peacefully protesting against bad governance.

‘If the administration were doing what is right and keeping its campaign promises to Nigerians, nobody would criticise or take to the streets.

‘Arresting unarmed citizens anytime there’s a protest is totally wrong and must stop.’

He called on the National Human Rights Commission, civil society groups, and the international community, including the United States Government, the European Union, and the United Nations Human Rights Council, to intervene and prevail on the Nigerian government to respect the rights of its citizens.

He said: ‘We saw recently how there were massive protests in America and other parts of the world against Donald Trump’s administration.

‘Yet, Trump or the American government never tear-gassed or arrested peaceful protesters.

‘That is what true democracy looks like. True leaders, like Trump in that instance, understand that citizens have the right to criticise their government.

‘Nigeria has now become a country where the government oppresses its citizens. This administration has turned dictatorial and despotic.

‘While insecurity ravages the nation, they focus on intimidating citizens instead of fighting corruption.

‘In this government, people who loot the country are rewarded. They negotiate with bandits and criminals while they harass, intimidate, and arrest peaceful protesters.

‘The same thing is happening to journalists. Today in Nigeria, journalists have no press freedom. This administration is now worse than some military regimes of the past.

‘They also intimidate and oppress members of the opposition political parties, forcing people to join their party or face arrest and prosecution.

‘We are using this opportunity to call on the international community, especially the American government, to help rescue Nigerians from the hands of this administration.’

More facts emerged on Thursday on how former Minister of Special Duties, Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, SAN, was adopted as consensus candidate of the North for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chairmanship race at the forthcoming elective convention of the party.

The convention is scheduled for Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

The position had earlier been zoned to the North after the party ceded the presidential ticket for the 2027 polls to the South.

Nigerian Tribune learnt that the adoption of Turaki came after a lengthy negotiation among interested parties and aspirants in the three geopolitical zones of North-West, North-East and North-Central, though the PDP’s original target was to have the chairman come from the North-West, as the result eventually turned out to be on Wednesday.

Adamawa State governor and chairman of the Convention Organising Committee (NCOC), Honourable Ahmadu Fintiri, announced the choice of the minister as the preferred candidate of the North after a meeting held in Abuja.

Party leaders and stakeholders from the 19 northern states agreed to the choice of Turaki, but with former presidential aspirant, Dr Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, being absent at the meeting, it is unclear if he had given up his ambition to be on the ticket or at least have the chairman come from the North-Central.

Besides Olawepo-Hashim, in the North-West, where the position was zoned to, names like former governor of Kaduna State, Senator Ahmed Makarfi, and Sule Lamido had also come up before the consensus decision was concluded.

However, Fintiri clarified that anyone still wishing to contest the position was free to do so.

‘That is what our constitution says. Anybody is still free to contest but our candidate is Turaki,’ he said.

The governor added: ‘We have met this evening to deliberate and take a decision on the office of the chairman of our great party, the PDP, which was zoned to the North.

‘In our meeting, we have reflected deeply and widely through consultation, and going to Ibadan for our national convention, we have adopted a consensus candidate to represent the North, and by extension, Nigeria, as the chairman of the PDP.

‘That gentleman is KT Turaki, SAN. This is our decision this evening, and he is the person we are presenting at that convention as our chairman to represent our party on the 15 and 16 of November in Ibadan.’

Responding to a question on speculation that some party members were not comfortable with the zoning arrangement, he said: ‘I will not want to preclude what others are speculating outside, but we are gentlemen, and you can see all of us, we are leaders.

‘We represent each of the states in the North, the 19 states, including Abuja, the FCT. And this is our decision, and we expect this is the lineup of our delegates in Ibadan.’

On steps being made to woo back defectors from the party or to reconcile with members that had stayed aloof like the former governor of Jigawa State, Alhaji Sule Lamido, the NCOC chairman said efforts were being made to keep the party united.

He stated: ‘PDP is an institution, and we have mechanisms to handle all these issues. And we’ll reach out and we’ll talk to each other.

‘We have been talking to ourselves, not today, not yesterday. This is a build-up of consensus in the last two weeks, and we have just a consultation, and this is just the result. And I’m assuring you that the convention will be a rancour-free convention.’

Fintiri further stated that all other positions zoned to the North would be sorted out eventually without rancour.

He explained: ‘All others (positions) will be resolved at the regional level, and they will present their candidates along with others for us to present at the convention.

‘Altogether, we have ten positions in the North as far as the convention is concerned. But nevertheless, anybody who still feels he will want to contest in any position is free, and this is what our position has allowed.

‘We are not excluding anybody. But then, we have just announced to you our consensus candidate, as far as these leaders are concerned.

‘But if anybody still feels he wants to contest, I have said it time without number, that the door is open.’

Among the leaders who attended the meeting or consented to the consensus choice of Turaki were the national chairman, Ambassador Umar Damagum; chairman of the PDP Governors Forum and governor of Bauchi State, Senator Bala Mohammed; governor of Plateau State, Caleb Muftwang; governor of Zamfara State, Dauda Lawal; governor of Taraba State, Agbu Kefas; secretary of the PDP Board of Trustees (BoT), Ahmed Makarfi; Minority Leader of the Senate, Abba Moro; and former president of the Senate, Bukola Saraki.

Also in attendance were Sule Lamido, Professor Jerry Gana, Senator Hassan Dankwambo, Ibrahim Shekarau, Mike Omeri, Humphrey Abba, and Mohammed Goronyo.

Nigeria’s agricultural sector is set for a major transformation as stakeholders convened in Abuja for the final validation of the Revised National Gender Policy in Agriculture and its Strategic Action Plan (2025-2030), a framework designed to ensure equity, inclusivity, and gender justice across the nation’s agrifood systems.

The event brought together key players from the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, development partners, civil society organizations, farmer cooperatives, youth groups, and representatives of persons with disabilities.

Speaking during the validation session, Food System Specialist at ActionAid Nigeria, Mr Azubike Nwokoye, said the revised policy aims to promote gender equity and social justice in Nigeria’s agricultural value chain.

‘The essence of this workshop is to validate the revised National Gender Policy in Agriculture. We worked on this policy with several stakeholders to make sure there is gender justice in the agriculture sector, ensuring that everyone benefits equally across the value chain,’ Nwokoye explained.

He noted that the revision process included extensive consultations across the six geopolitical zones, drawing inputs from farmers, youth, women, people with disabilities, ministries, and development partners.

According to him, the new policy reflects emerging contextual realities in the agricultural landscape, addressing issues previously overlooked in the old policy.

‘For instance, the past policy did not distinguish adequately between the needs of young men and young women. It also didn’t cover gender-based violence in agrifood systems or define support for vulnerable groups within the value chain. Those are the gaps we’ve addressed in this revision,’ he said.

Nwokoye emphasised that the policy aligns with Nigeria’s National Agricultural Technology and Innovation Policy (NATIP) and other sectoral frameworks, positioning it as a key driver for inclusive agricultural growth.

He revealed that consultations with state governments had already led to commitments to create budget lines for implementing the gender policy in the 2026 fiscal year, a move he described as a positive step towards institutionalizing gender equity in agriculture.

‘At ActionAid Nigeria, we also track agricultural budgets and advocate for the inclusion of gender-sensitive allocations. Our goal is to ensure that the implementation of this policy translates into real, measurable progress for women, youth, and other marginalized groups’, he added.

Delivering a keynote address at the workshop, Director of Special Duties at the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, who represented the Minister, described the validation as a culmination of extensive nationwide efforts that began in January 2025.

‘This milestone marks the culmination of a journey that started in Abuja and continued through all six geopolitical zones. Over 1,200 stakeholders, including smallholder women farmers, youth groups, and people with disabilities, contributed to this process’, the Director said.

She stressed that the policy would ensure equal participation, equitable allocation of resources, and targeted support for all categories of farmers, particularly women and youth who form the backbone of Nigeria’s agricultural workforce.

‘Agriculture employs over 30 million Nigerians, most of whom are women and youth. Yet, gender disparities, limited access to land, credit, and decision-making, have constrained productivity. This policy is our collective response to those challenges’, she noted.

She added that the revised policy, once endorsed by the National Council on Agriculture, would be domesticated at state and local levels, urging all stakeholders to ensure it becomes ‘a living guide that transforms lives, not a shelf document.’

The Director also called on government agencies to adopt gender-responsive budgeting and on development partners to align their investments with the policy’s priority areas, such as access to finance, technology, and markets for women and youth.

In his special remarks, Dr. Marcus O. Ogunbiyi, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, commended the collaborative efforts that made the revision possible.

‘This milestone marks a significant achievement in our collective efforts to promote gender equality and empower women, youth, and people with special needs in agriculture,’ Ogunbiyi said.

He commended President Bola Tinubu’s administration for its continued support of the agricultural sector. He acknowledged the role of the National Assembly, particularly its agricultural committees, in ensuring policy alignment with national priorities.

‘As we move forward, I urge all stakeholders to work together for the successful implementation of this policy. Let us harness our collective energy and expertise to build a more equitable and prosperous agricultural sector for all Nigerians,’ he added.

With the final validation concluded, the revised National Gender Policy in Agriculture (2025-2030) is now set for submission to the National Council on Agriculture for approval, paving the way for a new era of inclusive, gender-responsive agricultural development in Nigeria.

Former presidential aide, Reno Omokri, has warned that excessive dependence on modern devices is gradually weakening people’s mental strength and memory.

In a post on his verified X account on Friday, Omokri said that constant reliance on phones, GPS, calculators, and autocorrect functions reduces the brain’s ability to think independently and recall information effectively.

He stressed that this growing mental laziness can make it difficult for individuals to achieve lasting success.

He advised that people should occasionally memorise phone numbers, drive to familiar places without navigation assistance, perform simple calculations manually, and review their writings mentally.

Such habits, he explained, help to maintain sharpness of mind, boost productivity, and reduce the risk of memory-related illnesses like dementia and Alzheimer’s disease in old age.

Omokri maintained that individuals must take control of their relationship with technology rather than allowing their devices to control them.

He wrote, ‘Your modern devices are stealing away your memory and making you mentally lazy, and without memory, it is hard to be successful. Try to rely on devices less. Remember some phone numbers without saving them. Regularly drive to a few places without GPS.

‘Use your head to do some of your calculations. And review your writings mentally without always depending on autocorrect. Doing these will keep you mentally sharper than most people, and with mental acuity comes greater success personally and professionally. It will also stave off dementia and Alzheimer’s as you age. Do not allow your devices control you. You must be the one in charge!’

Alhaja Salawa Abeni popularly called the ‘Waka Queen’, rose to fame in the 1970s and 1980s with hit albums that blended Islamic praise, social commentary, and Yoruba rhythms.

Queen Salawa Abeni Alidu, born on May 5, 1961, in Epe, Lagos State, is one of Nigeria’s most celebrated and influential female musicians. Known as the ‘Queen of Waka Music,’ she has left an indelible mark on Nigeria’s musical and cultural landscape through her unique voice, creativity, and pioneering spirit.

Salawa Abeni hails from Ijebu Waterside in Ogun State and grew up in a polygamous family. Her early years were modest and filled with challenges, but her love for music became evident at a young age. As a child, she often sang at social and women’s gatherings, where her talent quickly drew attention. These humble beginnings laid the foundation for what would become a groundbreaking career in Nigerian music.

Her professional journey began in 1976, when she released her debut album titled Late General Murtala Ramat Mohammed under Leader Records. The album was a massive success, becoming the first recording by a female Yoruba artist to sell over one million copies in Nigeria. This remarkable achievement not only established her as a musical force but also broke gender barriers in an industry that was largely dominated by men.

For a decade, Salawa Abeni worked under Leader Records alongside its owner, Lateef Adepoju. After parting ways with him in 1986, she continued her career with Kollington Ayinla, one of Nigeria’s leading Fuji musicians, whom she later married. The collaboration produced several successful albums and further expanded her influence across the country. Her music was not only entertaining but also deeply rooted in Yoruba tradition, Islamic chants, and social commentary, reflecting the realities of Nigerian life.

Over the years, Salawa Abeni released numerous hit songs and albums, including Gentle Lady, Indian Waka, Experience, Ile Aiye, and Omi Yale. Her songs are characterized by their rhythmic talking drums, poetic lyrics, and moral messages, often addressing issues such as love, respect, and societal values.

In recognition of her outstanding contribution to Nigerian music, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, crowned her the ‘Queen of Waka Music’ in 1992. This royal honor cemented her status as a trailblazer and cultural icon. Waka music, which predates both Fuji and Juju, owes much of its modernization and popularity to her artistry and innovation.

Beyond her music, Salawa Abeni’s personal life has often drawn public attention. She was once married to Lateef Adepoju, then later to Kollington Ayinla, with whom she had children, including Big Sheff, a musician in his own right. In more recent years, she revealed her marriage to Rasheed Agbolade Adahunse, highlighting her resilience and grace in both her personal and professional journeys.

Despite facing health challenges and temporary breaks in her career, Queen Salawa Abeni has remained active and relevant in Nigeria’s entertainment industry. Her longevity and ability to adapt to changing times reflect her deep connection with her audience and her commitment to preserving Yoruba musical heritage.

In every sense, Salawa Abeni stands as a symbol of strength, talent, and tradition, a living legend whose melodies continue to echo through the corridors of Nigerian music history. Accroding to industry stakeholders, she was also the first female artiste to sell over one million copies of an album in Nigeria.