Author: user user

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, on Wednesday commenced a two-day media training on ethical journalism and child rights reporting for journalists drawn from the South-East, South-South, and North-Central regions of Nigeria.

The training, funded by UNICEF, is aimed at strengthening the capacity of media practitioners to report children’s issues with sensitivity, fairness, and respect for human dignity. It also seeks to promote responsible storytelling that safeguards the identities and rights of children. Falayi Temitoye, Assistant Director and Head of the Child Rights Information Bureau, who represented the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, Chinasa Ogbodo, stressed the importance of ethical journalism in shaping public attitudes toward children.

‘It is a real pleasure to welcome you all to this important training on ethical and child rights reporting,’ Temitoye said. ‘The media holds immense power the power to inform, inspire, and hold institutions accountable. But with that power comes the responsibility to report with integrity, sensitivity, and respect for human dignity.’

She urged journalists to exercise caution when reporting on children, noting that ‘every image, every word, and every frame we publish can have lasting consequences on a child’s life, safety, and future.’ Temitoye commended UNICEF for its continued partnership with the ministry and encouraged participants to make the most of the training sessions.

Anselm Audu, UNICEF’s Chief Field Officer in Port Harcourt, in his keynote address, highlighted the crucial role of ethical journalism in protecting vulnerable groups, particularly women and children. ‘The media has the power to amplify the voices of children and draw attention to the issues affecting their well-being,’ Audu said. ‘But that same power must be used responsibly.’

He added that ethical journalism fosters trust, prevents harm, and promotes peace. ‘Ethical reporting is the antidote to misinformation and hate speech,’ he noted. ‘It helps to calm tempers, promote dialogue, and build peace, especially during times of social tension.’

Susan Akila, UNICEF Nigeria’s Communications Specialist and Acting Chief of Communication, Advocacy, and Partnership, reaffirmed the agency’s strong collaboration with the media. ‘We do not take our media partners for granted because you are the foot soldiers,’ she said. ‘Children do not have a voice, and journalists are in the best position to speak for them responsibly.’

The two-day workshop features interactive discussions, case studies, and practical sessions designed to deepen journalists’ understanding of ethical standards in reporting on children and to strengthen their commitment to child-sensitive journalism across media platforms.

With N1.017 trillion in assets, TAJBank Limited has emerged as Nigeria’s largest non-interest bank, solidifying its leadership in the growing non-interest banking (NIB) sector, following five years of operations characterised by rapid expansion and performance milestones.

The development was disclosed during a seminar organised by Leaders Corporate Services in Abuja, themed ‘Roles of Non-Interest Banks in SMEs’ Financing.’

Speaking at the event, Olabode Akeredolu-Ale, an investment analyst and chartered stockbroker revealed that based on the latest half-year 2025 financial statements approved by regulators, TAJBank currently tops the NIB subsector in terms of total assets, gross earnings, and earnings per share. According to Akeredolu-Ale, TAJBank’s total assets rose to N1.017 trillion as at June 2025, up from N953.098 billion recorded in December 2024-an increase of over N64 billion. This figure places the bank ahead of its peers, with the next competitor trailing by approximately N53 billion in total assets.

Similarly, TAJBank’s gross earnings surged significantly in the first half of 2025, climbing to N53.752 billion from N32.86 billion at the end of 2024, representing a 64 percent growth. ‘This places the bank clearly above other non-interest banks in terms of income performance,’ Akeredolu-Ale noted.

He also pointed out that the bank recorded earnings per share (EPS) of 61.36 kobo for the same period-about 92 percent higher than the EPS of the nearest competitor in the NIB space. ‘The figures I am reeling out here on the NIBs are sourced from the banking and capital market regulatory institutions’ platforms, which anyone can access to verify,’ he stated. ‘I am part of this event because of my research interest in non-interest banking and how the players in the subsector in Nigeria can help to leverage their competencies in innovation and ethical banking to support our MSMEs.’

Highlighting the economic relevance of NIBs amid Nigeria’s tight credit conditions and rising interest rates, Akeredolu-Ale stressed that NIBs have become indispensable in providing affordable funding options for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), which often struggle to secure financing from traditional deposit money banks (DMBs).

‘Today, the MSMEs cannot access DMBs’ loans due to high lending rates and other inclement macroeconomic factors. This is where I think the NIBs have become very crucial to Nigeria’s economic growth,’ he said.

He further urged SME operators at the seminar to consider switching to non-interest banking options in order to access ‘cost-friendly financing’ and benefit from the ethical and inclusive financial model offered by institutions like TAJBank.

Echoing similar sentiments, Benjamin Chukwudi, another financial analysts who spoke at the seminar, praised NIBs for their growing influence in supporting the SME ecosystem. He said the institutions have been ‘catalytic’ in providing access to interest-free loans and advisory services that are helping SMEs stay afloat despite the high cost of doing business in the country.

According to Chukwudi, ‘The non-interest banks are not only offering loans without interest, but they are also equipping entrepreneurs with critical financial management support, which is key in this challenging business environment.’

The crypto market is witnessing renewed enthusiasm across key altcoins. Cardano (ADA) has rebounded sharply, approaching $0.52 as its network upgrades boost on-chain activity. Meanwhile, Ethereum (ETH) is holding strong above $3 000 with layer-2 networks driving massive DeFi expansion and institutional participation. Both assets are reasserting their roles as market leaders in 2025’s emerging bull trend.

At the same time, BlockDAG has emerged as the project to watch. Priced at $0.0015 in Batch 31, it has raised $430 million and sold 27 billion coins to over 312,000 holders. Its Genesis Day, and Keynote 4 on November 26 will mark another major milestone for the network. Backed by audits from CertiK and Halborn and a listing target of $0.05, BlockDAG is positioned as the best crypto to invest in now for investors seeking clarity and verified delivery.

Cardano (ADA) Future Trend Remains Technically Strong

Cardano continues to attract long-term attention through its scientific approach to development and on-chain innovation. Trading near $0.52, ADA has risen roughly 20 percent this month as the Hydra upgrade enhances transaction capacity and reduces fees. Its ecosystem expansion in DeFi and governance applications is boosting user engagement and liquidity.

Analysts highlight strong support at $0.48 and a potential breakout toward $0.60 if buying volume persists. Cardano’s commitment to peer-reviewed research and regulated adoption continues to appeal to institutional partners.

As the Cardano future trend gains momentum, the network’s foundation of security and governance makes ADA a top contender for investors looking for the best crypto to invest in now.

Ethereum’s (ETH) Bullish Pattern Signals Sustained Growth

Ethereum has maintained its dominant position in DeFi, NFTs, and enterprise applications. Currently trading around $3 050, ETH is up more than 10 percent this week as layer-2 solutions such as Arbitrum and Base reduce network congestion and fees. Institutional flows through ETH ETFs and staking products have further strengthened its macro outlook.

Technical charts show consistent support near $2 950 and targets approaching $3 300 if momentum holds. Analysts expect the upcoming upgrade to optimize transaction finality and expand rollup compatibility. Ethereum’s ecosystem size, developer community, and liquidity depth make it a core asset in any portfolio focused on the best crypto to invest in now.

BlockDAG’s Verified Roadmap Defines Its Layer-1 Edge!

BlockDAG is entering its most defining phase. The Genesis Day and Keynote 4 event on November 26 will unveil the network’s mainnet activation, exchange listings, and ecosystem expansion. It marks the culmination of a $430 million presale that has drawn global attention for its transparency and execution.

Priced at $0.0015 in Batch 31, BlockDAG has sold 27 billion coins to 312,000 holders. Its hybrid architecture, combining Proof-of-Work and DAG technology, delivers up to 15,000 transactions per second without sacrificing security. Independent audits from CertiK and Halborn confirm the network’s resilience and technical integrity.

The network is also set to go live on Binance for an exclusive AMA this Friday, October 24, at 3 PM UTC, marking one of its biggest global appearances yet. The session will feature insider updates, new roadmap reveals, and major insights ahead of Keynote 4: The Launch Note and Genesis Day.

The Genesis Day event will feature Keynote 4 presentations, demonstrations of Dashboard V4 analytics, and announcements of exchange partners. BlockDAG is set to bridge its presale success with full network utility, establishing a real-world foundation for its ecosystem.

With a listing target of $0.05 and verified infrastructure, BlockDAG has become the benchmark for presale credibility. Its focus on measurable delivery rather than hype cements its status as the best crypto to invest in now, ahead of 2025.

Final Thoughts

Cardano (ADA) and Ethereum (ETH) are showing steady technical and on-chain strength, each positioned for further growth in the coming months. ADA’s scalability and ETH’s liquidity lead the market in long-term utility and network development.

Yet BlockDAG’s upcoming Genesis Day and Keynote 4, paired with its $0.0015 TGE offer and $430 million raised, set it apart as a project built on execution and trust. With 27 billion coins sold and 312,000 holders ahead of its November 26 launch, BlockDAG represents the next generation of verified Layer-1 innovation, and the best crypto to invest in now.

Nyesom Wike, minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has called on investors to leverage the numerous opportunities in the FCT to drive sustainable growth and development.

Wike made the call Wednesday at the opening ceremony of the 2025 Abuja Business and Investment Summit, held at the Bola Tinubu International Conference Centre, Abuja.

The minister, who was represented by Mariya Mahmoud, the FCT minister of State, assured participants that the current leadership of the FCT Administration remains resolute in ensuring that Abuja is not just the capital of Nigeria, but a beacon of sustainable development for the continent.

He highlighted the critical moment Nigeria faces as it advances under the Renewed Hope Agenda championed by President Bola Tinubu, focusing on inclusive growth, infrastructure revitalisation, and job creation.

‘The summit’s theme, ‘Empowering Sustainable Growth: Unlocking Potentials in Emerging Markets,’ aligns with the FCT Administration’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for business and investment,’ he said.

The minister emphasised the importance of infrastructure as a foundation for industrialisation and economic development, detailing ongoing efforts to enhance road networks that connect satellite towns, area councils, and rural communities to the city center.

‘As Abuja symbolises Nigeria’s aspirations, our mission, supported by Mr. President, is to make it a safe, investment-friendly city that empowers all citizens,’ he added.

Wike, therefore, commended the Abuja Investment Company Limited (AICL) for organising a pivotal event aimed at fostering strategic partnerships for the economic growth of the FCT.

He also stressed the FCT Administration’s openness to new ideas and solutions, welcoming forums like this summit to showcase investment opportunities and engage emerging markets. According to the minister, ‘The FCT Administration remains steadfast in building a sustainable, flourishing capital city and enhancing Nigeria’s position on the continental and global stage.’ Earlier, Maureen Tanuno, the group managing director/CEO of Abuja Investments Company Limited said the Expo aligned perfectly with the vision of the Renewed Hope Agenda.

Tanuno noted that the vision has continued to strengthen investors’ confidence, stabilize the micro-economy, and stimulate sustainable growth.

She revealed that this year’s Expo convened investors, entrepreneurs, innovators, and development partners from Nigeria and around the world, including delegates from South Africa, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Botswana.

Tanuno further explained that AICL, as the investment arm of the FCT Administration, has, through its subsidiaries and strategic projects, remained committed to being a catalyst for sustainable growth and economic transformation.

She added that this year’s programme featured dedicated Youth Day and Women’s Day events to promote inclusion, connect innovators with investors, and ensure that no one is left behind.

The federal government has pledged to create a conducive environment to attract more private investors into the power sector, assuring that ongoing reforms will deliver optimal results.

Adebayo Adelabu, minister of Power, stated this during a facility tour of the Genesis Energy company, at the Port Harcourt refinery, Rivers State.

In a statement issued to Journalists on Wednesday, the minister said that the government alone cannot fund the Nigerian power sector.

He emphasised that the government is commitment creating the conducive environment for the private sector investors to thrive. Adelabu added that the policies of the government will ensure that investors are comfortable with bringing new investment and be assured of recovering of their investment.

Adelabu promised that whatever government needed to do that would make it easy for private sector investors to come in, ‘we are ready to do it. Because government cannot single-handedly fund the power sector in Nigeria.

‘The investment required is too huge for it to be left in the hands of government alone. So we are ready to do everything possible to attract investors, to ensure they support us, so that industries, businesses, households can have uninterrupted, functional and reliable electricity’, he said.

The minister explained that his visit to the plant, which is a partnership between Genesis Energy and the NNPC, was to examine how the excess power being generated in the plant can be fed onto the national grid.

He noted that his visit would accelerate the take-off of the project, adding that the government intends to eliminate the inherent inefficiencies in the plant by ensuring that all excess energy being generated is taken off and given to where it will be used. According to the Minister, if used as a proof of concept and it works well, the plant have an expansion plan of an additional 120 MW. He noted commitments to build infrastructures, transmission infrastructures, to off-take the new huge energy supply, not only to Port Harcourt DisCo, but to the entire country at large.

‘And I believe that once this initial proof of concept is successful, the new expansion will also follow.

‘It’s something I believe within 90 to 180 days it can all be concluded. What matters most is to conclude on the infrastructure arrangement to off-take the power from here and supply to the grid. ‘And again, commercial is very important. At what price, at what tariff are they going to be giving to Port Harcourt Disco to ensure that the power is taken up and supplied to end-user customers? Even at a price that will also be comfortable and convenient for the end-user customers. That is all they need to do. I don’t think this should take too long. Since I’m here today, we’ll track the talk and ensure that it takes off very, very soon.

‘There are a few things that we are doing as a government to ensure this. Number one is the regulatory environment, I mean the policy environment. You are all aware that we just launched the National Integrated Electricity Policy (NIEP). After two decades, we just have such comprehensive policy. So it is clear now to every investor what are the responsibilities expected of them. What are the things expected of government to ensure that coming into the power sector is quite easy.

‘And it is something that will not lead to loss to any of the private sector investors. So we have a comprehensive policy in place for any investor to look through, understand before they come in. Number two is the regulatory environment, which to a large extent is being consistent and quite friendly to new investors,’ he said.

Genesis Energy operates 84MW Gas-Fired Power Project at the NNPC Port Harcourt Refinery (PHRC). The facility, powered by three GE TM2500+ gas turbines (25 MW each), is dedicated exclusively to supplying electricity to the refinery, guaranteeing a continuous and stable power supply essential for refining operations.

Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs) raised their allocations to equities over the past year by 86 percent, driven by improved returns, portfolio diversification and investor confidence.

The shift marks a notable departure from the traditionally conservative asset allocation strategies dominated by fixed income, particularly FGN securities.

Data from National Pension Commission (PenCom) compiled by the Pension Fund Operators Association of Nigeria (PenOp) show that equity holdings by PFAs nearly doubled, rising by 86 percent from N1.94 trillion to N3.61 trillion between August 2024 and August 2025.

Analysts at PenOp say the reallocation was driven by a bullish equities market and renewed investor confidence in the capital market.

FGN securities, though still the dominant asset class, grew modestly by 18 percent, from N13.4 trillion to N15.82 trillion, as PFAs gradually diversified away from government instruments in search of higher returns.

Investments in money market instruments also rose by 18 percent, from N2.04 trillion to N2.4 trillion, reflecting continued interest in short-term, liquid assets.

According to Akinbola Akintola, head, Research and Investor Relations at PenOp, alternative investments showed even stronger momentum, as mutual funds expanded by 123 percent, from N101.31 billion to N226.49 billion. He said private equity surged by 153 percent, from N107.81 billion to N273.27 billion, while real estate grew by 27 percent, from N199.8 billion to N254.6 billion.

He said the release of PenCom’s new investment guidelines in September 2025, which increased allocation limits to certain asset classes such as equities, private equity, and real estate while reducing the ceiling for FGN securities, is expected to further strengthen this diversification trend in the coming year.

Meanwhile, between the same August 2024 and August 2025, the pension funds experienced substantial growth, driven by consistent contributions from contributors and strong returns on investments.

Fund I, the most conservative fund, saw its value increase by approximately 79 percent, rising from N217.03 billion to N389.15 billion, reflecting steady inflows and stable market performance.

Fund II grew by 25 percent, moving from N8.73 trillion to N10.9 trillion, showing healthy investor confidence and positive yields.

Fund III followed with a 23 percent increase, growing from N5.59 trillion to N6.88 trillion, while Fund IV also rose by 25 percent, increasing from N1.51 trillion to N1.89 trillion. Fund V experienced a remarkable jump of 63.5 percent, climbing from N968.27 million to N1.58 billion, indicating strong risk-adjusted returns. Fund VI recorded the highest growth rate at about 157 percent, soaring from N70.63 billion to N181.23 billion, highlighting its aggressive investment strategy and high return potential.

‘This overall growth across all six-pension funds reflects the combined effect of increased contributions by pension contributors and the effective management of these funds through diversified investment portfolios. The steady rise in fund values suggests growing trust in the pension system and a positive outlook for long-term retirement savings in Nigeria,’ analysts at PenOp said.

The industry’s pension asset as at the end of July 2025 has N25.79 trillion, while Retirement Savings Accounts (RSAs), which indicate the number of contributors into the pension scheme, rose to 10.83 million.

Aliko Dangote, founder of Dangote Group, has revealed plans to sell a minority stake in his multi-billion-dollar refinery as part of a plan to double its capacity, transforming it into the world’s largest refining complex.

Speaking in an interview with SandP Global, Dangote said the move will mirror the approach adopted for Dangote Cement and Dangote Sugar Refinery – the same sentiment shared at BusinessDay’s 17th CEO Forum in July.

The founder said that the Dangote Petroleum Refinery plans to sell 5 percent to 10 percent of its stake on the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) Limited within the next year.

‘We don’t want to keep more than 65 percent-70 percent,’ Dangote said. According to him, the shares would be offered gradually, depending on investor appetite and market depth.

The billionaire added that the group is exploring strategic partnerships with Middle Eastern firms to help finance the refinery’s expansion and a new petrochemicals venture in China.

‘We have to build the refinery again, either here or somewhere else. But really, somewhere else is not possible because we’d have to go and spend so much building infrastructure, and we have the infrastructure already here,’ Dangote said in an exclusive interview with Platts.

Initially designed with room for growth, the refinery, already boasting the world’s largest crude distillation unit and a custom-built port, is set to increase its capacity from 650,000 barrels per day (bpd) to 700,000 bpd by the end of the year.

The new goal, however, is to double production to 1.4 million bpd, surpassing Reliance Industries’ Jamnagar refinery in India, currently the world’s largest at 1.36 million bpd.

Engineers at the Lekki complex said the expansion could involve constructing a second refinery with a similar configuration, potentially adding a vacuum distillation unit to enhance yields.

Dangote also disclosed plans to expand polypropylene capacity from 1 million to 1.5 million metric tonnes annually and to pursue new petrochemical ventures, including linear alkylbenzene and base oils projects.

Despite global forecasts by the International Energy Agency suggesting an oversupply of refining capacity by 2030, driven mainly by China and India, Dangote insists that Africa must not remain dependent on imported fuel. ‘Most African governments will not have the capacity to build a refinery,’ he said, describing smaller projects like Angola’s Cabinda refinery as ‘a drop in the ocean.’

He added, ‘In places where interest rates are 30 percent, some countries 20 percent, the cost of funding is high. And the infrastructure is zero.’

The Dangote Group recently secured a $4 billion financing agreement in August, easing previous debt concerns. However, the expansion plan requires additional funding, prompting the company to seek strategic partnerships, particularly from Middle Eastern investors.

‘Our business concept is going to change. Now instead of being 100 percent Dangote-owned, we’ll have other partners,’ Dangote said, noting that collaboration will help drive the refinery’s next phase of growth.

As part of the strategy, Dangote revealed plans to list between 5 percent and 10 of the refinery’s shares on the Nigerian Stock Exchange within the next year.

‘We don’t want to keep more than 65 percent-70 percent,’ he said, explaining that shares would be offered gradually, depending on investor interest and market depth.

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) currently holds a 7.2 percent stake in the refinery, having trimmed its earlier interest.

Dangote said the state oil company could increase its holding in the future, but only after the next stage of expansion is underway.

‘I want to demonstrate what this refinery can do, then we can sit down and talk,’ he said. The expansion announcement comes amid efforts to stabilise operations after a string of technical setbacks. The refinery’s residue fluid catalytic cracker (RFCC), critical for gasoline production, was briefly taken offline in September following a three-week turnaround in August.

Devakumar Edwin, Vice President overseeing refinery operations, confirmed the RFCC restarted around October 7 and would soon return to full capacity. ‘We have resolved most, not all, but most of the problems,’ Dangote said, adding that another maintenance window is being considered.

Supply concerns have also eased following a crude-for-naira swap deal with NNPC, which provides the refinery with 14 crude cargoes in exchange for refined products. Additionally, Dangote’s upstream assets, Oil Mining Lease (OML) 71 and 72, are expected to start production this month, adding up to 40,000 bpd to the refinery’s crude feedstock.

The Borno State chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has urged the state government to enact a Residency Training Fund Act to enhance human capital development in the health sector.

El-Yakub Mohammed, chairman of the NMA, Borno Branch, made the appeal during a press briefing on Wednesday in Maiduguri to commemorate the 2025 Physicians’ Week.

Mohammed commended Governor Babagana Zulum’s administration for its efforts in rebuilding the health sector but urged the governor to ensure the speedy passage of the bill to strengthen the capacity of health workers.

‘Now, he has done a lot in terms of welfare. Like I said, we are calling on him to prioritise training. People stay because of opportunities for training; let that be intensified. Of course, the issue of the Medical Residency Training Fund – we want to push for legislation, an act of government, where it will be gazetted that Borno State has a Medical Residency Training Fund Act,’ he said.

He added, ‘Several departments in the State Specialist Hospital have already obtained accreditation for residency training in surgery, obstetrics and gynaecology, and other fields. This will significantly improve human resources for health in the state.

‘So, if Governor Zulum can address training issues, it will greatly enhance healthcare service delivery across the state.’

The NMA chairman also urged the government to address the ‘push factors’ and introduce ‘pull factors’ to discourage the ‘Japa’ (migration) syndrome. He noted that many skilled professionals were leaving the country in search of better welfare abroad, thereby putting additional pressure on those who chose to remain despite poor working conditions.

Mohammed further called on both federal and state governments to provide adequate security for medical doctors and other health workers across the country. He expressed concern that many health workers operate under fear and uncertainty due to the rising cases of kidnapping, banditry, and other security challenges.

He stressed the need for the federal government to provide sufficient resources to better equip security agencies for effective operations.

Mohammed also commended Governor Zulum for prioritising the welfare of medical doctors and nurses. ‘This is a landmark achievement. He made a pronouncement and followed it up by upgrading the salaries of doctors and nurses, who are our co-workers. I think it is commendable,’ he said.

Three years after its passage into law by the Akwa Ibom state House of Assembly, an assessment report has revealed shortcomings in the implementation of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law (ACJL).

The findings, which formed part of the questions raised at the capacity building workshop on criminal justice reform in Akwa Ibom State, hosted by CLEEN Foundation, recently, have raised issues of effectiveness and integrity of the state’s criminal justice system.

Although the State House of Assembly enacted the ACJL in 2022 with pomp, its practical application, it was gathered, has been minimal and hindered by critical deficiencies in funding, planning, and execution.

The Administration of Criminal Justice Monitoring Committee (ACJMC), responsible for overseeing the implementation of the law, is seen as inactive, owing to insufficient operational support and a lack of strategic direction.

Key findings from a self-assessment report highlighted systemic weaknesses and institutional failures, the absence of a dedicated budget and implementation roadmap, and a lack of measurable performance indicators for the ACJL. As stakeholders allege that the ACJMC exists on paper with no practical effect, findings show that its work has been hindered by inadequate funding, coordination challenges, a lack of a regular reporting structure, as well dysfunctional system for tracking arrests and monitoring repeated offences.

Additional deficiencies in the implementation of the ACJL include technology and infrastructure deficits, absence of digital tools for tasks, such as e-recording suspect statements, dilapidated courtrooms and legal offices, under-resourced legal representation, prosecution capacity, and lack of legal aid.

Moreover, shortages of prosecutors, delays in bail and court proceedings, gaps in correctional centre facilities, and a lack of institutional coordination were identified as further issues affecting the ACJMC in Akwa Ibom state.

The self-assessment report rated Akwa Ibom State below national standards in key performance areas, including case management, trial timelines, witness protection, and the use of technology.

As a remedial measure, stakeholders have raised an alarm, calling for immediate intervention, else the ACNL will remain merely a symbolic statute with no significant impact on justice delivery.

To address these challenges, stakeholders have recommended the allocation of a dedicated budget for ACJL implementation, the development of a comprehensive implementation roadmap, the strengthening of inter-agency coordination and communication, investment in infrastructure, legal personnel, and digital tools, as well as improvements in data collection and reporting mechanisms.

When Alassane Ouattara first entered Ivorian politics in the early 1990s, few imagined he would still be at the centre of national life more than three decades later. The softly spoken economist, once better known in Washington than in Abidjan, is now one of Africa’s most enduring leaders and, at 83, one of the oldest.

On October 25, Ouattara will seek a fourth term as president, promising stability, growth, and opportunity in a country he has ruled since 2011. His allies call it a ‘knockout victory’ campaign, aimed at settling the contest in the first round and avoiding a potentially divisive run-off. From technocrat to president

Ouattara’s career began far from the rough and tumble of Ivorian politics. Trained in the United States, he earned a PhD in economics from the University of Pennsylvania and built a sterling résumé at the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the Central Bank of West African States (BCEAO).

He was drawn into politics by Félix Houphouët-Boigny, Ivory Coast’s founding president, who made him prime minister in 1990. The appointment was widely seen as a signal of trust in his technocratic skills at a time when the country was grappling with economic crisis and demands for democratic reform.

After years of political battles, including periods in exile and disqualification from presidential contests, Ouattara finally won the top job in 2011, but only after a violent post-election conflict that cost more than 3,000 lives. Stability and controversy

Since then, Ouattara has presided over a period of relative stability and rapid growth, turning Ivory Coast into one of West Africa’s strongest economies. His government has poured money into infrastructure, roads, and energy projects. For many Ivorians, especially in the north where his support is strongest, he represents order and progress. But his rule has not been without controversy. The 2016 constitutional reform that effectively removed presidential term limits has been viewed by critics as a power grab. When he announced his decision to run again, after previously pledging to step aside, it reignited debate over whether stability can justify an extended presidency. A campaign built on continuity

Ouattara’s campaign message is one of experience and continuity. At a rally in Abidjan, he told thousands of supporters that he remains ‘committed to offering the best to our youth, to help them start businesses, work, learn, and be independent.’

His six-pillar manifesto includes ambitious promises, world-class universities, a high-speed train linking Abidjan to Yamoussoukro and Bouaké, and a massive recruitment drive for healthcare workers. The plan, he insists, will consolidate the gains of the past decade while preparing a new generation for leadership.

To justify another run, Ouattara has framed his candidacy as a duty rather than a choice saying his experience is needed ‘in the face of unprecedented security, economic and monetary challenges.’

The road ahead

Ouattara’s Rassemblement des Houphouëtistes pour la Démocratie et la Paix (RHDP) remains the dominant political machine in the country, controlling most regions and municipalities. In the north, his supporters expect him to sweep the vote. But voter turnout will be crucial especially in southern and western regions where opposition figures remain influential and some communities may stay away from the polls.

For Ouattara, this election is as much about legacy as victory. After 14 years in power, his name is already etched into the country’s modern history. What remains to be seen is whether Ivorians are ready to give him yet another mandate and what kind of Ivory Coast he hopes to leave behind when his long tenure finally ends.