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Founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti, (ABUAD), Chief Afe Babalola, SAN, has doled out N44.5million to 81 outstanding farmers across Ekiti State under the Afe Babalola Agric Expo and Youth Empowerment Programme (ABA-EX).

Breakdown showed in each of the 16 local governments, top five farmers received N200,000, N150,000, N100,000, N75,000 and N50,000.

The best farmer in the state, Chief Sunday Babalola from Ado Local Government, won the N2 million star prize.

Speaking at the closing ceremony, Babalola said the annual initiative was designed to make farming attractive and complement government’s efforts in revamping the agricultural sector.

The legal icon said the programme since its inception in 2015 had disbursed over N170million cash awards and start-up grants to promote food production, empower farmers and attract youths to agriculture.

He decried the growing dependence of Nigerians on government palliatives and handouts, warning that such culture of laziness posed a grave threat to national productivity and dignity.

‘It is lamentable that many Nigerians, especially youths, no longer want to work. Instead, they prefer to queue for bags of rice and beans distributed as palliatives.

‘The question is: are they truly entitled to eat without working? The Constitution does not empower government to feed citizens; it only mandates government to provide an enabling environment for productivity,’ he said.

He described the practice of distributing food items to able-bodied citizens as ‘unconstitutional, wasteful and counter-productive,’ noting that it encouraged laziness, instead of fostering the spirit of self-reliance.

Babalola said his intervention in the agriculture sector over the years had been motivated by his desire to restore the country’s economic self-sufficiency through food production, create jobs and empower communities.

He hailed the Federal Government for adopting some of his long-standing proposals on agricultural mechanisation, saying mechanised tools should be distributed to local governments, not state governments, to ensure they reached real farmers at the grassroots.

He reaffirmed his belief that Nigeria’s surest path to prosperity and economic breakthrough lied in agriculture, not oil, politics, or foreign aid.

‘If properly managed, agriculture can sustain this nation, create employment, reduce crime and restore dignity to our people. Nigeria’s future is on the farm, not in the streets,’ he said.

The Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, Prof. Abiodun Ojo, described ABA-EX 10th anniversary as ‘a decade of impact, innovation and hope.’

He recalled that the flagship agricultural project began modestly in 2015 with N7 million in rewards, but had since grown to N44.5 million in 2025.

Appreciating the ABUAD founder for his commitment to agriculture, Ojo lamented the growing neglect of farming among Nigerians despite rising food insecurity and population pressure.

He said Babalola’s investment in agriculture was an example of how individual initiative could inspire national transformation.

ABUAD Vice Chancellor, Prof. Smaranda Olarinde, lauded Babalola’s consistency in driving self-reliance through agriculture and education, describing him as ‘a man whose philanthropy continues to shape Nigeria’s development narrative.’

Governor Biodun Oyebanji praised the legal icon for using his resources to complement government’s agricultural and job creation initiatives.

Represented by the Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr. Ebenezer Boluwade, the governor described Babalola’s strategic interventions as vital to the state’s agricultural growth.

Learning and Development Network has impacted over 1000 chief executives, human resources directors, policymakers and EdTech leaders in Africa, by exploring strategies for building future-ready workforces.

This was championed at its 11th Champions of Talent Development (CTD) Conference.

Speaking on the theme: ‘Future-Fit Talent: Learning, Leading, and Thriving,’ President, Olumide Ajomale, said it is about making people ready for the future, adding it is a wake up call for organisations to make them pay attention to things that would make them strive for the future.

‘The theme is helping us to the fore, the skills and competence people have had in the work place over the years will not stand the test of time.

‘We must learn and re-learn and make sure that in the work place, we collaborate with people. The most important thing is, paying attention to other aspects of life,’he said.

Conference Chair, Habiba Balogun reiterated importance of making talents future-fit, by learning, thriving, leading and changing the world.

She said: ‘The key point is we have to make sure our people, our talents, are fit for whatever the future has for them. They should know how to learn, so if what they are doing is irrelevant, they can learn a new skill to earn a living and contribute to society.

‘The world is changing so fast that we need people who know how to analyze critical thinking and make sound decisions and inspire confidence in other people to follow them.’

She also urged Nigerians to learn how to be team players and to learn how to care about their physical and mental well-being.

Representing the Keynoted speaker, Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, the Permanent Secretary for the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development in Nigeria, Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana , who spoke on the topic, ‘ Future fit talent, building capacity for organizational and national development, urged civil servants to explore every available knowledge to perform better.

The Special Assistance to the Governor on Establishment and Training, emphasized that talent development is not just professional growth, but also on building a nation’s capacity.

‘Learning and Development aside, civil service is very important, it prepares them for not just the future, but also for today,’ she said.

In recent times, Nigeria’s macroeconomic trajectory has seen a remarkable turnaround, drawing praise from multilateral agencies, economists, and global investment leaders. The World Bank, Moody’s, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, Governor Alex Otti, and Adebayo Ogunlesi are among the voices recognizing the country’s bold steps toward economic reform and stabilization.

The World Bank’s ‘Building Momentum for Inclusive Growth’ report highlighted a significant improvement in Nigeria’s fiscal outlook. The fiscal deficit has narrowed substantially from 5.4% of GDP in 2023 to 3.0% in 2024, a powerful indicator of fiscal discipline and policy coherence. Complementing this development, Moody’s upgraded Nigeria’s credit rating from Caa1 to B3. Fitch also upgraded the country’s rating to B from B- with a stable outlook, further affirming renewed investor confidence and macroeconomic stabilization.

Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General of the World Trade Organization, commended the Tinubu administration’s efforts, stating, ‘You can’t really improve an economy unless it’s stable.’

Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, also lent his voice in support, stating: ‘The audacious structural reforms embarked upon by the current administration of HE Bola Ahmed Tinubu have rescued the economy from the tipping point.’

Similarly, Governor Alex Otti, a seasoned banker and former Managing Director of Diamond Bank, acknowledged that while the reforms have been tough, they are essential to placing Nigeria on a sustainable growth path.

Adebayo Ogunlesi, a globally respected investment banker and founding partner at Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP) now part of BlackRock, the world’s largest asset manager, remarked that ‘Nigeria is now a place that is exciting to invest in.’

However, well before the current administration took office in May 2023, AACS a Nigerian consulting firm specializing in strategic disruption and led by Dr. Ayo Abina, had already emphasized the urgent need for comprehensive reforms. In a series of policy briefs and publications but specifically in April 2023, AACS had in its ‘ Fortnightly ‘ and media interviews ‘(tinyurl.com/ter6u5jh, tinyurl.com/2s3jybv9,lnkd.in/eiRE9A6S), identified six critical areas and reforms that were a sine qua non to drive Nigeria’s economic recovery and macroeconomic stability:

– Revenue Generation: Implementing fiscal reforms to sustainably increase government revenue

– Oil Subsidy Removal: Phasing out fuel subsidies while cushioning the impact on vulnerable groups

– Exchange Rate Realignment: Allowing the naira to reflect its true market value to improve transparency and investor confidence

– Oil Theft Reduction: Tackling crude oil theft to boost revenue and minimize economic losses

– Infrastructure Development: Specifically investing in power to unlock growth

– Tackling Insecurity: Strengthening security to attract investment and reduce disruptions to economic activity

AACS emphasized the importance of political will and transparency in implementing these tough reforms, which are not attributes in abundance within the political class. The reforms were not going to be popular or the politically correct thing to do, but it was the right call by leadership interested in the long term stability of a nation on the brinks. The firm also advocated for local government autonomy t.ly/KjI3h, education loans bit.ly/4o0AyZx, state police (bit.ly/4pTgTwj), and a reduction in interest rates to drive growth. Indeed, AACS on 23rd of September 2025 called for a 50 basis point reduction in interest rates once the data showed a disinflation trend (bit.ly/4qcYkUn). These reforms are not ideally rocket science but where the data led. Today, all top analysts can agree with this position especially as the result is now evident.

While Nigeria’s economic stability is a welcome development, challenges persist especially in the hardship and sacrifices of the citizenry, and the leadership must work through them. The government must also improve its optics and more aggressively introduce intervention policies to support the vulnerable. The focus on reforms must remain laser-sharp as Nigeria marches toward its rightful place in the comity of nations. One of the most important attributes of leadership is not to pander to what is politically correct but what will ultimately benefit the people no matter how difficult it may be.

AACS speaks objectively to the data, pushes where it leads and bells the cat . AACS was ahead of the curve, our blueprint on the reforms was right and we believe it would still take the nation and its people to prosperity if we remain resilient.

Dr Abina is the Chairman of AACS – International Consulting and Principal Investment Firm

Journalist, columnist and author, azu ishiekwene, has released a new book, titled: A Midlifer’s Guide to Content Creation and Profit.

The 10-chapter book focuses on how older adults can profitably interact with and expand their frontiers in the evolving new media landscape, particularly in light of the complex and promising developments of generative artificial intelligence (AI).

In a statement, Ishiekwene, fondly called Azu, said: ‘The book shares insights with midlifers on the possibilities for rewarding their mental exertions handsomely, whether literary, artistic or acoustic talent, or the sheer capacity to curate and tell a good story from their experiences using new technologies.’

The book, published by Premium Times Books, is a sequel to ‘Writing for Media and Monetising It,’ published in 2024, and is considered a practical and valuable text for young adults in the media and literary fields.

In the Foreword, historian of African Studies and distinguished teaching professor in Humanities, Toyin Falola, said: ‘The book is a groundbreaking work that challenges the widespread belief, especially among the older generation (Gen X), that aspirations should diminish after the age of 50.’

The Publisher of Premium Times, Dapo Olorunyomi, said: ‘It’s another masterpiece from Azu, who is gaining new heights not only in the mastery of new media forms but also in his capacity to share his insights in meaningful ways.’

As part of his interest in new media, Azu has also published a workbook on content monetisation, given several lectures, and co-authored a scholarly article with Professor Farooq Kperogi, titled: Light in A Digital Black Hole: Exploration of Emergent Artificial Intelligence Journalism in Nigeria, published in the Journal of Applied Journalism and Media Studies.

His new book, A Midlfer’s Guide to Content Creation and Profit, can be accessed on www.azu.media and other global distribution platforms.

Residents in Ikorodu, Lagos State, have lauded Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for inaugurating a water supply scheme in their neighborhoods, each with a generator to ensure uninterrupted water distribution.

The project, handed over on October 4, was executed through Office of Rural Development under supervision of Dr. Nurudeen Agbaje, special adviser to the governor on Rural Development. Agbaje said the scheme is part of the administration’s drive to extend essential amenities to rural and semi-urban communities that lack access to potable water.

In Lugbusi, beneficiaries included Joy Estate, Peace Estate, and Unique Estate.

The scheme and generator were received on behalf of residents by Giwa Idris, vice chair of CDA Lugbusi; Abe Johnbull, chair of Joy Estate; and Babatunde Awolesi, chair of Peace CDA.

Johnbull, speaking for the community, thanked Sanwo-Olu for delivering ‘the real dividends of democracy,’ adding the project would ease the burden of water scarcity.

Adewale Daniel, general secretary; Elder P.O. Adetola, both of Peace CDA; and Segun Adegbuyi, spokesman of Joy Estate, said the intervention is timely and essential.

Maya Olorijo Estate Phase 2 also benefited. The project was received by the CDA; Victor Ologhobo, chair; Ogunjobi Olaoluwa, secretary; Ismail Sodiq; Financial secretary; Murisiku Sule; Fasheun Kayode; and Felix Aberefa, and contractor, Olukorede Koleoso.

Residents hailed the water facility and generator, promising it will serve all households.

At Victory Estate, Parafa, the scheme was welcomed by the CDA, led by the Chair, Oyetola Olakunle; Vice Chair, Akorede Aliu; Social Secretary, Imoudumhe Ododo; General Secretary, Adawole Afolake; Spokesman, Apena Ahmed; and Adeoye Isaac.

They pledged to maintain the facility.

Ojokoro Togejoye CDA also benefited. The project was received by the Chair, Moses Obasanya; Treasurer, Mudashiru Oladepo; Vice Chair, Adebola Quadri, Financial Secretary, Adefowope Mudashiru, and Lamina Robiat, Ayo-Adewole Akinbode, Ahmed Odehinde (menbers).

Agbaje reiterated that the initiative would be replicated in more rural communities to bridge infrastructural gaps.

He noted water is basic and assured residents of support.

JMG Limited has reaffirmed its commitment to powering homes, businesses, and industries through innovative, sustainable energy solutions that support economic growth and national development.

Group General Manager, JMG Limited, Rabi Jammal, said it remains committed to being more than a solution provider but a company that has positioned itself as a reliable partner in nation-building by ensuring clean, efficient, and dependable energy for generations to come.

Jammal re-enforced this commitment when his company joined Nigeria as it marked its 65th Independence Anniversary on October 1, 2025. He joined the nation in celebrating this milestone under the theme ‘Nigeria @ 65: All Hands-on Deck for a Greater Nation.’

He emphasised the importance of unity, resilience, and innovation in shaping Nigeria’s future. ‘This anniversary is not just a commemoration of our past triumphs; it is a call to action for every Nigerian.’

‘Like our founding nationalists, we must recommit ourselves to values of service, innovation, and shared progress. At JMG, we remain steadfast in delivering the power and solutions that fuel growth, enabling Nigerians to dream bigger and achieve more,’ he said.

Jammal further stated that Independence Day, celebrated annually on October 1st, is a reminder of the sacrifices of visionary leaders who secured freedom and laid the foundation for a united Nigeria.

He said in honoring their legacy, JMG encourages Nigerians to embrace the spirit of collaboration, resilience, and creativity needed to build a brighter future.

Jammal said JMG Limited, with solutions that offer unrivaled comfort, safety, and efficiency to the structures where people work and live, has expertise in power generation, electrical infrastructure, vertical transportation, cooling systems, and air compressors.

In line with its clean energy initiative, the company, according to him, prioritises sustainable power solutions, offering solar and cost-effective hybrid options, including Lithion inverters and batteries since 2018, as well as Livfast inverters and batteries in 2022.

The company expanded its solar power offerings with LONGi solar panels, Deye lithium batteries, and Must solar inverters in 2024, with alternative power solutions to customers.

Me Cure Industries recorded appreciable growths across key performance indicators in 2024 with turnover rising by 45 per cent to N46 billion.

The company’s revenue rose from N31.7 billion in 2023 to N46 billion in 2024, driven by a strong focus on cost optimisation, product innovation, and regional market expansion. Although profit before tax declined by 8.3 per cent to N3.3 billion, down from N3.6 billion in 2023 due to tough operating environment, shareholders were rewarded with a dividend payout of N600 million, translating into 15 kobo per share. Profit after tax decreased by 20 per cent from N2.9 billion to N2.3 billion.

At the annual general meeting in Lagos, Chairman, Me Cure Industries, Samir Udani, said the performance of the company underscored the dedication, innovation, and adaptability of its management and staff in navigating challenging business landscape.

According to him, during the year, the company launched 10 new products and commenced exports to neighbouring West African markets, further deepening its regional presence.

He said: ‘In line with our growth strategy, we continued significant investments in facility upgrades to meet global Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards. Our Lagos industrial complex now houses six standalone, NAFDAC-approved production plants, enhancing output capacity across tablets, capsules, and syrups.

‘On the innovation front, our in-house Research and Development team continued to develop new products, several of which are now awaiting regulatory approval from NAFDAC. We remain committed to the highest standards of corporate governance, transparency, and ethical conduct. Throughout the year, the board worked closely with management to strengthen internal controls, ensure regulatory compliance, and manage emerging risks. In alignment with the Nigerian Code of Corporate Governance and international best practices, our governance structure continues to evolve. We are prepared to take advantage of emerging opportunities’.

Shareholders commended the performance against the backdrop of the inclement operating environment.

Coordinator, Pragmatic Shareholders Association, Bisi Bakare said the company has shown resilience.

She said: ‘Despite the challenges in the economy, Me Cure was able to grow its revenue by 45 per cent. This shows resilience. The company also rewarded the shareholders with 15 kobo dividend per share. This is also commendable. Its investment in 10 new products will boost revenue in the nearest future’.

Shareholders that the decision of the founder of Me Cure Industries to invest in Nigeria would encourage more foreign investors to do the same.

They commended the initiative and advised shareholders to patronise the company’s products as a way of supporting its operations.

Shareholders urged the company to take advantage of the new government policy on tariffs to boost its operations and expand activities to more African countries.

The price of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), popularly known as cooking gas, has surged sharply across Lagos and other parts of the country, forcing households and small businesses to adjust their budgets and consumption patterns.

Checks by The Nation showed that the retail price of LPG has risen from about N1,000 per kilogram to N1,500 in the last few days following the industrial action embarked upon by members of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) against Dangote Refinery.

At several gas plants visited across Lagos, including Ajuwon, Magodo, and Iju-Ishaga, long queues of anxious consumers were seen waiting under the sun to refill their cylinders.

Many lamented that the sudden jump in price had worsened the cost-of-living pressure already weighing heavily on households.

At the Amego gas retail plant along Ajuwon-Akute road, Mrs. Grace Ajayi, who came to refill her 3-kilogram cylinder, expressed frustration.

‘This small cylinder that I used to fill for N3,000 is now N4,500. I am a trader, and I cook twice a day for my children. If this continues, I will go back to charcoal. It is stressful but at least it is cheaper,’ she said, clutching her cylinder.

Beside her, another resident, Anthony Igwe, who uses a 5-kilogram cylinder, said the hike has forced him to ration cooking time.

‘I am now calculating everything I put on the fire. I told my wife we can’t boil water to bathe anymore to save gas.’

At the Second Coming Gas Plant in Magodo, The Nation observed a wave of panic buying.

Residents were seen rushing to fill multiple cylinders at once, with some loading two or more 12.5-kilogram cylinders in their car boots.

The attendant on duty said the rush started two days ago when news spread that depot prices had jumped sharply due to supply disruption.

Operators in the LPG market confirmed that the industrial action has disrupted supply lines from the refinery, forcing marketers to depend on limited stock and imports at higher rates.

A Lagos gas dealer, Mr. Kola Ogunleye, said the sudden shortage and panic buying have further driven up prices.

‘The strike affected loading and distribution for some days, and by the time supply resumed, depot prices had already gone up.

‘Everyone down the chain is adjusting, and that’s what consumers are seeing now,’ he explained.

Consumer protection advocates warn that the situation could worsen unless the federal government intervenes to stabilise supply and enforce fair pricing. Economists note that the hike in cooking gas prices could heighten inflationary pressure, as food vendors and households depend heavily on LPG for daily cooking.

That’s a very interesting question, with the ADC huff-and-puff; and PDP’s seeming very difficult rebirth – and just as well, with the havoc it wreaked during its best-forgotten ruling years! Karma never forgets!

But first, the antics of the opposition leading voices – and the ‘I’m hungry’ burlesque of Rotimi Amaechi, ex-passionate Transport minister, credited with Nigeria’s rail renaissance and former Rivers governor, is a fitting starting point.

A ‘hungry’ Amaechi, with a bulging pouch, and designer clothing, talk less of cars, is one riveting comedy image of the age! He has moved from that to yammering about how outgoing INEC chairman, Prof. Mahmoud Yakubu, is the ‘worst’ INEC chair ever! Even the dullest of political dunces know that’s eternally reserved for Maurice Iwu!

Someone should tell Amaechi, decent Rivers governor and energetic ‘rail’ minister, that his present whining, as living patron saint of the ‘Ebi npawa’ – we’re hungry – orchestra, ill defines his political essence. But then, that’s what desperation brings to the table.

Desperation? Take a dart, the tragic Goodluck Jonathan, the man that snatched redemption from conceding a presidential election defeat – first in Nigeria – to push at gobbling the old vomit of disgrace, by seeking a forlorn electoral ‘rofo-rofo’ encore!

Desperation – and maybe cynicism? – is solidly defined by Jonathan seeking automatic presidential ticket from his old party, PDP, and its new clone, ADC! Which gores most: Jonathan’s taunting of his old phalanx, PDP? Or romancing new mirage, ADC? Quintessential Jonathan!

Peter Obi? The more that one opens his mouth, the more he de-markets himself! With his China stats – and good helpings from Argentina, Egypt and Bangladesh: pray, how did Nepal miss out! – he establishes a pattern, hardly flattering.

He used and dumped APGA, despite eternal commitment vow to Emeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu. He left PDP after a vice-presidential defeat. His latest tryst with LP seems headed to end in tears, as he shops for a new platform to pursue his opportunism!

How can any good, on nation-building, come from eternal opportunism, spiked with cynical deceit of projecting with zeal what you’re not? That’s the Obi conundrum!

Atiku Abubakar? Perhaps the most delusional of the whole lot! From an unfazed candidate of the ‘North’ in 2023, he’s posturing as a born-again nationalist but still running on that same anti-South non-power-sharing anchor, with which he wiped out, almost wholesale, the PDP southern base in 2023! He carries out as if all is normal!

This pitiable ensemble – challenging for power on such slippery grounds? The Tinubu government will answer own ‘hunger’ problems. But is this funny bunch helping in that challenge at all?

Again, is this sound strategy or just blind panic? Year 2027 beckons!

Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has once again earned global recognition for excellence in communication as it received the Golden World Award (GWA) for Impactful PR in Customs Management at the 2025 International Public Relations Association (IPRA) Gala held at the weekend, in Accra, Ghana.

Presented by IPRA President Nataša Pavlovic Bujas during the Golden World Awards Gala Night, the international PR body recognised the Nigeria Customs Service for its Impactful Public Relations in Customs Management.

The winning entry, a publication authored by Image Merchants Promotion Limited, documents the Comptroller-General of Customs’ progressive communication strategies and has since evolved into a strategic framework for public relations scholarship in Nigeria.

According to Philip Sheppard, Secretary-General of IPRA, the publication provides practical strategies for organisations. It showcases real-life applications of PR leadership drawn from the reforms of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR.

Receiving the award on behalf of the Service, the National Public Relations Officer, Assistant Comptroller of Customs (AC) Abdullahi Maiwada, expressed profound appreciation to IPRA for the recognition, stating that it reinforces the Service’s vision for institutional credibility and proactive communication.

‘This award is a validation of the Nigeria Customs Service’s commitment to professionalism, transparency, and stakeholder engagement,’ Maiwada said. ‘Under the leadership of the Comptroller-General, we have repositioned communication as a strategic tool for reform and trust-building.’

It will be recalled that the Service was earlier honoured in 2024 with the prestigious GWA for Crisis Communication at the IPRA Gala in Belgrade, Serbia. This year’s award builds on that feat, highlighting NCS’s consistent innovation in communication and reputation management.

The award ceremony formed part of the Public Relations Knowledge Sharing Conference held from Wednesday, 1st to Friday, 3rd October 2025, at the Accra International Conference Centre.

The conference, themed ‘Global Realities and Innovative Communication,’ was attended by leading communication experts, including Dr Ike Neliaku, President of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR); Nataša Pavlovic Bujas, President of IPRA; Arik Karani, President of the African Public Relations Association (APRA); and Esther Amba Numaba Cobbah, President of the Institute of Public Relations (IPR), Ghana, among other PR professionals across Africa.

At the closing session of the conference earlier on Friday, the President of Ghana, His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, urged public relations professionals to uphold the highest standards of ethics and competence in their practice.

‘As communicators, you hold the power to shape narratives and influence public trust,’ President Mahama said. ‘Our continent needs professionals who communicate with integrity, clarity, and purpose to support national development.’

Also speaking at the Gala night, Ghana’s Vice President, H.E. Jane Nana, congratulated all the awardees, commending their contributions to advancing strategic communication globally.

To crown the night, Esther Amba Numaba Cobbah, President of the Institute of Public Relations (IPR), Ghana, assumed the mantle as the new President of the International Public Relations Association (IPRA), succeeding Nataša Pavlovic Bujas. Her emergence as the first African to lead the 70-year-old global body marks a historic milestone and a moment of pride for the continent’s communication professionals.