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Sir: When Bayo Ojulari assumed leadership of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) in April, he inherited more than a corporation. He stepped into a storm defined by falling oil production, chronic revenue leakages, dwindling investor confidence, and the mounting global pressures of energy transition and geopolitical competition. Six months later, the story of NNPC and Nigeria’s energy sector has begun to change.

Ojulari’s leadership has been marked by an insistence on transparency, fiscal discipline, and operational accountability. Unlike previous reform attempts that often remained trapped in rhetoric, his approach has been anchored on execution and measurable outcomes. This shift fits squarely within President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes energy independence, foreign investment, domestic refining, and Nigeria’s long-term net-zero ambitions. Reform, in Ojulari’s hands, is no longer an aspiration, it is a working reality.

Daily oil production rebounded from 1.485 million barrels in April to 1.71 million in July, crossing the 1.8 million barrel mark for the first time since late 2024. In the same period, NNPC generated N20.9 trillion while halting costly refinery losses that had drained up to N500 million monthly. Operational efficiency has improved, with 100 percent pipeline availability, natural gas production climbing to 7.72 billion cubic feet per day, and major projects like the AKK and OB3 pipelines now nearing completion. Security reforms have also delivered dramatic results, with coordinated efforts nearly eliminating pipeline theft. Perhaps most notably, Ojulari introduced monthly financial reporting for the first time, signalling unprecedented transparency to investors, regulators, and the Nigerian public.

These gains are not just domestic achievements. By surpassing Angola and Libya in production, Nigeria has reclaimed its position as Africa’s largest oil producer, restoring both its credibility and its leverage in OPEC+ negotiations. In a volatile global energy market where reliability is everything, Nigeria is once again being seen as a dependable player, a factor that has begun to restore investor confidence and strengthen its geopolitical standing.

Yet Ojulari’s strategy is not confined to oil alone. He has placed sustainability and transition at the heart of NNPC’s future. Gas is being positioned as a critical bridge fuel, powering local industries, reducing emissions, and boosting LNG exports. At the same time, the company is advancing renewable energy pilots, reducing gas flaring, and exploring carbon-capture initiatives; all of which signal a shift toward greener operations. These efforts align NNPC with global environmental, social, and governance standards, positioning it to meet the expectations

Technology is another pillar of the transformation. Under Ojulari, the company has deployed AI-driven analytics to optimize production and minimize downtime, blockchain platforms to ensure revenue and supply chain traceability, and automation to enhance safety and efficiency. These moves bring NNPC closer to the practices of global energy giants like Saudi Aramco, ADNOC, and Petrobras, underscoring its ambition to compete at the highest levels.

The reforms are also resonating beyond corporate boardrooms. Inside NNPC, employees are experiencing a new merit-driven culture that rewards performance. Across the wider economy, Nigerian small and medium enterprises are finding expanded opportunities in the energy supply chain. In host communities, improved security and reduced oil theft are strengthening peace and trust. And nationally, stronger revenues are bolstering the budget and foreign reserves at a time when fiscal stability is sorely needed.

Ojulari is quick to acknowledge that the journey has only just begun. Scaling production to two million barrels per day by 2027 will require unwavering discipline, relentless efficiency, and an estimated $60 billion in new investment. Completing critical gas infrastructure remains central to unlocking regional integration and expanding Nigeria’s role in global gas markets. The competition will not stand still either, as Angola and Libya push to reclaim lost ground. But

Ojulari’s vision is clear: NNPC must set a new benchmark for African energy companies and emerge as a global player of repute.

The first six months of his leadership have already marked a decisive break from the past. Production recovery, record revenues, operational discipline, and world-class transparency demonstrate that Nigeria’s energy sector is capable of reform and resilience when leadership is committed to delivery. The challenge now is to institutionalize these gains and ensure that momentum is not lost.

For Nigeria, the choice is stark: to entrench excellence as the new standard, or risk sliding back into inefficiency and missed opportunity.

The opportunity is global. Above all, the momentum must not be lost.

Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu yesterday kicked off distribution of 370,000 sanitary pads worth N2,550,297,150 for school girls in rural communities in the 36 states and Abuja.

Speaking at the launch under her Renewed Hope Initiative, ‘Flow with Confidence,’ Mrs Remi Tinubu, represented by wife of Lagos State Governor, Dr Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, noted that the programme was a vital health intervention to empower school girls, especially in the rural communities.

It was launched simultaneously in Borno, Cross River, Ekiti, Enugu, Gombe, Imo, Kebbi, and Lagos. It is expected other states will launch as soon as they get supplies.

She said: ‘In today’s modern world, no girl should have to miss school because of her inability to afford sanitary products. It is unacceptable that our girls still continue to face challenges during their menstrual cycle, especially those in rural areas, who miss school days every month because they cannot afford sanitary pads.

‘Some who attend, resort to unsafe and unhygienic alternatives, while others stay at home altogether, falling behind in their studies and, in some cases, eventually dropping out of school. This trend must end, and this intervention, under the education framework of Renewed Hope Initiative is aimed at doing just that.

‘We will distribute one-year supply of disposable sanitary pads to 370,000 school girls in rural communities at the end of this programme.

‘All states and Federal Capital Territory will receive 10,000 packs each through governor’s wives and RHI coordinators. This is to support our girls and those to afford sanitary pads.

‘We chose disposable sanitary pads because it offers a simple, hygienic option that offers better health benefits for a woman’s wellbeing.

‘For us at RHI, we believe no girl should choose between her dignity and her education.’

She urged chairmen of local governments to take ownership of the intervention by ensuring the pads get to girls in the rural communities.

‘The pads are not to be sold,’ she warned.

Continuing, she said ‘We spent N2,550,297,150 to procure these customised disposable pads from a local company, Uniglory, Nigeria Limited in Ikorodu, Lagos State.’

She urged corporate organisations, parastatals and agencies, and others to key into the programme so that many more girls can be reached.

The First Lady also asked monarchs, religious and community leaders to monitor the distribution to support the girls to grow into responsible and informed adults.

Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Jamiu Alli-Balogun, said the programme emphasised the First Lady’s concern for the girls, especially at the grassroots.

Kogi State Governor Usman Ododo has said that he is committed to the welfare of the people.

He flagged off a series of sweeping reforms with the launch of expanded health insurance coverage, revitalization of primary healthcare centres across the state, and new incentives for medical personnel.

Ododo described the initiatives as ‘a major step towards making quality healthcare accessible, affordable, and sustainable for every Kogite.’ He assured that his administration remains committed to strengthening healthcare infrastructure while prioritizing the welfare of health workers.

In line with this commitment, the governor announced a N300,000 allowance for medical doctors posted to rural areas of the state to encourage service in hard-to-reach communities. He also revealed plans to sponsor the training of 100 medical doctors annually in partnership with the Federal University, Lokoja; Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba; and the Confluence University of Science and Technology, Osara, as part of government’s long-term strategy to address manpower gaps in the health sector.

Ododo further disclosed that doctors’ quarters would be built in strategic parts of the state, while qualified Kogites would continue to benefit from new appointments into the healthcare system.

While assuring support to health professionals, the Governor stressed that security remains critical to the wellbeing of citizens. He raised concerns over the security risks posed by trailer parks at Zariagi and Osara, which, according to intelligence reports, had become hideouts for criminal elements disguised as truck drivers.

The Governor gave operators of the parks a one-month grace period to vacate the locations, after which no trailer will be allowed to park there or in any other unauthorized area of the state, particularly during hours prohibited by law. He directed security agencies to ensure full enforcement of the order, saying the measure is necessary to deny criminals any safe haven and strengthen security operations across Kogi State.

Governor Ododo expressed gratitude to development partners, including the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, CIHP, AHF, Malaria Consortium, and Marie Stopes International, for their support in improving healthcare delivery in Kogi State.

Reaffirming his administration’s focus on people-centred governance, the governor said: ‘Together, we are building a Kogi State where good health is a right, not a privilege; where security is guaranteed, and where every citizen has a fair chance to live, work, and prosper’.

Golden Eaglets head coach, Garba Manu, has called on the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to increase the qualification slots allocated to the WAFU B region, following Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the 2026 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations.

The Eaglets were beaten 2-0 by Ghana in Tuesday’s semi-final of the WAFU B tournament in Ivory Coast, a result that ended their hopes of reaching the U-17 AFCON and, by extension, the 2026 FIFA U-17 World Cup-now an annual event. This is Nigeria’s second straight miss at this level after also failing to qualify for the 2025 edition.

Garba, who led Nigeria to the FIFA U-17 World Cup title in 2013, argued that limiting WAFU B to only two qualifying spots undermines the region’s pedigree in youth football.

‘When the WAFU B competition started in Niger Republic, we had seven countries, and only one qualified. I raised the observation then that WAFU B is the strongest zone in Africa, and that’s why it was increased to two slots. But it is still not enough,’ he said.

He faulted CAF’s decision to award an extra slot to WAFU A in a previous edition while overlooking WAFU B, which he insists consistently produces the continent’s strongest youth teams.

‘It’s unfair. Nigeria is still rated number one at U-17 level globally, yet CAF restricts us to two slots. WAFU B deserves at least three. It will not only benefit Nigeria but also improve African football as a whole.’

Nigeria, five-time U-17 world champions (1985, 1993, 2007, 2013, 2015), have not featured at the tournament since 2019, when they exited in the round of 16 after losing to the Netherlands.

Members of the Lagos State chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) have reaffirmed their support for the Isaiah Benjamin-led National Executive, urging strict adherence to the association’s statutes in the conduct of the 2025 Lagos SWAN elections.

The members accused the current Lagos SWAN Executive Committee, led by Oladunni Olatutu, of convening a ‘kangaroo congress’ and setting up a three-man state electoral committee in clear contravention of the association’s constitution-specifically Article 12, Section G (sub-sections ii, iii, iv) and Article 12, Section I (sub-section ii).

According to them, the Olatutu-led executive usurped the powers of the Lagos SWAN congress by imposing a SWANECO team on the chapter, despite provisions that vest absolute authority on the congress, with the National Executive holding the mandate to ratify such appointments while working with SWANECO on electoral guidelines and timetable.

The members further condemned acts of intimidation orchestrated by the Lagos state executive in connivance with the Lagos State Police Command. They recalled that no fewer than 15 police vehicles and over 40 officers from different divisions were deployed to the venue at the last congress to create an atmosphere of fear and raising concerns within the stadium community.

While thanking the National SWAN for intervening to ensure that a proper congress was eventually convened, the members expressed concern over attempts by some initial SWANECO members imposed on Lagos SWAN, Victor Eyinnaya, Jerry Apeleokhai, and Joshua Uloko to frustrate other committee members from contributing positively to the electoral process.

They described their rigidity as a deliberate ploy that has stifled progress and undermined the purpose of expanding SWANECO into a full committee, as approved at the only congress recognised by the National SWAN in a letter dated 29 September.

A major grievance raised was the unrealistic pricing of nomination forms, which they described as a calculated move to turn the electoral process into a contest for moneybags, effectively disenfranchising genuine members. Despite repeated calls for a reduction in fees which pegged prices of nomination form for Chairmanship position at ?200,000; Vice Chairman at ?120,000; Secretary at ?120,000; Assistant Secretary at ?100,000; Treasurer at ?100,000; Financial Secretary at ?100,000; and Welfare Officer at ?100,000, the three-man bloc within SWANECO stood firm on their pricing structure. They justified the decision by claiming committee members were entitled to 50% of all monies realised.

This stance not only places an unfair burden on members but also raises serious ethical concerns, undermining the principles of service, transparency, and fairness expected of an electoral body. These concerns were highlighted in a protest letter earlier written to National SWAN by two other SWANECO members, McAnthony Anaelechukwu and Anulika Menanya.

The members insisted that the Lagos SWANECO, in its current form and mode of operation, is not serving the interest of fairness or inclusivity, but rather pursuing a narrow agenda that undermines the integrity of SWAN in Lagos.

They therefore called on the National Executive to urgently intervene, investigate these practices, and take corrective measures to restore credibility and fairness to the electoral process in Lagos State.

Nigeria has emphasised the need to accelerate the integration of the West African capital markets in order to unlock immense capital needed to develop the region.

Director General, Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Dr. Emomotimi Agama said West Africa faces urgent developmental challenges ranging from infrastructure deficits and climate adaptation to digital transformation and job creation.

According to him, West African countries need to accelerate the integration of their capital markets as a platform to mobilise the scale of investment needed to drive the region’s development.

Agama spoke yesterday in Abuja at the Experts Meeting on Validation of the WASRA Charter and Recognition of WASRA as the Regulatory Body for Cross-Border Securities Market in ECOWAS.

He said the initiative represented ‘a watershed moment’ in the region’s financial history, warning that each year of delay in integration represents a lost opportunity to mobilise resources for critical projects that can transform the region’s economies.

‘To meet these challenges, we require capital at scale, and the truth is simple: no single national market can provide it alone. An integrated regional capital market is no longer a luxury; it is a necessity,’ Agama, who also chairs WASRA, said.

He pointed to Africa’s annual infrastructure financing gap of over $100 billion, stressing that West Africa alone requires tens of billions of dollars to modernise transport corridors, upgrade energy systems, and build resilient digital infrastructure.

‘Without integrated markets that pool liquidity and broaden investor participation, our governments and private sector will remain constrained, relying on limited fiscal space and expensive borrowing,’ Agama said.

Drawing lessons from global models, he noted that the European Union and ASEAN achieved significant economic transformation by harmonising rules, fostering investor confidence, and facilitating seamless cross-border funding.

He said: ‘The creation of a single market enabled European firms to access funding seamlessly across borders, boosting innovation and competitiveness. Closer to home, ASEAN coordinated standards and deepened financial cooperation, strengthening its resilience as a regional bloc.’

He emphasised that West Africa, with its population of more than 400 million and a combined GDP of about $800 billion, has even greater potential, cautioning that ‘potential means little without decisive action,’ he cautioned.

Agama outlined how integration would bring benefits beyond infrastructure, noting that ‘In agriculture, integrated markets can mobilise capital for value-chain development, agro-processing, and food security, which are critical priorities for our region’.

He added: ‘In the digital economy, regional capital can support innovation hubs, fintech scale-ups, and broadband expansion, ensuring that West Africa fully participates in the fourth industrial revolution.’

He further stressed that cross-border pools of capital, backed by harmonised regulation, could deliver ‘transformative impact’ across multiple sectors, including youth empowerment and job creation.

Presenting the objectives of the West Africa Securities Regulators Association (WASRA), Agama said the body was established with a clear mandate to anchor market integration.

‘First, to contribute to the establishment of appropriate mechanisms for the regulation of capital markets; ensuring their proper functioning and the protection of investors. This speaks directly to the heart of investor confidence, without which no market can thrive,’ he said.

He added that WASRA would foster integration through joint programmes and common projects, promote mutual assistance across the region, and set common standards for effective regulation. ‘Integration is not only about policy declarations; it is about practical collaboration and shared initiatives that deliver results for our markets and our people,’ he stressed.

Agama called on policymakers, especially finance ministers within ECOWAS, to champion the WASRA initiative, stating that ‘The political will of our leaders is the single most important factor in moving from aspiration to reality’.

‘WASRA stands ready, in partnership with ECOWAS, WACMIC, and WAMI, to provide the technical leadership required.’

Also speaking at the meeting, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun noted that the gathering marked a significant step in the collective ‘journey toward a harmonized regulatory framework, one that reflects the shared aspirations of ECOWAS member states to deepen capital market integration, enhance cross-border investments, and promote financial stability.’

Edun, represented by Mr. Hassan Adamu Jibrin, Principal Economist Federal Ministry of Finance, pointed out that validation of the draft WASRA Charter is not merely a procedural formality, but a critical foundation for institutional coherence, regulatory cooperation, and sustainable market development across our sub-region.

On his part while speaking on behalf of ECOWAS Commission, Mr. Peter Oluonye Acting Director Private Sector noted that for capital markets integration to gain traction in ECOWAS, there need to be need concerted efforts of all stakeholders at harmonizing rules, practices and regulations, to the standards acceptable to all jurisdictions.

He said: ‘We are well aware that our member states depend much on external capital flows and direct investment to sustain and deliver on economic development programmes of our governments. The region is in dire need to develop critical economic infrastructure projects, requiring huge capital investment and facilitate gross capital formation. The capital market is a major vehicle that should support this aspiration

‘The need to drive our capital markets integration initiative to break down barriers to movement of capital within the region by ensuring a harmonized regulatory space, common market information platforms, interlinked trading systems, cross-border trade and payments settlement, harmonized accounting standards and internationally acceptable governance standards and institutions cannot be over-emphasized at this juncture in our economic integration initiatives’.

Lagos State Government has unveiled activities for the 2025 Public Service Week, restating its commitment to harnessing technology to build a smarter, more agile and globally-competitive workforce.

Speaking yesterday at a news briefing at the Public Service Office, Alausa, Head of Service (HoS), Mr. Bode Agoro, said the celebration would appreciate workers’ contributions and underline the administration’s focus on digital transformation.

He added: ‘The event is projected to appreciate and celebrate our ever-dedicated and committed public servants for their contributions and efforts towards the attainment of good governance and efficient service delivery.’

Agoro said the theme of the week, ‘Deepening Technology for a Smart and Agile Public Service’, reflected the determination of the government to deploy technology as a tool for transparency, efficiency and citizen engagement.

He hailed Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for leading a digital transformation agenda that had prioritised investments in infrastructure and capacity development.

The week-long celebration will begin today with health screening for civil servants at Adeyemi-Bero Auditorium, Alausa and a special Jumat Service at Alausa Secretariat Mosque.

A Walk-for-Fitness will take place tomorrow in Ikeja, while an interdenominational thanksgiving service will follow at Chapel of Christ the Light, Alausa, on Sunday.

On October 6, donations from ministries, organisations and individuals will be presented to orphanages and charity homes, alongside continued health screenings for public servants.

On October 7, officers who have served Lagos State for over 30 years will be honoured during the Long Service Merit Award Ceremony. There will be public lecture on October 8 on the theme of the celebration, as well as recognition of outstanding officers.

A variety show tagged: ‘Alausa Goes White,’ will hold on October 9, where public servants are expected to appear in white attire, while showcasing their talents at the seventh edition of Alausa’s Got Talent series. The celebration will climax with a luncheon with Governor Sanwo-Olu, during which recipients of the Outstanding Officers Award will have the opportunity to meet the governor.

Agoro praised the dedication of civil servants, describing them as ‘crucial to driving national development and addressing complex challenges confronting the nation.’

Aston Villa won 2-0 at Feyenoord in the Europa League on Thursday but Nottingham Forest lost at home to Danish side Midtjylland as Rangers and Celtic also suffered defeats.

Emi Buendia curled in from 20 yards and John McGinn swept in a second goal in Rotterdam as Villa made a winning return to the scene of their 1982 European Cup triumph.

Villa failed to win any of their first six games of the season but Unai Emery’s side have since reeled off three successive victories and are among seven teams on a maximum six points in the Europa League.

Marco Bizot produced some key saves in the Villa goal after being thrust into the line-up as a late replacement for Emiliano Martinez, who reportedly injured his calf.

‘It has been difficult in the beginning of the season but we never lost the faith and hope,’ Bizot told TNT Sports. ‘We still have the spirit, even when it was not that great at the beginning. Now, hopefully, we can keep this up.’

Forest paid the price for sloppy defending at set-pieces as Midtjylland won 3-2 at the City Ground to leave new manager Ange Postecoglou still searching for his first win.

Defenders Ousmane Diao and Mads Bech scored either side of Dan Ndoye’s goal as Midtjylland punished Forest for failing to deal with a free-kick and a corner.

Valdemar Andreasen netted the decisive goal two minutes from time as Chris Wood pulled one back for Forest from the spot in stoppage time.

‘Really disappointing. Just really, really poor goals we conceded in the first half,’ said Postecoglou.

‘Story of our last few games – key moments let us down.’

Forest are playing in Europe for the first time in 30 years and have just one point so far after a 2-2 draw away to Real Betis in their opening fixture.

Rangers’ miserable start to the season under beleaguered manager Russell Martin continued as they lost 2-1 away to Austrian side Sturm Graz.

Tomi Horvat gave the hosts an early lead and Otar Kiteishvili doubled it as Rangers completely switched off and conceded from a free-kick.

Djeidi Gassama halved the deficit but it was another dismal night for Rangers, who remain without a point in Europe.

‘You can’t start that poorly,’ said Martin. ‘The mentality is the problem.’

Their humiliating 9-1 aggregate thrashing in Champions League qualifying by Club Brugge was followed by a tame 1-0 home loss to Genk in their Europa League opener.

Rangers are also struggling badly in Scotland where they are eighth in the 12-team table.

‘It’s an interesting time (to be Rangers manager), it’s a frustrating time,’ added Martin.

Celtic slumped to a 2-0 loss at home to Braga and are just a point better off than their Glasgow rivals in the Europa League.

The Scottish champions fell behind at Parkhead to a dipping long-range strike from Ricardo Horta that beat goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel far too easily.

Kelechi Iheanacho had an equaliser controversially ruled out early in the second half after a VAR review for a supposed handball.

But Celtic’s hopes of salvaging a result were dashed when substitute Gabri Martinez scored a scrappy late second goal for the Portuguese visitors.

Celtic have failed to score in five of their 12 games in all competitions this season, which included a pair of goalless draws against Kairat Almaty in the Champions League play-offs.

The Kazakh side won that tie on penalties to condemn Celtic to a place in the Europa League.

‘Whatever it is, I need to find the solution to it,’ said Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers.

‘There’s been too many games now where we haven’t scored for a team that, last season, scored the most goals in the last 54 years in the club’s history.

‘It’s my responsibility to find the solutions to that.’

Porto, Lyon and Lille all won to maintain their perfect starts, while Basel, Real Betis and Fenerbahce bounced back from opening losses.

Former Super Eagles stars, Samuel Sodje and Benedict Akwuegbu, have criticised Nigeria’s World Cup qualification campaign, insisting that the team does not merit a place on the global stage given the country’s poor football management and preparation.

Speaking in separate interviews, both expressed frustration over Nigeria’s repeated struggles to qualify for the Mundial, blaming systemic issues rather than just players’ performances.

Akwuegbu, a 2002 FIFA World Cup participant, was blunt in his assessment.

‘For me, I think the truth is to say whether we qualify or not, we don’t deserve to be at the World Cup,’ he said in an interview on Brila Fm. ‘The football federation is not properly run and unless things change, it will only get worse.’

The former striker lamented Nigeria’s lack of planning and continuity in coaching, noting that managerial instability has derailed the team’s progress.

‘We crossed the wrong line years ago and changing managers has only made things worse. Preparation has been poor, and it affects everyone,’ he added.

Sodje, who represented Nigeria as a defender, echoed similar concerns, stressing that administration and governance failures have put the Eagles at risk of missing another World Cup.

‘I don’t think we deserve to be there, very clear,’ Sodje remarked. ‘From day one, things have not been done properly. If you don’t put things right at the top, the players will always suffer.’

Both men emphasized that football is about long-term planning, investment, and giving opportunities to young coaches, warning that Nigeria’s footballing future would remain bleak if urgent reforms are not carried out.

Prince (Dr.) Victor Adekunle Alonge, the Chairman of Willows Project Limited, is a distinguished chartered surveyor, estate valuer, and transformative entrepreneur known for his impactful contributions to the real estate sector. A man of action who prefers substance over verbosity, he epitomizes professionalism and dynamism in his field. As a generous philanthropist, he embodies a refined character enriched by a cosmopolitan worldview, reflecting his extensive travels and diverse experiences.

With a wealth of knowledge in real estate and surveying, Prince Alonge has meticulously honed his expertise, ensuring he leaves no detail overlooked. His remarkable career is a testament to his relentless work ethic and unwavering belief in his vision. Once serving as a non-executive director at Penman Pensions Limited, which has since become AXA Mansard Pension, he has established himself as a prominent figure in Nigeria’s business and property landscape, characterized by his deep insights and extensive experience in the industry.

Currently, he holds the prestigious title of the 26th President of the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV). In recognition of his exemplary contributions, Prince Alonge is set to be honored with a traditional chieftaincy title, ‘Awokose Omoluabi Oodua,’ by the revered Ooni of Ife, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Babatunde Ogunwusi CFR Ojaja II. This distinguished ceremony is scheduled to take place on Friday, October 17th, at the Enuwa Palace of the Ooni. The event will also serve as a celebration of Ooni Adeyeye’s 51st birthday, marking not only an important personal milestone but also a significant moment of recognition for his unwavering commitment to excellence and philanthropy.

Sources say; Alonge is not leaving any stone unrolled as he has sent invitation to the who is who in Nigeria who have all confirmed their avalability for the epoch making event. He has also paid for top chefs and also other drink and food vendors to ensure the coronation party is a talk of the town. Senators Olamilekan Adeola Yayi, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, Senate President Godswill Akpabio among others will be making their way to honour the newest Chief from the Source.

Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji has unveiled his giant strides and developmental growth since he came into the saddle. He said his administration was committed to making Ekiti the new investment destination.

The governor said his government had undertaken a combination of transformative policy decisions and pushed critical infrastructure development to a new height.

He made this known at the 13th edition of the MARKETING EDGE EDGE awards and dinner held in Lagos. He won the 2025 Grand Prix at the awards.

On advertising development and its relevance to economic growth, Oyebanji said advertising remained a powerful catalyst for economic growth because of its role in stimulating consumer demand for goods and services across the world.

The governor, represented by his Chief of Staff, Mr Niyi Adebayo, disclosed in his key note speech that the ‘world over, advertising remains a powerful catalyst for economic growth, stimulating consumer demand for goods and services, fostering competition among businesses, driving mass production and in the process, lowering costs and prices, and creating jobs.”

He said: ‘From advanced economies to emerging markets, the marketing communication industry plays a critical role in shaping commerce and consumer behaviour. In Nigeria, the marketing communications industry has been even more pivotal to national growth and development.

‘Over the years, practitioners have projected the country’s image and supported the visibility of local businesses, helping to attract investments and position brands for competitiveness. From its humble beginning, advertising in Nigeria has grown into a multi-billion-naira industry.’

Oyebanji noted that ‘Nigeria’s advertising market was valued at N605.2 billion in 2023, with projections pointing to N893 billion by 2028, representing a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 18.7 per cent since 2018. This trajectory highlights the sector’s resilience and its contribution to the broader economy. The figure will be much higher if we factor in public relations, corporate sponsorships, social media influencing and a host of below-the-line marketing spending.’

MARKETING EDGE publisher and the chief organiser of the annual award, Mr. John Ajayi, thanking the Nigerian business community and the marketing and advertising sub-sector of the national economy for their years of support, patronage and acceptability, noted: ‘Every year, we gather to celebrate brands and advertising excellence; you always add colour and grandeur to it by making it a festival of brands and ideas.

‘Without you, this event would not have been this colourful and memorable. Ours have become one of the most anticipated events in the social calendar of the Nigerian integrated marketing communications eco-system.

‘We are gathered here to celebrate the achievements of some of the most successful brands, creative agencies, public service and political brand personalities, talented and dedicated personalities and professionals of distinction and honour across borders.

‘These outstanding personalities, brands, services, businesses and personalities have made significant contributions in different sectors of the economy, and we are grateful for their consistency, hard work and dedication that continue to impact every facet of our national growth and development.’