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As part of activities marking the 2025 World Food Day, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS) on Thursday distributed agricultural inputs to young farmers, school-based clubs, and cooperative groups in Abuja, reaffirming the government’s commitment to ensuring all-year-round food production and inclusivity in the agricultural value chain.

Speaking during the event, Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security said the initiative aligns with the theme of this year’s celebration-‘Hand in Hand for Better Food and a Better Future’-which calls for collaboration among stakeholders to build a food-secure and sustainable future for Nigerians.

The minister noted that the ministry had integrated two key programmes of the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Initiative-the Every Home a Garden and the Young Farmers Club-into the National Urban Agriculture Programme, to encourage household and school-based food production.

‘Yesterday, we visited schools in Kuje and Karshi where these initiatives are being implemented. The Young Farmers Club is helping to raise a new generation of agriculturally minded Nigerians. We are catching them young, and the results are inspiring,’ Abdullahi said.

He commended the creativity of the students, particularly the Young Farmers Club President of Government Secondary School, Karshi, Etobah Fauzia Ibrahim, whose slogan ‘From the Classroom to the Community’ was praised by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) as a message worthy of global adoption.

According to the minister, the distribution of agricultural inputs to schools, women, youth cooperatives, and internally displaced persons (IDPs) demonstrates the inclusiveness of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises youth and women empowerment in agriculture.

‘No one is left behind-women, youths, and persons living with disabilities are all included,’ Abdullahi said. ‘If every family produces what it consumes, the pressure on market prices will reduce, and food affordability will improve.’

He urged beneficiaries to engage in all-year-round farming, highlighting that continuous production, even at the household or community level, is critical to achieving national food and nutrition security.

Beneficiaries included Government Secondary School Karshi, UBE Primary School Kuje, Swofon Gwagwalada Women’s Group, Nasara IDP Farmers Cooperative, and other community-based agricultural groups.

The minister emphasised that agriculture remains a profitable venture when approached with innovation and value addition, citing examples of students who learned how proper packaging and processing could increase profits.

‘Simple value addition can make you earn ten times more. Agriculture is a business, and we must approach it as one,’ he said.

The event also featured participation from the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN), which is implementing the Renewed Hope Agricultural Technology Adoption Programme to modernise school-based and community farming systems.

Abdullahi reaffirmed that the ministry would continue to support initiatives that promote sustainability, inclusivity, and youth participation, noting that Nigeria is ‘already walking the talk’ in the global campaign for a hunger-free world.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has warned that 20 countries in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) are either facing or at high risk of debt distress, underscoring mounting fiscal vulnerabilities across a region still grappling with the fallout of multiple global and domestic shocks.

Speaking at a press conference on the IMF’s October Regional Economic Outlook for sub-Saharan Africa, Abebe Aemro Selassie, Director of the IMF’s African Department, said the high debt levels reflect both the scale of recent economic shocks and underlying structural weaknesses in many SSA economies.

‘Right now we estimate about 20 countries to be in a situation of high risk of debt distress,’ Selassie said. ‘This comprises about 14 countries at high risk of debt distress and another six in actual debt distress.’

This assessment comes as policymakers and international financial institutions continue discussions at the 2025 Annual Meetings of the IMF and World Bank.

The meetings are taking place amid rising concerns about the sustainability of public finances in a region where borrowing costs remain elevated, revenue bases are narrow, and access to external financing is tightening.

Selassie emphasised that the path to resolving these vulnerabilities must begin with growth-enhancing reforms, including domestic revenue mobilisation and more efficient public spending.

‘This is exactly why reforms are needed, first and foremost of course is trying to put in place the reforms that will encourage higher economic growth,’ he said.

The IMF official acknowledged the efforts of many African governments to invest in infrastructure, health, and education over the past decade. However, he noted that the expected returns from such investments have not been adequately captured through tax systems or productivity gains.

‘One area where we have not done as well is capturing the rate of return on all of these investments through the tax system,’ Selassie said. ‘We see potential, we see scope for revenue mobilisation. But this mobilisation has to go hand in hand with showing that the money that is being collected is being used for the right reasons, for the right purposes.’

Selassie also addressed growing public discontent with tax regimes in parts of the region, noting that citizens often associate high tax burdens with poor public services. He stressed the importance of building trust through transparency, efficient spending, and curbing corruption.

Beyond fiscal reform, the IMF flagged illicit financial flows as a persistent drag on revenue collection and financial stability. According to Selassie, these flows-ranging from trade misinvoicing to tax evasion and outright corruption-must be tackled through tailored reforms.

‘The way to tackle this is to identify what the source of the particular flows are and tackle them through reforms,’ he said, calling for a differentiated and targeted approach to stem capital flight and leakages.

While some countries, such as Nigeria, have begun to see positive signals from recent policy shifts, including tighter monetary policy and exchange rate reforms, Selassie warned that the economic recovery remains fragile. Inflation may be decelerating, he said, but the cost of living crisis is still deeply felt across the continent.

‘There’s been a level shift in inflation and this is not unique to our countries,’ he said. ‘But it is particularly biting in our countries exactly because this cost of living crisis has hit our people way more than others, with limited capacity to perhaps withstand this shock.’

The IMF’s latest regional outlook urges African governments to accelerate structural reforms and improve fiscal governance to navigate a challenging global environment and preserve hard-won development gains.

The National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE) has condemned claims made by Senator Orji Uzor Kalu during a plenary session of the National Assembly, alleging that some pilots in Nigeria smoke Indian hemp and operate aircraft while under the influence of drugs.

NAAPE, in a statement signed by Blessing Ahmadu, Public Relations Officer, NAAPE, said the body categorically and emphatically refutes the broad allegation that Nigerian pilots routinely fly under the influence of narcotics.

‘These baseless claims, which constitute a malicious attack on the professionalism, integrity, and reputation of Nigerian aviation professionals, are not only false but represent a dangerous misrepresentation of the rigorous safety standards that govern Nigerian aviation operations.

‘As the professional body representing all licensed pilots and aircraft engineers in Nigeria, NAAPE considers safety as the foremost priority in all aspects of aviation practice. Every pilot in the country is bound by strict regulatory, medical, and ethical standards established by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), in line with International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) requirements,’ Ahmadu said.

She stated that these standards prohibit the use of any psychoactive substances and subject pilots to regular and random drug and alcohol testing as part of their medical certification and recurrent assessment processes.

‘ We also express our confidence in the safety oversight functions of the NCAA and its leadership, whose consistent enforcement of global best practices continues to uphold the integrity of the Nigerian aviation system,’ she added.

Ahmadu noted that it is inaccurate and misleading to suggest that pilots routinely engage in drug use or report to duty under the influence of such substances.

‘Aviation operations in Nigeria involve multiple layers of oversight, including pre-flight medical checks, recurrent simulator training, random toxicology screening, and continuous monitoring by both operators and regulators.

‘The suggestion that aircraft are being flown by intoxicated pilots undermines public confidence and the hard-earned integrity of Nigerian aviation professionals,’ she explained.

She further notes that Nigeria’s air transport sector remains one of the safest in Africa, a record sustained through strict adherence to international safety standards and continuous professional development, adding that any isolated case of misconduct by an individual, if established, is swiftly met with disciplinary and regulatory action by the relevant authorities.

Ahmadu said members undergo some of the most rigorous medical, psychological, and professional screening anywhere in the world.

‘To broadly generalise and suggest that Nigerian pilots operate aircraft while under the influence of drugs is not only false but deeply unfair to the thousands of disciplined professionals who dedicate their lives to ensuring safe skies. We take great pride in our safety record and remain committed to maintaining the highest standards of professionalism.’

The body called on Senator Kalu to immediately substantiate his claims with verifiable evidence presented to the appropriate statutory government agencies, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), or issue an unreserved public withdrawal and apology to the nation’s aviators.

Transcorp Hotels Plc, the hospitality subsidiary of Transnational Corporation Plc, has reaffirmed its leadership in African luxury hospitality with an exceptional triple win at the globally renowned Seven Star Luxury Awards, the definitive benchmark of excellence in the international luxury hospitality industry.

The company earned three distinguished awards, underscoring its dominance across the business, events, and leadership categories.

The three awards are: Best Luxury Business Hotel (Nigeria and Africa) ; Best Luxury Event and Conference Centre (Nigeria and Africa) and Best CEO of the Year – Uzoamaka Oshogwe, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, for her transformative leadership and visionary growth strategy

The recognitions affirm Transcorp Hotels Plc’s unmatched capacity to deliver premium, end-to-end hospitality experiences for business, diplomatic, and lifestyle clientele across the continent. The recognition of the company’s CEO alongside its flagship properties reflects the strength of an organisation where bold vision meets operational excellence.

Speaking on the awards, Uzoamaka Oshogwe, MD/CEO of Transcorp Hotels Plc, said: ‘These awards are more than symbols of success. They represent a shared commitment to redefining African hospitality. At Transcorp Hotels, we continue to push boundaries, invest in innovation, and position Nigeria as a global destination for world-class business and leisure experiences.’

The Seven Star Luxury Awards celebrate the pinnacle of achievement in the global luxury and lifestyle industries, honouring brands that exemplify excellence, innovation, and sustained impact.

With the wins, Transcorp Hotels Plc continues to set the pace for luxury hospitality in Africa, strengthening its reputation as the home of excellence through its flagship assets – Transcorp Hilton Abuja, Aura by Transcorp Hotels, and the newly launched Transcorp Event Centre.

Over the past two decades, Ezinne Nnebocha has built a reputation as one of the most respected engineers and technology leaders in the global oil and gas industry. Her story reflects a rare balance of technical depth, industry service, and people-centered leadership.

With more than 21 years of experience, Ezinne has worked across Africa, the Middle East, and North America – shaping how technology, data, and human insight come together to advance the energy sector’s transformation.

‘Leadership in energy today isn’t about how much we produce,’ she says.

‘It’s about how intelligently and sustainably we do it – and how well we prepare the people who make it happen.’

Professional journey

Ezinne began her career in Nigeria as a Production Engineer, solving field-level challenges in well performance, completions design, and production optimization. Over time, she transitioned through roles in production technology, reservoir management, sand control, and digital integration, combining technical precision with commercial perspective.

She became known for her ability to bridge engineering detail with business strategy, guiding multidisciplinary teams to deliver solutions that improve both efficiency and profitability.

‘Innovation only matters when it makes a difference – to operations, to people, and to how we think about performance and safety,’ Ezinne reflects.

Her professional growth has been as much about people as technology – coaching teams, building shared standards, and fostering an inclusive culture of collaboration and continuous learning.

Global role in technology leadership

In her current global capacity at SLB (formerly Schlumberger), Ezinne plays a pivotal role in advancing production systems technology integration. She leads multi-regional teams that align innovation strategies across continents – linking predictive analytics, digital twins, and intelligent completions with real-world production challenges.

Her leadership philosophy emphasizes balance: global consistency combined with local adaptability. At the ASME Digital Transformation in Oil and Gas (DTOG) 2024 Conference, she delivered a plenary address on connecting digital intelligence with human decision-making – a topic that mirrors her broader leadership philosophy.

Early stage of career

Ezinne began her career in Nigeria as a Production Engineer, working on field development planning studies and production optimization projects. Within a few years, her career expanded beyond Nigeria, giving her the opportunity to work across the African continent, the Middle East, and the Gulf of the Americas – experiences that broadened both her technical scope and cultural perspective.

Ezinne combines rigorous engineering with creativity, delivering projects that enhanced

well performance, improved production efficiency, and reduced downtime. Her early work built a strong foundation in practical problem-solving and cross-disciplinary collaboration.

Those formative field experiences also shaped her people-first philosophy – a belief that innovation succeeds best when teams are empowered, informed, and connected.

Ezinne Nnebocha as a thought leader

Beyond her operational expertise, Ezinne is recognized as a teacher, author, and mentor. Her scholarly articles – listed publicly on Scholar GPS – explore production optimization, completions design, and sustainable field development.

She is also deeply involved in capacity building and technical training, bridging the gap between academia and industry through knowledge-sharing initiatives and professional mentorship.

‘Knowledge shared is knowledge multiplied,’ she often says.

‘When we mentor others, we strengthen the foundation of the industry itself.’

Professional presence and industry influence

Ezinne’s influence extends well beyond the companies and teams she has led. She has been a speaker and contributor at major global energy platforms, consistently advocating for innovation, inclusion, and collaboration in the sector.

Below is a list of some instances where Ezinne has spoken to global audiences, sharing her experience and vision for the future of energy:

ASME DTOG 2024: Plenary address on integrating digital technologies in mature assets.

Namibia International Energy Conference (2023): Panelist on Namibia’s roadmap for a just and inclusive energy transition.

Angola Oil and Gas Conference (2022): Discussant on service company competitiveness and local capacity building.

Mozambique Gas and Energy Summit (2022): Speaker on innovation, technology, and regional energy partnerships.

INSEAD GEMBA Commencement (2022): Guest address on leadership, resilience, and authenticity.

Each of these engagements highlights her commitment to advancing thought leadership in the global energy community – using her platform to promote technical excellence, regional development, and the power of shared knowledge.

Looking ahead

As the global energy sector evolves, Ezinne’s focus remains on digital transformation, operational excellence, and workforce empowerment. She is passionate about helping organizations embrace innovation responsibly – balancing efficiency with sustainability, and technology with human insight.

‘The future of energy will be built by people who combine systems thinking

with empathy,’ she notes.

‘Our best innovations are the ones that improve both performance and lives.’

Conclusion

From her early fieldwork in Nigeria to the international stage, Ezinne Nnebocha embodies the evolution of modern energy leadership. Her career blends engineering expertise, global perspective, and an unwavering commitment to people and progress.

Through her work, mentorship, and public voice, she continues to shape a more connected, informed, and inclusive future for the energy industry.

Nigeria is taking another step toward becoming an AI-ready nation, as the federal government has partnered with Google and Apolitical to launch the Government AI Campus.

This is a global learning initiative designed to equip public servants with the knowledge and tools to apply artificial intelligence (AI) in governance and public service delivery.

Backed by Google and facilitated through the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy (FMCIDE), the initiative is focused on building the capacity of civil service leaders to drive digital transformation across ministries, departments, and agencies.

Through the AI Campus, participants will access practical online courses, expert-led masterclasses, and global peer-learning opportunities. The training curriculum explores AI fundamentals, strategic leadership, and the ethical use of AI in public service, ensuring that the adoption process is responsible and inclusive.

Bosun Tijani, minister of communications, innovation and digital economy, speaking at the launch, said the initiative reflects the government’s commitment to integrating AI into everyday governance.

‘Artificial intelligence has the potential to redefine how public institutions operate, enhance decision-making, and improve service delivery for citizens. We are investing in building public servants’ fluency with AI so it becomes integral to administrative and service-delivery processes,’ he noted.

‘This aligns with Nigeria’s broader digital economy agenda, which prioritizes innovation, inclusion, and efficiency in public governance,’ Tijani said.

For Google, the collaboration goes beyond providing technical expertise, as Olumide Balogun, Google’s Director for West Africa, noted that the company’s goal is to empower the Nigerian public sector with both the knowledge and the mindset required to embrace digital transformation.

‘AI-driven governance has the potential to deliver smarter solutions, better social outcomes, and greater inclusiveness across communities. By supporting this initiative, we’re helping Nigeria build a more digitally competent and future-ready government workforce,’ Balogun said.

Chris Ferguson, vice-president at Apolitical, emphasised the importance of structured learning for successful AI adoption in the public sector. ‘For AI to truly transform governance, civil servants must not only understand the technology but also know how to lead with it.

‘This program is designed to help them develop the leadership and technical capacity to steer Nigeria’s digital transformation with confidence,’ Ferguson said.

Super Falcons and Brighton and Hove Albion goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie has been nominated for the 2025 CAF Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year Award.

The 24-year-old Nigerian shot-stopper played a crucial role in Nigeria’s record-extending 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) triumph in 2024, where her commanding performances between the posts helped the Super Falcons reclaim continental glory. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) on Friday unveiled the nominees for the 2025 CAF Awards, with Nigeria earning multiple nominations across various categories.

Nnadozie, who won the inaugural Goalkeeper of the Year award in 2023 and successfully defended it in 2024, is widely tipped as the favourite to claim the honour for a third consecutive year following another stellar season for club and country. Her consistency has also gained global recognition; she recently finished fourth in the 2025 Ballon d’Or Women’s Goalkeeper rankings, further cementing her place among the world’s elite.

In other categories, the Super Falcons and U-17 Flamingos were both nominated for Women’s National Team of the Year, while Bayelsa Queens earned a spot in the Women’s Club of the Year category.

Nigeria’s Shakirat Moshood was listed among the Women’s Young Player of the Year nominees, while Super Falcons coaches Justine Madugu and Bankole Olowookere (Flamingos) are in contention for Women’s Coach of the Year.

Meanwhile, Rasheedat Ajibade and Esther Okoronkwo were shortlisted for CAF Women’s Player of the Year, rounding off another strong showing for Nigerian women’s football on the continental stage.

The Media Rights Agenda (MRA) has condemned the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for demanding over ?1.5 billion as the cost of providing a copy of the national register of voters and the list of polling units across the country, describing the demand as an attempt to frustrate a legitimate Freedom of Information (FOI) request and undermine transparency.

In a statement issued on Thursday in Lagos, Edetaen Ojo, executive director, MRA said INEC’s action amounts to ‘weaponising cost to deny public access to vital electoral information,’ stressing that the register and polling unit data are essential tools for civil society, political parties, election observers, and the media to monitor electoral processes.

The controversy followed a letter from INEC dated October 13, 2025, and signed by its Secretary, Rose Oriaran-Anthony, in response to an FOI request submitted by V.C. Ottackpukpu and Associates on October 8, 2025. INEC reportedly demanded ?1,505,901,750 as the cost of processing and releasing the requested documents.

Ojo faulted the charge as ‘excessive, prohibitive and unlawful,’ insisting that Section 8(1) of the FOI Act restricts fees to ‘standard charges for document duplication and transcription.’ He argued that the ?1.5 billion cost cannot be justified as a duplication fee, calling it a deliberate attempt to make public data inaccessible.

He recalled that the Attorney-General’s FOI Implementation Guidelines, issued by former AGF, Mohammed Adoke (SAN), limit photocopying or printing charges to a maximum of ?10 per page. ‘The list of 93.4 million registered voters and 176,846 polling units could not reasonably amount to over ?1.5 billion at the legally permissible rate,’ he said. Ojo also cited the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights Guidelines on Access to Information and Elections in Africa, which obligate election management bodies to proactively disclose voters’ rolls and related data.

He maintained that such information is already digitised and centrally stored by INEC, making the actual cost of reproduction negligible. According to him, INEC’s response ‘sends a wrong signal that the Commission prioritizes bureaucracy over transparency and accountability.’ Warning that the move sets a ‘dangerous precedent,’ Ojo said it could embolden other government agencies to impose prohibitive charges that defeat the purpose of the FOI Act.

MRA therefore urged INEC to immediately withdraw the fee and release the requested information either free of charge or in accordance with the legally approved FOI fee structure, emphasising that access to public records is fundamental to democratic transparency.

Squared Financial, a leading global multi-asset broker, was recognized as the ‘Forex Trading Platform of the Year’ at the highly coveted BusinessDay Banks and Other Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards. The glamorous award ceremony was held on Saturday, October 11, 2025, at the Lagos Continental Hotel.

The BAFI Awards, widely regarded as the benchmark for excellence in Nigeria’s financial services industry, bestowed the honour upon Squared Financial for its outstanding contributions to the trading landscape. The award acknowledges a year of significant achievements centred on technological innovation, superior client support, and a steadfast commitment to empowering Nigerian traders.

Key achievements that led to this prestigious recognition include:

? Technological Superiority: The deployment of a robust, state-of-the-art trading platform renowned for its rapid execution speeds, exceptional stability, and user-friendly interface across both web and mobile devices. This ensures a seamless and reliable trading experience for clients.

? Commitment to Education: A comprehensive suite of educational resources, including regular webinars, market analysis, and training, aimed at fostering financial literacy and helping traders make informed decisions. This aligns with the company’s mission to not only provide access but also to share knowledge.

The news came out of Aso Rock the other day that Herbert Olayinka Samuel Heelas Badmus Macaulay, a man with several fond soubriquets, including ‘Ejò n’gboro’ (‘green snake on the loose’) has finally received executive pardon from the President of Nigeria for ‘crimes’ committed a century ago.

He had disputed the charges and averred that they were designed by the colonial authorities to destroy him politically. And they did, almost. He would have sat on the Lagos Legislative Council from 1923 onwards without the conviction, and who knew what could have happened subsequently on the national scene, after he co-founded and led the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC)? His grip on the party, with the massive support of Lagos elites and the financial muscle of Madam Pelewura and her Market Women, would have been unshakable, with eyes bent towards eventually becoming leader of Nigeria, in the manner that his deputy Nnamdi Azikiwe eventually did. The story of Politics in Nigeria would have been different, perhaps.

‘He was convicted of embezzlement and sentenced to five years imprisonment – a harsh punishment, according to historian Patrick Dele Cole.’

After studying the UK and becoming Nigeria’s first Surveyor, Macaulay joined the colonial service as ‘Surveyor of Crown Lands’ in 1893.

A growing disgruntlement with colonial rule led him to resign in 1898, opting for private practice, which became quite lucrative. He was responsible for the construction of some of the stately houses on the Marina and Broad Street, including Alex Taylor’s house and the Tinubu mansion of his then friend, Henry Carr.

His relationship with the colonial government and its agents became increasingly sour.

In1913, Macaulay was arraigned in court, charged with tampering with the willed inheritance of his niece, for which he was an executor. His explanation that he took a loan to cover certain debts owed by the deceased was rejected, even though the beneficiaries of the Will did not complain.

He was convicted of embezzlement and sentenced to five years imprisonment – a harsh punishment, according to historian Patrick Dele Cole. He founded one of the earliest political parties, the Nigerian National Democratic Party (NNDP) and fielded candidates for elections in the Lagos Legislative Council, winning all the seats.

He was very involved in matters concerning the traditional institution of Èkó.

According to the recent book PELEWURA, Oba Esugbayi Eleko ascended the throne at Iga Idunganran in 1901. He had frequent run-ins with Governor Egerton and his successors over various issues, as he sought to protect his authority and what he perceived as the interests of his people.

A crisis arose when a local Idejo chief named Amodu Tijani took the government to court over ownership of indigenous land. After losing the case in the colonial court in Lagos, he appealed to the Privy Council, the highest court in the British Empire. There, to the chagrin of the Lagos government, he won a famous victory.

Macaulay had accompanied the litigant to England, ostensibly as a translator. He was sighted with the staff of the office of Eleko in different parts of London. To cap it, he gave an interview to the London Daily Mail in which he criticized the government of Nigeria for disrespecting and under-paying the Oba of Lagos. He ensured a copy of the publication got to the Governor’s table back in Lagos.

Predictably, Hugh Clifford, Governor-General of Nigeria, sitting in Lagos House, was incandescent with rage. Henry Carr, Macaulay’s erstwhile friend, who had by now become the first indigenous Head of the nascent Nigerian Civil Service, wrote a rude letter to Esugbayi Eleko, instructing him to get a town-crier to go round Lagos denouncing Macaulay. Eleko refused.

In 1925, Eleko was deposed and sent into exile in Oyo.

It was a tumultuous time in Lagos, and Macaulay was in the thick of it. The people went to court.

When the High Court in Lagos upheld the government’s position, the people of Lagos employed a top-notch King’s Counsel, and appealed to the Privy Council in London.

The Privy Council instructed that the matter be examined again in Lagos. Again, the Lagos court decided in favour of the government.

Again, Lagosians headed to the Privy Council.

This time the Privy Council directed the government to find a political solution.

The only solution possible was to reinstate Esugbayi.

It was a humiliating climb down for His Majesty’s colonial government.

Lagos was agog. A rumour circulated on the streets that government agents would detonate gunpowder hidden in a ship at Marina harbour when Oba Esugbayi made his imminent return from exile. Macaulay’s tabloid – The Lagos News splashed the rumour on its pages.

He was arrested, tried for sedition, and sentenced to six months with hard labour in Broad Street prison.

Esugbayi Eleko eventually returned to Iga Idunganran in triumph. At the gate, he burst into song, praising Macaulay.

Macaulay went on to lead the NCNC- the first pan-Nigerian political party. To sensitise the nation, he went on a national tour, starting with a rally in Lagos hosted by his allies – Pelewura’s Market Women’s Association.

It is fitting to close the story with a snippet of the unfriendly exchange between two high-flying ?m? Èkó – Macaulay the radical ex-convict, maverick ‘Babalawo’, and descendant of Bishop Samuel Ajayi Crowther, and his contemporary, the erudite conservative, ‘black white man’ and pillar of the Establishment, Head of the Nigerian Civil Service, pioneer of Girls’ Education in Nigeria, and first Chancellor of Lagos Anglican Diocese, Henry Carr. Both wanted, at heart, the same thing – the emergence of a great Nigeria for future generations.

Henry Carr: ‘(Macaulay).is a crooked mind and a dangerous fool.’

Macaulay: (After viciously demarketing Carr’s parentage in ‘Lagos News’) ‘.Henry Carr must go!’

Herbert Macaulay died in his bed at Kirsten Hall, off Broad Street, after being brought back ill from the NCNC national tour. He was aged eighty-one.

He would smile contentedly through his moustache, hearing of the pardon from President Tinubu, almost a century after his suffering in Broad Street prison.