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‘A brand for a company is like a reputation for a person. You earn reputation by trying to do hard things well.’ – Jeff Bezos In organisations, a brand is synonymous with the name, design, symbol, or any other features that distinguish a firm and #39;s products or services from those of its competitors and creates a unique identity in the minds of customers. Succinctly and saliently stretching it further, it could be amplified in the company’s logo, mission statement, visual presence, and customer service, with the intent and purpose of creating a value and competitive edge. Frankly speaking, branding is seemingly a matter of the perception etched in the minds of customers.

In affirming this notion, Walter Landor, renowned brand designer, opined that ‘products are made in a factory but brands are created in the mind.’ This author concurs with this statement in toto!

In politics and governance, branding could be certainly complex and complicated. In the context and content of leadership praxis, pattern and paradigm, followers view leaders based on their approaches or styles. However, in most cases, followers arrive at a convergence or confluence depending on the lens utilised in viewing leaders. Hence, leaders are classified in leadership research or practice as strategic, servant, transformational, transactional, inclusive, laissez-faire, ethical, exemplary, autocratic, etc.

BAO’s begining

‘You can’t build a reputation on what you are going to do.’ – Henry Ford Reminiscing the epochal event of 16th October 2022, in the land of honour, it will be precisely 3 years that His Excellency, Mr. Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji (BAO) has been in the saddle as the Governor of Ekiti State of Nigeria. This write-up will endeavour to appraise and assess the administration of Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, popularly referred to by his teeming admirers and adherents as BAO. Ab initio, BAO at his inauguration, at the historic Ekiti Parapo Pavilion, Ado Ekiti, as the Governor stated inter alia: ‘My vision is for Ekiti State to be a land of prosperity, opportunity, peace and progress .. For this vision to be actualised we need to focus on a roadmap to get there.’ The famous American legendary founder of Ford Motor Company, Henry Ford, has a word for Oyebanji in his avowed trajectory towards the ‘shared prosperity’ mantra of his administration. It is ingrained in the innate mien of Ford

that ‘you can’t build a reputation on what you are going to do.’ In line with this, like the

English man is wont and wired to state that the proof of the pudding is in the eating. Has

BAO’s administration been living up to its billing in this trajectory? How far has he been

seen or perceived by the teeming Ekitikete as making his word his bond taking cognizance of his social contract with the people at his inauguration to justify the mandate bequeathed to him at the poll of 18th June 2022?

BAO: being better?

It is instructive, at this juncture, going on a memory lane to the outset of BAO’s

administration, specifically, October 2022. Perhaps it is going to be a wake-up call to

armchair critics of his brand. It is good to be engaged in robust and rugged critique. However, damning denial and denigrating personality and performance of an incumbent Governor is never a good ethical politicking in any clan, community or country. This author with calm reminiscence recollected the state of infrastructure in Ekiti in his publication in the Nation newspaper as a columnist way back on 13th October 2024. He wrote inter alia: ‘Moreover, prior to the inauguration of Oyebanji as the governor, mostly all arterial link roads entering and exiting Ekiti via Kwara, Kogi, Osun and Ondo were seemingly impassable .’ BAO had to shuttle between Abuja and Ado Ekiti engaging NASS members, notably the Senate Leader, Distinguished Senator Michael Opeyemi Bamidele, and relevant heads of federal agencies to come to the rescue of Ekiti. His government was earnest in renovating, repairing and reconstructing many roads as the case may be. Presently, Ado to Ikere is being reconstructed by the Federal Ministry of Works at a steady pace; Ado to Ijan to Ikare is ongoing, albeit, at a slow pace; awarded by the same Federal Ministry of Works. The incumbent Ekiti State Government, as we speak, has awarded road contracts up to N200 billion! There are 7 such roads awaiting commissioning this month of October 2025 to mark the 3rd anniversary of BAO in Ekiti. In essence, the words of Jeff Bezos, the founder and CEO of Amazon, owner of The Washington Post, is being corroborated: ‘a brand for a company is like a reputation for a person. You earn reputation by trying to do hard things well.’ Without gainsaying it, Oyebanji is doing well in accomplishing his government’s 6 Strategic Actionable Pillars as enunciated in his inaugural address. These Pillars are: Youth Development and Job Creation; Human Capital Development; Agriculture and Rural Development; Infrastructure and Industrialisation; Arts, Culture and Tourism; and Governance.

BAO: brand builder

It is worthy to consider this treatise on brandishing BAO’S brand focusing on the words of Jason Hartman, the founder and CEO of Platinum Properties Investor Network: ‘your personal brand is a promise to your clients. a promise of quality, consistency, competency, and reliability.’ Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji (BAO) signed a social contract with Ekitikete on the 16th October 2022. It was to deliver on his 6 Strategic Actionable Pillars. How far has he gone in the trajectory? It is instructive before answering this question to ponder on what the key aspects of a brand are, if indeed Oyebanji is crafting or creating one in the Ekiti politically landscape! In all the 177 Wards of Ekiti, synonymous with the MTN brand, ‘everywhere you go’, the acronym of Oyebanji’s name: BAO is virtually on all lips! Definitively, and in a distinct manner, Governor Oyebanji, in his uncommon mien is rightfully positioned to clinch the 2nd term ticket of the ruling party, the APC. In the light of the aforementioned, can one objectively infer without mincing words, that BAO is building a brand that has a unique value proposition that possesses identity, differentiation, communication, elements, and value creation? The reality on ground in Ekiti will speak for itself in the coming days.

BAO’S building bonding

It would be recollected, during the 2025 budget process, that he muted to his esteemed Executive Members (Cabinet) that in the 2026 Budget that his administration having passed the mid-term would be focusing on agribusiness, welfare of the people and completing certain critical and core infrastructure. These are the government’s priorities. BAO set his face in similitude to the biblical flint. The output was that there was massive harvest of farm produce in all nooks and crannies of Ekiti. What is the outcome? It was elating and

gratifying to read that Ekiti State has the lowest food price index in all the states in the southwest of Nigeria in the 3rd quarter of 2025. This is the first time in decades. Food prices in Ado Ekiti, the state capital, used to be the highest in the southwest. Arriving here was not a joke! The state helmsman put together a Food Security Committee comprising of members of his cabinet who brainstormed on the way forwarded headed by the indefatigable and innovative Honourable Commissioner of Agriculture and Food Security, Mr. Ebenezer Boluwade. This writer is also a member of the committee. More on this another day for other states to glean and learn from. Moreover, there are 7 road projects completed and awaiting commissioning for this 3rd anniversary. In addition, there are 5 General Hospitals completed with a state-of-the-art equipment in Ifaki, Ilawe, Efon Alaaye, Ayede and Okemesi. The ‘Bring The Youths Back Into Agriculture’ programme is working well in Ekiti contributing greatly to the Youth Development and Job Creation Pillar of the dministration. BAO is not paying lip service to Agribusiness. There are Young Farmers’ dormitories already completed in Ikere, Iyemero and Eporo. These agricultural programmes, including numerous cluster farms, are laudable projects spanning the 3 Senatorial Districts of Ekiti State.

In summary, Ekiti DASHBOARD is live! This can be accessed via the link:

www.spms.ek.gov.ng This is first strategic pillar monitoring system in any sub-national in Nigeria. Lagos State Government in partnership with the World Bank sponsored this writer with others in 2014 to the Kerala State of India that has a functioning dashboard depicting all critical projects of that state.

There was opportunity to replicate it in Lagos.

It did not happen for one reason or the other. However, this author shared this laudable idea with Governor Oyebanji.

He gave his nod and today there are up to 722 projects initiated by this administration uploaded with detailed descriptions containing cost, location, pictures, video clips, status, etc.

There are some completed and others ongoing. Going forward, all government interventions – programmes and projects – will be onboarded with feedback mechanism incorporated in the Ekiti Dashboard for Ekitikete anywhere in the world to access and make feedback. The Dashboard is an initiative of the Office of Transformation and Service Delivery (OTSD). It is therefore heartwarming that Ekiti is rated high in transparency among the states in Nigeria and also the safest to live and do business. Indeed, BAO is brandishing his brand worthily walking the talk by doing what he says he will do. The duo of leadership scholars and authors, Jim Kouzes and Barry Posner, in their legendary treatise, full of research conducted in all continents of the world, pinpointed exemplary leadership on leaders who stand tall with the moniker: ‘Do What You Say You Will Do (DWYSYWD).’ This is the hallmark of exemplary leadership inherent in BAO as he confidently marches forward with great expectation to securing the 2nd term mandate of his party – the All Progressive Congress (APC), in the June 20, 2026, gubernatorial election in Ekiti State.

The Senate has scheduled the screening of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s nominee for the position of chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan, SAN, for Thursday.

This was disclosed in a statement on Wednesday by the Director of Information at the National Assembly, Bullah Audu Bi-Allah.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio had on Tuesday referred Amupitan’s screening to the Committee of the Whole, with earlier indications suggesting it would be conducted at the next legislative sitting.

The statement reads, ‘The Office of the Secretary Research and Information wishes to notify members of the Press and the general public that the Senate will, tomorrow, Thursday, 16th October, 2025, conduct the screening of the nominee of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR , Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan SAN, as Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

‘The exercise is scheduled to hold at the Senate Chamber, National Assembly Complex.

‘Members of the Senate Press Corps are kindly requested to provide their usual media coverage and support to ensure adequate dissemination of information to the public.

‘Similarly, Television stations are expected to extend the usual courtesies of providing live coverage of the event.

‘The Directorate appreciates your continued cooperation and professional coverage of National Assembly activities.’

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, has said Nigeria is developing indigenous capabilities to neutralise contemporary security threats.

Akume spoke yesterday at the Second Annual Defence Research and Development Bureau (DRDB) Seminar and Exhibition 2025 at the National Defence College in Abuja.

Represented by the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, the SGF said research and development in the defence sector is no longer an option but an imperative for the nation’s survival, stability, and leadership on the African continent.

According to the SGF, in today’s rapidly evolving global environment and changing nature of warfare, national interests are projected through national power, underpinned by military strength, supported by research, technological advancements, innovation, and the sophistication of operational platforms.

He noted that numerous global examples demonstrate that the most secure countries are those that have advanced defense technologies, including cyber defense, unmanned systems, and artificial intelligence.

Akume said: ‘For Nigeria, research and development in the defence sector is no longer an option but an imperative for our survival, stability, and leadership on the African continent. We are compelled to keep pace with global trends by developing indigenous capabilities that can neutralize contemporary threats.

‘Through the work of the Defence Research and Development Bureau, Nigeria should demonstrate the capacity to harness local talent, indigenous knowledge, abundant natural resources and technological innovation to provide solutions that reduce reliance on external sources.’

The SGF cited the Ezugwu Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle, designed by DICON in collaboration with the Nigerian Army’s Command Engineering Depot, as a prime example of Nigeria’s investment in research and innovation paying off.

The Nigerian-made armoured vehicle has been battle-tested in the Northeast, proving that Nigerian ingenuity can produce world-class military hardware.

He stressed that similar feats included the development of indigenous Tsaigumi unmanned aerial vehicle (2018), recognised as Nigeria’s first indigenous operational drone for Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance.

‘These achievements strengthen our sovereignty by lessening our dependence on foreign arms and technology. When we build what we need, we control our destiny,’ Akume said.

The SGF emphasised that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda recognises security, a robust economy, and national unity as core elements for achieving development aspirations.

He noted that in line with this vision, the Tinubu administration has taken bold steps to enhance the capabilities and capacity of military institutions and personnel.

‘This is reflected in the huge investments in military technology, fighting platforms, training of personnel, establishment of specialised military institutions, establishment of new brigades and units.

‘He has similarly enhanced the daily allowances for military rations as well as post-retirement benefits for members of the armed forces,’ Akume said.

The SGF stated that the Defence Research and Development Bureau (DRDB), established in 2022, is a forward-thinking initiative aimed at providing strategic direction for self-reliance in defense and security, and has become a catalyst for our military-industrial complex, poised to transform Nigeria from a consumer of foreign military technology to a self-sufficient producer, potentially earning much-needed foreign exchange through international sales.

‘This second annual seminar affords us the opportunity to assess, showcase, and project the critical role of research and innovation in advancing our national defence and security policy and It similarly underscores the fact that knowledge and innovation remain the bedrock of a robust home grown national defence strategy, projection of our national power and the demonstration of our commitment to a safer and more secure Nigeria.

‘We shall also acquire the power of deterrence,’ Akume said.

The SGF highlighted areas where the current administration would support DRDB in achieving this vision.

He said these include adequate investment in security and defense infrastructure; building high-quality human capital through public-private partnerships; promoting research and collaboration across tertiary institutions; promoting indigenous technology; and establishing governance systems and structures that reward ingenuity and encourage calculated risk-taking on new ideas.

Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has sacked Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Samson Osagie.

He was among the first persons to be sworn in as commissioner immediately the governor assumed office.

No reason was given for his sack.

Speculations have been rife that Osagie would soon been kicked out of Okpebholo’s executive council (exco) after Prof. Roland Otaru was nominated as commissioner.

The sacking of Osagie was yet to be announced, but his name was missing on the list of commissioners released after the governor sworn in new commissioners.

Besides the sacking of Osagie, Governor Okpebholo also increased ministries to 28.

A statement by Secretary to the State Government, Musa Ikhilor, said the increment was to ‘ensure the seamless alignment of the governor’s SHINE Agenda with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

It said the restructuring was aimed to enhance administrative efficiency, improve coordination across critical sectors and strengthen the capacity of government to deliver effectively on its mandate to the people of Edo State.

According to the statement, ‘in view of this strategic positioning, the governor has approved the creation of additional ministries and the revival of some defunct ones, bringing the total number of ministries in Edo State to 28.

On the list, no commissioner was assigned to the Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy. Felix Akhabue was assigned to the Ministry of Works, Andrew Ijegbai was assigned to the Ministry of Mining, Prince Kassim Afegbua was assigned to the Ministry of Information and Strategy, while Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Paul Ohonbamu, was redeployed to the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.

Omoh Anabor was deployed to the Ministry of Business, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jerry Uwangue was assigned to the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security and Prof. Omorodion Ikponwosa was assigned to the Ministry of Livestock Development.

The Ministry of Environment and Sustainability has Nosa Adamsnas as its commissioner, Dr. Cyril Oshiomhole and Dr. Paddy Iyamu were retained in the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Education.

Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development has Dr. Lucky Eseigbe as its commissioner, Ministry of Lands and Housing has Yakubu Oshiorenua Musa, Ohimai Ehijimetor is the commissioner in Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy, Etin-Osa Ogbeiwi was assigned Ministry of Science and Technology

and Dr. Washington Osifo was retained in the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation.

Osagie thanked Governor Okpebholo for giving him the opportunity to serve.

The Senate yesterday constituted a 12-man ad hoc committee to advise it on how to respond to growing international concerns over alleged state-backed persecution of Christians in Nigeria.

The resolution of the Senate followed its deliberations during a closed-door session, where lawmakers debated on recent claims by the United States Government suggesting possible acts of genocide against Christians in some parts of the country.

The Senate’s move also followed increasing diplomatic scrutiny and the potential implications of such allegations on Nigeria’s international reputation and interfaith relations.

Members of the committee include: Senators Victor Umeh, Yemi Adaramodu, Aniekan Bassey, Niyi Adegbonmire, Abdul Ningi, and Titus Zam.

Others are: Senators Tony Nwoye, Mohammed Tahir Munguno, and Asuquo Ekpenyong.

The committee has been tasked with developing a comprehensive position paper for presentation to both the Executive and the Senate.

The committee is expected to come up with a document that would shape Nigeria’s legislative stance on the matter and guide its engagement in ongoing international discussions.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who made the declaration, noted that the position paper must be backed with verifiable facts and statistics.

The Red Chamber resolved to engage with the United States Congress to address and counter what it described as misleading narratives portraying the country’s security challenges as a Christian genocide.

The decision followed a motion moved by Senator Ali Ndume (Borno South) last week, which sparked a broader debate among lawmakers on the international perception of Nigeria’s internal security issues.

During deliberations, lawmakers had expressed concern that such narratives, though often arising from genuine concern, are grossly misinforming international partners and damaging Nigeria’s global image and economy.

Akpabio mooted the idea that an ad hoc committee be set up to visit the United States and directly engage with American lawmakers to clarify the situation.

The Senate President stressed the need for private discussions, suggesting a closed-door session and a smaller delegation to undertake the engagement.

‘There are misconceptions that need to be corrected. We are dealing with a complex terrorist threat and it’s important that our counterparts in the US understand that the violence affects both Christians and Muslims,’ he said.

Governor Dikko Umar Radda of Katsina State has extended security coverage to 20 local government areas as part of intensified efforts to curb the rising wave of banditry across the state.

Radda made the announcement during the commissioning of 100 newly trained officers of the Community Watch Corps (C-Watch), bringing the corps’ operations to 20 out of the 34 local government areas in the state.

Reflecting on his administration’s two-year journey to restore lasting peace, the governor said, ‘When we launched the Community Watch Corps over two years ago, we were in uncharted territory. The learning curve was steep, and the uncertainty was high. But one thing was certain, our determination to end banditry in Katsina State.’

He disclosed that 50 of the new officers would be deployed to Kankia Local Government Area and another 50 to Dutsin-Ma, one of the epicentres of banditry in the state.

Radda dismissed reports of government negotiations with bandits, clarifying that while his administration would not negotiate with criminals, it supports peace pacts initiated by local communities through the ‘Katsina Model’, a community-driven approach that encourages repentant bandits to surrender their arms.

‘The role of the state government is to encourage and support the peace process while maintaining law and order. Our focus is to ensure that peaceful communities also benefit socio-economically, giving our people a dignified existence,’ he added.

The governor highlighted the success of community peace initiatives, noting that Jibia has recorded eight months without a major attack, while Batsari has enjoyed seven months of uninterrupted peace.

Other local councils, including Danmusa, Safana, Faskari, and Sabuwa, have also witnessed relative calm since adopting the approach.

Radda commended the Nigerian Air Force, Army, and Police for their collaboration with the state government, saying their synergy has strengthened intelligence sharing, improved response times, and enhanced coordinated operations.

He also praised traditional and religious leaders for their roles in promoting community unity and resolving conflicts.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr. Nasir Mu’azu, commended the governor’s commitment to reducing insecurity, while the Chairman of the Standing Committee on the C-Watch Corps, Major General Junaidu Bindawa (Rtd), said the recruits received intensive training in minor tactics, weapon handling, communication, arrests, community policing, and intelligence gathering.

Wema Bank has marked the 10th anniversary of its internal sports tournament, Wemalympics, the largest internal sports event in the banking industry.

Launched in 2015, Wemalympics is Wema Bank’s internal sports tournament hosted annually with the goal of promoting camaraderie, work-life balance, spirited sportsmanship among the employees of Wema Bank.

Themed ‘We Strive, We Bond, We Win’, Wemalympics At 10, convened over 7,000 employees of Wema Bank, their families, partners and sponsors, to participate in an array of indoors and outdoor games to test their agility, promote health and fitness, and strengthen the bond among the Bank’s employees, fondly referred to as Knights.

Team South West emerged as the overall winner, dominating the medal leaderboards for both indoor and outdoor games, while Team Lagos took the second position with a close margin in the football finals, and Team South South/South East and Team North came third and fourth respectively.

Wema Bank’s Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Moruf Oseni, expressed gratitude to employees, families, sponsors, and partners for their participation and support.

Oseni noted that the event’s success demonstrated the bank’s commitment to promoting work-life balance and employee wellbeing.

He said: ‘This is our 10th year doing Wemalympic and today, I’d like to say a big Thank You to you all; staff of Wema Bank who continue to make out time and actively participate year-in-year-out, families of Knights who have been on this journey with us, our sponsors and partners who continue to support meaningfully, and everyone else who has been a part of this journey in any capacity.

‘The energy I have seen here today gives me the confidence that there is nothing we cannot achieve as a bank if we set our minds to it. As we compete with passion, I urge us all to remember that we are one, and we are all winners. I wish you all the best, thank you once again.’

Receiving the grand prize trophy on behalf of the winning region, Sunday Olaitan, Wema Bank’s Regional Executive for the South West Region, noted the importance of events like Wemalympics in boosting employee morale and promoting work-life balance.

On the South West’s triumph, he said, ‘South West has been a formidable force throughout the decade long history of Wemalympics and it goes without saying. This is our 4th consecutive victory at Wemalympics and our 6th time in total receiving the trophy for Overall Best.’

The event also featured commendable performances, including a ceremonial lap round the track, cheerleading performances, and the unveiling of the Wemalympics Anthem.

The tournament closed with two prizes; two round-trip tickets for the winners of the male and female 100m races courtesy of Wakanow, and a brand-new EV, the WULING Bingo, for the Overall Best region, courtesy of GAC Motors.

Napoli striker Romelu Lukaku and former Lazio defender Jordan Lukaku announced they were being ‘extorted’ by people refusing to release their father’s body for his funeral in Belgium.

The brothers grew up in a football family, as their father Roger played as a centre-forward for Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of Congo) and spent most of his career in Belgium at various clubs until retirement in 2007.

Both his sons went on to represent Belgium at international level, but he died last month in the Democratic Republic of Congo, aged 58.

Romelu and Jordan Lukaku yes released a joint statement on social media revealing their plans for a funeral in Belgium had been ruined by a shocking situation.

‘As you may know we planned to have the funeral this Friday but because of certain decisions being made in Kinshasa will the funeral take place over there,’ read the statement.

‘Our dad passed away on the 28 of September and we as Brothers tried everything to bring his corpse back to Europe but we felt that we were being extorted by some people.

‘If our father was here today he wouldn’t accept it. It breaks our soul for us to not put our father to rest. But some people didn’t want it.

‘We understand know why our dad used to keep us away from a lot of people.

‘God bless your soul.’

Romelu Lukaku is currently staying in Belgium for treatment to a serious muscular injury, which means he is not expected to be able to play again for Napoli until at least November or December.

Full-back Jordan is a free agent, as the 31-year-old’s contract with Turkish side Adanaspor was terminated in October 2024.

While in Italy, he played for Lazio and Vicenza from 2016 to 2022.

As we celebrate the girl-child and remember the Chibok Girls, now women, held in captivity, we must ensure that all qualified girls register for the next election. It is their right and required to help right any wrong done them when growing up. New INEC chairman, Prof Joash Amupitan, please empower the millions of 2019-2027 14-18-year-olds who will have matured to voting age by 2027.

Education is facing a tsunami change in information dissemination strategies with the advent of Artificial Intelligence, AI. Unfortunately, too many Nigerian students, now adults were cheated of library books throughout school life. Millions including teachers have never held a novel, encyclopaedia or a proper dictionary.

Now the Federal Ministry of Education, UBEC and other government education agencies are jumping the void of no books and no libraries and no grants to buy books across the school spectrum. Just like with the cell phone, our education system appears to at last be going digital. Hurray and can one go without the other or should they go together- a good library system and a good computer, IT/AI system?

Digitalisation of public schools with integration of Interactive Smart Boards spearheaded by the minister, Tunji Alausa is the way forward. The education tsunami is not partisan. Our children are not partisan; they are entitled to education, period!

Just last week Governor Seyi Makinde launched a program to train 18,000 teachers on the use of teaching materials including tablets. Hopefully the teachers will receive their tablets and the tablets will not be stolen by criminals or taken back or diverted by supervising civil servant. We need regular weekly inventory checks. If this tech/AI project works and materializes along with other programmes nationwide, perhaps our youth will also leap onto the present wave of computer-powered knowledge sweeping the world. AI is being taught to kindergarten (KG) students in villages across China and even Vietnam with emphasis on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, STEM, and AI. PhD graduates teach KG and primary school in many Western countries. Many of our KG and primary school teachers are not fit for purpose. Nigeria and its officials must take such giant leaps in education to catch up.

As we stand on the brink of opportunity to leap into the new world of AI, it is worth remembering a similar time in history. In 1998 at Educare Trust at Brick House we set up the first Educare Trust Youth Exhibition Centre and put the first public access computer in the hands of the children of Ibadan with a computer then donated by Tunji Adepeju of Project Link. It was amazing then to see those children, now 35-45-year adults, gather around in wonder to navigate the new beast of technology presented to them. They cautiously typed their name and their faces lit up in huge smiles of wonder as they were surprised to see the letters appear on the computer screen. The rest they say is history. But it was never enough and government did not jump on the bandwagon to make its army of students in public schools computer literate then or even at this time -30+ years later. As years went by, we trained over 8,000 youth in IT and many others indirectly. Nigerians are still waiting for the youth centres so desperately needed in each ward nationwide. Hopefully they will be part of the Ward Development Strategy promised by the Tinubu government.

There is a security and a power problem in most schools and these problems must be addressed if IT tablets and smart white boards are to replace or complement chalk and blackboards in public schools. Solar is the solution. Education strategies cost money and great moral willpower often lacking in politicians and governance structures. Government must pursue this effort to its logical end- the empowerment of our teaming youth trapped in schools which are too often not fit-for-purpose.

Every youth in, or out of school, is the child of a mother with went through the agony of ‘The Labour War-d’, risking and giving their lives, so that the child would live to today. For tomorrow, the child needs good modern education today. Yet today we as government and private sector provide too little, too late support for those youth in unfortunate circumstances; private school facilities and teacher skills are fat better. Of course, some youth will excel even in public education because they are naturally brilliant. But a good education, like good governance, is also the right of underserved and underfunded students. Not everyone, rich or poor, is born brilliant. Nigeria should use private and public sector partnerships to jump into the future, today.

The jury faces bitter conflict between the need for a library vs the need for computers. Most schools have neither but they should have both. They are equally essential in today’s education tapestry and equally valuable and not mutually exclusive stepping stones to a level playing field of educational knowledge empowerment. Schools need computers and also libraries with government bought Nigerian authored books.

Some governments have policies to prevent parents contributing voluntarily to improve facilities in schools. This is taking politics too far into the classroom. Even the richest schools worldwide ask parents to contribute, so the poorest schools cannot meet international teaching levels if they are denied the huge input of volunteer parents into the ‘School Needs List’ that every school should have. We must stop this education treachery.

Huawei Technologies has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Nigeria’s transition to cleaner and smarter energy systems through innovative solar solutions and capacity development.

Speaking at the Nigeria Renewable Energy Innovation Forum (NREIF) organized by the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) in Abuja on Tuesday, Chief Executive Officer, Huawei Nigeria, Chris Lu described solar energy as ‘the foundation of tomorrow’s energy economy,’

He noted that the global shift toward renewable energy is opening new possibilities for sustainable development..

He commended the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, saying it reflects Nigeria’s commitment to a sustainable and prosperous energy future.

‘Across the world, the race towards a cleaner, smarter, and more sustainable energy future has already begun. At the heart of this transition lies the power of the sun-rich, sustainable, and accessible to all,’ he said.

‘For Nigeria, this isn’t just an opportunity; it is a promising path to a sustainable and powerful economy.’

Huawei, he said, has been integrating digital technology into solar power through innovations such as real-time monitoring, self-optimization, remote fault detection, and smart control systems.

‘We combine bit with watt, and create unlimited new possibilities,’ he added, highlighting Huawei’s focus on smart grids, energy storage, and artificial intelligence for power management.

To further localize innovation, the company has established an Innovation Center and Open Lab in Nigeria to co-develop tailor-made solar solutions with local partners.

These, he said, would not only meet the specific needs of the Nigerian market but also set new benchmarks for global renewable energy standards.

Beyond technology, Huawei emphasized the importance of developing local talent. The company has built multiple training centers and a Service Center in Lagos, where hundreds of Nigerian engineers are being trained to provide technical support for solar systems deployed across the country.

Over the past year, Huawei has deployed advanced solar systems with energy storage solutions for commercial, industrial, and public sector projects, including universities, banks, supermarkets, and rural communities.

‘Huawei will continue working with the Ministry of Power, the Rural Electrification Agency, and other partners to promote Nigeria’s green energy future. Let’s join hands and together, light up a brighter Nigeria,’ he said.

Vice President Kashim Shettima said new investment commitments had been mobilised into Nigeria’s renewable energy manufacturing value chain through engagements facilitated by the NREIF.

He said the commitments cover solar panels, smart meters, battery storage and recycling facilities, projected to create over 1,500 direct jobs across multiple states.

Shettima said renewable energy represents Nigeria’s ‘escape route’ from the historical shortcomings that have defined its power sector, stressing that success would depend not on ‘the elegance of our policies’ but on ‘our ability to transform ideas into practical solutions.’

He said Nigeria’s ambition is to achieve 277 gigawatts of total installed capacity by 2060, a vision that demands not only investment but also innovation, local capacity, and unwavering commitment.

The Vice President commended the Federal Ministry of Power and the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) for their progressive roles in deepening access to electricity, particularly in rural communities.

The Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s resolve to build an inclusive renewable energy market that attracts investment, drives innovation, and ensures universal energy access.

He said the administration’s approach focuses on creating a decentralised, competitive power sector that enables communities and private enterprises to participate actively in energy generation.

Adelabu said the forum marks a pivotal step in implementing the Nigeria Energy Transition Plan (ETP) and advancing President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises industrial growth through sustainable energy.

The Chief Executive Officer of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Abba Aliyu, said the Renewable Energy Innovation Forum demonstrates Nigeria’s readiness to unlock its vast renewable potential and strengthen local participation in clean energy development.

He noted that the REA, under the supervision of the Ministry of Power, is implementing programmes that connect communities, promote local manufacturing, and build resilient renewable energy value chains.

‘Our mission is to power Nigeria’s inclusive growth by driving innovation, supporting private investments, and ensuring that no community is left in darkness,’ Aliyu said.

He said the REA remains committed to working with development partners, investors, and the private sector to accelerate Nigeria’s progress toward a green industrial revolution.

The Nigeria Renewable Energy Innovation Forum brought together policymakers, governors, private sector leaders, and development partners to foster collaboration and accelerate Nigeria’s renewable energy transition.