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The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has revised upward its Nigeria’s growth forecast to 3.9 per cent in 2025 and 4.1 per cent in 2026, citing improvements in the country’s macroeconomic outlook.

The IMF stated that the upgrade of its national growth projection for Nigeria was also based on favourable domestic situation.

The multilateral institution gave the verdict in its World Economic Outlook (WEO) report released yesterday at the ongoing IMF/World Bank Annual Meetings in Washington DC, United States.

Nigeria’s upgrade was significant as many other economies saw significant downward revisions because of the changing international trade and official aid landscape.

Global economy growth is projected to decline from 3.3 per cent in 2024 to 3.2 per cent in 2025 and 3.1 per cent in 2026.

At a press briefing on the WEO, IMF Economic Counsellor Pierre-Olivier Gourinchas said the Fund based its outlook for Nigeria on several improving macroeconomic indicators and supportive domestic factors.

He said factor responsible for the higher growth revision include higher oil production, improved investor confidence, a supportive fiscal stance in 2026, and limited exposure to higher US tariffs.

He added that the Fund also considered stability in the exchange rate, rising foreign reserves and rebasing of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) as significant factors expected to propel the Nigeria economy forward in 2026.

He said: ‘Whereas growth in Nigeria is revised upward on account of supportive domestic factors, including higher oil production, improved investor confidence, a supportive fiscal stance in 2026, and given its limited exposure to higher US tariffs, many other economies see significant downward revisions because of the changing international trade and official aid landscape’.

Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Olayemi Cardoso, also yesterday said fiscal and monetary reforms embarked upon by the President Bola Tinubu’s administration have fully restructured the economy, making it more resilient and with huge buffers against global risks.

Cardoso, who spoke during the Intergovernmental Group of Twenty-Four (G-24) press briefing at the ongoing IMF/World Bank Annual Meetings, said the naira has emerged as a competitive currency while the economy has been witnessing positive trade balances.

According to him, another major pointer to the resilience of the economy is the fact that large businesses are moving from imports to export of locally produced goods and commodities.

He said all these positive economic indicators have combined to create resilient and strong buffers, keeping the economy in great shapes.

Cardoso, who is the leader of the Nigeria delegation at the meetings, said squabbling around global tariffs would have less impact on the Nigerian economy, given the current structure of the economy.

He said: ‘And for us again, oil is basically the only commodity that was so exposed to the tariffs, and the impact of that was relatively modest. We now have a more competitive currency with the results that, for once, we have a situation where we have a positive balance of trade surplus, and we expect it to be six per cent in GDP for some time.

‘So basically, what is happening is a complete restructuring of the economy, where we are encouraging people to go into domestic production, and, of course, discouraging imports.

‘And I think we were very fortunate, because a lot of the things that were needed to have been done, we did them much earlier, and as a result of that, we’re able to create resilience and buffers against potential shocks’.

Cardoso noted that the G-24 has played significant role in finding solutions to global challenges, through dialogue and exchange of ideas with global financial institutions.

He pointed out that although global growth has been slow, but not as behind as would have been expected to be.

In his remarks, G-24 Chairman, Pablo Quirno noted that recent adverse shocks in global economy have left growth below pre-pandemic levels, with rising policy uncertainties creating substantial medium-term headwinds.

He said: ‘Emerging market and developing economies have faced deteriorating terms of trade, reduced export volumes, and declining foreign currency earnings. Many of these countries have implemented domestic policies to mitigate uncertainty, but constrained policy space underscores the urgent need for collective solutions supported by multilateral institutions’.

Providing further context on the global economic outlook, Gourinchas said that 10 to 12 per cent weakening of the dollar has helped financial conditions in many emerging market economies, especially countries that have dollar denominated debt.

He added that local currency recovery and dip in inflation figures have also been supported by weakening dollar.

He said: ‘The depreciation of the dollar also helps a number of these countries on inflation front, because a lot of goods are invoiced in those dollars, and so the pricing dollar remains constant, but the dollar itself is weaker. This helps to reduce input prices, and lead to drop in inflation’.

IMF Deputy Director in the Research Department, Petya Koeva Brooks, said that many low-income countries in sub-Saharan Africa benefited from preferential access to the US market under the African Growth and Opportunity Act, which expired in September.

She explained that in sub-Saharan Africa, growth is expected to remain subdued, unchanged in 2025 from 4.1 per cent in 2024, before picking up to 4.4 per cent in 2026.

She said: ‘This is an upward revision relative to the April 2025 WEO forecast by a cumulative 0.5 percentage point, but a downward revision of 0.1 percentage point compared with the October 2024 WEO’.

The WEO report stated that the global economy was adjusting to a landscape reshaped by new policy measures.

It projected global economy growth to slow from 3.3 per cent in 2024 to 3.2 per cent in 2025 and 3.1 per cent in 2026, with advanced economies growing around 1.5 per cent and emerging market and developing economies just above 4.0 per cent.

It noted that some extremes of higher tariffs were tempered, due to subsequent deals and resets.

‘But the overall environment remains volatile, and temporary factors that supported activity in the first half of 2025-such as front-loading-are fading. As a result, global growth projections in the latest World Economic Outlook (WEO) are revised upward relative to the April 2025 WEO but continue to mark a downward revision relative to the pre-policy-shift forecasts,’ the report stated.

Likewise, inflation is projected to continue to decline globally, though with variation across countries: above target in the United States-with risks tilted to the upside-and subdued elsewhere.

‘Risks are tilted to the downside. Prolonged uncertainty, more protectionism, and labor supply shocks could reduce growth. Fiscal vulnerabilities, potential financial market corrections, and erosion of institutions could threaten stability,’ WEO stated.

The IMF urged policymakers are urged to restore confidence through credible, transparent, and sustainable policies.

It stated: ‘Trade diplomacy should be paired with macroeconomic adjustment. Fiscal buffers should be rebuilt. Central bank independence should be preserved. Efforts on structural reforms should be redoubled. As Chapter 2 shows, past actions to improve policy frameworks have served countries well. As Chapter 3 demonstrates, industrial policy may have a role, but full consideration should be given to opportunity costs and trade-offs involved in its use.

‘The tactics that keep activity seemingly resilient in the short term, such as trade diversion and rerouting, are costly. Suboptimal reallocation of productive resources, technological decoupling, and limitations on knowledge diffusion are bound to restrain growth over the longer term’.

The Fund stated that the global economy has shown resilience to the trade policy shocks, including because these shocks materialized on a smaller scale than expected at their onset, but the drag from shifting policies is becoming visible in more recent data. There have been several common drivers of growth patterns across countries but also some important idiosyncratic factors.

The Sports Writers Association Of Nigerian(SWAN) has disclaimed Ms. Olatutu Oladunni and Mr. Bello Omotunde as members of its Lagos State chapter, following their suspension by the National Executive Committee (NEC).

According to a statement signed by Secretary General of SWAN, Mr Ikenna Okonkwo, the suspension which took immediate effect, was approved under Article 21,section(1) A and C of the Associations statute for acts of gross misconduct. The NEC instructed both individuals in-eligible to act in any capacity on behalf of SWAN

The national body warned security agencies with corporate partners and media organisations not to have anything doing with the suspended duo, describing their recent activities and purported elections illegal and of no consequence.

SWAN reiterates that the Lagos chapter is currently under the co-ordination of the Acting Chairman, Mr. Aaron Akerejola, pending the time of outcome of the Independent Investigation Committee(IIC)inquiry. The Association pledged their continued co-operation with security authorities to uphold discipline and order within its ranks.

No fewer than 1,000 children and teenagers have been trained in digital skills by the Glow Foundation for Children Empowerment and Development, as part of its annual outreach programme to equip young people with tools for the future.

The conference, tagged ‘1000 2.0,’ held in FESTAC Town, Lagos, featured a range of activities, including digital literacy classes, tech empowerment sessions, awards and scholarships, exclusive mentorship slots, spiritual upliftment and blessings, as well as games.

The children, aged between six and 18, were exposed to practical training in digital marketing, graphic design, and data analytics, while selected participants will enjoy full scholarships for advanced learning with partner organisations.

Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Glow Foundation, Opeyemi Deborah Idowu, said the project stemmed from her desire to ‘do something beyond herself’ and help children, particularly those from marginalised communities.

‘I started in 2018 by visiting orphanages on my birthdays instead of hosting parties. The joy I felt convinced me that I couldn’t stop. Today, Glow Foundation is reaching thousands of children and giving them hope,’ she said.

She explained that the foundation, which was officially registered in 2022, has, in three years, impacted thousands of children through skills acquisition and empowerment. Last year alone, it reached more than 7,000 children across 44 coastal communities in Ibeju-Lekki, teaching them vocational skills such as hairdressing, baking, soap making, and craft work.

‘This year, we decided to move beyond the slums to focus on digital empowerment. We are preparing children for the digital future. Beyond this training, we will be enrolling some of them on scholarships and working with partners to provide laptops and digital devices,’ Idowu added.

Director of Strategic Development and Partnerships at the foundation, Kehinde Adelakin, said the initiative has grown steadily from 1,000 children in 2021 to over 7,000 in 2023, thanks to collaborations with schools, NGOs, churches, and community groups.

He stressed that the mentorship element introduced this year will sustain the training.

‘I personally mentored four participants in data analytics. Other facilitators are mentoring children in digital marketing and graphic design. We also distributed books, school bags, and other learning materials donated by our partners,’ he said.

According to him, the foundation enjoys the support of more than 50 partners and sponsors, including OASIS International and Nobunga Security, who have consistently backed the programmes.

The foundation also announced plans to establish a tuition-free secondary school in Lagos, targeted at children from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Idowu maintained that funding challenges will not deter the vision:

‘With God’s love driving us, and with consistent partnerships, we can only grow bigger and better. Our mission is to help children see beyond their limitations and believe in the greatness within them,’ she said.

Digital marketing expert Martins Nkemakolam urged children to embrace digital marketing skills early in life to prepare them for the future of work and enable them to earn income even while in school.

Speaking on the importance of the topic, he explained that digital marketing has become one of the most vital skills in today’s world, stressing that early exposure will empower young people to thrive in an increasingly digital economy.

‘The world is becoming digital, and every day there’s something new to learn. Digital marketing has come to stay. You don’t need to go out to sell your products anymore – you can do it from the comfort of your home,’ he said.

He added that many business owners now rely on skilled marketers to manage their online presence, noting that if young people begin to learn these skills early, they can start earning while still in school.

‘If they have this knowledge at a young age, by the time they get into the university, they’ll already be grounded. They can earn extra income while studying, and by the time they graduate, they’ll be professionals who can impact others. This will create a cycle of empowerment,’ he stated.

Explaining his approach to engaging the children, Nkemakolam said he intends to simplify his teaching so that even younger participants can understand and share what they learn with their peers and parents.

‘I’ll break it down in a way that even a six or seven-year-old can understand. Though it’s not primarily for that age group, I want them to grasp the basics and be able to talk about it with others,’ he said.

Drawing from personal experience, he revealed that he began his journey into digital marketing at 17, during his school days, and believes that with the availability of modern tools, it’s now even easier for young learners to acquire these skills.

Nkemakolam also addressed concerns about artificial intelligence (AI) taking over human jobs, emphasizing that technology still depends on human control and innovation.

‘People say AI will take your job – but AI cannot just take your job; you have to program it. You must build yourself too. When you get to that point, AI will still be answerable to you because it is humans who automate and give commands,’ he said.

He encouraged the children to view technology as an opportunity rather than a threat and to position themselves as creators and innovators in the digital space.

‘The key lesson I want them to take home,’ he concluded, ‘is that as the world evolves, they too must evolve. Learn the skills, stay relevant, and be ready to lead the change.’

At the end of the training, Idowu delivered an inspiring message to the children, urging them to stay focused, avoid negative influences, choose their friends wisely, and strive to be responsible citizens.

The introduction of the new Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was a bold step in the right direction. It is a contemporary approach to ocean governance and its sustainability – a deliberate effort to tap into our extensive coastline and inland waters heritage.

The goal was to position Nigeria as a global maritime force, through harnessing our blue and brown water resources in an atmosphere of sustainability, inclusivity, job creation, and increased revenue in a consolidated format.

When therefore in August 2024, Mr President appointed Gboyega Oyetola CON as the pioneer Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, many pondered, if not wondered, whether this seasoned administrator, insurance guru, astute politician and former governor of Osun State fitted the bill. Both voices of skepticism, and soft tones of optimism, agreed that his scorecard should be the yardstick for his measurement.

As an active player in the maritime industry myself, and infact one that has had the privilege of sharing views and perspectives on the sector with him up-close, I saw his birthday last month, not as an opportunity for sycophantic eulogies, but one for a fervent appraisal of the journey so far, some 2 years down the line.

Gboyega Oyetola – fondly called ileri oluwa – is definitely not a noise maker, taciturn, soft-spoken, yet effective, he is more interested in results than accolades. The Honourable Minister is an avid team player running an inclusive management style, which inspiring optimism that cascades down the rank and file in the MDAs within the ministry.

He has adopted a novel approach to superintending the sector, through innovative incursions into areas hitherto not given dedicated attention. He has highlighted emerging sub-sectors, like marine biotechnology, desalination of seawater, sustainable aquaculture, sea-mining and energy transition. He has emphasized on a meeting point between science, commerce and the livelihood of coastal and riverine communities. Simply said, in his own words, ‘that while tapping into the economic potential of the nations maritime resources, we must maintain environmental sustainability’. He sees ‘our’ not just ocean, not just as an obligation, but also an opportunity.

Recognizing that the sector was plagued with poor infrastructure, outdated regulatory frameworks, he set out to pursue a ‘vision to build a robust blue economy framework that delivers prosperity while preserving the marine environment for future generations.’

Oyetola has not only chaperoned the birthing of a bankable 10year strategy road map for his ministry (one that gives due attention to fishing and its derivatives, shipbuilding and repairs), he has ensured that, for once in a long while, major agencies in the sector are led by seasoned professionals. Here, the precise appointments of Dr Dayo Moboreala at the Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency NIMASA and Dr Abubakar Dantsoho of Nigeria Ports Authority NPA come to mind. These are part of a sector functional team that includes accomplished bureaucrats and intellectuals such as Mr Olufemi Oloruntola, Dr Akinola and Prof Fakinlede.

Building on this, he has made inter-agency co-operation and collaboration a priority. This is best exemplified by the unified approach, guided by his ever able Permanent Secretary, in achieving a harmonized sector Economic Regulatory Bill. It is instructive to note that, acknowledging this synergy, both the Senate and the House of Representatives passed this harmonized bill in plenary, uniquely without debate.

In response to the deluge of boat mishaps on our inland waterways, the Honourable Minister commissioned a high-powered team to diligently look into these incidences and advice accordingly. The special Committee has since submitted its report and recommendations for implementation (including enhanced regulation), drawn from its findings, and the Minister has promised sweeping changes therefrom. This added to the nearly 50,000 life jackets he recently distributed, will no doubt reduce the scourge that has recently led to numerous loss of lives.

The Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy has kick-started the long awaited modernization of our port infrastructure nationwide. This is a much awaited measure, as some of these terminals date back to nearly a century, and so revamping their archaic quay walls and aprons was long overdue.

One factor that has limited the growth of indigenous participation in the sector is lack of capital. To address this, Mr Oyetola, in May this year, directed NIMASA to immediately commence the activation of disbursement of the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund CVFF to indigenous operators. The disbursement of these funds, he said, will be, ‘. a profound commitment to empowering Nigerian maritime operators’. Beyond CVFF, the Hon Minister has generally advocated for innovative financing for the blue economy.

The Maritime Academy of Nigeria Oron is Nigeria’s prime admiralty training center. Oyetola has given it primary attention, through improved facilities and a pledge to ensure it is world standard and meets the requirements of the IMO.

Minister Oyetola is setting up what he calls, Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). This will be a unique/novel conservation initiative. He is also an ardent supporter, and indeed anchor of the National Single Window project, a trade facilitation initiative that will reduce cargo down time, as well as ultimately save cost for traders, while increasing revenue for government.

One can go-on-and-on about his achievements thus far, but an area where he has made visible impact which you cannot skip is maritime security. He has not only enlarged the scope of the flagship scheme – the deep blue project – he is renewing its focus to prevention, rather than just a reactionary approach to merchant marine security. And this, is while promoting stronger regional cooperation in the process.

You will agree that the trajectory of Oyetola’s policy direction and intervention activity are all in conformity with the International Maritime Organization IMOs quest for cleaner oceans, and safer seas.

The question now is, will the IMO delegates (representing their various member states) recognize these strides as having an international sectoral impact and dimension, and elect Nigeria to sit on the category C of their Council in the upcoming December 2025 elections? Suffix it to say that this feat was last achieved by Nigeria some 15 years ago in 2009, despite several times of trying. For Oyetola, this diplomatic validation will be a seal on the stamp of a worthy report card, an icing on the cake and a reward for veritable leadership.

Just recently, the IMO Secretary General Mr Arsenio Dominguez, paid an official visit to Nigeria to see firsthand, the efforts made by the nation, under Oyetolas leadership, to meet up with its obligations and commitments as a member of the maritime committee of nations. Mr Dominguez commended Nigeria’s remarkable achievements in maritime security, particularly the 3 year zero piracy record and the Deep Blue project, which he described as a model for regional cooperation in the Gulf of Guinea. The visit, and the IMO bosses comments in reference, are tacid endorsement of Nigerias growing admiralty reputation, especially when one considers that the Secretary General has only been on the saddle of the nearly 50 nation body, for a little over a year.

Inspite of a seeming litany of successes the Hon Minister has made in the sector, a lot still needs to be done to satisfy the proverbial ‘shopping list’ of expectant sector stakeholders. Contemporary needs such as, sanitizing the fishing industry and ending illegal incursions by foreigners, ensuring genuine operators benefit from CVFF disbursements, beneficial utilization of Baro, Onitsha and other river ports, drastically reducing the effects of boat mishaps, regulating renewable energy such as wind turbines, commencement of the port modernization program, election to the IMO Council etc, should be addressed.

All these will ultimately form part of his scorecard whenever he inevitably exits as Minister, and so require dedicated attention. Either way, as Gboyega Oyetola marks another year of his birth, you will agree with me that he is indeed on the crest of maritime history.

The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has said the headline inflation rate eased to 18.02 percent in September 2025 from 20.12 percent in August 2025.

This was contained in its Consumer Price Index (CPI) September 2025 report.

‘In September 2025, the Headline inflation rate eased to 18.02 per cent relative to the August 2025 headline inflation rate of 20.12 per cent,’ said NBS.

The report added that, looking at the movement, the September 2025 Headline inflation rate showed a decrease of 2.1 per cent compared to the August 2025 Headline inflation rate.

NBS said on a year-on-year basis, the headline inflation rate was 14.68 per cent lower than the rate recorded in September 2024 (32.70 per cent).

The report explained that this shows that the headline inflation rate (year-on-year basis) decreased in September 2025 compared to the same month in the preceding year (i.e., September 2024), though with a different base year, November 2009 = 100.

On a month-on-month basis, however, NBS said the headline inflation rate in September 2025 was 0.72 per cent, which was 0.02 per cent lower than the rate recorded in August 2025 (0.74 per cent).

According to the report, this means that in September 2025, the rate of increase in the average price level was lower than the rate of increase in the average price level in August 2025.

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has called on African governments to scale up funding and collaboration in tackling climate change, warning that the continent remains highly vulnerable to its growing disruptions.

Speaking at the African Climate Forum (ACF) 2025 in Abuja, Keyamo said Africa stands at a crossroads, constrained by persistent gaps in finance, technology, capacity, and policy that have hindered progress from ambition to implementation.

Represented by his Senior Special Adviser on Foreign Direct Investments and Capital Improvement Programs, Obafemi Bajumo, the minister stressed that Nigeria’s hosting of ACF 2025 reflects its commitment to bridging these gaps – not only to meet its obligations under the Paris Agreement and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) but also to protect lives, livelihoods, and the future of its people.

‘Our commitment to climate action is not merely an obligation but an opportunity – an opportunity to build resilience, create green jobs, and secure a sustainable future for Africa,’ he said.

Keyamo noted that the theme of this year’s event, ‘Bolder, Greener, and Better Steps: Closing Transition Gaps in Africa,’ underscores the urgency of turning transition gaps into bridges for equitable growth.

He said the forum seeks to align global opportunities with local priorities while ensuring that no country, community, or sector is left behind in the climate transition process.

‘Across our continent, we are already feeling the effects of rising temperatures, desertification, flooding, and food insecurity. Yet this moment presents a chance for Africa to turn vulnerability into strength through bold reforms and decisive climate commitments,’ he added, commending President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership in advancing Nigeria’s climate agenda.

In his remarks, Prof. George Nwangwu, Director-General of the Global Centre for Law, Business and Economy (GCLBE) and convener of the forum, described ACF as a beacon of hope and collaboration in global climate action.

He highlighted that at COP29, developed nations pledged $300 billion annually by 2035 to support developing countries in climate mitigation, adaptation, and loss and damage efforts, while a broader roadmap was outlined to mobilise $1.3 trillion annually from both public and private sources.

The House of Representatives has directed its relevant committees to investigate allegations of fraudulent violations of the NOGICD Act 2010, PIA 2021, and Taxes and Levies Act by all Oil and Gas Companies operating in Imo State and the status of implementation of the Host Community Development Trusts in Imo State.

In a resolution following a motion on notice, the House asked Oil and Gas Companies operating in the state to urgently comply with provisions of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content (NOGICD) Act 2010 regarding indigenous employment, contract awards, and establishment of operational offices.

The House is also insisting on the implementation of the Host Communities Development Trust requirements under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021 and granting unfettered access to officials of the Imo State Internal Revenue Service for the performance of their lawful duties, while also engaging in genuine dialogue with Host community leaders to address grievances and ensure peaceful coexistence.

Leading debate on the motion, Okafor said the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act, 2010, was enacted to promote the utilization of Nigerian human and material resources, and the participation of Nigerian companies in the oil and gas industry.

He said the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), 2021, provides a robust legal and regulatory framework for the Nigerian petroleum industry, including specific provisions for host community development, environmental management, and equitable benefit sharing.

He said the Taxes and Levies (Approved List for Collection) Act authorizes State Governments to collect certain taxes and levies from businesses operating within their territories, which is crucial for funding state infrastructure and social services.

Okafor said several International and Indigenous Oil Companies (IOCs) operating oil and gas fields within the oil-producing communities of Imo State, notably in Ohaji/Egbema, Oguta, and other LGAs, as hosts, namely.

He listed the companies as Seplat Energy Plc: – OML 53, Niger Delta Petroleum Resources (NDPR): – OML 54, Sterling Oil Exploration and Energy Production Co. Ltd. (SEEPCO), WalterSmith Petroman Oil Limited: – OML 16, Associate Oil and Gas Limited/Dansaki Petroleum Limited (A Consortium): Umuseti/Igwe marginal field, Chorus Energy Limited (Formerly Shell Portfolio), TotalEnergies / NNPC Joint Venture, and Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Limited

He informed the House of what he described as a persistent outcry and allegations from host communities and the state Government regarding the failure to establish functional operational offices within their areas of operation in Imo State as mandated by Section 3(j) of the NOGICD Act, 2010, thereby denying the state valuable economic activity and employment.

He said there has systematic failure of these companies to prioritize the employment of qualified indigenes of Imo State, in direct violation of Sections 11, 28, and 35 of the NOGICD Act, 2010, and refusal to award contracts to competent Nigerian companies, especially those from the host communities, for goods and services.

Okafor also spoke of obstruction of lawful efforts by the Imo State Government and Imo State Internal Revenue Service (IIRS) to access their premises for assessment and collection of legally approved state taxes and levies, and non-compliance with the Host Communities Development Trust provisions under Chapter 3 of the PIA, 2021, leading to a lack of tangible benefits and development in these communities.

He said these acts of non-compliance have led to immense frustration, widespread agitations, and a palpable threat of social unrest within the host communities.

He said further that the continued neglect and infringement of these laws, if not urgently addressed, may lead to violent protests that could threaten national security, destruction of critical oil and gas infrastructure, disrupt production and harm the national economy, and a breakdown of law and order in the oil-producing regions of Imo State.

Federal Capital Territory Administration, (FCTA), has increase funding for the renovation of health care centres across the territory, it was learnt on Wednesday.

The Mandate Secretary, Health Services and Environment Secretariat, Dr. Adedolape Fasawe made this known in Abuja at the matriculation of students of the FCT School of Nursing, Gwagwalada.

Fasawe explained that the move was to improve health care delivery, stressing that most of the call rooms in FCT hospitals were currently under renovation while the administration had commenced the payment of uniform allowance for nurses.

Fasawe represented by the Director Nursing Services, Health and Management Board, Mrs Grace Musa said the Secretariat was working with stakeholders to ensure that four bills pass third reading at the National Assembly to boost the renovation of health infrastructure in the territory.

The Pioneer Provost FCT School of Nursing, Dr. Deborah Yusuf who stressed the need for more infrastructural development in the school to enhance learning and research urged the students to work hard to achieve academic excellence.

The lawmaker representing Bwari/AMAC Federal Constituency, Mr. Joshua Obika promised to support stakeholders in boosting the development of education and health care services in the territory.

He gave an assurance that the FCT bill of Nursing would pass second reading before next year.

Earlier, the Director of Nursing Services, Health Services and Environmental Secretariat, Mrs Ijeoma Jimi-Bada also urged the students to always imbibe the virtues of compassion, diligence and sacrifice which were the core values of the nursing profession.

She assured the students that the school would always encourage them to attain their goals.

The Registrar National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwifes, NANNW, Dr Alhasan Ndagi warned that the council had established measures to detect exam malpractice and any student found wanting would be dealt with.

Dr. Ndagi represented by the Head of Department, Mr. Aliyu Adam Planning Research and Statistics expressed optimism that the students had the potential to excel and charged them to play a vital role in shaping the nation’s health sector by developing critical thinking skills, cultivate excellent communication and interpersonal skills, embrace diversity and adhere to the ethics of the profession.

Vitamin supplement to enhance the wellbeing of expectant and nursing mothers has been launched in Abuja, with actress, Anita Asuoha (Real Warri Pikin), unveiled as brand ambassador.

The product, Mama Bear Gummies, was introduced at a signing ceremony attended by health experts, stakeholders, and media professionals.

It is NAFDAC-approved formulated to provide nutrients that support women’s health during and after pregnancy.

Asuoha said she was excited to be part of a campaign that promotes women’s wellness and maternal health.

‘It’s difficult for women, especially those above 30, to keep up with pills and supplements. This is an easier and more convenient option,’ she said.

She encouraged expectant and nursing mothers to take prenatal and postnatal care seriously, emphasising importance of proper nutrition before and after childbirth.

A representative of the company, Rosalind Okpara, said Mama Bear Gummies were created to make it easier for women to get the vitamins they need.

‘It contains essential nutrients required to keep mother and child healthy,’ she said.

Sir: University strikes have become an all-too-familiar story, a recurring wound that never seems to heal. Each time the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU announces an industrial action, lectures stop, campuses grow silent, and dreams are placed on hold. Politicians continue with their schedules, lecturers retreat to side jobs, but the students, the very heart of the education system, are left stranded. They lose time, motivation, and opportunities they can never fully recover.

Yet, as the cycle repeats, one cannot help but ask: who truly bears the weight of these strikes, and who should take responsibility for the damage they cause?

For decades, ASUU has justified its strikes as a means to pressure the government into honouring agreements on better funding, fair wages, and improved infrastructure. These demands are valid. Anyone who has walked through the corridors of a public university in Nigeria would agree that poor facilities, overcrowded lecture halls, and unpaid salaries reflect a deep neglect of education by successive governments.

But while the union’s grievances are understandable, the methods have become controversial.

The government, on the other hand, often accuses ASUU of holding the system hostage. It argues that the union’s insistence on strikes as the only bargaining tool cripples progress and punishes innocent students who have no hand in the dispute. In the end, both parties trade blame while the students, the most powerless group in the equation, pay the ultimate price.

Let us be honest. Both parties are culpable. The government’s insensitivity and failure to prioritize education are unacceptable. Budgetary allocations to education consistently fall below UNESCO’s recommended 26 percent. Lecturers, too, must reflect on whether indefinite strikes remain the most effective way to demand change. It is one thing to fight for rights; it is another to destroy the bridge that connects those rights to the future.

If universities had better funding, research grants, and prompt salaries, ASUU would have no reason to down tools. But if the union continues to rely solely on strikes without exploring alternative advocacy such as strategic legal action, citizen engagement, or performance-based protests, then students will remain collateral damage in every industrial action.

The solution lies in sincerity from both sides. Government officials must stop making empty promises and start implementing lasting reforms. ASUU must adopt modern negotiation strategies that protect the interest of students first. The students themselves must also rise, through constructive activism, to demand accountability from all sides.

Education is not a privilege; it is a right. Every time it is disrupted, a generation loses part of its potential. The government and ASUU must remember that time is not renewable. Every month lost to a strike is a wound that never fully heals for a student.

Some will argue that strikes have brought partial victories such as improved salaries, better agreements, and occasional funding. But these victories often come at too great a cost. Students spend longer years on campus, graduate late, and face tighter job markets. Many lose scholarships or opportunities abroad because their transcripts are delayed or their academic calendars are unpredictable.

A society that allows this cycle to persist is one that undervalues its youth. The damage is not visible immediately, but it shows later in the frustration of jobless graduates, in the rise of social vices, and in the erosion of hope. When young people start believing that hard work no longer pays, the nation begins to decay silently.

The truth is simple: when universities are on strike, everyone loses, but students lose the most. They lose time, morale, and faith. And no compensation can restore that lost time.

Until the day Nigeria treats education as a national emergency, not a political bargaining chip, these strikes will continue, and the nation will keep producing delayed graduates and disappointed dreams.

The next time a strike is declared, we should ask not just who is right or wrong, but who is hurting most. Because in the end, it is not the lecturers or the politicians who suffer, it is the students whose futures hang in the balance.