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Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Fine and Country West Africa, Mrs. Udokanma Okonjo, has petitioned the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) against Providus Bank Limited over what she described as arbitrary, unauthorised deductions from her bank accounts and acts of intimidation by the bank’s officials.

In the petition dated October 8, 2025, and addressed to the Director, Consumer Protection Department of the CBN, Mrs. Okonjo accused Providus Bank of making huge deductions from her domiciliary and naira accounts without her consent, instructions, or any lawful mandate.

She alleged that the bank unilaterally linked an unsolicited overdraft facility of $50,000 to her domiciliary account (Account No. 0500183889) and subsequently deducted funds totalling $97,982.19 under the guise of recovering a supposed debt.

According to her, she never applied for, negotiated, or signed any agreement for such a facility.

Mrs. Okonjo explained that the bank initially claimed she owed N22 million, later converted the alleged debt to $71,000, and subsequently raised it to about $88,956.01, without offering any explanation for the variations.

She also accused the bank of deducting N15 million from her naira account (Account No. 0500183872) on July 22, 2025, without her authorisation, despite the account being subject to a subsisting court restriction. The withdrawal, she said, resulted in a negative balance of N14,999,254.64.

According to her, the bank had in the past credited and debited her accounts without consent, including a case where money was reportedly paid into her account by Providus Bank’s Managing Director, Mr. Walter Akpani, or other staff members. She expressed concern that the bank’s internal processes might have been compromised or manipulated to her detriment.

In her petition, Mrs. Okonjo claimed that repeated requests for explanation and documentation from the bank were ignored. Instead, she said she received threatening WhatsApp messages from a bank official, Mr. Olayinka Lawuyi, of the Risk Management Department, who allegedly warned that her ‘indebtedness’ could be published on social media if she failed to make payments.

A screenshot of one of the messages dated July 4, 2025, and attached to her petition, reads: ‘Do you want your indebtedness on social media? If I do not see your payment within the next week, we shall commence full recovery, which you might find embarrassing.’

Mrs. Okonjo described the message as harassment and reputational intimidation, adding that the threats came after she had only written to the bank seeking clarification about the alleged overdraft.

Following the continued deductions and lack of response from the bank, her counsel, Barrister Sunny Omoragbon, issued a formal letter to Providus Bank on July 5, 2024, requesting all documents relating to the purported debt, including facility letters and a detailed breakdown of transactions. The bank, she said, never responded.

In his own statement on the matter, Barrister Omoragbon confirmed that Mrs. Okonjo’s petition to the CBN is part of a wider legal effort to challenge the actions of Providus Bank.

He explained that the case, which is currently on appeal, arose from the bank’s unilateral reclassification of a debit-card account as a credit facility without the customer’s consent, agreement, or documentation.

According to Omoragbon, ‘Mrs. Okonjo never requested, negotiated, or signed for any overdraft facility. The so-called debt is a construct of arbitrary charges imposed without contractual authority or transparency. Over 70 percent of the disputed amount comprises unapproved interest and charges.’

He disclosed that a Motion for Stay of Execution has already been filed pending hearing on October 28, 2025.

The lawyer also condemned the ‘pattern of harassment and unprofessional communication’ from Providus Bank officials, particularly the threats issued by Mr. Lawuyi, describing it as ‘a blatant act of intimidation and reputational bullying’ that violates the CBN’s Consumer Protection Guidelines and basic professional ethics.

Omoragbon added that one of the bank’s officials had previously admitted in writing that Mrs. Okonjo did not have the corresponding amount claimed as debt in her account. In another instance, he said, the same official suggested that funds were deposited into her account by Mr. Akpani or other staff members, a practice he described as ‘irregular and confusing.’

He stated that the defense would pursue redress not only through the courts but also via petitions to the Central Bank, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, and other regulatory bodies.

‘This case is no longer just about one client,’ Omoragbon stated. ‘It raises fundamental questions about transparency, consent, and accountability in Nigeria’s banking sector. No customer should be subjected to intimidation or unconsented financial exposure.’

In her petition to the CBN, Mrs. Okonjo requested a full investigation into Providus Bank’s actions, including the issuance of threats, unauthorised deductions, and irregular credits. She also urged the apex bank to compel Providus Bank to refund all wrongfully deducted sums and to impose regulatory sanctions to deter future misconduct.

The case is pending both before the appellate court and the Consumer Protection Department of the Central Bank of Nigeria.

Investors in the Nigerian stock market closed weekend with net capital gain of about N27 trillion as increase in investment flows from foreign and domestic investors continued to drive demand for Nigerian equities.

Trading data at the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) showed that notable increases in share prices across many sectors saw the market with a net weekly gain of N2.16 trillion at the weekend, pushing average return so far this year to N26.87 trillion.

The average year-to-date return of N26.87 trillion already represented an increase of N11.46 trillion on net capital gain of N15.41 trillion recorded for the whole of 2024.

The benchmark index for the Nigerian stock market, the All Share Index (ASI) of the NGX, stands at 42.81 per cent, implying that an average investor in Nigerian equities has so far seen a 42.81 per cent increase on his portfolio. The ASI had recorded a full-year return of 37.65 per cent in 2024.

At 42.81 per cent, Nigeria currently ranks among world’s five best-performing stock markets, in terms of returns.

The ASI closed weekend at 146,988.04 points, about 44,062 basis points above 102,926.40 points recorded as opening index for this year.

Aggregate market value of all quoted equities, which opened this year at N62.763 trillion, closed weekend at N93.296 trillion, representing an increase of 48.65 per cent or N30.53 trillion.

The difference between the ASI’s return and market value was due to unadjusted values from additional listings. The ASI is generally regarded as the benchmark return for the stock market. It doubles as Nigeria’s sovereign index in the global markets.

A global review at the weekend showed that average returns at the Nigerian market surpassed returns in advanced markets of Americas and Europe. For instance, average returns in United Kingdom and United States of America stood at about 15 per cent while returns across the BRICS, excluding South Africa, were generally below 20 per cent.

Market analysts have attributed the bullish performance of the Nigerian market to substantial increase in foreign portfolio investments (FPIs) and sustained demand from local investors.

Latest report on foreign portfolio participation had indicated that foreign portfolios rose to N1.45 trillion in the first eight months of this year, 121.67 per cent above N655.47 billion recorded in comparable period of 2024.

The report showed that foreign portfolio inflows recorded the highest pace across the major indicators with a growth of 135.16 per cent. In the two-way transaction, outflows rose by 110.33 per cent while total domestic transaction increased by 93.72 per cent over the period.

The proportion of foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) in the Nigerian market increased to 21.01 per cent compared with 18.86 per cent in corresponding period of 2024.

The FTSE Russell, a well-respected global market tracker, recently decided to place Nigeria on the Watch List for a potential upgrade to frontier market status, in what underlined the country’s increasing relevance in the global market.

Experts said improved macroeconomic outlook and strong performance by Nigerian companies have placed Nigeria as a favourable destination for global investments.

They noted that the stock market has remained a veritable hedge against inflationary trend, thus ensuring steady flows of domestic investments.

Managing Director, Arthur Steven Asset Management, Mr Olatunde Amolegbe said the potential FTSE Russell upgrade was a major positive development for the Nigerian stock market.

‘It reflects renewed confidence in Nigeria’s economic direction and is likely to attract increased foreign participation, improve liquidity, and deepen the capital markets.

‘While challenges remain, especially in maintaining foreign exchange stability and macroeconomic reforms, this move represents a turning point and provides both a vote of confidence and a roadmap for sustained financial integration. If Nigeria stays the course, its stock market could witness a resurgence in investor activity and valuation growth in the coming years,’ Amolegbe said.

Chief Executive, Centre for the Promotion for Private Enterprise (CPPE), Dr. Muda Yusuf, in a policy review released yesterday, said the country’s fiscal and tax reforms in the past two years have delivered substantial gains and stability.

He noted that two landmark policy measures, notably the removal of fuel subsidy and the unification of exchange rates, have significantly boosted government revenues, expanded fiscal space and improved the capacity for public investment.

He pointed out that while the country has been undergoing major fiscal transition aimed at strengthening revenue mobilisation, fiscal sustainability and economic resilience, the dividends are already visible.

He noted that collections from Value Added Tax (VAT) and Company Income Tax (CIT) have increased, reflecting stronger compliance and a gradual recovery in economic activities while the subnational governments are reporting higher revenues and increased allocations to agriculture, infrastructure, and social development.

He said: ‘Fuel subsidy removal freed trillions of naira in fiscal resources; exchange rate unification boosted naira-denominated oil revenues; VAT and CIT collections improved through enhanced compliance and enforcement. Despite these advances, the real fiscal impact is tempered by high inflation and exchange rate pressures. It is therefore important to assess fiscal outcomes in both nominal and real terms to maintain credible expectations and policy balance’.

He said that that recent tax measures have introduced several positive features into the economy including reliefs for producers and priority sectors; higher exemption thresholds for low-income earners and small businesses; zero-rated VAT on essential goods such as food, pharmaceuticals, and educational materials.

Analysts at CardinalStone said they expected Nigerian companies to sustain impressive earnings in the period ahead.

‘These expectations have been influenced by five consecutive months of moderating inflation, notable Naira stability, a shift in the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)’s monetary policy stance, and better-than-expected economic growth momentum,’ CardinalStone stated.

The Army has begun investigation into the death of a soldier and his wife at a military cantonment in Wawa, Niger State.

Lance Corporal Akenleye Femi, a soldier serving with 221 Battalion, allegedly killed his wife and committed suicide in their apartment at Block 15, Room 24, Corporals and Below Quarters, on October 11. The incident left barracks residents in shock.

The spokesman of 22 Armoured Brigade, Captain Stephen Nwankwo, said preliminary investigations revealed that the soldier was on duty within the cantonment and obtained permission from his superior to attend to personal matters before returning to duty, prior to the discovery of the dead bodies in their apartment.

Nwankwo said, ‘The remains of the deceased have been preserved, while an in-depth investigation has since commenced to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the tragic incident.

‘The NA anticipates maximum understanding and cooperation of the public as always, assuring that the outcome of the investigation will not only be made public, rather, further scrutinised, and measures put in place to avoid future occurrences.

‘The NA deeply regrets this, while it commiserates with the family, colleagues, and friends of the deceased over the painful loss. The army also prays for the peaceful repose of their souls.’

The spokesman said the Commander 22 Armoured Brigade, Brig.-Gen Ezra Barkins, had assured the public that the ‘circumstances that led to the sad incident will be thoroughly investigated, and the outcome relayed to the general public accordingly.’

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) yesterday said its operatives have started investigations of two travellers arrested by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) for allegedly failing to declare the sums of $6,180 and £53,415 cash in their possession.

The suspects, Mamud Nasidi and Yahaya Nasidi, were intercepted during a routine check on Saturday, October 11, 2025, at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos.

Upon arrest, the suspects, who were scheduled to travel to Abuja after arriving the country from Dubai enroute Addis Ababa, were immediately handed over to officials of the Department of State Services (DSS) who subsequently transferred them to the commission for further investigation and prosecution.

A statement by the commission’s Head of Media and Publicity, Mr. Dele Oyewale, said three mobile phones were also found on the suspects.

The statement said: ‘The suspects and the exhibits were received by CSE Margaret Lamai on behalf of the acting Zonal Director, Lagos Zonal Directorate 2, EFCC, Assistant Commander of the EFCC, ACE1 Ahmed Ghali.’

Reply

Separate fire incidents which occurred in Ibadan and Ogbomoso areas of Oyo state at the weekend have destroyed properties worth millions of naira.

While a shopping complex was ravaged in Ibadan, a residential building was consumed in Ogbomoso.

No fewer than six rooms and three shops were destroyed at the razed residential building located at Oke-Elerin area of Ogbomoso.

It was gathered that properties and other valuables worth millions of naira were lost to the incident but no casualty was recorded.

At the turn of the 21st century, precisely from October 10 – 12, 2000, the first ministerial conference of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) held in Beijing, following earlier consultations. Nearly 100 ministers from China and 44 African countries were in attendance. A joint declaration at the end of the conference among other things explained that the two sides were ‘highly appreciative of the stable development of Sino-Africa relations over the past decades, have full confidence in the future cooperation and agree that there exists a solid foundation for friendly relations and cooperation between China and Africa, given their time-honoured traditional friendship’.

Twenty-five years later, the trajectories of China-Africa cooperation have justified the optimism expressed at the inaugural conference that the two sides ‘have full confidence in the future cooperation’, even as they agreed ‘that there exists a solid foundation’, for such cooperation, nurtured by ‘their time-honoured traditional friendship’.

China-Africa cooperation even before the founding of the FOCAC process has time-honoured pedigree. From 1967, China set out to construct in Zambia and Tanzania, the nearly 2,000km railway line, offered an interest-free loan to cover costs of constructing the line and supporting infrastructure of stations and training school as well as the supply of motive power and rolling stock. The interest-free loan was repayable according to the agreement in 30 years.

The proposal for the project, later dubbed the freedom line or Tazara railways was outrightly rejected by major Western powers then, and even the former Soviet Union as economically unviable. China accepted to build it and duly completed in 1974.

In 1971, 26 African countries including Nigeria were among 76 other countries in the world that voted in the UN General Assembly to enable China regain her seat at the United Nations and provided the subsisting international consensus that there is only ‘One China’ in the world, and that Taiwan is an inalienable and integral part of China’s sovereign expression and territorial integrity.

The vigorous exchanges and mutual support were the basis for the time-honoured traditional friendship between China and Africa and consequently formed the ‘solid foundation’, on which the FOCAC process was built. The point need to be made that despite the phenomenal growth in China-Africa cooperation especially at the turn of the 21st century, with the establishment of FOCAC, the relationship is neither new nor transactional as some commentators want to describe it. It is rooted in traditional friendship and solidarity shaped by common experience of colonial domination and imperialist exploitation but more importantly a shared aspiration of social and economic well beings for their respective peoples.

In her traditional support for infrastructure construction, which began with the Tazara railway, China within the framework of the FOCAC mechanism further energised and reinforced by the Belt and Road framework for international cooperation have helped Africa to build and renovate more than 10,000 kilometres of railways, about 100,00km of roads, more than 1,000 bridges and nearly 100 ports.

Among the major infrastructure projects, includes the first transnational electrified railway line between Ethiopia and Djibouti, spanning over 750km and have significantly reduced both the time and cost of travel between the Ethiopia industrial heartland and the Djibouti port, the Mombassa-Nairobi standard gauge railway in Kenya, and the Lekki Deep Sea port in Lagos. The Lekki Deep Seaport with estimated economic benefits of about $360 billion would also create about 170,000 new jobs.

These are few among the many infrastructure connectivity projects in Africa built by China in the elaborate framework of the cooperation between the two sides. The projects respond to the original deficit in the struggle for Pan African Unity, a challenge taken up at the meeting of the defunct Organization of Africa Union (OAU) at its special session at Lagos, in 1980. The vision of continental connectivity and industrial take-off contained in the iconic document, Lagos Plan of Action’ was immediately countered by the World Bank and vitiated by lack of political will but has through the framework of the FOCAC process returned to the earlier blueprint with ‘Africa engaging more with herself through connectivity and trade than at any other time in her post-colonial history.

Economic and Trade cooperation have emerged as the flagship of the engagement between the two sides. For 16 years in a straight row, China has been Africa’s largest trading partner with the volume reaching a record of 295.74 billion USD in 2024, an increase of 6.1% from the previous year. Since the establishment of FOCAC in 2000, the trade volume between China and African countries have risen with average annual growth of 14.2%, rising from meagre 13.94 billion US dollars to the current record level.

More importantly, the structure of trade which previously revolved around export of Africa energy and mineral resources and imports of China’s manufactures are shifting in favour of high value-added sectors such mechanical and electrical products, digital services and green technologies. In 2024, African countries exports of processed agricultural products to China demonstrating strength in agro-processing and manufacturing significantly increased. China’s exports to Africa which includes photovoltaic modules, industrial robots and smart phones showed remarkable boost.

In overall, the shift in China-Africa trade towards diversification, higher value-added and technology intensive sector is becoming increasingly significant. Additionally, Chinese investments in the manufacturing, agro-processing sector energy and digital economy is scaling up Africa’s industrialization with cumulative investment that reached $42.12 billion, with nearly Chinese 3,300 operating in 51 African countries . To give greater impetus to Africa’s access to the Chinese market, the Chinese side instituted the China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo, specifically designated to give products from Africa’s exposure to China’s huge market.

At this year’s 4th edition of the Expo, 176 contracts worth $11.39 billion were signed, a 45.8% increase to the previous edition of the Expo held in 2023. In addition to existing mechanism for concessional access of African products to the Chinese market, China proposed last June as a part of the implementation of Ten Partnership Action Plan, outlined by President Xi Jinping at the heads of State Summit of FOCAC held in 2024, to grant zero tariff treatment on 100% of tariff lines for exports from 53 African countries with diplomatic ties.

Since the creation of FOCAC in 2000, it has propelled bilateral cooperation of the two sides into a phase of rapid, comprehensive and stable development. In addition to the creation of multiple cooperation mechanism and trade facilitation initiatives, it has enabled a long term institutional support for China-Africa relations.

While China-Africa engagements at different levels are well known for tangible outcomes and deliverable, it is also fostering values through mutual learnings and governance experience sharing. Through the FOCAC process, inter-party consultations and civilizational dialogues are gaining momentum, and bridging the geographical gaps between the two sides.

The China-Africa journey within the framework of the FOCAC process is still a work in progress despite the crucial milestones it has reached. At the Beijing summit of last year, President Xi Jinping proposed to characterize China-Africa as ‘all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future for a new era’.

More than 60 years ago, when the Chinese Venerable Premier, Zhou Enlai visited Africa, in Ghana he outlined the eight principles of China’s support and assistance to Africa. Among the eight principles, the forth explained that ‘in providing aid to other countries, the purpose of the Chinese government is not to make the recipient countries dependent on China but to help them embark step by step on the road to self-reliance and independent economic development’. This position is as valid today as it was, more than six decades ago, when it was pronounced on African soil.

The historic imperative for Africa is to meet China half way in the open brotherly embrace and make the opportunity of China to contribute to the concrete advantage of Africa’s renaissance, with FOCAC as the mutual roadmap.

Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for establishing South West Development Commission (SWDC).

He described it as a strategic initiative that would bridge developmental gaps and unlock the region’s economic potential.

President Tinubu had in March signed the SWDC Bill into law, mandating the commission to enhance infrastructure, economic growth and social welfare across Southwest.

The legislation was sponsored by Senator Gbenga Daniel, representing Ogun East, and received support from both chambers of the National Assembly before its final assent.

Speaking over the weekend at a thanksgiving reception held in honour of Dr. Jide Adewinle, the newly-appointed federal commissioner representing Ondo State in the commission, Aiyedatiwa said the creation of SWDC would help address developmental disparities and promote sustainable regional growth.

‘The establishment of South West Development Commission is a laudable step by the Federal Government to tackle developmental imbalances, harness regional potential and promote sustainable growth.

‘With the right leadership and collaboration, the commission will serve as a veritable tool for economic revitalisation, infrastructural renewal and social transformation in our region,’ he said.

The governor pledged his administration’s readiness to collaborate with the commission to advance infrastructural renewal, industrialisation and youth empowerment across Ondo’s 18 local governments.

He described the appointment of Adewinle as well-deserved, noting that it was a recognition of competence, capacity and character.

‘Over the years, Dr Adewinle has demonstrated exceptional commitment to community development, youth empowerment and professionalism,’ Aiyedatiwa said.

‘His appointment further projects Ondo State as a reservoir of capable men and women, who can stand tall anywhere in service to our nation.’

The governor urged the new appointee to embrace humility, inclusiveness and vision in his stewardship.

‘Leadership is stewardship imbued with humility and accountability. Let your service reflect diligence and integrity. Expectations are high, but I’m confident you will make Ondo proud,’ he said.

Aiyedatiwa said the state government would continue to work with SWDC and other federal institutions to ensure Ondo people benefited from ongoing and future developmental projects.

Dr Adewinle expressed gratitude to God, President Tinubu and Governor Aiyedatiwa for the opportunity to serve, promising to justify the confidence reposed in him.

He described the commission as a platform designed to promote education, infrastructure, welfare and economic empowerment, positioning Southwest for sustainable development.

The Chairman of Okitipupa Local Government, Andrew Ogunsakin, hailed the governor for approving a 5km road project in the council and lauded the ongoing projects across the state.

The thanksgiving, held at Adekunbi Hall, Iye Ile Resort Centre, Ode-Aye, drew dignitaries from across the country, including traditional rulers, political associates and well-wishers, who joined in celebrating the new appointee.

When the mangled remains of Mrs. Folakemi Odu’s husband were entombed, her hopes and the future of their children were also interred with their breadwinner, so it seemed.

In a cruel twist of fate, she suddenly assumed the role of breadwinner.

She is not alone. From Emure to Ise Orun, Ikere, Iyin, to Ilejemeje in Ekiti State, young women in their forties who lost their husbands in tragic circumstances are battling to eke out a living by all means.

Most times, becoming a widow in Nigeria pushes many women into grinding poverty – a situation usually aggravated by the widespread practice of property grabbing and sometimes, physical abuse.

Luckily for Ikere-based Mrs. Odu, after enduring some tough times, the sewing machine she received from the Widows, Aged and Orphans Hope (WAOH) foundation became a ‘blessing’.

While her productivity increased, she can do more jobs to help take care of the home and support her children in school.

‘The machine I received from WAOH doesn’t require electricity. It has been a blessing. My productivity has increased, and I can now take on more jobs, which helps me keep my children in school,’ she said.

Harbinger of solace

The WAOH project, an initiative of the Ekiti State First Lady, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, has given widows and the vulnerable another chance for decent living.

Launched in 2023, the idea is to provide comprehensive support, opportunities for widows and orphans to achieve self-reliance and improved socio-economic status, with a vision to uplift the most vulnerable populations in our society.

According to the Coordinator of the project, Mrs Kemi Dairo, there is a template/structure for sustainability and continuity despite not being a government-sponsored initiative.

‘It’s not sponsored by the government. This project is self-sponsored. We have partners from whom we solicit funds,’ she said.

She added that there is a monitoring team to assess how beneficiaries are doing, including orphans given scholarships.

‘Even the widows that we empower, all the equipment given to them cannot be sold,’ she said.

The project has seen widows receive empowerment tools like deep freezers, sewing machines, grinding machines, hair dryers, garri processing machines, based on their request in forms they had earlier filled. And as such, more than 5,000 widows have been impacted.

Tales of sorrow, joy and a lifeline

Just like Mrs Odu, Mrs. James Janet, who had hitherto endured tough times, can smile again.

Her husband died on his way from church when his motorcycle ran into a vehicle he had mistaken for another motorcycle because it had a single headlight.

It was a very painful experience because her first daughter was still very young, she was pregnant with the second, while learning tailoring and fashion design.

‘After his death, my mother asked me to come and stay with her for a while so I wouldn’t be alone.

‘While I was away, my husband’s family went to our house, ransacked it, and took everything – his belongings and even some of mine.

‘They left me and the children with nothing. They never came back to check on us or support us.

‘Life became so hard. Feeding was difficult, I couldn’t send my children to school, and sometimes we barely had clothes to wear. Many nights I cried and couldn’t sleep. It was a very painful and hopeless time,’ she stated.

She then registered for the WAOH initiative after initial doubts because ‘many of such programmes had come before collecting our names and details, but nothing ever came out of it’.

However, upon persuasion from her mother to try it, things clicked, and she was invited to Ado-Ekiti, where she was given a sewing machine.

One sewing machine brings three more; six apprentices, a better life

The sewing machine, within a short time, brought a turnaround to Mrs. James’ life.

She said: ‘Honestly, that machine changed everything for me and my children. Before I received it, life was very hard.

‘I had no shop, so I was trying to manage inside my house. But the truth is, even working from home was difficult because I didn’t have the proper tools to work with.

‘The week I got the machine, something amazing happened. Jobs began to come in, one after the other. I realised at least N10,000 – N15,000 daily when I was working from home, but having a shop now has increased it, even though our kind of work is seasonal, I’m able to realise lots of money each day.

‘It was as if God Himself opened a door of mercy for me. I started sewing clothes back-to-back, and for the first time in a long while, I could see hope.

‘One of the biggest impacts was on my children. Before then, sending them to school was almost impossible. Many times, they stayed at home because I couldn’t afford school fees. Even feeding them three times a day was a serious challenge.

‘Sometimes, they would sleep on empty stomachs, and the pain of watching them suffer broke me as a mother. My own mother would step in occasionally to support us, but it was never enough.

‘My husband’s family completely abandoned us – they never came to ask if the children had eaten, or if they even had clothes to wear.

‘Another major change was that I began to save money. At first, I thought it was impossible to save because we were barely surviving. But when the jobs kept coming, I joined a weekly contribution group.

‘Each week, I dropped money, and little by little it accumulated. From those savings, I was able to raise enough to rent a proper shop.

‘That was one of the happiest moments of my life – moving out of my small house into a shop where people could easily locate me. It made me feel like a real businesswoman.

‘From the income I earned, I also bought materials in bulk – threads, fabrics, sewing accessories, even chairs for my customers.

‘Slowly, my little corner grew into a proper tailoring shop. Later, I even bought two more machines.

‘Today, I have three in total: one at home and two in the shop. That means I can work comfortably anywhere and also train others.

‘In fact, today I have six apprentices under me. Six young people are learning this craft because of that single machine given to me.

‘Imagine – one machine did not just feed my children; it created opportunities for others too.

‘When I look at them working in the shop, learning and gaining skills that will sustain their future, my heart is full of gratitude.

‘The impact also extended to our home. The money I realised from tailoring helped me pay for our house rent – N24,000 every year.

‘Before then, paying rent was a nightmare. I feared every time the landlord knocked. But now, I can boldly pay without shame, knowing it came from the work of my hands.

‘In short, this machine transformed me from a helpless widow who cried at night into a woman with dignity, strength, and hope.

‘I was like a ‘zero mother’ before – unable to provide, always worried. Truly, God used that sewing machine to rewrite my story. I no longer struggle the way I used to. I live a better life now, I am training six apprentices, and I give all the glory to God.’

From pain to gain

Since her husband’s death, Mrs. Bankole Omowunmi Rebecca, a resident of Ise-Ekiti, had battled hard to make ends meet for six children. Her husband had gone hunting, fell from a tree and died on the way to the hospital.

To survive, she went through all sorts of hard labour – going to people’s farms for daily pay, washing clothes for neighbours, and sometimes pounding yams for families just to get a plate of food.

‘Life has been very tough. Feeding six children alone was extremely difficult. My husband’s family did not support me in any way. The children’s feeding and education were already overwhelming.

‘It was a tumultuous journey. Raising six children without any help, especially when resources were limited, was one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do,’ she said.

She got valuable information about the WAOH project, applied and after the screening, got selected and was given a grinding machine, which proved a turning point for her.

‘When I got the grinding machine, it was as if heaven opened. With the machine, I started grinding pepper, maize, beans, and cassava.

‘On a typical day, I earn roughly N4,000 to N5,000. That may seem small to some, but for me, it made a huge difference.

‘With that daily earning, I could buy food for my family, pay rent, and slowly begin to repair parts of our house that were damaged.

‘Gradually, I joined a thrift contribution group where I saved weekly, and from my savings, I was able to buy small household items we could not afford before.

‘Most importantly, the grinding machine restored my dignity. It is more than just equipment – it is life, it is food, it is school fees, it is dignity, and it is hope,’ she said.

Wanted: more intervention

The widows want more intervention/empowerment to generate more income.

Mrs. Odu would be able to expand her services and earn more income if she got a ‘stoning machine’, sewing materials, and special fabrics for making ladies’ caps.

If she could get an industrial machine, Mrs. Janet’s work would be faster, neater, and more professional. She will be able to take on bigger jobs and even train more apprentices.

Mrs. Bankole wants other women in her local government to benefit from the WAOH project just as she has done. According to her, many widows are still suffering, and she desires the same opportunity for them.

The many sides of an empowerment scheme

The empowerment of the widows and orphans has translated to stability of income, financial independence and restoration of dignity.

The tools obtained by the widows have been utilised properly, such that some of them are in the process of empowering other people as evident in the training of apprentices.

Once the apprentices graduate, they can work on their own and be financially independent.

The WAOH Project, though intended for widows and the vulnerable, has indirectly contributed to the empowerment of other persons.

For most of the widows, they were able to stay afloat using the tools to generate income and a sustainable livelihood in their various communities where the standard of living is not high.

In essence, what they made daily could sustain their feeding and they could still save a little of their earnings.

Orphans not left out

Bello Daniel, a 200-Level student at Bamidele Olumilua University of Technology, Ikere (BOUESTI), lost his dad at a very young age, while his mum died of epilepsy. He had lost hope for higher studies, but WAOH rescued him.

However, upon graduation, he wants to own a fashion shop to earn a living, give back, support young people, and create opportunities for them to thrive-just as WAOH did for him.

‘That is my biggest aspiration,’ he said.

Cameroon voted in an election yesterday that could see Africa’s oldest leader extend his rule by another seven years.

Analysts have predicted a victory for President Paul Biya. Now 92, he would be 99 by the time his term finishes.

He first came to power in 1982, following the resignation of Cameroon’s first president, Ahmadou Ahidjo, and has ruled the country since then. Biya was declared the winner of seven subsequent elections. Cameroon has seen just two leaders since independence in 1960.

His health has routinely been a topic of speculation as he spends most of his time in Europe, leaving day-to-day governing to key party officials and family members.

‘In the face of increasingly difficult international environment, the challenges facing us are more and more pressing,’ Biya said in announcing another run. ‘In such a situation, I cannot shirk my mission.’

Biya faces nine opposition candidates, including some former allies and appointees. They include Bello Bouba Maigari, who was minister for tourism, and Issa Tchiroma Bakary, who until recently served as the minister of employment.

There is a single round of voting in Cameroon and whoever gets the most votes is the winner.

Cheukam Ginette, a 34-year-old environmentalist and first-time voter, said she won’t choose Biya.

‘Things have to change. First of all, life is expensive, getting medical care is not easy,’ she said outside of a polling station in the capital of Yaounde. ‘There are no roads, we have potholes everywhere. Everything is ruined. That’s why I voted for the opposition. I do not have confidence in the electoral process because we know our country but I’m hopeful.’

Mars Aviation Limited has denied any wrongdoing following reports that the Federal High Court in Abuja granted an ex parte order temporarily freezing its bank accounts. The company has vowed to challenge the decision, insisting it was obtained without its knowledge or opportunity to be heard.

The court order was secured by a government agency investigating alleged financial irregularities linked to certain aviation contracts and fund transfers involving Mars Aviation. The move, according to reports, forms part of a wider probe into transactions between private firms and some public institutions.

But in a statement issued on Friday, the management of the airline, which is associated with businessman Bashir Haske, said it became aware of the order after it had already been granted. The company described the development as ‘procedurally unfair’ and assured that its lawyers have been instructed to take all necessary legal steps to set aside the order and ensure that the facts are properly placed before the court.

The airline emphasized that its operations strictly adhere to Nigerian laws and international aviation standards, noting that all funds received were for legitimate services rendered. It dismissed the circulating allegations as ‘baseless and unsupported by credible evidence.’

Mars Aviation pledged to cooperate fully with relevant authorities by providing documentation to prove the integrity of its transactions, while urging that investigative powers be exercised with fairness and full respect for due process.

‘We reaffirm our respect for the lawful mandate of agencies charged with investigative responsibilities. We trust that these powers will be exercised with fairness and full adherence to due process,’ the statement added.

Reiterating confidence in the Nigerian judicial system, the company expressed optimism that a fair hearing would vindicate its management.

It described itself as a law-abiding and transparent corporate entity committed to ethical business practices, regulatory compliance, and contributing to Nigeria’s aviation and economic growth. It also appealed to the public to avoid premature conclusions until the matter is fully adjudicated.