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Eminent Nigerian leaders on Sunday paid glowing tributes to the late Professor of Political Science and President of the Institute of Governance and Social Research, Prof. Jonah Isawa Elaigwu, especially his research on leadership and the Nigerian polity.

The dignitaries described the late scholar as a ‘lost gem,’ saying the ‘global academic community has been dealt a heavy blow.’

Former Heads of State, Generals Ibrahim Babangida, Yakubu Gowon and Abdulsalami Abubakar; former Senate President and National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress, Senator David Mark; former Senate President, Senator Iyorchia Ayu; and former Governor of Plateau State, Senator Joshua Dariye, were among the dignitaries who honoured the late scholar on Friday night in Abuja at a Night of Tributes held in his memory.

Born on March 10, 1948, in Otukpo, Benue State, Professor Elaigwu died Tuesday, July 22, 2025, at the age of 77.

General Babangida (rtd) described Prof. Elaigwu as an exemplary patriot, an intellectual giant, and a truly international colossus in the field of political science.

Reflecting on their association, Babangida said Elaigwu had a fulfilling career as a scholar, teacher, and researcher in universities and institutions around the world, noting that his sterling reputation was what brought them together.

The former Nigerian leader, who was represented by Ambassador Godwin Adama at the event, said, ‘It was his reputation that brought me into contact with him as a major intellectual powerhouse. I am proud to recall that when I had the privilege of leading our nation, Prof. Elaigwu was one of those whom I invited to join us in the Presidential Advisory Committee, which we set up to enlarge the intellectual horizon of our policy framework for national governance.

‘The PAC became the intellectual powerhouse and sounding board for our various reforms and governance policies. In that context, Prof. Elaigwu became an invaluable resource in matters of federalism, political science, and democratic experimentation. Since our political reform process involved a lot of experimentation with various forms of elections and constituency management strategies, Prof. Elaigwu collaborated effectively with his political science colleagues to strengthen our administration.’

He added that Prof. Elaigwu was an easy-going, candid, and down-to-earth colleague who approached every task with calmness and camaraderie.

‘He was always where we needed him and discharged the obligations attached to his functions with compulsive equanimity and delightful camaraderie,’ he said.

Babangida noted that even after retiring from academia, Elaigwu continued to play a leading role in his field, serving as President of the Institute of Governance and Social Research and maintaining his position as an international expert on federalism’.

On his part, former Head of State, General Abubakar (rtd), described the late professor as a distinguished scholar whose contributions to constitutional democracy, the economy, and federalism remain indelible.

Abubakar, whose tribute was delivered by Ambassador Nicholas Ella, noted that Prof. Elaigwu had served on several presidential committees and boards of educational institutions and provided policy guidance to multilateral institutions such as the World Bank, the United Nations Development Programme, and the United States Agency for International Development.

He said, ‘Late Professor Elaigwu was patriotic and passionate about research, teaching, and training throughout his lifetime. I found him to be courageous, dedicated, and loyal – a true educationist who gave all his life to serving his country, the education sector, and humanity,’ he said.

Similarly, General Gowon (rtd) said he lost a dear friend when Prof. Elaigwu passed away in July, nearly 47 years after their first meeting in August 1978.

Gowon, who was represented by Solomon Asemota (SAN), said: ‘August 1978 was three years after the end of my tenure as Head of State and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. At that time, I had resolved to stop granting interviews, particularly in the wake of my becoming the target of a government witch-hunt which sought to implicate me in the failed coup of February 13, 1976, in which my successor was killed.

‘Prof. Elaigwu, having recently completed his PhD at Stanford University in the United States, returned to Nigeria eager to continue his research on leadership and the Nigerian polity. Perhaps the circumstances surrounding my ouster from office piqued his intellectual curiosity and led to our introduction.

‘He was determined to get me to speak, whereas I was determined to keep my counsel. Through the intervention of my close friend, the late Prof. Ishaya Audu, he eventually secured the interview that resulted in his critically acclaimed book, Gowon: A Scholarly Biography of a Soldier-Statesman.’

Gowon said Prof. Elaigwu thoroughly deserved his reputation as an ‘elder of the political science discipline’ and the ‘foremost authority on comparative federalism and civil-military relations.’

He added that beyond the classroom, Elaigwu served Nigeria in various capacities, including as Director-General of the National Council on Inter-Governmental Relations, and through the Institute of Governance and Social Research, which he founded in Jos – institutions that remain his enduring legacy.

Also speaking at the event, former Senate President Mark said Prof. Elaigwu had created a deep void not only in academia but also in Nigeria’s intellectual landscape.

He described him as a pathfinder, a leading light and an inspirational figure in Benue State and across Nigeria, noting that his intellectual depth, clarity of thought and passion for nation-building inspired generations of scholars and leaders.

Mark said, ‘A consummate academic, visionary thinker, and community leader, Prof. Elaigwu dedicated his life to the pursuit of an egalitarian and just society. His works and teachings transcended the walls of the university, influencing governance, policy, and the broader quest for national unity. His departure is a monumental loss, coming at a time when humanity most needs his voice and wisdom.

‘As we mourn his passing, we celebrate a life well spent in service to knowledge, humanity, and country. May the Almighty grant eternal rest to his soul.’

Former chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Senator Ayu, recalled that Prof. Elaigwu joined the University of Jos, where he was lecturing at the time, from Zaria in 1979.

He described him as a hardworking and erudite scholar who imparted knowledge without prejudice.

‘He didn’t care whether you were a Yoruba, Tiv, Hausa, or Igbo; he mentored people across all backgrounds and related well with everyone,’ Ayu said.

He advised the Institute of Governance and Social Research to compile all of Prof. Elaigwu’s works in political science into a comprehensive collection, noting that, ‘they will become invaluable source books not only for political science but for the social sciences in Nigeria.’

Also, former Governor of Plateau State, Senator Dariye, described Prof. Elaigwu’s contributions to knowledge and nation-building as immense and invaluable, especially through the promotion of research on Nigeria and Africa’s socio-economic and political challenges via the Institute of Governance and Social Research, which he established.

He said, ‘Nigeria and humanity have lost a gem. The global academic community has been dealt a heavy blow. Prof., you were a foremost authority in comparative federalism and civil-military relations, apart from being a towering figure in political science.

‘You were a man of robust intellect, an erudite scholar, and a cerebral author. Indeed, you were credited with writing the concept paper for the National Council on Intergovernmental Relations, of which you became the pioneer Director-General.

‘You were a patriot who believed in a great nation called Nigeria. When I was Governor of Plateau State, you were an invaluable consultant to us. At a personal level, you supported me like a younger brother – unassuming and God-fearing.’

He added that with his passing, indeed, an iroko tree has fallen, noting that: ‘God’s ways are mysterious. Prof., you ran a worthy and enviable race and have gone the way of all mortals,’ he added.

The National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) has restated its commitment to fight certificate racketeering in the nation’s tertiary institutions.

Head of Media unit for NBTE, Mrs. Fatima Abubakar, in a statement on Sunday in Abuja on behalf of the executive secretary, the agency said that it does not condone, support, or tolerate any form of certificate racketeering or academic fraud.

The NBTE was responding to a report by a national newspaper which alleged mobilisation of unqualified graduates for national service organised by the National Youth Service Corps.

The report alleged that certain private polytechnics in Nigeria were colluding with blacklisted universities in the Republic of Benin to fraudulently mobilise graduates into the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) using fabricated National Diploma (ND) and Higher National Diploma (HND) certificates.

The NBTE said, ‘The integrity of Nigeria’s technical education system is paramount, and any institution found to be involved in such malpractice will face the full weight of regulatory sanctions.

‘In response to the allegations, the Board has initiated preliminary inquiries and has formally reached out to the NYSC and Punch Newspaper to obtain relevant information that will lead to a thorough investigation. We urge members of the public and stakeholders to remain calm and vigilant and report any suspicious activities of any TVET institution to the appropriate authorities.

‘The NBTE remains committed to upholding the highest standards of academic integrity and will continue to work closely with the Federal Ministry of Education and other agencies to ensure that the credibility of Nigeria’s Polytechnic education is not compromised.

‘We appreciate the Nigerian press, especially the recent cases of investigative journalism in the country, leading to cleaning up our system and wish to reaffirm the commitment of the NBTE to support a transparent restitution of the entire educational and related sectors to institute integrity at all levels and sanctioning of erring institutions, which may include withdrawal of operational licenses and prosecution.’

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has paid an emotional tribute to his son, Seyi Tinubu, on the occasion of his 40th birthday, declaring that his son has made the family proud and will continue to make Nigeria proud.

In a heartfelt personal message he released on Sunday, the President celebrated Seyi’s life, describing him as a man who has ‘walked his path with focus, courage, and humility,’ while devoting himself to building, serving, and uplifting others.

‘Happy 40th Birthday, my son. You have made us proud, and I know you will continue to make Nigeria proud’, the President wrote.

President Tinubu recounted Seyi’s journey from childhood to adulthood, commending his determination, creativity, and leadership, saying, ‘From an early age, you have shown determination and a desire to create and lead. I have watched you turn ideas into institutions and challenges into opportunities.’

He lauded his son’s accomplishments in both business and public service, noting that Seyi’s example reflects values that go beyond material success.

‘In business and in service, you have shown that true success is not measured by wealth or power but by the impact we make and the lives we touch,’ the President stated.

Marking 40 as a defining milestone, Tinubu described it as an age that ‘bridges youthful drive and the more profound wisdom that life brings.’

He added that Seyi had carried the Tinubu name with honour, remaining faithful to the values of ‘discipline, integrity, and hard work.’

The President also praised Seyi’s devotion to his family, commending the strong bond he shares with his wife, Layal, and their children.

‘Our entire family is proud of you. We are proud of the family you are building with Layal, your devotion as a husband and father, and your commitment to making a difference in your generation,’ he wrote.

He concluded the tribute with prayers for Seyi’s continued wisdom, good health, and peace, urging him to stay focused on inspiring others.

‘May God bless you with wisdom, good health, and peace. As you celebrate this milestone, remember that your strength lies in what you achieve and how you inspire others to believe in themselves,’ the president wrote.

Nollywood actress Adesua Etomi has opened up about a near-death experience she had in June, revealing that she underwent an unplanned surgery while in the United Kingdom with her husband, Banky W, and their two sons.

In an emotional Instagram post, the actress expressed deep gratitude to God for sparing her life, describing the ordeal as one that profoundly strengthened her faith.

‘I could have lost my life in June of this year,’ she wrote. ‘I went through a horrific incident that landed me in unplanned surgery. The surgery was ironically the least dramatic part of what I went through.’

Etomi said she and her family were in the UK for two speaking engagements when the incident occurred. ‘If even one single detail of that day were different, I wouldn’t be here today. I shudder when I think about it,’ she added.

Reflecting on the experience, she said it renewed her awareness of God’s presence and grace. ‘Like a map, I can literally look back over that day and trace how His hands were all over that situation. There is nothing anyone can tell me – God is real!’

She urged her followers to live with kindness and gratitude, adding, ‘Let’s be softer, kinder, gentler, forgiving, patient, loving, and peaceful. I will never take another day for granted. Neither should you.’

Adesua, known for being open about her personal struggles, had earlier this year shared how she battled hyperemesis during pregnancy, supported her husband through surgery for a cancerous tumor, and underwent an emergency C-section in 2024.

Despite her challenges, she said she remains thankful, using her story to inspire others to hold on to faith and hope.

A former Osun State lawmaker, Hon. Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, has called on the Service Chiefs to adopt a more ruthless approach in dealing with individuals and groups involved in violent crimes across the country.

Oyintiloye, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), made the call in a statement on Sunday, stressing that while security agencies have made commendable efforts to curb insecurity, more decisive action is needed to end persistent killings, especially in parts of the North.

The former member of the APC Presidential Campaign Council expressed deep concern over the rising cases of attacks by suspected bandits in Kwara, Borno, Zamfara, and Niger states. He urged security leaders to take bold and uncompromising steps against both perpetrators and their sponsors.

He lamented that many Nigerians continue to live in fear despite ongoing counterterrorism efforts, and urged the Service Chiefs not to relent until terrorism and banditry are completely eradicated.

‘There is no doubt that the Service Chiefs are doing their best to stop the killings by bandits,’ he said, ‘but they need to be more ruthless with them until they quench the insurgency in our land.’

Oyintiloye also cautioned against internal sabotage within security formations and advised the military and other agencies to fully deploy their available human and material resources to restore public confidence and ensure lasting peace across the country.

‘I will also urge them to look inward and fish out those who might be working against their relentless efforts to crush the activities of the terrorists in the country completely. This is very important to restore public confidence in the security agencies.

‘People are tired, and many of them are living in fear of the unknown due to the activities of those perpetrating violent crimes in the country,’ he said.

Oyintiloye also highlighted the need for the service chiefs to involve local security networks in intelligence gathering to tackle the menace.

Oyintiloye further said that the security agencies should also target the financial backbone of terrorist groups in the country to complement their efforts.

He, however, commended President Bola Tinubu and the National Assembly for providing the needed support and budgetary allocation for the security agencies to reduce violent crimes in the country.

He predicted that with the cooperation of all stakeholders, acts of faith, patriotism, honesty, and a positive mindset on the part of Nigerians, the country would defeat the menace of insecurity in due course.

The Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), are taking proactive measures against the vandalisation of telecom infrastructures across the country.

The measure which is a well-coordinated mechanism to safeguard Critical National Assets and Infrastructures, (CNAI) is already yielding results as the Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, Dr Aminu Maida, announced that the cartel behind vandalisation of telecom infrastructures has been successfully dismantled.

Dr Maida however regretted that in spite of the efforts to ensure protection of CNII in the country, threats and attacks still continued with over 20,000 fibre cuts, and 4000 cases of thefts of equipment between January and October last year.

The EVC said the NCC is collaborating with the NSCDC and the judiciary to ensure speedy prosecution of those involved in fibre cuts and infrastructural thefts.

He noted that within the period over 20,000 cases of denials of access to infrastructure locations by all manners of groups and associations were also recorded. He called for community participation in the protection of Critical National Infrastructures by all stakeholders.

The NCC boss spoke at the Business Round Table on Improving investment in broadband connectivity and safeguarding critical national infrastructure, organised by the Commission at Mbora, Abuja.

While the NCC boss said an additional one billion dollars investments have been attracted to the telecom sector from Mobile Network Operators, MNOs, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of Economy, Mr Wale Edun said 20 states of the Federation have accessed the 750 million dollars FG/World Bank Fund for enabling business environment facility in the country.

Edun who spoke through the Director of Finance in the Ministry, Malam Ali Mohammed said the Fund which came under a Special Programme for infrastructures development in states would address challenges of critical infrastructure deficits, especially digital assets and infrastructures.

The event had the theme: ‘Right of Way and Protection of Broadband Infrastructure – The Road to Success in Broadband Investment and Connectivity’. It attracted major stakeholders including the Office the National Security Adviser, ONSA, the Nigeria Governors Forum, (NGF), World Bank, Mobile Network Operators, MNOs and Association of Licensed Telecom Operators of Nigeria, (ALTON) among others.

Edun said the present administration is committed to development of Critical National Assets and Infrastructure (CNII) and their protection for the recalibration of the economy and improvement of Gross Domestic Product.

He maintained that the contributions of the ICT/Digital Economy Sector to the GDP would not only be sustained, but witnessed more investments due to ongoing reforms of the economy.

The Chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum, (NGF) and Kwara state governor, Abdulrahman Abdulrazak, said about 19 states have waived Right of Way (RoW) levy of 145 naira per linear meter of fibre optic cables, while his Katsina State colleague, Dr Umar Radda said his state has inaugurated a Community Level Committee to ensure that critical national assets and infrastructures are protected in all the over 360 wards.

Dr Radda said his administration has invested heavily on digital economy and innovations infrastructures in the state with the appointment of a vibrant ICT expert for seamless implementation of policy that would create wealth and jobs for the youths.

Speaking further on the Round table, Dr Maida said following the hike in tariff earlier in the year, the industry has witnessed significant turnaround to attract investment and yield returns to investors.

While he said broadband penetration peaked at 48.8 percent as at August this year, over 140 million people now have internet access.

The EVC who called for zero RoW charges from the Nigeria Governors Forum, said the collaboration of states are significant to growth and development of the industry, stressing that the slow pace of getting approvals for RoW in states also remained unhelpful to the sector.

He said with over 40,000 km fibre optic infrastructures already in place, Nigeria has more than enough capability, but regretted that evacuation of the capability was the main challenge as only 10 percent of what we have is being utilised.

Dr Maida said, ‘Under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, Nigeria is pursuing the ambitious targets of the National Broadband Plan (2020-2025).

‘This plan sets a clear path to achieve 70% broadband penetration by the end of 2025 and to deploy 90,000 kilometres of fibre optic backbone infrastructure across the country.

‘At the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), we have translated this vision into deliberate and strategic action. We are driving broadband expansion, strengthening regulation, and safeguarding the industry-even in the face of a challenging operating environment.’

The Niger State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development has pledged stricter action against early and forced marriages, warning that anyone involved in such practices will face prosecution.

As part of efforts to protect young girls, the ministry also inaugurated Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and Mental Health School Clubs in two girls’ secondary schools. The clubs will serve as safe spaces for victims of harassment, bullying, and other forms of abuse to seek support and report incidents.

Speaking at an event marking the International Day of the Girl Child, held at Maryam Babangida Girls Secondary School, Minna, the ministry’s Director of Planning, Research and Statistics and GBV focal person, Mrs. Mary Yisa, expressed concern over the growing number of forced underage marriages across the state.

‘Some of the students are forced into marriage even before completing their basic education. We are working very hard to end this trend,’ she said.

Yisa revealed that several GBV cases are currently being prosecuted in the state, with some perpetrators already convicted and sentenced, thanks to the establishment of family courts that have accelerated justice delivery.

‘We, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, say no to early marriage, no to forced marriage, and no to all forms of violence – domestic, sexual, psychosocial, or economic,’ she added.

She explained that the school clubs will promote regular sensitisation sessions and encourage students to report any form of abuse, while ongoing radio campaigns in local languages aim to change community attitudes that tolerate child marriage.

According to her, the club programme began in five pilot schools, with the ministry urging education partners to replicate the initiative across the state.

In her keynote address, Dr. Valda Martins called for collective efforts to eradicate early and forced marriages, urging that girls be allowed to complete their education and make independent choices about their future.

Also speaking, the Niger State Chairperson of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) emphasised the need for sustained community engagement to eliminate forced and underage marriages among female students.

‘We are discouraging them from dropping out or allowing their parents to make them get married before completing their education. Even though people feel forced marriage is not that rampant, we still see the underlying effects’, she said.

She noted the need for more involvement of traditional and religious leaders to successfully end the trend.

Speaking about the event, she said that over 150 female students attended the event and were counselled on mentoring, identifying, and preventing gender based violence and mental health.

The PWAN Programme officer, Nana Hauwa Isah, said the event was used to move conversations out of boardrooms and into schools and communities.

She also stated that the initiative is set to announce a state action plan on women, peace, and security and is working to reach rural areas and crisis-affected communities.

Tension is rising in Bembe, a community in Ayedade Local Government Area of Osun State, following alleged moves to annex the town to Ikire in neighbouring Irewole Local Government Area.

The traditional head of Bembe, Chief Abas Omojare, alongside community leaders Chief Oderemi Kazeem, Adewuyi Okunlade, and Gafaru Alansi, raised the alarm in a petition through their counsel, Barrister Zakariyau Apo, addressed to the Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG), Zone XI.

The petition, a copy of which was made available to The Nation, accused some individuals from Ikire of making attempts to incorporate Bembe into their town, describing the move as illegal and provocative.

According to the petitioners, their forefathers are the original landowners of Bembe and have peacefully managed the community ‘from time immemorial.’

They explained that portions of land in Bembe were, in the past, granted to the ancestors of one Maita and other settlers from Ikire for farming and residential purposes on tenancy and permissive occupation terms-not ownership.

‘The said partition was never a grant of ownership but merely for occupation, farming, and residential purposes. The grantees were expected to respect the overlordship of our clients’ family and community as the customary landowners,’ the petition read.

However, the petitioners alleged that in recent times, Maita and his associates have begun challenging the authority of Bembe’s traditional rulers, recruiting Ikire indigenes living in Bembe to undermine the community’s peace and leadership.

‘They have made inciting and provocative statements, claiming ownership of Bembe land and issuing threats to drive away the lawful and indigenous people of the community,’ the petition added.

The petitioners lamented that the development has created tension, disrupted peace, and instilled fear among residents.

‘This reckless behaviour has already sparked tension in the community, and if not urgently checked, it may degenerate into loss of lives and destruction of property in Bembe,’ they warned.

They urged the AIG to intervene swiftly and call the suspects in order to prevent a potential communal clash between indigenes of Bembe and settlers from Ikire.

The Senate arm of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to protect the Minister of Interior, Hon. Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, from what it described as falsehoods and fabricated NYSC scandals aimed at tarnishing his reputation.

NANS said Nigeria cannot afford to lose a resourceful, visionary, and result-oriented minister like Tunji-Ojo, whose dedication continues to advance President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

In a statement signed by the NANS Senate President, Usman Adamu Nagwaza, the student body described the recent allegations as ‘laughable and suspicious,’ noting that they only emerged following the Minister’s remarkable achievements in office.

‘It is quite laughable and suspicious that those now peddling falsehoods and fabricating an NYSC-related scandal against Tunji-Ojo have suddenly found their voices only after his historic achievements as Minister of Interior,’ the statement read.

He said, ‘Where were these self-acclaimed crusaders of truth when he served meritoriously as a distinguished member of the House of Representatives, sponsoring impactful bills and touching lives across Nigeria? Where were they during his nomination, screening, and ratification as Minister when every detail of his background was meticulously scrutinized and cleared by the relevant authorities?

‘Their sudden emergence at a time when the Honourable Minister is breaking records and transforming the Ministry of Interior clearly exposes their mischief and envy. This desperate attempt to tarnish his hard-earned reputation is not only baseless but also a calculated distraction from his laudable achievements and must be seen for what it truly is: a failed smear campaign by frustrated detractors.

‘It is so disheartening and melancholic that some unpatriotic and retrogressive Nigerians, who ought to get better with the nation’s progress, are often the ones calling for the head of those who serve as catalysts for such progress, persistently doing everything possible to bring them down. These individuals have no love for the country, lack conscience, and detest the growth and development of the nation.

‘The continued backlash, defamation, and maligning of Hon. Bunmi Tunji-Ojo (BTO), the Minister of Interior, points in one clear direction that the enemies of Nigeria’s progress and growth remain unyielding and unrepentant in their pursuit to bring down the Renewed Hope Starboy.

‘While the unprecedented achievements and monumental strides of BTO continue to leave us in awe, these individuals, driven by bitterness and envy, have resorted to constant name-calling and blackmail. This attitude is utterly unpatriotic and must be condemned.

‘These pathetic individuals flooded the media space in the last couple of months to peddle a corruption agenda against the astute and hardworking Minister of Interior. However, their plot failed and was met with staunch resistance.

‘Is it not ridiculous that, having failed in their previous attempt to malign the Honourable Minister, these same individuals have resurfaced with yet another fabricated scandal? This is a direct attack aimed at bringing disrepute to the Honourable Minister and must be completely discarded.

He said, ‘Where were these self-acclaimed crusaders of truth when he served meritoriously as a distinguished member of the House of Representatives, sponsoring impactful bills and touching lives across Nigeria? Where were they during his nomination, screening, and ratification as Minister when every detail of his background was meticulously scrutinized and cleared by the relevant authorities?

‘Their sudden emergence at a time when the Honourable Minister is breaking records and transforming the Ministry of Interior clearly exposes their mischief and envy. This desperate attempt to tarnish his hard-earned reputation is not only baseless but also a calculated distraction from his laudable achievements and must be seen for what it truly is, a failed smear campaign by frustrated detractors.

‘Mr. President, we must first commend your visionary leadership and meticulous judgment in appointing Hon. Bunmi Tunji-Ojo as a cabinet member to drive the Renewed Hope Agenda. Your decision to entrust him with the responsibility of overseeing the Ministry of Interior has proven to be one of the most impactful and transformative choices of your administration.

‘Hon. Tunji-Ojo has not only justified the confidence reposed in him but has also become a major catalyst in the actualization of your Renewed Hope vision through his unprecedented reforms, innovation, and commitment to service delivery.

‘It is, therefore, imperative to bring to your attention that the ongoing attempts by certain individuals to peddle baseless scandals against him are nothing more than a calculated plot to tarnish his image and, by extension, cast aspersions on your administration’s integrity and success.

‘We urge you, Mr. President, to do everything within your power to protect Hon. Bunmi Tunji-Ojo, who remains a symbol of excellence, integrity, and the true spirit of the Renewed Hope Agenda.’

Many Nigerians today are finding new ways to make money online. One popular trend is selling unused gift cards in Nigeria for instant cash. What used to be a practice mostly done abroad has now become common at home. From iTunes to Amazon, Google Play, Steam, and Sephora cards, people are turning their gift cards into money they can use immediately.

Online gift card trading provides a simple, fast, and reliable way to convert unused digital assets into cash. Instead of letting cards sit idle, Nigerians are discovering that these assets can become a practical source of quick income. Platforms like Ricki make the process transparent, safe, and instant.

Many Nigerians receive gift cards from friends or family overseas. Some earn them as rewards from online jobs, apps, or promotions. The problem is that not all cards can be used easily in Nigeria. For example, some platforms restrict redemption to specific countries.

Selling gift cards in Nigeria allows users to turn these digital assets into real naira in minutes. This approach provides immediate value and eliminates the frustration of having cards that cannot be used locally.

Platforms like Ricki simplify the process. You select your card type, upload the card details, view the offered rate, and receive instant payment. The system ensures transparency and reliability, which is essential in an online trading environment.

The growth of online gift card trading in Nigeria is tied closely to the rise of digital finance and e-commerce. More Nigerians are using the internet for business, shopping, and entertainment. As digital transactions become more common, platforms that convert digital assets to cash are increasingly useful.

Many users now view gift cards as a form of small investment. You can receive one as a gift or earn it online, then sell it whenever you need quick money. With verified trading platforms, risks are minimized, and rewards are instant.

This shift reflects a broader trend in Nigeria toward leveraging digital assets for practical financial purposes. Gift cards have evolved from a novelty item into a convenient financial tool.

Selling a gift card online is simple and straightforward:

Check the Current Rate: Different cards have different values based on the brand, country of issue, and demand. Guides like ‘How Much Is a $50 Gift Card in Naira?’ help users estimate what to expect.

Upload Card Details: After selecting your card type, enter the card information or upload a photo for physical cards.

Confirm the Transaction: The platform will display the rate and total amount you will receive. Review and confirm.

Receive Payment: Payment is sent directly to your Nigerian bank account. Most platforms complete this process in less than ten minutes.

This workflow is simple but secure. Using trusted platforms like Ricki ensures that your transaction is verified and protected from fraud.

As more people trade gift cards online, trust has become a critical factor. Not all sites are safe, and unverified platforms may pose risks, including payment delays or scams.

The best trading platforms prioritize transparency, fast processing, and reliability. They display clear rates, maintain user reviews, and offer responsive customer support.

Ricki is an example of a platform that emphasizes secure trading and fair rates. Its system is designed to protect users from fraud while ensuring fast payment, giving traders confidence in every transaction.

The trend of selling gift cards online is expected to grow further. Young people, freelancers, and business owners are all using it as a quick way to earn extra income.

As Nigeria embraces the digital economy, more digital assets, such as crypto vouchers or online shopping credits, may join the gift card trading market. The demand for fast, secure online transactions continues to increase, and Nigerians are quick to adapt.

Gift card trading is no longer a niche activity, it has become a practical financial strategy for many people looking for flexible and reliable ways to access instant cash.

Instant Cash: Convert unused cards into real money in minutes.

Convenience: Trade from anywhere with internet access.

Safety: Verified platforms protect against fraud.

Flexibility: Multiple card types accepted, including Amazon, iTunes, Steam, Google Play, Sephora, and Visa.

Transparency: Rates and fees are displayed clearly before confirmation.

These advantages explain why online gift card trading has become a popular alternative to traditional cash-earning methods.

A: Use a trusted platform like Ricki. Simply upload your card details, confirm the value, and receive payment directly to your bank account within minutes.

A: Most international cards are accepted, including Amazon, iTunes, Google Play, Steam, Sephora, and Visa gift cards.

A: Most transactions are completed within 5 to 10 minutes after verification.

A: Check current rates using guides like ‘How Much Is a $100 Amazon Gift Card in Naira?’ Prices vary depending on brand, country, and demand.

A: Yes, if you use a verified platform like Ricki, which offers secure transactions, fast payments, and strong customer support.

The shift toward online gift card trading shows how Nigerians are embracing digital financial opportunities. Instead of leaving unused cards idle, people now convert them into instant cash quickly and securely.

Platforms like Ricki make it easy for anyone to sell gift cards in Nigeria safely, providing transparency, speed, and reliable payment. Whether you have Amazon, iTunes, Steam, or Sephora cards, selling them online has become a practical way to access quick funds while minimizing risk.

By understanding the process, checking live rates, and using trusted platforms, Nigerians can make the most of this growing trend and turn unused digital assets into real, usable cash.