First Lady calls for support to help girls reach their full potential

The First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, has urged Nigerians to rally behind the nation’s girls, empowering them to achieve their full potential and contribute meaningfully to society.

In a message marking the 2025 International Day of the Girl Child, celebrated globally on October 11, Mrs. Tinubu called for collective action to uplift girls and remove the barriers that hinder their progress.

‘Let us come together to support our girls to reach their maximum potential,’ she said, emphasizing that inclusive opportunities for girls were essential for national growth and sustainable development.

Reflecting on this year’s theme, ‘The Girl I Am, The Change I Lead: Girls on the Frontlines of Crisis,’ the First Lady said the day serves as a reminder of the daily struggles faced by many girls across Nigeria and the world.

She acknowledged the courage of those who, despite daunting challenges, continue to pursue education, fetch water for their families, and endure displacement with dignity and hope.

‘To every brave girl, striving to reach the classroom, walking miles for water, or carrying the quiet strength of displacement, you are seen, you are heard, and valued. Your courage lights the way to a brighter future,’ Mrs. Tinubu stated.

She reaffirmed her commitment to championing initiatives that protect and empower girls, noting that every investment in their education, health, and safety translates into stronger families and a better society.

‘Today, on International Day of the Girl Child, let us remember the daily struggle of our girls,’ she said, calling on communities, families, and institutions to create safe spaces for girls to dream, learn, and lead.

Excitement as 700 Delta residents get free medicare

More than 700 residents of Ibusa (Igbuzo) in Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State and neighbouring communities benefited from a free medical outreach organised by the Association of Ibusa Professional Women (AIPROW) last weekend.

The two-day programme, held in collaboration with the Ibusa Association USA, Inc. and the Foundation Educational Support Programme, Enugu, provided consultations, diagnoses, drugs, and various screenings to hundreds of men, women, and children who had long lacked access to affordable healthcare.

AIPROW President, Mrs Elizabeth Idigbe, said the massive turnout underscored the growing health needs of the community.

She reaffirmed the association’s 14-year commitment to improving healthcare and education in Ibusa and beyond.

According to her, this year’s edition was expanded to include breast, cervical and prostate cancer screenings, mental health checks, eye screening, and the distribution of 200 eyeglasses, while 300 people underwent eye tests in collaboration with VisionSpring.

Beneficiaries were also tested for diabetes and hypertension, while wheelchairs and walkers were distributed to those with mobility challenges.

Career talks and self-esteem workshops were held for young girls to encourage ambition and confidence.

Mrs. Idigbe said over 18 doctors participated, stressing that the event helped bridge critical healthcare gaps caused by rising medical costs.

She appealed to government agencies to support such initiatives through better infrastructure and collaboration.

‘Our motivation is simple-we believe charity begins at home,’ she said.

‘Many of our people can’t afford healthcare, and every year this outreach reminds us why health is wealth. Seeing people relieved of pain gives us fulfilment.’

She advised beneficiaries to adopt healthy lifestyles, eat balanced diets, and engage in regular exercise. ‘Government can’t do it all. But if they support groups like ours with facilities, we can do even more,’ she added.

AIPROW founder and former president, Prof. Ifeoma Utomi, explained that the association was born out of a vision to unite Ibusa women professionals to contribute meaningfully to their community.

‘It wasn’t easy at first, but teamwork and shared purpose made it possible,’ she said.

Prof. Utomi noted that the group initially focused on women and the girl-child, but later included men following community demand.

‘In recent years, prostate cancer screening has become a key part of our outreach.

‘We now also collaborate with the Ibusa Association USA, which sponsors breast and prostate cancer tests,’ she said.

This year’s programme featured the participation of Dr. Iheanacho Emereuwa, a U.S.-based consultant gynaecologist and founder of the African Primary Healthcare Foundation, who flew in to volunteer.

He described the outreach as ‘a much-needed lifeline’ and urged the government to invest more in rural healthcare facilities.

A beneficiary, Mrs. Veronica, expressed gratitude after receiving free eye treatment and a pair of glasses.

‘I couldn’t afford them for years. What AIPROW did for me is beyond words,’ she said.

The Ibusa women’s annual outreach continues to stand out as a model of community-driven healthcare, blending professional expertise, diaspora support, and compassion to uplift their hometown.

Ex-Minister seeks full implementation of Supreme Court judgement on LG autonomy

Former Minister of Power and Steel, Elder Wole Oyelese, has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ensure the full and practical execution of the Supreme Court judgment on Local Government Autonomy.

He said implementation of the judgement is the only way the Renewed Hope Agenda can be genuinely felt by Nigerians at the grassroots.

Speaking as a veteran local government administrator and respected elder statesman, Oyelese described local government autonomy as the lifeblood of rural development and the surest way to restore citizens’ confidence in governance.

According to him, the July 2024 Supreme Court judgment that ordered direct disbursement of allocations from the Federation Account to the 774 Local Government Councils and prohibited the use of caretaker committees was a long-awaited victory for the people.

He said: ‘Section 7(1) of the 1999 Constitution guarantees a system of local government by democratically elected councils. That provision was designed to make government accessible and accountable to the people.

‘Therefore, the full implementation of the Supreme Court judgment will not only deepen democracy but will also ignite development at the level where it is most visible – the grassroots.’

Drawing from his experience as a former local government chairman, Elder Oyelese lamented how the system has been reduced to a shadow of itself.

‘It is disheartening that a chairman elected by the people must apply for approval before repairing a culvert or building a classroom. That defeats the essence of democracy,’ he said.

He noted that most projects attributed to the local governments are executed by contractors unfamiliar with the communities, creating capital flight and denying local artisans and youths the economic benefits that should accompany development.

EOyelese recalled that between 1991 and 1993, when local government administrators were given full control of their councils, the impact was immediately visible.

‘Those were the years when local government autonomy truly worked. Councils constructed roads, built markets, and provided boreholes and health centres. Rural economies thrived, and the people could see where their taxes and federal allocations went,’ he reminisced.

He lamented that today, many local government chairmen have become spectators in the affairs of their councils – unable to voice the concerns of their communities or implement projects that reflect local priorities.

Without singling out any state or administration, Elder Oyelese noted that while some states such as Jigawa and Lagos have already begun releasing allocations directly to the local councils in line with the Court’s judgment, others are still lagging behind.

‘This is not about confrontation; it is about restoration. If we must renew hope, we must start from where people feel it most, their villages, their communities, their markets, and their schools. Mr President has demonstrated enough of political Will to convince Nigerians that if he really wants this done, he knows what to do and how to do it.’ he said.

He emphasised that unless local government funds are allowed to flow directly to the communities, the economy at the grassroots will remain stunted, and no meaningful government impact can be felt.

‘When money meant for local communities is trapped in state bureaucracy, it kills small businesses, slows rural development, and weakens citizens’ faith in democracy. The poorest of our people pay the price,’ he added.

Elder Oyelese reiterated his resolve to remain a mouthpiece for the grassroots, saying his advocacy is driven not by politics but by compassion for the people he once governed closely.

‘I have lived among the people, shared their burdens, and understood their aspirations. I know how much difference a functioning local government can make in their daily lives. That is why I speak, not against any person or administration, but for the people whose voices are being drowned by bureaucracy.’

He appealed to President Tinubu to lead by example in ensuring the immediate and total enforcement of the Supreme Court judgment across the federation.

I’ll get a tribal mark at 50 – 9ice

Indigenous singer Abolore Adegbola Akande popularly known as 9ice has announced plans to get a tribal mark at 50, inspired by his father who bears the same mark.

In a video shared on TikTok page, the Ogbomosho-born singer revealed that he wants to honor his heritage and family tradition.

‘By the time I’m 50, I will get the same mark as my dad. That’s what I want to do for my birthday. A lot of my boys said I won’t do that, but, you will see,’ he stated.

9ice is known for incorporating Yoruba language and proverbs into his music and his decision comes as part of his journey to reconnect with his traditional beliefs.

Tribal marks are a symbol of identity, beauty, and cultural affiliation.

In an interview with Nancy Isime in August 2025, 9ice shared that he is a traditional worshipper, having turned to Ifa priesthood after a life-threatening illness.

He expressed regret for not embracing traditional practices earlier, referencing the significance of cultural heritage in his life.

LBRBDA, Amisec partner to establish ?5bn ‘AgroCity Doma’ in Nasarawa

In a major stride toward agricultural industrialisation, the Lower Benue River Basin Development Authority (LBRBDA) and Amisec Industrial Company Limited have signed a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) agreement to develop AgroCity Doma, a ?5 billion Phase One project that will transform the Doma Dam Irrigation Area in Nasarawa State into a climate-smart agro-industrial hub dedicated to organic sesame production, processing, and export.

Under the terms of the partnership, LBRBDA will provide 1,000 hectares of irrigable land along with access to water from the Doma Dam, while Amisec will lead the investment, infrastructure development, cultivation, and project management.

The initiative is positioned as a flagship model for sustainable land utilisation and value-added agriculture under Nigeria’s River Basin Development framework.

The AgroCity Doma project will comprise a mechanised nucleus farm over 1,000 hectares; Solar-powered irrigation systems for sustainable water use; a 10 MT/hour sesame processing plant for value addition; Agroforestry buffers and essential rural infrastructure, and an outgrower programme engaging over 1,000 local farmers.

Once operational, the project is projected to generate annual revenues of up to $7 million (˜ ?10.8 billion) from organic sesame sales, creating over 500 direct and 2,000 indirect jobs across the value chain.

The Hybrid Implementation Plan allows farming activities to commence in the next rainy season, even as construction of infrastructure and processing facilities continues. Full processing and export operations are expected to begin by Q1 2027.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Managing Director of LBRBDA, Engr. Tersee Ninga emphasised that the collaboration reflects the Federal Government’s commitment to the productive use of irrigation assets in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

‘This partnership demonstrates the Federal Government’s commitment to productive use of our irrigation assets. AgroCity Doma reflects how strategic PPPs can expand food production, create jobs, and boost agro-industrial growth’.

On his part, Chief Executive Officer of Amisec Industrial Company Ltd, Abdulmuttalib Mohammad, said the company is investing ?5 billion in the project’s first phase, aiming to build a fully integrated organic sesame value chain capable of producing traceable, export-grade products.

‘Our goal is to create a sustainable sesame ecosystem that benefits local farmers and communities while positioning Nigeria as a key player in the global organic sesame market, which is valued at over $4 billion’.

Battleground Polokwane: Super Eagles must lash Lesotho to boost 2026 World Cup hope

The Super Eagles face arguably their most defining moment in recent football history when they square off against Lesotho in a crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier today in Polokwane, South Africa. For a nation that has long prided itself as one of Africa’s footballing giants, the stakes could not be higher – this is a must-win fixture if Nigeria hopes to keep its faint World Cup dream alive.

Nigeria’s road to the 2026 World Cup – to be jointly hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States – has been anything but smooth. The Super Eagles have stumbled through the qualifiers, failing to stamp their authority in a group they were widely expected to dominate. Draws at home, wastefulness in front of goal, tactical inconsistencies, and poor decision-making both on and off the pitch have combined to put the three-time African champions in a precarious position.

After six matches, the Group C table paints a sobering picture: Benin Republic and South Africa lead the pack with 14 points each, while Nigeria and Rwanda follow closely on 11 points apiece. Lesotho sit on 9, and Zimbabwe, already out of the race, trail with 4.

Simply put, anything short of a victory in Polokwane will almost certainly confirm Nigeria’s absence from the World Cup for a second consecutive edition – a scenario that would send shockwaves through African football.

For the Super Eagles, there is no margin for error. Lesotho may not be continental heavyweights, but they have proven stubborn opponents throughout the qualifiers – drawing with Nigeria in Uyo last year and beating Zimbabwe earlier in the campaign. Playing in South Africa, which they consider a second home ground, adds another layer of difficulty.

A win against Lesotho would move Nigeria to 14 points, potentially level with Benin and South Africa (depending on other results). Anything less – a draw or defeat – would destroy their mathematical chance of finishing top.

Beyond the arithmetic, this fixture represents a psychological turning point. The Super Eagles have been accused of lacking urgency, leadership, and collective purpose in recent years. Today’s clash is not just about three points; it’s about restoring belief in a team that once commanded fear across Africa.

Nigeria’s predicament is not the product of one bad day at the office – it’s the accumulation of structural, technical, and managerial failings.

Firstly, the team’s inconsistency can be traced to unclear tactical identity and managerial instability. Frequent changes in approach and personnel have disrupted rhythm and chemistry. The Super Eagles have struggled to balance flair with discipline, often looking disjointed against supposedly weaker sides.

Off the pitch, Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has also not escaped scrutiny. Late preparations, delayed player call-ups, and inadequate scouting have undermined cohesion. The team’s struggles reflect not just a football issue but a systemic failure in planning and execution.

On the pitch, several players have looked complacent – failing to show the hunger and urgency befitting their status. Missed chances, lapses in concentration, and lack of aggression in critical moments have cost Nigeria dearly.

Indeed, dropping points in home matches against Lesotho and Zimbabwe earlier in the qualifiers set the tone for this crisis. Nigeria’s inability to convert home advantage into victories remains the biggest self-inflicted wound.

Permutations and calculations

With two matches left to play, Nigeria’s journey to the World Cup hangs delicately between hope and heartbreak. Based on the current standings, four possible qualification scenarios – Option A, B, C, and D – define the fate of Group C.

If South Africa win both their games (vs Zimbabwe and Rwanda), they’ll reach 20 points. Nigeria, if they also win against Lesotho and Benin, will climb to 17 points, while Benin remain on 15.

This would leave Nigeria in second place, not enough for automatic qualification and also not adequate to earn a playoff berth – with Gabon (19 points), Madagascar (19 points), Burkina Faso (18 points) and Cameroon (18 points) positioned to finish ahead of the Super Eagles, even if they win their two games though these teams still have a game more to play.

Option A does not give Nigeria any lifeline, as the team’s chances of qualifying through the playoffs have been shut by the performances of teams in the other groups.

But Option B is the dream scenario for Nigeria since it offers a direct automatic route to the 2026 Mundial.

Should the Bafana Bafana drop points in either of their two games and Nigeria win both with healthy margins, the Super Eagles could top the group on goal difference – both finishing on 17 points.

For instance, Nigeria winning 3-0 against Lesotho and 4-0 against Benin would likely push them ahead on goal differential.

‘Option B opens the World Cup door for Nigeria because it keeps destiny within their grasp,’ says former international Ifeanyi Udeze. ‘Two wins and one South African slip – that’s all it takes.’

Even at that , the Super Eagles can also profit from an unlikely scenario with Option C whereby South Africa suffer monumental collapse.

Should South Africa collect just one point (a draw and a loss), and Nigeria win both remaining matches, the Super Eagles will automatically qualify with 17 points, two clear of their nearest rivals.

This scenario, while mathematically possible, depends on a near-total implosion from South Africa – a long shot considering their strong home record.

Nevertheless, If Nigeria fail to win either of their remaining games, it’s over.

A draw or loss in Polokwane would leave the Eagles with 12 or 11 points respectively, far off the qualification pace. Even winning one and drawing one would take them to 15 points – insufficient to overtake South Africa or Benin.

Unlikely upsets with Rwanda, Benin in focus

Rwanda’s visit to South Africa on Tuesday could yet flip the script in Nigeria’s favour. A Rwandan win or even a draw in Johannesburg would offer the Super Eagles a lifeline. Zimbabwe, though already eliminated, could also play the spoiler role when they face South Africa today.

Benin Republic, coached by former Nigeria boss Gernot Rohr, remain unpredictable – capable of stunning South Africa one week and losing to Rwanda the next. Nigeria must not bank on others; their destiny still depends on their own results at least as of now.

The Super Eagles facing the Cheetahs of Benin Republic at home on Tuesday in Uyo with the prospect of qualification after today’s game with Lesotho still intact won’t allow that golden chance to slip through their hands based on how chaotic the qualifiers have been.

Should Nigeria miss the 2026 World Cup, it will mark the second consecutive absence after Qatar 2022 – a national tragedy by footballing standards.

But it could also be a wake-up call hence Nigerian football must rethink its technical direction – prioritizing youth development, coaching continuity and long-term planning over short-term fixes.

The NFF must embrace transparency and competence. A clear blueprint for player scouting, camp organization, and tactical development is essential.

On the pitch, the team needs leaders who can inspire and enforce standards. The current crop of players must show the pride and responsibility that comes with wearing the green and white.

Countries like Morocco and Senegal have thrived due to stability, planning, and player commitment. Nigeria can no longer rely on talent alone – structure and discipline win tournaments.

Today’s clash is more than a qualifier – it’s a referendum on the state of Nigerian football. Victory could spark a late resurrection; anything less will plunge the nation into another four years of soul-searching.

The Super Eagles have run out of excuses. Now, they must find results.

Tim Godfrey backs gospel artists charging fees

Gospel singer Tim Godfrey has defended gospel artists who charge fees for their performances, insisting that ministry and professionalism are not mutually exclusive.

In a recent social media post, Godfrey stressed that fair compensation is vital for sustaining a ministry, adding that charging for performances does not make an artist less spiritual.

Recalling his early experiences, the singer said there were times he was paid with food items such as tubers of yam and a live chicken after performances.

He noted, however, that times have changed and artists deserve fair financial recognition for their work and contributions to the ministry.

He said, ‘I don’t like coming. Okay, Coming to Nigeria became difficult because of how artists are being treated so badly.

‘And I want to say it’s all of those stories of why they’re charging? Why are they collecting money? Why are they doing this? It got me so, so mad. I said why are people wicked?

‘What sense does it make that people work so hard, and you are saying they should take. I have collected tubers of yams as honorarium. I have collected a full, alive, living, working, breathing chicken as honorarium.

‘And that is what I’m going to use to pay school fees, pay house rent, and buy property? No. That is so unfair. That is absolutely unfair.’

Tiwa Savage denies sabotaging fellow female artists

Afrobeats superstar Tiwa Savage has refuted allegations that she sabotages other female artists in the music industry, daring her accusers to provide evidence or name anyone she has wronged.

Speaking on the ‘Off Air’ podcast, the award-winning singer suggested that some promoters might be using her name as an excuse to limit the number of female acts booked for shows.

‘If you’ve heard from anybody that I tried to block your bag, mention names,’ Tiwa said. ‘Maybe the promoters are lying and using me. Maybe they just don’t want to book three or four girls, so they claim I’m the one blocking others.’

This came after the singer previously expressed feeling underappreciated in the industry despite her major contributions to the growth of Afrobeats.

Nigeria’s mining sector records decade of growth – Alake

The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, has revealed that Nigeria’s mining sector has experienced remarkable growth over the past decade, raising its contribution to the national Gross Domestic Product (GDP) from less than 0.5 percent to about 1.8 percent.

He added that the federal government aims to increase the figure to 3 percent within the next few years.

Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja ahead of the 10th edition of the Nigeria Mining Week, scheduled for October 13-15, 2025, Alake described the upcoming event as a crucial platform for reviewing progress, tackling challenges, and aligning on future policy directions in the sector.

He said the forum would ‘reinforce national objectives around value addition, environmental responsibility, and community development,’ while highlighting reforms under the Tinubu administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

According to him, these reforms include strengthening the Solid Minerals Development Fund (SMDF) to support project financing, expanding geological mapping and digitization of mineral data, creating the Mining Marshals in collaboration with security agencies to curb illegal mining, and improving transparency at the Mining Cadastral Office.

Alake emphasised that the new mining policy focuses on beneficiation and value addition rather than the historical export of raw materials, aligning the sector with Nigeria’s broader goals of industrialization, job creation, and sustainable development.

He disclosed that discussions at the Mining Week will focus on critical minerals, infrastructure needs, and investment frameworks, especially as Nigeria positions itself for opportunities in the global energy transition and demand for minerals like lithium and rare earth elements.

President of the Miners Association of Nigeria, Mr. Dele Ayanleke, described the event as a milestone in Nigeria’s mining journey, marking a decade of dialogue and innovation in the sector. He commended Alake’s leadership in driving reforms but acknowledged lingering challenges such as illegal mining, insecurity, and infrastructure deficits.

Also speaking, PwC Partner Habeeb Jaiyeola and VUKA Group representative Samukelo Madlabane said the conference would focus on exploration finance, the rise of indigenous junior miners, and strategies to create a globally competitive investment climate.

Over 100 exhibitors and 3,500 participants from Nigeria and abroad are expected to attend the three-day event, which will feature Deal Rooms, Technical Workshops, and Strategic Forums aimed at strengthening investment and knowledge-sharing in Nigeria’s mining industry.

Technology and ethics in real estate agency: repositioning for transparency

Real estate is one of society’s most valuable assets. It shapes economies, defines communities, and provides the physical framework for human life.

Yet, in Nigeria and many developing economies, confidence in property transactions remains fragile. Stories of multiple sales, fraudulent listings, and exploitative intermediaries dominate headlines.

At the same time, technology is transforming how property is marketed, valued, and transacted, as well as how KYC information, client profiles, and processes are vetted. PropTech platforms, artificial intelligence, blockchain-based land registries, and virtual inspections are reshaping the global property market. These tools promise efficiency, access, and transparency.

But technology alone cannot guarantee trust. Without ethical oversight, digital innovation can easily become a weapon in the hands of fraudsters. This is where the professional role of the Estate Surveyor and Valuer becomes critical.

Our mandate has always been to supervise and direct interests in land and landed property for the benefit of clients and society.

Today, that mandate requires a renewed focus: combining technology with ethics to reposition Agency practice for genuine transparency.

The public challenge: quackery in agency

In Nigeria, the word ‘agent’ often conjures images of untrained middlemen operating without accountability. Many of these individuals masquerade as property professionals but rely on guesswork and shortcuts. They thrive in the gaps between regulation and enforcement, exploiting landlords, tenants, and investors alike.

Their methods are well known: multiple claims on a single property, lack of professionalism, tact, privacy and general unruliness in transactions, forged title documents, or collecting rent and disappearing.

These practices erode public trust, damage market credibility, and undermine the profession of Estate Surveying and Valuation.

For the public, ‘agency’ has become synonymous with quackery, not professionalism. For Estate Surveyors and Valuers, the challenge is twofold: to perform with excellence and to reclaim the word ‘Agency’ by restoring its professional meaning.

The promise of technology

The digital era has introduced tools that can redefine Agency practice:

Multiple Listing Services (MLS): Widening exposure, ensuring fair competition, and promoting transparent pricing.

Online Marketplaces: Making immovable property accessible to global buyers and tenants.

Blockchain Land Registries: Offering tamper-proof verification of ownership and title.

Artificial Intelligence Models: Generating predictive property valuations using big data.

Virtual Tours, Drones, and Photography: Providing immersive property inspections and marketing from anywhere.

These innovations promise speed, access, and accuracy-qualities long demanded by clients. In theory, they can reduce fraud by making information widely available. Yet without ethical oversight, technology cannot solve the trust deficit. Fake listings are uploaded as easily as genuine ones, digital payments can vanish into untraceable wallets, and algorithms can be manipulated to distort values.

The ethics gap

Technology creates efficiency, but it cannot create integrity. This is the gap only professionals can fill.

Estate Surveyors and Valuers operate under the codes of the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV) and the oversight of the Estate Surveyors and Valuers Registration Board of Nigeria (ESVARBON). These frameworks demand honesty, fairness, disclosure, accountability, and devotion to client interest.

By applying technology within these ethical boundaries, professionals create transparency that quacks cannot replicate. A professional does not simply post a listing-they verify ownership, inspect the property, and confirm legal compliance.

They do not merely run an AI model-they interpret results with expertise and in line with valuation standards. They do not just arrange viewings-they ensure fairness and equity for all parties involved.

Technology + ethics = transparency

The future of Agency practice lies in fusing technological innovation with professional ethics:

Verified Listings: Online adverts should only be authenticated by professionals, eliminating fakes and protecting the public.

Blockchain with Oversight: Registries achieve trust only when professionals verify compliance with land laws and regulations.

AI with Human Judgment: Algorithms provide speed, but professionals provide context-neighborhood nuances, development trends, and market realities.

Virtual Tours with Due Diligence: Digital inspections create convenience, but they must be backed by physical verification.

When combined in this way, technology amplifies professional service rather than undermines it.

Global standards, local realities

Globally, real estate bodies such as the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and the International Valuation Standards Council (IVSC) emphasise transparency, disclosure, and accountability in Agency practice. Nigerian professionals, through NIESV, are aligned with these standards.

However, the local reality is challenging: quackery is rampant, public awareness of professional distinctions is low, and enforcement is weak. Many Nigerians enter property transactions without professional protection, leaving them vulnerable.

This creates a leadership responsibility for Members: to advocate publicly, educate clients, and assert that Agency is a professional service that only Estate Surveyors and Valuers can offer at best.

Beyond financial returns: creating broader value

Agency should never be seen as a mere commission-driven activity. Done professionally, it delivers multiple layers of value:

For landlords: secure rental income, fraud prevention, and asset protection.

For tenants: fair representation, legal assurance, and protection from exploitation.

For investors: reliable due diligence, transparent pricing, and long-term insights.

For society: a trusted property market that promotes stability, economic growth, and sustainable development.

These outcomes align with the profession’s definition: returns from land and property need not be purely financial-they can be social, environmental, and cultural as well.

Repositioning agency fot the future

For Nigeria’s real estate sector to thrive, three actions are critical:

Digital Adoption: Estate Surveyors and Valuers must actively integrate MLS, data-driven AI valuation, blockchain, and virtual platforms into practice. These are no longer optional extras-they are the new standards.

Ethics as Anchor: Technology must be governed by professional codes to ensure fairness, accuracy, and accountability in every transaction.

Public Advocacy: Professionals and their institutions must lead campaigns to educate society about the dangers of quackery and the necessity of professional Agency.

Conclusion

Technology is rewriting the rules of Agency practice, but tools alone cannot build trust. Quacks may misuse PropTech, but they cannot replicate the professional integrity of Estate Surveyors and Valuers. The profession must therefore position itself as the bridge between innovation and accountability.

By combining technology with ethics, Agency practice can be transformed into an accessible, transparent, professional service that secures not just financial returns but also confidence, fairness, and long-term value.

The call to members is clear: embrace innovation, defend ethics, and reclaim Agency as a professional cornerstone of Estate Surveying and Valuation. In doing so, we will not be seen as mere intermediaries, but as value creators safeguarding trust, transparency, and sustainability in Nigeria’s property market.