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THE Gbenga Hashim Solidarity Movement (GHSM) has said voters across the North and the South will reject President Bola Tinubu’s bid for reelection in 2027.

Reacting to a recent statement by the Lagos chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), the South West coordinator of GHSM, Alhaji Abass Olaniyi, said the party’s ‘usual arrogance and false sense of invincibility’ will once again lead to its downfall at the polls.

‘In 2023, it was in this same manner that the Lagos APC dismissed opposition elements as ‘online politicians,’ only to lose the presidential election in Lagos to the very people they mocked,’ Abass stated.

‘The APC not only lost the presidential election in Lagos State, but Tinubu also lost across Southern Nigeria. He was merely rescued by the APC in Northern Nigeria, a base that has now completely evaporated,’ he added.

It said the northern bloc that supported President Tinubu in 2023 has since ‘fractured beyond repair’ due to what it described as the catastrophic economic and security failures of his administration.

Abass criticised the APC’s economic management, accusing the party of presiding over a decade-long collapse that ‘defies logic.’

‘For 10 years under APC leadership, Nigeria’s economy has suffered a collapse that defies logic. The economy has shrunk by almost 50 percent within a decade, an economic disaster unprecedented in Nigerian history.

‘Not even during military rule, nor in the civil war era, did the nation experience this depth of economic devastation,’ he said.

The movement said the APC administration has failed woefully in addressing insecurity, despite campaigning on the promise to end insurgency in the North East.

He described the Tinubu administration as ‘synonymous with hunger, poverty, and hopelessness,’ adding that the people of Nigeria can no longer be deceived by propaganda or empty promises.

Olaniyi emphasised that the 2027 general elections would not be determined by regional loyalty or political coercion, but by the people’s lived realities.

‘With the decapitation of the APC in the North and its dismal record in office, no amount of coercion or conscription of Southern State chief executives into its fold can offer it a pathway out of comprehensive defeat in 2027,’ he said.

‘The South West electorate is far too educated and progressive to reward monumental failure with another term simply because President Tinubu hails from the region,’ he added.

Responding to the APC’s mockery of Dr Gbenga Hashim, Abass drew a parallel with former President Muhammadu Buhari, who contested four times before achieving victory.

‘President Buhari, whose burial site President Tinubu is now clutching to like a political totem for the 2027 election, contested four good times before becoming victorious. The time for victory in the race of life is in the hand of God, and it is our firm belief that 2027 is the time of Dr Gbenga Hashim by the Grace of God,’ he declared.

The GHSM maintained that Gbenga Hashim’s ideology of responsible governance and people-centered politics has become the new hope for millions of Nigerians disillusioned by the deceit and manipulation of the Tinubu political structure.

The movement stated that the 2027 elections will not be a contest of propaganda, but a referendum on competence, truth, and genuine development.

‘The people have seen through the deceit. No political marketing can sell hardship as progress anymore. Gbenga Hashim will not only emerge as the PDP’s presidential candidate in 2027; he will defeat Bola Tinubu and restore Nigeria to the path of justice, prosperity, and national unity,’ the group said.

The National Centre for Genetic Resources and Biotechnology (NACGRAB), in collaboration with CGIAR Genebank Accelerator, national and international partners, last week converged on Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, for a two-day capacity building workshop on strengthening the capacity of national institutions for Implementing and Use of the Multilateral System of Access and Benefit-Sharing of the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA).

The workshop, held at the conference hall of NACGRAB, featured virtual and physical participants from NACGRAB, Alliance Bioversity-CIAT (International Centre for Tropical Agriculture), International Crops Research Institute for Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), Universities, Research Institutes such as the National Horticultural Institute (NIHORT), Ibadan, Institute of Agricultural Research and Training (IARandT), Ibadan, policymakers, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and other relevant stakeholders.

At the end of series of deliberations and elaborate discussions, participants came up with ways to fast-track approval and implementation of the Multilateral System of Access and Benefit-Sharing in Nigeria.

They listed expansion of awareness to include Universities and other tertiary institutions, NAERLs for extension services and other agricultural-related agencies. Publicise NACGRAB’s gene bank activities through social media platforms. They, however, posited that caution should be taken regarding information sent out to avoid misinterpretation of intention.

Through a communique, the meeting recommended awareness creation to the policy makers, research institutions, NGOs, farmers, traditional rulers, and legislators on the importance of MLS should be initiated and strengthened in cases where they are available by NACGRAB.

NACGRAB is encouraged to attend, present and distribute posters on the benefits of MLS at conferences organised by relevant professional organisations. The meeting also tasked NACGRAB to work with the relevant stakeholders to advocate special funding for a targeted Genebank optimisation project from the Federal Government outside the normal budget system.

Participants at the workshop urged development partners to continuously build the capacity of all stakeholders on the MLS of access and benefit sharing and SMTA, while NACGRAB is encouraged to develop a strong national strategy on communication to simplify the advantages of MLS to each target group.

NACGRAB, in collaboration with relevant stakeholders, told to initiate the identification of core traits of germplasm of interest by breeders.

Relevant stakeholders were called upon to nominate an institutional liaison officer for proper communication and dissemination of information with the focal point, while also calling on them to put in place adequate and periodic monitoring and evaluation focused on the implementation of MLS.

The meeting concluded by asking that more farmers should be reached through the users’ engagement programmes on MLS.

The Governor of Delta State, Sheriff Oborevwori, has reaffirmed the crucial role of strategic communication and artificial intelligence (AI) in shaping effective governance and leadership in today’s digital world.

Declaring open the 6th edition of the Delta State Strategic Communication Workshop (DELCOM 2025) on Monday at Hotel Benizia, Asaba, the Governor, who was represented by the Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu, emphasised that digital tools and AI have become indispensable to governance, public enlightenment, and national development.

‘The theme of this year’s workshop, Strategic Communication in the Digital Age: Leveraging Artificial Intelligence and Digital Tools for Effective Leadership, is both timely and relevant.

‘In an era where digital platforms and AI are reshaping governance and public communication, it is imperative that we embrace innovation and utilise these modern tools to effectively project the progress of our dear state,’ Governor Oborevwori stated.

The Governor stressed that nation-building requires more than policies and infrastructure, describing effective communication as the lifeline of peace, unity, and progress.

‘Nation-building thrives on dialogue, mutual respect, and understanding.

‘Equally important is the role of constructive criticism, which enables the government to refine its policies, improve service delivery, and remain responsive to the needs of the people,’ he said.

While urging media practitioners and government communicators to uphold professionalism and responsibility, Governor Oborevwori cautioned against misinformation and digital manipulation, warning that ‘propaganda, fake news, and cyberbullying erode public trust and undermine our collective progress.’

Highlighting some of his administration’s achievements, the Governor noted significant strides in infrastructure, education, and financial accountability.

‘Our administration has embarked on extensive road construction, rehabilitation, and maintenance to ease mobility, promote commerce, and enhance living standards,’ he explained.

‘Transparency and accountability remain at the heart of our financial practices, ensuring that every kobo is judiciously applied for the benefit of our citizens.’

He further stated that the state’s strategic investment in education continues to empower Deltans with the skills required to thrive in today’s knowledge-driven economy.

‘Through policies and initiatives that promote entrepreneurship, we are creating sustainable employment opportunities for our people,’ the Governor added.

He commended the organisers of DELCOM 2025, led by the Director-General of the Delta State Orientation and Communication Bureau, Dr Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe, for sustaining the annual platform, which, he said, ‘continues to enhance the capacity of government communicators and strengthen leadership across all sectors.’

In his welcome address, Oghenesivbe said the workshop had, since its inception, trained over 900 participants in the effective communication of government policies and programmes. He described this year’s theme as particularly relevant given the growing influence of digital media and AI in public engagement.

‘As communicators, we must stay ahead of the curve by harnessing the power of AI and digital tools to shape public opinion and drive positive narratives,’ Oghenesivbe said.

He also urged participants to understand the legal framework guiding responsible communication, including the Cybercrimes Act 2024 and laws on libel and defamation.

‘Defamation has grave consequences, including fines and imprisonment,’ he warned, urging all communicators to verify their sources and maintain factual accuracy.

The Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor, represented by the Majority Leader, Hon. Emeka Nwaobi, underscored the importance of AI in transforming governance and leadership communication.

‘In today’s world of instant information and social media, strategic communication is no longer a luxury – it is the lifeblood of effective leadership,’ he said.

‘Artificial intelligence is not here to replace human creativity but to augment our capabilities. It can help governments analyse public sentiment, translate messages into local languages, and make policy decisions based on real-time data.’

The Chief Adviser to the Governor, Senator Ighoyota Amori, commended Governor Oborevwori for consistently approving capacity-building programmes for government spokespersons, media partners, online publishers, and social media influencers in the state.

‘You can’t demand excellence from people you have not trained,’ he said, urging participants to maximise the opportunity to learn modern communication strategies.

Adding humorously that his generation belongs to the analogue era, Senator Amori expressed curiosity about AI and anticipation for the session on Digital Leadership and Crisis Communication. He commended the State Coordinator of DELCOM, Dr Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe, for his tenacity, commitment, and dedication to assigned responsibilities.

The Delta State Head of Service, Dr (Mrs) Minnie Oseji, in her goodwill message, revealed that her office had trained over 500 civil servants across 19 ministries, departments, and agencies in digitalisation. She described the AI-focused theme of DELCOM 2025 as ‘a welcome development that aligns perfectly with the state’s digital transformation agenda.’

‘This should not just be another training for relaxation,’ she cautioned. ‘We expect tangible and measurable results when you return to your MDAs and step down the knowledge gained.’

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Finance, Chief Fidelis Tilije, represented by the Functioning Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mr Gibson Pinnick, said effective communication is key to transparency and trust in governance.

‘In this digital age, leadership is not just about decision-making but about how effectively those decisions are communicated,’ he said.

‘Workshops like DELCOM equip political appointees, media partners, and influencers to turn public information into public understanding.’

Facilitators at the three-day workshop include Prof Joyce Ogwezi, who leads the session on Strategic Communication for Leaders; Dr Monday Ashibogwu, who trains participants on AI-Powered Leadership Communication; and Prof Presley Obukoadata, who handles Digital Leadership and Crisis Communication.

Participants are expected to challenge their curiosity, strengthen their communication skills, and apply the knowledge gained to improve public engagement and government representation.

The 6th Edition of DELCOM 2025 is organised by the Delta State Orientation and Communication Bureau under the leadership of Dr Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe. It is designed to sharpen the skills of participants and bring them up to speed with the latest digital tools and artificial intelligence technologies for effective media engagement.

As Delta State continues its digital transformation drive, DELCOM 2025 is poised to play a defining role in building a new cadre of communicators skilled in artificial intelligence, strategic messaging, and ethical reporting. By bridging the gap between governance and public understanding, the workshop reaffirms Governor Oborevwori’s commitment to transparent leadership, innovation, and inclusive growth in a rapidly evolving information age.

Participants at the workshop included political appointees, government media partners, journalists, Public Relations Officers from ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs), academia, the police, the NDLEA, online publishers, and notable social media influencers.

The three-day capacity-building workshop will conclude on Wednesday, 8 October 2025, with the presentation of certificates of attendance by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Kingsley Emu, and the induction of Members, Fellows, and Distinguished Fellows of the Chartered Institute of Information and Strategy Management (CIISM) by the President of the Institute, Ambassador Dr (Mrs) Temile Uduogho Oritseweyinmi.

Also in attendance at the opening ceremony were the Commissioner for Higher Education (represented), Commissioner for the Bureau for Special Duties, Chief Ejiro Terry Etacherure, Commissioner for Youth Development, Barrister ThankGod Trakiriowei Harry, State Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (represented), Sir Eddie Gbegbaje, Chairman, State Bureau for Pensions (represented), Manager, Communications, Government House, Jackson Ekugwum, Executive Assistant to the Governor on Public Enlightenment, Mr Olisa Ifeajika, and Executive Assistant to the Governor on New Media, Comrade Felix Ofou.

Other dignitaries included Dr Donald Peterson, Special Adviser to the Governor on Entrepreneurship Development (represented); Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youth Development, Dr Ngozi Mogbolu; Permanent Secretary, Directorate of Political and Security Services, Mr Theophilus Chukwudi Aguonye; State Chairman, Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Godfrey Osakwe; General Manager, Delta Broadcasting Service Warri, Pastor Malcolm Oteri; and General Manager, Delta Broadcasting Service Asaba, Mrs Kristine Emetulu, among others.

Amuwo-Odofin Local Government has commenced the construction of a temporary market settlement in Agboju to provide a safe and conducive trading environment for displaced traders.

The council chairman, Prince Lanre Sanusi, said the new settlement would serve as an alternative site for traders relocated from roadways and walkways, while major renovation works, including road reconstruction, drainage clearing, and electrification of the Agboju Market, are ongoing.

Sanusi assured that the temporary market, now under rapid construction, would be completed and handed over to traders within weeks, stressing that the relocation was necessary to ease business activities during the market’s rehabilitation.

The council disclosed that the renovation project will also extend to the Agboju-Badagry highway axis once the temporary settlement is delivered.

Meanwhile, Sanusi revealed that plans are underway to construct a permanent ultra-modern international market at 6 Avenue, Festac Town. The proposed market will accommodate large-scale trading at affordable rates, serving traders and business owners across Festac and Amuwo-Odofin.

In addition, a mechanic village has been earmarked for the same area to centralise automobile workshops and related businesses within the local government area.

According to the chairman, these projects are part of his administration’s efforts to improve commerce, decongest roads, and provide a sustainable business environment for residents.

A federal lawmaker from Lagos State, Honourable Adesola Adedayo, has said the ongoing voter registration exercise is crucial to favourable outcome in the 2027 elections.

The medical doctor, representing Apapa federal constituency also tied the expected success of President Bola Tinubu’s re-election project to the exercise in the state and nationally.

He appealed to chieftains of his All Progressives Congress (APC) to massively mobilise the grassroots for the President, starting with getting those constitutionally-qualified to vote, to register.

Adedayo, a former two-term chairman of Apapa-Iganmu LCDA disclosed that he has been on the field with his team since the commencement of the exercise, mobilising his base and constituents to go out and register.

The first-termer in the National Assembly stated that his involvement with the grassroots mobilisation has shown him that there are countless potential Tinubu voters in the state who just need to be guided through the process of being able to vote in 2027.

Describing the President as a wartime leader in the mould of Alexander the Great, Genghis Khan, Julius Caesar, Saladin, Winston Churchill and Dwight D. Eisenhower, the lawmaker explained that apart from the insecurity gripping the country, which is almost at war-front proportion, the President is also fighting economic battles to rescue the commonwealth from cannibals sucking it for decades.

He appealed to Nigerians to be patient with the administration, saying that at the President’s age and the quantum of material blessings he has received from God, what is paramount to him now is a legacy of service to his fatherland.

He assured the Nigerian leader will deliver, noting, ‘I remember when he became Lagos governor and in the early days, some people were shouting just like now, that he wasn’t shaping up as expected. But they usually forget Asiwaju is a strategist. He just doesn’t do things, particularly in governance and politics because he knows people’s lives are at stake. Then his strategic governance delivery kicked in, in Lagos and everybody began to hail him, including the early-day critics.’

A civil society organisation, Accountability Lab Nigeria, has raised concern over the weak enforcement of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) Act and the increasing abuse of personal data and digital rights in the country.

The organisation, known for its accountability and anti-corruption advocacy, said the situation underscores the need for stronger awareness campaigns to protect Nigerians’ digital freedoms.

The Country Director of Accountability Lab Nigeria, Friday Odeh, told journalists that the organisation was deeply worried about the rising misuse of personal information and the NDPC’s inability to effectively safeguard the digital rights of citizens. He said this prompted the organisation to partner with the UN Women, US Embassy, ActionAid, DigiCivic, Inclusive Friends Association, Paradigm Initiative, and others to organise the ‘Rights and Rhythm’ concert in Abuja on Friday.

Odeh explained that the concert aimed to advocate for safer digital spaces and freedom of expression through music and creative arts. ‘Nigeria’s online space is becoming increasingly restrictive. Surveillance, censorship, weak enforcement of the Nigeria Data Protection Act, arbitrary internet shutdowns, and unchecked disinformation continue to undermine freedom of expression and privacy.

‘These threats often target young people, artists, journalists, and human rights defenders. Unfortunately, many Nigerians still do not fully understand their digital rights or how to protect them, and low digital literacy, especially in rural and underserved communities, fuels this vulnerability.

‘Art and music have the power to cut across education levels, languages, and cultures, translating complex policy issues into relatable content and inspiring collective action. Hence, Rights and Rhythm leverages this power to demystify digital governance, promote rights-based dialogue, and link creative voices to policy processes,’ he said.

He recalled that in July 2025, Accountability Lab Nigeria, in collaboration with the NDPC and the Ministry of Youth, reported a surge in complaints about data and digital rights violations, particularly the misuse of data affecting youth, journalists, and grassroots social media users.

He further said: ‘Also, in July 2025, the NDPC fined MultiChoice Nigeria N766,242,500 for violating the NDPC Act. The violations included unlawful cross-border transfer of personal data and breaches of subscribers’ privacy. These developments are clear indications of the growing scale of data breaches in the country. While these cases show progress in enforcement, they also highlight a gap – that many citizens remain unaware of their digital rights or how to protect them.’

‘Without awareness and literacy, people will continue to be vulnerable to data privacy violations, surveillance, and misuse of their personal information. This moment calls for urgent and widespread sensitisation so that citizens can better understand their rights and take active steps to protect and defend their digital rights.

‘We also cannot ignore that democracy, elections, and governance are all shaped by online platforms. Digital spaces are central to civic participation. Yet the digital divide remains stark. Many in the villages are still offline, cut off from the conversations that shape policies and the opportunities technology creates. Until access is widened, until every Nigerian can connect meaningfully, our digital rights will remain uneven and incomplete.

‘Through music and rhythm, we affirm these truths. We affirm that the right to speak, to associate, to critique, and to dream belongs to us all. And we remind ourselves that protecting civic space, online and offline, is the heartbeat of any real democracy.

‘This is why Nigerians, government, and companies must renegotiate the rules of digital engagement. Regulation is necessary, and responsible speech is important. But political criticism should never determine who enjoys freedom after speech. The heart of this is trust that when we press ‘send’ on WhatsApp, the message will arrive, and trust that our data will not be misused,’ Odeh stated.

The Storytelling Development Officer at Accountability Lab Nigeria, Blessing Anolaba, described the ‘Rights and Rhythm’ concert as a demonstration of how creativity can drive civic change.

‘Conversations from the concert amplified critical issues around digital rights, strengthened advocacy around data protection, and could play a pivotal role in shaping the public narrative on freedom of expression and a safer, more inclusive digital space in Nigeria.

‘It is also a platform where young creatives used music, art, and storytelling to amplify digital rights issues, understand the provisions of data protection laws, the cybercrime act, and advocate for safer digital spaces,’ she said.

She added that partners at the event reaffirmed their commitment to promoting sanity in the digital space and ensuring the enforcement of users’ rights, particularly those of young Nigerians.

They observed that the civic space in Nigeria remains fragile, noting that while the constitution guarantees freedom of expression, association, and participation in public life, these rights are constantly tested by restrictive laws and practices. Some partners lamented the existence of vague legal provisions that criminalise dissent and the tendency of government institutions to suppress citizens rather than safeguard their rights.

The Federal Government has reconstituted and inaugurated the Mahmud Yayale Ahmed Federal Government Tertiary Institutions Expanded Negotiation Committee to accelerate ongoing discussions with academic and non-academic unions across universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education.

The negotiation committee, inaugurated by the Minister of Education, Dr Olatunji Alausa, is seen as a knee-jerk response to avert the looming strike following the two-week strike notice issued on Monday last week by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).

Already, the leadership of ASUU has commenced mobilisation of its members across all the universities in the country ahead of an indefinite strike that would be preceded by a warning strike at the expiration of the ultimatum.

Speaking during the inauguration of the Yayale-led committee, the Minister of Education, Dr Alausa, said the new committee was designed to harmonise all negotiation processes under one coordinated framework that reflects institutional memory and sector-wide inclusiveness.

Director, Press and Public Relations, Ministry of Education, Mrs Folasade Boriowo, in a statement on Tuesday, said Alausa was joined by the Minister of Labour and Employment, Mohammed Maigari Dingyadi, and the Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Sai’d Ahmed.

Alausa explained that, unlike previous fragmented negotiations, the expanded committee will engage all unions collectively to achieve a comprehensive and sustainable agreement. ‘The membership of the committee has been carefully chosen to represent the full spectrum of the education sector, ensuring that no group is left behind,’ he said.

The Minister disclosed that the committee has been provided with a well-equipped and functional secretariat to enable it to carry out its mandate effectively, adding that its inaugural meeting will hold at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, 7 October.

He urged all academic and non-academic unions to cooperate fully and respond promptly to the committee’s engagements.

According to him, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has given full political backing to the process, with a clear directive that all negotiations be concluded swiftly, fairly, and in the spirit of mutual respect.

‘President Tinubu’s mandate is that all our children must be in school. This is renewed hope in action,’ Dr Alausa emphasised, expressing appreciation to all unions for their patience and commitment as the government works towards a final and comprehensive agreement.

In his remarks, the Minister of Labour and Employment commended the Ministers of Education for their exemplary leadership and inclusive approach in the ongoing negotiation process.

He emphasised that true and lasting peace can only be achieved when all stakeholders are involved, noting that excluding any party would only breed division and undermine collective progress.

He further urged members of the expanded committee to act as impartial reconciliators, upholding justice, fairness, and stability while mediating between employers and employees.

The Minister reminded them that their early participation will ensure effective implementation of the final agreements, fostering transparency and mutual understanding.

He called for dedication to the process and continuous engagement with all parties, acknowledging both the limitations of government and the legitimate concerns of workers.

Reaffirming President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to fair and lasting resolutions, he stressed that dialogue, consultation, and open communication remain vital to preventing future industrial actions and ensuring sustained peace and progress in the education sector.

Chairman of the committee and former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Yayale Ahmed, in his response, expressed gratitude to the Federal Government for the confidence reposed in them to steer such a crucial national assignment.

He assured that the committee will approach its task with openness, inclusiveness, and integrity, listening to all stakeholders, fostering trust, and working towards agreements that promote industrial harmony and strengthen the nation’s tertiary institutions.

He pledged that the committee will not only negotiate but also ensure that the recommendations and agreements reached are practical, realistic, and capable of sustaining long-term peace and productivity within the education sector.

The Federal Government reiterated its unwavering commitment to restoring stability and trust across the tertiary education landscape. Through inclusive dialogue, fair negotiation, and decisive leadership, the Ministry remains resolute in delivering the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-where every student stays in school, every teacher is valued, and every institution thrives in an environment of peace, progress, and shared prosperity, the statement added.

The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) and Nigeria’s Ministry of Livestock Development (FMLD) are deepening their partnership to transform Nigeria’s livestock sector, with a major focus on establishing disease-free zones that will safeguard animal health and unlock new trade opportunities.

At a high-level meeting in Rome, FAO Director-General Dr. QU Dongyu and Nigeria’s Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Idi Mukhtar, explored strategic interventions aimed at strengthening the country’s livestock systems. Central to their discussions were plans to reinforce animal health infrastructure, expand disease surveillance networks, improve feed and fodder production, and promote breed improvement programmes.

Minister Mukhtar emphasised the importance of disease-free zones as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s livestock transformation agenda.

‘Establishing disease-free zones is central to our livestock transformation agenda. It will not only safeguard animal health but also position Nigeria as a credible player in regional and global livestock trade,’ he said.

The partnership will also focus on revitalising grazing reserves, adopting climate-smart livestock practices, and enhancing capacities across the livestock value chain. These interventions are designed to boost productivity, improve food security, and enhance the livelihoods of millions of Nigerians who depend on livestock for income and nutrition.

Dr. Dongyu reaffirmed FAO’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s efforts, noting that disease-free zones are essential for meeting international sanitary standards and increasing access to premium export markets.

Both parties agreed to collaborate from the conceptualisation stage through to implementation, ensuring that interventions are sustainable, inclusive, and aligned with global best practices.

The renewed collaboration marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s drive to modernise its livestock sector, reduce transboundary animal disease risks, and strengthen its position in the global livestock economy.

The latest edition of The Toyin Falola Interviews aired on Sunday, drawing an impressive lineup of global historians who examined the intersection of women, slavery, and power under the theme, ‘Global Africa, Women, and Slavery.’

The intellectually charged episode centred on historian Toby Green’s new book, The Heretic of Cacheu: Struggles over Life in a 17th-Century West African Port. The discussion-moderated by Professor Ana Lucia Araujo of Howard University-brought together an international panel of renowned scholars including Hassoum Ceesay, the Gambian historian and Director of the National Centre for Arts and Culture; Mariana Candido, Winship Distinguished Research Professor of History at Emory University and author of Wealth, Land and Property in Angola: A History of Dispossession, Inequality and Power; José Lingna Nafafé, Associate Professor at the University of Bristol; and Dr. Robin Chapdelaine, Associate Director of the Center for African Studies at Stanford University.

From the outset, the conversation situated gender, trade, and power as key elements in the making of the Atlantic world, offering sharp insights into the economic and cultural agency African women wielded during the transatlantic slave trade.

Speaking from The Gambia, historian Hassoum Ceesay traced the layered, often paradoxical roles of women in the slave economy. ‘I am speaking from The Gambia,’ he began. ‘This region is well noted for its role in the transatlantic slave trade and also in the ways that women were part and parcel of this trade.’ He cited the Signares-Euro-African women of wealth and influence-as cultural brokers. ‘These were women of substance, of economic might and social standing. They were rich enough to have slaves, they kept slaves, and they also traded in slaves. Their role in the trade remains deeply disputed.’

Ceesay drew on vivid historical portraits. He recalled Fanda Lawrence, a Gambian widow of a British trader who continued slave trading after moving to Georgia in the 18th century-‘a story that points to the conflicted role of women in the transatlantic slave trade.’ He also invoked Phillis Wheatley, the enslaved poet from the Senegambian region who became a literary voice of resistance: ‘Wheatley rose above persecution to become a poet of note who received attention even from Thomas Jefferson.’

Drawing on Alex Haley’s Roots, Ceesay emphasized the role of women in preserving identity through ritual and memory. ‘Women like Kunta Kinte’s mother, Binta, who conducted naming ceremonies, embody the endurance of culture amidst historical trauma.’

For Professor Mariana Candido, the focus shifted to West Central Africa-particularly Angola, the Republic of Congo, and Gabon-which, she explained, was ‘the region most affected by the transatlantic slave trade in terms of both duration and volume.’ According to her, ‘When talking about women in global slavery, it is inevitable to remind everyone that Central Africa lost the highest number of people to the trade. Roughly 36 percent of the 12.5 million Africans transported to the New World were women.’

Candido challenged popular assumptions that women were invisible in history. ‘I always heard that it was difficult to write about women, but in my research I found women everywhere-in travel reports, census data, church records, baptismal registers, and even in trading accounts. Women are not invisible in the archives; historians simply haven’t always looked for them.’

She further noted that ‘while men were taken in larger numbers, the women who remained behind filled crucial social and economic roles. Gender influenced the demand and supply of the trade and shaped the kinds of labour enslaved men and women performed.’ Her forthcoming book, A History of Women in Angola (1500-1880), she revealed, builds on these findings and aligns with Green’s effort to ‘recognize the centrality of women in economic, social, and political life in Atlantic ports, which became women’s spaces of power.’

Anchoring the discussion, Professor Toyin Falola contextualized the historical conversation for global audiences. ‘If you go to the US, Brazil, or Cuba and find black populations there, it is tied to this history of slavery,’ he said. ‘Millions were taken from Central and West Africa-from Cameroon, Nigeria, Angola, and beyond.’

Falola praised Toby Green’s work for reclaiming African women’s agency. ‘We are discussing this to emphasise the role of women. In classrooms, we call it agency-how people express themselves and find empowerment. Green shows us that African women were not simply victims; they were traders, political leaders, and brokers.’

He added that the book ‘reveals that the Atlantic world was not shaped by a single religion. Alongside Catholicism, African spiritual systems-dreams, rituals, and ancestral beliefs-coexisted and shaped everyday life.’ For Falola, The Heretic of Cacheu stands as ‘a microhistory of one woman that illuminates the broader global history of Africa, slavery, and gender.’

Building on that, Professor José Lingna Nafafé expanded the lens to the broader Atlantic world, stressing that women ‘carried Africa’s philosophy, religion, and culture across the Atlantic.’ He observed that ‘the Atlantic was saturated by women and young people who were not part of wars but were captured and enslaved nonetheless.’ Women, he said, occupied domestic spaces that became ‘sites of knowledge transmission and resistance.’

‘They worked in the homes of slave owners, cooked, cared for children, and overheard conversations about the systems that oppressed them,’ he explained. ‘These women held the secret knowledge of the operation of enslavement and sometimes resisted from within that space.’ Nafafé also discussed the Black Brotherhoods-Christian fraternities where ‘women were given spaces to trade, and the money they raised was often used to liberate others. They became liberators within an oppressive system.’

He concluded: ‘Women bore the double pain of being mothers-uprooted from their families while also giving birth to children who were enslaved. They were the primary bearers of trauma and, at the same time, of resistance.’

Framing the discussion within a global context, Dr. Robin Chapdelaine of Stanford University asserted that ‘the history of African women in slavery is foundational to understanding the making of the modern world.’ ‘The term ‘Global Africa’ signals both geography and process-the ways Africa and Africans, especially women, shaped economic, spiritual, and intellectual worlds stretching from Senegambia to Bahia,’ she said.

Chapdelaine noted that ‘women’s participation in trade networks tied African interior economies to Atlantic markets. Their labour-domestic, reproductive, agricultural, and commercial-sustained the circulation of goods, people, and ideas that defined the Atlantic and Indian Ocean worlds.’ Yet, she added, ‘their autonomy was often recast as deviance, their knowledge as sorcery, their mobility as a moral threat.’

‘To study women in slavery in a global frame,’ she said, ‘is to reimagine freedom not as a European invention but as a contested African practice.’

For author Toby Green, the story that inspired The Heretic of Cacheu lies in the life of Krispina Perez, ‘the most powerful trader in the settlement of Cacheu in today’s Guinea-Bissau.’ He explained: ‘This was a rare Inquisition trial from 1665 involving a West African woman. Perez was part of the elite trading class, and her influence was so significant that it drew the attention of the Inquisition-something that almost never happened in Africa.’

Green emphasized that the trial documents revealed ‘the emotional world underlying commerce-envy, bitterness, love, fear, anxiety, and debt-all shaping historical experience.’ He added: ‘The book is unusual because it captures the 17th century-a transformative period that set the stage for the industrialisation of global slavery.’

Sunday’s discussion reinforced the intellectual mission of The Toyin Falola Interviews-to connect Africa’s past with its global future through deep scholarly dialogue. By spotlighting women’s overlooked roles in shaping Atlantic history, the episode underscored Falola’s vision of an Africa that continues to speak powerfully to the world, reclaiming its stories, scholars, and the silenced. The event was broadcast across various television, radio, and digital platforms.

THE creator of 40andFabulousNaija, a Nigerian reality TV show, Ambassador Jolly Nnenna Abani, has called for greater support from sponsors, partners, and broadcasters to expand a project aimed at empowering women and creating jobs across communities.

Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, Abani, who is also the Chief Executive Officer of Mother of Models International, said the initiative was designed to tackle stereotypes against women aged 40 and above while equipping them with practical skills to achieve economic independence. She said the programme also creates opportunities for girls and other vulnerable groups through training and empowerment schemes.

‘Strong women build strong nations,’ Abani said. ‘When women are empowered, entire families and communities are lifted out of poverty. This project is about healing, empowerment, and giving women – especially those over 40 – a second chance to thrive,’ he added.

Abani explained that 40andFabulousNaija goes beyond entertainment by providing women with hands-on skills that can create sustainable livelihoods. The show, which doubles as a non-governmental organization, also offers support to single mothers, widows, divorcees, and survivors of abuse who often face barriers to social and economic inclusion.

She appealed to major television networks to provide access to airtime, lamenting that value-driven content such as hers is often sidelined while shows that ‘erode family values’ dominate viewing schedules.

‘We are not asking for free airtime,’ Abani stated. ‘What we are asking for is a fair commercial arrangement – a purchase of airtime so our content can reach the audience it deserves. When you invest in this project, you are investing in women, families, and the future of our society,’ she stated.

Preparations are underway for Season 3 of the show, which will, for the first time, include men who will join the house on weekends to network and showcase their businesses, while women will live in the house full-time. According to Abani, this format aims to encourage entrepreneurship and collaboration among participants.

Abani said she remains optimistic about the upcoming season, describing it as a turning point for the programme and its impact.

‘Anticipate a season filled with hope, progress, and greatness,’ she told journalists.

The 40andFabulousNaija platform has so far provided empowerment and training for women and girls in different communities, with Abani emphasizing that sustained support from stakeholders would allow it to expand its reach, create more jobs, and promote decency and family-oriented values in society.