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Media firm felicitates Ajayi on appointment as UI Marketing Dept acting HOD

Ibadan-based media, public relations and advertising agency, Cred 360 Media Limited, has congratulated Dr Oluseyi Ajayi on his appointment as Acting Head of the Department of Marketing and Consumer Studies, Faculty of Economics and Management Sciences, University of Ibadan (UI).

In a congratulatory message contained in a statement signed by the Project and Corporate Communication Manager of the organisation, Rosiji Adeyemi, Cred 360 Media described the appointment as recognition of Ajayi’s academic contributions, professional expertise and commitment to the advancement of marketing education and research.

The organisation said Ajayi’s expertise and experience would further strengthen the Department of Marketing and Consumer Studies and contribute to its continued development.

It wished him a successful tenure, expressing confidence that his leadership would promote growth and innovation in the department.

Cred 360 Media also congratulated the University of Ibadan and the department on the appointment, describing Ajayi as a thought leader whose experience would contribute to the advancement of marketing scholarship and practice.

Ajayi, a member of the National Institute of Marketing of Nigeria (MNIMN), joined the University of Ibadan in 2019 and has contributed to teaching, research and academic administration.

He previously served as Sub-Dean (Postgraduate) in the Faculty of Economics and Management Sciences.

His areas of specialisation include services marketing, general management and consumer studies, while his research interests cover consumer behaviour, service quality and strategic marketing practices in Nigerian and African business environments.

Presidency moves to end Bida-Kutigi gridlock, clamp down on truck parking

The Presidency has launched an urgent intervention to break the prolonged traffic gridlock on the Bida-Kutigi corridor in Niger State.

The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Transportation and Mobility, Prince Adetokunbo Ademola Ade-John, has joined the Federal Ministry of Works and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) to restore traffic flow and ease mounting hardship on road users.

The intervention followed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive for immediate action as motorists, transport operators and passengers grapple with prolonged delays and obstruction along the strategic corridor.

The coordinated response is aimed at clearing bottlenecks, restoring road safety and reopening affected sections to normal traffic.

Ade-John participated in a high-level meeting with the FRSC Corps Marshal, Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed, the Minister of State for Works, Bello Muhammad Goronyo and the National President of the National Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO), Alhaji Yusuf Lawal, where immediate measures were agreed to strengthen traffic management and tackle the causes of the gridlock.

The Wuya Bridge between Kutigi and Bida remains a major flashpoint, with congestion worsening on Wednesdays as traffic surges around the weekly market.

FRSC personnel in Bida and Kutigi were deploy on Wednesdays to control vehicle movement, while broader measures are being pursued to address recurring congestion along the corridor.

The situation is also critical on the Bida-Badeggi-Agaie Road and the Maje-Diko Junction axis in front of the Suleja NNPC Depot, where traffic has reportedly been blocked in both directions for about 15 days, disrupting the movement of passengers, commercial vehicles and goods.

Ade-John reaffirmed the Presidency’s determination to confront transportation bottlenecks that undermine mobility and economic activity, urging motorists and transport operators to cooperate with traffic officials and exercise patience as the intervention takes effect.

Similarly, the Federal Government is moving to clamp down on indiscriminate truck parking on the Coastal Road and Deep-Sea Port Access Road corridor in Lagos.

Ade-John, speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting convened by the Nigerian Ports Authority, said trucks found obstructing the corridor would be impounded and moved to an approved truck park, warning that the government would not allow unauthorised parking to undermine traffic flow, road safety and the huge public investment in the strategic corridor.

NANS lauds Tinubu, Umahi’s foresight in infrastructural development

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for significant investment in infrastructural development, particularly his commitment towards ensuring execution of landmark projects that improve connectivity and ease transportation challenges across the nation.

NANS also hailed the foresight of the Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, under the Renewed Hope Administration of President Tinubu, for identifying challenges confronting Nigerians, particularly initiating construction of new roads to ease transportation burden on commuters across Nigeria.

A statement by the NANS President, Comr. Akinteye Babatunde Afeez while inspecting the ongoing construction of the Northern Bypass in Kano State, which stretches through Katsina, Zamfara, and other northwestern states, connecting ten different institutions across the region, stated that the project is another significant project by the Ministry.

According to him, the inspection is in continuation of the ongoing Nationwide Tour by NANS to inspect and assess quality of roads leading campuses across the nation

He noted that the quality of the road construction and the pace of work by the contractors are highly commendable, adding that the project comprises a 69.4-kilometre dual carriageway, three flyovers, and seven bridges.

‘We equally appreciate the strategic consideration given to the accessibility of our campuses in the planning and construction of these roads. This particular project is of great importance to us as students, as it connects ten of our institutions across the northwestern region and is expected to ease transportation difficulties for students and other commuters upon completion.

‘It is equally important to commend and appreciate the government for compensating the farmers whose agricultural land was acquired for the construction of this road. According to reports, the area was previously used for farming before the project commenced.

‘The payment of compensation demonstrates consideration for the livelihoods of those affected by the project and reflects the importance of balancing infrastructural development with the interests of host communities.

‘As major stakeholders in nation-building, we are particular about the welfare of Nigerian students. As the most formidable pressure group in the country, our mandate transcends advocacy, as we also serve as watchdogs in society.

‘Thus, this ongoing Nationwide Federal Roads Project Tour leading to our campuses is crucial. We must evaluate government projects firsthand, particularly those that directly affect Nigerian students.

‘Today, we visited the ongoing construction of the Northern Bypass, a new road that connects Northern Nigeria and links ten universities across the northwestern region. Before now, there have been several reports of heavy traffic in the heart of Kano, particularly along routes connecting different states, as well as distress reports from Nigerian students travelling from various locations to their respective campuses.

‘However, upon completion, this bypass is expected to ease traffic congestion in the heart of Kano, particularly for students and other commuters plying the route to connect different states.

‘We therefore call on the government to intensify efforts and ensure that this road project is completed in earnest.’

FCT FA Chair Seeks Global Alliances At World Football Summit

The Chairman of the Federal Capital Territory Football Association (FCT FA), Adam Mouktar Mohammed, has joined leading figures in the global football industry at the World Football Summit 2026 in Madrid, Spain, focusing on building international partnerships and attracting new ideas and investment into Nigerian football.

The summit provides a key platform for engagement among football federations, clubs, leagues, investors, technology companies, commercial partners, and other decision-makers shaping the future of the global game.

Mohammed noted that the gathering in Madrid represents more than a networking opportunity; it forms part of a broader drive to connect Nigerian football with successful international models in governance, youth development, infrastructure, technology, investment, and commercialization.

‘Nigeria has the talent, population, passion, and market to become one of the major football economies in the world. What we must continue to strengthen are the structures, investment, and pathways that convert this enormous potential into sustainable results,’ said the FCT FA Chairman.

He added that discussions in Madrid would specifically center on opportunities for international collaboration in grassroots football, elite talent development, coach education, sports infrastructure, technology and data, club development, sponsorship, and investment.

Mohammed emphasised that a primary goal is creating stronger pathways to properly identify and develop talented young Nigerians, connecting them to credible international opportunities while ensuring local clubs, academies, and communities reap the economic benefits of that talent.

Museveni@ 82: Supporters to celebrate peace, stability

Supporters of President Museveni across the country have organised what they called ‘a mega party’ to commemorate the President’s 82nd birthday and honour his contribution to peace and political stamina.

President Museveni celebrated his 82nd birthday on September 15. His supporters, led by Ms Hadija Namyalo Uzeiye from the office of the National Chairman of the NRM, have planned birthday festivities on Saturday, September 19, at Kololo Independence Grounds.

On Tuesday, the office organised pre-birthday party and prayers to celebrate the President’s birthday, bringing together politicians, religious leaders, supporters, among others. They reflected on his political journey, leadership and his contribution to Uganda.

The Prime Minister, Ms Robinah Nabbanja, who represented the President, praised the NRM chairman ‘for his wise leadership’, saying Uganda is blessed to have him as President.

‘Our President is admired not only in Uganda but worldwide,’ Ms Nabbanja said.

She commended the President for promoting peace and security, improving education, health, as well as supporting economic development.

‘Our education has greatly improved. As I speak, 82 percent of Ugandans can now read and write and this has made it easy for investors to work here,’ she said.

She added: ‘Uganda is among the most peaceful countries in the world. The President has not only promoted peace in Uganda but also extended it to other countries such as Somalia and Congo, among others.’

Mr Sanjay Tanna, the Minister for Trade, Industry and Cooperatives, thanked God for President Museveni’s life, good health and intellectual acumen.

He also acknowledged his contribution and other National Resistance Army (NRA) veterans in bringing peace the country.

‘Those of us who have travelled, know what is happening in Somalia, South Sudan, DRC, Ukraine and many other countries. Peace can vanish in one day. Therefore, we should not take this peace for granted and we must all guard it all the time,’ Mr Tanna said.

He acknowledged Mr Museveni’s contribution in transforming the country through infrastructure development, trade and improved economy, saying in the past, the country suffered with poor roads and limited access to locally produced products.

‘In 1989, we used to line up for sugar and salt. Milk was got from Norway, we were importing cement and the roads were poor. The President and his government have improved the roads, provided electricity, promoted trade and improved the economy,’ Mr Tanna said.

Ms Milly Babalanda, the Minister for the Presidency, said President Museveni remains a towering reservoir of wisdom, courage, patriotism, and strategic leadership.

‘Your life story, from the Bush War struggles to liberation and transformation of our country, continues to inspire generations. You have taught Ugandans the values of perseverance, hard work, discipline and unwavering love for our country. Your wisdom has guided this nation through the most difficult times and steered us towards peace, unity, stability and socio-economic transformation. We thank God for your life and for preserving you for Uganda,’ Ms Babalanda said.

Addressing President’s supporters, Ms Namyalo asked Ugandans to protect the current peace and stability.

‘We want to celebrate President’s birthday in style and we call upon all peace-loving Ugandans to come to Kololo on Saturday and party with us,’ Ms Namyalo said.

‘Uganda is blessed to have President Museveni as our leader and his credentials are unmatched. He is unifying figure and cares for Ugandans irrespective of their tribes, religious beliefs or political opinions,’she added.

Ms Namyalo said hardworking, patient and God-fearing leaders such as President Museveni are not many in the world.

‘Mr President, we wish you good health, peace and joy. We thank you and the First Lady your dedication to our country. We will continue to look to your wise leadership for a bright future,’ she said.

Mr Richard Todwong, the NRM party Secretary General, described President Museveni as a teacher, mentor and father.

‘We have learnt a lot through him as a country. He has devoted all his life to put this country to order. He is our teacher, mentor, father and above all our fountain of honour. On behalf of the NRM party, we wish him more life ahead because we still value him,’ Mr Todwong.

Museveni’s message

In his message read by Ms Nabbanja during the celebration and prayer day at the office of the NRM National chairman in Kyambogo, Kampala, Mr Museveni reflected on the sacrifices made during the liberation struggle, saying the county’s progress has been built on the contributions of both combatants and civilians.

‘It takes sacrifice of warriors to cause a turn of events in society and to create visible impact. Uganda was liberated from the rule of tyranny in 1986, after a protracted struggle against dictatorships that ruled then,’ Museveni said.

Mr Museveni emphasised that Uganda’s liberation was not only for those who were on the battlefield, but also peasants who sacrificed their lives in the struggle.

‘We all understand that the heroes of Uganda are not only those who took to the battlefield, but the many supporters of the struggle mostly the peasants. The people who sacrificed their lives in the struggle had a vision that transcended personal gains that saw us liberate Uganda. We will forever remember them because, as I always say, a country that forgets its warriors loses its soul. We always pray for them,’ Mr Museveni said.

He, however, urged Ugandans to work hard and contribute to national development in order to uphold the values of self-sacrifice and commitment demonstrated by the liberation heroes.

Miners’ Death: Niger Govt Imposes Dusk-To-Dawn Curfew

Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago has imposed a 12-hour curfew in Minna to forestall further breach of law and order.

The governor announced this when he received Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, on a condolence visit over the death of 37 artisanal miners in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

The governor said the curfew, which begins today, is between 6pm and 6am to checkmate attacks on public and private assets by the protesters.

He said the deceased miners were between the ages of 14 and 18 years.

Oriire killings: Witness confirms identity of two slain teachers

A witness in the ongoing trial of alleged members of the Ansaru terror group on Friday confirmed the identities of two teachers who were killed during the abduction of students and staff of a school in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, telling the Federal High Court in Abuja that other victims recovered their bodies.

The witness, code-named AAA, who was among the victims of the Oriire school abduction, however, told the court that she was not present when the two teachers, identified as Michael Oyedokun and John Olaleye, were beheaded by their abductors.

She said Oyedokun was killed at Camp A, while Olaleye was killed at another camp, adding that she could not provide specific details about the individuals who carried out the killings because she did not witness the incidents.

The witness also recounted the harsh conditions the victims endured in captivity, saying their abductors fed them only when it was convenient for them, despite the presence of children as young as 18 months among the victims.

According to her, the victims were subjected to severe trauma during and after their 56-day ordeal in captivity.

Under cross-examination by counsel to the five accused persons, Mr. Bala Dakum, the witness said the abductors provided food at their own convenience and did not appear to consider the needs of the younger children in the group.

She also disclosed that the abductors used the victims’ mobile phones to communicate with government officials during the captivity, but said she did not know the phone numbers of the officials contacted.

The witness further told the court that following their rescue by security operatives, she was interrogated by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), both at the agency’s office and while she was receiving treatment in hospital.

In response to questions from the defence counsel, AAA admitted that three of the five defendants currently standing trial were with the victims in the forest during their captivity.

She said the victims only learnt about the identities of the other two defendants during interrogation at the DSS office after their rescue.

The witness maintained that although she knew that Oyedokun and Olaleye had been killed, she was not at the scenes of the killings and therefore could not identify the specific abductors responsible for their deaths.

Justice Salim Olasupo Ibrahim then adjourned the case until October 12 and 13 for continuation of the trial.

Oil market disruptions: Is formula-based pricing the solution?

Saudi Arabia has ceased to export oil because of damage to its East-West Pipeline that will take more than a month to repair. The Bab el-Mandeb Strait is controlled by pro-Iranian Yemeni forces. Ships are under attack as they try to navigate the Strait of Hormuz. World (and especially Asian) oil supplies will continue to be constrained and prices will remain elevated, at least until the midterm elections in the US (first week of November).

The oil coming through the two straits is mostly destined for rapidly growing and energy-hungry Asia. That means that Asia is affected more by these developments than Europe or the US. Already diesel prices are at historical highs in the US. Crude oil from the Gulf is said to be optimal for producing diesel, so the effects are likely to be stronger for diesel and for Asia.

Diesel is important for several reasons. Most industrial and agricultural products are transported using diesel. When other cheaper energy sources such as hydro and coal fall short, diesel tends to be used for generating electricity. Diesel price increases will ripple through the entire economy. Problems with availability can cripple the functioning of society.

Private distributors in Sri Lanka are already feeling the pain. ‘No diesel’ signs are up. They are saying they cannot sell at a loss of Rs. 170 per liter. State-owned Ceypetco has stated that it is planning to maintain supplies absorbing the losses. For people in the North and the East where Ceypetco stations are scarce, it’s beginning to feel like 2022.

Cost-recovery pricing

The IMF Staff Report of the fifth and sixth reviews (13 May 2026) stated: ‘Fuel. Cost-recovery pricing (continuous Structural Benchmark 1) has not been met since April as increases only partially reflected the higher costs following the Middle East conflict. Authorities will compensate CPC for past losses through an explicit on-budget transfer and published a cabinet decision ensuring fuel subsidies are on budget, limited, and fully phased out by end-September 2026 (prior action and proposed Structural Benchmark 22, end-September).’

Constrained supply from private distributors is evidence that retail prices are not enough to recover costs. If the Government does not ask for a further waiver, this means that subsidies must end by the end of September. However, Ceypetco may be planning to cross-subsidise the diesel losses from higher prices on petrol. Does this make sense in the face of rapidly increasing prices and the dangers of restricted supply?

It is evident that there is massive bypass of the QR-based rationing scheme. Higher prices rather than rationing explain the minimal demand contraction that has occurred (10% for diesel and 9% for petrol, according to the Cabinet Spokesperson). Unless the Government is serious about demand destruction through higher prices and/or better enforcement of rationing, the fuel import bill for 2026 is likely to be crippling. A total of $2,703.7 million was spent in the first five months of this year (62% higher), compared to $1,664.2 million in the same period in 2025. President Trump has reason to get world prices down before the November elections, but it is doubtful that he can.

The IMF Staff Report (13 May 2026) stated: ‘Electricity. Cost-recovery pricing (continuous Structural Benchmark 2) has not been met since January as the tariff was not revisited despite higher costs. The 10.9% average increase for Q2 approved on March 31 does not fully incorporate higher fuel prices and the expected change in the composition of energy generation. To restore cost recovery, a new tariff revision reflecting these factors will be issued by the regulator (prior action).’

Low-quality coal has resulted in less electricity being generated from Norochchalai. Meeting the shortfall from increasingly expensive diesel will increase electricity costs. Cost-recovery pricing for diesel will result in consumers having to pay more for electricity as well.

Problems with pricing formulae

From being ridiculed when Mangala Samaraweera introduced it, formula-based pricing is now seen as a cure-all. The private fuel distributors want one for diesel. Even three-wheeler drivers want a formula.

Formula-based prices imposed by Government are alien to competitive markets. Competition in these kinds of commodity markets is supposed to drive down prices by creating incentives to secure lowest-cost inputs and efficiency. But fuel and electricity markets are far from competitive. Here, the incentive is to gouge the consumer who has no alternative. If the gouging can be done with Government blessing even better.

It is one thing to use cost-based formulae in regulated industries, where the regulator ostensibly has the capacity to assess the reasonableness of costs. But the root cause of problems in both electricity and fuel markets in Sri Lanka is the use of a cost-plus formula in the unregulated fuel market. Here, there are no incentives for the purchasers of oil to negotiate for the lowest prices because whatever costs are incurred, they will be automatically transmitted to the consumer of fuel for transport and through electricity bills. There is no one, other than the media, to question whether the prices paid for oil imports were reasonable.

The accepted solution is to base the formula on a benchmark price, such as Brent or Singapore Platts. If a purchaser negotiates a price that deviates on the high side, the formula will punish them by preventing the passing on of the extra costs to consumers. If the deviation is on the low side, the company can keep the difference. Incentives are created for low-cost inputs.

This solution is effective for private firms, but not necessarily for state-owned firms such as Ceypetco. In a state-owned firm, the effects of the incentives are muted. The state as the owner, fearful of public unrest, may compel the firm to buy scarce fuel even as excessive cost (as is reported to have happened in April when Sri Lanka bought at $286 a barrel, according to the Chief Executive of HSBC). The Government is both the price setter and the owner who would have to absorb the loss. Management in SOEs are unlikely to work as hard as those in private firms to get lower-priced inputs and earn higher profits. The customer will pay one way or another because there is no private owner to take the loss.

Group backs Hamzat’s experience to sustain Lagos development

The PBAT Door-to-Door Movement, Lagos State Chapter, has described the experience of Deputy Governor Kadri Obafemi Hamzat as an asset that could help sustain and expand the state’s development under the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Hamzat is the APC candidate for the 2027 Lagos State governorship election.

The group made the assessment in a statement issued on Friday to mark Hamzat’s 62nd birthday.

The movement said the deputy governor’s years in public administration had equipped him with the institutional knowledge, leadership skills and policy experience required to consolidate existing achievements and respond to emerging challenges.

It said Lagos’ development had been shaped by successive administrations, beginning with the tenure of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as governor, followed by the administrations of Babatunde Fashola, Akinwunmi Ambode and the incumbent, Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

According to the group, in a statement on Friday by its Lagos State Coordinator, Amosu Tomi, the administrations laid and expanded foundations in institutional reforms, infrastructure and other sectors.

It said Hamzat’s experience positioned him to maintain continuity while introducing new ideas and widening the state’s development frontiers.

The movement listed infrastructure, healthcare delivery, security and public safety, youth empowerment, skills development and economic inclusion as areas where his experience could be applied.

‘Continuity in governance does not mean the absence of innovation, but the ability to preserve successful policies and institutions while identifying areas that require improvement and introducing new solutions to emerging challenges,’ Tomi said.

The group also described Hamzat’s leadership approach as calm and measured, adding that his accessibility, attention to detail and commitment to public service had earned him recognition among stakeholders.

It said his ability to engage diverse stakeholders, listen to different perspectives and promote constructive dialogue had been evident in the discharge of his responsibilities.

It also wished him success in his political endeavours and the 2027 governorship election.

Lagos APC places travel ban on candidates

No candidate on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State is permitted to travel out of the country before next year’s general election, party chairman Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi said yesterday.

He said the party would not also underrate other opposition parties in the state, urging the party faithful to gird their loins.

Ojelabi spoke during the inauguration of the Tinubu-Hamzat Campaign Council at the party secretariat on Acme Road, Ogba, Ikeja, where he charged the committee members to show dedication and commitment.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu is the chairman of the Advisory Committee of the elaborate committe. Former Defence Minister of State Senator Musiliu Obanikoro is the Director-General.

The deputy governor and governorship candidate, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, who justified President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid, said he has lived to expectation in the last three years.

Former Deputy Governor Prince Abiodun Ogunleye, who spoke on behalf of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC) leader, Prince Tajudeen Olusi, said Lagos APC has a competent governorship candidate in Hamzat, urging Lagosians to vote for him.

‘We have the sign of victory ahead of the poll. The next governor is very competent. He served in various capacities. He is a man of great character. He will not disappoint Lagosians. We have to work properly and cooperatively to achieve victory,’ Ogunleye stressed.

At the ceremony were Senators Wasiu Eshiloku (Lagos Central), Dr. Idiat Adebule (West) and Tokunbo Abiru (East), House of Assembly Speaker Mudashiru Obasa, his deputy, Monisola Meranda; Dr. Yomi Finnih, former Finance Minister Wale Edun, Mrs. Olayinka Oladunjoye, Asipa Kaoli Olusanya, Hon. Bamigbose, Mrs. Yinka Olusanya, Olawale Oshun, Cardinal James Odunmbaku, Babatunde Ishiak, Dr. Tola Kasali, Bode Oyedele, Funso Ologunde, Lanre Ogunyemi, Fokasade Abimbola Salu, Sesan Daini and Seye Oladejo, the party’s publicity secretary.

Ojelabi said party members have resolved to work together after the hostility of primaries, adding that the opposition is disappointed by the unity and brotherhood of the ruling party.

He said the campaign committees have been carefully constituted to deliver victory for the candidates at the polls.

The chairman said the flag bearer are men of capacity and candour who will cooperate with the committees in the local mobilisation of voters.

Ojelabi, who said Lagos APC would be targeting five million votes, warned against complacency, saying that opposition parties cannot be taken for granted.

He said: ‘No candidate is allowed to travel outside the country until after the general election.’

Ojelsbi added:’Let our campaign be devoid of hatred, thuggery and violence.’

Obanikoro said 2027 elections demand discipline, commitment and organisation, adding that no party member should treat it as a simple assignment.

He advised party members to put personal grievances and disappointments behind them, adding that they should work as a team, speak with responsibility and prosecute the campaign legally.

Obanikoro added: ‘Unity must be our strength.’

Hamzat said ‘we don’t want jesters as president, a man who does not know the difference between a loan and borrowing. It is not about emotion; it is about data, about record.’

The deputy governor said party members should campaign confidently because the government midwived by APC has performed.

Hamzat said Lagos under the APC is the first sub-national unit to have successfully built a rail infrastructure; a feat that eluded Carlifornia in the United States.

Describing Lagos as a unique state, he said:’33 percent of GDP of Nigeria is from Lagos. Our state is too important to be subjected to trial and error in the hands of those who are struggling to understand the geography and people of Lagos.’

Hamzat said out of the 7.3 million that registered to vote in Lagos, APC should attract between three and four million votes.

Justifying President Tinubu’s second term bid, he said:’The president has stabilised the economy of Nigeria for the first time. We have £7.9 billion trade surplus with America. It will keep going like that. It is due to agric and uria. Lekki Trade Zone is playing a role.

Hamzat frowned at the opposition’s criticisms of the infrastructure battle, particularly the coastal roads, saying that they are not serious.

Hamzat praised the president for the renovation of the airports, saying that it is creating millions of jobs.

‘For the first time, we are fighting terrorism and prosecuting kidnappers. The image of Nigeria is better in the international community. He has done fundamental things: tax reforms. The last was the withholding tax of 1938.

‘We must go out to vote, call our friends and neighbours to vote for APC. On June 16, we should vote for the president, our senatorial and 24 House of Representatives candidates. We should also ensure that our 40 House of Assembly candidates win.’