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Some political relationships are born out of electoral calculations. Others are forged through decades of friendship, mutual respect and shared experiences. The relationship between former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and the Igbo people of Nigeria’s Southeast belongs, in significant measure, to the latter category.

A video featuring Chief Dan Ulasi, former Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Anambra State, which I recently stumbled upon, offers a compelling reminder of this relationship and its historical roots. Chief Ulasi recalls how Atiku, as an officer of the Nigeria Customs Service, assisted Igbo businessmen in clearing their imported goods during the difficult years following the Nigerian Civil War.

It is a remarkable testimony, not because Atiku is today a presidential candidate, but because the relationship predates his involvement in national politics. It speaks to a time when the overriding concern of the average Igbo businessman was not electoral politics but economic survival.

To appreciate the significance of Chief Ulasi’s recollection, we must revisit the circumstances of the Southeast following the Civil War. When the war ended in January 1970, the Igbo people faced enormous devastation. Businesses had collapsed, properties had been destroyed, families had been displaced and personal savings had been substantially eroded.

To compound their difficulties, the controversial £20 policy meant that many people surrendering wartime currency received a flat payment of just £20, regardless of the amount deposited. Although the policy did not apply uniformly to every bank account, it remains an enduring symbol of the economic hardship that followed the war.

Yet, the Igbo refused to surrender to adversity. With remarkable resilience, they rebuilt their businesses, revived their commercial networks and reclaimed their place in Nigeria’s economic life. From Onitsha to Aba, Nnewi to Enugu, and across the length and breadth of Nigeria, Igbo entrepreneurship flourished. It was during this period of reconstruction that Atiku, who joined the Nigeria Customs Service in 1969, began developing the commercial relationships that Chief Ulasi recalls.

His account portrays Atiku as someone who assisted Igbo businessmen navigating the challenges of clearing imported goods. Here was a young Customs officer from northern Nigeria relating with businessmen from the East, not through the divisive prism of ethnicity or religion, but through the shared realities of commerce and human relationships.

This is the Atiku story that deserves greater attention: a relationship with the Igbo people that did not begin with the search for presidential votes. And it is a relationship that provides an important context for examining Atiku’s economic vision for the Southeast.

Atiku understands that the Igbo entrepreneurial spirit needs more than praise. It requires an enabling environment, reliable infrastructure, affordable financing and government policies that reward productivity.

Consider the plight of businessmen and manufacturers in Aba, Onitsha and Nnewi. A manufacturer in Aba battles unreliable electricity, expensive diesel, inadequate financing and high transportation costs. An industrialist in Nnewi confronts similar challenges while struggling to remain competitive. An importer in Onitsha must contend with the cost of moving goods from distant seaports.

These difficulties are not inevitable. They are problems that purposeful economic policies can address. This explains the significance of Atiku’s commitment to the rehabilitation and development of ports along Nigeria’s eastern maritime corridor.

In August 2026, Atiku reiterated his intention to develop eastern ports and reduce Nigeria’s excessive dependence on Lagos for maritime commerce. He recalled discussions with international shipping and port-development interests aimed at improving the country’s maritime infrastructure.

The commercial implications for the Southeast are considerable. Why should a businessman in Onitsha or a manufacturer in Aba bear enormous transportation costs moving containers from Lagos when functioning ports in Port Harcourt, Onne, Warri and Calabar could offer alternative gateways?

Although these ports are geographically located in the South-South, their rehabilitation and efficient operation would directly benefit businesses throughout the Southeast.

Improved port operations, supported by reliable road and rail connections, could lower logistics costs, reduce congestion, facilitate trade and strengthen the competitiveness of Nigerian manufacturers.

Atiku’s earlier commitment to making the Onitsha inland port functional is equally important. Properly developed and connected to other transportation networks, it could become a significant logistics centre for the region’s commercial activities.

The proposed operationalisation of the Abia dry port offers another opportunity. At a presidential campaign rally in Umuahia in February 2023, Atiku pledged to make the Abia dry port operational and announced a proposed $10 billion fund to support businesses, particularly in the Southeast. He recalled an earlier commitment to assist the rehabilitation of businesses in Aba.

These are commitments with potentially far-reaching implications. A properly structured business-support fund, with transparent financing and administration, could help manufacturers acquire modern equipment, expand production, create employment and compete more effectively in domestic and international markets.

The Southeast does not lack entrepreneurial talent. What it needs is an economic environment that allows that talent to flourish.

Aba’s footwear, garment and leather industries deserve stronger industrial infrastructure and access to affordable credit. Nnewi’s automobile-parts and engineering industries require reliable electricity, modern technology and supportive manufacturing policies. Onitsha’s vast commercial networks need efficient transportation, improved logistics and predictable Customs procedures.

Beyond infrastructure, Atiku’s proposals for restructuring and greater devolution of powers provide another important dimension to the development of the Southeast.

For too long, Nigeria’s excessive centralisation has constrained the ability of states to address their peculiar development needs.

A restructured federation, with clearly defined responsibilities and appropriate resources, could give states greater flexibility to develop industrial clusters, attract investment, improve infrastructure and respond effectively to local economic challenges.

Security must also occupy a central place in any serious development agenda for the Southeast. Insecurity, violent attacks, criminal activities and disruptions to commercial life have inflicted considerable hardship on communities and businesses.

No region can realise its economic potential when traders cannot move freely, factories cannot operate consistently and ordinary citizens live in fear.

A credible security framework must therefore combine effective law enforcement, community participation, intelligence gathering and greater cooperation between federal and state authorities.

Equally important is the challenge of political inclusion. The Southeast deserves equitable representation in national institutions, fair access to federal infrastructure investments and the assurance that its people are equal stakeholders in the Nigerian federation.

These are not demands for special treatment. They are legitimate expectations of citizenship.

It is precisely here that the question of national leadership becomes important. Under President Bola Tinubu, the administration has faced persistent criticism over perceptions of ethnic favouritism, religious divisions and unequal political representation. Those criticisms deserve serious examination rather than automatic dismissal as opposition politics.

Nigeria cannot afford a political culture in which ethnicity becomes a measure of loyalty or religion determines who is considered sufficiently Nigerian.

The President of Nigeria is not the President of one ethnic group, one religion or one geopolitical zone. He is President of all Nigerians.

Atiku’s longstanding advocacy of national inclusion and restructuring offers a different framework for discussing these challenges.

But one principle should not be negotiable: no Nigerian should be made to feel like a second-class citizen in his own country.

An Igbo businessman investing in Kano, a Hausa entrepreneur operating in Onitsha, or a Yoruba professional working in Enugu must enjoy equal dignity, protection and opportunity. That is the essence of the Nigerian ideal.

The relationship recalled by Chief Dan Ulasi illustrates the importance of human connections that transcend the artificial boundaries of ethnic and religious politics.

More than five decades after the Civil War, Nigeria should have moved decisively beyond the politics of suspicion, exclusion and historical resentment.

The promise of reconciliation must find expression in economic opportunity, equitable development and national belonging.

There is also an important evolution in the Atiku story. The young Customs officer whom Chief Ulasi remembers for assisting businessmen with the clearance of their goods is today proposing policies intended to address the structural challenges confronting those same commercial communities.

The task is no longer merely to help individual businessmen clear their containers. It is to build a system in which containers move efficiently, ports function competitively, manufacturers enjoy affordable electricity and businesses prosper without unnecessary obstacles.

That is the difference between individual assistance and institutional development.

Ultimately, the Igbo people, like Nigerians everywhere, deserve to assess political leaders by their records, commitments and capacity to deliver meaningful development.

Atiku’s historical relationships, his proposals for eastern ports, business financing, industrial development and restructuring are relevant considerations in that assessment.

Chief Ulasi’s testimony reminds us that political relationships need not begin and end with elections. They can be built through decades of mutual respect, cooperation and shared humanity.

Nigeria’s unity will not be secured by political slogans or forced declarations of patriotism. It will be sustained when every Nigerian, whether Igbo, Hausa, Fulani, Yoruba, Ijaw, Tiv, Kanuri or from any other community, experiences the dignity of equal citizenship.

And when the ports work, factories produce, businesses prosper and opportunities become accessible to all, national integration will cease to be merely a political aspiration.

It will become a lived reality. That is the Nigeria worth building. And that is the enduring lesson in the relationship between Atiku Abubakar and the Igbo people.

Nigeria stands today at a decisive inflexion point in its democratic journey. The nation’s political landscape is increasingly defined not by the loudness of electoral participation but by the silence of abstention. The politics of no-vote-often dismissed as apathy-has matured into a potent political signal, a collective expression of disillusionment, distrust, and frustration with a system perceived as unresponsive to the needs of its people. This phenomenon is not merely a democratic inconvenience; it is a structural warning that Nigeria’s political and economic foundations are under strain.

In a country where economic development and sustainability are urgent imperatives, the rise of no-vote politics threatens to weaken the very mechanisms required to achieve national progress. Democracy thrives on participation, legitimacy, and accountability. When citizens withdraw their consent through abstention, the democratic engine slows, governance becomes fragile, and economic transformation becomes increasingly elusive. Nigeria must therefore confront this challenge with intellectual honesty, institutional courage, and strategic foresight.

Understanding the politics of no-vote

The politics of no-vote is not a passive act of indifference. It is an assertive political stance rooted in accumulated disappointments. Many Nigerians have come to believe that voting does not produce meaningful change, a perception shaped by decades of electoral irregularities, unfulfilled promises, and governance failures. The ballot box, once a symbol of hope, has become for many a symbol of futility.

This disillusionment is particularly pronounced among the youth, whose political energy has migrated from polling units to digital platforms. Social media has become a theatre of civic expression, where frustrations are aired, movements are mobilised, and alternative visions of governance are debated. Yet this digital vibrancy contrasts sharply with declining physical participation in elections. The youth, who constitute a significant portion of Nigeria’s population, now engage politically without engaging electorally.

Regional disparities further complicate the landscape. Communities that feel historically marginalised or economically neglected often abstain from voting as a symbolic protest. Their silence is a message: the system does not serve them, and participation feels pointless. When such sentiments become widespread, they weaken national cohesion and erode the legitimacy of democratic institutions.

The economic consequences of no-vote politics

Democracy and economic development are inseparable. A disengaged electorate produces leaders with weakened mandates, undermining the stability required for economic growth. Investors-both domestic and foreign-monitor voter turnout as an indicator of political stability. Low participation signals uncertainty, discouraging long-term investments and slowing economic progress.

Policy continuity, essential for sustainable development, becomes fragile when electoral outcomes are shaped by disengagement rather than robust participation. Leaders elected by a minority of eligible voters often struggle to implement transformative policies, lacking the broad public mandate necessary for bold reforms. This fragility disrupts long-term planning, weakens institutions, and creates an environment where economic policies are easily reversed or abandoned.

Political disengagement also erodes accountability. Leaders who do not fear electoral consequences may become complacent, allowing corruption to flourish. Corruption undermines economic development, widens inequality, and perpetuates poverty. Communities that abstain from voting lose political leverage, becoming invisible in policy formulation and resource allocation. Their economic marginalisation deepens, creating a vicious cycle of disengagement and deprivation.

Thought processes behind no-vote behaviour

To address the politics of no-vote, Nigeria must understand the psychological and social dynamics that drive it. Many citizens believe their votes do not count, a perception reinforced by historical electoral malpractice. Others feel that all politicians are indistinguishable, lacking ideological diversity or moral distinction. This belief fosters cynicism and discourages participation.

Another prevailing thought is that democracy has not improved daily life. Citizens judge governance by tangible outcomes-jobs, security, infrastructure, fairness. When these outcomes remain elusive, democracy itself becomes suspect. The perception that the system is rigged against ordinary people further fuels disengagement, creating a sense of powerlessness.

Digital participation also shapes no-vote behaviour. Many young Nigerians feel more empowered through online activism than through voting. Social media provides immediate visibility and influence, whereas electoral participation feels distant and ineffective. This shift in civic engagement must be understood and addressed if Nigeria is to revitalise its democratic culture.

The link between democracy, economic development, and sustainability

Nigeria’s democratic health cannot be separated from its economic realities. Sustainable development requires stable institutions, predictable policies, and inclusive growth. Democracy provides the framework for these outcomes, but only when citizens participate meaningfully. A disengaged electorate weakens institutions, undermines policy continuity, and erodes public trust.

Economic development thrives in environments where the rule of law is respected, public institutions are transparent, and leadership is accountable. These conditions attract investment, stimulate innovation, and promote equitable growth. Sustainability, in turn, demands responsible resource management, climate-resilient infrastructure, and long-term planning. Nigeria’s vast natural resources, youthful population, and emerging digital economy offer immense potential, but this potential cannot be realised without a stable and participatory democratic system.

Solutions: Re-engineering Nigeria’s democratic and economic future

Nigeria must adopt a comprehensive strategy to reverse the politics of no-vote and strengthen democratic sustainability. Rebuilding trust in electoral processes is paramount. Transparent systems, secure digital technologies, and strong institutional independence are essential. Electoral malpractice must be met with strict penalties, and real-time monitoring should be made accessible to the public to enhance transparency.

Civic education must be revitalised. Citizens need to understand how voting influences economic outcomes and national development. Schools, religious institutions, and digital platforms should be leveraged to promote democratic participation. Influencers and community leaders can play a vital role in reshaping public perceptions of voting.

Governance performance must improve. Citizens disengage when leadership fails to deliver. Governments must prioritise policies that directly impact daily life-job creation, security, healthcare, and infrastructure. Performance-based governance metrics and quarterly scorecards can enhance accountability and rebuild trust.

Economic reforms are critical for inclusive growth. Nigeria must expand opportunities in the digital economy, strengthen small and medium-scale enterprises, and implement regional development plans to reduce inequality. Green industries and sustainable agriculture should be promoted to align economic growth with environmental stewardship.

Technology offers powerful tools for democratic sustainability. AI-driven platforms can facilitate public consultations, while blockchain can enhance transparency in public finance. Digital town halls can bridge the gap between leaders and citizens, fostering dialogue and trust.

Essentially, Nigeria must strengthen its social contract. National unity requires inclusive dialogue, recognition of historical grievances, and the promotion of shared national narratives. Democracy thrives when citizens feel heard, valued, and included.

A new democratic imagination for Nigeria

Nigeria stands at a crossroads. The politics of no-vote is a warning sign, signalling that citizens are losing faith in the democratic process. To build a sustainable future, Nigeria must re-imagine democracy as a continuous, participatory, and economically productive system. A sustainable democracy is one where citizens feel heard, leaders are accountable, institutions are strong, and economic opportunities are widespread.

The next chapter of Nigeria’s democratic evolution will depend on whether the nation can transform no-vote politics into renewed civic engagement and align democratic governance with economic development and sustainability. The stakes are high, but the possibilities are immense. Nigeria must seize this moment to build a democracy that works, an economy that grows, and a future that endures.

Conclusion

The politics of no-vote is not a trivial trend; it is a profound democratic alarm. Nigeria cannot afford to ignore it. The nation’s economic aspirations, sustainability goals, and democratic stability depend on revitalising citizen participation. A democracy without voters is a democracy without legitimacy, and a nation without legitimacy cannot build a resilient economy or a sustainable future.

Nigeria must therefore confront this challenge with urgency and resolve. By rebuilding trust, strengthening institutions, enhancing governance performance, and expanding economic opportunities, the nation can transform political disengagement into renewed civic energy. The future of Nigeria’s democracy-and its economic destiny-depends on the choices made today.

.Ademola is first African Professor of Cybersecurity and Information Technology Management; Global Education Advocate; Chartered Manager; UK Digital Journalist; Strategic Advisor and Prophetic Mobiliser for National Transformation; Public Intellectual; African Governance Thinker; General Evangelist, CAC Nigeria and Overseas.

The need for Nigeria to strengthen local pharmaceutical production, expand access to essential medicines and improve preparedness for epidemics and pandemics took a centre stage at a side event during the recently concluded United Nations General Assembly in Midtown Manhattan, New York.

The programme was hosted by 10Generation, in partnership with the Institute of Scientology as well as Word Mission Foundation in New York.

The event brought attention to the relationship between pharmaceutical manufacturing, public health education and Africa’s capacity to prevent and manage future health emergencies.

Moderated by international broadcast and multimedia Journalist, Lydia Enyidiya Eke, the discussion examined the opportunities for Nigeria to strengthen its pharmaceutical industry, serve its domestic market more effectively and position locally manufactured medicines for eligible regional and international markets.

A central issue was the need to look beyond Nigeria’s domestic pharmaceutical market and explore the country’s potential to become a stronger participant in the global pharmaceutical industry.

With Africa’s population approaching 1.5 billion, the continent represents a substantial market for medicines, vaccines, diagnostics and other essential healthcare products.

However, converting this demand into improved health outcomes requires investment in manufacturing capacity, research, quality assurance, infrastructure and effective regulation.

The discussion however, highlighted the importance of building local capacity to meet healthcare needs while ensuring that pharmaceutical products intended for international markets satisfy the relevant safety, quality and regulatory requirements.

Beyond manufacturing, the programme addressed the importance of preparing Nigeria and other African countries to prevent, detect and manage epidemics and pandemics.

The panelists who spoke included President and Founder, World Mission Foundation who is the main Representative to the UN ECOSOC, Ambassador Anthony.

Others were Fadja Robert-Carr, of 10 Generation and Nicole Berth, Community Affairs, Institute of Scientology.

The speakers noted that health emergencies could expose weaknesses in medicine supply chains, healthcare infrastructure, disease surveillance and public communication.

Strengthening these systems before an outbreak occurs is therefore an important part of building national and regional health security.

Expanding reliable local pharmaceutical production could contribute to this effort by diversifying sources of essential medicines and reducing exposure to international supply disruptions.

Nevertheless, effective preparedness also requires trained health personnel, laboratory capacity, emergency response systems and coordinated public health policies.

The conversation underscored the importance of treating preparedness as a continuous responsibility rather than an activity undertaken only when an outbreak emerges.

Public Health Communication as a Prevention Tool was also a part of the panel discussion.

Public service announcements and sustained health enlightenment campaigns equally featured among the issues highlighted during the programme.

Radio, television, digital media and community communication channels can help people understand disease risks, recognise the importance of prevention and obtain reliable information about appropriate health practices.

Effective communication is particularly important during epidemics and pandemics, when misinformation and delayed access to credible information can complicate public health responses.

The discussion pointed to the need for accurate, accessible and actionable public health messages that reach people across different communities.

For Nigeria, this means strengthening collaboration among health authorities, medical professionals, pharmaceutical manufacturers, researchers and the media.

Public health communication must also be supported by accessible healthcare services so that people can act on the information they receive.

Another important dimension of the discussion was the need to place disease prevention at the centre of healthcare planning.

Prevention includes immunisation, sanitation, health education, screening, early diagnosis and access to appropriate medical interventions. These measures can reduce avoidable illness and help ease pressure on healthcare facilities.

The right to health is recognised within international human rights frameworks, although the specific legal obligations and mechanisms for implementation differ across countries.

This makes the responsibility to provide reliable health information, strengthen preventive services and improve access to essential healthcare an important issue for policymakers and public health institutions.

Moderating the discussion, Eke brought her experience in broadcast journalism, editorial leadership and public-interest communication to a conversation connecting pharmaceutical development with health security and public enlightenment.

Her participation reflects the role of professional moderators and journalists in facilitating conversations on issues with implications for public policy, economic development and the well-being of communities.

The issues raised at the Manhattan programme point to the importance of a coordinated approach to Africa’s health future.

Nigeria’s pharmaceutical industry requires an enabling environment for responsible investment, innovation, quality manufacturing and regulatory compliance. At the same time, health systems need sustained investment in preparedness, prevention and public communication.

Governments, manufacturers, research institutions, healthcare professionals and media organisations all have roles to play in advancing these priorities.

For Nigeria and the wider African continent, the challenge is to translate market potential into stronger production capacity, and public health knowledge into practical preventive action.

The broader message is that health security cannot depend exclusively on responding to emergencies.

It must be built through sustained investment in local capacity, effective healthcare systems and informed communities.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the Bogoro Constituency in the Bauchi State House of Assembly, Bulus Iliya, has asserted that Christians have valid reasons to support a Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket in 2027.

Speaking on the political landscape of Bauchi State and the APC’s preparations ahead of the 2027 general elections, Iliya dismissed the ongoing criticisms trailing the party’s leadership structure.

‘Some people are making a fuss, claiming that a Muslim-Muslim ticket has shortchanged people,’ Iliya said. ‘Well, we are even going to do it now.’

The assembly candidate emphasized the importance of party synergy, stating that his potential victory would feel incomplete without the success of other APC candidates in the state.

He specifically pointed to Jafaru Gambo Leko, the candidate for the Bogoro, Dass and Tafawa-Balewa Federal Constituency, and Mohammed Abdullahi Abubakar, the party’s gubernatorial candidate.

‘If I win my election but Jafaru Gambo Leko and our governorship candidate, Mohammed Abdullahi Abubakar, do not succeed, I would consider that a disservice to myself,’ he added.

Iliya also noted that the political alignment of the former Speaker of the 8th House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, with the APC means his constituents must rally solidly behind the party.

He expressed confidence that the zone remains one hundred percent committed to the APC and is determined to deliver a seamless re-election victory for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The candidate, popularly known as Bulusiyya, called on party members and supporters to ensure that their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) are ready ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He urged them to use their votes to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term to enable his administration to consolidate its ongoing developmental projects.

He also called on supporters to vote for Mohammed Abdullahi Abubakar as Governor of Bauchi State, Yakubu Shehu Abdullahi as Senator, and Jafaru Gambo Leko to represent the Bogoro, Dass, and Tafawa-Balewa Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives.

Furthermore, Bulus Iliya appealed to the people of the Bogoro Constituency to support his aspiration to represent them in the Bauchi State House of Assembly come 2027.

He emphasized the vital role of political participation, urging eligible voters to prepare well ahead of the elections to ensure their voices count.

The Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA) warns all manufacturers, retailers and service providers across the State to comply fully with the Lagos State Consumer Protection Law 2025 (as amended) and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act 2018.

he General Manager, Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency, Afolabi Solebo, issued the warning during an interview with select journalists in Lagos.

He said: ‘LASCOPA will now sanction businesses that deliberately fail to honour scheduled mediation sessions on legitimate consumer complaints. Where authorised by law, affected premises may be sealed. All businesses are required to treat consumer complaints and redress processes with utmost seriousness.

‘Practices that will attract regulatory intervention include unfair trade practices, misleading advertisements, deceptive pricing, hidden charges, poor service delivery, and the manufacture or sale of substandard, counterfeit or unsafe products’.

Solebo warned that offenders could face applicable penalties under the law, including fines, enforcement orders, suspension of operations, prosecution, or sealing of premises.

He appealed to consumers with unresolved complaints to remain patient, noting that delays often occur when businesses ignore mediation invitations. He urged all consumers to retain receipts, invoices, warranties and relevant records when filing complaints.

He reaffirmed Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu’s commitment to protecting consumers and building a fair business environment in Lagos. Consumer protection is a shared responsibility – businesses and consumers together build a transparent, accountable and truly consumer-friendly marketplace.

Taiwo Akinola, the presiding bishop of Rhema Christian Church and Towers, has called on the government, political leaders, institutions, and citizens to renew their commitment to justice, accountability, national unity, and people-centred governance, as Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections.

Akinola said Nigeria possesses enormous human and material resources, and urged the government to prioritize citizens’ welfare. ‘Nevertheless, persistent insecurity, economic hardship, unemployment, healthcare deficiencies, substance abuse, and threats to food safety demand urgent and coordinated responses,’ he said.

According to him, the 2027 general elections offer Nigerians another opportunity to strengthen democratic institutions and demand responsible governance. He therefore urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, and other stakeholders to work towards peaceful, transparent, inclusive, and credible elections.

‘Vote-buying, intimidation, electoral violence, religious manipulation, and misinformation must be firmly discouraged. Young people as well as senior citizens, should complete the necessary voter registration procedures, obtain their Permanent Voter Cards where applicable, and participate responsibly in the electoral process,’ Akinola said.

He reiterated that the Church must remain non-partisan but never indifferent to justice, truth, and good governance. According to him, the Church must educate consciences rather than dictate political choices. ‘The true measure of political leadership is not the volume of campaign promises but the tangible improvement in citizens’ lives,’ Akinola said.

The Archbishop said the 2024 World Bank’s development indicators, which puts Nigeria’s life expectancy at birth to approximately 54.6 years, underscores the need for sustained improvements in healthcare delivery, nutrition, sanitation, and living conditions.

He added that healthcare expenditure must produce measurable improvements in service delivery, and that no Nigerian should be denied essential medical attention merely because of poverty.

Akinola reiterated that a healthy population is indispensable to human dignity, national productivity, and sustainable development. He said further that greater investment in preventive healthcare, immunisation, nutrition, sanitation, and mental health services is equally necessary.

‘We urge the government at all levels to prioritise functional primary healthcare centres, affordable health insurance, essential medicines, maternal and child healthcare, emergency services, and improved welfare for medical personnel.’

Speaking on the church’s forthcoming convention themed, ‘More Than Conquerors,’ Akinola, who is the Pastor-General, Rhema Christian Church and Towers, said the 35th convention of the ministry will bring believers from diverse backgrounds for spiritual renewal, sound biblical teaching, fervent prayers, worship, and life-transforming encounters with the supernatural power of God.

According to him, the theme reminds the congregation that national challenges, however formidable, must not become excuses for despair or inaction. He reiterated that the theme reminds the church and Nigerians at large that adversity cannot extinguish hope; difficulties must not destroy faith, and believers can triumph through the unfailing grace and power of Jesus Christ.

‘At a time when individuals, families, and nations confront formidable economic, social, and spiritual challenges, this message is particularly timely. For thirty-five years, God has graciously sustained this ministry in its divine assignment of proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ and raising a people of His power, purity, and purpose,’ Akinola said.

Yomi Akinyemi, chairman, Rhema World Convention 2026, said daily sessions will be held at 6:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m., and 5:00 p.m., with a special Hosanna Night of Power and Praise on Friday, November 6, by 9:00 p.m.

According to him, the grand finale will be held on Sunday, November 8, with special thanksgiving and special impartation service. ‘As we celebrate thirty-five years of God’s faithfulness – our message, ‘More Than Conquerors’ is one of faith, responsibility, courage, and hope. We call on political leaders to rise above selfish interests, institutions to rise above negligence, and citizens to rise above apathy,’ he said.

Otto Canon is a global sustainability leader committed to combating environmental degradation through recycling, tree planting, and policy advocacy. With over a decade of experience in social entrepreneurship and community development, he has collaborated with multilateral organisations to advance sustainable development. He is the founder and executive director of CleanCyclers; founder of SustainabilityUnscripted, and convener of the Global Sustainability Summit and Awards. A Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts (FRSA), Canon is dedicated to raising sustainability champions and building a planet where people and nature can thrive. In this interview with KENNETH ATHEKAME, he spoke on how sustainability can become Africa’s next trillion-dollar economic opportunity rather than just an environmental agenda and greatest potential to drive sustainable economic growth across Africa over the next decade. Excerpts:

How can sustainability become Africa’s next trillion-dollar economic opportunity rather than just an environmental agenda?

Sustainability has never been simply about protecting the environment; it is about building economies that can endure. It involves creating jobs, improving healthcare, strengthening food security, expanding energy access, restoring ecosystems and ensuring long-term prosperity. When sustainability is viewed as an economic strategy rather than a cost, the conversation changes completely. Africa has the world’s youngest population, abundant renewable energy resources, vast agricultural potential and extraordinary biodiversity. These are not merely challenges to manage; they are competitive advantages that can be transformed into economic wealth.

The next trillion-dollar opportunity lies in renewable energy, climate-smart agriculture, circular manufacturing, sustainable infrastructure, healthcare innovation, green logistics, climate technology, carbon markets, sustainable finance and nature-based solutions. Each of these sectors can generate investment, create jobs and stimulate industrial development.

A good example is the 100 million Tree Planting Initiative, recently launched at the Global Sustainability Summit at the House of Lords, Palace of Westminster, London. The initiative will include food-bearing and commercially valuable trees such as mango, avocado, cashew, cocoa and coffee.

Beyond environmental restoration, the initiative is designed to support economic development through agroforestry, improved food security, biodiversity conservation, carbon sequestration and green employment. It also presents opportunities to strengthen rural livelihoods and develop carbon-market activities, subject to appropriate verification and regulatory requirements.

The Global Sustainability Summit has also evolved beyond a conference into a platform for action, facilitating bilateral, trilateral and multilateral partnerships among governments, businesses, academia, investors, development institutions and civil society. These collaborations span renewable energy, healthcare, environmental restoration, the circular economy, sustainable agriculture, climate finance, innovation and education.

Ultimately, sustainability must be understood as an engine of investment, diplomacy and economic transformation. I often say that sustainability is not simply about saving the planet; it is about creating a future in which people, businesses and nations can thrive together. When we align people, planet and profit, sustainability becomes one of Africa’s greatest economic opportunities.

Which industries have the greatest potential to drive sustainable economic growth across Africa over the next decade?

Several industries stand out because they can address multiple economic and social challenges simultaneously.

Renewable energy is fundamental because no economy can grow sustainably without reliable and affordable power. Expanding solar, wind and other clean energy sources can improve electricity access, support industrialisation and reduce energy-related emissions.

Agriculture and food processing also offer enormous opportunities. Africa produces significant quantities of agricultural commodities but continues to face challenges in local processing, food security and value addition. Investing in agro-processing, storage, logistics and modern farming can reduce post-harvest losses, strengthen food systems and create employment.

Healthcare innovation and medical logistics will become increasingly important as the population grows and demand for accessible, quality healthcare increases.

The circular economy, including recycling, waste-to-energy, resource recovery and sustainable manufacturing, offers another major opportunity to transform waste into valuable economic assets.

Through CleanCyclers, we are demonstrating how specialised areas such as solar panel recycling can support the recovery of valuable materials, reduce environmental risks associated with improperly discarded panels and create opportunities for skilled green employment. As solar energy adoption expands across Africa, responsible end-of-life management of solar panels will become increasingly important. With the right infrastructure, technology and regulatory support, this could help establish new recycling and resource-recovery industries.

Technology and artificial intelligence will also transform education, healthcare, agriculture, environmental monitoring and financial inclusion. Green construction, sustainable housing, electric mobility, climate finance, carbon markets, biodiversity conservation and ecosystem restoration offer further opportunities.

The key is integration. These sectors should reinforce one another rather than operate in isolation. Platforms such as the Global Sustainability Summit can help connect governments, investors and innovators to develop partnerships, mobilise capital and accelerate sustainable investment.

How can African governments create policies that attract sustainable investment while accelerating economic development?

Investors value certainty as much as opportunity. Governments must therefore establish stable, transparent and predictable policies that encourage long-term investment.

This requires reducing unnecessary bureaucracy, simplifying licensing and permitting processes, addressing corruption and ensuring that regulations are consistently implemented. Investors also need confidence in the rule of law, contract enforcement and the protection of legitimate investments.

Public-private partnerships should play a more prominent role in financing sustainable development. Governments cannot meet all infrastructure and development needs through public spending alone, but they can create an enabling environment that encourages private capital to participate.

The Global Sustainability Summit has highlighted the importance of policy dialogue by facilitating engagements among governments, development partners, investors and private-sector leaders. Such discussions can help identify investment opportunities across renewable energy, sustainable healthcare, environmental restoration, circular economy initiatives and climate finance.

Governments should also consider targeted tax incentives for viable green industries, investment guarantees, improved infrastructure, accessible financing and effective regulatory frameworks. These measures must be transparent, carefully designed and linked to measurable development outcomes.

Most importantly, policymakers must look beyond political cycles. Sustainable development requires continuity, long-term planning and institutions capable of implementing policies consistently, even when administrations change.

Good policies attract investment, while good governance builds the confidence needed to retain it.

What role should African entrepreneurs and the private sector play in building a green economy that creates jobs and prosperity?

Entrepreneurs are not simply participants in the green economy; they are among its most important architects. Innovation often begins with people willing to approach familiar problems differently. African entrepreneurs understand local markets, consumer needs and community challenges, positioning them to develop practical, scalable and commercially viable solutions.

The private sector should invest in clean technologies, sustainable supply chains, workforce development, circular manufacturing and local industrialisation. Businesses must also recognise that sustainability is no longer merely a corporate social responsibility activity. It is increasingly a business consideration that affects operational efficiency, competitiveness, investment and access to markets.

Companies that use resources efficiently, reduce waste and develop environmentally responsible products can create new revenue streams while lowering certain operating costs and environmental risks.

Through CleanCyclers, we are demonstrating how sustainability-driven enterprises can address environmental challenges while developing commercial opportunities. Solar panel recycling, advanced resource recovery and circular economy innovation can help build industries that create employment, recover valuable materials and reduce dependence on virgin resources.

However, entrepreneurs need access to finance, appropriate technology, skilled workers, reliable infrastructure and supportive regulation to scale their businesses.

The most competitive businesses of the future will increasingly be those that combine financial performance with measurable environmental and social benefits.

How can Africa leverage innovation, artificial intelligence and technology to address sustainability challenges and remain globally competitive?

Artificial intelligence presents significant opportunities to accelerate sustainable development across Africa.

AI can improve agricultural productivity through precision farming, support disease diagnosis, reduce energy waste, strengthen disaster forecasting, improve supply-chain efficiency, monitor forests and expand access to education through personalised learning.

It can also improve the management of environmental restoration initiatives such as the 100 million Tree Planting Initiative. Digital tools can help map degraded landscapes, monitor tree survival, assess biodiversity recovery, identify climate risks and measure carbon sequestration. Reliable monitoring and verification would also strengthen transparency and accountability for investors and development partners.

However, technology alone is not the solution. It must address real problems and deliver measurable benefits to communities and businesses.

Africa must move beyond being a consumer of technologies developed elsewhere and become a creator of solutions tailored to its own needs, while also developing technologies that can compete in global markets.

The continent has talented young innovators, researchers and entrepreneurs. What they need are investment, mentorship, reliable infrastructure, research support and opportunities to scale their ideas.

We must also invest in digital skills, data infrastructure, responsible AI governance and affordable connectivity to ensure that technological progress benefits more than a small segment of society.

By combining African creativity with emerging technologies, the continent can strengthen its competitiveness and contribute meaningfully to global sustainability solutions.

Climate finance remains a major challenge. What practical steps can African countries take to attract more investment for sustainable development?

The first step is to develop bankable projects that can meet investors’ financial, technical and environmental requirements.

Although Africa has significant investment opportunities, many projects struggle to secure financing because of inadequate preparation, limited access to project-development capital, regulatory uncertainty and concerns about governance and implementation.

Governments and development institutions should strengthen project-preparation facilities, improve financial transparency, establish credible monitoring and reporting systems, and develop stronger institutional frameworks.

Africa should also expand the use of green bonds, blended finance, carbon markets, sovereign sustainability funds and regional investment platforms. Blended finance, in particular, can help mobilise private investment by using public or development capital to reduce specific risks that might otherwise discourage commercial investors.

Platforms such as the Global Sustainability Summit can help bridge the gap between project developers and potential sources of capital by connecting African initiatives with governments, development finance institutions, philanthropies, private investors and strategic partners.

However, these connections must translate into well-structured projects, clear financing arrangements and measurable results.

Climate finance should not be viewed solely as aid. It should also be recognised as an opportunity to invest in infrastructure, technology, industrial development and resilient economic systems. Africa must strengthen its capacity to prepare projects, demonstrate returns and build the trust required to attract long-term capital.

Africa is rich in natural resources. How can the continent create more value locally instead of exporting raw materials?

This is one of Africa’s greatest economic opportunities. For decades, many African economies have relied heavily on exporting raw materials while importing finished products at substantially higher prices. That pattern limits the value retained within the continent and constrains opportunities for industrial development.

We must invest more in local processing, manufacturing, refining, research, innovation and industrial infrastructure.

Instead of exporting cocoa beans alone, African countries should expand the production and export of processed cocoa products and premium chocolate. Rather than exporting raw minerals without further processing, countries should develop viable mineral-processing industries and, where commercially and technologically feasible, manufacture battery materials, electric-vehicle components and other advanced products.

Similarly, timber-producing countries can develop furniture manufacturing and engineered wood industries rather than relying predominantly on raw timber exports.

The circular economy offers another important pathway. Through the recycling of electronics, batteries and solar panels, Africa can recover valuable materials, reduce waste and strengthen resource security. This can create additional industrial opportunities while reducing pressure on natural resources.

Achieving this transformation requires reliable energy, transport infrastructure, technical skills, access to finance, research capacity and policies that encourage local production without undermining competitiveness.

Value addition creates opportunities for higher incomes, skilled employment, technology transfer and stronger domestic industries. Africa must progressively move from being primarily a supplier of raw materials to becoming a producer of competitive, high-value goods.

How can sustainability empower young Africans, create millions of jobs and reduce poverty?

Africa’s greatest resource is its people. With a large and youthful population, the continent has an opportunity to turn its demographic advantage into an engine of inclusive economic growth.

Achieving this will require investment in green skills, technical education, entrepreneurship, digital innovation, renewable energy, sustainable agriculture and circular economy businesses.

Sustainability initiatives can generate employment across a wide range of activities, from engineering and manufacturing to recycling, environmental monitoring, logistics, agricultural processing and ecosystem restoration.

The 100 million Tree Planting Initiative illustrates how environmental programmes can also support livelihoods. Beyond planting trees, the initiative can create opportunities in nursery development, seedling supply, land preparation, agroforestry, logistics, digital mapping, biodiversity monitoring, carbon measurement and long-term land management.

For these benefits to be sustainable, projects must provide appropriate training, fair compensation and meaningful participation for local communities. Tree planting must also be supported by suitable species selection, land rights safeguards, maintenance and long-term monitoring to ensure that the trees survive and ecosystems improve.

Young people should not simply be beneficiaries of sustainable development; they should be its leaders, innovators and entrepreneurs.

With access to skills, finance, mentorship and markets, young Africans can build businesses, create jobs and contribute to reducing poverty. The objective must be to move beyond short-term employment towards productive, dignified work that supports long-term economic security.

If Africa gets sustainability right, what could the continent look like by 2050 economically, environmentally and socially?

I envision an Africa that is energy-secure, food-secure, technologically advanced, economically resilient and globally influential.

It would be a continent where cities are increasingly powered by clean energy, healthcare is more accessible, and agricultural systems can feed domestic populations while supplying international markets.

I see innovation hubs competing globally, local industries creating higher-value products, and circular economy businesses turning waste into resources. I also see restored landscapes, healthier ecosystems and more resilient communities that are better equipped to withstand climate-related risks.

Initiatives such as the 100 million Tree Planting Initiative could contribute to restoring degraded land, strengthening agroforestry, supporting rural livelihoods and generating environmental benefits, provided they are implemented effectively and sustained over time.

I also envision African institutions playing a stronger role in international sustainability discussions, building partnerships that advance investment, research, technology transfer and practical solutions to shared global challenges. Platforms such as the Global Sustainability Summit can contribute by connecting stakeholders and supporting collaboration across borders.

Socially, I see a continent where women, young people and rural communities participate more fully in economic growth, and where more people can find meaningful opportunities within their own countries.

This future will not emerge automatically. It will depend on the quality of leadership, the strength of institutions, the consistency of public policies and the willingness of governments and businesses to make long-term investments.

Africa has the resources, talent and entrepreneurial potential to achieve this vision. The challenge is to convert those advantages into measurable improvements in people’s lives.

What is your message to African leaders, investors and the international community about Africa’s potential to lead the next era of sustainable growth?

My message is simple: Africa should no longer be viewed only through the lens of its challenges. It must be recognised as a continent with significant investment opportunities, entrepreneurial talent, natural resources and the capacity to develop solutions to global problems.

To African leaders, I say: lead with courage, integrity and long-term vision. Invest in people, strengthen institutions, provide reliable infrastructure and create an environment in which innovation and enterprise can flourish.

To investors, I say that Africa offers opportunities to generate financial returns while addressing some of humanity’s most pressing challenges. These opportunities span renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, healthcare, circular manufacturing, infrastructure, climate technology and environmental restoration. Realising them requires rigorous project assessment, responsible investment and a long-term commitment to local value creation.

To the international community, I say that meaningful partnerships must be built on mutual respect, shared responsibility and shared prosperity. Work with Africa, not merely for Africa.

Through the Global Sustainability Summit, we have brought together stakeholders from different countries and sectors to explore bilateral, trilateral and multilateral partnerships across renewable energy, climate finance, sustainable healthcare, environmental restoration, the circular economy, agriculture, education and innovation. The priority now is to translate these engagements into practical projects, investment commitments and measurable outcomes.

The 100 million Tree Planting Initiative is another expression of this ambition. Beyond its environmental objectives, it has the potential to support food security, rural livelihoods, biodiversity conservation, green employment and climate resilience, provided implementation is backed by adequate financing, effective monitoring and long-term community participation.

Through organisations such as CleanCyclers, we are also demonstrating how circular economy solutions, including solar panel recycling and advanced resource recovery, can help reduce environmental risks, recover valuable materials and create new industrial opportunities.

Our generation has a unique opportunity to redefine Africa’s development trajectory. If we approach sustainability as a catalyst for innovation, industrialisation, investment and inclusive growth, we can build economies that are more resilient, competitive and prosperous.

Africa possesses the talent, natural resources, entrepreneurial spirit and potential partnerships needed to play a leading role in the next era of sustainable development.

The future belongs to those who build it, and Africa must be ready to lead.

Oluseyi Olosunde, Health officer at the UNICEF Bauchi Field Office, has said that Nigeria remained a leading contributor to global maternal mortality, requiring urgent intervention.

The health officer said disclosed this during a three-day capacity-building workshop for healthcare workers aimed at combating postpartum haemorrhage, held at the Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria headquarters in Bauchi.

He highlighted that the federal government, through the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, has prioritised maternal mortality reduction in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

According to him, ‘We have identified that postpartum haemorrhage is a major contributor to maternal mortality,’ Olosunde said.

‘UNICEF is supporting the Bauchi State Government to empower health workers and refresh their capacity around postpartum haemorrhage management. Once their capacity is enhanced, they will provide better support during delivery and postpartum services.’

Addressing clinical indicators, Olosunde explained that blood loss exceeding 500ml during childbirth constitutes a medical emergency. While some blood loss is inevitable during delivery, proper clinical management is vital to preventing fatalities.

He further noted that multiple micronutrient supplementation (MMS) has replaced traditional, separate prescriptions of ferrous sulfate, folic acid, and multivitamins.

‘Multiple micronutrient supplementation combines all the essential micronutrients and multivitamins the body needs into a single commodity,’ Olosunde said.

‘If a woman has sufficient blood levels, the challenges associated with blood loss during childbirth are significantly minimised.’

Also speaking during the occasion, Emmanuel Agbogo, an obstetrician with the Federal University of Health Sciences Teaching Hospital, Azare, explained that the training is designed to equip healthcare workers with the knowledge and skills needed to prevent, diagnose early, and properly treat postpartum hemorrhage.

He noted that the training was organised to guide health workers through the World Health Organization (WHO) bundle protocol for tackling postpartum hemorrhage one of the leading causes of maternal mortality worldwide, and particularly in Northeast Nigeria.

According to Agbogo, ‘The workshop is to equip health workers to acquire all the knowledge required to prevent postpartum hemorrhage. If they cannot prevent it, they should be able to detect it on time and treat it according to standard protocols. This will minimise the morbidity associated with it for women coming to deliver in hospitals, especially considering the rural nature of the Northeast.’

He added, ‘This training is not the first of its kind, but there are still unreached areas in the Northeast, particularly in some of our primary healthcare centers across all states in the region.’

Agbogo also identified anemia during pregnancy as a major risk factor for postpartum hemorrhage. He pointed out that due to low literacy levels and poverty, many women cannot afford proper nutrition, despite their increased nutritional needs during pregnancy.

He further noted that the introduction of Multiple Micronutrient Supplements (MMS) has helped many women reduce the severity of anemia during pregnancy.

Emmanuel Agbogo concluded that tackling this risk factor directly translates to a reduction in postpartum hemorrhage cases during childbirth.