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Multi-million-dollar deal ends nine-year wage impasse at power company in Trinidad

About 150 workers at PowerGen, the largest independent power producer in Trinidad and Tobago, are expected to receive outstanding wage payments by December 15, following a TT$66.1 million (US$9.8 million) settlement between the company and the Oilfields Workers’ Trade Union (OWTU), ending nine and a half years of unresolved negotiations.

Public Utilities Minister Barry Padarath announced the agreement in Parliament late Friday, saying it covers the 2016-2017 and 2018-2020 bargaining periods and provides for a cumulative wage increase of nine per cent over five years.

The increases are structured at 0.5 per cent, three per cent, one per cent, 1.5 per cent and three per cent, with the approximately 150 eligible workers scheduled to receive their outstanding payments before Christmas.

Padarath said the agreement followed intensive discussions between PowerGen and the OWTU, bringing an end to negotiations that remained unresolved under the former People’s National Movement (PNM) administration.

He said the Government had committed to addressing outstanding industrial matters during its tenure, rather than promising that all disputes would be settled immediately upon taking office.

‘Mr Speaker, PowerGen and the Oilfield Workers’ Trade Union (OWTU) have reached a historic 66.1 million wage settlement, bringing closure to nine and a half years of outstanding wage negotiations,’ he told Parliament.

The minister also pointed to the potential for further progress at the company, saying the agreement could create momentum for resolving outstanding compensation matters involving another 87 employees.

Those matters concern 26 employees represented by the Senior Staff Association and 61 professional staff members.

Padarath welcomed the fact that the dispute had been resolved through direct negotiations rather than a ruling by the Industrial Court.

He described the agreement as a demonstration of the value of dialogue between employers and trade unions, and commended PowerGen management, staff and OWTU representatives for negotiating in good faith.

PowerGen, which was established in 1994 after the partial divestment of the generation assets of the Trinidad and Tobago Electricity Commission, supplies bulk electricity to the national grid, operating major power plants including facilities at Point Lisas and Penal.

Minister Padarath also recalled that more than 136 wage negotiations were settled between 2010 and 2015 under the previous People’s Partnership administration, saying the record demonstrated its commitment to addressing public-sector industrial matters.

Shoprite’s return and the retail property lesson

Shoprite Nigeria’s plan to reopen through standalone neighbourhood stores is more than the return of a familiar supermarket brand. It points to a larger lesson: successful retail property begins with the economics of the retailer and the behaviour of the customer, not with the prestige or size of the building. The customer has not abandoned organised retail. What is changing is the type of property through which retailers reach that customer.

The basis for describing this as a return is not speculation. In a Nairametrics interview published on 24 October 2026, Adekunle Adebiyi of MBO Capital Management said three Shoprite stores had reopened after a temporary shutdown to negotiate with suppliers and address outstanding obligations. He also disclosed plans for smaller standalone neighbourhood stores. This is a phased recovery, not yet a nationwide comeback: the number, locations and opening dates of the proposed outlets have not been announced.

The neighbourhood format is not an entirely new discovery. Nigerian retailers such as Prince Ebeano, Blenco, Market Square and Justrite have expanded within or close to residential communities. Some also occupy malls, but much of their growth has come from making organised retail accessible to the everyday shopper. Blenco’s outlets along the Lekki-Ajah corridor illustrate stores positioned around growing residential catchments rather than depending on enclosed-mall traffic.

The principle extends beyond grocery retail. Domino’s Pizza, Item 7 and other food-service brands use standalone and neighbourhood-facing outlets because convenience, visibility, delivery coverage and proximity drive their businesses. A household buying bread, vegetables or provisions may similarly prefer a supermarket ten minutes from home to a larger centre requiring a longer journey.

Shoprite’s decision does not mean the Nigerian mall is dead. It means the economics of a supermarket must be separated from assumptions about property format. Not every supermarket needs a mall, just as not every mall requires a very large supermarket anchor. The correct question is whether the size, rent, service charge, power cost, access and customer base of a particular property can support the retailer’s turnover.

That financial question is central to Shoprite’s experience. At the time the Nigerian business was acquired, about 17 of its 28 stores reportedly had dollar-denominated rental obligations. As the naira weakened, those rents became increasingly expensive in local-currency terms. Adebiyi also referred to a supermarket benchmark under which rent should ordinarily remain around 8 to 10 per cent of revenue. Once occupancy costs move materially beyond what turnover can carry, even a prestigious address becomes a burden.

Rent is only part of the equation. A retailer must fund power, security, logistics, refrigeration, inventory, technology, staff and working capital. A mall adds service charges and common-area costs. A standalone outlet may avoid some charges but must provide many services independently. It is not automatically cheaper; its advantage is greater control over store size and expenditure.

Some neighbourhood supermarkets also create small retail ecosystems, remaining the anchor while pharmacies, food outlets, ATMs or other complementary operators occupy part of the property. This can broaden the offer and generate additional income without recreating a conventional mall. Whether Shoprite adopts that model remains to be seen.

Shoprite has already done the difficult work of building a retail brand in Nigeria. Its appeal cuts across income levels and shopping occasions: from the labourer stopping for the popular Shoprite bread, to the homemaker buying properly packaged lamb chops, and the nearby worker picking up fried rice and salad for lunch. Customers know it for affordability, fresh food, prepared meals and an organised shopping environment.

A smaller floor plate must therefore not become a weaker customer proposition. Shoprite should be careful about dispensing with its bakery and butchery. The earlier U-Save experiment at Maryland Mall offers a warning: its smaller, value-led format did not provide the full bakery and butchery experience and struggled to generate the same attraction. Customers may accept a smaller store without accepting a diminished version of Shoprite.

Successful standalone supermarkets retain the core departments that draw repeat visits. Their advantage comes from bringing a sufficiently complete offer closer to residential communities, not merely occupying less space. Shoprite can compete strongly in that format if each outlet preserves the features customers expect while adjusting its size, stock depth and product mix to the local catchment.

Its historic branding also remains an asset. If the prominence of Shoprite’s external signage was a deliberate marketing strategy, it worked across Nigeria. In many cities, the brand became better known than the Grade A mall housing it; people referred to the entire destination simply as Shoprite. On a trip to Abuja, I discovered that I had left my phone at Jabi Lake Mall and rushed back in an Uber. The driver did not recognise the mall’s name, and my urgency turned the confusion into a frustrating argument. The moment he asked whether I meant Shoprite, the problem was solved. Many readers will recognise the experience. Shoprite did not merely occupy space; it became the landmark by which the property was identified.

That recognition still carries value, but the experience behind the sign must remain credible. Strong signage may bring the customer once; a dependable range, fresh food, service and value will determine whether the customer returns.

The property itself must work. A neighbourhood outlet needs parking or safe short-stay access, loading facilities, dependable power, security, waste management and an efficient floor plate. Traffic counts alone are insufficient. The retailer must understand the resident population, income profile, competing stores, basket size and shopping frequency. Poor access can damage a strong location, while excessive rent can consume the benefit of good sales.

The financing difficulty reveals the difference between a successful retailer and an asset-backed borrower. Adebiyi explained that supermarkets typically lease suitable premises and invest in shelves, refrigeration and other operating equipment rather than acquire the building. Shoprite therefore operated from malls it did not own. MBO Capital reportedly found that Nigerian banks struggled to identify sufficient tangible collateral during the acquisition, even though the business generated billions of naira in revenue. The property lesson is important: a strong operating business can remain financially vulnerable when it neither owns its premises nor has an adequate asset base against which conventional lenders will advance funds.

The comparison with Walmart is useful. Walmart combines leased stores with a substantial portfolio of owned retail properties, providing greater control over configuration, redevelopment and long-term occupancy costs while strengthening its asset base. This does not mean Shoprite must become a property developer. It means its financing strategy should recognise the limitations of relying almost entirely on leased premises in a lending market that favours fixed collateral. A disciplined mix of long leases, selective ownership, landlord partnerships and funding based on operating cash flow may prove more resilient.

For developers, the opportunity is to create supermarket-ready properties in growing communities: efficient floor plates, storage and loading areas, refrigeration capacity, parking and reliable utilities. For landlords, the highest opening rent is not necessarily the best outcome. A supermarket can generate recurring traffic and support surrounding businesses. A sustainable lease may create more long-term property value than an impressive rent that eventually drives the anchor away.

None of this invalidates the mall concept. A successful mall combines comparison shopping, entertainment, dining, services and social activity in a managed environment. It offers variety and experience that a single neighbourhood store cannot reproduce. The supermarket may remain an important anchor, but the centre should not depend on one tenant to justify the entire development. Location, scale, tenant mix, service charge and customer experience must work together.

Shoprite helped define Nigeria’s modern shopping-mall era. Its proposed neighbourhood strategy signals another stage in that evolution. The lesson from Shoprite’s return is not that the mall has failed or that the neighbourhood store has won. It is that no retail format succeeds for long unless the property, the operator and the customer are economically aligned.

Tanzania to transform Arusha city in Sh64.5 billion plan ahead of AFCON

Arusha. The National Housing Corporation (NHC) plans to invest Sh24.5 billion in a major redevelopment of historic streets in Arusha city centre, raising the total value of the project to Sh64.5 billion as the city prepares for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2027.

The project, known as Sokoine Square, will involve demolishing old buildings along Masai, Swahili, Azimio and Sokoine streets to pave the way for multi-storey buildings incorporating commercial and residential facilities.

NHC Information and Public Relations Manager, Mr Yahya Charahani, told The Citizen’s sister newspaper Mwananchi on Sunday, November 1, 2026, that the project would take 18 months to complete and significantly transform Arusha’s skyline in line with the city’s new master plan, which prohibits buildings of fewer than six storeys in the city centre.

He said an economic assessment of the project indicated significant financial benefits for both the corporation and the city.

The redevelopment will increase the number of tenants from the previous 43 to 350, comprising 250 commercial spaces and 100 residential units.

‘This project will bring a major transformation to Arusha. We will increase the corporation’s annual revenue from Sh266 million to Sh4.8 billion, enabling us to expand further by developing new projects in line with our objectives,’ said Mr Charahani.

He added that the construction cost was estimated at Sh24.5 billion, while the overall project value would reach Sh64.5 billion to be implemented within 18 months.

To safeguard the interests of the 43 former tenants affected by the redevelopment, Mr Charahani said NHC had held consultations and reached an agreement on the relocation arrangements.

He said after issuing the statutory 30-day notice, the corporation granted the tenants an additional 90 days following their request for more time, although they had initially sought 180 days.

The extension allowed them to make arrangements before construction permits were obtained and demolition work began.

NHC Arusha Regional Manager Nistas Mvungi said all former tenants would be given priority when the new facilities became available.

He said the corporation was communicating with representatives of the former tenants to establish their readiness to return under the new rental terms and conditions.

Furthermore, Mr Mvungi added that former business operators would be allowed to inspect the approved project designs so they could select premises suitable for their businesses before the remaining spaces were opened to the public.

He said NHC was committed to completing the commercial section of the project as early as possible to enable businesses to benefit from the anticipated economic activity surrounding the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations finals.

Prime Minister pledges to defend citizenship programme amid US, EU pressure

Prime Minister Gaston Browne says Antigua and Barbuda will continue to engage the United States and European Union in efforts to resolve concerns surrounding its Citizenship by Investment Programme (CBI), warning that mounting international pressures threaten the country’s economic interests and the mobility of its citizens.

In his address to the nation on Sunday, marking Antigua and Barbuda’s 45th anniversary of political independence, Browne acknowledged that the country faces significant external challenges, including the partial suspension of US visa issuance to its nationals and a request from the European Union to phase out the CBI programme by June 2028.

He warned that the EU’s position could jeopardise visa-free access to the Schengen Area, while the US restrictions have implications for citizens seeking educational, commercial and personal opportunities abroad.

‘We have offered our full cooperation and remain prepared to work constructively to address the security concerns they have raised, while safeguarding the legitimate interests, rights and opportunities of our people.’

He said the government would continue negotiations with both international partners, adopting what he described as a respectful but firm approach.

The Prime Minister defended the importance of the CBI programme, noting that it provides critical revenue for public services, infrastructure development and government financing.

‘Our Citizenship by Investment Programme has become an important source of public revenue and development financing. It helps to support public services, finance critical infrastructure and provide fiscal space that reduces the burden on taxpayers,’ he said.

Browne acknowledged, however, that the government must remain innovative in determining the programme’s future.

‘We cannot afford complacency, nor can we allow these challenges to diminish our national ambition,’ he declared.

Turning to the country’s economic performance, the Prime Minister said Antigua and Barbuda had achieved a significant milestone by attaining the World Bank’s high-income classification.

However, he cautioned that the designation did not necessarily reflect the circumstances of every household, acknowledging that some families continued to struggle financially.

He identified the rising cost of living, global supply chain disruptions and increasing energy prices among the challenges confronting the twin-island nation.

The Prime Minister said his administration remained committed to cushioning the impact on vulnerable households while pursuing greater economic diversification, renewable energy development and employment opportunities for young people.

‘Our independence must mean more than political sovereignty. It must also mean the economic capacity to determine our future, withstand external pressures and provide a better quality of life for our citizens.’

Browne also used the anniversary address to renew calls for reparatory justice, saying the consequences of slavery and colonial exploitation continued to affect Caribbean societies.

He disclosed that his government was advancing the issue in bilateral discussions with the United Kingdom and within the Commonwealth, including at a meeting scheduled to begin on Monday.

‘Our pursuit of reparatory justice therefore deserves seriousness, sensitivity and sustained international engagement,’ he said.

The Prime Minister said historical injustices must be acknowledged while maintaining constructive relationships with international partners.

The anniversary celebrations are also being marked by a visit from King Charles III and Queen Camilla.

Browne welcomed the royal couple, noting the historical significance of the visit, 45 years after Princess Margaret represented Queen Elizabeth II at the country’s independence celebrations in 1981.

He also addressed the future of the country’s constitutional arrangements, noting that Antigua and Barbuda had remained a constitutional monarchy since independence.

‘The future of our constitutional arrangements, however, belongs ultimately to the people of Antigua and Barbuda and must be determined by them through our constitutional processes,’ he said.

Reflecting on the country’s development, then Prime Minister highlighted investments in education, healthcare, airport and seaport infrastructure, including the establishment of the University of the West Indies Five Islands Campus.

He also recalled the devastation caused by Hurricane Irma in 2017, particularly in Barbuda, and praised residents for their resilience and rebuilding efforts.

Browne said the country must now focus on strengthening economic self-reliance, creating sustainable opportunities and ensuring that future generations benefit from the sacrifices made since independence.

‘We have won our political independence. Now, let us deepen our economic independence,’ he said.

‘We have demonstrated our capacity to survive. Now, let us build the capacity to thrive.’

2027: ADC-PCC raises alarm over alleged attacks on opposition

African Democratic Congress Presidential Campaign Council (ADC-PCC) has condemned what it described as sustained assault on democracy, freedom of association, and the constitutional right to political participation under the administration of President Bola Tinubu.

In a statement signed by its Director of Media and Publicity, Kola Ologbondiyan, the council said incidents across the country went beyond ordinary political rivalry and represented a pattern of intimidation of opposition voices.

‘These are calculated actions skewed to scare Nigerians ahead of general elections,’ the council said.

ADC-PCC listed a series of incidents to support its claim, including attacks on its leaders and members in Kaduna, a reported assault on its Sokoto State governorship candidate, Alhaji Munir Dan Iya, along Airport Road, Sokoto, and alleged attacks on other opposition figures.

It also cited reported demolition of its governorship campaign office in Kebbi State and alleged denial of a campaign venue in Enugu State to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi.

The council further referenced reported attacks on the presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, and other opposition voices, describing incidents as an emerging pattern of political intolerance.

According to ADC-PCC, alleged attacks, denial of campaign venues, arrests, harassment and intimidation of opposition figures raise concerns about the state of democratic freedoms and political pluralism.

The council maintained that popular will cannot be suppressed, recalling that public resistance contributed to the collapse of former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s third-term agenda.

It argued that President Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress enjoyed the benefits of political participation and opposition politics when they were outside government, insisting that the same democratic freedoms must be guaranteed to all political parties.

ADC-PCC also expressed concern over the continued detention of its Vice Chairman and former Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, saying he was being held and denied the right to bail.

It said circumstances surrounding his detention would not weaken the party and that the international community was watching developments.

‘The world is watching, and burden of this illegality rests squarely on those responsible,’ the council stated.

The campaign council further alleged that financial inducements were being deployed to weaken opposition ranks, but insisted that Nigerians would not surrender constitutional rights.

ADC-PCC called on Nigerians to remain committed to defending democratic values, freedom of association and the right to political choice.

Reaffirming its commitment, the council said ADC was determined to provide an alternative political platform.

‘The ADC has come to rescue this country. This too shall pass. Nigeria will endure and democracy will prevail,’ the statement concluded.

NASENI empowers 300 Ondo residents with locally made products

Over 300 residents of Ondo State have benefited from the Federal Government’s distribution of locally manufactured solar home systems and clean cooking stoves under its National Sustainable Empowerment Programme (NSEP).

The beneficiaries, drawn from the three senatorial districts of the state, received the items at an empowerment programme organised by the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) at the Dr Olusegun Mimiko Event Centre, Akure.

The intervention is aimed at improving access to clean energy, reducing household health risks, promoting indigenous technology and supporting small-scale businesses.

Speaking at the event, the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, said the programme was part of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly its commitment to economic self-reliance, local production and youth-centred development.

Olawande said the initiative was designed not only to provide immediate relief to vulnerable households but also to stimulate local industries, create employment opportunities and encourage Nigerians to embrace homegrown technological solutions.

He stressed that the selection of beneficiaries was not based on political affiliation, adding that the government was determined to ensure that its interventions reached ordinary Nigerians in need of support.

According to him, beneficiaries would also receive stipends to support the establishment and expansion of micro-businesses, making the intervention more sustainable.

He said: ‘Over 300 beneficiaries in Ondo State are receiving these items, irrespective of political affiliation.

‘This is not a political strategy but a demonstration of President Tinubu’s commitment to fulfilling his promises and making government interventions beneficial to ordinary Nigerians.’

The minister explained that the clean cooking stoves would reduce health risks associated with prolonged exposure to smoke from firewood, particularly among women and children, while the solar systems would provide electricity for students and small-scale business operators.

He said the programme had been extended to several states, including Kano, Katsina, Lagos and Oyo, adding that Ondo was selected as part of efforts to expand its nationwide coverage.

Olawande also announced that the Nigeria Youth Academy (NYA) would be launched on November 9, with a focus on innovation and entrepreneurship, offering grants ranging from N5 million to N20 million to support promising young entrepreneurs.

He urged the beneficiaries to make productive use of the items, describing the intervention as an opportunity to improve their livelihoods.

Also speaking, the Chief Executive Officer of NASENI, Khalil Halilu, said the agency was focused on converting research and development into practical products that address the needs of Nigerians.

Halilu said the locally manufactured solar systems and clean cooking stoves were part of efforts to promote indigenous technology, generate employment and provide solutions to challenges confronting communities.

He said: ‘Our clean cooking stoves make cooking healthier and more efficient, while the home solar systems help small businesses have electricity throughout the day and ensure that children can do their assignments even when there is no public power supply.’

He explained that the initiative was also intended to strengthen local manufacturing and create employment opportunities through the production of Nigerian-made equipment.

‘In a nutshell, it is about translating research and development into actual products that will impact people’s lives and, most importantly, make the intervention sustainable,’ he said.

The NASENI chief executive expressed satisfaction with the agency’s collaboration with the Ministry of Youth Development, describing the partnership as an important step towards sustainable development.

He assured that more empowerment initiatives would be introduced to improve living conditions, promote local manufacturing and create opportunities for economic advancement.

2027: Kwankwaso and I committed to national unity, improved security – Peter Obi

Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr Peter Obi, has said he and Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso are committed to national unity, improved security, increased investment in healthcare and education, and policies aimed at reducing poverty.

At an NDC town hall meeting, held in Owerri on Saturday, Obi raised concerns about poverty and insecurity and urged voters to protect their ballots.

He also addressed concerns about electoral transparency, while urging residents to participate in the 2027 general elections.

He advised the people to remain at their polling units to monitor the process until the final results were declared.

The former Anambra governor described protecting votes as an important responsibility of citizens exercising their democratic rights.

He thanked party members, candidates, organisers and supporters in Imo State for participating in the meeting, describing national development as a collective responsibility.

The Owerri engagement forms part of the NDC’s ongoing political outreach ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He criticised President Ahmed Bola Tinubu’s economic record.

Obi said that President Tinubu had not spent a night in the state despite spending more than 260 days abroad.

He also accused the administration of accumulating substantial debts without delivering corresponding improvements in citizens’ living conditions.

Obi cited poverty, hunger, insecurity and the number of children outside the education system as major national concerns.

The NDC candidate revealed that more than 140 million Nigerians were living in multidimensional poverty, adding that approximately 18 million children were out of school.

On arrival, Obi visited the Relief Market in Owerri, where he interacted with traders, buyers, and other residents about their experiences with the current economic situation.

LASCOPA warns businesses against violating consumer protection laws

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.

The church must speak responsibly on governance, hold leaders accountable – Pastor Adeleye

The President of the Western Nigeria Union Conference of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, Pastor Ezekiel Adeleye, in this interview with SEYI SOKOYA, he speaks on the church’s responsibility in governance, insecurity, economic hardship, rising cost of faith-based education, and the use of digital media for evangelism.

WHAT role should the church play in holding political leaders accountable, particularly against the backdrop of insecurity, economic hardship and other challenges confronting the country?

As Nigerians, we are concerned about what happens in our country. However, as a church, we do not pitch our tents with any political leader; we pitch our tents with Jesus Christ.

Nevertheless, because we are part of this country, we pray for Nigeria and for peace. When schoolchildren were kidnapped in Omosho, Oyo State, it was painful for all of us. We were concerned and joined in praying for their safe return. The same applies to the recent cases of kidnapped corps members.

Some of our church members have also been victims of kidnapping, but, by God’s grace, they were released. Therefore, we understand the implications of insecurity. If there is peace, we enjoy it, and if there is chaos, we are equally affected. Even when a curfew is imposed, the church is not exempted from its consequences.

Our best contribution is to pray for the nation and ask God to give us God-fearing leaders, particularly during elections. The Bible says we should pray for the peace of Jerusalem because those who love it will prosper. Nigeria is our Jerusalem.

We must be intentional about making Nigeria better in every aspect, including politics, governance and the fight against corruption. Corruption is not limited to the highest levels of government; it exists at different levels of society, and we must all take responsibility for addressing it.

As a church, we do not campaign for political candidates or have preferred candidates. Rather, we pray that God will give us the right leaders. We must also remember that this world is not our permanent home. Jesus Christ has gone to prepare a place for us that is far better than anything we can experience here.

Given the worsening economic situation, do you still believe Nigerians should remain hopeful about the country’s economic future?

We must understand that the economic situation is not peculiar to Nigeria. The global economy is also experiencing difficulties.

I recently returned from the Annual Council of the worldwide church, where I interacted with some colleagues in the United States. During one of our discussions, I discovered that things are also difficult there. It was surprising to learn that there are beggars on the streets and people sleeping rough in the United States. Before then, I had thought our economic challenges were peculiar to Nigeria, but that is not the case.

We must also be realistic about the times we are living in. If anybody promises that everything will suddenly become better, we should examine such claims in the light of what the Bible teaches.

Consider the economic situation 10 or 20 years ago. How did the naira compare with the dollar? At some point, the naira was much stronger, and Nigerians could travel abroad more easily than they can today. Now, the exchange rate has deteriorated considerably, and the cost of living has become increasingly difficult.

Therefore, we should not place our ultimate confidence in political parties or individuals. The Bible warns against putting our trust in man. Our confidence should be in God. We will continue to pray that He helps Nigeria and gives the country the peace and direction it needs.

Education is increasingly becoming unaffordable for many families. Some also argue that faith-based institutions, initially established to provide educational opportunities, now charge fees higher than those of government-owned institutions. Why is this so?

When I was in the seminary, one of our lecturers, a Ghanaian, once challenged us with a question: ‘Who told you that education is cheap?’ That question has remained with me because education has never been an inexpensive venture.

However, when you examine the cost of education in Christian institutions, you may discover that what people consider expensive is not necessarily so when assessed against the facilities and services provided.

Let me use Babcock University as an example. At our last Governing Council meeting, we examined the institution’s school fees and the facilities available to students.

The institution falls within Band A of the electricity supply arrangement, meaning students enjoy electricity for approximately 20 to 22 hours daily. The university also provides internet facilities across the campus, including hostels, classrooms and cafeterias.

There is also the issue of security. Parents who send their children to the university want to be assured that they are safe. These are important considerations when assessing the cost of education.

In some government-owned institutions, students have to rent accommodation outside the campus, provide their own electricity and make separate arrangements for feeding. At a university such as Babcock, students have access to organised accommodation, electricity, internet facilities and cafeterias. They can concentrate on their studies without worrying about some of these basic necessities.

Therefore, when you consider the entire package, including the convenience and facilities provided, you cannot simply conclude that the fees are excessive without examining what they cover.

I remember my experience in the seminary in 1986. The school fees for one year were N500, while recommended books cost N100, bringing the total to N600. I still have some of the books I purchased then for as little as N3.

After spending a year in the seminary, I moved into the community with some friends. We had to fetch water, cook our food, go to the market and handle other domestic responsibilities. Meanwhile, colleagues who remained within the school environment had access to the cafeteria, library and other facilities. Even when there was a power outage in the town, the school could provide electricity through its generator.

When you consider these differences, you begin to appreciate the additional value that institutional facilities provide.

Some Nigerians believe the church should be more outspoken in holding political leaders accountable and speaking truth to power. What is your position?

We need to approach this issue from the perspective of biblical teachings. The Bible enjoins us to pray for those in positions of authority, including political leaders and traditional rulers, because all authority is ultimately subject to God’s sovereignty.

However, this does not mean that leaders should not be held accountable. We must also be careful not to rush to judgment without understanding the circumstances surrounding certain decisions. Those outside government may not always know the considerations that informed particular actions.

That said, where there is clear evidence of wrongdoing, the person involved must be held responsible. Public office is not a personal entitlement; it comes with obligations to the people.

Politicians make promises during campaigns, and citizens vote for them based on certain expectations. If a politician promises to provide infrastructure, improve living conditions or create opportunities, the people have every right to demand an account of those promises after the person assumes office.

Whether a person is a Christian or belongs to another faith, every citizen has the right to demand accountability from those entrusted with public responsibility. We must hold our leaders accountable based on facts and evidence rather than sentiment or assumptions.

The Federal Government has made statements suggesting that food prices have become more affordable and Nigerians are experiencing improved living conditions. Does this reflect the reality on the ground?

Honestly, I have not heard that particular statement, but if anyone is suggesting that Nigerians are now living comfortably because food prices have become affordable, I would disagree based on the economic realities many people face.

I recall listening to a television programme in which a politician compared petrol prices in Nigeria with those in the United States. I questioned the basis of such a comparison because the economic circumstances of the two countries are different.

How can you compare petrol prices in Nigeria, where the pump price is above ?1,000 per litre, with those in the United States without considering differences in income levels, purchasing power and the general standard of living?

Economic comparisons should go beyond the price of a commodity. We must consider how much people earn, what they can afford and the proportion of their income spent on basic necessities. For many Nigerians, the challenge is the combined effect of rising living costs on their ability to meet everyday needs.

What is the major focus of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church in spreading the gospel at this time?

Our major focus at the moment is media evangelism. We recognise that the world is changing and technology has become an important part of people’s daily lives. As a church, we must embrace these developments and use them effectively to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ.

We are exploring opportunities provided by digital platforms and modern communication technologies to reach more people with the message of salvation. The gospel must reach people wherever they are, and the media offers an effective means of extending our evangelistic efforts beyond the walls of our churches.

Our responsibility is to ensure that the message of Christ remains relevant and accessible in a rapidly changing world. We cannot afford to ignore the opportunities technology provides for evangelism.

How is the church preparing to maximise these opportunities, particularly through its forthcoming One Voice 2027 initiative?

We are making deliberate efforts to use modern technology to spread the gospel more effectively. One of the major initiatives we are preparing for is One Voice 2027, which we launched in September.

The initiative is particularly significant because the church will be commemorating 2,000 years since the baptism of Jesus Christ in 2027. We believe this is a unique occasion to celebrate Jesus and reflect on the significance of His ministry.

The programme is all-encompassing and is scheduled to commence in January 2027. Beyond the commemorative activities, we intend to use it as a platform for evangelism, reaching more people with the gospel and encouraging greater participation in the mission of the church.

Our ultimate goal is to ensure that everything we do brings glory to God and advances the message of salvation through Jesus Christ.

What message would you like to convey to Nigerians as the church prepares for this initiative?

I encourage Nigerians to remain steadfast in their faith in God and recognise the importance of the gospel in their daily lives. The church must continue to fulfil its spiritual responsibility by preaching the word of God, praying for those in authority and encouraging responsible conduct in society.

Celebrating Jesus Christ goes beyond organising an event. It is about making His message known, living according to His teachings and allowing the gospel to influence our relationships and conduct.

We look forward to One Voice 2027 as an opportunity to unite our voices in celebrating Christ and spreading His message to a wider audience. Our prayer is that everything we do will bring glory to God and contribute to the growth of His kingdom.

CCB sued for refusing to release CTC of Peter Obi’s asset declaration form

Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) has been dragged before a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja over its alleged refusal and failure to release the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the asset declaration form submitted by the Presidential candidate of the National Democratic Party (NDC), Mr. Peter Obi Gregory.

In a notification letter dated 30th October 2026 and made available to newsmen in Abuja over the weekend, counsel to the plaintiff, Fort Legal and Co., informed the Chairman of the CCB of a pending suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2504/2026, between Dr. Arabambi Abayomi v. The Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) and 3 Others before a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja.

According to the letter signed by O. Peter Asimegbe, Esq., the suit concerns the CCB’s refusal to issue the CTC of Peter Obi’s asset declaration form, submitted to the Bureau in 2006 or at any other time, covering the period of 17th March 2006 to 17th March 2014, when he served as Governor of Anambra State under the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).

The letter reads in part: ‘Pursuant to our client instruction, we hereby bring to your notice our client pending legal suit against you for your failure and refusal to release to our client the Certified True Copy of the asset declaration form of Mr. Peter Obi Gregory, he submitted to your office containing his assets declaration particulars and all attached documents to the asset declaration form he submitted to your office in 2006 prior and when he was sworn in as the Governor of Anambra State for the period of 17th March, 2006 to 17th March, 2014 when he served as the Governor of Anambra State under the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA).’

According to the document, the claimant, Comrade Abayomi Arabambi, is described as a Nigerian citizen and a registered voter in Ogun State. His counsel said the suit is predicated on his legal right under the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended, and the Freedom of Information Act 2011.

The letter addressed to the Chairman of the CCB further stated that: ‘In the said suit, the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) and the Chairman CCB are the 1st and 2nd Respondents. The suit is predicated on our client’s legal right under the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended and the Freedom of Information Act 2011, and we urge your office to take the processes herein annexed as notification of the pending suit filed by our client at the Federal High Court, Abuja.

‘Find attached the Originating Motion duly filed on 15th day of October, 2026 and all its accompanied documents and processes as annexure A for ease of reference.’

The CCB and its Chairman are listed as the 1st and 2nd Respondents in the suit. The letter urged the Bureau to treat the annexed processes as notification of the pending suit filed at the Federal High Court, Abuja.

It added that the Originating Motion was duly filed on 15th October 2026, with all accompanying documents and processes attached as Annexure A for ease of reference.