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Imo urges financial institutions to build for future

The Imo State Commissioner for Finance and Coordinating Economy, Mr. Chuck Chuckuemeka, has urged financial institutions and other stakeholders to embrace digital transformation and develop adaptive infrastructure capable of responding to the changing demands of the global economy.

Chuckuemeka made the call while delivering a keynote address at Interswitch TechConnect 6.0, held under the theme, ‘Built for What’s Next – Designing Adaptive Financial Infrastructure for a Dynamic Market.’

He said the theme should challenge financial institutions to examine whether their systems, structures and economies were adequately prepared for the future.

According to him, ‘modern financial infrastructure must be interoperable, data-driven, scalable, secure, inclusive and resilient.’

The Commissioner explained that adaptive infrastructure meant the ability to respond to changes ‘quickly, intelligently and responsibly,’ adding that infrastructure goes beyond banks, payment platforms and physical systems.

He said it also encompasses technology, data, processes, institutions, regulatory frameworks and human capabilities that enable money and financial information to move freely, securely and efficiently.

Chuckuemeka said digital transformation was not merely about computers, software or automation, but about creating value through speed, accuracy, transparency, accountability, reduced costs and improved decision-making.

He urged financial institutions to make data a strategic asset, build interoperable systems, design for resilience and put people at the centre of technology, stressing that ‘the future belongs to institutions prepared to continuously adapt.’

The Commissioner said the Imo State Government under Governor Hope Uzodimma had embraced digital transformation as a critical pillar of modern governance, citing the digitisation of the state workforce, establishment of the Ministry of Digital Economy and E-Governance, development of Imo Digital City and digitalisation of the Imo Geographic Information System.

Also speaking, the Executive Chairman of the Imo State Internal Revenue Service, Mr. Justice Okoye, said financial infrastructure must be built with the future in mind.

Okoye said, ‘financial infrastructure comprises more than banks and payment infrastructure,’ explaining that it includes the systems, institutions, technologies and processes that enable transactions to take place efficiently, securely and seamlessly.

In her remarks, the Chief Sales Officer of Interswitch, Robinta Aluyi, said Interswitch TechConnect was designed to connect businesses, communities and everyday lives while preparing stakeholders for emerging realities in the digital economy.

She said the platform was aimed at fostering conversations and solutions that would enable businesses and institutions to remain responsive to the changing demands of the digital age.

The programme featured panel discussions on ‘Building a Digital Economy: The Role of Government, Industry and Technology in Shaping the Future,’ and ‘Driving Digital Transformation Through Public Private Partnerships.’

The event, which also featured the Anambra State Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Nomso Ebonwu, brought together financial experts, technology innovators, government representatives and industry stakeholders to discuss opportunities and strategies for building a secure, inclusive and future-ready financial ecosystem.

OVP defends relief operations flagged by COA

The Office of the Vice President (OVP) yesterday defended its relief operation discrepancies after the Commission on Audit (COA) flagged the agency over inconsistencies, deviations from orders and missing or incomplete documents in relation to its P168 million worth of activities in 2025.

‘The Office of the Vice President (OVP) clarifies that the matter cited in the Disaster Risk Reduction Management Funds Audit Report pertains to deficiencies in certain pre-operation documentary requirements set by the OVP itself as part of its internal procedures, and not requirements imposed by any law or Commission on Audit regulation,’ it said.

In a 273-page report on the 2025 Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund, the COA said it found discrepancies in the situation reports prepared by the OVP and the validation prepared by local government units for relief operations involving P19.67 million worth of welfare goods.

Discrepancies were found in the reported number of affected families while some local government units did not indicate a beneficiary count.

‘The discrepancies arose from changes in circumstances and field conditions that became apparent as the operations were carried out. No funds were lost and all funds are accounted for,’ the OVP added.

The OVP maintained that the relief operations were actually carried out, and the beneficiaries were recorded and validated based on the available supporting documents and field records submitted to the COA Audit Team.

Man kills neighbour for hugging three-year-old child

A 43-year-old man, Edebiri Temitope, has been arrested in connection with the death of 38-year-old university graduate, Oje Michael Eje, in Mowe, Ogun State.

Eje was attacked after he allegedly hugged and played with the suspect’s three-year-old child.

Spokesperson of the Ogun State Command of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, who disclosed this yesterday, stated that Temitope became angry over what he described as the deceased’s ‘rough play’ with the child.

DSP Babaseyi added that the suspect allegedly picked up a bamboo stick and repeatedly struck Eje until he collapsed.

Eje was said to have died from injuries sustained during the attack.

Temitope, who was initially said to have fled the area with his family, was later arrested and was now being held in connection with the incident.

The suspect has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Eleweran, Abeokuta, for further investigation.

Eje, 38, was a university graduate who held a degree in Guidance and Counselling.

Asian Games: Nesthy Petecio powers into boxing quarterfinals

Nesthy Petecio flaunted her power to advance to the Asian Games women’s boxing 60-kilogram quarterfinals after forcing a referee stoppage against Jordan’s Mays Alreem Abukhadijah Saturday at Nishio Gymnasium.

Petecio landed two solid left hooks on Abukhadijah before the referee stopped the contest with 1:51 remaining in the second round.

The Filipino Olympic boxer won the first round unanimously, with all five judges scoring it 10-9.

Petecio takes on China’s Chengyu Yang in the quarterfinal on Monday.

The 34-year-old boxer, who has won Olympic silver and bronze medals, is seeking redemption at the Asian Games after exiting in the round of 16 at the Hangzhou edition three years ago in the 57-kg division.

Carlo Paalam and Junmilardo Ogayre are also quarterfinal bound in their respective weight classes.

FULL LIST: Children of ex-presidents, governors in National Assembly race

As political parties prepare for the 2027 general elections, children of several prominent Nigerian politicians are featuring among those seeking seats in the National Assembly.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has scheduled the presidential and National Assembly elections for February 20, 2027.

An infographic published by the International Centre for Investigative Reporting in September 2026, based on data from INEC, identified several children of former presidents, a former vice-president, former governors and a former Senate President among those contesting or linked to National Assembly races across the country.

Some of those identified are already serving in the National Assembly, while others are seeking to enter the legislature in 2027:

1. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan – Kogi

Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, daughter of the late Jimoh Abdul Akpoti, a former member of the House of Representatives, is the incumbent senator representing Kogi Central.

She is seeking the Kogi Central senatorial seat in the 2027 election on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

2. Iyabo Obasanjo – Ogun

Iyabo Obasanjo is the daughter of former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

She is seeking the Ogun Central senatorial seat on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party.

3. Yusuf M. Buhari – Katsina

Yusuf Buhari, son of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, is linked to the Daura/Sandamu/Mai’adua Federal Constituency race in Katsina State.

4. Bello M. El-Rufai – Kaduna

Bello El-Rufai is the son of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai.

He represents the Kaduna North Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives and is among those identified in the 2027 National Assembly contests.

5. Chinedum E. Orji – Abia

Chinedum Orji, son of former Abia State Governor Theodore Orji, is seeking the Ikwuano/Umuahia North/Umuahia South Federal Constituency seat in the House of Representatives.

6. Adamu A. Atiku – Adamawa

Adamu Atiku is the son of former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar.

He is among those linked to the 2027 National Assembly race in Adamawa State.

7. Blessing O. Onuh – Benue

Blessing Onuh, daughter of former Senate President David Mark, represents the Otukpo/Ohimini Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives.

She is seeking another term in the 2027 election.

8. Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu – Delta

Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu is the daughter of former Delta State Governor James Ibori.

She represents the Ethiope East/Ethiope West Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives and is involved in the 2027 race.

9. Gabriella (Omosede) Igbinedion – Edo

Gabriella Omosede Igbinedion, daughter of businessman and politician Gabriel Igbinedion, is associated with the Ovia North-East/Ovia South-West Federal Constituency in Edo State.

She has emerged as a candidate for the 2027 House of Representatives race.

10. Olumide Osoba – Ogun

Olumide Osoba, son of former Ogun State Governor Olusegun Osoba, represents the Abeokuta North/Odeda/Obafemi-Owode Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives.

He is among the children of prominent political figures featuring in the 2027 National Assembly contests.

11. Adegboyega Adefarati – Ondo

Adegboyega Adefarati, son of the late former Ondo State Governor Adebayo Adefarati, represents the Akoko South-East/Akoko South-West Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives.

He is seeking another term in the 2027 election.

12. Olamiju Alao-Akala – Oyo

Olamiju Alao-Akala, son of the late former Oyo State Governor Adebayo Alao-Akala, is linked to the Orire/Ogbomoso North/Ogbomoso South Federal Constituency race in Oyo State.

His participation adds another child of a former governor to the list of politicians featuring in the 2027 National Assembly contests.

Super Falcons’ Osinachi retires from international football after 16 Years

Osinachi Ohale has brought an end to her international football career after 16 years of representing the Super Falcons according to Nigerian sports journalist Victor Ademola.

Ademola announced Ohale’s retirement in a post on X, paying tribute to the veteran defender and highlighting her lengthy service to the Nigerian women’s national team.

‘After 16 years, four FIFA Women’s World Cups, seven WAFCON appearances and five African titles, Osinachi Ohale has called time on her international career. Thank you for your service to Nigeria, Osinachi. Forever a Super Falcon,’ Ademola wrote.

Ohale made her senior international debut for Nigeria in 2010 and went on to establish herself as one of the most experienced defenders in the history of the Super Falcons.

Her international career spanned four FIFA Women’s World Cup appearances, with her featuring at the 2011, 2015, 2019 and 2023 editions. She was also part of Nigeria’s WAFCON-winning squads in 2010, 2014, 2016, 2018 and 2024, giving her five continental titles.

AFCONQ RESULTS

Niger 2 – 1 Lesotho

Malawi 2 – 1 South Sudan

Gambia 2 – 1 Somalia

Togo 1 – 0 Burundi

Mozambique 1 – 1 Senegal

Sudan 1 – 0 Ethiopia

Rwanda 3 – 1 Liberia

Tanzania 0 – 2 Guinea-Bissau

Nigeria 2 – 1 Madagascar

Funke Akindele rallies support for Kamo State’s ‘Starlomo’ amid criticism

Following criticism over her absence from the Lagos premiere of ‘Starlomo’, filmmaker Funke Akindele has publicly thrown her weight behind Kamo State’s new film.

The actress and box-office record holder took to social media to urge fans and movie lovers to see the film in cinemas nationwide.

Akindele’s show of support comes days after her absence from the premiere sparked speculation of a rift with the skitmaker-turned-actor Akinyoola Ayoola, popularly known as Kamo State.

Kamo State, however, clarified that they had no disagreement, explaining that Akindele was out of the country at the time of the premiere.

In a post backing the project, Akindele congratulated Kamo State and director Kayode Kasum, and called on her followers to go to the cinemas.

‘STARLOMO. Let’s go see a good movie this weekend. Congratulations @kamo_state @kayodekasum. I wish you all the best at the box office. Starlomothemovie is now showing in all cinemas nationwide. Go see it!!’ she wrote.

‘Starlomo’, which opened in cinemas on September 25, 2026, tells the story of Ayotide, a young man who abandons his family’s food business to pursue a music career in Lagos.

After tragedy forces him back home, he uncovers a hidden history of his parents’ music careers and a lost family legacy, which he uses to reclaim his family’s name.

Directed by Kayode Kasum, the film stars Kamo State alongside Ibrahim Chatta, Abiola Adebayo, Lateef Adedimeji and others, and marks another major step in Kamo’s transition from skit-making to feature-film production.

When Conscience Is Lost

Today, we intend to showcase how the human mind comes under the natural influence of the strong element of morality referred to as conscience. In a simple language, conscience is the sense of right and wrong that governs a person’s thoughts and actions. It is the analytical part of the mind that urges one to act morally or behave decently. From a psychological perspective, conscience is that part of the superego that judges the ethical nature of one’s actions and thoughts; and thereafter transmits such willpowers to the ego for consideration and possible translation in to behaviours.

Philosophically, conscience is the regulation of one’s action in conformity to an individual’s sense of right and wrong. Conscience is natural in man; and it derives from the ethical principles that regulate his thoughts and actions. No person is without conscience but a depraved person could cover it from perceiving the truth that could be its’ source of guidance. When the ‘radiance’ of falsehood is allowed to gleam over conscience, the individual plunges into unrighteousness. Over such a person’s conscience, Shaytan ultimately remains in charge.

In the twentieth hadith of the forty traditions of Imam Annawawi’s collection, which was related by Imam Bukhari on the authority of Uqbah bn Amr Al-Ansari, the Prophet (SAW) is quoted as saying that ‘A man could do as he wishes if it does not cause him to be ashamed.’ Uqbah (also called Abu Mas’ud) died during the caliphate of Ali bn Abi Talib and was one of the 70 persons who took the second pledge at Aqabah. This hadith teaches that one is permitted to do as he wishes on condition that it brings no shame to him or her.

This tradition has religious and cultural implications. When we say, ‘An act is shameful,’ it means that such an act brings shame or disgrace. And when we say, ‘He’s shameless’, it implies that such a person is without shame and thus immodest. When an individual intends to do anything, the conscience in him warns him of the evils (if any) in the act; and would counsel him to rather do that which is right. While instincts could be described as the Shaytan in man, ‘Conscience,’ they say, ‘is the ‘God’ in man.’ It is the natural ‘consultant’ in man.

One does not need to hide in order to do good, speak the truth, glorify Allah’s name, enjoin good or forbid a wrong because these are praiseworthy deeds. It is only when an act is scandalous or shameful that a corrupt or criminally-minded person hides somewhere or disguises or waits for the sun to set before engaging in acts that are immoral. The prophetic saying that ‘one could do anything provided it is not shameful’ implicitly bans every act of immorality, every act of abomination, every act of evil and every act of immodesty. The prophet’s declaration in this tradition forbids a Muslim from indulging in any act that is damnable, contemptible, obnoxious, repulsive, detestable, horrid or loathsome.

The list of all shameful deeds that must be eschewed cannot be exhausted in a newspaper column. However, our conscience is expected to guide us to shun acts that are indecent, and therefore shameful. No person that is fully woken to his conscience can openly engage in a shameful act because it is disgraceful. This implies that anything, which a man cannot do publicly and before the naked and conscious eyes of others, is thus forbidden.

It is because theft is discreditable that thieves usually choose to steal at night. It is because adultery and fornication are disgraceful acts that they are perpetrated in the dark. Forgery, eavesdropping and backbiting are deeds that cannot be done overtly. They are rather done under cover because they are shameful. Another implication of this hadith is that the word ‘shameful’ is synonymous to ‘sinful’. It is those who disobey the good counsel of their conscience that engage in shameful and sinful acts.

Sadly, the prophetic code in the hadith under reference seems to have been reversed by our current generation of shameless men and women. By their attitude, they have altered the expression from ‘If it’s not shameful, do as you wish’ to ‘If it’s shameful, do as you wish’. For instance, it is because teachers including some deviant professors lack shame that they sexually harass female students. It’s because parents have lost shame that they abet their children to engage in exam malpractice or even fight their teachers. Of course, when a person lacks shame, he or she could do anything; Subhana-llah!

When conscience is lost, there would be no shame. Indeed, shamelessness takes over and rules when conscience fails to function as a moral power. In a world where conscience is a taboo, lying becomes a functional tool rather than a moral boundary. In a population of minds that have no conscience, people exhibit all the three basic traits of a hypocrite. The traits of a hypocrite, according to the Prophet (SAW) are that, ‘When he speaks, he lies; when he makes a promise, he defaults; and when he’s entrusted, he betrays.’ This description fits no group as it suits the character of Nigerian politicians; all because majority of them lack conscience and are therefore shameless.

A deficit in conscience hoodwinks an individual to act against common sense. When, for instance, conscience is lost in a woman, she becomes shameless and treats her husband with vulgarity and unreserved disrespect. A man who is brazenly shameless thinks the only way to care for his wife is to be crude and refuse her the right to enjoy express kindness, empathy, compassion, and sheer love from him. Children who grow up under shameless parents are unlikely to appreciate the natural law of conscience that guides an individual to experience remorse, guilt, or shame after infringing on the rights of others. Although such children could experience anger and frustration, they would lack deep moral emotions like compassion and gratitude.

When conscience fails to function as an internal ‘brake system,’ a shameless personality seeks to freely exploit the vulnerabilities of others for personal gains. When shamelessness becomes a norm, cultural values and collective public trust are threatened. Citizens would, thus, begin to act without remorse, and the collective confidence or trust required to build national cohesion simply breaks down.

As believers, let us avoid anything shameful; and to do everything that is righteous. Uprightness begets respect and honour in the sight of Allah (SWT). May Allah save us from losing our conscience to Shaytan, Amin.

NNPC applauds $800m IMA FID as landmark development

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) has welcomed the $800 million Final Investment Decision (FID) on the IMA Gas Project, describing it as a landmark development that affirms the growing viability of Nigeria’s upstream gas sector.

NNPCL Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Andy Odeh disclosed this in a statement yesterday.

The project, located offshore in OMLs 112 and 117 and developed by AMNI International in partnership with TotalEnergies, will produce about 300 million standard cubic feet of gas per day at peak.

According to the statement, the output will supply critical feedgas to Nigeria LNG Limited in support of its Train 7 expansion, which will increase capacity at the Bonny Island plant from 22 million tons per annum to 30 Mtpa.

The FID was enabled by the Presidential Directives of 2024, which provided fiscal incentives for non-associated gas, streamlined contracting and lowered development costs.

Ima is the fourth major gas project to reach FID under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, after Iseni, Ubeta and HI. Group Chief Executive Officer, NNPC Ltd., Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari described it as ‘a decisive vote of confidence in Nigeria’s gas sector and in the bold reforms’ that have created competitive terms and a predictable investment environment.

NNPC Ltd. also commended the collaboration between AMNI, TotalEnergies and the Nigerian financial sector, saying the model of indigenous operator, international partner and domestic capital is a template for future developments.

It equally reaffirmed its commitment to work with government, regulators and industry partners to sustain investment momentum and deploy Nigeria’s gas resources for industrialisation, job creation and long-term prosperity.

NDLEA, UAE’s NDEA sign MoU to deepen anti-narcotics cooperation

National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Drug Enforcement Authority (NDEA) of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), marking a new chapter in the fight against drug trafficking between the two countries.

A statement by the Director, Media and Advocacy of the NDLEA, Mr Femi Babafemi, said the MoU was signed on Saturday on the sidelines of the ongoing 15th United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice being held in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, Brig-Gen. Mohamed Marwa (Rtd), described the agreement as the culmination of years of steady engagement between the two agencies, noting that it would deepen intelligence-sharing and joint enforcement action along the Nigeria-UAE corridor.

Marwa disclosed that between 2021 and 2026, NDLEA intercepted about 354.7kg of illicit drugs, including cocaine, cannabis, tramadol, rohypnol, ecstasy and khat, concealed in consignments going to the UAE, resulting in the arrest and prosecution of 47 suspects.

He said this underscored the urgency of the new partnership.

He further highlighted NDLEA’s nationwide record between January 2021 and July 2026, which includes over 91,000 arrests (among them 243 drug barons), the seizure of more than 15.5 million kilograms of illicit drugs and precursor chemicals, 16,469 convictions, and the counselling, treatment and rehabilitation of over 53,000 drug users.

The NDLEA boss added that the Agency’s War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) advocacy campaign had reached nearly 5.9 million Nigerians through community and school engagements, adding that the new partnership with NDEA would build on the exchange of liaison personnel, sharing of operational information, and technical cooperation already established between both agencies, including plans for the UAE to provide Nigerian travellers a comprehensive list of prohibited items to guard against inadvertent violations.

In his remarks, the Chairman of NDEA, His Excellency Sheikh Zayed bin Hamad Al Nahyan, reaffirmed the UAE’s commitment to working closely with Nigeria to disrupt trafficking networks exploiting the strong trade, travel and people-to-people ties between both nations, describing the MoU as a natural evolution of an already productive relationship.

Both agencies expressed confidence that the agreement would translate into stronger intelligence-sharing, more successful joint operations and the dismantling of trafficking networks operating along the Nigeria-UAE axis, in line with the shared global responsibility championed by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).