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Reflections as Ogunwole, FUOYE VC, steps up in age

FEDERAL University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) Vice Chancellor, Prof. Joshua Olalekan Ogunwole is a different person to different people, depending on the prisms of perception and shared relationship. Indeed, there are many choice angles of gaze from which to draw descriptions. However, the truth remains that a legend has no truer proof than his enduring legacy. For me, immediately I was appointed as Director of Public Affairs and Communication, I began to search into his background in order to know the kind of a leader with whom I would be working. Having previously worked with four Vice Chancellors at both the University of Ibadan (UI) and Ajayi Crowther University (ACU), Oyo, I guess, residual knowledge as Media Assistant in this capacity would be of help. As if to scare me off, some pundits described him as a choleric and difficult man to work with, while others called him a man of unpredictable temper whose stock in trade is to ruffle feathers and disorganise the system. But all these prejudices soon faded when I read through some available literature on him, including his autobiographical account entitled ‘Setting The Sail: Repositioning Bowen For Excellence’ The 354-page book, to those who can see beyond the given, accurately diagnoses this enigma called ‘Coach’, explaining the reasons some people always like to paint him in colours that bear no semblance with this man whose kindness has healed hearts in hundreds.

But why does Prof. Ogunwole appear controversial to some people? The answer is simple: he believes so much in truth and justice which some people don’t like. He believes everything must be done properly without compromise. Some people like shortcuts. To buttress this assertion, let me cite two examples from his book. On page 191, chapter 12: Centrifugal Forces, Prof. Ogunwole explains his head on collision with some Baptist Church members, the owners of Bowen University when he was the Vice Chancellor. According to him, ‘I met a culture where a Director in the Baptist Building could send a note to the Vice Chancellor seeking a job placement for someone. Sadly, I received several of such notes, but never acted on any of them. I often felt insulted by such requests and ignored them. This was one of the reasons I was tagged an arrogant person as they found me impenetrable. How do I single out a job referral when papers piled up on the table of the Registrar, of other Baptists and other Nigerians looking for the same job?’

Again, on pages 194 and 195 of the book, the then Bowen VC narrates his fight with the paramount ruler in Iwoland. His words: ‘Several things happened that affected my relationship with the paramount ruler. The paramount ruler is someone that is very unpredictable, he could be amiable today, and unfriendly the next day. The paramount ruler informed me of an invitation he got to speak at a Commonwealth event and wanted me to accompany him. I told him there were lots of work I was handing and I couldn’t go with him. He then requested that we paid his flight ticket. I told him that I could only pay one-way while he paid for the return ticket’ Prof Ogunwole further recounts other details which culminated in the intervention of intermediaries, saying, ‘when they returned from the palace, I sensed an unusual sobriety on the faces of all members. The king had dramatically cast aspersions and placed what he called a curse on the VC, placing further, his fly-whisk on the throne to presage doom, if I failed to leave the community. These actions and the attendant utterances of the king brought about fear to some of the council members. …I laughed within me …as I was sure that a curse without a cause is with no effect’.

However, this write up is not about a book review, but a tribute to Prof. Ogunwole on his birthday. The two references are simply to conduct a check on him in the belief that we know what a man can do, by what he has done. Reading through the book, it is obvious that Prof. Ogunwole is a courageous leader who has survived many leadership challenges, outlived several administrative boobytraps, and triumphed over cataclysmic systemic headwinds with praiseworthy aplomb. From his early days at Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria, to his esteemed position as a Professor, and now to his present status as FUOYE VC, Prof. Ogunwole has consistently exemplified the highest level of integrity, sacrifice, service and selflessness. He has built his profile on principles as everything about him bespeaks superior grooming, with the way he conducts himself with class, distinction and decorum.

As American novelist, John Updike will say, paradoxically though, Prof. Ogunwole is a leader who ‘out of madness or goodness, volunteers to take upon himself, the woes of a people’ His leadership style represents a rare blend of courage, competence and convictions, translating ideas into measurable outcomes. Since he became the FUOYE VC in February this year, however, he has demonstrated exemplary leadership qualities characterized by wisdom and unparalleled dedication to the progress and prosperity of FUOYE. He has declared war against the dirty deals of the past, including students extortion, sex-for-grade, cultism and all manner capable of tarnishing the image of the university. He is out to rebrand the image of the university as his regime promises to be a watershed in the history of FUOYE. It’s no gainsaying the fact that the task he has set for himself is huge, with many harrowing bends and bumpy stretches, yet, he takes pride in giving FUOYE a new name.

(See the rest on www.tribuneonlineng.com)

Saanu, Ph.D, is Director, Public Affairs and Communication, Federal University Oye Ekiti (FUOYE)

For Prof. Ogunwole who is a year today, the essence of true leadership transcends individual achievements. True leadership, in his own definition, lies in the creation of strong and empowered ecosystem that possesses the capacity to guarantee unlocking people’s potential for greatness. Therefore, it is not strange for him to push us to do the best we are ever capable of doing, creating an environment where curiosity is encouraged and critical thinking is nurtured. So far, he is fully committed to entrenching what he calls cultural transformation, driving growth, innovation and excellence with a view to promoting optimization and productivity in the system. Coach, as he is being admirably addressed by some people , takes pride in promoting efficiency, always brimming with ideas.

Refreshingly, since I have been working with him, he has made the work, not just a job, but a joy with his incredible brilliant ideas. For me to have a good grasp of the happenings in the entire university, he made it mandatory for me to attend the weekly management meeting. He has also compelled me to attend opening of bids towards giving out jobs to contractors. This is a demonstration of his culture of transparency. He says he has nothing to hide. In one of the management meetings where a decision to buy certain items for his office was to be taken, he excused himself, urging his Deputy Vice Chancellor, Administration, Prof. Tajudeen Opoola to take charge. After the decision had been taken and he was called back to the meeting, he told us, ‘that was the best practice all over the world’. Indeed, I really appreciate his disposition towards the Directorate of Public Affairs and Communication (DIPAC) which I head. I must confess that I cherish and celebrate this uncommon chemistry of relationship with him.

Interestingly, God in His grace often endows a system or community such as FUOYE with such an astute leader at intervals. Without doubt, Prof. Ogunwole is an agent of change, and architect of a new order in FUOYE. He is currently spearheading transformative initiative that are really impacting the system positively. And, from his body language, there is no looking back, no matter the machinations of minions of darkness. He is genuinely out to create a reputable and resilient institution that will set a benchmark for excellence. His approach integrates transformational and digital strategies, driving impactful outcomes through a commitment to innovation and excellence.

With the gait that is all his, Prof. Ogunwole sways with an assured grace that is both inspiring and endearing. It hardly needs to be said that he is like the scriptural Nathanael whom Jesus describes as a man in whom there’s no guile. He remains a friendly father-figure to his students, seeing his success in their successes. This pragmatic leader is probably a man with a coat of many colours, with the way he performs daring and difficult duties almost effortlessly. Amazingly, he appears a present-day mythical King Midas in FUOYE, turning around wastes to wealth, transforming rubbles to bubbles, and theft to thrift. He is an exemplary leader who has been dogged and resolute in the excellent discharge of his responsibilities.

However, there is hardly a man of great means and mission in history without his imperfections. Like every human being, Prof. Ogunwole has his own foibles as there’s no perfection in humanity. You want to know? Well, don’t provoke him if you don’t want to see his red eyes. His fury is as fierce as a lion. You may not be able to withstand it. But give it to him, he is a nice man with a clean conscience. As his dressing is distinct so his is crackling laughter. He carries himself so gracefully as he is a custodian of culture, charting a progressive path.

Born 23rd July 1967 at Ibadan, Prof. Ogunwole, began his early education at St. Anne’s Primary Boarding School, Kakuri, Kaduna (1972-1977), proceeded to Tafawa Balewa Memorial College, Samaru-Zonkwa (1977-1982), and later attended the School of Basic Studies at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria (1983-1984). He holds a B.Sc in Agriculture., M.Sc., and Ph.D. in Soil Science from Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, where he began his illustrious academic career. Over the years, he has served in various capacities across institutions, including Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Adamawa State University (ADSU), Federal University Dutsin-Ma (FUDMA), Bowen University, Iwo and Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), contributing significantly to institutional growth, staff development, and student success.

Above all, as he celebrates his birth anniversary, we honour his impactful leadership, hinged on wisdom and unwavering dedication to people as his life’s journey stands as a shining testament to excellence, innovation and transformation.

Kwara: Can Saraki profit from APC cracks?

When Kwarans voted overwhelmingly for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2019 under the now-famous O-to-ge slogan, they were not merely electing a new government. They dismantled a political dynasty that had shaped the state’s politics for more than four decades.

The movement-driven by a coalition of politicians, professionals, civil society groups, and political actors, among other voters-united around a single objective: to end the dominance of the Saraki political structure.

The coalition succeeded beyond expectations.

Bukola Saraki lost his senatorial seat and, by extension, the Senate Presidency. His party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), also lost all national and state assembly seats in Kwara. The APC won the governorship and secured overwhelming control of the state’s political landscape.

For many observers, it marked the end of an era.

Seven years later, however, Kwara politics appears to be coming full circle-not because Saraki has suddenly become invincible, but because the political circumstances that dismantled his structure are gradually shifting.

Ironically, some of the factors that worked against him in 2019 are now beginning to favour him, while the strengths that made the APC almost unbeatable are being severely tested.

Perhaps, for the first time since his historic defeat, Saraki has a realistic opportunity to rebuild.

PDP consolidation and strategic moves

The first indication lies within the PDP itself. For months, the opposition battled leadership disputes that distracted it from preparing for the 2027 elections.

Instead of confronting the ruling APC, party leaders spent valuable time contesting legitimacy, leadership, and control.

In Kwara, this instability led to an exodus of several Saraki loyalists, as well as stakeholders inherited from his late father.

That uncertainty has now largely eased.

With the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) recognizing the leadership and candidates backed by Saraki’s camp, the decision climaxed the consolidation and rebranding that the former Senate President had embarked upon in the build-up to 2027.

The emergence of Engr. Suleiman Bolakale Kawu from Kwara Central as the party’s governorship candidate appears to have triggered concern within the APC due to the voting strength of the zone. For the first time in years, the PDP appears united behind one structure-a unity that may prove to be one of Saraki’s greatest political assets.

Equally significant is the reconciliation between Saraki and his younger sister, Senator Gbemisola Saraki. For years, their political differences reflected one of the most symbolic fractures within Kwara’s most influential political family.

Although Senator Gbemisola remains in the APC and continues to contribute to the party at the national level-largely due to her ongoing disagreements with Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq-the restoration of cordial family relations removes an emotional and political fault line that opponents frequently exploited as evidence of a divided Saraki family.

Whether this reconciliation translates directly into votes remains to be seen, but its symbolic weight is undeniable.

The opposition has also demonstrated tactical awareness. The choice of Rev. Cornelius Fawenu as the deputy governorship candidate has been described by supporters and observers as a strategic move. Beyond completing the ticket, the nomination addresses regional and religious balance while expanding the opposition’s electoral appeal.

Within political circles, the decision reportedly triggered fresh calculations within the APC, where some stakeholders privately acknowledged that the opposition had executed a smart maneuver capable of altering the race’s dynamics.

Cracks in the APC coalition

Yet, if Saraki’s prospects appear brighter today, the more compelling explanation lies within the APC itself.

The ruling party that swept to power in 2019 was held together by a common target. It was never merely a political party; it was a movement. The O-to-ge coalition brought together politicians from different backgrounds-former Saraki loyalists, political newcomers, and long-standing rivals-under one banner.

Once that objective was accomplished, however, preserving the coalition proved far more difficult.

The contest to succeed Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq exposed those latent fractures.

The governorship primary was among the most fiercely contested in the party’s history. Long before delegates voted, distinct political camps had formed across the state.

Initially, the governor appeared to favor Ambassador Yahaya Seriki as his preferred successor before a last-minute shift. Others rallied behind Speaker Yakubu Danladi Salihu. Meanwhile, former APC chairman Bashir Omolaja Bolarinwa (BOB) maintained a formidable political structure, and Senator Saliu Mustapha’s growing influence added another layer of complexity.

When Speaker Danladi eventually secured the party’s ticket, celebrations erupted among his supporters. But beneath the fanfare lay deep disappointment, giving rise to the ‘G15’-a group of aggrieved aspirants and party leaders with established structures, loyal supporters, and substantial electoral value. Collectively, they represent a significant portion of the coalition that powered the APC’s historic 2019 victory.

According to the G15, the process that produced the Speaker failed to reflect the spirit of fairness and broad consultation. Consequently, they petitioned the APC national leadership, insisting that the primary dispute remains unresolved.

The quest for reconciliation

Recognizing the potential fallout, the APC leadership initiated reconciliation efforts.

A committee headed by retired Colonel Ademola Lawal was constituted to engage aggrieved stakeholders and restore unity before campaigns fully kick off.

Governor AbdulRazaq has also intensified consultations with party leaders while publicly projecting confidence in the Speaker’s candidacy. The Speaker was subsequently presented to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and received by the Emir of Ilorin-moves widely interpreted as efforts to reinforce confidence and signal that the party stands firmly behind him.

Yet, these symbolic gestures have not fully silenced dissent. Leaders associated with the G15 continue to insist that their concerns center on process, internal democracy, and the long-term survival of the party. Reports that some members declined to engage with the reconciliation committee have further fueled perceptions that the rift remains unhealed.

Whether these internal fractures result in electoral damage remains an open question. What is clear, however, is that the APC is spending considerable political energy managing internal disputes at a time when it would ordinarily be showcasing its governance record.

Reversal of roles

In 2019, Bukola Saraki was the establishment defending decades of political dominance against a united opposition. Today, the roles are reversed. The APC is the establishment, and Saraki is leading the charge from the outside.

Ironically, the same strategy that once defeated Saraki-capitalizing on a fractured establishment-could now work in his favor if ruling party divisions persist. However, history does not repeat itself automatically. The APC still holds major advantages as the incumbent party.

The ultimate test for the APC is whether the unity forged under the O-to-ge banner can survive now that the shared goal has been replaced by competing personal ambitions.

For the PDP and Bukola Saraki, the opening is clearer today than at any point since 2019. Whether Saraki can convert this momentum into a full political comeback remains uncertain, but one reality is hard to ignore: seven years after O-to-ge transformed Kwara, the APC’s biggest challenge may no longer come from Saraki alone-it may come from whether its own coalition can stay united long enough to keep him out.

Highlighting this vulnerability, Prof. Hassan Saliu, immediate past National President of the Nigerian Political Science Association (NPSA), warned that the ruling party risks severe electoral consequences if it fails to genuinely reconcile aggrieved aspirants.

‘The governor’s camp cannot win any free and fair election alone. They need other people to win, and the earlier they realize this, the better for them,’ Saliu noted.

He added that public sentiment in parts of the state appears to be shifting toward the PDP, though he emphasized that time remains for the APC to make amends.

‘The feeling from a few places I have visited seems to be tilting toward the PDP, but since there is still time before the election, corrective steps can be taken,’ he said.

The professor warned that ignoring these grievances could fuel anti-party activities: ‘If they continue on this path, it will promote anti-party activities, which may cost the APC victory in a free, fair, and credible election.’

Saliu concluded that the sheer volume of aggrieved contestants shows the rift cannot be easily dismissed: ‘If ten governorship aspirants are aggrieved, it means the matter is far from over. Party leaders must embrace genuine dialogue because the crisis requires a real political solution.’

Gunmen kill Rivers vigilante commander, 3 women

Gunmen have killed four people, including a vigilante commander, in an attack along Oba Road in Omoku, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State.

The victims were three women and Ozomela Stephen Nwaocha, the Omoku Zonal Commander of the Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area Security Planning and Advisory Committee (OSPAC).

The attack occurred on Monday evening while Nwaocha was relaxing with his sister and her friend near his residence.

The incident sparked panic in the community, forcing residents to flee while shop owners hurriedly closed their businesses for fear of further attacks.

Although no group has claimed responsibility, residents said the killing has raised fears of a return to the violent attacks that plagued the area before the establishment of OSPAC.

They also noted that several members of the local security outfit had been killed in recent times.

Confirming the incident, OSPAC Public Relations Officer, Comrade Nkem Godknows, said the gunmen opened fire on the victims around 5pm.

He said three women died on the spot, while two other victims sustained gunshot wounds and are receiving treatment in the hospital.

Godknows urged residents to remain calm, assuring them that OSPAC and other security agencies would investigate the attack.

He also appealed to the government and well-meaning Nigerians to support the outfit, saying its members were poorly funded and unpaid.

The Rivers State Police Command confirmed the incident.

Police spokesperson, ASP Grace Iringe-Koko, assured residents that those responsible would be brought to justice and appealed to members of the public to provide useful information to aid the investigation.

Ankara builds defence partnerships across shifting regional order

Trkiye is continuing to make significant advances across four critical regions through a series of simultaneous defense and security diplomacy initiatives. The growing diplomatic engagement stretching from Somalia and Egypt to Pakistan and Syria is widely seen as a reflection of Ankara’s strategy to strengthen its role in the regional security architecture. The intensive pace of high-level contacts underscores Trkiye’s determination to expand security cooperation simultaneously across the Horn of Africa, the Eastern Mediterranean, South Asia, and the Levant.

As the Turkish Grand National Assembly approved a motion extending the deployment of the Turkish Armed Forces (TAF) in Somalia for an additional two years, a series of high-level visits to the region followed in quick succession. Demonstrating one of the key pillars of Trkiye’s security partnership in the Horn of Africa, Turkish Land Forces Commander General Metin Tokel attended the graduation ceremony on July 10 for Somali officers and non-commissioned officers trained by the Turkish Task Force in Somalia. During his visit, General Tokel also held meetings with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Minister of Defense Ahmed Moalim Fiqi. The visit reaffirmed Trkiye’s long-term commitment to strengthening the institutional capacity of the Somali Armed Forces and its continued support for the country’s defense sector.

Egypt also featured prominently on Ankara’s diplomatic agenda. On July 13, Egyptian Minister of Defense and Military Production Lieutenant General Ashraf Saleh Zahir paid an official visit to Ankara, where he was welcomed with a formal military ceremony by Turkish Minister of National Defense Yasar Gler. During the visit, the two sides signed the Trkiye-Egypt Defense Cooperation Letter of Intent, while the Egyptian delegation also held meetings with representatives of Trkiye’s defense industry. Regarded as one of the most tangible outcomes of the ongoing normalization process between the two countries in the field of defense, the agreement highlights that the emerging phase in Trkiye-Egypt relations represents not only the restoration of bilateral diplomatic ties but also the formation of a new regional balancing axis with broader strategic implications.

Trkiye also reinforced its strategic partnership with Pakistan through a series of high-level engagements. On July 13, Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, met with Chief of the Turkish General Staff General Selçuk Bayraktaroglu and Minister of National Defense Yasar Gler. The following day, on July 14, Field Marshal Munir was received by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The discussions focused on enhancing military training cooperation and expanding collaboration in the defense industry, further deepening the long-standing strategic partnership between the two countries.

Reaffirming its central role in shaping the security architecture of the Eastern Mediterranean, Trkiye marked another significant milestone on July 13-14 with a symbolic naval deployment. Warships commanded by Turkish Naval Forces Commander Admiral Ercment Tatlioglu made their first visit to the Port of Latakia in approximately 18 years. The visit stood out as one of the clearest signals yet of the military dimension of Trkiye’s efforts to build a new phase of relations with Syria, highlighting Ankara’s intention to play a more active role in the evolving regional security landscape.

Expanding RE key to stable pricing-energy think tank

EXPANDING indigenous renewable energy (RE) provides stable pricing that shields consumers from volatile market costs and lowers electricity rates, the Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities (ICSC) said Thursday.

ICSC’s insight comes after the Department of Energy (DOE) announced that the Philippines has the highest average residential electricity rate in Southeast Asia. According to the DOE, high electricity prices have been driven by tightening supply, prolonged power plant outages, higher fuel costs, and greater reliance on more expensive electricity sources.

Nearly 50 distribution utilities (DUs) recorded residential electricity rates above the national average of P12.43 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) in June 2026, indicating that consumers in many parts of the Philippines continue to pay significantly more than the national benchmark.

‘National averages, however, tell only part of the story. Data compiled by ICSC through its electricity rate monitoring platform-the Power Rates and Energy Supply Overview for the Philippines (PRESYO-PH)-indicates that 48 on-grid electricity providers recorded residential rates above the national average in June 2026. This shows that many Filipino households are paying significantly more than the national benchmark,’ it said.

Electricity prices are influenced by a range of factors, including power supply agreements, exposure to the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM), and local operating conditions. The recurrent outages of many coal power plants, particularly in the Visayas region, have driven WESM prices sharply higher. This significantly contributed to the recurring grid alerts and the increase in electricity rates. DUs with greater exposure to WESM purchases were particularly affected by these price spikes.

Southern Leyte Electric Cooperative (Soleco) posted the highest residential electricity rate in June at P16.57 per kWh, up 32 percent from May. This surge occurred after the generation charge-the largest component of an electricity bill-shot up by almost P4 per kWh.

Next is the Aurora Electric Cooperative, Inc. (Aurelco) which currently charges P16.42 per kWh.

On the other hand, there are DUs with lower rates like Bohol Electric Cooperative I (Boheco I) in Bohol province, whose residential electricity rate was approximately P10.80/kWh in June. Another is Sna Jose City Electric Cooperative (Sajelco) in NuevaEcija, with a residential electricity rate of P9.85/kWh.

ICSC said a contributing factor to these lower rates is their power procurement strategy, which prioritizes geothermal energy, an indigenous resource with relatively stable and predictable generation costs. As a result, despite elevated WESM prices, these DUs were better able to shield their consumers from higher electricity costs.

ICSC pointed out the need to diversify the country’s power mix by expanding the use of indigenous RE resources with more stable and predictable pricing, supported by prudent long-term power procurement and planning.

‘While recent public discussions have focused on the various charges reflected in electricity bills, the generation charge consistently accounts for the largest share of what consumers pay. This highlights the need for a more diversified power mix centered on indigenous renewable energy resources and improved power procurement strategies that prioritizes affordability, energy security, and resilience,’ noted ICSC Energy Transition Advisor Alberto Dalusung III.

He stressed that expanding the role of indigenous RE resources presents a practical path toward a more secure, affordable, and reliable energy future.

Don’t pay anyone for mass wedding registration, Kano Hisbah warns applicants

The Kano State Hisbah Board has warned members of the public against paying money to anyone claiming to facilitate registration for the state’s mass wedding programme, describing such demands as fraudulent.

Deputy Commander-General of the Board, Dr Mujahideen Aminuddeen, issued the warning in Kano on Wednesday.

He said the board had received reports that some individuals were extorting prospective beneficiaries despite the Kano State government’s decision to fully sponsor the programme.

Dr. Aminuddeen stressed that neither the Hisbah Board nor the state government had authorised anyone to collect registration fees or any form of payment from intending participants.

He explained that Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf had approved full sponsorship of the mass wedding programme, covering wedding attire, furniture, transportation of the furniture, and start-up capital for beneficiaries.

According to him, the programme is completely free, and applicants should disregard anyone demanding payment or promising to secure a slot in exchange for money.

The Deputy Commander-General urged members of the public, especially victims of extortion, to report such individuals to the Hisbah Board or relevant security agencies for investigation and prosecution.

The Kano State mass wedding programme is one of the social intervention initiatives of the Abba Kabir Yusuf administration aimed at supporting less-privileged couples and easing the financial burden of marriage.

Daily Trust reports that the state government had approved N1.5 billion for the mass wedding programme involving 1,500 couples.

No date has been fixed for the ceremony.

Jabrayil’s new rail link set to drive economic growth in Araz Valley

Where standard-gauge tracks bite into the dust of the Araz basin, an ancient plain learns a new rhythm. Silence, long settled like fine silt over the scorched earth of Jabrayil, gives way not to the thunder of conflict, but to the steady click-clack of steel meets steel. The iron veins now piercing the quiet of the valley are drawn with the deliberate grace of a sovereign hand mapping its own destiny. Along the banks of the winding river, where wild pomegranates once dropped unnoticed onto abandoned soil, an industrial spine takes root, turning a hollow frontier into the genuine pulse point of a continent on the move.

The recent announcement by the Ministry of Economy regarding the construction of a dedicated railway spur connecting the “Araz Valley Economic Zone” Industrial Park to the newly minted Horadiz-Aghband rail corridor marks a pivotal moment in how post-conflict reconstruction is conceptualized and executed. Far too often, territorial rehabilitation suffers from the trap of emotional symbolism-building structures for the sake of presence rather than purpose. Azerbaijan’s approach in Jabrayil, however, reveals a stark pragmatism: economic utility built directly onto logistical bedrock. By running spur tracks straight into the industrial park, the state is effectively lowering the structural barrier to entry for capital, ensuring that factory floors are married to continental supply chains before the first foundations are even poured.

To understand the macro-level implications for the national economy, one must look closely at the math of transportation. Heavy industry, manufacturing, and agricultural processing cannot survive on asphalt alone. Trucking high-volume bulk freight-whether raw materials, building supplies, or processed goods-imposes severe wear on road networks and incurs a marginal cost structure that eats aggressively into profit margins. An integrated spur line changes this equation entirely. Rail freight dramatically lowers per-ton kilometer costs, preserving state-funded highway infrastructure from premature deterioration while simultaneously bestowing a competitive cost structure upon every enterprise setting up shop within the park. In an era where global manufacturing prioritizes low logistical friction, offering direct rail access from plant doors to international corridors is the most persuasive incentive a sovereign state can present to institutional investors.

Furthermore, this infrastructure serves as an essential anchor for the broader non-oil expansion strategy. For decades, the dominant economic challenge facing the nation has been diversification-reducing fiscal dependency on hydrocarbon revenues by fostering self-sustaining domestic industries. Yet, industrial diversification cannot happen in a void; it requires specialized hubs capable of raw material inflow and seamless outward dispatch. The Araz Valley zone is uniquely positioned to serve as a regional processing power, taking the untapped wealth of the surrounding districts and converting it into exportable high-value goods. Without a direct connection to the national and regional rail grid, such an economic node would risk remaining an isolated enclave. With it, the park transforms into a dynamic nexus, drawing domestic labor, attracting foreign direct investment, and expanding the non-oil tax base in a sustainable manner.

Zooming out to the geopolitical canvas, the spur line forms a critical synapse within the emerging architecture of the Zangezur Corridor and the wider Middle Corridor linking East Asia to Western Europe. As global trade patterns recalibrate away from vulnerable or politically volatile routes, the South Caucasus is asserting itself as a reliable, high-capacity bridge. Integrating local industrial zones directly into transcontinental arterial lines ensures that the nation does not merely act as a passive transit fee collector, but as an active producer and processer of the goods flowing across Eurasia. The value added within the borders of Jabrayil will ride the same rails that connect regional markets, converting transit potential into tangible domestic wealth for generations to come.

Ultimately, the development of the Araz Valley railway infrastructure reflects a mature economic statecraft-one that understands that true sovereignty is built not just with borders, but with ties, switches, and steel routes. By embedding logistically efficient channels directly into the newly reclaimed territories, the nation is laying down an indelible framework for lasting economic resilience, ensuring that the valley’s return to life is as permanent as the iron tracks crossing its floor.

Defence spending boom opens new chapter for Trkiye’s machinery industry

Trkiye’s machinery manufacturing industry recorded $13.8 billion in consolidated exports during the January-June 2026 period, including shipments from free zones, according to data released by the Machinery Exporters’ Association (MAIB).

During the first six months of the year, the sector also achieved a significant increase in export value, with the average export price per kilogram rising 11% to $8.70, reflecting a shift toward higher value-added production.

Germany remained the industry’s largest export destination, with shipments totaling $1.7 billion, representing an 8.7% year-on-year increase. The United States ranked second after recording the strongest growth among major markets, with exports surging 33.9% to $1.2 billion. Italy, the United Kingdom, and Spain completed the list of the five largest export markets for Turkish machinery.

Among product categories, turbines, turbojets, and hydraulic cylinders posted the strongest export performance, with overseas sales increasing 25.6% compared with the same period last year. In contrast, exports of leather processing machinery declined sharply by 35.3%, marking the weakest performance among major machinery segments.

Commenting on the latest figures, MAIB President Sevda Kayhan Yilmaz said geopolitical uncertainty has become an increasingly permanent feature of the global economy, fundamentally reshaping industrial investment decisions and international supply chain strategies.

She noted that rising geopolitical tensions-particularly the confrontation between the United States and Iran-have intensified existing structural challenges facing European industry, especially manufacturers in Germany.

Yilmaz explained that while traditional industrial sectors continue to experience contraction and employment losses, defense-related manufacturing has expanded as governments increase military spending. According to her, this trend demonstrates that both global capital flows and state investment priorities are undergoing a rapid transformation.

Referring to the NATO Summit held in Ankara, Yilmaz said the signing of multibillion-dollar multinational procurement agreements confirmed that the global economy has entered a new era characterized by what she described as “security-oriented industrial consolidation.”

She emphasized that the emerging global fiscal framework-shaped by NATO members’ objective of increasing defense and security spending to 5% of gross domestic product by 2035-could generate an unprecedented wave of industrial orders and investment opportunities for Trkiye’s manufacturing sector.

“Reconstruction budgets are channeling substantial resources into a broad range of strategic areas, from cybersecurity and digitalization to critical infrastructure investments and the expansion of defense industries,” Yilmaz said. “At the same time, these expenditures are serving as a new growth strategy for European industry, which has struggled for years with economic stagnation and deindustrialization.”

According to Yilmaz, Trkiye is well positioned to transform this evolving geopolitical environment into a strategic advantage. With its growing industrial capacity, the country has the potential to become a key manufacturing and logistics hub for a wide range of defense products, including armored vehicles, missiles, unmanned aerial systems, and conventional weapons.

She argued that current ammunition shortages and the ongoing expansion of military production capacity across allied countries present a historic window of opportunity for Trkiye’s machinery industry to move into a significantly higher position within the global military-industrial value chain by supplying advanced, high-value manufacturing technologies.

Yilmaz also stressed that participation in profitable, long-term international defense projects will depend on the industry’s ability to fully comply with the strict technological standards and regulatory requirements demanded by the defense sector.

She added that deeper integration into European defense supply chains would significantly enhance the Turkish machinery industry’s capabilities in quality assurance, product traceability, cybersecurity, and manufacturing standards.

Although certification and accreditation procedures may initially appear challenging for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), Yilmaz said these processes will ultimately drive a lasting transformation that strengthens the industry’s long-term international competitiveness. She underlined that continuous government support will be essential throughout this transition.

At the same time, Yilmaz acknowledged growing concerns over the broader economic consequences of rising global defense expenditures. She emphasized that the ultimate purpose of building a strong defense industrial base is not to encourage conflict, but rather to reinforce deterrence and preserve peace and international security.

Concluding her remarks, Yilmaz expressed hope that the advanced technologies developed by Trkiye’s machinery industry would never have to be used on the battlefield. Instead, she said, these investments should be viewed as an essential safeguard for lasting peace, regional stability, and global security.

Candidates’ list unsettles Enugu NDC

The styled Chairman of Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Enugu State, Dr Johnpaul Ani, has warned the national leadership of the party against fielding candidates that did not emerge through the state congress he conducted on May 29.

He was reacting to a list of candidates of the party issued by the NDC national leadership ahead of the 2027 general election.

Speaking in Enugu during a programme hosted by Enugu-based Dream FM, Ani said NDC might risk not participating in the 2027 general election in the state.

He said: ‘The primaries were held on May 29. We are praying the national leadership to accept the people that emerged. It is true that days after the primaries, some people allegedly went to Abuja to get party nominations. We had to approach the court to seek clarifications on whether somebody who did not emerge from valid monitored primaries could actually be a candidate of the party. It is an issue of the law. After the primaries, our candidates emerged, including our governorship candidate, Prof Ene Nwannaji.’

Ani said those who went to lobby the national leadership of the part in Abuja were those that were not happy with the outcome of the primaries. He said it was normal in politics, adding that he had pleaded to them to support the outcome to move the party forward in the state.

State Police: Reps set to consider constitution review report today

House of Representatives is expected to take a major step towards establishing State Police Services in Nigeria during Thursday’s plenary, as lawmakers prepare to consider the Constitution Review Committee’s report on the proposed amendment to the 1999 Constitution.

The report, which seeks to alter the Constitution to provide for the establishment of State Police Services and other related matters, was formally laid before the House during Wednesday’s plenary by the Deputy Speaker and Chairman of the House of Representatives’ Special Ad-hoc Committee on Constitution Review, Hon. Benjamin Kalu.

Ahead of Thursday’s consideration, Hon. Kalu invited members of the Constitution Review Committee to an emergency meeting in his conference room shortly after plenary, a move believed to be aimed at fine-tuning the committee’s position before the report comes up for debate and possible adoption by the House.

The proposed legislation initiated by the Presidency is one of the most significant constitutional amendment bills before the 10th session of the National Assembly, as it seeks to decentralise policing by creating State Police Services alongside the existing federal policing structure.

The report follows extensive deliberations by the Constitution Review Committee, which earlier this week harmonised its position with the Senate’s version of the proposed State Police legislative framework.

After formally opening its meeting on Monday, the committee recessed into an executive session to review the Senate’s report and resolve outstanding issues regarding the proposed constitutional amendments.

With the report now before the House, lawmakers are expected to carry out clause-by-clause consideration of the Committee’s recommendations during Thursday’s plenary before deciding on the proposed constitutional amendment.

Further details are expected as proceedings unfold on the floor of the House.