Category: Business Day

Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria (REDAN), Lagos Chapter, has attributed the recurring incidents of building collapse across the country to regulatory compromise, weak enforcement of building standards and institutional failure.

Tony Aspire Kolawole, chairman of the chapter, has urged governments to prosecute offenders rather than merely demolish defective structures.

Kolawole’s intervention follows the collapse of a five-storey building in Rivers State on June 24, 2026 and a three-storey building in the Alakija area of Lagos on June 25, 2026, incidents that have renewed concerns over compliance with building regulations and public safety.

In a statement issued recently, the REDAN Lagos chairman described the two incidents as avoidable tragedies, arguing that they reflected systemic failures in the country’s building control regime rather than unavoidable accidents.

According to him, persistent disregard for professional standards, the use of substandard materials, compromised approval processes and inadequate regulatory oversight have continued to expose Nigerians to preventable disasters.

‘Buildings do not collapse by accident. They do because individuals deliberately cut corners, substitute quality materials with substandard ones, manipulate approval processes, ignore professional advice and evade statutory inspections. Every building collapse is a tragic indictment of failed regulation, failed ethics and failed enforcement,’ he said.

Read also: Cement: REDAN worries as surging prices stall projects, push up rents

Kolawole warned that unless governments moved beyond what he described as ‘reactive governance without accountability,’ incidents of building collapse would continue to claim lives and destroy property.

He called on the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) and other building control agencies nationwide to intensify structural integrity inspections, particularly in densely populated urban communities where ageing buildings and weak compliance pose significant risks.

The REDAN chairman also urged state governments to ensure the criminal prosecution of developers, contractors, consultants, property owners and public officials found culpable of violating building regulations.

According to him, demolition of defective structures without corresponding legal sanctions has failed to serve as an effective deterrent.

‘Demolition alone is not justice. Until those whose actions or negligence led to these disasters are prosecuted and convicted, others will continue to treat human lives as expendable,’ he stated.

Kolawole further called on the Lagos State House of Assembly to review existing building control legislation with a view to strengthening regulatory oversight, prescribing stiffer penalties for violations and eliminating loopholes that undermine compliance with building standards.

He noted that the legislature had a critical role in supporting reforms capable of improving accountability within the construction sector and restoring public confidence in the state’s regulatory framework.

Addressing members of the real estate industry, he urged developers and other built environment professionals to uphold ethical standards and prioritise public safety.

‘Our responsibility is to provide safe and durable shelter, not death traps. Every professional who knowingly compromises standards betrays the trust of the public and endangers lives,’ he said.

Kolawole also advised prospective property buyers and tenants to demand approved building plans, structural integrity certifications and evidence of developers’ professional credentials before committing to any transaction.

While noting that REDAN had consistently advocated stronger regulatory enforcement, mandatory certification of developers and reforms to the building approval process, he maintained that recent incidents underscored the need for governments and regulatory agencies to move from policy discussions to effective implementation.

He expressed condolences to families of the victims, wished the injured a speedy recovery and called for sustained rescue efforts for those still trapped beneath the collapsed structures.

Kolawole added that the recurring building collapses should serve as a wake-up call for governments, regulators, lawmakers and industry stakeholders to implement comprehensive reforms aimed at strengthening compliance, improving enforcement and safeguarding lives across the country.

Development in the Niger Delta must be tech-driven, and the drive must begin at home, the tech must have roots in the institutions in the oil region.

This is hallmark of a tech drive unveiled by the Rivers State University (RSU), which actually was the Rivers State University of Science and Technology (RSUST), which was the dream of the founding fathers when it was established as the Rivers State College of Science Technology in 1972 before transforming to Nigeria’s pioneer University of Science and Technology (UST) at the back of discovery of oil in the region.

The tech backbone was unveiled as Rivers State Digital Initiative (RSDI), a broad-based ICT system that would transform the RSU into a smart university with what is called connected campus which is to be paperless.

The event which attracted top educationists, professors, and the tech community took place at the Senate Building of the RSU in Nkpolu/Oroworokwo in the heart of the Garden City. Present, most importantly, was Bariname Beke Fakae (simply called BB Fakae), the one-time vice chancellor credited with the foundation of the ICT drive of the then UST.

The RSU seems to fight on two fundamental fronts with the Digital Initiative: it wants to drive development in the oil region which is hub of the hydrocarbon industry; and compete in the global academia hoping to climb into the top 100 best universities in the world, top 20 in Africa, and top 3 in Nigeria.

By this declaration, the RSU wants to rub shoulders with and take after the likes of Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Cambridge, MA, USA; University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; Imperial College London, UK; Harvard University Cambridge, MA, USA; Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; University of Cambridge, UK; and California Institute of Technology (Caltech) Pasadena, CA, USA.

Back home, the Rivers State University eagerly wants to climb to at least number 3 to join Nigeria’s top 5 universities such as University of Ibadan (UI) – Ibadan, Oyo State; University of Lagos (UNILAG) – Lagos; Bayero University, Kano (BUK) – Kano, Kano State; Covenant University – Ota, Ogun State.

Before stepping into the Senate Building, Isaac Zeb-Obipi, the Vice Chancellor, a management professor, told newsmen at the Red Carpet that the unveiling marks takeoff of the journey to a smart university. He allayed fears of managing digital complexities, saying they were prepared to adjust as they travel along the digital highway.

He said there is no innovation without challenges. ‘In fact, the challenges will enable us improve the system and make it perfect. We have already anticipated some, and we have provided for them. Of course, the world is going technological, so we leverage technology to facilitate the things we are doing.

‘For example, if you look at the sponsor’s link, we have experiences of parents and guardians not knowing whether their wards are actually students of this university or not. The sponsor’s link now provides parents and guardians the opportunity to keep a tab on the registration, fees payment, and academic performance of their students. So, the challenges of technology should not deter us from experimenting it. And whenever we have hitches, we review the system and we improve upon it.’

The RSU’s hunger for academic excellence through digital tech was further unveiled by Idayingi Daminabo, registrar of the university, who welcomed the guests by saying the event marks a significant milestone in their collective journey toward academic excellence, administrative efficiency, and institutional relevance in a rapidly evolving world. ‘It represents a bold and strategic transition into a new era, an era defined by innovation, technology, and purposeful leadership.’

She pointed at what she called digital leadership of the vice chancellor, saying it has continued to drive the transformation of the RSU into a modern, responsive, and globally competitive institution. ‘This digital direction is both timely and necessary, as universities across the world leverage technology to improve learning, research, administration and general governance.

‘Digitization is central to this transformation. It simplifies processes, enhances transparency, improves turnaround time, and ensures that services are delivered with greater ease and efficiency. More importantly, it fosters ease of understanding and acceptance among users, staff, students, and stakeholders alike, because systems that are intuitive, accessible, and reliable naturally encourage participation and ownership.

‘They are enablers of a new culture and a new time in our university, one that embraces innovation, promotes accountability, and supports seamless interaction within our university community.

‘The challenges within this region require smart, scalable, and technology-driven solutions. This new era of digital transformation initiatives will position the university in its rightful place of an ‘e-varsity’, which not only aligns with global best practices but also helps us claim our rightful place as a hub of digital excellence, creativity and problem-solving in this region.’

She however warned that technology alone cannot transform an institution; ‘It requires people who are willing to adapt, to learn, and to embrace change. I therefore encourage every member of the University community to take ownership of these initiatives and actively engage with the systems and programmes being introduced.

‘We seek a future where Rivers State University stands as a model e-varsity, defined by excellence, creativity, efficiency, innovation, and impact.’

Vice Chancellor lays the new digital canvas:

Zeb-Opibi unveiled the various tools that would transform the RSU into an e-varsity. ‘Our goal is simple yet profound: to create a connected campus that empowers every stakeholder, students, staff, sponsors, alumni, and partners.’

Championing a Connected Campus

The RSU Digital Initiatives represent a collective vision, a suite of platforms and systems designed to enhance service delivery, improve efficiency, and enrich the University experience for all. Let me take a moment to highlight the transformative power of each solution.

V-Learning – The Virtual Learning Management System is to help redefine education delivery. Lecturers can now teach, assess, and engage students virtually, while students enjoy flexible access to learning materials anytime, anywhere. This system integrates registered courses automatically, supports live classes, and provides analytics to track performance. For our students, it means freedom to learn beyond the classroom. For our lecturers, it means tools to teach smarter. For RSU, it means a leap toward global competitiveness.

FiriX – Workflow and Document Management System helps to say goodbye to the inefficiencies of paper-based administration.

CAP-Computer for All Programme: This ensures that every student and staff member can own a personal computer through affordable installment plans. This initiative bridges the digital divide, promotes ICT-driven learning, and empowers our community to participate fully in the digital age. It is a step toward equity in access to technology.

RSU e-Campus Aspire Mobile App: This brings RSU to your fingertips. From fee payments and course registration to result checking and notifications. Students can now manage their academic life on the go.

SponsorsLink: Through this, we are strengthening accountability and trust. Sponsors, parents, and guardians can now monitor their wards’ academic progress and financial obligations in real time.

RSU Innovation Hub and Creative and Innovation Academy (CIA): These are the beating heart of creativity and entrepreneurship at RSU. Here, students and staff will learn software development, data science, animation, product design, cybersecurity, and digital media, skills that prepare them for global opportunities. It is a space where ideas become solutions, and solutions become enterprises. RSU is not just producing graduates; we are nurturing innovators and job creators.

Campus-wide Internet Infrastructure: This reliable, high-speed internet is the backbone of a digital university. Our pilot deployment at the Senate Building is the first step toward a fully connected campus.

Digital Information Display System across campus will ensure that information flows instantly and efficiently. Announcements, events, and updates that reach everyone in real time.

MedixTrak – Health Management Information System helps to digitize healthcare delivery at the RSU Medical Centre. Patient records, prescriptions, and laboratory results are now securely managed online.

RSU Alumni Website will bring all past students together once again. It is a digital hub for networking, mentorship, career opportunities, and lifelong engagement. Through this platform, our alumni will continue to contribute to the growth and global reputation of Rivers State University.

e-Payslips

Staff monthly pay advice in staff personal university mail account; ensuring easy access to their monthly payslips for a variety of purposes.

He said: ‘Ladies and gentlemen, a digital university is only as strong as the people who power it. Technology becomes meaningful only when the people behind it are empowered to use it effectively. Therefore, I am pleased to announce that following today’s launch, all staff of Rivers State University will undergo a mandatory ICT training and capacity development programme. This programme will cover: General ICT proficiency; Digital literacy for modern administration; Hands-on training on all the new RSU digital platforms; Best practices for digital service delivery.

‘For the avoidance of doubt, please note: This is a certified course fully sponsored by the University, in partnership with Cinfores Limited; No staff member will bear any cost. This is our investment to you, for your growth, confidence, and capability to deliver a world-class service in a digital environment; This training ensures that every Faculty, department, and administrative unit is fully equipped to operate efficiently within our new digital ecosystem. It ensures that RSU’s transformation is not just technological-driven, but human-centered.’

He poured more encomiums on Fakae, saying: ‘It is important to at this point pay a debt of gratitude to Prof. B. B. Fakae who laid the foundation of our e-University and our Governing Council for its support.’

He went on: ‘As we launch these digital solutions today, we are not just unveiling technology, we are unveiling possibilities. We are building a university where innovation thrives, where access is universal, and where excellence is the standard.

‘As we launch these platforms today, I encourage all members of our university community to actively engage with them. The success of these solutions depends not only on technology but on how effectively we adopt and integrate them into our daily activities. Let this launch mark the beginning of a new chapter for Rivers State University, a chapter defined by innovation, efficiency, excellence, and a truly enhanced university experience.

‘It is our expectation that we will all embrace this transformation with pride and purpose. Let us work together to ensure that Rivers State University remains a beacon of knowledge, creativity, excellence, and progress, not only in Nigeria but across the world.’

In his goodwill message, Fakae, a researcher renowned as one of Africa’s foremost professors of veterinary parasitology and entomology, described the day as a milestone that signifies not only progress, but also continuity, vision, and institutional maturity.

‘As one who had the privilege of laying the early foundations for a digital culture in this University, I am deeply gratified to witness how those seeds have grown into a robust ecosystem of innovation.

‘What we began years ago as a bold aspiration-to reposition RSU as a technologically-driven, globally-competitive institution-has today evolved into a comprehensive digital framework that enhances teaching, learning, research, administration, and service delivery.’

He commended the Vice-Chancellor and the entire University Administration for sustaining and advancing the vision. ‘By preserving and strengthening the legacy of an e-Varsity, you affirm the foundations that have shaped RSU’s modern identity.

‘The introduction of platforms such as the Learning Management System, FiriX Workflow, CAP, the RSU Mobile App, SponsorsLink, and the Creative and Innovation Academy (CIA) reflects forward-thinking leadership committed to excellence, efficiency, and the future of education.

‘Digital transformation is not a one-time event; it is an ongoing journey. Today’s launch is a powerful reminder that RSU is not only keeping pace with global developments, but is also positioning itself to lead.

These initiatives will undoubtedly enhance student experience, strengthen administrative efficiency, deepen research capabilities, and establish the University as a model within and beyond Nigeria.’

He said the future belongs to institutions that innovate-and to individuals who are willing to learn, adapt, and lead.

‘As we celebrate this new chapter, I reaffirm my unwavering goodwill and continued support for the University. May this initiative open greater opportunities for growth, collaboration, and global relevance for Rivers State University.’

Highlight of the event was the presentation of the CINFORES team that built the backbone, led by Ibifuro Asawo, who said the team took one year to build the Digital Back Bone.

He said the organization began with one product but now have over 10, including the e-voting platform.

The Imo State Government has commended the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) for its role in taking the ‘Financial Literacy Day’ campaign to secondary school students nationwide, especially the secondary schools in the state.

Bernard Thompson Ikegwuoha, the Imo State commissioner for Secondary and Primary Education, who was represented by Okereke Livinus, a reverend, and staff of the ministry, during the NDIC Financial Literacy Day, held at the Government Secondary School, Owerri, with the theme, ‘Smart Money Talks,’ expressed satisfaction, especially the NDIC programme of reaching out to the students to teach them the knowledge of financial management nationwide.

According to him, ‘the NDIC comes in to save, to protect depositors and other financial institutions from loss’, and that the role puts the trust of Nigerians in the Nigerian banking sector.

‘What NDIC is doing is to teach our young minds, to catch them young, so that they will know what is called financial management. But you cannot manage your finance well when you do not earn it, and you don’t work.

‘They are in our schools to input to us the attitude of hard work, that mind of earning your own income, and how to grow your money by way of savings and investments,’ he said.

Okereke however, decried the attitude amongst the students to consume all that has been earned or given to them immediately without savings. And while stressing on hard work, and imbibing the attitude of savings and consuming less, he said: ‘The money you earned is sweeter than the money dashed to you by others.’

He advised the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation to take the knowledge of financial literacy campaigns to the senior primarily students, and to include the students in the rural areas in Imo State in the ‘Financial Literacy Day’ campaign.

In his remarks, Chris Uzoigwe, the principal of Government Secondary School, Owerri, where the event was held, expressed satisfaction on the number of schools and students, including the students of Government Secondary School, Owerri, who came to acquire the knowledge of financial literacy, according to himself, ‘that means that NDIC wants this knowledge to spread out’.

And based on that ‘I want everybody to listen and listen attentively, because they came to teach us how to manage our finances, the way we manage our finances to grow, and by this, it could be possible to achieve a lot.

‘Again, to teach us how we should be prudent in using our money, and by doing so, we can invest wisely. I hope and expect that everybody that is here will listen attentively,’ he said.

He further commended NDIC for bringing the knowledge to the students.

‘Please, while teaching the students, I want you to put it in a way that they will understand so that they will appreciate it’.

He informed them of some of the reasons why the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Ministry of Finance established the NDIC, adding that ‘they have come to ‘teach us how to earn money, and be prudent in using our money and using it wisely.’

Meanwhile, Onwuegbuakuko Paul Chinonso, a student of Brainy Polymaths International School and others expressed their happiness over what they learned, saying, ‘we are going to practise them and teach others too’.

Barely two weeks after a Federal High Court ordered the deregistration of five opposition political parties, another court decision has thrown a newly-registered political party into uncertainty, fuelling concerns that Nigeria’s opposition is coming under coordinated legal and political pressure ahead of the 2027 general election.

The sequence of events has sparked a debate over whether the rulings are isolated judicial decisions or part of a broader strategy to narrow the country’s democratic space by weakening opposition platforms.

The first development came on June 15 when Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Accord (A), Action Peoples Party (AAP), Action Alliance (AA) and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP).

The court held that the parties failed to meet the constitutional performance threshold required under Section 225A of the 1999 Constitution.

The suit, filed by the National Forum of Former Legislators, argued that the parties neither secured the minimum electoral performance prescribed by law nor won elective offices to justify retaining their registration.

However, the judgement suffered an immediate setback after the Court of Appeal stayed its execution, rebuking the trial judge for proceeding with the matter despite an earlier order halting further proceedings.

Before the dust settled, another Federal High Court in Lokoja, Kogi State, Friday, nullified the judgement that compelled INEC to register the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), ordering that the matter be heard afresh after ruling that the Peace Movement Party (PMP) was denied a fair hearing.

Although the court did not expressly order the deregistration of the NDC, the ruling effectively suspended the legal foundation upon which the party obtained its registration, prompting widespread reactions. The NDC immediately rejected the judgement and announced plans to head to the Court of Appeal.

Its National Chairman, Senator Moses Cleopas, argued that the trial court had become functus officio after delivering its final judgement and therefore, lacked jurisdiction to revisit the matter through a motion. He insisted the party remained validly registered and would participate in the 2027 elections.

The timing of the two court decisions has fuelled suspicion among opposition politicians and political analysts, many of whom believe the judiciary is increasingly becoming a battleground in the struggle for political power.

Chekwas Okorie, former presidential candidate and elder statesman, told BusinessDay that both cases were targeted at weakening major opposition figures ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

According to him, the ADC judgement was aimed at frustrating former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s political calculations, while the move against the NDC was intended to stop Peter Obi from contesting the 2027 presidential election.

Okorie argued that the NDC’s registration followed a valid court order that INEC implemented without appeal and maintained that the latest judgement would not survive appellate scrutiny.

Bernard Mikko, a political scientist, told BusinessDay that recent developments suggest Nigeria’s political space is being deliberately narrowed.

Mikko, a former federal lawmaker and ex-governorship aspirant in Rivers State, said in a telephone interview that the actions of the ruling party and the courts were raising concerns about the country’s democratic future.

‘Well, I think for anybody, whether you’re a political analyst or an ordinary Nigerian, the pattern they see is that the political space has been narrowed and the ruling party is scared of a fair contest. So, they don’t want any contest in the country. And that is not what our constitution is about.

‘Our constitution is about multi-party democracy. So, Nigerians should be vigilant on how our democracy is being managed by both the judiciary and the political process.

Otherwise, the judiciary will be used to throw the country into political turmoil, into the revolution which Nigerians are awaiting.

‘The signs are getting closer and we should be careful not to constrict the political space. The other day, on the 15th, it was the ADC.

Yesterday, it was the NDC. I have gone through the judgement. Yes, I have gone through the judgement. This speculation has been there. The PDP is in turmoil.

‘All the governors of the other parties have been forced into one single party, the APC. The push for state police is not for the sake of security but for the sake of controlling the votes of Nigerians.

‘They believe that if all the governors are in one party, they will be in control of a single political platform. Sometimes, however, you don’t get the outcome you expect in life. Other things may happen.

‘Nigerians should be very vigilant about how their political process and judicial system are being managed,’ Mikko said.

Similarly, Peter Ameh, acting national chairman of the Conference of United Political Parties (CUPP) and former presidential candidate, described the Lokoja judgement as a politically-motivated attempt to weaken the opposition ahead of the 2027 election.

Ameh , a former National Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), said in a statement on Saturday that the judegment reflected ‘the hand of Esau and the voice of Jacob’ and accused the ruling APC of undermining democratic competition.

‘It represents a failed APC government that is petrified of a free and fair election and is desperate to return to power for a second term without a transparent electoral contest,’ he said. He also alleged that the ruling party was using the courts to weaken opposition parties ahead of the 2027 poll.

‘Well-meaning Nigerians will mobilise supporters and the masses to rally against judicial manipulation and impunity. We will also sensitise the global community to what we see as the APC’s desperate effort to retain power by strangulating a virile opposition,’ Ameh said.

Peter Obi also linked the latest development to his presidential ambition.

Speaking at a leadership programme in Anambra State, Obi said the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led federal government was doing everything possible to stop him from contesting the 2027 presidential poll but vowed not to be intimidated.

The Obidient Movement echoed similar concerns, describing the court ruling as another indication that the judiciary was being deployed to weaken opposition parties and move Nigeria towards a one-party state.

Nduka Odo, political analyst, also warned that the back-to-back court decisions had created the impression that the judiciary was becoming a tool for destabilising democratic competition.

‘There is no democracy without opposition,’ he said. He warned that weakening opposition parties could ultimately entrench one-party dominance.

However, top officials of the APC, including its National Chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda; National Secretary, Ajibola Bashiru; and National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, have consistently denied allegations that the ruling party is behind the crises in opposition parties, insisting that the challenges are self-inflicted and stem from internal divisions rather than external interference.

BusinessDay reports that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has fixed August 19, 2026, for the commencement of campaigns for the presidential and National Assembly elections, while campaigns for the governorship and state Houses of Assembly elections will begin on September 9, 2026.

Under the revised timetable, the commission has scheduled the presidential and National Assembly elections for January 16, 2027, while the governorship and state Houses of Assembly elections will hold on February 6, 2027.

Whether the ADC and NDC cases are merely coincidences arising from separate legal disputes or early signs of a broader political strategy may ultimately be determined by the appellate courts.

But with less than seven months to the commencement of the 2027 election, the rulings have heightened anxiety over the shrinking space for opposition politics and the growing intersection between the courts and electoral competition.

For more than three decades, Apostle Oliver Tonye has travelled across Nigeria and beyond proclaiming one central message: Jesus Christ still saves, heals, and transforms lives. He is the founder of Jesus Heals the Sick Ministries, the Apostolic Centre, which is a training centre, preparing believers to walk like Jesus did and the International Network of Apostolic Voices. He is an author, teacher, conference speaker, and the current Publicity Secretary and Director of Digital Media of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Lagos State. He has become one of the respected voices advocating biblical healing, church unity, and revival in our day and time. In this exclusive interview with LYDIA ENYIDIYA EKE, he speaks about healing, revival, leadership, his service in PFN Lagos, and the future of the Church. Excerpts:

Apostle Tonye, many people know you as a healing evangelist. How would you describe your calling?

My calling is first to preach Jesus Christ. The gospel, by its very nature, is a message of healing or restoration, physical Healing is a component of it; it points people to Christ. When Jesus healed the sick, His ultimate purpose was reconciliation between God and humanity. Reconciliation is healing a fractured relationship, isn’t it? Healing in all its forms is the heartbeat of our ministry.

Why has healing remained central to your ministry?

Because healing reveals God’s compassion and nature. Throughout the Gospels, Jesus healed because He loved people. We preach the whole gospel, and the whole gospel includes salvation, healing, restoration, and discipleship.

Have you witnessed remarkable miracles during your ministry?

Absolutely. Over the years, we have seen people testify of freedom from chronic pain, migraines, emotional trauma, addiction, and many other conditions after prayer. We have also seen broken families restored, and many people surrender their lives to Christ. For me, however, the greatest miracle is when someone is genuinely born again, which to me is the highest expression of healing.

One of your most talked-about missions was in South Africa. What happened there?

Actually, I have been to South Africa on a number of occasions. This particular one was an unforgettable experience. We ministered across several churches and communities. People encountered God in extraordinary ways.

We have a unique relationship with a ministry there, Practical Christianity Ministries led by Dr Ifeanyi ^ Lerato Wosu. This relationship has really enabled our ministry there.

Can this be captured in description?

Oh yes. Many gave their lives to Christ, believers were revived, and there were numerous testimonies of healing and deliverance. But what blessed me most was the opportunity to point people to Jesus consistently rather than merely seeking miracles

Critics often question divine healing. How do you respond?

I don’t argue with people. Healing belongs to God. We simply obey the direct instruction of the Lord Jesus to take his healing power to this generation and the revelation of Scriptures by praying for the sick. At the same time, I have always maintained that faith and medical science are not enemies. God has given wisdom to medical professionals, and we should appreciate their work. Prayer and responsible medical care are not mutually exclusive.

Beyond healing ministry, you have played important leadership roles within PFN Lagos. Tell us about that journey?

Serving the Body of Christ is a privilege. I currently serve as the Publicity Secretary and Director of Digital media of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Lagos State, where my responsibility includes communicating the vision, programmes and activities of the fellowship, promoting unity among Pentecostal churches, and ensuring accurate representation of PFN in the media

What have been some of PFN Lagos’ major achievements in recent years?

PFN Lagos under the leadership of Pastor Yemi David and his team have worked intentionally to strengthen unity among churches, build trust, empower young people and women, and organise leadership development programmes. The fellowship also encourages civic responsibility and expands humanitarian interventions, including medical outreach and relief support for vulnerable communities. The fellowship has also strengthened its public communication and engagement with the Gospel.

Communication has become critical in today’s Church. How important is your role as Publicity Secretary?

It is extremely important because perception shapes influence. The Church must communicate truth clearly, responsibly, and compassionately. Our role is to ensure that the voice of the Church reflects the heart of Christ while promoting unity among believers.

Besides PFN, what other platforms do you use to impact the Church?

Through Jesus Heals the Sick Ministries, The International Network of Apostolic Voices, ministers’ conferences, healing schools, publications, and leadership mentoring. I also write books and teaching materials that help believers understand healing, Scripture, and the need to follow Jesus in a personal way.

You have authored several publications. Why is writing important to you?

Books preserve truth. A sermon may be forgotten, but a book can continue speaking for generations. My desire is to equip believers with sound biblical teaching that strengthens their faith.

What concerns you most about the church today?

We must return to Christ Himself. Sometimes, we become fascinated by programmes and personalities while neglecting discipleship. The Church must raise mature believers who know the Word, walk in love, and demonstrate the character of Christ.

What advice would you give young ministers?

Love God sincerely. Follow Jesus. Build character before pursuing influence. Remain teachable. Never make ministry about personal fame. Preach Christ faithfully, serve people with humility, and let God promote you in His own time.

In conclusion, what legacy do you hope to leave behind?

I want people to remember that I pointed them to Jesus. If generations after me know Christ more deeply, preach the gospel more faithfully, and minister God’s compassion to the hurting, then I will have fulfilled my assignment.

When the House of Representatives voted on one of Nigeria’s most consequential constitutional reforms in decades, the outcome was never really in doubt.

One after another, lawmakers lined up behind the proposal to establish state police, arguing that Nigeria’s overstretched federal police can no longer cope with the country’s worsening security crisis. By the time the votes were counted, 289 members had backed the bill.

One lawmaker was in opposition.

That lone voice belonged to Bashir Usman, who represents Birnin Gwari/Giwa Federal Constituency of Kaduna State-an area that has, ironically, suffered some of the country’s worst attacks by bandits and armed groups.

In the voting process which had near-unanimity, Usman’s solitary ‘No’ vote instantly stood out. It also raised an obvious question: Why would the representative of one of Nigeria’s most insecure constituencies oppose a proposal many believe could strengthen local policing?

The answer, it turns out, is more nuanced than a simple rejection of state police. Before the House voted, Usman argued that lawmakers were being rushed into approving far-reaching constitutional amendments without enough time to study them.

According to him, members received the report of the Constitution Review Committee only shortly before deliberations began. For a proposal that could fundamentally reshape Nigeria’s policing structure, he believed legislators deserved more time to scrutinise the details before taking a position.

Read also: Medical experts raise alarm over dangers of self-medication on liver health

His intervention did little to slow proceedings.

The House proceeded with the vote, and the bill sailed through with overwhelming support.

For supporters of state police, the outcome reflected growing acceptance that Nigeria’s centralised policing system has struggled to respond to today’s security realities. From terrorism in the North-East to banditry in the North-West, farmer-herder clashes in the Middle Belt, kidnapping across the South and oil theft in the Niger Delta, many security experts have long argued that policing should be brought closer to the communities it serves.

The federal police, with roughly 370,000 officers for a population estimated at more than 220 million, have often been criticised as overstretched, underfunded and too centralised to respond effectively to local threats.

Successive administrations have acknowledged these shortcomings. Over the years, governors, traditional rulers, security experts and civil society organisations have repeatedly renewed calls for state police, arguing that governors already shoulder much of the financial burden of policing in their states despite having no operational control over officers.

Opponents have consistently warned that giving governors control of state police could expose opposition politicians, critics and even traditional institutions to intimidation, particularly in states where democratic institutions remain weak.

Those concerns have not disappeared. Instead, lawmakers backing the constitutional amendment say safeguards have been built into the proposed framework to reduce the risk of abuse while allowing states to establish their own police services alongside the Nigeria Police Force.

Even so, Usman appeared unconvinced that lawmakers had sufficiently interrogated the bill before voting.

His objection was largely procedural rather than ideological. At no point did he argue that insecurity was not a serious national problem. Rather, his position suggested that constitutional reforms of such magnitude deserve careful examination instead of hurried approval.

Whether Nigerians agree with him or not, his vote has highlighted an issue that often receives little public attention: how thoroughly Parliament examines constitutional amendments before passing them.

There is another layer of irony to his position.

Birnin Gwari, one of the local government areas he represents, has become almost synonymous with bandit attacks over the past decade. Communities have repeatedly suffered killings, abductions, attacks on highways and displacement, making the constituency one of the strongest examples often cited by advocates of decentralised policing.

That reality has prompted some observers to question why a representative from such an area would oppose the bill. But his push back, however seem more procedural.

However, the constitutional amendment has already secured passage in both chambers of the National Assembly. But several hurdles remain before Nigerians begin to see state police.

The proposal must still receive the approval of at least 24 state Houses of Assembly before it is transmitted to President Bola Tinubu for assent. Only then would the constitutional changes take effect.

In many ways, therefore, the parliamentary vote marked not the end of the debate but the beginning of a more complicated conversation.

History may ultimately judge whether Bashir Usman’s concerns were justified or misplaced. But in a vote where almost everyone said yes, his lone ‘No’ ensured that, for at least one day, he became the most talked-about lawmaker in the House of Representatives.

Pastor Enoch Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God has expressed deep concern over the worsening security situation in Nigeria, saying terrorism has become a personal reality rather than a distant problem.

Speaking at the inaugural U.S.-Nigeria Faith Heroes Award Gala in Washington, D.C., Pastor Adeboye urged the United States and its allies to strengthen cooperation with Nigeria in addressing terrorism and violent extremism.

According to the respected cleric, the growing insecurity has spread beyond previously affected regions, making it a national challenge that requires greater international collaboration.

‘Terrorism is now at my doorstep,’ Pastor Adeboye told an audience comprising religious leaders, US policymakers, Nigerian diplomats, human rights advocates, and members of the Nigerian and American communities.

The cleric, who had presided over the RCCG Annual Convention in America held in Dallas, Texas, urged the United States and other Western nations to deepen their support for Nigeria’s fight against terrorism, insisting that the scale of the challenge had exceeded the capacity of local institutions acting alone.

The event, organised by Save Nigeria Group USA and the U.S.-Nigeria Civil Society Coalition, was held at the Hilton Garden Inn Washington DC/U.S. Capitol under the theme, ‘Thank You, America. Please Do More.’

The African Reinsurance Corporation (Africa Re) has entered a new phase of growth with the commissioning of its state-of-the-art multi-million-dollar headquarters in Abuja, marking a significant milestone in the corporation’s 50-year history.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Corneille Karekezi, group managing director/CEO, Africa Re described the project as the fulfilment of a promise made six years ago to establish a headquarters befitting Africa’s leading reinsurance institution.

‘Today, I am pleased to say that as of June 24, 2026, Africa Re is officially headquartered in Abuja. This marks the completion of a journey and the beginning of a new chapter in our long and fruitful relationship with our host country,’ Karekezi said.

Taiwo Oyedele, Nigeria’s minister of Finance and coordinating minister of the Economy, who commissioned the 11-story building on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu said the choice to build this elegant structure in Abuja by Africa Re is a testament to the confidence that the Pan-African Institution have on Nigeria.

Oyedele said it’s a reflection of the kind of partnership and good relationship Africa Re has had with the people of Nigeria and the country’s insurance industry.

Reflecting on the corporation’s evolution, the Africa Re GMD noted that it began operations in July 1977 in Accra, Ghana, from a modest apartment made available by its pioneer Managing Director, the late Sir Edward Mensah.

‘Nearly 50 years later, Africa Re stands as a globally respected institution with multi-billion-dollar assets, serving the development of Africa through a network of offices across the continent,’ he said.

According to Karekezi, the new headquarters symbolises the corporation’s strength, ambition and confidence in the future.

‘This headquarters reflects the strength of the corporation, the ambition of its people, and our confidence in the future. Today, we are not merely inaugurating a building; we are bringing to life a vision.’

The 11-storey headquarters spans about 25,000 square metres and was designed to meet international standards of quality, efficiency and sustainability. Karekezi said the facility is targeting Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold certification, underscoring Africa Re’s commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainable development.

‘As a smart and resilient building, it is designed to serve not only the needs of Africa Re today but also those of future generations,’ he said.

Karekezi also highlighted the economic value of the investment, noting that despite challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic, inflationary pressures and exchange-rate uncertainties during construction, the project remained viable.

‘Together, we are delivering today an investment achievement which shall earn rental income and pay itself back within eight to ten years, generating an average return of about 7 per cent annually in US dollars under realistic assumptions,’ he said.

Describing the headquarters as more than a physical structure, Karekezi said it would serve as a hub for innovation, partnerships and collaboration that support Africa Re’s mission of contributing to the continent’s economic development.

‘This building is more than steel, glass and concrete. It is a place where ideas will flourish, partnerships will be strengthened and innovation will continue to support our mission of contributing to the economic development of Africa.’

He added that the commissioning reinforces Africa Re’s commitment to excellence, integrity and sustainable growth as it positions itself for the next phase of expansion across the continent.

The discovery of a vast polymetallic mineral province in Kaduna State should have been another reminder of Nigeria’s enormous untapped mineral wealth.

Beneath the state’s soil lie deposits of platinum group metals, gold, nickel, copper, lithium and rare earth elements, resources capable of attracting billions of dollars in investment and reducing the country’s dependence on crude oil.

Yet, beyond the excitement over new discoveries lies a stubborn reality that has continued to undermine every reform effort: illegal mining.

Across large swathes of Nigeria, particularly in the North-West, criminal mining operations continue almost unchecked despite repeated government crackdowns, new security formations and multiple arrests. Rather than declining, the illicit trade has evolved into an entrenched underground economy that enriches criminal networks, fuels insecurity and deprives government of billions of dollars in revenue every year.

For many observers, the persistence of illegal mining raises uncomfortable questions about whether Nigeria’s biggest obstacle is the absence of laws or the lack of political will to enforce them against powerful interests.

The contradiction is glaring. While government officials continue to promote Nigeria as an attractive mining destination, illegal operators have effectively established parallel mining systems in several communities, extracting valuable minerals beyond the reach of regulators and tax authorities.

Security experts warn that the consequences extend far beyond economic losses.

In many parts of the North-West, illegal mining has become intertwined with the region’s worsening security crisis. Mining sites have increasingly served as financial lifelines for armed groups, who exploit mineral-rich communities, extort operators and use proceeds from illegal extraction to sustain violent activities.

Reports indicate that nearly 80 percent of mining activities across Nigeria’s North-West are conducted illegally, largely through artisanal operations outside government regulation.

The connection between illegal mining and insecurity is not new. As far back as November 2020, the Katsina State Government warned that illegal mining had become the economic engine driving armed banditry across Katsina and neighbouring states. Since then, repeated attacks, kidnappings and violent clashes around mining communities have only reinforced concerns that criminal groups have diversified beyond cattle rustling into the lucrative mineral trade.

The financial incentives are enormous. A 2025 report by the Africa Defense Forum (ADF) estimated that Nigeria loses about $9 billion annually to illegal mining. The report noted that foreign nationals often collaborate with local actors to extract and smuggle valuable minerals out of the country without paying royalties, taxes or export duties.

The result is a thriving black market that robs government of critical revenue while strengthening criminal enterprises.

Kabir Adamu, a security analyst, captured the depth of the challenge when he explained that illegal mining sites often evolve into territories beyond state control.

‘Once criminal control of a mining site is established, it becomes a mini-fiefdom,’ Adamu said in a report published by Albarka 89.9 FM. ‘The proceeds don’t just fund AK-47s; they pay for informants, bribes and logistics networks that can outlast military operations.’

His remarks reflect growing concerns among security experts that Nigeria is confronting far more than economic sabotage. Illegal mining, they argue, has become part of a wider criminal ecosystem where proceeds from mineral theft sustain insurgency, banditry and organised crime.

Successive administrations have acknowledged the threat and introduced measures aimed at reclaiming the sector.

One of the most ambitious interventions came in 2024 with the establishment of the Mining Marshals, a specialised security outfit created to combat illegal mining across major mineral-producing states.

The unit initially deployed more than 2,200 officers to monitor mining activities in 10 states. By 2025, its strength had increased to about 2,670 personnel.

Government officials have pointed to tangible results. Hundreds of illegal miners, including foreign nationals, have been arrested, prosecuted and, in some cases, convicted.

Authorities insist the operations demonstrate that Nigeria is becoming increasingly hostile to illegal mining.

However, experts argue that arrests alone cannot dismantle a criminal economy sustained by influential sponsors, porous borders and weak institutional enforcement.

Many believe the real architects of illegal mining rarely appear at mining sites or face prosecution.

Instead, they allegedly operate through networks of financiers, middlemen, transporters and exporters who profit immensely while remaining largely invisible.

That perception has fuelled widespread calls for government to move beyond arresting artisanal miners and confront the politically connected individuals believed to be financing illegal operations.

Analysts argue that without targeting the economic and political structures sustaining illegal mining, enforcement efforts will continue to resemble treating the symptoms rather than curing the disease.

Unless illegal mining is brought under control, experts warn the country risks losing both investor confidence and the economic opportunities presented by the global shift toward critical minerals.

Beyond lost revenue, illegal mining also leaves devastating environmental and social consequences.

Unregulated excavation destroys farmlands, contaminates rivers with hazardous chemicals, accelerates deforestation and exposes mining communities to dangerous working conditions. Child labour and unsafe mining practices remain common features of many illegal mining camps, further complicating the humanitarian dimensions of the crisis.

For communities living around these sites, the costs are often measured not only in environmental degradation but also in violence, displacement and the collapse of lawful economic activities.

Until enforcement extends beyond low-level operators to include financiers, sponsors and influential collaborators, Nigeria may continue to celebrate new mineral discoveries while losing much of its existing wealth to criminal networks operating in plain sight.

As the race for critical minerals intensifies globally, the stakes have never been higher. The success of Nigeria’s mining reforms may ultimately depend not on the number of discoveries announced, but on whether the government can muster the political will to reclaim its mineral resources from those who have turned them into a thriving illicit economy.

Kogi State government has over the weekend flagged off the Integrated 1st Round Maternal, Newborn and Child Health Week, Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination and Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) Campaign, with services across the state.

Abdulazeez Adams Adeiza, the state’s Commissioner for Health, described the campaign as ‘an integrated campaign for life’ to tackle maternal deaths, child illnesses, cervical cancer and NTDs, adding that state data shows where children miss vaccines, mothers skip antenatal care, HPV affects girls, and NTDs keep children out of school.

The flag -off ceremony held on Thursday in Lokoja had traditional rulers, religious leaders, development partners, health workers and community members in attendance.

He said, ‘But data without action is just numbers. That is why Kogi, through KSPHCDA and the State Ministry of Health, with support from WHO, UNICEF, Sight Saver and partners, is integrating these interventions into one round. One team. One visit. Multiple protections’.

‘Services include Vitamin A, deworming, growth monitoring, antenatal care, iron -folate for pregnant women, nutrition counselling, HPV vaccination for girls aged 9 years to prevent cervical cancer, and mass drug administration for schistosomiasis and soil -transmitted helminths.

Abdulazeez equally said the campaign promotes health equity by taking services to hard -to-reach areas, riverine communities, markets and schools, just as he urged mothers and caregivers to bring children under 5 and pregnant women to health facilities, noting Vitamin A prevents blindness, and deworming improves learning. To parents of 9-year-old girls, he stressed the HPV vaccine is safe and prevents cancer.

Flagging off on behalf of Gov. Ahmed Ododo, the Commissioner said the administration is guided by Truth, Service and Urgency to ensure no one is missed, just as he assured that security

and logistics support have been put in place to reach all communities, including riverine areas.

Musa Omeiza Muazu, the Executive Director, Kogi State Primary Health Care Development Agency (KSPHCDA), also said ‘integrated’ is key because communities face health problems together, saying, ‘one health team will deliver multiple interventions per visit for efficiency and equity’.

He commended the government, WHO, UNICEF, Sight Saver and partners, and urged traditional rulers, market women and youth groups to mobilise communities. ‘Let no child be missed,’ he charged.

Olumide Adeyeye, UNICEF State Facilitator, on behalf of partners, said the exercise combines three components for mothers’ and children’s well-being, as he urged stakeholders to unite for success and called on health workers to be professional.

Earlier, Abdulazeez Usman, the State Nutrition Officer, said nutrition teams will weigh children under 5, give Vitamin A, counsel mothers on affordable Kogi foods like beans, eggs, ugu and moringa, and provide iron -folate to pregnant women, adding that HPV vaccination prevents cancer and deworming removes worms that steal nutrients.

Sadiya Abubakar, a nursing mother beneficiary, said she was excited for the program and thanked the governor for bringing it to benefit nursing mothers and children free of charge.