Category: Business Day

The Kwara North representatives are: Government Secondary School, Lafiagi; Baptist Model High School, Kaiama; Government Secondary School, Ilesha-Baruba; and Lafiagi Senior Secondary School.

Speaking on behalf of the Executive Chairman of KW-IRS, Shade Omoniyi, the Convener of the KW-IRS Tax Club Advocacy Committee, Funmilola Oguntunbi, commended the successful conduct of the preliminary rounds.

She noted that the Service had further enhanced its Tax Club online platform to improve the administration of the competition and provide a more seamless experience for participating schools.

According to her, the initiative reflects the Service’s commitment to leveraging technology to promote transparency, efficiency and wider participation in the annual competition.

Representing the Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development, Roseline Ayansola and Imam Toyin Olanrewaju, who monitored the exercise and participated in the result analysis, praised all participating schools for their enthusiasm, discipline and commitment throughout the competition.

The KWI-IRS boss congratulated the 12 qualifying schools on their impressive performance and resilience during the preliminary stages. She also appreciated school principals, teachers and Local Government Area coordinators for their guidance, commitment and mentorship, which contributed significantly to the success of the exercise.

The semi-final stage of the competition will be held virtually in October 2026, while the six best-performing schools will proceed to the grand finale in November to compete for the overall prize of N2.5 million.

Nigeria does not have a cassava production problem. For decades, we have been the world’s largest producer of cassava. Every year, millions of tonnes are harvested across the country. Yet despite this abundance, Nigeria continues to import many of the starches, sweeteners, flours and industrial derivatives that our manufacturers require.

That contradiction should concern all of us.

As we mark World Cassava Day 2026, the most important question is no longer whether Nigeria can grow cassava at scale. We already can. The real question is whether we can convert our production advantage into industrial advantage.

Around the world, countries that transformed agricultural abundance into economic prosperity followed a similar path. They moved beyond producing raw commodities and built industries around them.

Thailand is one of the most frequently cited examples in the cassava sector. Its success was not driven simply by growing more cassava. It was driven by investments in processing, product development, export markets and industrial applications. The lesson is straightforward: production creates supply, but industrialization creates value.

Nigeria has been standing at a similar crossroad for several decades now.

For many years, cassava has played a vital role in food security and rural livelihoods. Millions of farmers depend on it. Communities across the country depend on it. Yet only a small proportion of the crop is converted into the higher value industrial products that drive manufacturing growth and generate stronger economic returns.

I say this from experience leading both a large-scale cassava farming operation and a cassava processing business. Our work is guided by a conviction championed by our Chairman, Niyi John Olajide, that agriculture can serve as a platform for industrial development when production, processing and market demand are connected within a single value chain.

That belief has shaped the investments Cavista Holdings has made through Agbeyewa Farms and Matna Foods.

Together, we are working to strengthen the link between farms, factories and markets because sustainable growth occurs when all three operate as part of the same system.

Building those connections is not easy.

Industrialisation requires reliable feedstock supply, modern processing infrastructure, efficient logistics, quality systems, access to finance and long-term investment. It requires coordination across stakeholders who often operate independently. Most importantly, it requires patience and disciplined execution.

The good news is that momentum is building. The challenge is that industrial demand is not expanding fast enough. In our daily operations, we receive requests from thousands of farmers seeking markets for their cassava. The interest is there. The production capacity is there. What remains insufficient is the industrial processing capacity needed to absorb that supply at scale.

That is the gap Nigeria must close.

Cassava is one of the most versatile crops in the world. Beyond traditional food applications, it serves as a feedstock for industrial starches, sweeteners, ethanol, pharmaceuticals, adhesives, paper products, animal feed and a growing range of manufacturing inputs.

The benefits extend far beyond agriculture. A stronger cassava industry creates demand for logistics, engineering, warehousing, packaging, financial services, technology and research. It strengthens local manufacturing, supports import substitution and creates jobs throughout the economy.

The opportunity extends even further. Increasingly, value creation is shifting beyond basic processing into ingredient systems, formulation science and product innovation. Competitive advantage today is determined not only by access to raw materials, but by the ability to transform those materials into products that manufacturers need and consumers value.

That shift should fundamentally change how we think about cassava.

However, no single company can drive this transformation alone. Success will require alignment between government, industry, researchers, investors and development partners. Policy must encourage investment. Infrastructure must support efficient operations. Markets must reward innovation and quality.

Nigeria’s cassava story should no longer be measured only by how much we grow. It should be measured by how much value we create from what we grow. For a country seeking sustainable pathways to economic diversification, few opportunities are as compelling. If we get this right, cassava will become more than a food security crop. It will become a strategic industrial resource capable of supporting manufacturing, creating jobs, attracting investment and strengthening economic resilience.

That is the opportunity before us. The raw material already exists. What remains is the collective commitment to build the industries that can unlock their full value.

.Aiyeleso is the managing director and chief executive officer of Agbeyewa Farms and Matna Foods Limited.

The Lagos State Government has commiserated with the families of victims of the building that collapsed at Alakija in the Oriade Local Council Development Area.

The government also issued a stern warning to residents against ignoring evacuation notices on distressed structures.

The Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, gave the warning on Friday while briefing journalists at the scene of the incident on behalf of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

Omotoso said that emergency responders moved swiftly to the site immediately after the collapse, resulting in the rescue of 27 persons.

‘Our first duty is to commiserate with the families who lost their loved ones in this unfortunate incident.

‘On behalf of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, we sympathise with them and pray that such a tragedy never occurs again,’ he said.

According to him, ‘Nine persons lost their lives in the collapse in spite of intensive rescue operations carried out throughout the night.

‘By the grace of God, we have been able to rescue 27 people. Unfortunately, we lost nine persons and this is very sad. We share the pain of the affected families.’

The commissioner disclosed that the collapsed building had previously been marked as defective, while occupants were directed to vacate the premises.

‘As you can see, these buildings had been marked as distressed and people were asked to leave.

‘Unfortunately, some residents returned after pretending to have moved out, leading to this tragic outcome,’ he said.

He noted that other structurally defective buildings within the vicinity would be demolished to prevent future disasters.

‘All the buildings that have been identified as defective will go down. We cannot wait until another tragedy occurs before taking action.

‘The protection of lives remains our priority,’ he said.

Meanwhile, the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) on Thursday confirmed that 26 people were rescued alive following the early Wednesday collapse of a three-storey shopping complex in the Alakija area of Lagos.

The agency added that eight others, including a baby girl, lost their lives in the incident.

Omotoso commended LASEMA, Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, the police, military, neighbourhood safety personnel and other emergency responders for their prompt intervention.

‘I must commend all our emergency responders who worked tirelessly throughout the night to save lives and bring the situation under control,’ he said.

The commissioner stressed that residents must place greater value on human life than economic activities.

‘The most important lesson from this incident is that nobody should prioritise livelihood over life.

‘Once life is lost, everything is lost. No business is worth risking human lives for,’ he said.

Omotoso also condemned the construction and occupation of buildings under high-tension power lines, describing the practice as dangerous and unacceptable.

‘It is not done in any civilised society. Such developments show disregard for safety regulations and contempt for the law.

‘Government will continue to clamp down on such violations,’ he said.

He assured residents that a full investigation had commenced into the collapse and that those found culpable would face prosecution.

‘The owners of the building are under investigation. Anybody found complicit in this tragedy will face the law.

‘They will be prosecuted because no one is above the law,’ Omotosho said.

He added that most of the rescued victims did not suffer life-threatening injuries, while those requiring further medical attention had been taken to hospitals for treatment.

The commissioner reiterated the government’s commitment to enforcing building safety regulations and preventing avoidable disasters across the state.

Other State Government officials at the briefing were the Commissioner for Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Relations, Gbenga Oyerinde and LASEMA’s Permanent Secretary, Olufemi Osanyintolu.

The Edo State Government has said that it was strengthening collaboration with the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) as part of efforts to improve the state’s investment climate, enhance regulatory efficiency and attract new investments.

The initiative is part of the state’s broader strategy to position Edo as a more competitive investment destination through reforms aimed at improving the ease of doing business and creating a more predictable environment for investors.

Speaking after the PEBEC Nationwide Town Hall and State Engagement Tour in Benin City, the Edo State Commissioner for Business, Trade and Investment, Omoh Anabor, said the engagement reinforced the state’s ongoing reform agenda and provided an opportunity to align with national initiatives designed to drive economic growth and investment expansion.

Anabor said the administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo remained committed to implementing policies that would remove business bottlenecks and create a more investor-friendly environment.

He noted that discussions during the engagement showed that several initiatives being promoted by PEBEC at the federal level already aligned with reforms introduced by Edo State in areas such as trade development, investment facilitation and digital commerce.

According to him, the state has already introduced measures aimed at simplifying business operations and strengthening investor confidence.

As part of the reforms, he said the government had engaged the Edo State Internal Revenue Service (EIRS) to harmonise tax administration through a unified payment platform and a single tax code framework.

He explained that the initiative was expected to address concerns surrounding multiple taxation, simplify tax compliance and establish a more transparent system for businesses operating in the state.

‘When investors see a transparent and harmonised tax structure, it gives them confidence because they are assured of a predictable business environment and are protected from multiple taxation,’ he said.

Anabor further said that the engagement provided the state with an opportunity to reassess its investment priorities and identify sectors with stronger growth potential.

He added that Edo would leverage its comparative advantages in agriculture, cultural heritage and other strategic sectors as part of efforts to attract investments, create jobs and accelerate sustainable economic growth.

‘The engagement has provided us with greater clarity and direction. We have identified our strengths and will continue to implement strategic measures that will attract investments and drive sustainable economic development across the state,’ he said.

Earlier, Director-General of PEBEC, Zahrah Audu, said the council’s second nationwide engagement was initiated to deepen ease-of-doing-business reforms at the subnational level and ensure that such reforms are sustained beyond political transitions.

Audu noted that reform efforts in many states had historically struggled to achieve long-term impact due to weak continuity following changes in administration.

‘What we have discovered over time is that many of these initiatives are not sustained, and the same issues continue to emerge across states,’ she said.

Peter Obi, Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has alleged that the President Bola Tinubu-led Federal Government is making every effort to prevent him from contesting the 2027 Presidential election.

Obi made the allegation on Friday while speaking at a leadership programme organised by the NextGen Mentorship and Leadership Initiative at Madonna University, Okija, Anambra State.

According to him, despite mounting pressure and obstacles, he remains determined to participate in the election.

‘If I tell you what I am going through today, I will not be here. People asked me, ‘Are you still going to Madonna?’ And I said, ‘Yes. I’m going there.’ They said with all that is happening in Nigeria, you are still going there, and I said, ‘Yes. I have seen the worst of it.’ Today, the Federal Government of Nigeria is doing everything possible to ensure that I am not a candidate in this election, but I’ll tell you that they won’t win,’ Obi said.

He urged Nigerians, particularly young people, not to be discouraged by challenges.

‘If you live a life where there is no obstacle, then you are not living. Don’t look at the obstacles; the obstacles will always be there. I’m not looking at the obstacles but at the destination. I’m rather focused at the fruitfulness of the destination, and that is what keeps me going,’ he said.

Obi also challenged President Tinubu and other presidential candidates to a public debate on their plans for Nigeria.

‘I challenge any of those contesting to a debate to say what they want to do for this country, including President Bola Tinubu. I’m not saying it to make you happy but to change Nigeria and make it work,’ he said.

The former Anambra State governor maintained that his ambition is driven by a desire to rebuild the country rather than personal interest.

‘I’m not desperate to be Nigerian President, but desperate to see Nigeria work. Go and obtain your PVC. If you don’t vote, you are hurting your future. When you have your PVC, do not vote for me because I’m an Igbo man. I’m not contesting the election because I’m an Igbo man, but vote for me because I’m the most qualified.

‘It is not about Igbo people, but I want a Nigeria where the child of a nobody can become somebody without knowing anybody. We want a country that will work. The greatest beneficiaries of my presidency will be the north,’ Obi added.

Obi also reacted to Friday’s Federal High Court judgement in Lokoja, which nullified an earlier ruling directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register the NDC as a political party.

Justice Isah Dashen held that the earlier judgement was constitutionally defective because it was delivered without hearing all interested parties, rendering the process null and void. The court consequently ordered all parties to return to the status quo pending a fresh determination of the matter.

However, Obi insisted that the ruling would not derail his political ambition.

‘They can not stop me. They will fail. Let me assure you, it is not the end of the road. We are committed to this democracy, and those who want to kill this democracy are trying to hurt society.

‘The reactionary elements in Nigeria, those who are bent on holding Nigeria down, do not want it to work, but I can assure you it would work. I have confidence that I will pull through because the will of the people must prevail,’ Obi added.

On a warm evening in Marburg, Germany, a bakery became a meeting place for cultures, memories, and conversations about what it means to care for one another.

The occasion was the premiere of Bread and Butter, a new international theatre production created by Kininso Creative (UK/Nigeria) in collaboration with Hessisches Landestheater Marburg (HLTM). While the production takes place inside a bustling bakery, its ambitions stretch far beyond flour, ovens, and freshly baked bread.

What unfolds on stage is a playful and visually engaging performance that asks audiences to consider a surprisingly complex question: What does bread mean to us? For some, bread is comfort. For others, survival. For many communities around the world, it has become an increasingly expensive necessity. Bread and Butter uses this everyday staple as a starting point for exploring ideas of belonging, generosity, inequality, and shared humanity.

Unlike traditional dialogue-driven theatre, the production communicates largely through movement, music, visual imagery, and physical storytelling. This allows the work to travel across cultures and languages with remarkable ease.

Children laughed openly at the comic mishaps of the bakery workers, while adults appeared drawn to the deeper social questions quietly embedded beneath the humour.

At the centre of the story are two bakers, Pan and Can, whose world is filled with creativity, routine, and joy. Their bakery functions almost like a small community where people gather, work, and connect. When they discover that visitors to their bakery have been secretly taking food because of hunger, the story shifts from playful entertainment into something more profound.

Rather than focusing on blame or punishment, the production explores the transformative power of empathy. The characters respond not with judgement, but with understanding.

Through this simple choice, Bread and Butter presents an alternative vision of community-one where dignity, opportunity, and compassion are treated as essential ingredients for social wellbeing.

What makes the work particularly compelling is its refusal to preach. Important social themes emerge naturally through action rather than explanation. Audiences are invited to draw their own conclusions while remaining fully engaged by the production’s energy and inventiveness.

The collaboration itself reflects many of the themes explored on stage. Developed through a partnership between Kininso Creative and Hessisches Landestheater Marburg, the production brought together artists and practitioners from Nigeria and Germany in a process of exchange, experimentation, and collective creation.

The creative vision was led by Joshua Alabi, director and concept creator, alongside Carola Unser-Leichtweiß, the artistic director.

The production was coordinated by Angela Peters, producer and project manager, whose leadership supported the complex international collaboration from development through premiere. Dramaturg Cornelius Edlefsen and theatre pedagogue Michael Pietsch contributed significantly to shaping the narrative structure and audience engagement approach, while Sinmiloluwa Oyewale served as musical director and composer, creating the rich sonic landscape that underpins the performance.

Behind the scenes, technical director Blessing Okunlola, technical assistant and content producer Qoyyum Areoye, administrative manager, Chinenye Chukwudi, communications officer, Caleb Ihenyen, digital technology officer Stephen Olugbenga Alabi, logistics manager, Oloyede Aribilola, social media manager, Omosede West-Erhabor and post-production specialist, Zein-Abeedeen Awaiye, played essential roles in ensuring the successful delivery and documentation of the project across multiple countries and institutions.

On stage, the production was brought vividly to life by an ensemble cast comprising: Tobias Neumann, Aliona Marchenko, Christian Keul, Julius Obende, Chioma Enyinnaya, and Sinmiloluwa Oyewale. Together, they created a dynamic world where music, movement, humour, and physical theatre blended seamlessly. Their performances transformed everyday objects and ordinary situations into moments of wonder, inviting audiences to engage with the story both emotionally and imaginatively.

Director Joshua Alabi has spoken previously about how the idea originated from observations of changing food realities in Nigeria, where bread has become increasingly expensive for many households. Yet the production never confines itself to one location or culture. Instead, it broadens the conversation, encouraging audiences to reflect on the inequalities and challenges that exist within their own communities. The universality may explain why the performance resonated so strongly with audiences in Marburg. While the details of daily life differ across countries, questions about access, fairness, community, and care remain remarkably familiar.

The production’s visual language plays a significant role in this success. Tables become landscapes. Kitchen utensils transform into musical instruments. Dough, flour, and simple household objects are used in imaginative ways that continually surprise the audience. There is a sense of wonder throughout the performance that recalls the pleasure of watching people create something meaningful from ordinary materials.

Yet perhaps the most memorable achievement of Bread and Butter is its ability to create connection. In a time when public discourse often emphasises difference, division, and scarcity, the production offers a quieter but equally powerful proposition: that communities are strongest when people share what they have and create opportunities for others to thrive.

As the audience rose to applaud at the end of the premiere, it was clear that the performance had delivered more than entertainment. It had created a space for reflection, conversation, and encounter. Bread and Butter demonstrates that theatre does not need grand spectacle or complicated narratives to address important issues. Sometimes all it takes is a loaf of bread, a few willing collaborators, and a story that reminds us of our shared humanity.

For Kininso and Hessisches Landestheater Marburg, Bread and Butter stands as more than a successful premiere. It demonstrates the potential of international artistic collaboration to create work that is locally rooted yet globally relevant. Through the collective efforts of artists, producers, educators, technicians, administrators, and performers from Nigeria and Germany, the production offers a powerful reminder that meaningful stories can cross borders, languages, and cultures while remaining deeply human. At its heart, the production asks audiences to consider a simple idea: when people choose empathy over exclusion and generosity over indifference, communities flourish. In that sense, Bread and Butter is not only a story about food. It is a story about the values that sustain us all.

Tayo Osiyemi, CEO of SKLD Integrated Services Limited, believes that credibility not capital is the foundation of sustainable business growth. In this interview with KENNETH ATHEKAME, he shares lessons from scaling SKLD into a diversified enterprise, the importance of trust in attracting investors, and why Nigerian businesses must prioritise local production and talent development to remain competitive. Excerpts:

You studied Chemical Engineering but built your career in business strategy and enterprise growth. How did that transition happen?

My transition began when I joined a consulting firm, Nexon Business Services. Consulting exposed me to business strategy, corporate finance, governance, and organizational development. It gave me a front-row seat to how successful businesses are built and funded. That experience fundamentally shaped my understanding of value creation and prepared me for leadership roles in the private sector.

Access to capital remains one of the biggest challenges for Nigerian businesses. What do entrepreneurs often get wrong about fundraising?

Many entrepreneurs think raising capital is about pitching for money. It isn’t. Fundraising is about demonstrating value and speaking the language of investors. Investors want evidence, not promises. They want to see strong records, clear financials, and a credible growth story. Every investment decision is ultimately validated through due diligence.

Where should entrepreneurs look for their first source of capital?

The first investors are usually family, friends, and close associates. They invest because they trust you, not necessarily because they fully understand your business model. If you can build credibility within your immediate circle, it becomes easier to attract institutional investors later. Trust is often the first form of capital.

How important is trust in today’s business environment?

Trust is a critical business asset. It is built through consistency, integrity, and reliability over time. In many large transactions, reputation can be as important as collateral. At SKLD, we successfully raised N7 billion through a commercial paper programme within a week because the market trusted our track record and our commitment to meeting obligations.

Despite being a 25-year-old company, SKLD is often described as having a startup mindset. How do you maintain that culture?

We continuously explore new opportunities across education, ICT, humanitarian services and distribution. A startup mentality means remaining innovative, agile and customer-focused irrespective of the company’s age. Every interaction with a customer is an opportunity to build or lose trust, and we never lose sight of that reality.

What role should industrialists play in shaping Nigeria’s economic future?

There must be constructive engagement between the government and the private sector. Businesses operate within policy environments, and those policies can either stimulate growth or hinder investment. The Dangote Refinery is a good example of how industrial ambition and policy support can combine to strengthen national economic security.

How has SKLD managed Nigeria’s recurring economic shocks, particularly inflation and naira depreciation?

We responded by reducing dependence on imports and increasing local sourcing through backward integration. We also focused on sectors that remain essential regardless of economic conditions, particularly education and humanitarian services. People may postpone discretionary spending during difficult periods, but education and relief interventions remain necessary.

Your career trajectory reflects a deep understanding of business and economic issues. What shaped that perspective?

Consulting played a major role. Beyond that, completing an Executive MBA at Lagos Business School expanded my strategic thinking. I also maintain a disciplined habit of reading newspapers, economic reports and financial data. Business leaders must continuously learn because economic realities are constantly evolving.

SKLD has grown from a relatively small business into a multi-billion-naira enterprise. What lessons have you learned about scaling?

Growth begins with ambitious targets. When I joined the company in 2013, we set a goal of reaching N1 billion in revenue within five years. We achieved it. More recently, we grew revenue from N3.7 billion to nearly N8 billion within a short period. Businesses grow when leaders challenge conventional thinking and create shared ownership of goals across the organisation.

Employers frequently complain about a shortage of skilled workers. What is your assessment of the talent market?

The skills gap is real and significant. Companies must stop assuming they can recruit fully developed talent from the market. Training should be viewed as a strategic investment rather than a cost. Organisations that consistently build talent pipelines are better positioned for sustainable growth and competitiveness.

SKLD has become known for its humanitarian and educational initiatives. Why is social impact important to your strategy?

We see ourselves as a social-impact business. Beyond commercial activities, we support humanitarian interventions across northern Nigeria, including Maiduguri, Yobe and Sokoto. Through partnerships, we have trained more than 5,000 teachers in inquiry-based learning methodologies. Business should create value for shareholders while also contributing meaningfully to society.

SKLD evolved from School Kids Limited to a diversified services company. What informed that rebranding?

The original name reflected where we started, but as the business expanded into new sectors, it became limiting. SKLD now represents a broader vision built around strategic intent, learning, innovation and data-driven operations. The rebranding reflects our evolution from a retail-focused company into an integrated services organisation.

What is your long-term vision for SKLD?

Our goal is to become a $100 million company within the next five years, with operations across Nigeria, other African markets and the United Arab Emirates. We will continue expanding our business units while strengthening our presence in education, corporate solutions, distribution and humanitarian procurement. The ambition is not simply to grow bigger, but to build an institution that creates lasting value across multiple markets.

Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State has fulfilled his promise to provide financial support to 97 inmates granted clemency on Democracy Day, with each beneficiary receiving N100,000 to aid their reintegration into society.

The cash support was presented to the former inmates on Friday at the Kaduna Medium Security Custodial Centre as part of the final phase of the Governor’s June 12 clemency programme. The initiative is aimed at helping the beneficiaries rebuild their lives through legitimate means after regaining their freedom.

The Assistant Controller in charge of the Kaduna Medium Security Custodial Centre, Dalhat Ibrahim, commended Governor Uba Sani for what he described as a thoughtful intervention that would strengthen the correctional service’s efforts at reforming, rehabilitating and reintegrating former inmates.

According to him, the governor’s payment of fines that secured the inmates’ release, coupled with the financial assistance, would encourage them to become law-abiding citizens.

‘By paying the fine of the inmates and giving them financial assistance, this will encourage them to go and do what they are supposed to do. They are now set to be reintegrated into society,’ Ibrahim said.

He advised the freed inmates to invest the money wisely by using it as start-up capital for businesses or other productive ventures that would enable them to begin life afresh.

Speaking during the presentation, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Protocol, Mohammed Suleiman, said the delegation was at the custodial centre to fulfil Governor Uba Sani’s promise made when he exercised his constitutional prerogative of mercy on June 12.

He explained that each of the 97 former inmates received N100,000 to support their transition back into society.

Mohammed also reiterated the governor’s appeal to the beneficiaries to maintain good conduct and avoid any criminal activities that could lead to their return to prison.

One of the beneficiaries, Chuks Solomon from Ebonyi State, expressed gratitude to Governor Uba Sani for granting them a second chance.

‘We thank him for giving us the money because some of us will use it as capital to start a business. We pray that God will continue to bless him,’ he said.

Another beneficiary, Abubakar Umar, speaking in Hausa, described the day as one of the happiest moments of their lives and prayed for God’s blessings upon Governor Uba Sani, Kaduna State and Nigeria.

Governments at all levels have been called upon not to spare any bandits or kidnappers arrested and found guilty of criminal acts in the country.

AbdulRauf Ajiboye-Lagbaji, a renowned Ondo State-based Islamic cleric and founder of At-Tanzil Foundation, who made the call on Saturday in Akure during his lecture at the Ashura Day celebration organised by the Muslim Media Practitioners of Nigeria (MMPN), Ondo State chapter, said reintegrating convicted criminals into society was tantamount to bringing more calamity upon the lives of the people.

According to him, ‘it is time for our government to execute any bandit or kidnapper found guilty because the Qur’an makes it clear that whoever knowingly kills another person should also be put to death.’

Ajiboye-Lagbaji, who specifically urged Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to ensure the timely execution of the convicted criminals who carried out the Owo Church massacre, said: ‘The government needs to enforce the death penalty on those involved in the Owo church attack that occurred four years ago.’

The lecture was themed, ‘Ashura: Navigating Peaceful Pathways Amidst Hostilities: What Are the Practical Relevance in Contemporary Nigeria?’

The guest lecturer said: ‘In Islam, Diya (blood money) for a person killed is equivalent to 100 camels, which is about N200 million per person. Therefore, our religion does not permit the pampering of anyone who kills.

‘So, what justification does the government have for allowing those who commit such atrocities to return to society?

‘The government must not make the mistake of believing that bandits will genuinely repent and spare them. If the government does so, Allah will not spare them in the hereafter.’

The Islamic cleric also appealed to lawyers not to represent or serve as defence counsel for anyone involved in banditry or kidnapping. He further urged the government to review the Constitution so that anyone found guilty of such crimes would face immediate execution.

He also called on Muslim faithful and Nigerians to work tirelessly for peace to reign in the country, stressing that the essence of Ashura is to remain loyal to Allah and maintain good intentions towards others.

The Grand Imam of Akure Kingdom, AbdulHakeem Yayi-Akorede, called on Muslims in the state to become more actively involved in politics to ensure greater recognition and representation in governance.

The cleric urged Muslims to actively participate in politics, saying it would enable them to contribute meaningfully to governance while improving their chances of securing political appointments, leadership positions, and adequate representation in the decision-making process.

The Grand Imam also commended the MMPN for organising the programme, describing it as an avenue for enlightenment and spiritual reflection.

Explaining the significance of Ashura, Yayi-Akorede noted that the day is one of fasting and devotion rather than merrymaking, urging Muslims to observe it with seriousness.

‘Ashura is a significant day that Muslims should remember and observe with prayers, particularly for future generations and the progress of the nation,’ he said.

He added that Nigeria belongs to all its citizens and called on Nigerians to support the government in its efforts to address the country’s challenges.

Leke Adegbite, chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ondo State Council, who also spoke at the event expressed concern over what he described as the marginalisation of Muslims in political appointments in Ondo State.

According to him, despite the significant Muslim population in the state, they remain underrepresented in key government positions.

Adegbite, however, called on Islamic leaders to continue engaging political party leaders on the need to ensure fair representation of Muslims in governance.

Barely three months to hold, the 8th Africa Tourism Leadership Forum (ATLF) and Africa Connects have generated significant interest among African tourism stakeholders. From September 2-4, 2026, industry leaders and innovators will gather at Meropa Casino and Entertainment World in Polokwane City, Limpopo, South Africa for the ATLF and Awards.

The forum presents a distinguished lineup of global thought leaders, ministers, policymakers, and C-suite executives. These leaders will advance intra-Africa travel, promote sustainable growth, and encourage policy innovation.

The event is hosted by the Limpopo Provincial Government through the Limpopo Tourism Agency, in partnership with Africa Tourism Partners (ATP), the AfCFTA Secretariat, and UN Tourism. While attendance is complimentary, space is limited, hence pan-African industry stakeholders are encouraged to register promptly through the ATLF Registration Portal to secure a place.

The forum serves as a marketplace tailored to Africa’s regional dynamics, attracting delegates from across the continent and abroad. Attendees can access business partnerships, masterclasses, local sourcing, investment opportunities, and AfCFTA unified markets. This year’s forum offers several targeted benefits for hospitality and tourism businesses including: Tourism Investment, which will connect project developers with development finance institutions (DFIs), private banks, and international investors; direct business and partnerships that offer access to B2B platforms, exhibitions, and speed-marketing sessions, securing deals with Destination Management Companies (DMCs), tour operators, and Online Travel Agencies (OTAs), as well as boost intra-Africa travel growth by connecting with stakeholders to capitalize on rising demand for intra-continental tourism, and offering opportunities for positioning properties to attract travellers from other African nations.

Other benefits include: Advocacy, which allows for robust engagement with government officials, tourism boards, and policymakers to influence industry regulations and stay ahead of regional travel policies; while Capacity and Innovation will enable stakeholders to explore digital transformation strategies and learn to implement sustainable hospitality practices essential for guest retention.

The stakeholders will also gain from brand recognition, amid visibility by entering the Africa Tourism Leadership Awards, which celebrate top-performing brands and organisations.

Meanwhile, South African Airways and Kenya Airways are the official airline partners for ATLF 2026 and will offer discounted fares to registered international delegates. As space for B2B networking and masterclasses is limited, early registration is strongly recommended. Travel professionals, content creators, hospitality executives, and tourism boards are encouraged to register promptly to secure participation and join industry leaders in shaping the future of Africa’s tourism sector.