U-20 World Cup: Flying Eagles seek redemption against Saudi Arabia

Nigeria’s U20 side, the Flying Eagles, will take on Saudi Arabia in their second match of the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Talca on Thursday night.

After a 1-0 defeat to Norway in their Group F opener, the seven-time African champions are eager to bounce back and keep their hopes of advancing alive.

Despite dominating possession and creating several chances in the match against Norway,

Nigeria was unfortunate not to find the equalizer in the second half. The Flying Eagles were denied two penalty appeals by the referee, leaving them frustrated in what was otherwise a promising performance. A win against Saudi Arabia will boost Nigeria’s chances of progressing to the Round of 16, especially with a tough match against Colombia coming up on Sunday.

Head coach, Aliyu Zubair, remains confident that his team has recovered from the disappointment of the Norway defeat.

His focus now is on ensuring the squad delivers the right result against Saudi Arabia. With all key players available,

Zubair is expected to stick with his preferred 4-3-3 formation, emphasizing attacking play and ball possession.

Side-chick economics: Beyond the numbers – the practical lessons (Part 2)

Infidelity may capture gossip, but the deeper scandal is this: women are being erased from the wealth story. It doesn’t matter if you are a wife, a partner, or a breadwinner. The lesson remains the same: protect yourself.

When I wrote about Side Chick Economics in Part 1, the goal was not sensationalism. I wasn’t positioning myself as the moral police. My lens was, and remains, practical: helping women understand power, secure wealth, and prepare for legacy, whether in the home, the boardroom, or the marketplace.

Because here’s the hard truth no one wants to admit: you can be a wife, a side chick, or even the breadwinner and still lose.

The feedback I received:

The responses were explosive. Women nodded in agreement. Men argued fiercely. Some laughed and called me a troublemaker. A few warned that I might lose business because certain men felt attacked. Others admitted they were sharing the article in their WhatsApp groups.

Several men pushed back with conviction:

‘We have agency. As long as I provide for my family, I can choose how else I spend my money: philanthropy, alternative households, or otherwise.’

‘Some side chicks contribute more than wives, supporting ventures or taking risks wives might avoid.’

‘Why single-sided chicks out? Side chicks are women, too, right? And together with their children, form families. Perhaps not the traditional type, but no less deserving or valid in my opinion. So why is diverted wealth to them considered ‘lost’? Lost how? They are intelligent women, too.’

I don’t dismiss these perspectives. They reveal the complexity of how money moves and who benefits. Some see it as redistribution. Others see it as erosion. Both can be true.

Why this matters

Here’s the sharper lesson: if you don’t know where the wealth comes from and how it flows, you are already a side note in the story of your own family’s legacy.

Too many women are ‘wives’ in title but ‘side chicks’ in practice, shut out of the real financial structures of their own households. Assets are hidden. Wealth is syphoned. Inheritance is decided in secrecy.

And it isn’t only wives at risk. Many women who carry more than their fair share as breadwinners watch men quietly take liberties with the little they do earn, spending it elsewhere, often unaccounted for. This isn’t just unfair. It’s destabilising.

The wider circles of leakage

The leakage doesn’t always stop with a single relationship. Money often flows into extended circles. In some cases, side partners themselves become breadwinners, channeling resources to their own families and funding parents, siblings, or even spouses and children elsewhere.

In other words, secrecy creates hidden economies of obligation, ‘families within families’, syphoning resources away from the very structures meant to secure a family’s future.

And beneath it all lies the trap of complacency. Too many financially dependent women settle for surface comfort: school fees paid, fridge stocked, travel or shopping allowance here and there, without contributing or asking harder questions about where the real assets sit. Comfort isn’t the same as security. Complacency isn’t safe. It’s being quietly written out of the ledger.

The unspoken sacrifice

One story still lingers with me. At a gathering, a man propositioned a woman who would ordinarily have dismissed him. When she resisted, he replied chillingly, ‘Can’t you take a bullet for your family?’

That line captures the unspoken pressure many women live with: to accept indignities, compromises, or side roles in the name of survival. It may feel like a sacrifice. But in truth, it is surrender, and the cost is unbearable.

The Alpha Woman paradox

Even the strongest women are not immune. Some of the so-called ‘alpha women’, successful breadwinners carrying entire households, still find themselves exposed. Why? Because fragile egos often look elsewhere for affirmation. Outsiders feed needs that capable wives no longer indulge.

This is not a justification. It’s a paradox women must confront. Strength without strategy is vulnerability. Power must be paired with protection.

Acknowledging culture

We must also acknowledge the cultural and societal practices that shape these realities. In many African communities, polygamy remains a recognised structure. In others, ‘families accepted as families’ exist outside formal marriage, particularly once children are involved.

This is not about judgement. These practices are woven into our history and, in some contexts, function as accepted social systems. But even here, the lesson is the same: clarity matters. Respect matters. Structures matter. Whether polygamous, blended, or single household, secrecy breeds confusion, while transparency protects posterity. The real victims aren’t just spouses. They are the children and generations left to fight inheritance wars.

Practical lessons

So, what do we take from all this? Whether you are a wife, partner, breadwinner, or even ‘the other woman’, this is not about morality but about power and protection:

1. Ownership matters. If your name isn’t on the title, don’t assume love will protect you. If you’re the breadwinner, don’t assume generosity alone secures you either. Document what you’ve built.

2. Transparency is protection. Asking about money isn’t nagging. It’s leadership.

3. Preparation isn’t paranoia. Death, divorce, and blended households aren’t always hypothetical. They are certainties you must plan for.

4. She-Money is non-negotiable. Keep funds and assets in your own name. Not hidden. Not secret. Just sovereign and safe.

5. Beyond low-hanging fruit. Don’t stop at trading, trips, or consumption. Build assets, equity, and strategy. Sustenance will not save you.

6. Knowledge is leverage. Complacency thrives in ignorance. Financial literacy, wealth circles, and trusted advisers are essential. The more you understand where the money comes from and where it goes, the harder it is for anyone to quietly write you out of the story.

A final word

This conversation is not about deriding wives, side chicks, or anyone else. It is not even about morality. It is about power, clarity, and preparation.

Because at the end of the day, the real scandal isn’t infidelity. The real scandal is when women, whether wives, partners, side chicks, or breadwinners, allow themselves to be written out of the wealth story.

The old days of relying fully on the breadwinner are gone. The new reality demands vigilance, strategy, and unapologetic involvement in financial decision-making.

NAFDAC delists Flagyl, Artemether-Lumefantrine, 99 other drugs from circulation

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) says it has delisted 101 drugs from circulation in Nigeria.

In a statement on Tuesday, the agency said the affected products are no longer permitted for manufacturing, importation, exportation, distribution, advertisement, sale, or use in the country.

NAFDAC explained that some of the products were withdrawn voluntarily at the request of market authorisation holders, while others were suspended or outrightly cancelled by the agency.

A suspension, it said, applies when the conditions under which a registration licence was issued are no longer met, while a cancellation occurs when the agency revokes a product’s licence.

Popular medicines on the list

The delisted products cut across a wide range of medicines and health items – from antimalarials and cough treatments to vaccines, insulin and growth-hormone injectables, diabetes medicines, inhalers, and eye drops.

Some widely used medicines are on the list, including:

Flagyl suspension and tablets, used to treat diarrhoea

Penicillin G Sodium Sandoz, prescribed for bacterial infections

Artemether/Lumefantrine, a frontline antimalarial

Elisca eye drops, used in treating infections

‘This is to inform the general public that the following products are approved for withdrawal, suspension and cancellation by NAFDAC. They are therefore no longer permitted for manufacture, importation, exportation, distribution, advertisement, sale and use within Nigeria,’ the statement reads.

‘Please note that the certificate of registration of a product is said to be withdrawn when the use of the Certificate of Registration of that product is discontinued upon request of the Market Authorization Holder.’

List of affected products

Some of the delisted drugs include:

Abacavir Sulfate/Lamivudine Dispersible Tablets 60mg/30mg – withdrawn voluntarily by Healthline Limited

Amaryl M Tablets – withdrawn voluntarily by Sanofi Aventis Nigeria Ltd

Amaryl M SR Tablets – withdrawn voluntarily by Sanofi Aventis Nigeria Ltd

Aprovasc 150mg/5mg Tablets – withdrawn voluntarily by Sanofi Aventis Nigeria Ltd

Artemether/Lumefantrine 40mg/240mg Tablets – withdrawn voluntarily by Healthline Limited

ASAQ (Artesunate amodiaquine Winthrop) Tablets (various strengths) – withdrawn voluntarily by Sanofi Aventis Nigeria Ltd

Betopic Eye Drops – withdrawn voluntarily by Novartis Nigeria Limited

Coaprovel 300mg/25mg Tablets – withdrawn voluntarily by Sanofi Aventis Nigeria Ltd

Arts can serve as a therapeutic tool – Kofoworola

How do you feel to be named the Cuppy Africa Steinhardt Scholar for a second year in a row?

Honestly, I was shocked, in a good way, though. Being the first recipient last year was already such a huge honour, but winning it again feels like a reminder that the work I’m doing truly matters.

It’s also an encouragement to keep going. For me, this is bigger than an award. It’s about keeping the door open for more Africans who want to explore creative approaches to healing and social impact.

What does this award represent for you personally?

It represents validation of the path I’ve chosen. Drama therapy is not a very common field, especially among Nigerians.

To have my work in this space recognised twice tells me that arts have a rightful place in conversations about health, resilience, and community transformation.

How does it feel to be a trailblazer in drama therapy, being only the second Nigerian to pursue credentialing as a Licensed Drama Therapist in the US?

It feels both exciting and humbling. On one hand, I feel a great sense of pride to be among the very few Nigerians in this field, especially as drama therapy is still emerging globally.

On the other hand, it comes with the responsibility to represent my community well, to pave the way for others, and show that Africans can and should have a place in shaping how creative arts therapies grow worldwide.

I hope my journey helps make this path more visible for future Nigerians who want to combine mental health with the arts.

You’ve often spoken about Arts as a tool for social change. Can you share some examples of your work?

In Nigeria, I directed community theatre projects that addressed societal issues such as gender-based violence and lack of quality education.

Here in the U.S., I’ve worked on performances that talk about gun violence, immigration, and race. The goal has always been the same: to use theatre as a mirror, a voice, and sometimes, a form of healing.

You’ve also had opportunities on the global stage. What stands out for you?

Representing Nigeria at the World Bank Youth Summit in Washington, D.C. was a highlight. I was presenting my research on drama therapy and dementia care at an international medical humanities conference in Qatar. These platforms reminded me that our local stories have global relevance.

What do you envision for the future of your work in Nigeria?

I hope to continue building bridges between Nigeria and the global community in the areas of mental health, creative arts, and social change.

I want my work to inspire conversations about how the arts can serve as a therapeutic tool, not just in Nigeria but worldwide. Whether through collaborations, research, training programs, or advocacy, I aim to spotlight Nigerian voices on international platforms and create opportunities for others to engage with creative arts therapies.

For me, it’s about expanding access and recognition so that more communities, including those in Nigeria, can benefit from the healing potential of the arts.

US government shuts down after Senate deadlock

Much of the federal government has shut down after Republicans and Democrats in the Senate failed to agree on rival funding bills to keep it open.

Republicans blocked a Democratic bill that would have funded the government through October and extended Affordable Care Act subsidies set to expire this year. Democrats, in turn, rejected a Republican-backed House measure to keep funding flat until Nov. 21. Both needed 60 votes but fell short along party lines.

After the failed votes, Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought told agencies to ‘execute their plans for an orderly shutdown.’

Essential services such as Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid and veterans’ benefits will continue, but delays are expected. About 750,000 federal employees may be furloughed daily, according to the Congressional Budget Office.

Trump hints at firings during shutdown

President Donald Trump suggested the shutdown could be used to permanently shrink government.

‘We can do things during the shutdown that are irreversible,’ he told reporters, hinting at mass layoffs. ‘We don’t want to do that, but we don’t want fraud, waste and abuse.’

What’s at stake if the shutdown drags on

Federal workers and active-duty service members may miss paychecks by mid-October.

Air traffic controllers and TSA officers, deemed essential, could work without pay, as in past shutdowns, some may call in sick.

The WIC nutrition program for women and children could run out of money.

National Parks may remain open but unstaffed, as in the last shutdown.

Democrats insist they will not back a spending bill without health care subsidies. ‘Republicans are plunging America into a shutdown . and risking America’s health care,’ Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said.

Republicans accuse Democrats of hostage-taking. ‘Senate Democrats have sacrificed the American people to Democrats’ partisan interests,’ said Senate Majority Leader John Thune.

No clear path forward

Republican leaders say they will keep forcing votes in hopes of drawing more Democrats. Three crossed over on Tuesday to back the GOP bill.

The last shutdown in 2018-2019 lasted 35 days, the longest in US history. With both parties refusing to yield, there is no clarity on how long this one will last.

Governor Abba says the withdrawal of police personnel from Independence Day parade is an affront to national unity

Governor Abba Kabiru Yusuf of Kano State has described the action of the state’s commissioner of police, pulling out of the March Pass ceremony marking Nigeria’s 65th Independence Day, as an indiscretion and an affront to national unity.

Addressing crowds that gathered to mark the country’s 65th Independence anniversary, Sani Abacha Stadium venue of the ceremony, Abba accused the state commissioner, Ibrahim Adamu Bako, of deliberately withdrawing officers from the celebration, a move he said has embarrassed the state.

‘As you can see, on this historic and independent anniversary of Nigeria, he decided to pull out of the parade along with his own personnel.

‘This is for reasons pertinent to him and pertinent to his people. Let me say that Kano State’s Chief Security Officer, on behalf of the government, are not happy with this attitude of the Commissioner of Police.’, Governor Abba said. The governor’s remarks, made at the climax of the ceremony, underscored the fragile relationship between state officials and federal security institutions in Nigeria, where police commissioners report to the federal government rather than to governors, even though governors are constitutionally designated as their states’ ‘chief security officers.’ Abba accused the police of partisanship and warned that their absence risked undermining public trust in law enforcement.

‘Security agencies, in Kano in particular, shouldn’t be involving themselves in partisan politics, which will do no good to all of us in Kano State and in Nigeria, of course,’ he said. ‘I would like to seize this opportunity as a Nigerian, as a Kano citizen, and as the Chief Security Officer of Kano State, to condemn the unethical and partisan attitude of the current Commissioner of Police.

‘Today, every Nigerian is happy to celebrate the independence of this country,’ he said. ‘The good people of Kano are peace-loving people. They have been looking for this day, when we all gather here, to celebrate the independence of our country’, the Governor further stated.

He further described the commissioner’s last-minute decision to withdraw as politically motivated. ‘When our rights are written today in court, yet the Commissioner of Police decided to withdraw at the last minute,’ Mr Yusuf said. ‘This is unethical. This is disloyalty to the Federal Republic of Nigeria.’

In concluding his address, Governor Abba commended other security agencies for attending. He emphasised his displeasure that the police, a central figure in such ceremonies, had absented themselves.

Edo IGR hits N79bn in nine months, adopt TSA to block leakages

The Edo State Internal Revenue Service, (EIRS) said it has generated the sum of N79 billion out of the N100 billion target by the State in 2025 fiscal in the last nine months.

Oladele Bankole-Balogun, the executive chairman of EIRS, disclosed this during a meeting with heads of Ministries, Departments and Agencies, MDAs permanent secretaries, and directors in Benin- City.

Bankole-Balogun, however, warned that leakages by Ministries, Departments and Agencies, MDAs, threaten sustainable growth.

He added that between January and June, 2025, the agency generated N52.6 billion representing a 46 per cent increase over the 2024 generation.

The EIRS who described revenue as the ‘lifeline of development,’ insisted that Edo must position itself as a frontrunner in implementing the new framework.

He also disclosed that the state government would be adopting the Treasury Single Account (TSA) as part of policy reforms to boost revenue generation and block leakages.

‘These results are commendable. Yet, by the standards of the governor, the expectations of Edo people, and the possibilities before us, there is still much more to do. ‘A fundamental tool for achieving this is the Single Treasury Account (TSA), which we have begun to institutionalize.It ensures that all government receipts flow through a transparent,centralized account-eliminating cash handling,reducing leakages, and improving accountability.

‘Going forward,we will insist that all revenue streams be remitted into the IGR account, with proper digital trials and accountability’, he said.

He explained that there was the need to close leakages, comply fully with the Treasury Single Account (TSA), and align with the Nigerian Tax Reform Acts set to take effect Jan. 1, 2026.

He said the meeting was more than administrative, and a clarion call for unity, collaboration, and shared purpose in building the Edo State of our dreams

‘Revenue is not an end in itself; it is a means – a means to better roads, stronger health systems, vibrant education, safe communities, and dignity for all citizens of Edo State. ‘Every MDA must become ‘a revenue-generating asset in its own right’ while ensuring compliance with digital systems and TSA requirements.

While highlighting the opportunities in the 2025 Nigerian Tax Reform Acts, he said it would consolidate multiple tax laws into a unified Nigeria Tax Act (NTA).

He also explained that the reforms expanded the tax net to digital assets and informal commerce, introduced a four per cent development levy, and established new institutions like the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) and a Tax Ombudsman.

‘The new framework simplifies, digitalises, and makes tax administration more predictable.

‘Edo must align internal processes, adopt e-receipting and digital reporting, and leverage our informal and digital economy for sustainable growth,’ he added.

He, however, urged MDAs handling land, urban planning, permits, and business registrations to strengthen compliance under the restructured stamp duty and real estate provisions.

He also called for sustained partnership, with the MDAs stressing that, ‘We do not ask for compliance by fiat, but by reason, trust, systems, and partnership.

‘Think of the untapped potential in land and planning agencies, in building control, in informal trade regulation, in permitting systems, and in new business registration,’ he advised.

‘We invite each of you to own the vision, to embed revenue-conscious thinking in your agencies, and to commit to the discipline that accountability demands.’, stated.

On his party, Jackson Eribo, Executive Director of MDA Services, listed some of the challenges hindering revenue optimisation to include illegal opening of revenue accounts, cash collections against the state’s cashless policy, and partial remittances

Eribo listed other challenges to include fragmentation of systems outside the Edo Revenue Administration System (ERAS), and non-compliance with Tax Clearance Certificate (TCC) requirements.

He noted that the continued violation of the state’s cashless policy through cash collections and partial remittances remains a serious concern.

Tinubu urges Nigerians to embrace tax culture

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on October 1st broadcast, called on citizens to embrace the culture of tax compliance as the nation works toward economic recovery and inclusive growth.

Delivering his address to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary, Tinubu said that while the government is ‘plumbing of the economy,’ citizens must play their part by paying taxes and supporting homegrown enterprise.

‘Let us be a nation of producers, not just consumers. Let us farm our land and build factories to process our produce. Let us patronise ‘Made-in-Nigeria’ goods. I say Nigeria first. Let us pay our taxes,’ the president urged.

The call comes as the administration announced a rise in Nigeria’s tax-to-GDP ratio from below 10 percent to 13.5 percent in just over two years, with a new tax law expected to take effect in January 2026.

According to Tinubu, the law will not increase burdens on existing taxpayers but will expand the tax base and provide relief for low-income earners.

‘The tax law is not about increasing the burden on existing taxpayers but about expanding the base to build the Nigeria we deserve and providing tax relief to low-income earners,’ he said. The president highlighted a series of economic milestones his administration has achieved since May 2023, including N20 trillion in non-oil revenue mobilised by August 2025, a rebound in oil production to 1.68 million barrels per day, and foreign reserves climbing to $42.03 billion, the highest level since 2019.

But he cautioned that Nigeria’s economic transformation would not be sustained without a sense of civic responsibility from its citizens.

‘The accurate measure of our success will not be limited to economic statistics alone, but rather in the food on our families’ tables, the quality of education our children receive, the electricity in our homes, and the security in our communities,’ Tinubu said.

On the 65th anniversary of independence, Tinubu positioned tax compliance as central to the country’s long-term vision of a prosperous and self-reliant Nigeria.

‘With Almighty God on our side, I can assure you that the dawn of a new, prosperous, self-reliant Nigeria is here,’ he concluded.

Cornerstone Insurance takes over annuity business of defunct Niger Insurance

Cornerstone Insurance Plc, one of Nigeria’s leading insurance providers has taken over the annuity business of defunct Niger Insurance Plc, and will continue to pay its customers on the scheme.

Niger Insurance Plc’s operational license was cancelled in June 2022 by the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) and handed over to liquidators following the Company’s insolvency and inability to meet its contractual obligations.

Stephen Alangbo, group managing director/CEO of Cornerstone Insurance Plc made the disclosure while addressing annuitants and stakeholders at the Company’s Annuity Forum held in Abuja.

He noted that Cornerstone Insurance Plc has successfully taken over the annuity payments of former Niger Insurance Plc customers, following regulatory approval. Speaking on the Company’s Annuity Program, Alangbo reassured Nigerian retirees of its unwavering commitment to reliability, transparency, and service excellence.

He emphasized the company’s solid financial standing and its readiness to continue delivering on its promises. He stated, ‘Our annuitants represent the trust our customers continue to place in us, the commitment of our people, and the strength of our vision. We are building a future-ready business, one that remains relevant to individuals, families, and businesses across Nigeria.’

Alangbo also spoke on the implications of the recently signed Nigerian Insurance Industry Reform Act (NIIRA 2025), which requires significant recapitalization across the industry. He assured annuitants that Cornerstone remains financially secure and ahead of the curve:

‘Subject to confirmation from NAICOM, Cornerstone Insurance Plc does not need to raise additional capital under NIIRA 2025. We are solid, we are transparent, and we are fully able to continue paying your claims without interruption.’

Appreciating the presence of retirees, guests, and members of the press, the CEO reiterated the company’s philosophy of keeping promises and putting customers first:

‘At Cornerstone Insurance Plc, we are not like any other insurance company. We are unique. We are transparent. We keep our promises, and your trust is the foundation of everything we do.’

With over three decades of operations, strong subsidiaries in FIN Insurance and Hilal Takaful, and a reputation for integrity and customer focus, Cornerstone Insurance continues to lead with integrity, innovation, empathy, team spirit and professionalism; reassuring Nigerian retirees that their future remains in safe hands.

The event, which featured health checks, entertainment, quizzes, gifts and refreshments, provided a platform for honest conversations on enhancing customer experience and reaffirming Cornerstone’s leadership in the annuity space.

Cornerstone Insurance is licensed and re-certified by the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) to provide both general and life insurance services. As the first insurance company in Nigeria to offer customers an online platform for insurance transactions, its services are driven by cutting-edge technology, making them easily accessible via the internet and mobile platforms.

Ist October: Tinubu urges youths to ‘dream big’

President Bola Tinubu has charged Nigerian youths to dream big, innovate and conquer more territories in their various fields of endeavour

The President, speaking on 1st October, nationwide broadcast to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence Day anniversary, assured the youths of his administration’s support through policies and funding.

‘You must continue to dream big, innovate, and conquer more territories in your various fields of science, technology, sports, and the art and creative sector.

‘Our administration, through policies and funding, will continue to give you wings to fly sky-high’

The President cited the creation of the National Education Loan Fund, NELFUND, saying the initiative is to support students with loans for their educational pursuits.

‘ Approximately 510,000 students across 36 states and the FCT have benefited from this initiative, covering 228 higher institutions. As of September 10, the total loan disbursed was N99.5 billion, while the upkeep allowance stood at N44.7 billion.

The President also revealed that Credicorp, another initiative of the administration, has granted 153,000 Nigerians N30 billion in affordable loans for vehicles, solar energy, home upgrades, digital devices, and more. Speaking on other measures aimed at giving support to young people, the President assured that the ‘YouthCred, which I promised last June, is a reality, with tens of thousands of NYSC members now active beneficiaries of consumer credit for resettlement’

‘Under our Renewed Hope Agenda, we promised to build a Nigeria where every young person, regardless of background, has an equitable opportunity to access a better future-thus, the Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises (iDICE) programme. ‘This initiative is at the cusp of implementation. Over the last two years, we have collaborated with our partners to launch the programme, supporting our young builders and dreamers in the technology and creative sectors.

‘Fellow Nigerians, I have always candidly acknowledged that these reforms have come with some temporary pains.

‘The biting effects of inflation and the rising cost of living remain a significant concern to our government. However, the alternative of allowing our country to descend into economic chaos or bankruptcy was not an option. Our macro-economic progress has proven that our sacrifices have not been in vain. Together, we are laying a new foundation cast in concrete, not on quicksand.

‘The accurate measure of our success will not be limited to economic statistics alone, but rather in the food on our families’ tables, the quality of education our children receive, the electricity in our homes, and the security in our communities. Let me assure you of our administration’s determination to ensure that the resources we have saved and the stability we have built are channelled into these critical areas. Today, the governors at the state level and local government autonomy are yielding more developments.

‘Therefore, on this 65th Anniversary of Our Independence, my message is hope and a call to action. The federal government will continue to do its part to fix the plumbing in our economy. Now, we must all turn on the taps of productivity, innovation, and enterprise, just like the Ministry of Interior has done with our travel passports, by quickening the processing. In this regard, I urge the sub-national entities to join us in nation-building. Let us be a nation of producers, not just consumers.’