Category: Business Day

The solo show will kick-start with a private opening on November 4, 2025, while it opens to the public on November 5, 2025, at SOTO Gallery, Ikoyi, Lagos.

Meanwhile, Demola Ogunajo’s work arises from the collision of the mundane and the mythic, where bumper sticker slogans meet celestial battles. The exhibition delves further into Demola’s signature universe, a vibrant tapestry with the signature irreverence and graphic precision of pop art, where angels share canvas space with Lagos street motifs and other intriguing oddities.

He draws his from Nigeria’s kinetic visual culture: truck decals, barbershop signage, and comic book heroics. His paintings are filled with paradox: playful yet profound, cartoonish yet cosmic, they interrogate themes of transcendence, divine struggle, and the absurdity of modern life through a lexicon of symbols that is both personal and universal.

At the heart of Ogunajo’s practice is a relentless reimagining of identity and belief systems. The

exhibition also traces Ogunajo’s alchemy of the everyday, applying his distinct practice to embark on an exploration of Christ-consciousness, exploring what it means to be open about your faith and delving even deeper by interrogating the tension between two worlds that exist between the richness of traditional heritage as a Yoruba man and the clarity of his Christian belief.

In the presentation, faith is neither hidden nor sanitised; it is presented in all its complexity.

The exhibition is a bold intervention in contemporary art discourse, challenging the secular biases of the art world while refusing to reduce spirituality to dogma.

By fusing Yoruba visual traditions with Christian iconography, he proposes a radical inclusivity in which faith and culture coexist in a dynamic relationship. His work invites viewers to confront the visceral reality of spiritual warfare, the ecstasy of divine connection, and the daily negotiations of belief in a fractured world.

In an era where identity and belief are increasingly politicized, Ogunajo’s paintings offer a transcendent vision: faith as lived experience, tradition as evolving dialogue, and art as a site of fearless testimony. This exhibition not only solidifies his place as a vital voice in African contemporary art but also redefines what it means to engage with the sacred in public space.

The year 2025 has become a catalogue of calamity for Niger State, Nigeria. From devastating tanker-explosions to catastrophic flooding, the incidents have exposed vulnerabilities in infrastructure, emergency response and public behaviour. Survivors’ testimonies, official responses and government actions tell a story of tragedy, yet also one of hope for reforms.

In January, the worst of scenes unfolded at Dikko Junction near Suleja, when a fuel tanker overturned. The tanker, laden with petrol, spilled its contents and locals rushed in to collect the fuel. A tragic ignition followed. The toll was at least 86 lives lost and dozens more injured.

One survivor, a young man who simply gave his name as Musa, recalled: ‘I thought I was coming to pick fuel to help my family – then the flames exploded. I lost two friends.’

In the aftermath, the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) confirmed the mass burial of 80 victims at Dikko, with five taken away by relatives and one dying later in hospital.

Umaru Bago, the state governor, described the incident as ‘worrisome, heartbreaking and unfortunate’ and pledged support for victims.

The incident triggered warnings from the Federal Fire Service about the dangers of tanker drivers’ reckless behaviour and the practice of fuel-scooping from crash sites.

Not long after, in early March, another tanker explosion occurred in Karamin Rami village in Mashegu Local Government Area. The truck overturned, its contents flowed into a stream where farmers were working and then caught fire; seven lives were lost and one injured.

Farmers who were near the leak described how flames ran through the farmland and burned vegetation and equipment.

Flooding added a very different strain to the state. In May, heavy rains wrought havoc in Mokwa Local Government Area. NSEMA reported that at least 151 corpses were recovered, 3,018 persons displaced, 503 households and 265 homes affected, multiple roads and two bridges washed away.

In June, further figures updated the toll: as many as 206 lives, 458 homes destroyed, 180 hectares of farmland submerged, and some 9,560 residents in urgent need of relief.

One elderly flood-victim, whose home collapsed in Tiffin Maza area, said: ‘The water came in the night, we woke to our roof gone and our children swept away. I have nothing now.’

Governor Bago personally visited the temporary IDPs camp at Tiffin Madza Primary School, announced a relief package of ?1 billion and 50 trucks of assorted grains for flood victims, and awarded a ?7 billion road-and-bridge project along the Mokwa-Raba corridor. He also urged residents not to build on waterways and committed to resettlement of affected families.

Reflecting on the response, NSEMA had mobilised teams, set up rapid assessment and launched flood-awareness campaigns across emirates of the state.

Meanwhile, the latest one was in October where a fuel tanker disaster struck. Around October, 21 along the Bida-Agaie Road between Essa and Badeggi communities in Katcha LGA, a fuel-laden tanker overturned and residents rushed to collect the spill. A massive explosion followed, killing at least 40 people and injuring around 50.

Emergency services described the scene as horrific: victims found burnt beyond recognition, melted asphalt, collapsed electric poles and contamination of soil and water.

Addullahi Baba Arah, the Director-General of the Niger State Emergency Management Authority confirmed the latest casualty figure, stating the death toll had risen to 42 while 52 people sustained various degrees of injuries.

‘As at the last count, the total number of dead stands at 42, and the number of injured persons is 52,’ Arah said in an interview on ARISE News.

He explained that the explosion occurred after villagers attempted to scoop fuel from a fallen tanker.

‘The tanker fell due to the bad state of the road, after which villagers trooped to the scene to scoop fuel, triggering a devastating fire outbreak,’ he said.

Earlier, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), shared on X on Wednesday. that 39 people had died and over 60 sustained severe burns during the incident.

‘The explosion claimed 39 lives and left over 60 persons with severe burns, including men, women, and children.

‘The victims were reportedly among those attempting to scoop fuel from a fallen tanker when the explosion occurred,’ NEMA said.

It added that rescue efforts involved multiple agencies working together to evacuate victims for treatment.

‘NEMA’s team, working alongside NSEMA, the Police, NSCDC, FRSC, DSS, local vigilantes, and community volunteers, successfully evacuated the injured victims to nearby health facilities, including the Essan Primary Health Centre, Idris Private Hospital, and the Federal Medical Centre, Bida, for emergency treatment,’ the agency stated.

While commiserating with the victims and families affected, Zubaida Umar Abubakar, the NEMA Director General, warned members of the public to desist from scooping fuel from accident tankers, stressing that such acts have repeatedly led to avoidable loss of lives.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, expressed sadness over the latest tragedy, lamenting that despite sustained sensitisation, citizens still risk their lives to scoop fuel.

‘The incident is saddening because, despite sustained public sensitisation and repeated warnings about the dangers of scooping fuel from fallen tankers, some citizens still take such life-threatening risks,’ the minister said.

Across these disasters, a clear pattern emerges: heavily trafficked highways carrying fuel and other flammables; weak road infrastructure; risky behaviour by communities drawn to spilled product; and a reactive rather than preventive emergency-system. NSEMA has repeatedly warned of late reporting and weak local fire-fighting capacity.

In response, the Governor has ordered the state’s Ministry of Transport and Works to fast-track rehabilitation of the disaster-prone Bida-Agaie-Lapai road, and called for a public-education campaign to discourage fuel-scooping. He also pledged support to victims’ families and victims with medical treatment, though NGOs say many injured remain under-treated.

NSEMA, under Abdullahi Baba-Arah, it’s director-general has always appeal to the federal government, local governments and communities to collaborate on early-warning systems, road-safety protocols and emergency-service capacity.

The agency’s recent flood-awareness drive included the entire eight emirate councils of Niger State, signalling an attempt to shift from reactive to preventive posture.

Yet, the scale of destruction is still overwhelming. For the flood in Mokwa, entire communities were uprooted; for the tanker blasts, dozens, sometimes hundreds, of lives erased in minutes.

It is of note that the drivers of disasters in Niger State are structural: poor road networks repeatedly cause heavy-vehicle accidents, while high fuel prices have driven people to take extreme risks at crash sites. On the flood front, climate change, deforestation, and inadequate drainage systems exacerbate the impact.

The human toll is mirrored by economic loss: destroyed homes, farmland, shops, livestock, abandoned roads, and a growing burden on public and private resources. The cost of reconstruction, relief, and trauma-care will test both state and federal capacities.

In statement after statement, Governor Bago and NSEMA officials reiterated the need for collective responsibility: ‘Residents must obey safety warnings; government must provide safer roads and stronger response; communities must respect building codes.’ As the governor said during his Mokwa site-visit, ‘Allah has destined everything, and He will comfort the people during this difficult time.’

As the calendar advances into the second half of 2025, the question for Niger State is clear: will the lessons of January, March, May and October become catalysts for reform – or will the next headline be yet another preventable tragedy? The government’s response so far shows intent, but intent must give way to tangible outcomes – safer roads, functional fire services, disciplined fuel-transport, and flood-resilient communities.

The cost of renting in Lagos is now enough to make anyone shed tears. You will ask yourself who on earth is earning enough to pay N10 to N40 million per year for accommodation.

This is what a 2 to 4-bedroom accommodation goes for on the Island or even in Ikeja. It is scary to think that if you are not earning upwards of 15 million a year, you cannot rent a place in a ‘good’ location in Lagos. What does one do if one had previously been staying in these areas at a quarter of that rent two years ago? I came across a young IT entrepreneur, who has been staying in a 3-bedroom flat in Chevron for 5 years at N3million per year. His rent was recently increased to N10million without much warning. It was a case of take it or leave it, so he came up with an ingenious idea.

He decided to rent out his spare bedroom and his BQ, to offset his rent. He feels that in order to stay where he wants and is used to, necessity is the mother of invention.

A lot of people are migrating further inland to areas like Abijo, Mowe and Ofada, to cheaper estates that were not previously known, in order to afford the criminally high increases in rent and service charges. Despite the hike in rent and sales, more and more estates are being developed on the Island to meet the increasing housing needs. When and where will all this end, though? Attempts have been made by this administration and previous ones to regulate the sale and rental market, but this has failed woefully at every attempt. Landlords feel that the government cannot dictate to them how they should rent out their properties as construction prices for materials and labour have equally sky rocketed. Service charges on some estates are commanding the same amount as previous rental amounts.

Young graduates and professionals do not have a chance of renting in these areas without the bank of mum and dad or some deep pocket sponsor.

It is safe to say that our property market is evolving rapidly and needs government intervention and strict penalties for breaches.

It is with a great sense of loss that we received the news of the passing of our revered and much cherished premier, Chairman of the Advisory Board of Leading Edge Consultancy Services Limited (Leading Edge Consulting), Dr Christopher Kolade, CON. Even though Dr Kolade passed on at the ripe age of 92 years, it struck like a thunderbolt as I was out of town. Given the strength of social media, I could not be in denial for too long. I had to brace up and sought confirmation from his family.

A quintessential gentleman, Dr Kolade was a national treasure; a legend who packed many lifetimes in one. He was distinct in his simplicity, spartan discipline, and unique ways in which he positively influenced the lives of generations of Nigerians. He was simply but greatly revered as his conduct spelt precision, reliability, and accountability. He was always alert and had great clarity of thought that did not leave room for doubt in terms of expectations.

I first knew Dr Kolade by reputation, as he was quite visible across varied spheres in Nigeria. He was a past President of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management, Nigerian Institute of Management, Managing Director and Chairman of Cadbury, as well as the Director-General of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria. Having established Leading Edge Consulting in the late nineties, Prof Pat Utomi, easily one of the most altruistic persons I have met in my life, formally introduced me to Dr Kolade during their early days as founding Faculty Members of the Lagos Business School. Dr Kolade taught Leadership, Human Resources Management, and Governance. I assisted him in his Human Resources offerings, particularly introducing the psychometrics aspects, which were highly received by his students and got him enthralled. This development led to my introduction to Corporate Governance, both in theory and in practice. Subsequently, we had the privilege and honour of his serving as the Chairman of the Leading Edge Consulting Advisory Board. We at the firm were quite privileged to have experienced firsthand his role modelling, mentoring, and words of wisdom at various times. Words can never be enough to express our gratitude and indebtedness to him.

‘We mourn the passing of a legend and a great leader indeed. Nigeria has lost not just one of its finest but one of its finest of all time.’

Dr Kolade is a force for good. By divine providence, he readily served as a positive change agent at difficult points in my life’s journey. He was unrelenting in lending his support to any cause that elevates humanity. Long before gender diversity, equity, and inclusiveness became the ‘hype’ words, Dr Kolade advanced the cause for women to occupy posts they were qualified for in society. When I was drawn to Soroptimist International, a global volunteer organisation that transforms the lives and status of women (by promoting the sincerity of friendship, the joy of achievement, the dignity of service, the integrity of profession, and the love of country), he readily chaired my investiture as the President of Soroptimist International of Surulere. Dr Kolade’s imprimatur in my life is undeniable. He also served as the Chairman of the fourth Biennial Public Lecture of the Goddy Jidenma Foundation, a thought-leadership Foundation which I founded in memory of my husband.

But beyond these personal testimonials, Dr Kolade was a national icon who gave his all for the betterment of society. He was more than exemplary. His level of discipline is a rarity in our society. Whilst at the Lagos Business School, the simplicity with which he approached his work lent credence to it. Anything Dr Kolade was associated with had a stamp of credibility. He later served as the Pro-Chancellor of Pan Atlantic University. Dr Kolade was simply at the service of humanity. In my opinion, he personified the tenets of ‘Opus Dei’/’Work for God’. He indeed worked for God wherever he found himself. He was a sanitiser of sorts. For instance, as the Nigerian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, he made remarkable reforms in terms of ethical leadership. His imprints as an Ambassador and those of his wife, Mrs Beatrice Kolade, were there for all to experience. He brought great respectability and pride to bear in any position he occupied.

We mourn the passing of a legend and a great leader indeed. Nigeria has lost not just one of its finest but one of its finest of all time. We celebrate his legacies not cast in built and preserved monuments but in the hearts and minds of the numerous men and women he has touched across the globe.

We pray for the family he left behind. His family has been very gracious in their sacrificial sharing of their prized asset with our nation. The Christopher Kolade Foundation, which he founded during the latter part of his life, is a testimony to his commitment to education, particularly to the underprivileged and the ‘girl child’. At the Chartered Institute of Directors, CIoD, where he is a highly revered Elder and Distinguished Fellow, his pioneering contributions stand in bold relief, as also his services as a Past President of the Society for Corporate Governance. His contributions to the church as a Lay Canon are also unforgettable. We celebrate the life and times of a beacon of light.

Dr Kolade came, saw, and conquered. He has fought the good fight with all his might. A crown now awaits him.

Education in Enugu State is undergoing what is, clearly, a renaissance buoyed by the new Smart Green Schools initiative of the Peter Mbah administration, which cuts across both urban and rural communities.

The initiative is a revolution of sorts in the state’s education sector, transitioning teaching and learning from the traditional to a more contemporary and technology-driven system of education. It is not only visionary and transformative, but also indicative of a government’s capacity to think beyond today.

This initiative is also anchored on the state’s slogan-Tomorrow is Here-which implies, among other things, that the future of the state and its people is no longer far, or that the various strides of the state government are a testament or the substance of things hoped for. Most appropriately, ‘Tomorrow is Here,’ is not just a catchphrase, but a covenant with the future; it is the recognition that the sovereignty of the state, Nigeria, and indeed Africa, will be determined by the strength of the young people – their ability to think critically, innovate, and act with integrity.

On the strength of the above, the initiative periscopes the future of both the boy and girl child in a fast-paced digitized world, where education is shifting away from memorization. It comes with ‘unintended consequences’ that are adding more value and making more sense to the original intention.

Though the implementation of the initiative is not uniform, as the urban areas are ahead of the rural areas in terms of take-off time, its social and economic impact is neither lost nor denied in both areas.

Creating the needed infrastructural facilities for this initiative has turned many rural communities in the state into huge construction sites. Visiting some of these sites a few days ago was an exciting moment for this reporter.

It is really exciting how the construction of classroom blocks and sundry buildings is changing rural landscapes and creating jobs for the locals, who work at the project sites as bricklayers, carpenters, iron fitters, and labourers, assisting skilled workers to mix cement or carry blocks.

Unlike the urban areas where some of these facilities have been provided and schools have taken off, buildings at the project sites visited, including Umuogbo, Umuida and Ikpamodo, all in Igbo Eze North Local Government Area of the state, are at various stages of completion.

At Umuogbo Ekposhi where the school is located adjacent to Model Comprehensive College, Ekposhi, one of the workers, ostensibly an engineer, told this reporter that the workers cumulatively earn substantial income, explaining that daily pay for the workers ranges from N4,000 to N10,000, depending on the level or type of skills.

‘All of us who work here are happy with the government on this initiative, not just because of the income we earn, but also for the hope and promise of a better tomorrow that it holds for our children. Again, the buildings are changing this environment. By the time they are completed according to specifications, this place will be a beauty to behold,’ the worker, who did not disclose his name, said.

At the time of the visit, over 15 construction workers were on ground, and it was learned that some of them were absent from work that particular day for various reasons, including bereavement.

At Umuida, where the school is also located near the Community Secondary School, it was observed that many of the buildings were at roofing level, which is different from the situation at Ikpamodo, where majority of the buildings were at lintel levels. Both sites were also brimming with workers who worked excitedly, not only because of the income they earned, but also because of the prospects and opportunities such an initiative brings to a community and its people.

‘Many of our people are going to work here as teachers; some will work as security men, cleaners, office assistants, and even food vendors will be allowed to sell and make money here,’ Ifeanyi Idoko, a retired school teacher, said, adding, ‘truly, we can see tomorrow today.’

The ongoing construction and the structures typify the vision of the Mbah administration, which involves shifting from old school structures and learning by memorisation to world-class infrastructure and experiential learning. Each school building is designed as a complete ecosystem for learning, meaning that a child who is produced from the school will be a ‘total man.’

As an initiative, the Smart Green Schools aims to revolutionize education by integrating sustainability, technology, and innovation into modern learning environments. It focuses on creating eco-friendly, tech-enabled schools that foster creativity, digital literacy, and environmental consciousness among students.

Governor Mbah said at the launch of the smart schools that the initiative is very close to his heart. ‘This project is very close to my heart; it represents the most personal and transformative project of my leadership.

The schools are not just schools, but also my promise of a new society, and my covenant with the Enugu child. In that child, ‘Tomorrow Is Here’ finds its truest form,’ he explained.

By way of definition of terms, ‘Smart’ means integrating technology, critical thinking, and problem-solving into every subject. Each has about 25 digitally-connected modern classrooms, ICT centres, robotics and AI labs, e-libraries, and spaces for experiential learning.

The schools are said to be ‘green’ because they have renewable energy sources and smart farms where children plant, grow, and harvest, learning agriculture not as theory, but as practice.

The governor sees the schools as a new epoch in the history of the state and the life of the state’s children. It is his signature initiative, which entails moving the existing primary and junior secondary schools to smart green schools. In the opinion of the governor, the world-class infrastructure and experiential learning designed for the smart schools are imperative to equip Enugu children with knowledge and skills to compete in the global economy. With that, the state is no longer one waiting to be served, but one shaping the future on its own terms.

‘Africa today is the youngest continent in the world. More than 60 percent of our people are under the age of 25. By 2050, our population will reach 2.5 billion, and one in every three young people on earth will be an African. This is a stark reminder that our future will be built by young hands.

This is not just a statistic; it is an order. It means that the destiny of African nations rests on what we nurture in the minds and hearts of our children. If we raise them well and leave opportunity for them, when they inherit tomorrow, when they own it, they will shape it and defend it. If we fail them, no amount of slogans will save us,’ he stated.

More militant and activist groups have stepped out to reject violence or pipeline vandalism, now opting for negotiation and engagement.

This is as one of the groups has put forward what they say would eliminate violence and introduce prosperity in the oil region.

The ijaw group recently denounced militancy saying they have embraced peace and engagement.

Next, another group came up in the week to endorse negotiation over pipeline vandalism. By this, most observers say the era of pipeline vandalism may soon be over in the oil region as reason seems to prevail against vandalism.

An activist group says the people must move away from vandalism and fighting to negotiation, saying the new approach has fetched much to the Niger Delta.

Addressing what the group called ‘world press conference’ in Port Harcourt Wednesday, October 22, 2025, the Niger Delta Progressives Alliance (NDPA) led as president-general by Nse Victor Udoh, called for a new thinking that would fetch more for the region.

Udoh called on the major pipeline protection companies to close ranks in collaboration rather than competition.

He affirmed that his group and the progressives in the alliance have no interest in destroying pipelines. ‘We are negotiators, not fighters. Fighters run away but negotiators put forward their points and keep talking till they win. The Niger Delta has won a lot of things this way, though we are still pressing.’ Cross section of NDPA members supporting the move for peace and negotiation

He appealed to all groups in the region to note that advocacy must have a shift, saying pipeline surveillance must have a focus. ‘We must develop our perspective to pipeline surveillance in the region. We thus call for collaboration, not competition between the pipeline protection firms.

‘We also want to see that the money meant for pipeline surveillance is building the communities through long-lasting projects and programmes such as scholarships to produce graduates, experts, skilled workers, etc.’

Besides, Udoh said, surveillance should not be a burden but benefit to the communities. The NDPA tabled a proposal; what he called an engagement system for empowerment of the populace of the host communities to avoid creating dependency syndrome in the communities usually caused by handing ceremonial tokens instead of solid programmes such as scholarships, skills, career support, etc.

The group also tabled what the president-general called ‘best surveillance approach’. He said: ‘Best surveillance is community-based vigilance.’

He commended the Pipeline Infrastructure Limited (PINL) which oversees Rivers, Bayelsa, Imo, and Abia states known as the Eastern Corridor, saying they have a good template especially with their 646 scholarship offers so far in 215 communities.

‘PINL approved 646 scholarships for youths across 215 host-communities along the Trans-Niger Pipeline corridor in Rivers, Bayelsa, Imo and Abia states.

For each of those 215 communities, PINL committed to three scholarship slots per community, ‘ Udoh said.

Udoh said: ‘We thus challenge Tantita group to adopt this template which has public reporting approach often done at stakeholders’ forums every often.

‘There must be sustainability mechanism in what is given to communities so that those who get touched do not remain dependent every other circle but the process should bring new needy persons who will cross over to prosperity or sustainability after the touch. We say ‘no’ to repeating or recycling list of beneficiaries.’

He said what the region needs is creating layers of empowerment for prosperity in the Niger Delta. ‘You must turn surveillance project to investment, not cost.’ Reacting to questions, Udoh said it is right to say they were asking for too much from the pipeline protection firms or that they were mistaking the roles of the firms by asking them to do what oil companies were meant to do through the PIA’s HCDT.

He said: ‘The protection firms are not business people drilling oil and making profit. Their fund and mandate are to focus on communities to end pipeline attacks and vandalism.’

PINL holds monthly stakeholders’ meetings to harvest inputs of host communities in its operational areas and review their engagement approaches. This has received wide commendations across communities and states.

Now, groups are calling on others especially Tantita to emulate the PINL template. NDPA at the media conference in Port Harcourt said the engagement by PINL has created community ownership of the projects.

The summit system by PINL and the widespread calls by groups for Tantita to follow suit seems to touch hearts because Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL) held a ‘Community Critical Stakeholders’ Appreciation Ceremony’ in Warri on Friday, October 17, 2025, at the KFT Event Centre. The event brought together dignitaries and community leaders to acknowledge their cooperation in fighting pipeline vandalism and oil theft in the Niger Delta.

The NDPA lauded Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL), the surveillance firm responsible for protection of oil and gas facilities in the Eastern Corridor of the Trans Niger Pipeline (TNP) for always engaging host communities in its operations.

PINL holds monthly stakeholders’ meeting to harvest inputs of host communities in its operational areas of Rivers, Abia, Imo and Bayelsa States, and this seems to win over violent activists.

Udoh said: ‘After an assessment of the surveillance contract, NDPA came to the conclusion that PINL should be commended on it’s efforts at regular community engagement while Tantita has to begin to do so in Warri where it covers’.

The group emphasized that the surveillance contract should encourage healthy competition amongst the contractors and not attempt at the companies running each other down.

‘NDPA publicly recognizes Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited for practices that aligned with this model of community engagement and empowerment. Public reporting shows and we have seen in our region that this same approach has been associated with improved security outcomes. PINL has moved with conviction.

The group added that PINL has formed strategic partnerships with the Office of the National Security Adviser to establish investigative and prosecutorial facilities, reinforcing both community-safety and infrastructure-protection.

On community engagement forums, NDPA stated that PINL convenes host-community stakeholders monthly to review operations, to solicit local input, and to align surveillance efforts with local well-being.

While commending the company, the group urged them to scale up, make their monitoring and community investment visible, accountable and replicable, saying ‘Your strategy is a template for how sustained empowerment can happen in the Niger Delta’.

NDPA on the other hand, challenged Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited to marry its operations with community development.

‘NDPA addresses Tantita with respect and clarity. The region needs your operational competence married to a demonstrable, public commitment to community empowerment’.

Specifically, NDPA urged Tantita to; ‘Institute consistent, monthly community engagement sessions in Warri and surrounding host communities, with published minutes and clear action items.

‘Publicly publish a short, independently verifiable plan within 30 days that mirrors the core components of the model described here: local employment targets, scholarship commitments, and community amenity projects.

‘Enter active collaboration with peer surveillance operators and with recognised community groups to exchange best practices rather than adopt a purely competitive posture’.

The group noted that with the scale of job being handled by Tantita, its operations can effect meaningful changes in the region if it chooses to align its operational footprint with structured community investment, adding; ‘We encourage Tantita to make its community commitments transparent and to seek collaborative arrangements where other firms have demonstrated effective interventions’.

Cairo, Egypt || The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank)’s shareholders has set an ambitious target to grow the balance sheet of the bank to $250 billion within 10 years.

George Elombi, president of Afreximbank said this in his inaugural speech in Cairo, Egypt, reaffirming his faith in Africa’s ability to achieve the goal.

He said, ‘When we consulted with leaders, including President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi of Egypt, who is both a staunch supporter and a major shareholder, he challenged us to aim for $350 billion,’ Elombi said. ‘That challenge is not about numbers; it is a call for greater impact.’

‘Only a strong, well-capitalised institution can make the scale of investments required to transform Africa’s trade and development landscape,’ he said. ‘As we invest in export processing zones, we will face critics who misunderstand our mission. Ignore them. Unless we process, nothing will change. To do that, Africa must have a strong financial institution. You have built one, and we will make it stronger,’ he said. He outlined his strategic priorities for the next five to ten years. The first, he said, is to promote value addition and strategic minerals processing. ‘We will no longer finance the export of Africa’s raw wealth,’ he declared. ‘No more raw Nigerian bauxite, no more raw Cameroonian or South African manganese. We will focus on domestic processing.’ He emphasised that processing minerals locally would create jobs, boost foreign exchange earnings, and stimulate infrastructure development. ‘We will establish a strategic minerals development program to finance entire value chains from extraction to refining and manufacturing finished goods,’ he said, pledging to collaborate with the African Finance Corporation and the Trade and Development Bank in Nairobi to achieve this. The second focus, he said, is to deepen intra-African trade and regional integration. ‘Our value addition agenda will succeed only if we secure markets for the goods we produce,’ he explained. He pledged to work with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat to dismantle trade barriers and foster the free movement of goods, services, capital, and people across Africa. In a pointed message to governments, he said, ‘Fear not your own people. Africans fear African people more than they fear foreigners. Open your borders. Your people will do you no harm.’

Elombi’s third priority is to develop trade-enabling infrastructure. ‘We cannot have trade without infrastructure,’ he said, emphasising the need for investments in roads, railways, ports, pipelines, energy, and logistics hubs. He announced plans to create a shared, integrated infrastructure ecosystem for trade, leveraging existing assets across borders to reduce costs and boost connectivity. He also underscored the importance of embracing digital and technological innovation. ‘Africa must not be left behind,’ he said, pledging investments in digital infrastructure, e-commerce platforms, payment systems, artificial intelligence, and machine learning. He hinted at exploring ‘a Pan-African digital currency’ and called for mobilising global African capital to finance development.

Elombi stressed that mobilising global African resources and capital, whether held by diasporans, sovereign wealth funds, or private African businesses was essential for development. ‘This is not just about finance; it is about ownership. It is about redefining the narrative of African development. It is time for Africa’s wealth, wherever it resides, to work for our own future,’ he said. Turning to the legacy of Afreximbank, Elombi said the institution, created 32 years ago, had achieved remarkable growth. ‘In just the last 10 years, total assets and guarantees grew more than eightfold to $43.5 billion,’ he stated. Total revenues, he said, rose sevenfold to $3.2 billion, while net income reached $1 billion at the end of 2024, representing a 700 percent increase over a decade. The bank’s total capital rose from $1 billion in 2015 to $7.5 billion in 2024, with callable capital increasing from $450 million to $4.5 billion. He also highlighted the creation of subsidiaries such as the Fund for Export Development in Africa, based in Rwanda, and others, which he said are becoming additional sources of revenue. Contrary to some critics, he argued, these subsidiaries are ‘not wasting funds’ but rather ‘building the capital base needed for larger interventions.’

Elombi reaffirmed his commitment to preserve and deepen these achievements. ‘Our mission is to transform the structure of African trade,’ he said. ‘Africa’s trade remains too dependent on commodity exports, and that must change. We must process, we must produce. Unless we produce, we will not trade among ourselves, and trade itself is not the end, it is the means to develop.’

The greatest benefit of a democracy is the freedom it guarantees the citizens. The freedom of speech, of association, of holding a different view, among others.

But these classes of freedom appear curtailed by the high level of intolerance by the government. The government appears fearful each time citizens want to protest against unpopular policies and high-handedness.

Nigerians are not in any way new to protests because over the years there have been several protests against unfriendly government policies that date back to the pre-independence era. However, the clampdown which used to be synonymous with the military has become a past-time of the government nowadays.

For instance, on May 15, 1994, the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), a pro-democracy group, was launched as fallout of the annulled June 12, 1993 presidential election. NADECO was populated by prominent Nigerians including the current President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu – with a primary purpose of returning Nigeria to democracy.

Similarly, in 2012, Nigerians occupied Ojota, Lagos in a protest tagged, ‘Occupy Nigeria’ and popularly referred to as the ‘Ojota Protest.’ Occupy Nigeria was a socio-political protest movement that began on Monday, January 2, 2012 in response to the fuel subsidy removal by the Federal Government under President Goodluck Jonathan on Sunday, January 1, 2012. The protest ran for many days, paralyzing socio-economic activities.

Also fresh in the minds of many Nigerians, especially the ‘GenZs’ was the #EndSARS protest of October 20, 2020, a decentralised social movement and series of mass protests against police brutality in Nigeria.

However, since the Tinubu administration came into power on May 29, 2023, series of protests have been organised by some Nigerians; notable among them was the ‘#EndBadGovernanceInNigeria’ protest held between August 1 and 10, 2024.

The protest that was also tagged ‘hardship/hunger protest’ by the organisers indicated that Nigerians were struggling to cope with the rising cost of living crisis, especially since the double-edged economic reforms of fuel subsidy removal and floating of the Naira by the government took effect on May 29, 2023.

On all occasions, protesters have been met with the high security presence of the police, the Army and personnel of other security agencies in a war-like fashion, suggestive of a degenerating intolerance dissenting voices by the government.

‘In any democratically elected government, there should usually be the majority that will have their way and a minority which should have their say. So, silencing or crushing the voice of opposition is anti-democratic,’ Sanmi Johnson Ibidapo, psychologist, told BusinessDaySunday that the beauty of any democracy was in having different opinions, and dissenting voices.

Ibidapo said that it was against the principle of fairness and justice to slap a child and still stop him from crying.

‘So, if the policies of the government do not align with what people expect, people should have the opportunity to voice out their opinions; that, the constitution allows.’

Ibidapo, who is the coordinator of the Caleb University counseling and development clinic, added that silencing dissenting voices or crushing opposition voices in a democracy can trigger aggressive response especially when it becomes a public issue.

‘Again, our leaders especially in Africa need to be very sensitive to the yearnings of the people, especially with reports of coups in some countries in recent times. It’s not a criminal offence to speak against government policies or to have a position that doesn’t align with the government of the day. This is a part of the uniqueness of democracy,’ said Ibidapo.

According to him, the theory of frustration-aggression in psychology could be activated when the government continually prevents citizens from airing their views in a democracy.

‘That’s the psychology of mass action. Sadly, this is not good for our nation because the enemies of the State can leverage on this to ferment trouble.’

Ibidapo said that when people are pushed to the wall, by depriving them from achieving their goals, they respond with violent aggression.

‘It is inviting anarchy if people fail to raise their voice in a democracy. The definition of democracy is defeated if people can’t talk freely in a democracy,’ Chukwudinma Okoji, a communication expert, told BusinessDaySunday.

According to him, Nigerians might have to weigh their voting patterns in future elections to favour candidates with proven democratic track records. ‘Since freedom of speech and expression is being crushed from left, right and centre, the only option left is for people to vote those who they think will be a better representation any time an election comes.’

However, Moses Lawal, a Lagos-based public commentator, said that Nigeria’s democracy has ‘matured’ beyond the stage of any government being capable of crushing dissenting voices. ‘We must not forget that the judiciary as an independent arm of government is the go-to place for any individual or group that is perceived as being at the receiving end of acts of suppression.’

Lawal is of the view that the media have been taking the government to task on some of the issues raised by protesters and believe the country could only get better with structured ‘check and balance’ in governance.

‘Besides, we equally have a strong and vibrant media as the 4th Estate of the Realm. Summarily, ‘suppression’ as a perception is best left to the judiciary to validate or invalidate. Any other alternative route for expression/interpretation might either be uncivil or lead to anarchy.’

Oshiomhole turns the heat on colleagues

In what seemed a moment of repentance, Adams Oshiomhole, a senator representing Edo North Senatorial District, last Wednesday on the floor of the upper chamber, pleaded with his fellow politicians and lawmakers to stop using the unemployed to disrupt elections.

He also urged Nigerians to be cautious of hackers in dealing with technology in elections.

‘I don’t know if Mr. President will remember. I’m not sure I’m entitled to call the President as a witness, but just to draw your attention to what I said when we were both governors, first, the issue we must work hard to eliminate in our electoral process is violence. We can’t have an election that seems to be a war where young men and not so young, carry AK-47 either to chase away opponents or even to chase away the young men and women who are presiding over election or to take over coalition centers

‘On that occasion as a sitting governor, I believe Governor Dickson was also at that meeting, I remember when I finished, I said, AK-47 is not like buying akara on the street [only big men can buy them]. I remember the former governor Amaechi asking me whether I was accusing the governors.

‘I think I said something close to ‘yes’ because if you ask the security agencies, they will tell you that after every election, violent crimes increase because the politicians who procured weapons for children who are hungry and pay them a little fee, once the election is over, they are not able to retrieve the weapons, and the weapon are then deployed by these people for violence.

‘You can see a strong correlation between the level of criminality, robbery, etc, immediately after the election, because these people have been abandoned since the results have been given, somebody said, I should not accuse governors.

‘I’m not accusing governors now. I’m just recalling what I said before and when I listen to all those who spoke here, everybody spoke in unison, I haven’t heard anyone who says he doesn’t want a transparent election.

‘If we all do, not from our lips but from our heart, and we decide to remove violence and convince ourselves that the Nigerian people deserve to hire and fire without fear of favor on Election Day, at least after every four years, correct law. We will have free, fair, transparent elections.

‘The beauty of democracy is not the fact that you find yourself occupying an important elective office.

‘It is the feeling in your heart that people actually in their free will find you worthy to be their voice and to entrust our collective patrimony in your hands to manage to deliver the greatest good to the greatest number.

‘That for me is the beauty. If you achieve it by the game of body, by two rigging or other manipulation, deep in your heart, you know that you are not a happy person.

‘Therefore, I wish to say the following. First, we should resolve each and every one of us and also collectively, that as elected persons, we as senators, shall not directly or indirectly, secretly or openly abet unemployed people and armed them to disrupt elections if we form our character, this problem is 90 percent solved.’

On the negative impact the military era may have made on the agencies of government in their dealing with the citizens, Olisa Agbakoba, a senior advocate of Nigeria, said it was a false existence.

‘The only thing keeping Nigeria is force of arms. Remove the police, remove the army, we’ll see whether things will be like this. So, that’s not how to have a country,’ he said.

One attractive, yet challenging business sector in Nigeria is the commercial real estate market that has made great strides during the past decade. Factors that have facilitated these include urbanization, increased population, and of course, economic development. They have created demands for all kinds of commercial properties, including office space, retail, industrial, and mixed-use developments. It was therefore, both an exciting and mentally engaging opportunity when yours truly had a revealing interaction with him.

Apart from getting to know about his educational and professional backgrounds, he provided insights into

what real estate means to him, the inspiration, challenges and how he overcame them. Furthermore, he shed light into the issues of high costs of land and buildings materials, what their local production entails and the significant role the government should be playing in all of these and more. Hereby stated, are his insightful positions on all that really matter, right from the horse’s mouth.

‘My name is Godwin Akinkunmi, a real estate investment consultant and sales professional with a passion for helping people build wealth through real estate. I hold a background in Accounting, which has equipped me with strong financial and analytical skills that guide my approach to property investment and sales.

Professionally, I’ve spent the past two years in the real estate industry, working with UVEST Realty, a reputable real estate development and investment company. At UVEST, I actively contribute to sales and marketing strategies, connecting clients to high-value investment opportunities and helping them make informed real estate decisions that secure their future.

‘In addition, I co-found Block15 Realty, a prop-tech real estate startup created to bridge the gap between investors, developers, buyers, and agents – providing a modern marketplace where transparency, accessibility, and collaboration drive real estate growth.

‘To me, real estate represents opportunity and legacy. It’s not just about buying or selling properties – it’s about helping people make informed decisions that secure their future. Real estate is one of the few investments that combines stability, growth, and tangible value. Beyond business, I see it as a tool for empowerment – a means for individuals to build wealth, create generational value, and contribute to national development.

‘I officially ventured into real estate in 2022, starting in Lagos, Nigeria, one of the most dynamic property markets in Africa. Over time, I’ve expanded my reach, working across different emerging investment locations around Lagos, Ogun State, and Ibadan focusing on connecting clients with properties that have long-term growth potential.’

On his initial challenges and how he overcame them, he explained that: ‘Like many new entrants into the industry, one of my biggest initial challenges was identifying my target audience – understanding who to sell to, what they really needed, and how to effectively communicate value. I also faced the usual doubts, rejections, and tough market realities that test every new realtor. I overcame these challenges through consistency, learning, and mentorship. I invested time in understanding the psychology of sales, improving my communication, and building genuine relationships rather than chasing quick deals. Over time, I built a system and reputation that now attract serious buyers and investors.’

Further to this, the complaints by the general public is on the high cost of land and buildings, especially in Lagos, Nigeria. How do we juxtapose this with economic hardship? To him: ‘The high cost of land and housing in Lagos is largely a result of rapid urbanization, infrastructural concentration, and limited available land. However, I believe affordability is relative – there are still many emerging locations around Lagos and Ogun where people can start small and grow. The key is education. Many people overlook high-value opportunities because they only focus on already-developed areas. My approach is to show clients where the future is quietly unfolding and help them take advantage before prices rise.’ And as for

the significant roles the government should be playing in the real estate industry, he insists that:

‘The government plays a crucial role in shaping a sustainable real estate environment. Some of the key areas include:

Infrastructure development – roads, power, and transportation systems that open up new investment corridors.

Regulatory clarity – simplifying land titling processes and reducing bureaucratic bottlenecks.

Public-private partnerships – collaborating with developers to provide affordable housing schemes.

Mortgage support – improving access to funding so more people can own homes rather than rent for decades.

Of significance is his view on the local production of building materials in the country.

‘Local production is a game-changer. If Nigeria can strengthen local manufacturing of building materials, it would drastically reduce construction costs, boost job creation, and enhance affordability in the housing sector. Import dependence makes prices unstable and projects more expensive. Supporting local industries will not only make housing more affordable but also grow our economy internally.

So, what are the unique attributes that he and his company have brought into the real estate spectrum? On this he states that:

‘At U-VEST Realty, we focus on transparency, education, value-based selling, and speed. We are known for our speed in all that we do – from development to allocation – ensuring that clients experience efficiency and reliability at every stage of their investment journey.

‘Personally, I’ve built my reputation on authentic communication and relationship-driven sales, ensuring every client understands what they’re buying and feels confident in their decisions. That’s the foundation of trust that sustains long-term business success.’

With regards to his heroes, he explained that: ‘I’ve drawn inspiration from several people, but one person who has had a profound impact on me is Dr. Philip Babalola, the CEO of Uvest Realty. He has been a major influence on both my personal development and my professional growth in real estate.Through his leadership, I’ve learned the true essence of patience, credibility, and consistency in sales. Beyond business, he’s helped me understand that success in real estate isn’t just about selling properties – it’s about building relationships, delivering impact, and positioning yourself with excellence. His mentorship has shaped how I think, communicate, and present myself as a professional in the industry.’

Going forward, he boldly stated that: ‘I want to change the narrative that real estate is only for the rich or experienced. Real estate is for everyone, regardless of income level – it just takes the right strategy, mindset, and guidance. I’m passionate about educating young people to start early, understand emerging locations, and see real estate as a vehicle for financial freedom. Another key narrative is transparency – ensuring clients understand the value behind every transaction and fostering a culture of trust across the industry.’

All said, the federal government must come to terms with the harsh reality of economic policies that do not provide an enabling environment for businesses to thrive.

The Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) has lauded Nigeria’s anti-corruption and financial integrity institutions for the country’s removal from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list – a global list of countries under increased monitoring for financial crimes.

In a statement issued from NEITI House, Orji Ogbonnaya Orji, executive secretary, described the delisting as ‘a strong vote of confidence in Nigeria’s reforms to combat corruption, improve financial transparency, and strengthen accountability systems across all sectors of the economy.’

Orji noted that the milestone followed demonstrable improvements in Nigeria’s Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorist Financing (AML/CFT) framework, enhanced regulatory oversight, and sustained collaboration among key national institutions.

He highlighted the value of NEITI’s Memoranda of Understanding with the EFCC, NFIU, and ICPC, describing them as effective platforms for data sharing to track money laundering and illicit financial flows.

Commending the efforts of the 24-member Inter-Agency Task Team (IATT) chaired by NEITI and supported by the Technical Unit on Governance and Anti-Corruption Reforms (TUGAR), Orji said strong political will and a policy of non-interference by the federal government were pivotal to the achievement.

He also praised the media and civil society for their ‘vigilance, advocacy, and naming-and-shaming efforts’ which, he said, enhanced public accountability and deterrence.

Orji outlined the far-reaching implications of Nigeria’s removal from the FATF Grey List, noting that it would: Boost international credibility and investor confidence, Lower the cost of financial transactions and improve access to global capital and Enhance the business environment and economic growth prospects. NEITI noted that beyond financial markets, the FATF delisting underscores the strengthening of Nigeria’s institutional reforms and the growing effectiveness of key regulatory and anti-corruption agencies, including the BPP, CCB, CBN, and the Federal Ministry of Justice, in collaboration with law enforcement bodies, development partners, and diplomatic missions.

Orji stressed that improved financial system integrity provides a stronger foundation for extractive-sector governance, revenue tracking, and anti-corruption reforms. He urged that the momentum be sustained through continued reforms in beneficial ownership disclosure and open contracting, stronger oversight of extractive revenue flows; and deeper collaboration with global transparency institutions.

‘The FATF delisting is not just a regulatory success-it is a governance success. It strengthens Nigeria’s standing in the international transparency community and reinforces NEITI’s work to ensure openness, accountability, and integrity in the extractive industry,’ Orji affirmed.

He reiterated NEITI’s commitment to work closely with anti-corruption agencies and development partners to consolidate the gains, prevent policy reversals, and ensure Nigeria never returns to the grey list.