Category: Business Day

The Financial Times Africa Summit returns to London on October 21-22, 2025, uniting heads of state, investors, policymakers, and innovators to address Africa’s most critical economic and policy priorities.

This year’s theme, ‘Africa in a Changing World,’ reflects the opportunities and uncertainties shaping the continent’s next phase of growth. With shifting global alliances, constrained capital markets, and rapid technological transformation, the 2025 edition arrives at a defining moment for how Africa positions itself in the global order.

A New Global Context

The summit will open with welcome remarks from Bernard Mensah, President of International for Bank of America. His address will set the tone for two days of high-level dialogue by framing the continent’s economic trajectory within broader global financial shifts.

Building on his remarks, the first day’s sessions will explore Africa’s evolving position within the global landscape. Conversations will center on deepening trade relations, accelerating the energy transition, leveraging technological innovation, and driving industrial growth through initiatives such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Policymakers, investors, and business leaders will assess how the continent is reshaping its international partnerships, balancing fossil fuel development with renewable energy investment, and scaling fintech and digital infrastructure to tap into its young, entrepreneurial population.

Standout sessions across both days include ‘South Africa’s G20 Presidency – A Turning Point for Africa’s Global Influence?’ on Day 1 and ‘US-Africa Relations in the Age of Trump’ on Day 2. Together, these discussions frame Africa’s evolving role in global governance and its efforts to assert greater influence on international decision-making. Under the theme of equality, solidarity, and sustainability, South Africa’s G20 presidency has pushed for fairer financial systems and stronger cooperation that will be tested as the presidency transitions to the US in 2026.

Building on this context, the Day 2 session examines how the renewed Trump administration is reshaping America’s engagement with the continent, from a more transactional diplomatic approach and the dismantling of USAID to renewed focus on domestic energy production.

The Confluence of Voices

The 2025 summit brings together an exceptional group of global and African leaders shaping the continent’s political, financial, and innovation landscape.

Confirmed speakers include visionary leaders such as, Amina Mohammed, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations; Alexandre Barro Chambrier, Vice President, Government of Gabon; Ronald Lamola, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Republic of South Africa; Dr Jyoti Jeetun, Minister of Financial Services and Economic Planning, Republic of Mauritius; Mahmoud Mohieldin, UN Special Envoy for Financing Sustainable Development and High-Level Climate Champion for COP27; Leslie Maasdorp, CEO, British International Investment (BII) and Bassim Haidar, Founder and Chairman, Optasia.

Through a mix of keynote discussions, fireside chats, and industry panels, the summit will provide a platform for dialogue, insight, and collaboration across the continent’s most pressing priorities.

Key sessions include:

The Future of Finance: Unlocking Africa’s Capital Potential, examining how African nations are adapting to new trade dynamics, mobilising domestic revenue, unlocking private capital, and leveraging technology to strengthen financial resilience.

The Future of African Fintech, spotlighting advances in digital adoption and the continent’s fintech evolution

Mission 300: Building a Sustainable Energy Future for Africa, addressing how Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency, International Finance Corporation, and International Bank for Reconstruction and Development are collaborating under the Mission 300 initiative to expand energy access across Africa by leveraging innovative financing mechanisms to attract private investment, drive job creation, enhance local economies, and advance broader sustainable development goals.

AI and Infrastructure – Unlocking Africa’s Tech Economy, assessing how investments from global players like Google, Microsoft, and Amazon can position Africa as the next frontier for AI-driven growth.

Why the FT Africa Summit Matters

Now in its twelfth edition, the FT Africa Summit continues to be the continent’s most influential forum for framing how Africa is discussed in the global economic narrative.

Beyond policy debates, it is a space where investment signals, strategic alliances, and actionable solutions emerge.

This year’s edition carries added weight as Africa navigates inflationary pressures, digital disruption, and climate adaptation simultaneously. The summit aims to move beyond rhetoric to define what practical collaboration looks like between governments, investors, and innovators.

Looking Ahead

The FT Africa Summit 2025 will convene the people defining Africa’s next chapter from policymakers setting the agenda to entrepreneurs building new industries. With sessions spanning finance, innovation, infrastructure and energy, the summit will serve as a critical meeting point for those shaping how Africa grows, governs, and competes.

You have worked across banking, construction, and now technology. What experiences from your earlier career have shaped the way you are building Scrella?

Every phase of my career taught me something critical about people, systems, and execution. Banking taught me financial discipline, risk management, and how trust underpins every transaction.

My time in construction, especially at Rebar Perfecta, showed me how structure and process can transform an industry that was once informal and fragmented. Now in technology, I’m combining those lessons, financial structure, operational efficiency, and human-centred design to build Scrella as both a sustainable business, a financially inclusive product and a trustworthy brand.

Many device owners in Africa struggle with affordability and access. How does Scrella balance the business model with the goal of financial inclusion?

At Scrella, financial inclusion is the foundation of our model. We designed our plans to start as low as ?3,500 annually, making protection accessible to people who have never considered insurance before.

Commercially, we balance this by leveraging technology and partnerships to reduce overhead costs. It’s not about choosing between profit and inclusion, it’s about proving that inclusion is a profitable strategy when you build with empathy and scale in mind.

Scrella uses artificial intelligence for remote device inspection. What challenges did you face in introducing this technology, and how have customers responded?

The first challenge was trust. Many users didn’t believe an app could check their screen and its sensors accurately. We had to invest heavily in user education, which is showing, not just telling, that the process works.

But once people experienced the speed and convenience of being able to get insured in minutes without visiting a centre, adoption grew rapidly. Today, users love that they can insure their phones from anywhere. It’s that blend of innovation and convenience that wins trust over time.

Moving from traditional finance and construction logistics to insurtech is a unique shift. What guided your decision to enter the smartphone insurance space?

It started with a pattern I couldn’t ignore. In my other business, team members constantly came to me for help fixing broken screens and these repairs often wiped out their monthly salary. The same thing happened with my mentees and even family members.

I realized this wasn’t just a personal issue, it was a structural one. People’s lives were being disrupted by something preventable. That insight, combined with my background in financial systems, made the smartphone insurance space a natural next step. Scrella became my way of solving that problem at scale.

Insurance penetration in Nigeria is low compared to global standards. How do you see digital platforms like Scrella changing this trend?

Digital platforms like Scrella are rewriting the insurance playbook. Traditional models relied on paperwork, agents, and stressful, long claims processes, which are all barriers to adoption.

We’re using technology to simplify everything: instant eligibility checks, and onboarding, transparent pricing, and seamless claims. This transparency breeds trust, which is the key to adoption. Over time, as more people experience the benefits firsthand, digital insurance will move from being an option to being a norm, much like mobile banking did a decade ago.

As smartphones become central to work, education, and daily life, what role do you think insurance will play in enabling digital participation for underserved communities?

Insurance is the silent enabler of digital inclusion. When people know their devices are protected, they use them more confidently for work, learning, and commerce.

For underserved communities, that safety net can mean the difference between staying online or being cut off. Scrella’s goal is to make sure a cracked screen doesn’t disconnect someone from an opportunity. In a broader sense, device insurance is becoming a form of digital empowerment because it keeps people connected to progress.

Scrella covers both new and in-use smartphones. How do you ensure that risk management and customer trust are balanced in this approach?

Covering in-use devices is part of our inclusion mission, but it does come with risk. That’s why our AI-driven remote eligibility test is so important, it gives us an accurate real time health status of the device before it’s insured.

On the trust side, we maintain transparency: customers see what’s covered, what’s not, and what their diagnostics report says.That balance between transparency and data-driven risk control is what keeps both our partners and customers protected.

Beyond individual customers, do you see opportunities for partnerships with mobile operators, banks, or governments to scale access to device insurance?

Absolutely. Strategic partnerships are at the core of our growth vision. We’re already working with mobile retailers and repair vendors to embed insurance at the point of sale or service.

The next frontier is integration with telcos, digital lenders, and fintechs, allowing users to access insurance through their existing ecosystems. We also see potential in working with governments or development agencies to extend device protection to teachers, civil servants, and entrepreneurs who rely on smartphones for their livelihoods. It’s about embedding protection where people already are.

As a founder, how do you measure success – is it customer adoption, social impact, financial returns, or a mix of these?

For me, success is a blend of all three. Financial sustainability is crucial; it keeps the lights on.

But what truly drives me is seeing the social impact: people keeping their businesses running, students staying connected, all because they’re insured. Customer adoption validates our relevance; financial returns ensure our continuity; social impact reminds us why we started. When those three align, that’s real success.

Looking ahead, what long-term shifts in technology or consumer behaviour do you think will most influence the future of device insurance in Africa?

The biggest shift will be embedded protection insurance that’s built into devices, data plans, or financing packages. Consumers won’t have to think about buying insurance; it’ll be part of their digital lifestyle.

Governor Dikko Umar Radda of Katsina State has approved the appointment of eight new permanent secretaries into the State Civil Service, following the recent retirement of some senior officials.

This is contained in a statement by Ibrahim Mohammed Kaula, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor and made available to newsmen on Friday.

The appointments strategically positioned experienced professionals across key sectors to advance the Governor’s ‘Building Your Future’ agenda and ensure effective service delivery to the people of Katsina State.

According to the statement, ‘This move is part of the administration’s broader effort toward strengthening the state’s civil service and ensuring effective public administration across all ministries and departments, in line with its vision for a more accountable and efficient governance system.

‘The new Permanent secretaries are: Yusuf Ahmed – Katsina LGA, Aminu Ibrahim – Katsina LGA, Aishatu Abdullahi – Dutsinma LGA, Dasuki Ibrahim Abubakar – Malumfashi LGA, Lawal Abashe – Matazu LGA, Ado Yahaya – Sabuwa LGA, Sani Rabi’u Jibiya – Jibiya LGA, Nasiru Ladan – Kaita LGA.

‘Governor Radda congratulates the newly appointed Permanent Secretaries and charges them to fully embrace the ‘Building Your Future’ vision by demonstrating steadfast commitment to serving the people of Katsina State with dedication, integrity, and excellence.

‘He emphasised that their appointments are based on merit, competence, and a proven record of service to the state, assuring that his administration will continue to recognize excellence and reward commitment within the civil service.

‘The date for the official swearing-in ceremony will be announced in due course.’

Festus Keyamo, minister of aviation and aerospace development, has raised concerns over the growing shortage of qualified professionals in Nigeria’s aviation industry, revealing that the government has had to recall and retain retired personnel to fill critical gaps in the sector.

Keyamo made this known on Friday in Abuja during the unveiling of the Isaac Balami University of Aeronautics and Management (IBUAM), Africa’s first privately owned university dedicated to aeronautics and management education.

According to the minister, the establishment of IBUAM is both timely and strategic, aligning with the federal government’s ongoing efforts to develop local capacity, enhance technical expertise, and reduce reliance on expatriate professionals in the aviation industry.

‘I want to say that we are short-staffed in certain parts, in certain areas in aviation, and even Zaria was struggling in those particular areas. And one is air traffic controllers. I just want to make it clear that we are short-staffed in terms of air traffic controllers.

‘They are trained as skilled professionals and it’s very difficult to produce them. And so we have the option now of even retaining those who are retired, extending their tenure, bringing them back on contract terms for them to serve us. So we expect that you concentrate in those areas where we are short-staffed.

‘If you look at it, it’s actually complementing the federal government. It’s not competing with us,’ Keyamo said

He noted that the federal government, earlier in the year, granted a licence to IBUAM as Nigeria’s first private university of aeronautics, emphasising that the institution will play a key role in addressing workforce shortages across the continent.

‘African aviation is the fastest-growing sector among all industries on the continent. In the next few years, Africa will be looking for professionals, pilots, aeronautical engineers, and air traffic controllers. We must be ahead of these dynamics, and this university could not have come at a better time,’ the minister added.

Isaac Balami, founder and chancellor of the university, said the institution was conceived as a response to the projected rise in demand for aviation professionals across Africa, as estimated by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

Balami noted that the university would provide both theoretical and practical training through partnerships with industry regulators, maintenance facilities, and international aviation bodies, ensuring that graduates are technically proficient and globally competitive.

He said IBUAM’s model integrates academic learning with practical exposure to flight operations, maintenance, and management, allowing students to graduate with not only degrees but also professional licenses and certifications.

Cristiano Ronaldo remains the undisputed king of football finances, heading an elite group of ten players whose combined earnings for 2025 total an astonishing $945 million, according to Forbes lates list.

The 40-year-old Portuguese icon tops the rankings for the sixth time in a decade, powered by his mega-deal in the Saudi Pro League. While legends like Ronaldo and Messi continue to dominate, two young phenoms are signalling a generational shift in the sport’s financial hierarchy.

Here is a breakdown of the 10 highest-paid footballers in 2025:

Cristiano Ronaldo – $280 million

The 40-year-old Portuguese legend remains the world’s highest-paid footballer, earning a total of $280 million this year.

On-field earnings: $230m from Al-Nassr

Off-field earnings: $50m from endorsements and business ventures

Ronaldo’s global brand – boasting over one billion social media followers – keeps him at the summit for the sixth time in a decade.

Lionel Messi – $130 million

Inter Miami’s talisman continues to shine in the MLS, pulling in $130 million in total earnings.

On-field earnings: $60m

Off-field earnings: $70m

Messi’s partnerships with Adidas, Lay’s, and Mastercard make him the only MLS-based player on this list.

Karim Benzema – $104 million

Now leading Al-Ittihad in the Saudi Pro League, Benzema earns around $104 million this season.

On-field earnings: $100m

Off-field earnings: $4m

The 2022 Ballon d’Or winner left Real Madrid for one of football’s most lucrative contracts.

Kylian Mbappé – $95 million

The French superstar continues to combine elite performance with savvy investments.

On-field earnings: $80m

Off-field earnings: $15m

Mbappé holds stakes in companies like Loewe and owns 80% of French club Caen, positioning himself for life beyond football.

Erling Haaland – $80 million

Manchester City’s goal machine earns $80 million annually.

On-field earnings: $60m

Off-field earnings: $20m

The Norwegian striker’s Nike deal and Premier League dominance make him one of football’s most marketable athletes.

Vinícius Júnior – $60 million

Real Madrid’s Brazilian star pockets $60 million, thanks to both his club salary and major brand deals.

On-field earnings: $45m

Off-field earnings: $15m

He’s partnered with Nike, Hugo Boss, and Prada Eyewear – and continues to rise as a global football icon.

Mohamed Salah – $55 million

Liverpool’s Egyptian star remains one of the Premier League’s biggest earners at $55 million.

On-field earnings: $45m

Off-field earnings: $10m

Salah’s leadership helped Egypt qualify for the 2026 World Cup, and his global appeal remains unmatched in Africa.

Sadio Mané – $54 million

The Senegalese forward earns $54 million, mostly from his deal with Al-Nassr.

On-field earnings: $50m

Off-field earnings: $4m

Despite leaving Europe, Mané’s star power and philanthropy keep him among football’s elite earners.

Jude Bellingham – $44 million

The English midfielder’s meteoric rise continues at Real Madrid with $44 million in earnings.

On-field earnings: $35m

Off-field earnings: $9m

After winning the Champions League and La Liga, Bellingham signed partnerships with Adidas and Louis Vuitton.

Lamine Yamal – $43 million

At just 18, Barcelona’s prodigy enters the top 10 with $43 million in earnings.

On-field earnings: $33m

Off-field earnings: $10m

Yamal recently signed a new contract, took over Barça’s iconic No. 10 shirt, and landed deals with Adidas, Beats by Dre, and Powerade.

At 66, he tells you there is nothing more to struggle, hustle and live for other than to devote himself to the service of God, humanity and his state. For over 20 years, he has religiously observed this creed without fail.

Just yesterday, he reinforced this belief when he chose to flag off his pre-birthday gig with a large throng of widows from across the 18 local government councils. The gesture continues today with similar compassion for the orphans and the elderly.

A leader without airs and graces, Senator (Prince) Bassey Edet Otu, has seen both the rough and tumble of life and politics. He has experienced both disappointments and reappointments by God, trajectories that have shaped his life of passion for service and compassion for humanity.

Today, he stands as a glittering portrait of grace, purpose, and people-centred leadership, a man whose voyage mirrors the enduring beauty of the land he governs. Even as he clocks 66 today, time has not dulled his passion nor wearied his pursuit of the collective good; instead, it has forged and refined his vision and deepened his empathy. His life is a tapestry woven with threads of humility, service, and divine purpose, an odyssey that continues to inspire confidence and rekindle faith in governance anchored on compassion and justice.

From the serene creeks of Adiabo to the pristine hills of Obudu, the ‘Sweet Prince’ is redefining leadership as an act of stewardship, not dominion. His governance style is a reflection of his soul, gentle yet firm, visionary yet pragmatic, genteel yet unyielding in the face of adversity. He leads not as one consumed by power, but as a shepherd guided by conviction. Each policy, each reform, each act of governance bears the unmistakable imprint of a man devoted to the prosperity and dignity of his people. In every sense, Governor Otu’s leadership is a moral compass for a generation yearning for integrity and hope.

Since mounting the saddle of leadership in 2023, the governor has breathed fresh energy into the socio-economic lungs of Cross River State. Under his People First agenda, government has been humanized; governance has become a dialogue between power and the people. Roads are being reborn from neglect, schools and health centres restored to life, and rural communities reconnected to the heartbeat of development.

His administration’s inclusive reforms have restored confidence, rekindled enterprise, and reignited the once-muted optimism of the Cross River spirit. Indeed, he has proven that leadership can be both visionary and tender-hearted-anchored on results but powered by love.

Governor Otu’s understanding of governance transcends the arithmetic of infrastructure. His, is a holistic vision that sees human capital as the artery of transformation. The empowerment of youths, the revitalization of agriculture, the expansion of tourism, and the pursuit of fiscal prudence all reflect a leader with eyes fixed on sustainability.

His commitment to transparency and accountability has restored public trust, while his unassuming disposition has opened the corridors of government to even the most distant of voices. Through it all, he has remained resolutely focused on building a state where every citizen feels seen, valued, and included.

Beneath his calm demeanour lies a relentless will, a quiet embers that propel him toward the realization of a prosperous, self-sufficient Cross River.

His passion for education stems from his belief that the truest wealth of a people lies in the enlightenment of their minds. His deep investment in rural transformation arises from his conviction that development must never be elitist. His push for economic diversification reflects his desire to secure the future of generations yet unborn. To witness him govern is to see a man wholly surrendered to purpose-undaunted by challenges, unwavering in principle, and unswerving in faith.

As he clocks sixty-six, Bassey Otu remains a study in balance, firm in duty yet gracious in conduct, authoritative yet approachable, princely yet profoundly humane. The years have crowned him with wisdom and steadied his hands for greater exploits.

His heart beats for Cross River, and his every stride echoes the melody of service. Few leaders have so effortlessly embodied the poetry of empathy and the discipline of governance; fewer still have so seamlessly united the moral and the political, the ideal and the real. In Governor Otu, Cross River finds not just a leader, but a guardian of its collective dream.

Today, we celebrate more than the passing of years; we celebrate a life poured out in service-a man who has become both the servant and the symbol of his people’s aspirations.

At sixty-six, the Sweet Prince remains a nectar, a sweet fragrance, a beacon of hope, a testament to the grace of God, and a reminder that true greatness lies not in the trappings of office, but in the quiet, consistent pursuit of the common good. May the winds of divine favour continue to guide your sail, Your Excellency and may your years ahead bloom with even greater wisdom, compassion, and triumph for the land you so dearly love, our Cross River State, our Pride!

Erling Haaland scored two goals in the second half, leading Manchester City to a 2-0 victory over Everton during matchday 8 of the Premier League at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday.

The Norwegian striker, who netted a hat-trick for his country during the recent international break, continued his blistering form with a clinical brace that took his tally to 23 goals in just 13 games for club and country this season. After being kept quiet in a cagey first half, Haaland made his mark shortly after the restart, rising highest to powerfully head home Nico O’Reilly’s cross.

Just five minutes later, he struck again, sweeping in from Savinho’s cutback, which deflected off defender James Tarkowski on its way into the net. Up to that point, it had been David Moyes’ Everton who looked the more threatening side. Iliman Ndiaye caused several problems for City’s defence, first intercepting a misplaced Nathan Aké pass but failing to find Beto with a low cross, before forcing a fine save from Gianluigi Donnarumma with a thunderous long-range effort.

City also rode their luck when Everton defender Jake O’Brien nearly turned the ball into his own net, his header ricocheting off the crossbar.

Despite creating only half-chances in the opening half, including efforts from Savinho that were denied by Jordan Pickford, Pep Guardiola’s men found their rhythm after the break, with Haaland once again proving the difference.

The win keeps City’s strong domestic form intact as they continue their pursuit of another Premier League title.

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has announced that the Nigerian Air Force would be conducting its annual 10km walk/jog exercise, which would result in a partial closure of the Airport access road between Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal 2 (MMA2) and the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) on Saturday, 18th of October 2025, from 06:00hrs.

‘During this period, security personnel would be deployed along access roads to direct traffic and ensure safety. This does not in any way disrupt airport operations, as scheduled flights would operate normally,’ FAAN said in its statement.

The authority stated that the access roads would be completely opened immediately after the exercise.

It advised passengers and airport users to plan their movements accordingly, as localised traffic disruptions may occur around the airport vicinity during the exercise.

‘FAAN regrets any inconvenience this may cause and appreciates your understanding and cooperation,’ the statement added.

While many travellers flock to familiar hotspots like Paris or New York, some of the world’s most captivating destinations remain overlooked.

From Europe to Africa and Australia, these hidden gems blend history, nature, and culture, offering unforgettable experiences far from the tourist crowds.

According to AOL, here are three breathtaking places worth discovering.

1. Vienna, Austria – The Old World’s Calm Rhythm

Vienna combines history, art, and daily life in a way that feels grounded in tradition. The city’s wide streets and historic buildings recall its imperial past, while its cafés offer a slower pace that continues to shape local culture. Music remains part of everyday life, from concert halls to street performances, linking the city to composers like Mozart and Strauss. Travellers can walk through Schönbrunn Palace or along the Ringstrasse and find a city that balances culture and comfort without the rush seen in other European capitals.

2. Tunis, Tunisia – Layers of Civilisation

Tunis sits on the edge of the Mediterranean, where history and trade have met for centuries. The ruins of Carthage remind visitors of ancient power, while the old medina shows a living culture shaped by Arab, French, and Mediterranean ties. Markets spill into narrow streets, where artisans, traders, and families move through routines that have lasted generations. Despite its depth, Tunis attracts fewer crowds than cities like Marrakech or Cairo, giving travellers space to explore its mix of heritage and modern life.

3. Port Douglas, Australia – Where Reef Meets Rainforest

In northern Queensland, Port Douglas links two of the world’s most recognised natural areas – the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest. The town’s coastal setting allows easy access to both, without the pace of larger tourist hubs. Local life revolves around the marina, nearby beaches, and small businesses that serve visitors heading for reef dives or forest walks. It remains a simple and welcoming gateway to Australia’s tropical north.

Nyesom Wike, minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has dismissed claims that he is being positioned by some leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to contest the 2027 presidential election.

In a statement issued on Saturday in Abuja, Lere Olayinka, Wike’s senior special assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, described the report as ‘another lie from idle minds who have nothing to contribute to the country’s development.’

Olayinka said the story, published by an online platform, was a failed attempt to drag Wike into needless political controversy.

‘The report, circulated by a platform known for falsehood and blackmail, which claimed that PDP leaders held a meeting to ‘push’ Wike to contest in 2027, is a fabrication by idle minds,’ the statement said.

Olayinka stressed that Wike’s position is clear: he supports President Bola Ahmed Tinubu until 2031.

He added that Wike is not someone who operates in secrecy.

‘He says what he does and does what he says. It’s unfortunate that those behind this campaign can’t think beyond cheap tactics. Clearly, they need better minds to guide them.’

Olayinka reiterated that Wike has made his stance on the 2027 election known, he stands with President Tinubu.

Responding to the report of a supposed PDP meeting, Olayinka clarified that the only meeting held on August 20, 2025, involved southern PDP stakeholders and had nothing to do with endorsing Wike for the presidency.

‘That meeting was convened to discuss a proposed gathering in Lagos on August 21, 2025, where some individuals planned to formalise the micro-zoning of party positions already allocated to the South,’ he explained. He said the outcome of the meeting was released publicly in a statement titled, ‘Re: Purported Meeting Of PDP Southern Zoning Consultative Summit’, signed by several PDP leaders from the South-East and South-South, including state party chairmen, lawmakers, and former officials.

Signatories included Austin Nwachukwu (Imo), Abraham Amah (Abia), Barr. Venatius Ikem (Cross River), Rt. Hon. Aniekan Akpan (Akwa Ibom), and Aaron Chukwuemeka (Rivers), as well as Hon. Chidiebere Egwu Goodluck(National Vice Chairman, South-East) and Hon. O. K. Chinda (Minority Leader, House of Representatives).

Also listed were Senators Igwe Nwagu, Mao Ohuabunwa, George Sekibo, Mike Ama Nnachi, former National Secretary Rt. Hon. Onwe S. Onwe, Deputy National Legal Adviser Barr. Okechukwu Osuoha, and former Ebonyi State Legal Adviser Barr. Mudi Erhenede, among others. Olayinka emphasised that the names were taken from a widely circulated press statement, published in major newspapers and aired on national television, proving there was no secret agenda.

‘We understand their motive. But the FCT Minister’s character is known – he doesn’t operate in secrecy.’

He reaffirmed Wike’s commitment to President Tinubu’s political and development agenda.

‘He has clearly stated that he stands with Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu through 2031.’

Olayinka added that Wike will continue to deliver on the Renewed Hope Agenda in the FCT, aligning with the President’s vision of a capital city that meets global infrastructure standards.