Category: Business Day

When local government chairmen across Plateau State were elected and sworn in October, 2024, the expectations were high. Citizens from the grassroots hoped their most immediate tier of government would bring practical, visible change-be it in roads, healthcare, education, or security.

Now, one year into their tenures, the 17 council chairmen embarked on a state-wide peer review tour to assess the progress made, share best practices, and identify areas that need urgent attention.

Led by Hamisu Anane, chairman of the Plateau State chapter of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), who also chairs Wase Local Government Area, the tour spanned all 17 LGAs in a tightly packed three-day schedule.

The initiative, Anane explained, was aimed at reviewing governance mandates, fostering cooperation, and galvanizing grassroots support ahead of the 2027 general elections.

More importantly, the tour provided an opportunity for council chairmen to exchange ideas, examine each other’s developmental strides, and understand the challenges faced in different geopolitical zones within the state.

But it’s not all success stories. Hamisu Anane, ALGON chairman, used the platform to call on his colleagues to pressure contractors to hasten the completion of ongoing projects.

In Jos South LGA, the narrative centered on the reconstruction of a previously deadly bridge. Silas Dung, the council chairman, ensured the completion of the project, which residents say has now saved lives during the rainy season. For many, such small but impactful infrastructure efforts speak volumes about leadership that listens.

Langtang North LGA showcased a different kind of innovation. Prifa Tyem, the council chairman established a local radio station to improve communication and civic engagement. In a rural setting where access to information is limited, this project has already started bridging the communication gap between government and the governed.

One area where local government chairmen are battling persistently is security. In Bokkos LGA, Samuel Amalau shared sobering details about the financial strain of supporting security agencies. ‘We are spending a huge amount on fuelling vehicles and buying tyres monthly from our limited earnings,’ he revealed, emphasizing the challenge of maintaining peace in a volatile region.

Despite financial constraints, Amalau’s administration has constructed and equipped a functional cottage hospital-proof that even in hardship, leadership can find ways to prioritise health care.

In neighbouring Barkin Ladi LGA, Stephen Pwajok spoke of curbing incessant attacks and restoring peace. His administration is also building a 40-bed cottage hospital to serve both Barkin Ladi and Jos South LGAs. According to him, the contractor has promised to complete the project soon.

While insecurity remains a constant threat, food security has not been overlooked. In Mikang LGA, Bernard Alkali revealed his council’s effort in securing 37 trucks of fertilizer for farmers. With the Plateau State Government’s support, the figure rose to 50, aimed at ensuring a bumper harvest in the year.

During the inspection, Alkali emphasised that the fertilizer distribution was subsidised, reflecting a conscious attempt to make farming more accessible to rural dwellers who largely depend on agriculture for survival.

Shendam LGA also stood out as a beacon of unity. Nicholas Kemi- Nshe, the Council Chairman explained that his administration had restored peaceful coexistence among communities previously plagued by conflict. Martin Shaides, the Longgaimai, Paramount Ruler of Shendam, hosted the team and offered royal blessings to the chairmen during their stopover. Throughout the tour, traditional rulers played a key role, offering counsel, blessings, and an air of legitimacy to the entire process. At each LGA, the chairmen paid homage to the local monarchs, acknowledging the importance of traditional institutions in grassroots governance.

At Qua’an Pan LGA, Dabak Joshua, the PDP Deputy Chairman urged council bosses to carry along aspirants who lost during party primaries. He called for greater inclusiveness in local governance, echoing a concern also raised by citizens during community engagement sessions held in several LGAs.

Some citizens, like Mark Ibrahim given the chance to speak publicly, voiced frustrations over lack of access and perceived marginalisation. Several council chairmen, in response, pledged to bridge the gap and address these shortcomings going forward.

In many ways, this tour was a two-way mirror: a chance for leaders to reflect on their achievements, and for citizens to voice concerns and demands in a direct manner. The emphasis on human capital development, inclusivity, and participatory governance was a running theme.

Grassroots governance, often overlooked in national discourse, remains the closest link between the people and government. In places like Plateau State, where topography and insecurity often limit state or federal intervention, the local government remains the people’s first hope for development.

This makes local government performance not just important, but pivotal. A good road or functioning health clinic built by an LGA can mean the difference between life and death in rural Plateau.

The council chairmen highlighted that they were judiciously managing available resources, often in the face of dwindling allocations and rising needs. Whether it was infrastructure, health care, agriculture, or security, the consensus was that the demands far outweighed the means.

Still, the creativity and resilience of some council bosses were evident. From innovation in media outreach to improved healthcare access and proactive security support, there were clear signs that local government can deliver when well-led.

The peer-review tour also served as a morale booster and a reminder that governance is a shared responsibility. The exchange of ideas sparked hope that some LGAs might adopt successful initiatives from their counterparts.

Notably, the initiative could also serve as a template for other states. The structured, on-the-ground assessment helped bridge the disconnect between government and the grassroots, offering lessons in transparency, accountability, and community engagement.

The fact that the tour was self-initiated and not dictated from above lent it additional credibility. It was a sign that local governance, when left to assess itself honestly, can lead to genuine transformation.

As the tour concluded with visits to the northern geopolitical zone, citizens wait to see if promises made during the tour will translate into action. Whether it’s the quick commissioning of incomplete projects or improvements in service delivery, expectations remain high.

In the end, while one year is too short to fix deep-rooted issues, it’s long enough to show the direction a government is heading. In Plateau State, some local governments are sprinting, others walking-but all, it seems, are moving.

For the grassroots to feel the real impact of democracy, local governments must continue to step up. The peer review tour was not just a look at the past year, but a glimpse into what the future could hold-if leadership stays people-centered and progress-focused.

Babatunde Raji Fashola, immediate past Minister of Works and Housing and media veterans, Lade Bonuola, Eniola Bello, Taiwo Obe as well as prominent scholars and professors, Tunde Akanni, Abdul-Rasheed Na’Allah, Wumi Raji, and Akin Adesokan were among the personalities who have celebrated Hakeem Babatunde Bello, former editor, Daily Times and Fellow of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), as he turns 60 recently. Bello, who also served as Special Adviser, Media and Communications to Fashola both as governor of Lagos State and minister of Works and Housing, was the toast of the personalities as well as colleagues, family and friends who voiced their tribute to him in ‘The Àtàndá Anthology’- a rich compendium of tributes, reflections, and essays published in his honour. In his foreword to the book, Fashola, who described Bello as a ‘selfless patriot and a man whose sacrifices defined loyalty and service’, explained, ‘He resigned his own job to help me start what was then an uncertain political career. Since then, he has made my career his own for two decades and more. This work will explain what sacrifice looks like to those who still lack a definition.’ The former governor, who has worked with Bello for two decades, extolled his humility and deep faith, describing him as a man ‘of modest needs and content,’ and one who ‘takes parenting and family responsibilities as seriously as he takes his profession.’

‘Ultimately, this work is our modest way of celebrating our colleague, friend, brother and a man of many pleasant parts’, Fashola wrote, adding, ‘The anthology is more than a book; it is a monument to friendship, service, and integrity. This work will explain what sacrifice looks like to those who still lack a definition.’

Indeed, for a man who has spent decades shaping Nigeria’s public communication space with quiet diligence and integrity, Hakeem Babatunde Bello’s 60th birthday is not just a milestone; it is a celebration of legacy. That legacy finds its voice in ‘The Àtàndá Anthology: Words, Reflections, Images, Essays on Media and the Arts,’ a newly published collection of tributes, reflections, and academic essays dedicated to the journalist, public communicator, and family man. Published by Kraft Books Limited, the 324-page volume was edited by Barakah Temitope Bello, Wùnmíbáyô Lúpìtàn, and Stanley Ugagbe. After setting the tone for the anthology with the deeply personal foreword by Fashola, media veterans like: Lade Bonuola, Eniola Bello, Taiwo Obe, Tunde Olusunle, Lasisi Olagunju, Angela Agoawike and Adamson Momoh amongst others in their tributes, also shared their recollections of Bello with warmth and admiration with Bonuola describing Bello as the embodiment of discipline and humility.

Lade Bonuola, pioneer editorial director at The Guardian, praised Bello’s consistency and principles. ‘. I have interacted with him as my colleague, as an editor and a journalist as well as a public servant. I cannot remember one occasion l felt let down whether by his attitude or action,’ Bonuola stated.

To Eniola Bello, ThisDay’s managing director, it was a shared bond of brotherly love, which, according to him, stretching over four decades since their days at the University of Ilorin where they studied English together.

Recalling their shared years at the university, Eniola Bello, who wrote passionately about the bond of brotherly love between them, declared, ‘He and l have shared many things together in the last 40 years. We not only share the same surname, Bello, we both studied English at the Department of Modern European Languages, University of Ilorin, graduating the same year, 1988.’ Describing him as a leader and team player, Bello adds, ‘He had personal relationships with not a few of our lecturers, having proved himself a leader and team player,’ he wrote.

Also, in his affectionate tribute, Taiwo Obe, founder of The Journalism Clinic, veteran journalist and mentor, recalled Bello’s consistency as ‘a human being of exceptional goodness and patience.’

From the newsroom to the lecture hall, the tributes form a chorus of admiration for a man whose name evokes humility, discipline, and truth.

Tunde Olusunle, a professor, poet, scholar, and Fellow of the Association of Nigerian Authors, reminisced about their early creative years in the University of Ilorin’s Creative Writers’ Club and Ajon Players Drama Troupe.

‘Hakeem was a superb and brilliant mind, respected for his sharp intellect, high morality, and quiet confidence,’ he wrote. Abdul-Rasheed Na’Allah, a professor and immediate past vice-chancellor, University of Abuja, described Bello as ‘a distinguished scholar even in his undergraduate days.’ ‘He wrote his final thesis on Wole Soyinka and earned the top grade from Professor Niyi Osundare,’ Na’Allah recalled. ‘He was a friend to everyone, kind, calm, and intellectually gifted.’

Other colleagues, including: Akin Adesokan and Wumi Raji, who are both professors, highlighted Bello’s rare blend of intelligence and grace.

‘He stood apart for his quiet brilliance and conviction,’ Raji noted. ‘He is proof that humility and intellect can thrive in one man.’

Beyond the professional tributes, The Àtàndá Anthology captures the warmth of family – the love that shapes Bello’s private world.

Habeebat Bello, his wife, described him as ‘a responsible husband who never complains but always finds solutions.’

‘He is a man of faith who leads with kindness,’ she said. ‘He never sees any distance too far to visit our children in school.’ Their children, Barakah, Kareemah, Raheemah, and Mubarak, added their voices with touching honesty. ‘He is a role model not because he tries to be one, but because it is simply who he is,’ said Raheemah. ‘He sacrificed so much to give us the life he didn’t have,’ added Kareemah. ‘He is a man of integrity who always reminds us that honesty is better than comfort,’ Mubarak shared. From his siblings and extended family came equally heartfelt words. Otitoloju Abiola called him ‘a first love, best friend, and protector,’ while Muinat Bello, deputy director at NUPRC, hailed him as ‘a compassionate and inspiring guru in journalism.’

Mopelola Omoegun, vice chancellor, Monarch University and his in-law, described him as ‘a man who carries responsibilities with grace, unassuming but dependable.’

The second half of The Àtàndá Anthology transitions from personal recollections to intellect, turning from tributes to essays that deepen the book’s relevance as a scholarly resource. One standout paper, ‘Fake News, Cyberbullying, and Hate Speech: What Is It and How Do We Deal with It?’ by Mr. Chukwudi Enebeli, SAN, explores the challenges of today’s digital media space and the urgent need for responsible communication. ‘Freedom of expression must not be weaponised,’ he cautions. ‘The new media environment demands balance, laws guided by ethics, and expression guided by empathy.’

His essay has earned praise for providing both a legal and moral framework for confronting online misinformation, a theme that resonates deeply with Bello’s own ideals of ethical journalism. Other notable essays include: ‘Television as a Cultural Force: Evolution and Social Impact in Nigeria’ by Nwani Chidi Joseph, exploring how television shapes social consciousness.

‘Representation of Women and Minorities in Contemporary Media,’ by Akumadu Lucy Obiageri, which advocates inclusion and fairness in media narratives. ‘Social Media and the Rise of Citizen Journalism,’ by Stanley Ugagbe, analysing how the smartphone era empowers the public and challenges professionals. ‘The Ethics of Data Collection and Privacy in Digital Media,’ by Ola Olusegun Anthony, calling for a rights-based approach to digital privacy.

Each essay, the editors note, reflects Bello’s lifelong commitment to truth, education, and the human side of communication.

‘Our father believes knowledge must serve people,’ said Barakah Temitope Bello. ‘That belief guided our choice of essays and contributors. The book had to reflect his values: clarity, fairness, and service.’

Ultimately, ‘The Àtàndá Anthology,’ is more than a birthday keepsake. It is a living record of influence, a collection that shows how quiet service, done faithfully, can touch countless lives. Its title, Àtàndá, meaning ‘one who spreads light’ in Yoruba, perfectly captures the spirit of the man it honours: a communicator who uses his words to enlighten, not to divide; to build, not to boast.

‘This book is our modest way of sharing his light with others,’ said co-editor Wùnmíbáyô Lúpìtàn.

‘It reminds us that humility and intellect are still virtues worth celebrating.’

As one of his protégés summed it up so simply: ‘If journalism is a calling, then Hakeem Bello has answered it with grace, purpose, and quiet distinction.’

Beautifully woven with heartfelt tributes and insightful essays, The Àtàndá Anthology does more than honour a man; it invites us to reflect on journalism, ethics, and leadership in our time. In celebrating Hakeem Bello at 60, it celebrates the timeless values he embodies: truth, service, and the steady light of a life devoted to others.

Christian minority groups in Northern Nigeria have for years spoken of being marginalised in the political equation of the Nigerian state.

That cry of marginalisation gained global attention in the recent past when Ted Cruz, a US congressman raised an allegation of Christian genocide happening in Nigeria,

Cruz had on September 8 officially introduced the bill known as the Nigeria Religious Freedom Accountability Act of 2025 in the US Senate. The bill is a concrete legislative action to address the alleged persecution of Christians in the northern part of Nigeria.

However, on Tuesday October 7 he made public statements, including a post on X (formerly Twitter) blaming Nigerian officials for the ‘mass murder’ of Christians and vowing to hold them accountable.

A day after Cruz alleged public call for accountability, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) through its president, Daniel Okoh, issued a statement clarifying the Association’s position on the matter.

CAN through a statement on Wednesday October 8, brought to public knowledge some of its earlier actions in addressing the situation.

‘The Association has established mechanisms for recording incidents of religiously motivated killings, engaged with international partners, written to the International Criminal Court in The Hague, and hosted global Christian organisations such as the World Evangelical Alliance and the Lausanne Movement.

‘These sustained efforts demonstrate CAN’s consistent advocacy for justice, peace, and the protection of Christian communities under threat,’ it stated, indicating that many Christian communities in some parts of Nigeria, especially in the North, have suffered severe attacks, loss of lives, and the destruction of places of worship.

According to CAN, these realities are painful reminders of the urgent need for the government and security agencies to act decisively in protecting every citizen, regardless of their region. The Christian umbrella body added that the pain of Christian families torn apart by violence must never be treated as mere statistics.

‘It is equally imperative that perpetrators of violence are brought swiftly and transparently to justice. We also appeal to all Christian leaders to continue to speak and act with wisdom, unity, and faith, knowing that peace is too fragile to be taken for granted,’ CAN stated.

According to CAN, Nigeria’s healing will not come from denial or blame, but from courage. ‘The courage to face our collective failures, to grieve together, and to rebuild trust within our communities. Only then can our nation rise from its wounds and embrace a future of genuine peace.’

While CAN statement cannot be said to be a direct acceptance of Ted Cruz’ allegation of ‘Christian genocide’ in Nigeria; the statement is however loaded with unspoken words that brings to reckoning what available data on killings say about Nigeria.

For years, international observers and advocacy groups have referenced the scale and targeting of these attacks as evidence of an attempt at ‘Christian Genocide,’ a term that the CAN statement sought to clarify as persecution experienced in the north.

While conflicts in the region are historically complex-often revolving around land, water scarcity, and political marginalisation between predominantly Muslim nomadic pastoralists and Christian farmers-the consistency of the attacks on Christian settlements and clergy lends credence to the notion of systematic ethno-religious targeting.

The problem of operational failure

The frustration expressed by CAN stems from a widespread belief that the government possesses adequate information but lacks the will or capability to act decisively. This point has been consistently validated by independent security analysts.

‘The tragedy we consistently document is the failure to translate specific, actionable warnings-which our data shows precedes the majority of major attacks-into decisive, timely interventions. The issue is less ‘intelligence failure’ and more operational failure rooted in accountability gaps,’ Kehinde Giwa, an analyst at SBM Intelligence, whose firm tracks conflict dynamics and security incidents across Nigeria, highlighting where the real failure lies.

According to Giwa, the tragedy is not that the state is blind, but that it is often paralyzed, allowing for what SBM Intelligence often calls a ‘Cycle of Carnage’ to repeat across vulnerable zones.

Targeting the clergy

This operational failure has had profound consequences on the Christian leadership itself. SBM Intelligence data confirms that Christian clergy are specifically targeted for kidnapping and extortion, disrupting the very fabric of community life and leadership.

According to data by SBM Intelligence, 21 Catholic priests were abducted in Nigeria between July 2022 and June 2023. Similarly, official data from the Catholic Church also indicated that about 145 priests were kidnapped over the last 10 years.

According to SBM data released in late 2023, the trend of kidnapped priests in Nigeria has been alarming, with dozens of Catholic priests and other clergy members abducted annually across different states, including those in the Middle Belt, over the past few years.

The targeting of these religious figures serves a dual purpose for criminal elements: they represent a high-value target (due to the assumed ability of the Church to pay ransom) and their removal creates a vacuum of moral and social authority in rural, besieged communities.

This strategy according to the report effectively hollows out local resilience, forcing displaced populations to remain in internal displacement camps.

However, Giwa is of the view that CAN’s concluding plea in the statement ‘courage to face our collective failures’-thus serves as both a moral appeal and a strategic warning. According to him, the CAN statement makes it clear that until the government moves beyond political denial and addresses the operational failures and accountability gaps that SBM Intelligence and others point to, the violence will continue to erode not only the faith and safety of its citizens but the very foundations of the Nigerian economy.

In furtherance of its bid to strengthen stakeholder engagement and deepen understanding of Nigeria’s advertising regulatory framework, the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON), in collaboration with the Nigerian Bar Association – Lawyers in the Media Forum (NBA-LIM), is set to host a high-level Town-Hall Meeting themed ‘The Nigerian Advertising Law: The Role of the Advertising Offences Tribunal (AOT).’

The event, which will take place on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at the Sheba Events Center, Lagos, is expected to bring together members of the bench and bar, advertising practitioners, industry stakeholders, and members of the general public to deliberate on the dynamics of Nigeria’s advertising law and its implementation under the Advertising Offences Tribunal.

Billed to give a keynote address for the occasion is Akinlolu Kehinde, a legal luminary. His presentation will spotlight the central theme of the event, ‘The Nigerian Advertising Law: The Role of the AOT’. A major highlight of the day will be a panel discussion which will also focus on the theme and will feature a lineup of distinguished speakers including Olalekan Fadolapo, Director-General of ARCON; Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, President of the NBA; Charles Odenigbo, Director-General, Centre for Media Law and Development; and Lanre Adisa, Chairman, Heads of Advertising Sectoral Groups (HASG).

Speaking ahead of the Town-Hall Meeting, ARCON’s Director-General, Olalekan Fadolapo, reaffirmed the Council’s commitment to strengthening the regulatory ecosystem through strategic stakeholder engagement and legal alignment. According to him, ‘Our engagement with stakeholders is not episodic but a deliberate, continuous exercise grounded in our vision to build a responsible and globally competitive advertising industry in Nigeria. This Town-Hall Meeting is part of our broader effort to institutionalize dialogue, transparency, and compliance across the entire advertising value chain.’

He further reiterated that the collaboration with the Nigerian Bar Association is a clear demonstration of ARCON’s commitment to enforcing the Advertising Law in accordance with due process and international best practices. ‘We are creating a regulatory environment that balances creativity with compliance. The Advertising Offences Tribunal remains a crucial instrument for ensuring accountability, deterrence, and fairness. As we continue to strengthen our institutional frameworks, we remain focused on promoting professionalism, protecting consumer rights, and upholding the integrity of the advertising profession,’ Fadolapo added.

Electronics and home appliances manufacturer, Sony, has unveiled its latest ULT Power Sound series as part of its move to offer Nigerians a revolutionary option in home and outdoor entertainment.

According to the company, the new Power Sound series builds on Sony’s 2024 debut of the ULT Power Sound series in Nigeria, which broadened its high-power portable audio footprint.

Speaking at the official unveiling in Lagos, Jobin Joejoe, managing director of Sony Middle East and Africa, said that with the ULT Tower 9, ULT Field 5 and ULT Field 3, the company is delivering sound experiences that match the vibrant and powerful spirit of Nigerians

He said Sony is bringing that same immersive sound into compact, lifestyle-ready designs with the new party speakers, which include the ULT Tower 9, ULT Field 5, ULT Field 3 and ULTMIC1.

Designed for personal, home, and on-the-go listening, the lineup combines festival-level bass, portability, and smart connectivity to match Nigeria’s energetic lifestyle.

Joejeo said that Nigeria’s Independence Day is a moment of pride, unity and celebration, and Sony as a brand could not think of a better occasion to introduce the new additions to the ULT Power Sound series.

‘Music is at the heart of Nigerian culture, and at Sony, we are committed to bringing innovations that not only elevate entertainment but also connect deeply with the lifestyles of our customers here in Nigeria,’ Joejoe said.

Arafat Syed, senior manager, Personal Entertainment at Sony Middle East and Africa, said that ULT Tower 9 has karaoke and guitar inputs plus a TV Sound Booster for an enhanced audio-visual experience with movies and concerts.

‘More than just play music, the ULT Tower 9 transforms your space into a full-on party experience. The 360°Party Lights create a synchronised lighting display that lets you link up to 100 compatible speakers, syncing both music and lighting seamlessly, filling any location with the ultimate party atmosphere’

Syed said the ULT Field 5 comes in off-White and Black, adding that its 360° party lights are also added to the ULT Field 5 to bring customers’ parties to life, as well as other convenient features such as party connect, multipoint connection, Bluetooth fast pair and a USB charging port.

He further said that the ULT Field 3 is compact yet delivers a powerful, enhanced bass at the push of the ULT button, adding that waterproof and dustproof features make it ready for poolside, parks, and outdoor adventures.

‘The shoulder straps offer multiple carrying options; let it hang by your side or position it perfectly to project sound wherever you need it. This makes it ideal for adventures on your bike, skateboard or on foot,’ he added.

Also on display at the launch were the ULTMIC1, which enhances a solo performance or a duet with a friend with an incredible sound every time.

Designed to pair seamlessly with the series speakers, these wireless microphones instantly connect two great-sounding wireless mics by inserting dongles into the mic port, delivering exceptional vocal clarity.

The launch drew influencers, top media houses, lifestyle and tech bloggers, as well as industry partners for live demonstrations, curated listening sessions and a chance to win exclusive giveaways.

Special guests and influencers in attendance, such as Jayonair, Sheggz, Meshkiey, Munachiabi, Pretty Precious, Oluwaseunayo, Tomiwa Jonathan, Mmesoma, Legendary Ben, and Victoria King, added star power to the event. Their presence further amplified the evening’s excitement, with many sharing live updates and behind-the-scenes moments with their followers across social media, sparking online buzz around the product launch.

Adding a fun twist to the evening, attendees participated in a karaoke and quiz, where business partners had the opportunity to showcase their talents and compete for exciting prizes. The winners were announced with much fanfare, adding to the event’s energy.

The Musical Society of Nigeria (MUSON) is set to enthral music enthusiasts and lovers of the arts at its annual festival this year.

Now in its 28th edition, the festival, according to MUSON, is promising more excitement for the attendees from October 12-26, 2025, at its Onikan Lagos base.

Speaking at a media parley heralding the festival, Louis Mbanefo, chairman, MUSON, noted that this year’s edition, which is holding on the theme, ‘In The Flow’, is riding on the success of last year’s edition, which held on the theme ‘Resurgence, Resilience and Revival’.

Mbanefo, the only surviving member of the founders of MUSON, expressed his excitement that the society, which was founded in 1983, has continued to outlive its founders including; Akintola Williams, Ayo Rosiji, Francesca Emanuel, Rasheed Gbadamosi (all dead), while also impacting the society positively.

‘For after 42 continuous years, the MUSON project continues to thrive and to flow beyond the dreams of our founding fathers and mothers,’ he said.

Unveiling the highlights of the festival, the MUSON chairman noted that the festival for this year, will start with a musical brunch on October 12th during which there will be musical performances and will be followed by the MUSON Day concert on October 14th; an occasion that celebrates MUSON’s birthday with a concert by students and alumni of the MUSON Diploma School.

‘On that day, we shall honour the pioneer Marion Akpata, director of the school, who sadly passed away last month,’ Mbanefo said.

Speaking further, he noted that on October 17th, there will be a jazz party featuring performances by well-known jazz artistes, a musical drama, sponsored by Chevron, will take place October 18th, while an operatic performance would be staged on October 19th.

A a symposium on music meets technology, which have be named ‘Collabo’, will take place on October 21 as well as a concert, showcasing talented young performers on October 23 and another operatic performance on the 25th.

This year’s festival, like previous editions, would be concluded with a Gala Concert October 26, 2025. The concert, which is sponsored by Total Energies, will feature the MUSON Choir directed by Emeka Nwokedi, as well as the MUSON Symphony Orchestra conducted by WalterMichael Vollhardt, a visiting maestro. The highlight of the Symphony Orchestra will be a full performance by the choir and orchestra combined of Carl Orff’s iconic work ‘Carmina Burana’.

Mbanefo assured attendees memorable outings as this year’s edition promises to be an exciting festival.

By 1975, Abuloma was a secluded enclave at the mouth of the waters that empty into the Atlantic Ocean through Okrika by the Port Harcourt River on the way to Bonny.

Anybody going to Abuloma was regarded as going to a lonely area. The only road to it from Port Harcourt from something like footpath from Ogbunabali through pathway that later cut through today’s Trans-Amadi.

The road would pierce deeply through swamps and forests until it would turn left to a vast area bordering waters.

The place was chosen by 1975 to play host to a girls college owned by the Federal Government when the idea of Unity Schools was hatched. It was suggested as a place to groom girls both in learning and character.

Bright Ateke Fiboinumama, the Abuloma monarch

The period was still relative to a culture in the South-South and East known as fattening room. It had different names in different ethnicities but most parts of the region call ‘Mgbede’, though nobody knows which ethnic group coined the name. Girls during puberty were moved to ‘Mgbede’ or fattening rooms.

What was believed was that it was a place of feeding young girs fat to develop robust and rounded bodies with very smooth skins. That was on the surface. Truth was that the ladies were in a grooming centre for knowledge-acquisition and training to become successful wives, home managers, and great women leaders.

The fattening room system emphasized seclusion of location and exclusivity. Seasoned women of different capabililies and vocations such as native birth attendance, circumcision, managing minor ailments, use of food as medicine, understanding menstrual matters, understanding the creature called man (husband), protecting a man from himself, knowing what men want, etc, would be subjects of teaching.

Dumo Lulu-Briggs, philanthropist and arch supporter of the projects execution at the FGGC Abuloma

They also learnt dances and songs plus making patterns on bodies and walls with colours (uri). On the day of unveiling, the now beautiful women are brought out and viewed by people from far and near, and wives are quickly picked.

So, distant and discreet location was the key. So, it was with Abuloma girls. It is a place of learning and training of young girls who come in as pre-teens and leave as pre-women. It was created when the quest for empowerment and enhancement of women to play roles in nationhood and national building was hatched, soon after the establishment of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in 1973.

Today, whereas the FG thought they created a school for girls, the people of the region, working with the ex-grads, created an elite ‘mgbede’ where ‘queens’ are made.

One of the queens, Opobo-born but Okrika-married Ibim Semenitari (nee Toby), tried to explain how the Federal Government Girls College (FGGC) Abuloma is far beyond a school.

She spoke at the ceremony marking the 50 years anniversary of the college, and explained how the place is making queens.

Semenitari is a former information commissioner in Rivers State. She is a queen in her own rights because she flew across schools to graduate in the University of Benin and became a seasoned journalist who won international awards and ended as a publisher (Business Eye). She is a trainer and resource person in Journalism.

Semenitari later served as acting managing director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), and is today a sought-after consultant on virtually every matter under the sun.

Ibim Semeniiari, a queen made in FGGC, and chairperson, board of trustees

Semenitari, who is the chairperson of the Board of Trustees of the Almunae said: ‘We are proud of the quality of girls that this school has produced. The Almunae was started in the early 1990s.’

This is the breeding home for ‘queens’:

Sementari said the children make the Old Girls proud with academic excellence. ‘In national competitions, they do well. This is the breeding home for queens: Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SAN), an old girl (senior prefect 1980) is the one in charge of electricity in Washington DC, an old girl was the very first black person (male of female) to be president of the Commonwealth Lawyers Association.

The most strategic aspect is what even the Federal Government recognized and commended going on in Abulomo. Apart from executing projects and doing stuff, the old girls have a scheme whereby they come back to mentor the students, thus playing the role of a guild where attitude and skills are created. They pass on the secrets of studying hard and hitting skyhigh grades.

The board chairperson tried to put the 50 years in perspective. She said the Old Girls decided to execute two strong legacy projects; the Legacy Park, and the Smart Classrooms for the girls.

‘This is not the first time the Old Girls are executing projects here. We have a complete ICT Lab, Sick Bay, Tractors for the school, Scholarship Scheme that helps indigent children. We have even supported some Old Girls who found it difficult to go to the University to accomplish the dream. We have a mentorship programme where Old Girls mentor the younger ones.

‘So, this 50th anniversary, we said, let us do something different. The Smart Classrooms are simply next generation, the most current you can have. It allows the children and teachers interface in realtime in manners that make the children enjoy the content, and to access virtual reality to make things happen.’

FG hails Abuloma model:

The Federal Ministry Education has welcomed the model being implemented in the FG Girls College Abuloma, including their mentoriship scheme, the legacy projects, and creating a system of sustenance of good character and grades.

The FG also welcomed the digital classrooms as well as ICT Labs in the College which is located in the southernmost ends of Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

Maruf Olatunji Alausa, the Minister, who rendered the commendation on Thursday, October 9, 2025, while speaking as special guest of honour to mark the 50th anniversary of the College said it was a big privilege for the College to be showered by smart classrooms and other sensitive projects which were executed by the FGGC Old Girls Association.

The Minister, who was represented by Inyang Ukpe, Principal of Federal Government College, Port Harcourt, mentioned the projects that set the college high as the 21st century leap which is the four STEAM-enabled smart classrooms.

The Minister said the N50m investment is not just about technology, but about preparing young girls for the future of work and innovation, ensuring they were globally competitive in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics.

The Minister said ICT and Infrastructure upgrade being embarked upon by the FGGC Old Girls was in addition to provision of 23 laptops for the ICT Lab and the crucial renovations of the Biology Laboratory and the school library. ‘Access to clean water, which you addressed through the repair of the water reticulation system in the hostels, speaks directly to student welfare, a top priority for the Ministry.’

The Minister mentioned other projects such as legacy of giving, a mentorship programme. He harped on the theme of this anniversary, ‘Roots to Golden Fruits: Remembering the Past, Celebrating the Present, and Empowering the Future’, saying; ‘The Roots are the pioneering efforts of the founders, the dedication of the early teachers, and the investment made by the FG 50 years ago.’

In a major speech, Itoro Clement Isong, the national president of the Association, said the school was founded to be a beacon of light that shaped young minds and molded future leaders. Thus, the school has produced doctors, engineers, teachers, artists, entrepreneurs, homemakers, beauty queens, politicians and public servants and all careers in-between, who she said were making a difference not just in Nigeria, but across the globe.

Isong went on: ‘Over the years, we have worked to support the school and its students. Today, we are proud to launch our two legacy projects: The Alumnae Legacy Park and the STEAM-enabled Smart Classrooms.’

She noted that the ‘Alumnae Legacy Park’ is more than just a beautiful space but a testament to the enduring bonds of friendship and sisterhood that were forged in the school years back. ‘The STEAM-enabled Smart Classrooms represent our commitment to the future. In a rapidly changing world, we must equip our students with the skills they need to lead and innovate.’

She mentioned how the projects were executed and mentioned Sterling One Foundation, BGI Energy Services LTD, Zomay Group, Seplat Cares -Seplat Energy’s comprehensive Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and sustainability initiatives, Sparkle MFB, WOWBII, Ceion Innovations Limited, and X3M Ideas.

Earlier in her welcome remarks, Orieji Uduma, the chairperson of the 50th anniversary planning committee their roots were planted and nourished in the knowledge shared by their teachers. ‘We were taught the value of smart work’. She explained the meaning of giving them roots and giving them wings to fly.

The highlight of the event was N20m donation by Dumo Lulu-Briggs, a chief and lawyer who said he married from the College. He called for reflections that would help return Rivers State to old values and dreams of unity and looking out for one another.

The monarch of Abuloma, Bright Ateke Fiboinumama, said the school impacted the community positively. He pledged the commitment of the community to continue to support and protect the school.

The event was turned to a carnival of sorts with Old Girls singing the songs of old and dancing their hearts out. They sang in all the major ethnic tongues in Nigeria and south-south and showed how they rolled life at school beyond academics.

The day was anchored by Chioma Aninwe, a communications expert and compere who has emerged as a state manager and content expert.

The anniversary was marked with publication that allowed reflective articles to show how the older ones perceived the school and life in the ‘mgbede’. Onyinye Udeh (nee Nwaozor) described her stay as a ‘bittersweet’ journey recalling bullying and injust treatments but admitted these things built them into the strong women they are today.

Others used poetry instead of prose to capture their experiences probably to hide the raw messages in parables and images.

The federal government has swiftly contained a recent outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) at a commercial farm in Birnin Kudu, Jigawa State, preventing the spread of the highly contagious livestock infection.

A statement from the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development stated that the ministry deployed an eight-man rapid response team led by Dr. Adeniyi Adedoyin, director, Project Coordinating Unit and Coordinator of the National Programme for the Control of FMD.

The team include experts from the Ministry and the National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI), supported by Jigawa State livestock officers and leaders of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association.

At the affected Mallam Alu Agro-Allied Company Limited, 34 animals were found to have shown symptoms consistent with FMD, with six recorded deaths. Laboratory samples were collected to identify the virus strain, while ring vaccination of livestock within the area was immediately launched.

‘This campaign underscores our commitment to safeguarding the nation’s livestock economy,’ Dr. Adedoyin said.

‘Through coordinated action, we are protecting farmers’ livelihoods and supporting President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the National Livestock Growth Acceleration Strategy.’ Hussain Ularamu of NVRI emphasised the need for proper disease reporting and record-keeping, saying accurate data helps veterinarians respond faster and tailor vaccination programmes.

The Ministry also held a sensitisation meeting with herders and livestock owners on biosecurity, hygiene, and vaccination schedules.

Isa Mohammed Gadama, farm manager, and Adamu Kankau, Miyetti Allah Chairman, commended the government’s quick response and pledged continued cooperation.

Salem Abdurrahman, the Jigawa State Commissioner for Livestock Development, committed to an annual FMD vaccination plan and regular surveillance reporting.

The Black Stars of Ghana sealed qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after defeating Comoros 1-0 in their final Group I fixture at the Accra Sports Stadium on Sunday night, becoming the fifth African nation to book their place at the global showpiece after Algeria, Egypt, Morocco, and Tunisia.

Roared on by a capacity 40,000 crowd, Ghana controlled possession and tempo for most of the first half but struggled to find a breakthrough despite sustained pressure. Comoros goalkeeper Adel Anzimati-Aboudou was rarely tested as the hosts’ attacks lacked cutting edge before the interval. After a goalless first half, Ghana finally found the breakthrough early in the second period through star midfielder Mohammed Kudus, who slotted home to send the home fans into jubilation.

The Black Stars’ qualification was also confirmed by Mali’s 4-1 victory over Madagascar, which ensured Ghana finished top of Group I, six points clear of the chasing pack.

Following the goal, the hosts dictated play with confidence, maintaining possession and composure as Comoros pushed in vain for an equaliser.

The final whistle sparked wild celebrations in Accra, as Ghana confirmed their return to the World Cup stage, their fifth appearance after featuring in 2006, 2010, 2014, and 2022.

Jennifer Adighije, the managing director of the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC), has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his administration’s commitment to revamping Nigeria’s power sector, following his recent approval of the defrayment of the ?4 trillion legacy debts owed to generation companies (GenCos).

Recall that in July 2025, President Tinubu met with chief executives of all power generation companies, where he emphasised the need for patience from GenCos and financial institutions. The President had also disclosed that government agencies were engaging audit and legal firms to scrutinise the ?4.7 trillion claims.

Speaking at this year’s National Association of Energy Correspondents (NAEC) Energy Conference in Lagos, Adighije described the President’s approval as a landmark decision that would go a long way in restoring the financial health of the sector.

‘With the funds available, we at NDPHC – given our unique mandate as the government’s intervention entity in the power sector – plan to deploy a significant portion of these recovered funds toward converting our power plants from open-cycle to combined-cycle operations,’ she said.

‘This will not only enhance efficiency but also diversify our generation mix, aligning with Nigeria’s Energy Transition Plan,’ she added.

Adighije further noted that the power sector is currently undergoing a major transition, moving towards bilateral trading and the implementation of a cost-reflective tariff regime.

‘What this means for us is that we are beginning to see increased liquidity within the sector, which in turn is making it more bankable and attractive for investment,’ she explained.

‘For us in the power generation space, we understand that cash flow drives efficiency and sustainability. Improved liquidity ensures that generation companies are better positioned to reinvest in the power sector,’ Adighije said.

She reaffirmed NDPHC’s commitment to supporting ongoing reforms in the sector and called for sustained collaboration among all stakeholders to ensure energy security and economic growth.

Meanwhile, the association confers on the company, Power company of the year Award.