Category: Business Day

Olayemi Cardoso, the Governor of the Central Bank, will lead Nigeria’s delegation to the World Bank and International Monetary Fund Annual Meeting in Washington DC, which opens on Monday, October 13.

Bayo Onanuga, in a statement on Sunday, said Cardoso, as the alternate Governor, replaces the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, who is indisposed.

The Nigerian team will also comprise the Minister of State for Finance, Doris Uzoka-Anete.

According to the World Bank, key elements of the Annual Meetings include the Development Committee Plenary session on October 16 and the International Monetary and Financial Committee meetings on October 17. ‘Other featured events include regional briefings, press conferences, and fora focused on international development, the global economy, and financial markets’ the statement said.

Nigeria’s challenges in access, completion and quality of secondary school education has necessitated the need for stakeholders to help in bridging the widening gap between the government and society, John Momoh, chief executive officer of Channels Media Group and Trustee of BAOSA, has said.

Momoh said that rebuilding confidence in Nigeria’s secondary education requires a genuine social compact between government, educators, parents, alumni, and the private sector.

Speaking on the topic ‘Bridging the Gap – Restoring Trust Between Schools, Government and Society at the BAOSA 170th Anniversary lecture, Baptist Academy in Lagos, Momoh said that tackling these challenges will be possible when all stakeholders work in concert to reclaim the purpose and prestige of learning.

According to him, Nigeria need to restore the dignity of the teaching profession, as no reform will succeed if teachers remain undervalued and underpaid.

‘We cannot continue to demand excellence from classrooms where morale is broken and salaries are uncertain. We need deliberate investment in teacher training, incentives for rural service, and continuous professional development that rewards merit and integrity,’ he said.

Momoh said that there is a need to hold institutions accountable, not with hostility, but with patriotic engagement, adding that Alumni networks like BAOSA can play a bridging role, working with Ministries of Education, SUBEBs, and local school boards to track performance, mentor students, and monitor outcomes.

‘We must remember that education is the truest form of nation-building. Every classroom rebuilt, every teacher trained, every student mentored is an act of national renewal. Our nation’s moral compass and future prosperity depend on the kind of citizens our schools produce’.

He further said that as Baptist Academy celebrates 170 years, both old and future students need to know that the founders of the school built it on faith, discipline, and excellence – not because resources were abundant, but because conviction was strong.

‘Today, our calling is to rekindle that same conviction to make our schools once again temples of learning, truth, and transformation,’ he added.

Olumide Ajomale, president of Baptist Academy Old Students Association (BAOSA), earlier in his welcome address, said that the event presented an opportunity for the old students to stand together in gratitude, reflection and renewed commitment as they celebrate an institution whose light has shone brightly since October 24, 1855.

He said that as the institution marks its 170 years of truth and excellence, there is a need for old students to renew their collective resolve to uphold the ideals upon which the institution was founded.

On his part, Kesington Adebutu, chairman of the Board of Trustees of BAOSA, said that the transformative power of education that old students received from Baptist Academy not only moulded their character, sharpened their intellect, but it also prepared them for leadership in their various professions, communities and the nation.

Adebutu, who announced a 50 million naira donation as part of the old students’ move to kick start the physical and technological infrastructures development of their Alma mater.

According to him, the funds are about giving the students of today and tomorrow the tools, the environment, and the confidence to excel in the competitive world.

‘I call on every post-student, across generations, across professions, and across the world, to contribute financially, morally, and your professional expertise to this new initiative,’ he added.

The call for state police has continued in Nigeria following the security challenges bedeviling the country. Although the Federal Government seems to have favoured the arrangement as the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s body language shows a man that is supportive of state police, indications are that such an arrangement might not work out, at least, not in this first tenure.

It was gathered that part of the reasons it is not saleable now is the level of political brigandage which is feared may worsen with state police. At the moment many Nigerians feared it could be misused by political actors.

The fear also emanated from the fact that many states are not paying the Minimum Wage, and the question of how they would carry the weight of funding effective police has also become pertinent. The fear is that they could also turn it into an instrument of oppression against political foes.

Following the increasing rate of insecurity across the country – especially with the number of ungoverned places, President Tinubu had pushed the agenda of state police as a suitable solution to curb the menace of insecurity.

‘I am reviewing all the aspects of security; I have to create state police. We are looking at that holistically,’ Tinubu said while hosting a delegation of Katsina indigenes led by the governor, Dikko Radda, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja during a recent courtesy visit.

Tinubu recalled that in February 2024, the federal government inaugurated a committee to develop a framework for state policing.

The initiative has received wide support, although as of March, 20 states had yet to submit their reports, according to Vice-President Kashim Shettima.

Just last week, he convened a high-level strategic meeting with the council of state and police council, which underscores the President’s commitment to addressing pressing national issues and ensuring the safety and security of citizens.

Two weeks before the president’s strategic meeting with the Council of State and Police Council, the House of Representatives held a public hearing on the creation of state police, aligning the proposal with public interest that has generated discourse amid rising insecurity across the country.

Over the years, former and current Nigerian leaders, security experts and civil society groups, have argued that decentralising policing would enhance community safety and response to local security threats.

‘The creation of outfits like Amotekun and Ebube Agu shows there’s political will at subnational levels, but institutional capacity and professional standards remain uneven,’ said Ikemesit Effiong, a Lagos-based lawyer and partner at SBM Intelligence.

According to him, decentralising the policie system will test whether states can build competent, rights-respecting security institutions.

He added that the campaign for state policing looks politically strong at the federal level and among governors.

However, achieving the two-thirds of National Assembly votes already seems plausible. ‘Getting guaranteed ratification by 24 state assemblies is only moderately likely, not certain,’ Effiong said.

But the political will to push through a constitutional amendment for a decentralized police system have been hampered by the state governors, many of whom states are suffering from the menace of insecurity being carried out by non-state actors.

For instance, earlier this year, President Tinubu called for proposal on the modalities of state police – only about 12 states responded to the call by drafting their own proposals for a decentralised police system.

‘It can work if the governors want it to work. If LASTMA, Trace and Operation So Safe can work and serve the purpose of their creations, why won’t the State Police work?

‘In making it effective, the community should be carried along which will entrench the creation of community post and community policing,’ said Badru Saleh, a Lagos-based public commentator and doctoral student.

According to him, the governors hold the key to making ‘state police’ implementable. Saleh added that the officers that will be recruited into the scheme are Nigerians, who at one point or the other have also complained about the state of insecurity in the country.

Tope Ilesanmi, a Lagos-based cleric, told BusinessDay that many Nigerians are opposed to the creation of state police because of the excesses of the state governors, who they fear might personalise the scheme if created.

He however, added that the positives of state police far outweigh the fear being expressed in many quarters. ‘But then, the damage that they will cause will not be as much as the good.’

Ilesanmi also added that Nigeria is currently under-policed, hence, the call for the government to do more in strengthening the current system to cater to the security needs of Nigerians. According to him, the United Nations (UN) benchmark for policing is one police to 450 people.

‘200m divide by 450 = 444k. In other words, Nigeria Police Force ought to have staff strength of 444,000. I am not sure we have up to 100, 000,’ said Ilesanmi, indicating that the Federal Government is not even recruiting as many as they should.

Chukwudinma Okoji, communication expert, told BusinessDay that the lingering insecurity across the six geo-political zone of the country makes state police a matter of concern.

According to him, checkmating the excesses of state actors would be essential in making state policing effective.

‘A political office holder parades his or herself with several security personnel when attending functions leaving every citizen vulnerable simply because of the privilege given to serve the masses and further turns it to his/her own selfish interest wearing the garment of dictatorship. We must not forget that he who pays the piper dictates the tune. ‘

Okoji said that decentralising the policing system is never a bad idea if properly implemented. According to him, trust is no longer sacred in the country; the helm of affairs must first serve a corrupt free nation before the states can be seen as a well sanitised entity to welcome such initiative. ‘The state policing is never a bad idea, but the truth is the nation is not ripe for such developmental issues.’

A highly-placed government official recently expressed doubt over the possibility of having the state police in Nigeria in the Tinubu administration.

According to the official, ‘What you are calling for is a state of anarchy where state governors would be intimidating whoever they want to without allowing the rule of law take its proper place. It would mean that all those who perceived to be political foes of the governors in their states would not allow to visit their states by the state governors.’

He pointed to some instances in the states where there are always clashes between the supporters of the state governors and those of other politicians from the state residing in Abuja.

‘If for instance, today, such governors are in control of the police, the possibility is that there would always be blood shed with little or no provocation,’ he said.

The Citizens Advocacy for Social and Economic Rights (CASER) has called on Enugu State’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice to prosecute Geoffrey Uche Nnaji, former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, who is an indigene of the state.

The erstwhile minister recently resigned from office over certificates forgery scandal. An online newspaper, Premium Times, had published an investigative report, which showed that Nnaji allegedly forged the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) degree certificate and a National Youth Service Corps discharge certificate, which he submitted to the Senate, Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF), and Directorate of State Service (DSS) for his appointment, screening, and confirmation as a minister in President Bola Tinubu’s government in August 2023.

Addressing journalists in Abuja recently, Executive Director, CASER, Frank Tietie, said the organisation had already written to the Attorney General of Enugu State to immediately begin the prosecution of Nnaji as federal agencies that should have prosecuted him appeared to be dragging their feet.

According to the lawyer and activist, the dereliction of duty on the part of federal agencies, especially when linked to high-profile personalities, undermines public confidence in the nation’s justice system and erodes the foundational principle that no one is above the law.

‘It is precisely the perceived inaction and selective enforcement by these federal agencies for reasons that are politically obvious that has compelled CASER to formally request Attorney General of Enugu State to exercise his constitutional powers under Section 211 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) to investigate and prosecute Geoffrey Uche Nnaji for alleged acts amounting to forgery and related offences.

Section 211 empowers a State Attorney General to institute and undertake criminal proceedings against any person in respect of offences created by law in that state.

This request by CASER is not politically motivated – it is a principled call for justice, deterrence, and the restoration of institutional integrity. If the federal agencies will not act because of political convenience or political correctness, then a state authority that still believes in the sanctity of law must do so,’ he said.

In case the Enugu State Attorney General is unwilling to prosecute the case, CASER asks him to issue a fiat to private citizens to prosecute the matter.

Tietie showed a copy of the letter sent to the Enugu State Attorney General and which was dated 6th October 2025, delivered and duly acknowledged on October 7, 2025.

CASER maintained that ‘failure to prosecute politically exposed persons sends a dangerous message that some individuals are above the law and this cannot continue if Nigeria is to strengthen democracy, uphold the Constitution, and command international respect as a nation governed by laws, not by persons.’

Recall that on Wednesday, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, the African Democratic Alliance, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), several senior lawyers, and CSOs also called for the investigation and prosecution of Nnaji, insisting that resignation was not an atonement for alleged offences of forgery and perjury.

However, the Executive Director of Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), Auwal Ibrahim Musa (Rafsanjani), demanded that Nnaji be banned from holding public office for life to serve as a deterrent to others.

‘He did not resign of his own volition. He was forced by the public, the media, and the civil society to resign. He didn’t resign as an honourable man. He actually went to court to stop the university from releasing his record. In fact, we should ban him from public office for life,’ he stated.

Phoenix Steel Mills has announced improvements in productivity, operational efficiency, and energy stability following its participation in the Eligible Customer Program of the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC).

Through the program, Phoenix Steel Mills now enjoys direct access to a reliable electricity supply from NDPHC’s generation assets, drastically reducing its reliance on unstable grid supply and costly self-generation alternatives.

According to the company, this intervention has minimised power-related disruptions, reduced operational costs, and enhanced production output-positioning Phoenix Steel Mills to expand its capacity and strengthen its competitiveness in both domestic and international markets.

Speaking on the development, Jennifer Adighije, the managing director/CEO of NDPHC, hailed Phoenix Steel Mills as a success story of the Eligible Customer Program and reaffirmed NDPHC’s commitment to deepening Nigeria’s industrial competitiveness.

‘The Eligible Customer framework is designed to strengthen Nigeria’s industrial growth by guaranteeing efficient, reliable, and affordable electricity directly from our plants to businesses. Phoenix Steel Mills is a clear demonstration of how stable power translates into higher productivity, cost savings, and stronger value chains for the economy,’ Adighije said.

Phoenix Steel Mills joins a growing number of industrial players across Nigeria leveraging the NDPHC Eligible Customer Program to unlock efficiency, sustain growth, and drive national economic development.

In our fast-changing world, embracing digital transformation is essential for thriving-it’s no longer just an option, but vital for our future! Cybersecurity stands at the heart of this evolution, acting as both a guardian and a critical factor for global stability. While the digital age has offered incredible connectivity, it has also opened the door to new challenges with swiftly changing cyber threats that can outstrip traditional defenses. From ransomware to AI-based attacks, the call for strong cybersecurity has never been clearer. To truly succeed in this digital landscape, we need to cultivate a proactive mindset, emphasizing agility, foresight, and strategic resilience as the cornerstones of digital trust. It’s time for everyone-institutions, governments, and individuals-to rethink our strategies. The days of simply reacting are behind us; let’s embrace anticipation and innovation as we journey forward together into this exciting digital future!

Key Issues in cybersecurity today

The landscape of cyber threats has become increasingly sophisticated, primarily due to Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs) from nation-state actors and organized cybercriminals. These attackers use strategic, long-term methods to infiltrate and maintain access to systems. The malicious use of artificial intelligence is a growing concern, enabling attacks like phishing, deepfakes, and automated vulnerability discovery. Additionally, zero-day exploits are more common and harder to detect, posing significant challenges in complex software environments.

The evolving digital landscape brings both challenges and opportunities for security enhancement. The growth of IoT and edge devices increases the need for robust security protocols to protect against threats. While cloud infrastructure offers flexibility, it requires proper configuration and understanding of the shared responsibility model to mitigate risks. The rise of remote work fosters innovation but requires vigilance in securing decentralized access points. By proactively addressing these challenges, organizations can build a more resilient and secure framework.

Human factors are a decisive element in cybersecurity vulnerabilities. Social engineering tactics like phishing, baiting, and pretexting are not just common; they are among the most effective methods employed by cybercriminals to exploit individuals. Furthermore, poor cyber hygiene-characterised by weak passwords, outdated software, and a pervasive lack of awareness regarding security practices-significantly heightens the risk of breaches. Additionally, insider threats, whether born of malicious intent or negligence, pose a substantial danger to organizations. It is imperative that cybersecurity strategies address these human factors head-on to fortify defenses effectively.

Thought processes for strategic adaptation

Cybersecurity is more than just a collection of tools and practices-it’s a vital part of an organization’s culture. To truly safeguard our digital landscape, we need to shift our perspective from simply reacting to threats to embracing a proactive approach. This means weaving cybersecurity principles into the very fabric of our organisation. Every employee, whether you’re an executive in the boardroom or a team member in the breakroom, plays a crucial role in creating a secure environment. By fostering a collective understanding of its significance, we can empower everyone to become active participants in our cybersecurity efforts. Let’s make security a shared priority!

A risk-based approach involves prioritizing assets according to their impact on the business. This strategy emphasizes the importance of understanding which assets are most critical to operations. Additionally, employing threat modelling and conducting attack simulations can help organizations identify potential vulnerabilities, allowing them to proactively address risks before they escalate.

In the realm of intelligence-driven defense, organizations are encouraged to utilize Threat Intelligence Platforms (TIPs) to enhance their security posture. Additionally, it is crucial to integrate Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) systems with User and Entity Behaviour Analytics (UEBA). This integration allows for a more comprehensive understanding of security events and user behaviour, improving the overall effectiveness of threat detection and response strategies.

In today’s digital landscape, building trust and upholding ethical standards are essential for cybersecurity. It’s about integrating security into technology from the start, prioritising user privacy, and maintaining transparency. As we adopt AI tools in cybersecurity, embracing accountability and ethical practices is crucial to ensuring users feel secure and respected.

Assertive solutions and strategic recommendations

In the realm of cybersecurity, several technological interventions are essential to enhance protection against emerging threats. One key approach is the implementation of Zero Trust Architecture, which operates on the principle of never trusting any user or device by default, particularly within internal networks. Additionally, the incorporation of artificial intelligence can significantly bolster defense strategies; machine learning techniques can facilitate anomaly detection, enable automated responses to incidents, and provide predictive analytics to anticipate potential issues before they arise. Finally, with the advancement of quantum computing, it is crucial to prepare for new security challenges by adopting quantum-resistant cryptography, ensuring that encryption standards evolve to safeguard against post-quantum threats.

In the domain of governance and policy, it is essential for organisations to adopt established cybersecurity frameworks such as the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), ISO/IEC 27001, or the CIS Controls. Ensuring regulatory compliance is non-negotiable and must involve alignment with critical laws such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation (NDPR), and any specific mandates relevant to their sector. Furthermore, organisations are mandated to implement robust incident response plans that are regularly tested and updated to effectively tackle potential breach scenarios.

Capacity building in cybersecurity is a constructive and comprehensive approach designed to enhance skills and knowledge at all levels. It begins with a comprehensive cybersecurity education program that caters to a diverse audience, ranging from training executives to raising awareness among grassroots communities. A significant focus is placed on talent development, aiming to nurture the next generation of ethical hackers, analysts, and digital forensics experts. To further bolster defences, fostering public-private partnerships It is essential, as it promotes collaboration between different sectors, facilitating effective intelligence sharing and coordinated responses to cyber threats.

Resilience engineering focuses on constructing systems that not only withstand challenges but also emerge even stronger. Picture a world where organizations are fully equipped to confront disruptions directly-this is the essence of resilience engineering. Achieving this requires companies to implement a range of effective strategies.

By weaving in redundancy and designing rock-solid disaster recovery plans, they build safety nets that catch them when chaos strikes! Investing in cyber insurance is like equipping themselves with an impenetrable shield against the unknown, guaranteeing protection from the ever-present digital threats that lurk around every corner!

Regularly engaging in simulations and Wargaming exercises sharpens their crisis response skills, allowing teams to practice and perfect their strategies in real time. These proactive approaches not only bolster organizational continuity but also lay the groundwork for a resilient framework, paving the way for lasting success in the face of adversity.

Conclusive final thought

In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, cybersecurity stands at the forefront, guiding us in our battle against increasingly sophisticated threats. It’s not just about defence; it’s about weaving security into the very fabric of digital design and fostering dynamic collaboration across all sectors. Our mission extends beyond mere protection-it’s about safeguarding the integrity of our entire digital landscape.

Renowned expert Professor Ojo Emmanuel Ademola passionately asserts that cybersecurity is not just a necessity but a strategic priority that calls for innovative thinking, ethical leadership, and bold collaboration. With his unique blend of spiritual insight, technological savvy, and deep policy knowledge, he is helping to forge resilient digital futures that can weather the storms of tomorrow. Join the movement and be part of this crucial journey!

For the first time in the history of Nigerian politics, Mr. President seems to be enjoying the support from all political office-holders including those from the opposition camp.

The National Assembly has never dared to challenge him as its two chambers have approved every one of Mr. President’s wishes, including the ones their constituencies have been crying foul over.

The governors have also found delight in pouring encomium on Mr. President at every turn.

The reason for the above is well captured by Umo Eno, governor of Akwa Ibom State, who has repeatedly sung the praise of the President.

Governor Eno has been attributing the huge projects he has executed in the state to the increased federal revenue allocation.

But many, especially indigenes of the state, think that it was President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s huge allocations that drove him to the All Progressives Congress (APC) from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). It is believed that it is the too much allocation that is responsible for the cordial relationship between the president and the governors today.

Truly, Nigeria’s states and local governments, under President Bola Tinubu, are witnessing an unprecedented surge in allocations from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC), which increased from N3.58 trillion in 2023, to N5.81 trillion in 2024, a year-on-year increase of about 62 percent.

Yet, the largesse continued to soar in 2025, with states receiving N3.425 trillion between January and June.

Meanwhile, pundits attribute the windfall to: subsidy removal in mid-2023 that freed up significant oil revenues previously absorbed by petrol subsidy payments; surge in NNPC remittances by 98 percent in the first half of 2025; and rise in Value Added Tax (VAT) collections. But they equally decried that the huge allocations to the governors amount to ‘robbing Peter to pay Paul’ as the masses are not feeling the impact.

They also regretted that despite an obvious ‘bottomless pit’ allocations, the governors are still looking up to the federal government to solve their problems, especially infrastructural development and insecurity.

According to Bem Hembafan, a retired soldier, and security expert, with the huge allocations, money is no longer an issue for all the 36 state governors, but how to deploy the funds into good use, secure and lift the people.

‘I love Nuhu Ribadu’s call to action for the governors on security of their states. With the huge allocations from the federal government, each state can improve its security architecture, engage critical stakeholders and garner the needed support. You don’t always win a war by guns, dialogue works better and Governor Uba Sani has proved this in Kaduna,’ Hembafan, who runs a security outfit for private estates in Abuja, said.

Speaking further, he decried that building modern stations and buying hundreds of Hilux vans and donating them to security agencies in their states are not enough, as that is often ‘settlement’ for the contractors who were engaged to execute them.

‘Now, the governors are building stations, buying and donating more operational vehicles to security agencies and are boasting of it, but the stations and vehicles are run-down within six months of the donation. I am not saying this to despise my colleagues, but to say that the governors should do more than the donations to improve security in their states,’ Hembafan said.

Toeing the same line, Chijoke Umelahi, an Abuja-based lawyer, said that the states and FCT Abuja were not doing enough to secure lives and property in their domain, considering their huge allocations now.

He argued that with all the security agencies headquartered in Abuja, all the security personnel with intimidating guns and vehicles stationed on strategic places, yet there are still pockets of insecurity in Abuja, especially kidnapping that is getting out of hand.

The above points to the gaps in the security architecture, which, according to him, do not necessarily need funds to fill, but efficient strategies and collaborations.

The worst cases for him are Plateau and Benue states, which seem to have defied all solutions as more people die every day under the watch of security personnel, despite multiple security posts, and noise of huge funds expended on security by the governors.

‘It is clear now that guns only will not fight insecurity, but humans with the right frame of mind, well-boosted morale, whose future is secured while in the frontline and efficient strategy.

If these fail, the governors should put their offices on line and query the federal government’s sincerity in the fight of insecurity,’ he said.

According to him, the governors should be bold to step on toes after spending huge funds on security and little is achieved, especially to find out if there is sabotage, name and shame the culprits and insist on prosecutions to avert reoccurrence.

‘Governor Uba Sani seems to be doing this quietly and he is getting results. Sadly, he is spending less than his predecessor and still getting better results.

‘It is not all about the funds, but commitment to monitoring the deployment, welfare of security personnel in the frontline and regular engagement with stakeholders across the state,’ Umelahi said.

Toeing the same line, Godwin Amahaotu, a serving security officer, explained that buying operational vans without boosting the morale of the officers out there, without making them to own the fight, and without insurance has always ended up in sabotage of such efforts.

‘We are happy to work with good operational vehicles, but we also have families and needs to meet, which means that we may not always be in the right frame of mind to work and you know what means,’ Amahaotu said.

He argued that if a state augments what the officers earn, engage them on regular dialogue and see to their needs, the officers will own the fight against insecurity in that state.

While many cite instance with Kaduna, the reality is that the level of insecurity in the state has significantly reduced, with the rescue of kidnapped people, elimination of terrorists, reclaiming of communities and farmlands hitherto taken over by criminals and terrorists, and recent surrender of some of the bandits.

Citizens and residents are gradually returning to their communities.

All these are due to effective stakeholder management, people’s skills, and relationship management by Governor Uba Sani, which many urged other governors in the North-West zone, across the country and even the federal government, to emulate.

Umelahi noted that the escalating insecurity in Imo and Anambra states is due to the lack of buy-in the governors’ strategies by the people and the security agencies as well.

‘The Imo governor stays here in Abuja as well as half of the governors across the country. So, they often lose touch with the people, they depend on reports that are often doctored by their aids to impress them and that is why the less result in the fight against insecurity.

Soludo has failed to bring his economic magic wand to his state because the people seem not to connect with him, governance is not academic, you need direct and frequent engagement with the stakeholders to succeed, this where most governors fail. They keep hoping that Abuja will always save them,’ Umelahi said.

Speaking on the direct impact of security on the economies of the states, Adekola Ayeni, an economist, noted that apart from security of lives and property, a safe environment attracts investments to a state.

In this regard, he noted that the efforts of governors like Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos, Uba Sani of Kaduna, Peter Mbah of Enugu, Alex Otti of Abia, Seyi Makinde of Oyo and a few others, at improving security in their states beyond the rhetorics of vehicle donations, are attracting investments.

For him, it is not a surprise that the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has listed Kaduna State as one of the five out of 36 states and the FCT in Nigeria that attracted Foreign Direct Investments in the first quarter of this year, just two years of his administration.

‘Kaduna’s $4.06 million foreign direct investment points to safety, peace and conducive environment for living and business. But this was impossible during the Nasir El-Rufai’s administration when the state recorded no FDI due to the escalating insecurity.

‘Enugu is also opening up now for investment with the new airline, new hotels, international conference centre, partnerships here and there because of the security. For me, it is the most secured in the South-East and one of the most peaceful in Nigeria today because Mbah invested in security and is on hand to monitor it.

So, it is not rocket science but finding out what is working, blocking the loopholes and getting the buy-in of the people and security personnel in the frontline,’ Ayeni said.

He also commended the Lagos State government for its continued commitment at providing safe environment for the residents and especially businesses, which accounts for its year-on-year attraction of highest foreign direct investments in the country.

‘Lagos has been the most peaceful and safest state in the country for a long time now because of the Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF), which it has consistently funded,’ he said, while recommending Lagos’ approach and consistency to other states.

It would be recalled that the LSSTF once noted that it requires at least N15 billion yearly to effectively secure the state, and the state has leverage cordial relationships with its high-profile residents and corporate organisations to boost its security funds, away from the huge internally generated revenue and soaring federal allocations.

In 2024, UBA donated N500 million to the fund, while Femi Otedola, billionaire indigene of the state, also donated N1 billion in early 2024, among other donations.

As states are not allowed to establish state police, some are now following the Lagos example to establish their various state security trust funds, as some observers are insisting that the governors have enough funds now and should not hope on private or corporate donations to funds security of lives and property in their domains.

But beyond the funds, Hembafan noted that the governors, as the chief security officers of their states, should be proactive at ensuring security, rather waiting or blaming the federal government.

‘Governor Hycienth Alia of Benue State, my state, stopped Peter Obi from visiting the state sometime this year, saying Obi’s safety was not guaranteed. Of course, Obi cancelled the visit. Now, why can’t our governors stop invaders, foreign machinery and bandits from coming to their states. Governor Alia has exercised his power as the chief security officer of the state, but he should continue to exercise such powers over the real criminal elements in the state, and other governors against enemies of peace across the country. They should not politicise the insecurity issue and funds because innocent people are dieing every day for their actions or inactions,’ Hembafan said.

Umelahi also noted that no matter how little their power is in terms of the country’s security architecture, governors, as the chief security officers of their states, still have power that can improve security in their domain if they are proactive and willing to exercise such powers without fearing the consequences from Abuja.

A concerned Nigerian who spoke on condition of anonymity expressed sadness that state governors are claiming to be helpless in the fight against terror in their domain.

‘I think it is unbelievable for any state governor to come out to say that his hands were tied in the fight against insecurity. Why are they called chief security officers of their individual states? I was totally pissed off when I heard the Zamfara governor say ‘I know where bandits are, but security agents take orders from Abuja.’ He may be right in what he said but it is a shame that he should say it. Do you know the irony of it all? None of the first term governors would say because of the insecurity threat in their state, they were tired of being governor, and that they would not seek re-election in 2027. But you can’t see such thing; they will want to come back. They are just playing cheap politics with everything,’ the concerned Nigerian said.

Real Madrid are reportedly weighing a move for Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez as Los Blancos continue their search for long-term midfield reinforcements following the departures of Toni Kroos and Luka Modric.

The departures of Kroos in 2024 and Modric in 2025 have created a creative void in Madrid’s midfield. Fernandez, who joined Chelsea from Benfica in January 2023 for a British record £106.8 million, is said to be highly admired by Madrid’s hierarchy. The Argentine World Cup winner has consistently impressed in the Premier League, showcasing the technical quality, composure, and vision that fit the profile of a modern Madrid midfielder.

His form has reportedly strengthened Los Blancos’ interest as they plan their next phase of midfield evolution.

Any potential deal would demand a massive fee well above £100 million, a valuation Real Madrid are reluctant to meet given their current financial strategy and ongoing investments in other areas of the squad.

STEVE (2025)

Steve was the director of a school from the 90’s, this school was created to help troubled boys, boys who had been abandoned by the society as nothing good to write home about or being destroyed by drugs, Steve strongly believe in these boys and would do anything to help and reform these boys even with a lean budget. Steve got really frustrated and worked up, when the government decided to withdraw funds from the school and came up with plans to shut down the school. Steve loved these boys and was willing to fight tooth and nails for them. Do check out the movie to find out how he managed the school, the boys and if the school was finally shutdown. The 99m British, drama, Independent, Film based on books, social issues movie was directed by Tim Mielants, Sinbiatu Ajikawo, Douggie Mcmeekin, Youssef Kerkour, Roger Allan, Emily Watson and many more.

THE WAITER (2024)

For some weird reasons, I really do struggle with AY’s movies, as I really do not find them funny and sometimes don’t find them relatable and realistic in terms of the action scenes, well do well to check out the movie for yourself so you can judge better. In this new Nollywood movie, AY plays the role as a waiter in a 5-star hotel. This faithful day as he resumes work to manage and coordinate a big conference that will house the honorable minister and some special dignitaries, just few minutes into the conference, they discover that the event had being hijacked by a group of activities, who felt they could get the funds from the minister and share the funds to the real poor Nigerians at the bottom of the pyramid. Well, you will need to go check out the movie to see how they executed the plan, how they shared the funds, and the real motives behind their actions. The 104m Nollywood, crime, comedies, action, African movie was directed by Toka McBarror, they featured actors like Ayo Makun, Deyemi Okanlawon, Regina Daniels, Shaffy Bello, Bucci Franklin, Uchemba Williams, Sunshine Rosman, Uzee Usman, etc.

FRENCH GIRL (2025)

Sophie and Gordon had been dating for a while, and Gordon had the intention of proposing to her, he felt that she was the one for him and was willing to spend the rest of his life with her, but his father had some reservations and wanted him to give the relationship more time. While contemplating the right time to propose Sophie gets an exciting job offer in Quebec with her old friend, this was going to be the opportunity of a lifetime, Gordon was worried that if Sophie took on the job, relocated and went home that could affect their relationship. Well, you will need to go check out this brand-new movie to find out if she got the job, if she relocated and if she accepted his proposal Afterall. The 106m Comedy, Canadian, romantic, movie was directed by James A. Woods, Nicolas Wright, they featured actors like Zach Braff, Evelyne Brochu, Luc Picard, Vanessa Hudges, Antoine Olivier Pilion, Isabella Vincent, Charlotte Arbin etc.

Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), the country’s lead agency responsible for the promotion of non-oil export, has observed that Nigeria’s non-oil export earnings will increase if cashew farmers add value to their produce.

Nonye Ayeni, executive director/chief executive officer of NEPC, made this observation in Umuahia, the Abia State capital, at a day workshop on development and production of quality cashew nut for export, organised by the Abia State Coordinating Office of the Council.

Currently, Nigeria is the 6th largest producer of cashew, and the global demand for cashew has been growing at 7-10% annually, which provides great opportunities for local investors to leverage on.

The NEPC Chief Executive noted that the cashew business is rewarding and more profitable, especially with value addition, through effective processing to global quality and standard, including other specific market buyer requirements, namely, packaging and kernel grade.

Ayeni, who was represented at the forum by Okechukwu Amaechi, acting State coordinator, NEPC, Abia State, however, regretted that despite huge potentials inherent in cashew nut and its derivatives, the sub-sector is yet to experience the required growth, due to lack of skills, aged plantations and inability to add value to the product.

In order to increase production and develop its markets, she noted that cashew nuts and their production, technology have to be promoted among the farmers, processors and other stakeholders.

According to her, adding value to Cashew nuts by processing them into cashew kernels and packaging them for export would reduce exploitation by the foreign buyers and other middlemen.

‘It is patinent to note that if cashew nut is properly processed, packaged and exported, it would not only generate foreign exchange, but also create jobs for the unemployed youths’.

Ayeni explained that the NEPC, over the years, has employed several promotional strategies aimed at motivating stakeholders in the oil sector, stressing that the hosting of the export workshop was a strategy to educate stakeholders in the cashew nut sub-sector on how to progress from exporting raw cashew nuts to processed cashew (kernels).

‘Certainly, stakeholders in the sub-sector will discover the hidden treasure in the sub-sector and so redevelop and adapt their production techniques and products to meet requirements of the international markets in terms of hervesting processing, storage, preservation and packaging’, she stated.

Chioma Nnorom, State coordinator, Raw Materials Research Development Council (RMRDC), Umuahia, Abia State, said that the RMRDC recognises the potential of cashew as a strategic non-oil export commodity capable of driving industrial growth, job creation and rural development.

She said that the workshop aligns perfectly with RMRDCs. mandate to promote value addition and ensure sustainable utilisation of Nigeria’s raw materials.

She said that RMRDC has made some key achievements towards the development and production of Cashew in Nigeria, like the donation of a Cashew Nutshell Oil Extractor to the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) and the Abia State University, Uturu (ABSU).

She noted that the donation was part of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between RMRDC and ABSU, aimed at enhancing value addition in extracting oil from cashew nut shells.

Also in 2015-2016 and also in 2020 planting seasons, RMRDC distributed ‘Jumbo’ cashew seeds/improved cashew varieties across States to replace old/low-yielding trees, thus boosting production.

Policy advocacy and strategic value chain planning.

‘RMRDC has emphasized utilization of non-kernel parts of Cashew (shell liquid, kernel oil among others) for industrial uses (Paints, propeliants , feed among other products), thereby briadning what ‘Value’ means beyond just exporting raw kernels’, she stated.

The well-attended workshop attracted leaders of the National Association of Cashew Farmers, Abia State chapter and cashew farmers from Umunneochi and Isukwuato LGAs.