Category: Business Day

Dele Alake, Nigeria’minister of solid minerals development, has urged African nations to transform their vast mineral wealth into a foundation for industrialisation rather than remain suppliers of raw materials to global markets.

Speaking at the African Mining Week in Cape Town, South Africa, Alake, who chairs the African Minerals Strategy Group (AMSG), called for a unified vision to make minerals the fulcrum of Africa’s transformative industrialization.

‘Africa’s minerals have powered industrialisation elsewhere while our own economies remain under-industrialized. This paradox must end,’ he stated.

Represented by Farouk Yabo, permanent secretary to the ministry, the minister outlined Nigeria’s reforms aimed at boosting local value addition, including gold refining, lithium processing, and the revocation of dormant licenses to attract credible investors.

He stated that Nigeria is digitizing mining processes to enhance transparency and traceability, while working to amend the 2007 Minerals and Mining Act to strengthen the sector’s legal framework.

Alake also emphasized that all Nigerian minerals will henceforth be traceable to either licensed holders or registered artisanal and small-scale miners. At the AMSG ministerial roundtable, the minister highlighted Nigeria’s commitment to building strong institutions and policies that will help achieve the country’s $1 trillion economy target by 2030.

He further urged African countries to prioritize geological mapping and effective supervision of mining operations, noting that only licensed operators should be allowed to mine.

Nigeria was also featured in the Country Spotlight Session, where Yabo presented investment opportunities in the nation’s solid minerals sector and incentives available to investors.

The event was attended by mining ministers from DRC, Zimbabwe, and Sierra Leone, alongside representatives from Ghana, Gambia, and major private sector players across the continent, according to a statement signed by Segun Tomori, special assistant on Media to the minister of Solid Minerals Development.

Sharafadeen Alli, an All Progressives Congress (APC) Senator that represents the Oyo South Senatorial District, has revealed plans for an agricultural partnership with foreign investors to empower youths and support farmers in Igangan, Ibarapa North Local Government Area of Oyo State.

Alli, who disclosed this when Asigangan of Igangan, Oba Rafiu Ariwoola paid him a courtesy visit in his Ibadan residence. He said that agriculture remained a cornerstone of economic development, hence the need to engage youths in the sector.

The senator said the agricultural initiative would create jobs, enhance food security, and contribute to the region’s economic development.

The senator, who also reaffirmed his commitment to completing his one-per-ward borehole initiative, promised to deliver more projects, saying that the people supported him and deserved quality representation.

‘By God’s grace, we will do more. The 2024 budget is ongoing, and the 2025 budget will bring greater interventions,’ he assured.

In his address, Oba Rafiu Ariwoola hailed Senator Alli for transforming the community through impactful projects, declaring that ‘Igangan has never had it so good.’

The monarch, who led community leaders and parents to express their collective gratitude, stated: ‘I came to appreciate Senator Alli for all he has done for our people.

Since I became king, no leader has matched his efforts.’ He announced the senator’s facilitation of a high-capacity solar power project at the Federal Science and Technical College, Igangan, executed by Casbern Global Services Limited to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply.

‘The 64 solar panels, 32 batteries and inverters are a game-changer. Classrooms, laboratories and workshops now enjoy constant power for teaching, learning and innovation.’

Oba Ariwoola revealed that plans for a community health centre were also on course saying that land has already been earmarked for the critical project.

‘The senator has surpassed the community’s expectations; he has given us more than we demanded. If we had such representation earlier, things would have been much better.

‘We trusted many people who did nothing, before, parents withdrew their children from school. This project has changed everything for our students,’ he said. Isau Ayandele, Igangan Community Secretary described the project as historic, explaining that the community unanimously endorsed the visit.

‘The last time we witnessed such a development was during Senator Peter Adeyemo’s era. This is a joint appreciation for a senator who matches words with action,’ he stressed.

Meanwhile, Senator Alli has eulogised Oluremi Tinubu, First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, on the occasion of her 65th birthday, acknowledging her remarkable contributions to youth development, education and humanitarian causes.

Alli, in a statement he personally signed and made available to journalists in Ibadan, described her as a woman of grace vision and uncommon patriotism.

The lawmaker lauded the first lady for her commitment to nation-building and well-being of Nigerian families.

He commended Senator Tinubu for her exemplary virtues as a distinguished legislator, devoted mother and pillar of support to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Senator Alli said that the first lady’s selfless service has continue to inspire women across the country.

He added that her Renewed Hope Initiative was touching lives and giving hope to vulnerable Nigerians in remarkable ways.

‘As you celebrate this milestone, I join millions of Nigerians in praying for your continued good health, strength and divine wisdom to sustain your impactful service to humanity,’ Alli said.

Senator Alli prayed that God grant her long, prosperous life filled with peace, happiness, and greater accomplishments.

The lawmaker urged Nigerians to emulate her virtues of humility, compassion and dedication to the service of the nation.

Moreso, Alli has warned Nigerians to be wary of an unknown person who has fraudulently opened a Facebook account in his name to defraud unsuspecting members of the public.

‘My attention has been drawn to the activities of an unknown person who is duping people through Facebook in my name.

‘We strongly advise the public not to engage in any transaction or communication with anyone on social media platforms, particularly Facebook, Messenger, or any other similar channels, claiming to represent Senator Alli.

In a statement released by his media team, he said: ‘The Senator does not solicit funds, personal details, or business dealings through social media. Anyone who has information about the impostor is kindly urged to report to the nearest police station for necessary action.’

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), have successfully dismantled two major drug cartels behind six different consignments of cocaine concealed in walls of stainless cups, body cream and hair gel containers, after a series of intelligence led operations that lasted over three weeks across Lagos.

Femi Babafemi, the director, media and advocacy, NDLEA, said in a statement, on Sunday, that the action led to the arrest of five suspects and ultimately the arrowhead of the syndicate, Hammed Ode, who parades as a businessman and real estate developer.

According to the NDLEA, ‘The beginning of the end of the criminal syndicate’s operations began on 16th September 2025 when NDLEA operatives at the export shed of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) Ikeja Lagos intercepted 174 parcels of cocaine weighing 13.40 kilograms concealed in walls of cocoa butter body cream containers. ‘A cargo agent was promptly arrested and further investigations revealed Hammed Ode as the mastermind of the shipment and after weeks of intelligence.

‘It was later established that the drug baron had reported a dispute at the Zone 2 headquarters of the Police in Lagos, after which the Agency sought the cooperation of the police to get the suspect into custody.

‘During his preliminary interview, Ode admitted to the ownership of the consignment which he claimed he bought at over N150 million. ‘He claimed to be a businessman and estate developer following his return from the United Kingdom in 2024. He had lived for over 27 years in many European countries including Austria, Netherlands, France, Germany, and Saudi Arabia before settling in the UK.’, the NDLEA said.

In a related development, five other desperate attempts by another criminal syndicate to export cocaine consignments to the United Kingdom were also thwarted by operatives of the MMIA Strategic Command of NDLEA.

The unravelling of the gang started on 26th September following the seizure of 2.10kg cocaine concealed in walls of hair cream containers at the export shed of the Lagos airport.

The apprehension of a cargo agent led to the arrest of the consignor, Smith Korede, a furniture maker, on Tuesday 30th September at his 3 Arowojobe street, Mafoluku, Oshodi, Lagos base where another consignment of 1.40kg cocaine meant for export to the UK was recovered from him.

Babafemi said another consignment of 1.00kg cocaine with similar mode of concealment also going to the UK was also intercepted by operatives of the NDLEA which successfully dismantled two major drug cartels behind six different consignments of cocaine concealed in walls of stainless cups, body cream and hair gel containers.

‘ Two other cocaine laden consignments going to the UK were also intercepted by NDLEA operatives at the export shed of the MMIA on Thursday 2nd October. Two suspects: Ogunbiyi Oluseye Taiwo and Popoola Francis Olumuyiwa linked to the seizures were promptly arrested. One of the consignments contains crayfish, and 12 pieces of stainless cups used to conceal 1.00kg cocaine while the second consignment also contains crayfish, and 36 containers of hair cream used to conceal 1.60kg of cocaine. ‘ The bid by another criminal gang to smuggle into Lagos 6.3 kilograms of Loud, a strong strain of cannabis concealed in bedsheet and hibiscus flower from Thailand was equally thwarted by NDLEA operatives attached to some courier companies.

‘Similarly, a joint operation between NDLEA officers and Customs Service personnel at a check point along Danbatta-Daura road, Kano, on Thursday 2nd October led to the arrest of 38-year-old Sa’adu Ali and seizure of 290,450 pills of tramadol 250mg and pregabalin capsules.

‘In Lagos, a notorious drug dealer John Igbe, operating under the nickname: SammyBless to distribute illicit drugs in Lekki and Ajah axis, was on Tuesday 30th September arrested at Admiralty road, Lekki. At the time of his arrest, 550 grams of Colorado, a synthetic strain of cannabis, packaged in retail plastic cups, were recovered from him.

‘ Three other suspects: Idris Lukman; Fuad Abdulsalam and Mobolaji James were nabbed same day in Mushin area of the state, with 109kg skunk, 20 bottles of codeine syrup and 2kg of nitrous oxide seized from them. At the Trade Fair Complex, Alaba area of the state, 3,700 bottles of codeine syrup and 550,000 caplets of expired 225mg diclofenac were recovered.

‘ A total of 27,700 pills of tramadol 100mg/225mg were seized from a suspect Salisu Abubakar, 25, at Bode Saadu, Morro LGA, Kwara state on Monday 29th September, Blessing Ovaka, 50, was caught with 498.5kg skunk at Kudandan, Chukun LGA, Kaduna, same day, just as Dahiru Salisu, 27, was arrested in possession of 34,180 capsules of tramadol at Gwargwaje along Kaduna – Zaria road on Thursday 2nd October.

‘In Ogun state, NDLEA operatives on Monday 29th September raided Isheri, Obafemi Owode LGA, where a suspect, Abubakar Audu, was arrested with 112kg skunk and 16grams of tramadol.

‘Three suspects: Chuimieze Shedrack, 28; Sunday John, 25, and Solomon Okopko, 27, were nabbed by NDLEA officers on Thursday 2nd October at Owena/Ijesha forest reserve, Osun state where they destroyed 14,000kg skunk on 5.6 hectares of cannabis plantation and recovered 142kg of same psychoactive substance. ‘In Edo, NDLEA operatives on Wednesday 1st October intercepted a Toyota Sienna vehicle marked KUJ 47 NW loaded with 22 bags of skunk weighing 244.5kg at Igbanke, Orhionwon LGA and a suspect Ineh Obindi, 28, arrested. A total of 10,897.35kg skunk was destroyed on four farms measuring 4.358938 hectares at Ugbodo forest, Ovia North East LGA, on Friday 3rd October, with two suspects: Michael Ayang, 40, and Bernard New Year, (a.ka Don), 47, arrested. Not less than 223.5kg processed cannabis and seeds were recovered from the farms.’

The NDLEA said operatives on patrol along Okene/Lokoja highway intercepted a waybill parcel coming from Lagos to Abuja containing 3.272kg Loud and a sachet of Colorado. A follow up operation at Gwagwalada park in Abuja led to the arrest of the owner, Tobi Odubote, 34, while another suspect Ismail Abdurrahim, 32, was arrested in possession of 25.5kg skunk along Abaji- Abuja expressway on Thursday 2nd October.

The anti-narcotic agency, said its Commands and formations of the Agency across the country continued their War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) sensitization activities to schools, worship centres, work places and communities among others in the past week. These include: WADA sensitization lectures.

The sensitisation was taken to the students and staff of Government Day Secondary School, Hammawa Toungo, Adamawa; Government Day Secondary School, Kankara, Katsina; Day Secondary School, Unguwan Nasarawa, Kontogora, Niger; and traders at Ladega market Ikorodu, Lagos, while the Imo state command of NDLEA paid a WADA advocacy visit to the State First Lady, Barr. Chioma Uzodinma at Government House, Owerri, among others.

‘We’ll continue to target and dismantle every identified drug cartel at every level of their operations; from the mules to the dealers in between and up to their leadership’ the agency said.

Every October 5, the world pauses to celebrate its most under-celebrated heroes: teachers. Since 1994, World Teachers’ Day has marked the anniversary of the 1966 ILO/UNESCO Recommendation concerning the Status of Teachers, reaffirming the rights, responsibilities, and professional dignity of those who nurture every generation.

‘If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.’ – African Proverb

This year’s theme, ‘Recasting Teaching as a Collaborative Profession’, is more than a slogan; it is a global call to rebuild the culture of teaching as a collective enterprise rather than an isolated struggle.

Nigeria’s teachers: Heroes in a broken system

Nowhere is this call more urgent than in Nigeria, where the teaching profession stands at a dangerous crossroads. Despite being the backbone of national development, teachers in Nigeria operate under conditions that test both endurance and hope: overcrowded classrooms, poor remuneration, delayed promotions, weak professional support, and systemic neglect.

According to UNICEF, Nigeria faces a shortfall of over 380,000 qualified teachers at the basic education level, while UNESCO estimates that more than 23 percent of current teachers are unqualified or underqualified. In some rural and conflict-affected states, one teacher may handle more than 100 pupils, often without access to digital or instructional materials.

These are not just statistics; they are symptoms of a deeper malaise: a fragmented and isolating teaching culture. Across much of Nigeria’s education system, teachers work in silos.

Professional development opportunities are rare, mentorship structures are weak, and schools seldom provide time or resources for teachers to learn from one another. The result is predictable: declining teaching quality, low morale, and increasing attrition.

Collaboration as the missing ingredient

Recasting teaching as a collaborative profession is not a luxury; it is an imperative. But collaboration must go beyond the buzzword. It requires deliberate design: time, structure, incentives, and leadership support. Teachers must have space to co-plan lessons, reflect on outcomes, observe peers, and exchange strategies.

When teachers collaborate effectively, they transfer knowledge, distribute innovation, and sustain learning continuity, even in challenging environments. In Lagos State, for instance, some public-school clusters have experimented with Professional Learning Communities (PLCs), peer-driven sessions where teachers jointly assess lesson outcomes and plan instructional improvements. Early results show improved teacher confidence, better classroom management, and stronger student engagement.

Such initiatives, if scaled and institutionalised nationwide, could shift the culture from isolation to cooperation and rebuild the integrity of the teaching profession. However, critics rightly argue that collaboration cannot substitute for fair pay, better recruitment, or infrastructure reform. No amount of teamwork can compensate for unpaid salaries, overcrowded classrooms, or decaying facilities. Collaboration must therefore complement, not distract from, the urgent need to fix teacher welfare and working conditions.

Others warn that overemphasising collaboration risks stifling creativity or personal agency, especially if it is imposed from above. That too is valid. Collaboration should be authentic, not bureaucratic: built on trust, shared goals, and voluntary engagement rather than compliance rituals. Teachers should see it as empowerment, not surveillance.

Learning from global models

In Finland and Singapore, two of the world’s best-performing education systems, teachers are trained and supported to operate as reflective teams. Lesson planning, peer observation, and shared research are part of daily routines, not extracurricular privileges. The result is higher teacher satisfaction and stronger learning outcomes.

Nigeria can draw lessons from these models, adapting them to local realities through teacher networks, digital learning communities, and cluster mentorship schemes. These innovations could make collaboration a practical norm across all education tiers.

Reclaiming professional dignity

Recasting teaching as a collaborative profession is about restoring professional dignity and systemic coherence. It acknowledges that no single teacher, however brilliant, can transform education in isolation. The classroom is no longer a private fiefdom; it is a shared ecosystem that thrives on collective intelligence.

To make this vision real, policymakers must rethink how schools are structured, scheduling collaborative hours within the timetable, funding peer-learning activities, and recognising teamwork in teacher appraisal. The Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN), SUBEBs, and school leaders should anchor this reform agenda, aligning incentives with collaboration and professional growth.

If Nigeria is serious about reversing its education decline, it must begin by empowering those who power learning. On this World Teachers’ Day, we must not only celebrate teachers; we must commit to rebuilding the profession as a community of learning, not a colony of isolation.

As UNESCO and its partners remind us:

‘It is only through effective cooperation at all levels that we can build truly inclusive, equitable and resilient education systems worldwide.’

This piece chronicles the Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah’s September engagements, capturing not just the events themselves but also the wider significance they hold for Ndi Enugu and beyond.

September in Enugu was a canvas on which Governor Peter Mbah painted strokes of diplomacy, development, and determined steps of progress. The Governor’s calendar was marked by high-level meetings, symbolic encounters, diaspora partnerships, and bold policy pronouncements. All of this easily weave into a narrative of transformation and progressive leadership of the Governor whose words are always matched with action and vision with measurable outcomes.

Diaspora philanthropy:

The month began with a powerful reminder that the heartbeat of Enugu resonates far beyond her borders. Dr. Shola Agboola, founder of the SAGA Foundation Inc. in Canada, donated critical medical supplies to the Enugu State University Teaching Hospital (ESUTH). Governor Mbah, in receiving the gift, emphasized that it was more than charity; it was a reaffirmation of the unbroken bond between the diaspora and the homeland. In his words, healthcare is not a luxury but a right, and this gesture aligned with his administration’s vision of providing world-class healthcare to every citizen in the state. Governor Mbah threw an invitation for more diaspora groups to join hands in building a healthier and more prosperous Enugu. In a time when healthcare systems across Africa strain under limited resources, partnerships like these underscore the power of global solidarity.

Youth Empowerment and Industrial Skills:

In the month of September, the Governor’s attention shifted seamlessly to industry and youth development through capacity building. In Enugu, he welcomed Mr. Oluwemimo Joseph Osanipin, Director-General of the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), and his team. Their discussions revolved around equipping Enugu’s youths with technical skills that will power tomorrow’s industries. For a Governor who envisions Enugu’s economy leaping from $4.4 billion to $30 billion in six years, such collaborations are not optional; they are absolutely foundational.

By engaging NADDC, Mbah is positioning Enugu both as a hub for commerce and also as a breeding ground for a skilled workforce that can sustain industrialisation.

Engaging the grassroots: Achi clan stakeholders

Achi Clan in Orji River Local Government Area, with its 13 autonomous communities, had their moment in the September spotlight. Their stakeholders met with the Governor in a gathering that reflected the democratic spirit of his leadership. The Governor’s message was simple but profound: ‘No community will be left behind.’ By nurturing such relationships, Mbah is embedding inclusiveness into the state’s transformation agenda. The Achi people, in turn, pledged their support, reinforcing the Governor’s claim that his vision enjoys grassroots legitimacy.

Sports Diplomacy: Kenneth Omeruo’s grassroots football dream

Football, the unifying passion of Nigeria, also entered the month’s diary. Super Eagles defender Kenneth Omeruo, OON, visited the Governor with Rangers International FC’s General Manager, Amobi Ezeaku. Omeruo unveiled his scouting initiative to discover and nurture football talents across Enugu and the South-East. The Governor applauded the vision, pledging the State Government’s support. For Mbah, grassroots sports development is a tool for youth engagement, talent harnessing, and social pride. His commitment to Rangers International FC is a testimony that Enugu’s sporting legacy will not only endure but expand.

Selling Enugu to the World, address at the NBCC:

Perhaps, the most significant highlight of September was Governor Mbah’s address at the Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce (NBCC) in Lagos, under their prestigious ‘Meet the Governor Series.’ With poise and data-driven conviction, Mbah presented Enugu as a state not just waiting for opportunities but already on the move.

He declared that Enugu’s coal, premium in quality, with less than 0.5% sulphur, will not be treated as a stranded asset. With a target of generating at least 1,000MW of electricity, Mbah placed energy at the center of Enugu’s industrial future. Security, he noted, has been strengthened with investments that reduced crime rates by over 80%. This makes Enugu not only attractive for tourism but also for serious business investments.

The governor painted a picture of Enugu as a global destination:

. An International Conference Centre already tested by hosting 20,000 NBA delegates.

. A 5-star ICC Hotel nearing completion.

. The upcoming Cross of Hope monument, designed as a religious tourism landmark.

. Enugu Air’s rapid expansion, with six more aircraft arriving before Christmas.

. Four branded hotels scheduled for completion next year.

. An ambitious target to attract three million visitors annually. This was not rhetoric; it was a roadmap for turning Enugu into a $30 billion economy. The Governor’s presentation underscored a key message: ‘Enugu is open, Enugu is ready, Enugu is on the move.’

Federal roads and oversight:

Infrastructure is a backbone of economic expansion, and in September, the Governor hosted the Joint National Assembly Committee on Works, led by Hon. Akin Alabi. Their oversight of federal road projects in Enugu came with commendations for the Governor’s support to contractors and the enabling environment created.

Yet Mbah did not mince words. He urged the lawmakers to push for faster work on the Enugu-Onitsha and Enugu-Makurdi expressways, arteries vital to commerce and connectivity. His readiness to clear bottlenecks, be they rights of way, compensation, or security, was a sign of leadership that prioritizes results over excuses.

Diplomacy with Côte d’Ivoire:

September also welcomed international diplomacy. The Governor received His Excellency Kalilou Traoré, Ambassador of Côte d’Ivoire to Nigeria, who toured Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing facilities with Chief Innocent Chukwuma. The visit spotlighted Enugu as a budding hub of African industrial cooperation. Côte d’Ivoire’s interest in deepening economic ties with Enugu reflected the Governor’s broader vision of making Enugu an investment destination, not just nationally, but across the continent.

Strategic partnerships like these are critical pathways in the Governor’s pursuit of exponential GDP growth.

Honouring Bishop Emeritus Francis Emmanuel Okobo:

In Nsukka, the Governor joined thousands of mourners at the funeral of Bishop Emeritus Francis Emmanuel Ogbonna Okobo.

Mbah paid glowing tribute to the late cleric, describing him as a shepherd, teacher, and builder of communities. He pledged that in his administration, the Bishop’s legacy will live on through education, healthcare, and service to humanity.

Business Partnerships: NSCCIMA and Afia TV:

September also saw Governor Mbah strengthening ties with the business and creative communities. He hosted the Nsukka Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NSCCIMA), where discussions centered on unlocking Enugu’s economic potential through private-sector partnerships. He later received Chief Emeka Mba, MD of Afia TV, whose media outfit has become a vibrant platform for South-East stories and culture. Mbah praised Afia’s growth and pledged government’s support for the creative economy, highlighting it as a pillar of Enugu’s emerging identity.

Together, these meetings underscored the Governor’s multi-sector approach, seeing commerce, media, and culture as interconnected drivers of growth.

Conclusion

As the month of September winded down, all of these wonderful engagements were a coherent narrative that our state is on the rise. Diaspora philanthropy, youth empowerment, grassroots inclusion, global promotion, infrastructure oversight, and international diplomacy have become regular occurrences in this administration.

With Governor Peter Mbah in the saddle of leadership, Enugu is no longer a sleeping coal city but a rising state, reclaiming its place as a hub of enterprise, culture, and opportunity.

Ahmed Usman Ododo, governor of Kogi State, has disclosed that his administration has released N1.5billion for 2025 bursary allowance for indigenes of the state studying in public tertiary institutions across the country.

Wemi Jones, Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, announced the exercise at a press briefing in Lokoja on Monday, as he urged the students to take advantage of the improved and transparent registration process, pointing out Governor Ododo’s commitment to making Kogi State a model for educational development in Nigeria.

Jones pointed out that the initiative, tagged Season Two, is designed to build on the successes of the previous phase. ‘Governor Ododo is determined to ensure that more students benefit from this bursary scheme. We expect the number of beneficiaries this year to surpass last year’s figure, and the funds are already set aside for disbursement,’ he said. ‘It is very important that we emphasis the need for a child to take it step by step. A child will first learn to sit, begin to craw and then begin to hold something to stand and begin to take steps one after the other, fall and make mistakes, then the child begins to run.

‘Season 1 was our experimental year and we took significant lessons away. Afolabi Joseph-Raji is hard working and an efficient chairman of the Kofi Scholarship Board, will confirm to you that we have noticed gaps which this season 2 aims to address.

‘On our part, we can only cover the gaps that we can cover, but NAKOSS have the bigger role of ensuring that students of Kogi State in tertiary institutions in Nigeria play their parts because if you do not play your part, there is absolutely nothing that anybody will do for you. Look at the analysis listed, the money was there, it was just for you to take it. We cannot pay money to ghost or people who are not verified.

‘And we have a willing governor who has said when it comes to education, I am not going to spare one kobo towards ensuring that Kofi State becomes a reference point positively among states in Nigeria. We are doing fantastically well as far as Northern Nigeria is concerned. We want to extend our reach beyond Northern Nigeria’.

Opeyemi Ayanwale, known as Imisi, has claimed victory in Big Brother Naija Season 10 (’10/10′), walking away with the N150 million prize on October 5, 2025. The 23-year-old fashion designer and actor from Oyo State edged out Precious Ashiogwu (Dede) in the final showdown, revealed live by host Ebuka Obi-Uchendu.

Imisi had 42.8 percent of the votes with Dede coming second at 15.94 percent. Social media lit up with #Imisi, praising her consistent popularity and bold moves.

Imisi entered as a fan favorite, blending creativity in tasks with sharp one-liners that kept the house lively. Her acting skills shone in dramas, and she formed key bonds that carried her to the end. ‘Grateful to my supporters-this is our win,’ she shared, hugging Dede onstage amid cheers. The package adds a SUV and sponsor perks from platforms like Showmax. Imisi’s creative edge positions her well for post-show fortune, much like previous stars. Whitemoney, Season 6 winner, used his N90 million to land deals with TECNO Mobile and Hero Lager, launching his White Money Party Jollof food line for ongoing revenue. Mercy Eke, Phyna, and Ilebaye are the other female winners who

With her fashion and acting resume, Imisi could secure clothing brand tie-ups or Nollywood roles soon. She’s spoken of channeling funds into a design studio. ImisiNation fans are already pushing for collabs, signaling events, ads, and ambassadorships ahead.

History proves the house boosts careers-non-winners like Tacha built empires too-but for Imisi, the crown amplifies it all into lasting wealth.

The Coalition of Youth and Women Supporters of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Adamawa State has called on the party’s national and zonal leadership to dismantle the current leadership structure in the state and install an interim arrangement that reflects greater inclusivity.

In a communiqué issued at the end of its meeting in Yola, the coalition, led by its Chairman, Mohammad Adamu, described the existing structure as unrepresentative and exclusionary.

Adamu emphasized that the inclusion of youths and women in the party’s leadership should be considered a right, not a privilege.

‘This is not right. Equality and justice should be the guiding principles in party politics. Women and youths must be considered for all leadership positions,’ he said.

He urged the National and Zonal Working Committees of the ADC to ensure that at least 17 of the 27 state-level party offices in Adamawa are allocated to young people.

The coalition further demanded that women be given equitable opportunities across all party structures, stating that their involvement should not be limited to stereotypical roles such as Woman Leader or Assistant Woman Leader. According to Adamu, young people make up about 70 percent of Nigeria’s population, while women account for roughly 62 percent, making both demographics central to the country’s democratic future.

‘ADC, as a political party, should harness the raw potential of young people and women by reserving at least 50 percent of elective positions within its structures for them. This is key to fostering inclusion and democratic accountability,’ he added.

The group also condemned what it described as the imposition of older individuals in youth leadership roles, citing the appointment of a 50-year-old man as a youth leader in a political party.

Adamu insisted that the position of youth leader should be strictly reserved for individuals between the ages of 18 and 39, in alignment with Nigeria’s demographic realities.

On the issue of micro-zoning of party positions, the coalition urged stakeholders to respect existing arrangements when selecting leaders. It also recommended Mr. Abdurrasheed Suleiman for consideration as State Youth Leader, should the position be zoned to Adamawa Central.

Despite its grievances, the coalition reaffirmed its loyalty to the ADC at both national and zonal levels and pledged to work towards strengthening the party’s standing as a major opposition force in the country.

From October 18-19, 2025, Terra Kulture Arena in Victoria Island, Lagos, will play host to lovers of stage performance as the opera of ‘The Gods Have Spoken’ enthralls the audience for two days.

The opera, directed by Muyideen Oladapo, popularly known as Lala, and written by Taiye Adeola, a PhD holder, will feature a collection of top Nollywood actors and actresses including: Lateef Adedimeji, Femi Branch, Tunji Sotimirin, Omowunmi Dada and Lizzy Jay.

Speaking on the forthcoming opera at a media parley in Lagos recently, Oladapo, who is drawing strength from his successful directing of ‘Kurunmi’, a play by Ola Rotimi, said that the collection of stars for the opera was a deviation from the norm, as the audience would be seeing the cast members in a different element for the first time.

Describing the opera of ‘The Gods Have Spoken’ as a must-see, Oladapo noted that with a 40-page script, over 140 pages of music and over 80 actors and crew members for the performance, the opera is simple breathtaking.

‘Opera is a play in the form of music and art where the singers and instrumentalists perform in a theatrical way. Every line will be acted out in the form of a song,’ Oladapo explained. He confessed that he chose to perform ‘The Gods Have Spoken’ because the message mirrors the society, even more today. ‘It is a story that gives hope to the common man in their pursuit of destiny,’ he said.

On his part, Tunji Sotimirin, a veteran actor and academic, assured the audience of a spectacular experience at Terra Kulture come October 18th and 19th.

‘This is a tiny script with a unique, significant message and dialogue being rendered for a spectacle to behold. This is to celebrate the common man’s voice to equip themselves,’ he said.

Also speaking during the media parley, Segun Adefila, choreography director of the opera, explained that the story which is about destiny and character teaches how man can influence the voice of the gods to bring destiny to life.

Adeaga Mofopefoluwa, the music director, said that, The Gods Have Spoken is a peculiar play with a unique message for the audience.

‘We have been working on the music scoresheet written by the writer and the arranger of the play, orchestrating the performance of this play. I assure the audience of a captivating performance different from what they have experienced,’ Mofopefoluwa said at the performance rehearsal.

However, Olamide Oladapo, the producer of the opera and daughter of the director, assured that the performance will also feature something special, while urging the audience to be on the lookout.

‘This is a satire and total theatre: dancing, acting, singing, with actors saying their lines in the form of songs,’ she said.

‘This will captivate and engage the audience. And I would like to add that we have something special coming on stage. I want everyone to watch out and come and see,’ Olamide, a Theatre Arts graduate, said.

She invites all to visit Terra Kulture, Victoria Island, Lagos from October 18-19, 2025, between 3pm and 6pm to see the highly anticipated opera performance.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu believed deeply that his October 1 broadcast was a huge success, what with avalanche of breakthroughs backed by both government and independent data. Members of his government also felt happy for what they considered the success of the broadcast. Out there, however, most citizens insisted that the figures did not bear true connection with what they go through in hardship everyday.

Whatever be the case, none debunked the figures ranging from slowing inflation from 34% to about 20%; surging foreign reserves of up to $42bn; huge trade surplus with non-oil export surging to almost $7bn per year; numerous companies now posting jumbo profits; and government revenue hitting high heavens.

What was hidden in all of that was the striking credit indirectly given to Samuel Ogbuku, the man who has piloted the affairs of the once ridiculed Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC). The broadcast did not mention names of performing government CEOs but any credit given to a sector was deemed to have been given to the concerned CEO.

The President said the management style of the oil region was the reason for the new prosperity Nigeria is witnessing, which is hinged on oil boom.

Tinubu said: ‘Oil production rebounded to 1.68 million barrels per day (mbpd) from barely one million in May 2023. The increase occurred due to improved security, new investments, and better stakeholder management in the Niger Delta.’

Many underlined the operative words in the credits to be ‘better stakeholder management’. Before Ogbuku came, the region was on fire and the NDDC seemed helpless.

The difference was that the youths never connected with the Commission. They saw their role only as that of troublemakers, the only way to attract attention and some cash.

Ogbuku came with a face of ‘activist’ and a brother in the trenches. No one could lay bigger claim to agitation and activism. He knew the language, he created part of the language. Many of his colleagues in the past spoke with guns, he spoke with logic to show why the region deserved more. He became a kind of spokesman for the agitation. When he was appointed Managing Director, many saw him as their leader now in a position to do better; their voice. It thus became difficult to spit at his voice, or his name in the creeks.

The president mentioned other factors that led to the new prosperity. ‘Furthermore, the country has made notable advancements by refining PMS domestically for the first time in four decades. It has also established itself as the continent’s leading exporter of aviation fuel.

‘The Naira has stabilised from the turbulence and volatility witnessed in 2023 and 2024. The gap between the official rate and the unofficial market has reduced substantially, following FX reforms and fresh capital and remittance inflows. The multiple exchange rates, which fostered corruption and arbitrage, are now part of history. Additionally, our currency rate against the dollar is no longer determined by fluctuations in crude oil prices.’

Tinubu said under his leadership, the economy is recovering fast, and the reforms they started over two years ago were delivering tangible results. ‘The second quarter 2025 Gross Domestic Product grew by 4.23%-Nigeria’s fastest pace in four years-and outpaced the 3.4 per cent projected by the International Monetary Fund. Inflation declined to 20.12% in August 2025, the lowest level in three years. The administration is working diligently to boost agricultural production and ensure food security, reducing food costs.

‘In the last two years of our administration, we have achieved 12 remarkable economic milestones as a result of the implementation of our sound fiscal and monetary policies:

‘We have attained a record-breaking increase in non-oil revenue, achieving the 2025 target by August with over N20 trillion. In September 2025 alone, we raised N3.65 trillion, 411% higher than the amount raised in May 2023.

‘We have restored Fiscal Health: Our debt service-to-revenue ratio has been significantly reduced from 97% to below 50%. We have paid down the infamous ‘Ways and Means’ advances that threatened our economic stability and triggered inflation. Following the removal of the corrupt petroleum subsidy, we have freed up trillions of Naira for targeted investment in the real economy and social programmes for the most vulnerable, as well as all tiers of government.

‘We have a stronger foreign Reserve position than three years ago. Our external reserves increased to $42.03 billion this September-the highest since 2019.

‘Our tax-to-GDP ratio has risen to 13.5 per cent from less than 10 per cent. The ratio is expected to increase further when the new tax law takes effect in January. The tax law is not about increasing the burden on existing taxpayers but about expanding the base to build the Nigeria we deserve and providing tax relief to low-income earners.

‘We are now a Net Exporter: Nigeria has recorded a trade surplus for five consecutive quarters. We are now selling more to the world than we are buying, a fundamental shift that strengthens our currency and creates jobs at home. Nigeria’s trade surplus increased by 44.3% in Q2 2025 to ?7.46 trillion ($4.74 billion), the largest in about three years. Goods manufactured in Nigeria and exported jumped by 173%. Non-oil exports, as a component of our export trade, now represent 48 per cent, compared to oil exports, which account for 52 per cent. This signals that we are diversifying our economy and foreign exchange sources outside oil and gas.’

Critics may shout, citizens may frown, but no one has put forward any counter figures or said oil has not increased. Many thus admit that the president has a right to beat his chest or gloat. Many say by giving Ogbuku and the board free hand alone, Mr President changed the free fall of the NDDC. Managing directors before him without guarranted terms found it difficult to initiate any schemes, but did what they could with the funds available. They seemed to operate with ‘make hay while the sun shines’.

But Mr President seemed to get it right not just by leaving the MD but giving the Commission a board with tenure, and setting the team on bond: They signed what to deliver per quarter. Funds were also guaranteed, such as the first ever N1trn grant to add to their 2015 budte into N1.9trn. The President was said to be right to state that management strategy did the magic in the Niger Delta. What the funds did:

President Tinubu was said to be right to go on to state what he did with prosperity. He said: ‘Under the social investment programme to support poor households and vulnerable Nigerians, N330 billion has been disbursed to eight million households, many of whom have received either one or two out of the three tranches of the N25,000 each.

‘The administration is expanding transport infrastructure across the country, covering rail, roads, airports, and seaports. Rail and water transport grew by over 40% and 27%, respectively. The 284-kilometre Kano-Kastina-Maradi Standard Gauge rail project and the Kaduna-Kano rail line are nearing completion. Work is progressing well on the legacy Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and Sokoto-Badagry Highway. The Federal Executive Council recently approved $3 billion to complete the Eastern Rail Project.’

The world is taking notice of our efforts, he stated. ‘Sovereign credit rating agencies have upgraded their outlook for Nigeria, recognising our improved economic fundamentals. Our stock market is experiencing an unprecedented boom, rising from an all-share index of 55,000 points in May 2003 to 142,000 points as of September 26, 2025.

‘At its last MPC meeting, the Central Bank of Nigeria slashed interest rates for the first time in five years, expressing confidence in our country’s macroeconomic stability.’

On security, he said: ‘We are working diligently to enhance national security, ensuring our economy experiences improved growth and performance. The officers and men of our armed forces and other security agencies are working tirelessly and making significant sacrifices to keep us safe. They are winning the war against terrorism, banditry and other violent crimes. We see their victories in their blood and sweat to stamp out Boko Haram Terror in North-East, IPOB/ESN terror in South East and banditry and kidnapping. We must continue to celebrate their gallantry and salute their courage on behalf of a grateful nation. Peace has returned to hundreds of our liberated communities in North-West and North-East, and thousands of our people have returned safely to their homes.’

In mentioning areas of danger, the Niger Delta for once escaped mention. A security official in the region said at a conference (Make-In-Nigeria) that Rivers State and the Niger Delta are the most peaceful in Nigeria at the moment. He said in most other regions, people no longer go to farms.

How Ogbuku did it:

The greatest thing he may have done is consultation and consensus, building trusts. This was impossible in the past. With Ogbuku, analysts said, the youths were prepared to listen.

Ogbuku once whispered some of his strategies with a team of top editors in Nigeria. He said the youths operated in the past with mindset that whoever got access to the NDDC Tower was a millionaire overnight. What Ogbuku said he did was to open up the tower to every youth. It was a deal: feel free to enter, meet whoever you wanted to, but no violence, no noise; deal. So, youths move in and out and go away.

Next was, no sacred cows. If any benefit came, it was put openly on the table. If you get this time, everyone will see it. Next time it is another person. That way, the youths saw that the benefits were going round.

The next was data. He forced all youths to be captured in a database with what you want and what you can do. That way, it was easy to identify the youths and their needs and skills. The era of collect and sell died overnight.

He expanded the foreign postgraduate scholarships by creating 400 slots in local universities and 200 in UK universities. Opportunities went to more persons.

The era of collecting jobs and funds and flee died. The era of work without pay also died. Some sense returned, some prosperity retuned. While big-ticket projects of billions of naira were going on, small ones like solar light were also introduced to take care of people with small needs. The mouths speaking good about the NDDC and Ogbuku multiplied over the few speaking evil.

Evidence:

When youths in all regions roared in anger and declared national or nationwide protests, the FG saw that the NDDC became a rallying platform to appeal to the youths of the Niger Delta. Surprisingly, the youths listened and agreed to obey the voice. This had never happened in the past, for youths of the region to listen to anybody, let alone to a voice from the NDDC. They chose to give Mr President a chance to prove his promises.

Many leaders in the region were seen falling behind the NDDC leader in the hours of fear and tension. Nothing evil happened. Reason: There has emerged a platform to talk and be talked to. It came during the Stakeholders Forum of the region held in 2024. Now, Mr President can talk of pipelines not being burst, oil facilities not being bombed, and oil workers not being captured and killed. Something made this happen, somebody made this happen.