Category: Business Day

Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has commended President Bola Tinubu for his bold economic reforms, social re-engineering and massive infrastructural developments under the Renewed Hope agenda.

This is just as he reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to service, actions and visible results as Nigeria marked its 65th Independence anniversary.

Speaking at a celebration held at the Gani Fawehinmi Arcade, Akure, the governor joined millions of Nigerians in reflecting on the nation’s journey since 1960, describing independence as both a gift of self-rule and the dignity of identity.

According to him, despite challenges of civil strife, military rule and economic hardship, Nigeria has remained united and resilient, commending President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his bold economic reforms across all sectors. Aiyedatiwa said, ‘As a country, we have come far. We have weathered through civil strife and military rule, and we stand tall as the largest democracy in Africa. We have made significant contributions to peacekeeping operations across the continent, proving that Nigeria is not only a giant in population but also in responsibility. Our economy, though faced with challenges, has produced world-renowned entrepreneurs, economists, scientists, artists and sportsmen who have carried the Nigerian flag to the ends of the earth. Above all, we have remained united, over 200 million people of different tongues, faiths and traditions, still bound together under one green and white flag.

‘Our country is blessed at a time like this to have a visionary leader like His Excellency Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, President and Commander in Chief of Armed Forces of Nigeria. We must continue to appreciate Mr President for his bold economic reforms, social re-engineering and massive infrastructural developments. Right now, indications are that, Nigeria is certainly making progress and on the path of glory under the Renewed Hope Initiatives of Mr President.’

Reviewing the strides of his government since assuming office on February 24, 2025, Aiyedatiwa reeled out achievements across key sectors, highlighting the ongoing dualisation of the Akungba-Ikare and Okitipupa-Igbokoda highways, the construction of walkways and jetties in riverine areas, and the approval of five kilometres of roads in each of the state’s 18 local government areas. ‘These would open up communities, ease transportation and bring development closer to the grassroots. Roads are not just pathways, they are lifelines that will boost commerce, agriculture, reduce travel stress and encourage economic activities and the daily life of our people.’ the governor said.

In the health sector, he noted the expansion of the State Contributory Health Scheme, commissioning of a pharma-grade warehouse for drug distribution, renovation of hospitals, revitalisation of primary healthcare centres and recruitment of more health workers.

‘Education has also witnessed steady improvements with rehabilitated classrooms, digital learning opportunities, scholarships and bursaries, and the continued operation of free shuttle buses and boats for students.’

The governor further disclosed that his administration has secured 26,000 hectares of land and earmarked ?7.5 billion for agricultural development, which he said will boost food security and create jobs. Aiyedatiwa listed other interventions, including the provision of 75 security vehicles fitted with modern gadgets, the construction of 32 executive council housing units, prompt payment of salaries and pensions, attention to gratuities, and prudent financial management that has reduced the state’s domestic debt profile.

‘Workers’ salaries and pensions are paid regularly and up to date. Recruitment into critical sectors is ongoing to keep our workforce vibrant and effective,’ he stressed.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has praised the Imo State governor, Hope Uzodinma’s impactful governance during the launch of Governor Uzodinma’s book, ‘A Decade of Impactful Progressive Governance in Nigeria’, held in Owerri, Imo State, on Tuesday, September 30, 2025.

President Tinubu commended Uzodinma for his initiatives on the three signature projects of his administration that were commissioned, which include a 52km Owerri-Mbaise-Umuahia road, the Assumpta Cathedral Twin Flyover and Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu International Conference Centre and above all, for authoring a book that chronicles the achievements of the party in the past 10 years.

‘With this book, Governor Uzodinma has given Nigeria a gift. No nation will forget its own journey and no leader will forget the beauty of stewardship,’ he stated.

President Tinubu expressed optimism about Nigeria’s future, pointing out that the nation has recorded great improvement since the leadership of the APC. ‘Nigeria is no longer where it was 10 years ago,’ he noted.

He recalled that APC as a Party began the work of stabilising the economy under the leadership of former President Muhammadu Buhari (late), stating that since then, the country has continued to move for the better. Tinubu said that his administration has in the second quarter of 2025, grown the Nigerian economy by 4.23% with the inflation rate falling to 20.12% in 2025, indicating a relief to the people.

He therefore appealed to Nigerians to remain patient, resilient and assured that the nation is changing for the better with the external reserve standing at 42.03%, the highest since 2019.

In his remarks, the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, commended Governor Uzodinma for transforming Imo State with critical infrastructure, conveying his admiration for the governor’s efforts in putting together a book that chronicles the APC’s achievements and generally, for his vision for Imo State.

Governor Uzodinma, in his address at the book launch, reflected on Nigeria’s journey under the APC from 2015 to 2025, highlighting milestones, challenges, and lessons learned, and emphasised that the book is not just a personal achievement but belongs to the APC family and the Nigerian people.

Governor Uzodinma stated that the book is a product of deep reflection and explained ‘progressivism’ in the Nigerian context, focusing on community solidarity, inclusion, and service.

He praised President Tinubu’s visionary leadership and role in forming the APC, and commended the President for economic progress, especially for recording trade surpluses for six consecutive quarters, with non-oil exports contributing significantly.

Peter Obi, Labour Party (LP) candidate in the 2023 general election, has urged governments at all levels to act with compassion, fairness, and a deep sense of justice when dealing with issues affecting the people, especially at this difficult time.

Obi stated this on Wednesday after visiting the Lagos International Trade Fair site that was recently affected by demolition in Lagos

Obi, writing on his X handle, noted that many of the affected traders invested heavily – often through loans – in the hope of securing their livelihoods and contributing to the wider economy.

‘To destroy such legitimate investments without due process is not only unjust but also economically destructive.

‘Today, alongside Senators Enyinnaya Abaribe, Victor Umeh, Col. Austin Akobundu, Tony Nwoye, Honourable Members of the House of Representatives, Segun Sowonmi, George Adegeye, Labour Party Lagos State Gubernatorial candidate, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour and coordinator of the Obidient Movement Tanko Yunusa, we visited the site of the demolished ASPAMDA Market at the Trade Fair in Lagos, where plazas were pulled down despite traders having obtained the requisite approvals.’ He commended the traders for their remarkable restraint and calm in the face of such painful loss.

This is as he equally commended the senators and the House of Representatives members who pledged to investigate this matter thoroughly and bring to light the circumstances that led to the development, and most importantly, ensure that the situation does not occur in the future.

Obi noted that ‘a society that seeks to make progress must protect enterprise, encourage productivity, and defend the dignity of its citizens.’

According to him, ‘Incidents like this should have no place in a nation that aspires to fairness, stability, and shared prosperity.’

Can you discuss your experience in the Franco-Nigerian Chamber of Commerce and how it has influenced your professional network?

My involvement with the Franco-Nigerian Chamber of Commerce and Industry has been instrumental in gaining deeper insights into bilateral economic opportunities. It’s allowed to engagine with key stakeholders across industries and foster collaborations that support the development of both Nigerian and French businesses. Heading the most active bilateral chamber of commerce in Nigeria offers the opportunity to support the development of collaboration between our two countries across multiple industries and use the instrument of the chamber to bring solutions and connections where and when needed.

In your experience, what are the biggest challenges in the supply chain for energy services, and how does your organisation address them?

Supply chain disruptions are a significant challenge in the energy sector. From material shortages to logistical issues, the industry must be resilient. At SPIE, we’ve adopted a proactive approach by diversifying our supply chain, maintaining strategic partnerships, and leveraging digital tools to streamline operations. We also invest in local talent and resources, which enhances our operational flexibility.

How do you evaluate and implement emerging technologies in your company’s operational strategies?

We evaluate emerging technologies based on their potential to improve efficiency, safety, cost and sustainability. Our approach is rigorous, after conducting feasibility studies, we run pilot projects to assess real-world applic;ations. If successful, we scale these technologies across our operations. This process has allowed us to integrate innovations like AI-driven solutions and digital maintenance strategies into our workflows.

How does SPIE navigate the complex regulatory landscape of the energy sector across different countries?

The energy sector is highly regulated, and navigating these frameworks requires both global expertise and local knowledge. We work closely with local governments and regulatory bodies to ensure compliance while advocating for policies that support innovation and sustainability across borders. By maintaining transparency and fostering open communication, we’ve been able to operate smoothly across multiple jurisdictions.

How is SPIE adapting to the increasing emphasis on sustainability and environmental responsibility in energy production?

At SPIE Global Services Energy, sustainability is at the forefront of our strategy. We’ve adopted advanced technologies that optimise energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions across our operations. We actively support clients in their energy transition goals by offering tailored solutions that integrate renewable energy sources and improve environmental performance.

Our commitment is evident in our investments in sustainable practices, which are now central to our operational models as well as our growth strategy, which largely focuses on offshore winds as well as solar energy.

The global shift toward renewable energy is seen as a challenge by many players; how do you envision the future role of traditional energy companies in evolving?

Traditional energy companies will play a crucial role in the global energy transition. While renewables are growing rapidly, fossil fuels will continue to be a major part of the energy mix for the foreseeable future. Companies like SPIE are positioning themselves by embracing new technologies, reducing their carbon footprint, and fully integrating renewable energy into their portfolios. The transition will be led by the industry and we are a key player in enabling and supporting it.

With your experience at TotalEnergies, how do you see the balance between maintaining traditional energy sources and transitioning to renewable energy?

I believe the transition to renewables will be a phased approach. Traditional energy remains vital for meeting current global demand, but the industry is investing heavily in renewable technologies and energy efficiency solutions to drive a sustainable future. The transition will allow the sector to adopt cleaner technologies while gradually shifting toward low-carbon energy sources.

What operational challenges have you encountered in the exploration and production sectors, and how have you addressed them?

The energy sector presents numerous challenges, from fluctuating market prices to geopolitical instabilities. In exploration and production, our main hurdles have been ensuring operational efficiency and performance while managing environmental risks. We address these by leveraging digitalisation and advanced monitoring systems that allow us to be proactive rather than reactive. Safety is also a top priority, and we’ve implemented stringent protocols to minimise disruptions and maximize output while ensuring the safety of our workforce and those operating around us.

How do you foster innovation and growth within your teams?

At SPIE Global Services Energy, we encourage a culture of continuous learning and experimentation. We’ve created a robust internal structure that promotes cross-functional collaboration, and we invest heavily in training programs and partnerships with startups to keep our teams agile and forward-thinking. We also focus on mentorship and leadership development to train talent capable of driving the company’s growth.

What trends do you see shaping the future of the oil and gas industry, and how is SPIE positioned to adapt?

The energy sector is undergoing profound changes. Decarbonization, digital transformation, and the shift toward renewables are major trends that will shape the future. SPIE Global Services Energy is positioned to adapt by offering hybrid solutions that combine traditional and renewable energy services. We’ve also expanded our digital offerings, helping clients improve operational efficiency and reduce emissions through real-time data analytics and automation. In a constantly evolving environment, we are clearly part of the solution, helping our clients be ahead of the curve.

How do you approach risk management when it comes to energy projects?

Energy projects inherently come with uncertainties. At SPIE, we follow a comprehensive risk management strategy in line with the ISO 31000 that involves thorough risk assessments at each project stage, constant monitoring, and the implementation of mitigation plans. We also collaborate closely with our clients to ensure that all stakeholders are aligned on risk-related matters, which allows us to address uncertainties proactively.

What are some key lessons you’ve learnt from your role as chairman of the board at Lycée Français Louis Pasteur?

Serving as chairman of the board at Lycée Français Louis Pasteur has been a great honour. It has taught me the importance of adaptability and the value of building a community-focused vision. Education is a powerful tool in shaping future generations, and I’ve learned that fostering an inclusive environment where both students and educators can thrive is key to long-term success. We can be collectively very proud of our achievements and especially of the recently completed construction project that makes LFLP one of the most functional and beautiful schools on the continent.

From your experience, how can the private sector better support educational initiatives in host communities?

We operate in an environment where it is left to the private sector to play a significant role in education. It is both a big responsibility and a great opportunity. At SPIE, we support educational initiatives through scholarships, vocational training programs, and partnerships with educational institutes at different levels. By investing in education, we’re contributing to the development of the next generation of professionals who will shape the future of the energy industry. It is also a way for us to detect talents and train them to high standards adapted to our operations. As a matter of fact, we inaugurated our very own training center in Port-Harcourt in 2021, offering a wide range of technical training and certification in areas close to our core businesses.

We leverage this training centre to offer vocational training to the communities in our area of operations in order to build local capacity and increase gender inclusion (we have a strict 50/50 gender diversity policy for our community training). This is also a way for us to be more competitive commercially, as we have access to skilled local resources available to join our workforce.

What are your future goals, both for SPIE Global Services Energy and personally as a leader in the industry?

For SPIE Global Services Energy, our goal is to be the go-to leader in energy transition by continuously improving our service offerings and sustainability practices. Personally, I am committed to driving innovations in the industry and mentoring the next generation of leaders. My focus is on fostering a corporate culture that is adaptable and resilient, preparing the company to navigate the changes ahead.

How do fluctuations in global oil prices impact your strategic decisions at SPIE?

Fluctuations in global commodity prices directly impact the business of our clients. It is our responsibility to support them and help them navigate these uncertainties. Accordingly, we’ve developed a flexible business model that allows us to adjust to these fluctuations without compromising on long-term goals. Helping our clients diversify their portfolio with renewables and energy services helps mitigate the risks associated with volatile commodity prices.

Finally, how do you foresee the role of global service providers evolving in the energy landscape over the next decade?

In the next decade, global service providers will need to evolve by offering more integrated and sustainable solutions. At SPIE, we are expanding our capabilities to include services that support both traditional and renewable energy. This involves investing in technology, upskilling our workforce, and strengthening our presence in emerging markets where the energy demand is growing.

Docenti Global Business School has announced the commencement of its Master of Business Administration (MBA) and Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) programmes in partnership with the European Global Institute of Innovation and Technology.

The announcement was made in Lagos at an executive dinner organised to welcome new students. The event also marked the school’s attainment of the ISO 9001:2015 certification, which the institution described as a key step in its development.

The dinner gathered students, faculty, and administrators in a setting that combined reflection on past achievements with a focus on the school’s next phase.

Speaking at the event, Humphrey Akanazu, Executive Principal of Docenti Global Business School, said the certification was a significant recognition of the school’s processes.

‘In pursuing this certification, we have strengthened our standards and assured our students of the value and trust embedded in their programmes,’ Akanazu said. ‘This gathering not only celebrates our collective progress but also reaffirms our promise to continually raise the bar in academic excellence.’

He explained that ISO 9001:2015 is a globally recognised benchmark for quality management systems, noting that Docenti’s accreditation shows its commitment to accountability and continuous improvement.

The school stated that its model of education is based on structured supervision, personalised coaching, and a strong academic management support system. It added that the certification assures new students in the MBA and DBA programmes that their studies will be delivered with systems aligned with international best practice.

During the event, faculty and administrators highlighted the impact of alumni who have advanced into leadership roles across different sectors. Current students were encouraged to see themselves as part of this tradition and to approach their studies with focus and determination.

Akanazu described the certification as more than external recognition. ‘This certification is not just about recognition-it reflects our promise to every student who walks through our doors. It demonstrates that Docenti Global Business School is committed to nurturing, supporting, and empowering students to achieve their goals. Our mission is to continue creating a global community of leaders distinguished by knowledge, integrity, and innovation.’

Docenti Global Business School said the certification strengthens its position as a centre for higher learning that provides qualifications with long-term relevance. It added that its focus is to bridge theory with practice, prepare graduates for competitive markets, and apply learning methods that respond to the demands of business and technology.

The institution also pledged to continue raising its standards of education while maintaining systems that are reliable, transparent, and future-focused. For stakeholders and students, the ISO certification is expected to stand as a symbol of confidence in the school’s operations and outcomes.

It is two years since you took over as chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS). How has the journey been and what would you give as your achievements in the agency?

When we set out on this journey, our mind was set on reforming the fiscal landscape of Nigeria and consequently changing the revenue structure of the Federation. To the glory of God, two years on, the figures are justifying that the reforms we embarked upon were the right steps to take. Let me start from the latest evidence, for the first time the three tiers of government shared a record monthly allocation in excess of N2 trillion. States and local government councils are now more empowered to carry out their responsibilities to Nigerians in their domains.

Nearly 70 percent of what the three tiers of government gather every month to share comes from tax revenue collected by FIRS. This is an eloquent testimony to the reforms spearheaded by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. So, all credits must go to the president for the courage he has demonstrated in leadership by setting the economic fundamentals right in order for the reforms to bring plenty fruits and gains for the federation. By removing subsidy on petrol and collapsing the hitherto dual exchange rate windows, floating the naira consequently, the health of the Federation account has blossomed greatly, as there are no bogus subsidy claims that would naturally have depleted the accruals into the pool.

In addition to these, the president in his inaugural speech, promised to make his industrial and economic policy one that will remove hurdles in the way of businesses. As a follow up to that, he set up a committee which worked so hard with other stakeholders to bring about the new tax laws that will go into effect from January next year. This is the best thing that has happened to Nigeria’s fiscal ecosystem since independence in 1960. The president has fulfilled his promise to make businesses flourish by removing all burdens and hurdles. This has been done with the new tax laws which will eliminate multiple taxes.

The president said we should not have more than single digit tax types and that has been achieved now. The various tax laws which are scattered in several legislations have now been consolidated and streamlined into a single document. Tax is not easy to collect anywhere in the world and it will be made more difficult if taxpayers go through unnecessary hurdles before they can pay taxes. The fact that these laws were scattered in various legislations gives room for different applications and make compliance cumbersome. But all that is history now.

Perhaps the biggest deal for Nigerians is that food, education, shared transportation, agriculture are going to be VAT-free. This will have positive effect on more than 80 percent of Nigerians. This is in addition to the tax adjustment of personal income of those in the low-income brackets. Small businesses with turnover of N50 million will not pay tax. All these go to show that President Tinubu is a compassionate leader who knows there the shoes pinch for businesses. A more business-friendly environment has now been created with these new laws.

As an agency, FIRS has grown in leaps and bounds in the last two years. Carrying out the president’s mandate, we re-structured our internal operations from the functional tax typologies to a customer-centric approach. Now, all tax types are paid at a one-stop shop. How do I mean? We put the taxpayers into the emerging tax, medium and government tax as well as large tax buckets. The categorisation is done according to the turnover thresholds of the companies, with those having turnover of N5 billion and above in the large taxpayers’ bucket.

What this means is that these companies pay all the tax types they need to pay at a single tax office which caters for their categories. We no longer have a situation where several offices or units are writing to the same company and asking for different things about the VAT or CIT and so on. This has engendered a shift in the mental geography of our staff and has seen a transition to a Federal Inland Revenue Service that is customer-focused. We are service providers to the taxpayers rather than coming across to them as a tax law enforcement agency.

Non-oil tax revenue has grown exponentially and for the first time in a long while, we met and surpassed our oil and gas tax revenue target for this year, thanks to the improved security situation in the country which has energised the oil companies to grow and make profits.

Do you think the economy has really turned the corner? Critics say much has really not changed for the country and its citizens since the president took over in 2023.

Even you journalists know that it will be inaccurate for anyone to come with such claims. Yes, the removal of subsidy on petrol created some disruptions in the living conditions of most Nigerians. Transportation costs went up, as did prices of goods and services. The disruptions can be likened to the pain of a woman in labour. After she is delivered of the baby, comfort and bliss will follow.

To cushion the effect, President Tinubu came up with the compressed natural gas initiative which has seen millions of vehicles converted from petrol to CNG. CNG buses were also procured and distributed to states. From the height that it went earlier in the year, petrol price is coming down. Don’t forget that we also came up with the crude-for-naira initiative which is helping local refiners get access to crude oil in naira. The exchange rate that went up is also coming down.

The FX market has navigated away from arbitrage which used to be the order of the day.

Foreign airlines and others were owed $7 billion by Nigeria. President Tinubu came and cleared the debt. About 90% of revenue was devoted to servicing debt, but the rate has gone down to about 50% in two years. The tax-to-GDP ratio was 10% when we took over, now it is 13.5%. But that is not where we are going. We are aiming to beat Africa’s average of 15% and achieve 18% by 2027. External reserves have climbed up to $41 billion. The Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) created by President Tinubu has seen almost N90 billion disbursed to over 450, 000 students across the country.

There are many road projects going on and some completed across the country, covering all the six geo-political zones. These roads are opening up economic corridors across the country.

Federal allocations to state have grown by almost 70%, enabling them to enjoy a great level of fiscal stability and debt management. According to the figures from DMO, about 30 states repaid N1.85trillion in debt over 18 months. We should keep these figures in perspective when x-raying this administration.

What is the truth about this 5% surcharge on petrol?

The problem with the people bandying this about is either that they don’t read or they read but do not understand. In my earlier comments, I said there were many laws about taxes which were scattered in various legislations, making compliance difficult for taxpayers. To remove the burden, we harmonised these laws into a single document and one of such laws is the petrol tax. The law had existed under the FERMA Act 2007 and the purpose was to use the money therefrom for road maintenance. The new law lays down the procedure for this provision to come into effect. There must be a commencement order from the minister of finance which will be publicly announced and also gazetted. So, it does not automatically mean that this provision will go into effect from January next year.

Remember, one of the first set of reliefs President Tinubu brought to Nigerians was to remove 7.5% VAT on diesel. Is it that same president that will now impose additional cost on petrol for the citizens at this time?

Why was FIRS changed to Nigeria Revenue Service and what should taxpayers expect from the agency when it goes full throttle next year?

Let me start from what the taxpayers should expect from us. They should expect a fair tax administration that will also come without hassles. Our core mandate is simple: assess, collect and account for revenue accruing to the Federation. In doing this, we will be fairer as a tax authority and continue to provide quality service to our only customers, that is, the taxpayers. The president has done a lot in bringing reliefs to Nigerians and businesses with the new tax laws. Compliance should be easier now and of course our advocacy has been on voluntary compliance. Do the right thing at all times and don’t wait till our tax people visit your premises. If they have any issue, they should get in touch with us. With the new tax laws, evasion will be pretty difficult. Companies should be diligent in their tax planning. Those who still think they can find a way to game the system will find out that evasion or trying to cut corners will be costlier than being compliant and honest.

There is one proverb in my language, ‘If the main course is not satisfying, there is nothing anybody can give you as a gift that will be enough.’ So, if within, we cannot develop Nigeria, nobody will come and develop it for us.

President Tinubu’s mantra has always been: ‘I’m not here to tax poverty; I’m here to tax prosperity. My government will tax the fruits of your investments and not the seeds.’ When companies are doing well and are making profits and are expanding their operations, we will benefit from their doing well.

The tax rate is simple. If the base is 10, we will have three. If the base increases to 20, we will have six. If the base increases to 30, we will have nine. So, if I want to have more, it’s not by going on an aggressive revenue drive. It is to help the companies to do well and that is when I will do well too. So, that is why, for us at Nigeria Revenue Service, we are here to remove all the hurdles in the way of our taxpayers. This is what President Tinubu has done with the new tax laws. He has fulfilled his electoral promise and we should all commend him for being a promise keeper.

On why we are changing from Federal Inland Revenue Service to the Nigeria Revenue Service, the word federal in the name of the agency gives the erroneous impression that we are only collecting tax revenue for the federal government. When you say ‘Inland’, it wrongly means we are only collecting money from Nigeria, which is not what we are doing. I will give you examples. We collect VAT, 90% of which is for states. When you therefore say ‘federal’, it means we are not representing what we do. The new name, NRS, shows we are the sole tax authority for all revenue collection for the Nigerian federation according to our laws.

Jose Mourinho was beaten on his return to Stamford Bridge as his Benfica side lost 1-0 to Chelsea in the Champions League on Tuesday night.

Richard Rios’ first-half own goal ruined Mourinho’s hopes of a dream comeback against the club where he enjoyed his greatest success.

The 62-year-old, who won three Premier League titles and seven major trophies across two spells at Chelsea, was warmly welcomed back by fans who repeatedly chanted his name.

However, his poor record at the Bridge since leaving in 2015 continued, with no wins in seven visits as manager of Manchester United, Tottenham, and now Benfica.

Despite the defeat, Mourinho praised his players’ effort.

‘A defeat is always a defeat, but this one can be a start for us. It was a stable performance,’ he said.

Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez denied Vangelis Pavlidis and Dodi Lukebakio in a strong Benfica spell, but the own goal proved decisive.

The Senator representing Lagos East Senatorial District, Mukhail Adetokunbo Abiru, has commended Nigerians for their resilience and steadfastness as the nation marks its 65th Independence Anniversary.

In his Independence Day message, Senator Abiru emphasized that Nigeria’s rich diversity must continue to serve as a source of unity and strength, rather than division. He urged citizens to reject divisive rhetoric, intolerance, and actions capable of undermining national cohesion, stressing that the country’s future rests on the collective resolve of its people to work together in peace and progress.

Abiru, who chairs both the Southern Senators’ Forum and the Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance and Other Financial Institutions, also called for increased support for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He noted that the President’s bold reforms are gradually yielding the desired outcomes.

The Senator’s statement reads: ‘Today, as we mark the 65th Independence Anniversary of our beloved nation, I join millions of compatriots in celebrating Nigeria’s resilience and enduring spirit. Despite the economic, social, and political hurdles before us, our dear nation remains a beacon of hope on the African continent. ‘Our diversity – with over 250 ethnic groups and more than 500 languages – is our greatest asset. Under the green-and-white flag, we must continue to strengthen our unity, guard against actions that deepen our national fault lines, and renew our collective commitment to nation-building.

‘I equally appeal to all Nigerians to continue to stand solidly with our esteemed leader, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, as he provides bold and focused leadership that is clearly redirecting our country toward enduring sustainable development and economic growth.

‘The administration’s major policies have already begun to yield positive results. The harmonization of the foreign exchange market, among other laudable reforms, has helped to curb spiraling inflation, boost investor confidence, and lay the groundwork for a stable economic environment where enterprises can thrive – ultimately leading to shared prosperity.

‘This is not the time to give up on Nigeria. It is precisely at moments like this that our unity, resilience, and patriotism matter most. With determination and a shared sense of purpose, I am confident that we will emerge as a stronger and more prosperous nation – not just for ourselves, but for generations to come.’

Men from various sectors have stepped forward to take an active role in the fight against gender-based violence, as the Male Feminist Nigeria (MFN) Project was launched in Pankshin, Plateau State, on Tuesday.

The event, organised by the Kozaki Transformation and Development Foundation, brought together stakeholders including traditional rulers, religious leaders, transport union executives, barbers, and other key actors united in the mission of promoting male engagement in ending gender-based violence.

The stakeholders’ engagement meeting, which marks the advancement of the MFN Project across North Central Nigeria, focused on engaging men as allies in promoting gender justice and challenging harmful societal norms.

In his address, Akighir Caleb Akighir, Communication Officer of the MFN Project, emphasised the need to confront entrenched patriarchal ideologies.

He warned that negative masculinity is damaging not only to women and girls but also to men, who are often confined by unrealistic and harmful gender expectations. Expanding on this, Manfred Akpen, Program Officer of the MFN Project, delivered a keynote presentation titled ‘Becoming a Male Ally: From Conviction to Consistency.’ He called on men to go beyond symbolic gestures and instead demonstrate consistent action in advancing gender equity within their communities.

The participants embraced the message, expressing readiness to become ambassadors of male feminism in their communities. Representatives from transport unions, barbers, local academic institutions, religious and traditional councils, and community-based groups pledged to actively promote positive masculinity and help dismantle violence-supportive norms.

Kashim Basil, a Catholic priest and the Coordinator of JDPC Caritas, welcomed participants on behalf of Isaiah Ter, also a Catholic priest and a lawyer who is the Executive Director of the Kozaki Foundation, while prayers were offered by Fr. Gogwim to open the session.

The engagement marks a significant milestone for the MFN Project in Plateau State, North Central Nigeria and sets the tone for further expansion across the region. As the initiative gains ground, Pankshin now serves as a critical hub in a growing movement for male-led advocacy against gender-based violence.

Nigeria is a sinking ship whose occupants are swimming to safety on the pieces of lifebuoy thrown to them. Are Nigerians not leaving in droves for foreign countries? And are they not serving as food to the famished sharks and whales in foreign seas?

The fact is that Nigeria, a well-endowed country, has become an unlivable geographical space from which her citizens are fleeing. Daily, in Nigeria, hundreds of people are needlessly killed by bandits, terrorists, kidnappers, and the killer herdsmen. The nightmarish security challenges in our country seem to be unending. And millions of Nigerians, who have been reduced to subhumans through our political leaders’ mismanagement of our economy, are living below the breadline now.

Nigeria’s sad and bad condition is attributable to the leadership crisis, which has affected the country over the years. Since our country’s attainment of political sovereignty in 1960, good political leadership has continued to elude her.

Until 1999, dictatorial military regimes, which alternated with corrupt political leaderships, stunted our economic development, stymied our technological advancement, worsened our infrastructural rot and deficit, and caused the deepening of our religious and ethnic fissures.

In 1960, six years after we had achieved political emancipation, the Nigeria-Biafra civil war raged with its calamitous and disastrous effects. The fratricidal civil war caused the depredation of our economy, the destruction of our national infrastructure, and the decimation of our population. Thereafter, we experienced a military interregnum, which culminated in the birth of the second republic in 1979.

The second republic was truncated by the coup d’état executed by Muhammadu Buhari. It took place on December 31, 1983. Before the execution of the coup by the beret boys, Alhaji Shehu Shagari, a political dark horse, had piloted the affairs of Nigeria from 1979 to 1983. His government was toppled because it was alleged to be corrupt.

And between 1983 and 1998, save the brief period when Chief Ernest Shonekan held the reins of power, military officers took turns to rule Nigeria. While Muhammadu Buhari, who was known for his Spartan lifestyle, enacted draconian and retroactive decrees to rule Nigeria, Ibrahim Babangida institutionalised corruption in the country. And he took Nigeria on a transition to civilian rule rigmarole that landed us in a political cul-de-sac. But in the midst of the political quagmire into which Nigeria was thrown owing to the annulled June 12, 1993, presidential election, the vampiric Sani Abacha shoved aside the interim government of Ernest Shonekan to take the saddle of power. Sani Abacha was a blend of thieving tendencies and sanguinary proclivities.

Not only did he steal Nigeria blind, but he also liquidated some democracy activists, who were agitating for the revalidation of the late MKO Abiola’s stolen political mandate.

Happily, Nigeria transitioned to democratic rule upon Sani Abacha’s demise in 1998. And since 1999 and until now, we have enjoyed twenty-six years of unbroken democratic governance with one political leader handing over political power to another political leader without the country descending into an anarchic situation. That in itself is a milestone achievement considering Nigeria’s deep-seated disunity, which is caused by the existence of ethnic animosity and religious intolerance among Nigerians. However, the fact is that the elections that produced our past successive national leaders in the Fourth Republic were marred and marked by election malpractices. For example, in 1999, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo was helped to become the president of Nigeria to placate the indignant Yoruba people regarding the annulled June 12, 1993, presidential election. Alhaji Umaru Musa Yar’adua, who succeeded Chief Obasanjo as the president of Nigeria, confessed that the election that brought him to office was deeply flawed.

And the declaration of Ahmed Bola Tinubu as the president-elect in 2023 was hotly contested in the court then.

It is a known fact that when the electoral processes that bring a politician to power are flawed, the political will and choices of the people will be subverted. And that situation negates the political axiom, which says that political sovereignty belongs to the people. And a national leader who enters the saddle of power via electoral malpractice will not be accountable to the people.

So, not surprisingly, corrupt political leadership has become endemic and pervasive in our country. Now, our political leaders who hold sway at different governmental strata perceive their occupation of exalted political offices as opportunities for them to acquire money by dipping their fingers into our exchequer.

Consequently, our country’s economy oscillates between slipping into recession and exiting from it. So millions of young Nigerian graduates pound the streets daily in search of the non-existent white- and blue-collar jobs. And innumerable Nigerian workers, who are not paid living wages, live below the breadline. They scrounge for food, which they will eat, sacrificing their dignity in the process.

Again, Nigeria suffers from an infrastructural deficit and rot. Long stretches of some federal roads have fallen into a state of disrepair. And the healthcare delivery system in Nigeria is comatose. Consequently, rich Nigerians, who are ailing, embark on health tourism in foreign countries for the treatment of their various health conditions. And the dysfunctionality of our educational system, which is caused by decades of governmental neglect, is at the root of our universities’ production of unemployable graduates, who are found wanting in character and learning.

Worse still, Nigeria is ravaged by grave security challenges, which have returned her to the Hobbesian state of nature where life is short, brutish, and nasty. Is the north not still in the firm grip of Boko Haram insurgency, terrorism, banditry, and the killer-herdsmen menace? And in the southern part of Nigeria, kidnapping rich people for ransom has become a lucrative business venture for kidnappers.

Nigeria, as she is now, is a rudderless ship cut adrift on the tempestuous sea of political, technological, economic, and educational uncertainties. As it is on autopilot, it is being tossed about on the choppy water by the pitiless currents.

But the solution to our many hydra-headed problems lies in our electing patriotic leaders who possess probity and leadership qualities. It is only they who can fix our national problems and entrench unity among us. And it is only they who can give Nigeria a people’s constitution, which will transform Nigeria into a true federal state.