Category: Business Day

Godswill Akpabio, the Senate President, has commended President Bola Tinubu’s economic management, declaring that no state government in Nigeria is currently borrowing to pay workers’ salaries, a development he credited to the administration’s fiscal discipline and economic reforms.

Akpabio remarked on Tuesday in his welcome-back speech while addressing lawmakers during the resumption of plenary after a long recess.

He said, ‘I can confidently say that through the engineering of President Bola Tinubu and his team, no state government today is borrowing to pay salaries.

‘So, for this, we say kudos to the administration.’

The Senate President praised what he described as the ‘sound economic engineering’ of the Tinubu administration, noting that the fiscal reforms have strengthened revenue generation and restored investor confidence in key sectors of the economy.

He said the upper chamber would continue to support policies that improve the lives of Nigerians while maintaining its independence and oversight role over the executive arm.

‘The Senate will lend its strength to every policy that raises our people, but where policies imperil them, we shall not hesitate to speak on their behalf,’ he said.

Akpabio, however, reminded his colleagues that their return to plenary came at a time when citizens were grappling with insecurity, high cost of living, and hunger, stressing that Nigerians expected tangible results, not rhetoric.

‘Over 33 million Nigerians face acute food insecurity, a crisis demanding urgent legislative action on agriculture, irrigation, rural roads, and mechanisation.

‘Hunger cannot be defeated with words; it requires policy, budget, and will,’ he declared.

The Senate President further urged senators to rededicate themselves to the service of the nation, warning against the growing culture of political showmanship.

‘Leadership is not a carnival, and governance is not a stage for theatrics.

‘Let no one mistake the nation’s destiny for a costume drama, nor confuse applause with achievement,’ he cautioned.

Akpabio also called for stronger collaboration between the legislature and executive to tackle the nation’s challenges, including insecurity, power instability, and infrastructure decay.

He emphasised the need to reform the Constitution, deepen democracy, and ensure that public funds are used for the people’s welfare, not private gain.

‘Our relations with the Executive shall remain frank and firm, neither obsequious nor obstructive,’ he noted.

‘We must continue to uphold the independence of this Senate, the dignity of this chamber, and the majesty of the Constitution which governs us all.’

As the Senate resumes its legislative duties, Akpabio charged his colleagues to make the 10th Senate a symbol of integrity and transformation.

‘Let this Senate be remembered as an instrument of national transformation, a citadel of democracy, and a beacon of hope,’ he said.

Kikelomo Solomon-Ayeni is a creative artist who navigates the lines between artistry and enterprise. Over the years, she has demonstrated that her journey is not just about creating art, but also about reimagining how African creativity can thrive in a global economy, having exhibited African creatives in London, Berlin, Palma, and New York. In this interview with BusinessDay, she envisions Africa’s creative economy becoming a central force and key contributor to the global creative industry. JOHN SALAU brings the excerpts:

You have been in the art space for some years now; kindly tell us more about your creative work and why it feels deeply personal.

I am a multi-talented artist with a keen eye for detail and a heart dedicated to social change. I seamlessly merge my artistic talents with my advocacy work to create impactful visual narratives. I am driven by a deep love for documenting the lives of women and children. My photography goes beyond mere images; it serves as a powerful medium for advocacy and social awareness. I find profound joy in capturing the essence of a child’s journey, from the womb to the world, and I am committed to shedding light on their stories. For me, art is not just aesthetic; it is spiritual and emotional. I want my work to be a safe space for others to see themselves, find their voice, and believe in their worth. My works have been shown in various galleries across the world. The recent ones being Boomer Gallery London, Praxis Gallery Minneapolis, USA and Independent ArtSpace in China.

Can you share what inspired your journey in the creative economy space over the past 10 years?

I believe my entry was divine. It began with a strong conviction for me to pursue photography, a medium that trained my eyes to notice light, colour, emotion, and the unspoken stories that shape our everyday experiences. Photography taught me how to observe, and made me aware of the limitations that artists in Africa often face when trying to build careers from their talent. Very early, I already understood that passion alone was not enough. I saw talented creatives around me struggling, not because they lacked skill, but because they lacked business understanding, infrastructure, and mentorship. This made me pursue artistic excellence and systems-building. I wanted to create platforms where creativity could be both celebrated and sustainably monetised. That intersection of artistry and enterprise is where my work continues to thrive.

As a creative artist, why is education important?

Education is foundational to everything I do. I am a World Bank scholarship beneficiary at the Enterprise Development Centre, Pan Atlantic University, where I studied entrepreneurship management. I upgrade my business knowledge every time. I recently finished a master’s in management from the University of Derby. A man cannot go beyond the knowledge he has. Without knowledge, our artists remain vulnerable to exploitation, burnout, and being undervalued. That is why at the Nirmala Chellarams Centre for Entrepreneurship Skills, I helped develop curricula that integrate business education for creative entrepreneurship. I also teach business at the Nigeria Photography Expo and Conference often. I teach artists how to build sustainable models from sourcing finance to negotiation and market understanding.

What recognitions have meant the most to you, and why?

Each recognition I have received, whether it was the World Bank, the Cherie Blair Foundation, the French Consulate, or the UK Arts Council Global Talent Endorsement, has affirmed that the work I am doing matters both locally and globally. What these recognitions do is open doors for me, the communities and artists I represent. They have enabled me to scale impact, access funding, build networks, and amplify the voices of those often overlooked. They prove that when we invest intentionally in African creativity, the returns social, cultural, and economic returns are profound. They are validations of a larger argument around for years: that Africa’s creative industries are not fringe sectors, but are powerful engines of economic growth and cultural diplomacy. However, I don’t let them define me. Staying humble and focused is a key to going higher and further in life.

With all you have achieved, what are you most proud of?

I am proud of the impact my art (visual and written) has made and is making in the lives of people. I am also proud of the legacy I am building. A legacy that challenges the world to see African artists as global players, cultural ambassadors, and economic actors capable of shaping markets, narratives, and futures.

You often talk about ‘infrastructure for artists.’ What do you mean by that?

When I talk about ‘infrastructure for artists,’ I mean all the systems, structures, and support networks that allow artists to thrive beyond just creating the work. Art doesn’t exist in isolation; artists need spaces to show their work, platforms to connect with audiences, opportunities for funding, training, and collaboration. Without these, even the most talented artists can struggle to grow or be seen. So for me, building infrastructure is about creating sustainable ecosystems around artists, from galleries and residencies, to mentorship programs, to policies that support creative careers. It’s about making sure that artists are not just surviving but are positioned to influence culture, shape communities, and participate fully in the global art conversation.

Could you tell us about Red19 Photography and how it has evolved over the years?

Red19 Photography was born in 2011, during a time when Nigeria’s art market was still fragile and underdeveloped. Starting a photography brand then was seen as risky, but I was determined to create something meaningful. I was sure that there is a future for me in the creative space and photography was my starting point. I started my business carving a niche for myself in Children, Maternity and Family photography. The goal of the business was to promote family bonds. This type of photography never existed in Nigeria then so it was difficult to sustain the business at the early stage. I embraced other types of photography to ensure there was constant cash flow. I would not market the other photography I did but I often got referrals for them and it helped keep the business afloat till the niche became viable. As the year went by, I created an arm for wedding and event photography, photo editing training, photography training and mentorship, video production; little by little we grew as opportunities unfolded to the organisation.

What is Red19 Global, and what makes it different?

Red19 Global is the evolution of my desire to scale African creativity beyond national borders. Based in the United Kingdom and Virginia USA, it serves as a bridge between African creators and global audiences. What sets it apart is its holistic approach; we’re not just organizing exhibitions or selling art; we’re building a full creative ecosystem that includes artist representation, cultural storytelling, portfolio reviews, and strategic partnerships. I created Red19 Global because I saw a consistent problem: talented African artists were not getting the global visibility, structure, or support they needed. Red19 Global addresses that gap. It is designed to help African and diaspora creatives gain visibility that their work deserves and also access international markets. Red19 Global is about reimagining what a global platform for African art can look like, one rooted in cultural relevance and economic empowerment.

So far, how do you define success for Red19 Global?

Success for Red19 Global is not just about how many exhibitions we have done, but about the depth of engagement and opportunities we have created for artists. In less than a year, we have showcased African creatives in cities like London, China, Berlin, Palma, and New York. These exhibitions were more than showcases; they are strategic entry points into wider networks of residencies, sales, critical reviews, and collaborations. We have had artists get featured in the international press, and build sustainable careers off the visibility they have gained. The kind of success that matters to me is one that creates platforms that are beyond displaying art, but build momentum, open doors, and create tangible, long-term benefits for every artist involved.

You have been active in cultural programming. What is your curatorial approach?

I believe that exhibitions and cultural programs should reflect the lived experiences of the communities they serve, and also create space for new interpretations and voices. My curatorial approach is a mix of open calls and invitations. With open calls, I give space for a wide range of artists to take part, especially those who might not normally get opportunities to show their work. It’s a way of discovering new voices, bringing diversity, and making sure fresh ideas are always part of the conversation. On the other hand, I also use invitations when I want to bring in artists whose work connects directly to a theme or story I am curating. This gives the exhibition focus and ensures the message is clear and impactful. By combining both approaches, my programming stays inclusive and intentional. It opens doors for many artists while still shaping a strong narrative. In the end, my goal is to create cultural projects that are accessible, meaningful, and that spark dialogue between artists, audiences, and communities.

Finally, what is your ultimate vision for the African creative economy?

My ultimate vision for the African creative economy is for it to be recognised as a core driver of the global creative industry, not a peripheral contributor. A source of innovation, influence, and sustainable growth that shapes global culture. Africa’s creative voices are among the most original in the world, and I see a future where they circulate freely across international platforms, enjoying the same visibility, infrastructure, and commercial power as any established creative hub. To achieve this, African artists must be able to create locally and compete globally. That requires strong infrastructure: platforms that give visibility, systems that protect intellectual property, financing that supports risk and growth, and networks that connect artists with global markets. This is where Red19 Global plays a pivotal role. Through our cultural programming, exhibitions, and artist development initiatives, we provide the scaffolding that allows artists to move from idea to international stage. We combine open calls that invite diverse participation with curated invitations that ensure artistic excellence, creating opportunities for both emerging and established artists to showcase their work to the world. In essence, Red19 Global represents the infrastructure that makes my vision tangible. It is a bridge between African talent and global opportunity, a platform that ensures African artists are not only part of the global creative conversation but are actively shaping its future. By supporting artists with visibility, skills, and access, Red19 Global contributes to an Africa whose creativity is not just preserved but projected onto the world stage, where it belongs.

Abisola Olusanya, commissioner of Agriculture and Food Systems, Lagos, has said that addressing the country’s food security challenges requires bold investments, innovative strategies and strategic partnerships.

Olusanya made this known during a press briefing to outline activities by the State Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security to mark this year’s World Food Day, themed ‘Hand in Hand for Better Foods and a Better Future.’

The commissioner said World Food Day serves as a rallying call for governments, development partners, farmers, and communities to embrace sustainable food systems and promote food security.

She said the theme emphasised the urgent need for partnerships across governments, the private sector, development organisations, and communities to transform agrifood systems, promote healthy diets, and safeguard the environment.

Quoting the United Nations, she defined food security as the means that all people, at all times, have access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food that meets dietary needs for an active and healthy life.

According to her, poor nutrition weakens the immune system, fuels diseases, and lowers productivity, thereby stifling economic growth.

She noted that the challenge of food security is unique to Lagos, the country’s commercial centre, owing to the high population. ‘Despite being the smallest State in terms of land mass, Lagos is home to over twenty-two million people and therefore the most densely populated State.’

‘Feeding our population, therefore, requires innovative strategies, bold investments, and strong partnerships.’

Speaking on what Lagos is doing to drive food security, Olusanya said the state launched a 5-year Agricultural and Food Systems Roadmap in 2021, which targets 40 percent food self-sufficiency by 2025.

She said since the launch of the initiative, the agric ministry has rolls out transformative programmes to enhance food production, reduce post-harvest losses, strengthen market linkages and empower farmers and youths.

‘Lagos State has continued to invest in transformative programmes aimed at building a sustainable and resilient food system,’ she said.

She listed the implementation of the Food Systems Transformation Agenda, the Produce for Lagos Programme, Lagos rice mill, and Eko Agro Mechanisation Programme as some landmark projects to address food insecurity.

Others are the Lagos Agripreneurship Programme, Lagos Agric Scholars Programme, Cattle Feedlot Project, Lagos Aquaculture Centre of Excellence, Eko Last Mile Meat Shops and Butchers Academy, Lagos Agrithon, Ounje Eko Farmer Subsidy Programme and the Eko Flavour – Junior/Senior.

The Lagos Agric Scholar quiz will take place tomorrow, a Road Walk show will take place on Wednesday and the grand finale will take place on Thursday, 16th October, 2025, at Ikeja Police College parade ground as activities line up to mark the 2025 World Food Day.

The Board of Trustees Edo Unity League has commended the Government of Edo State, the Federal Government and the entire facilitators of the Museum of West African Arts (MOWAA) for the vision in siting the monumental edifice in Benin City.

The Group said the monumental edifice, which in all intents and purposes, spotlights the indefatigability of the Benin cultural heritage in the comity of African cultural entities.

Akenuwa Obarogie, Professor and Coordinator General, Edo Unity League, who made the commendation in a statement, noted that the edifice confirmed that the Benin nation is the centre of a cultural microcosm in Africa, a truism that cannot be tainted.

According to Obarogie, arising from a Steering Committee meeting on the inauguration of a Cultural Renaissance Summit planning committee, the Board of Trustees of the Edo Unity League presented in an official statement of appreciation to the Government of Edo State, the Federal Government and the entire facilitators of the Museum of West African Arts, Benin City.

‘That the Benin nation is the centre of a cultural microcosm in Africa is a truism that cannot be tainted; therefore, the preservation as well as the commercial subscription to the Museum’s services is a sacred duty that the average Edo man and woman owes the world-class heritage viewing destination.

‘The recent endorsement of the Museum of West African Arts in a viral video by a worldwide Arts and Culture intellectual, High Priest Osemwengie Ebohon, is worthy of emulation, and this deserves commendation.

‘We respectfully call on all public and private tertiary institutions to make the Museum a point of reference in practicals and research explorations.

‘We also called on cultural and business entities in Nigeria and the diaspora to rally the Museum to succeed exceedingly, and to attract other multinational cultural heritage investments in our dear State,’ he declared.

It was about development. It was about good governance. It was about progressive politics. But more deeply, it was about recognition, respect, and renewal – a heartfelt connection between President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and a region with a proud history and boundless potential.

In Owerri, the capital of Imo State – right in the cultural and political heart of the South East – President Tinubu did more than commission infrastructure. He touched hearts, affirmed bonds, and renewed trust.

Just like in every other state he has visited in the past few weeks, the atmosphere in Imo was electric. Excitement filled the streets, hope filled the air, and expectations were met with substance.

This was not a visit of empty gestures – it was a visit grounded in action and guided by intent. This was President Tinubu’s second official visit to Imo State since taking office. His first was in January 2024, for the inauguration of Governor Hope Uzodimma’s second term. This return was not just a ceremonial trip – it was a deliberate step in building a deeper partnership with the people of the South East.

‘Today, I can confidently tell you – the worst is over,’ the President declared. These words, from a leader speaking directly to a region that has known both triumph and trials, were not just a statement of policy. They were a promise. A reassurance. A turning point. Projects that Speak Louder than Promises the President, accompanied by 22 APC Governors, and the National Chairman of the APC Professor Nantawe, came bearing visible evidence of federal partnership and regional development.

Gov. Hope Uzodimma, chairman of the Progressive Governor’s Forum literarily brought Nigeria to Owerri, Igbo heartland. A feat that speaks to his political clout and foresightedness. Nigeria converged on Imo State to bear witness to the Progressive development in Imo State.

Key legacy projects commissioned include: The Imo Concorde Hilton Hotel – revived as a symbol of Imo’s re-emergence as a destination for tourism and business. The Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu International Conference Centre – a new home for regional and continental dialogue. The Asumpta Flyover – easing congestion and improving connectivity across the capital. The Imo Digital Learning Centre – investing in the youth through technology and education. The Owerri-Mbaise-Obowo-Umuahia Road – a lifeline for communities, farmers, and businesses across Imo and Abia States.

This road is especially symbolic. It connects people – literally and figuratively. It shortens distances, reduces travel costs, and expands opportunity. For agrarian communities like Mbaise and Obowo, it brings markets closer and futures within reach.

For traders and commuters, it brings safety, efficiency, and dignity back to mobility. A Party, A Book, A Legacy Before the formal unveiling of the book, ‘A Decade of Impactful Progressive Governance in Nigeria’, authored by Governor Uzodinma, President Tinubu rose to address the gathering.

He began with warm greetings to leaders, dignitaries, and the people of Imo and the South East – but his message quickly turned to the heart of Nigeria’s national condition.

‘Thank you for your resilience. Thank you for your endurance,’ the President began, speaking directly to Nigerians across the country. ‘Nigeria is getting on the path of progress. The worst is over.’

It was more than political rhetoric – it was an expression of empathy and a moment of emotional connection, acknowledging the sacrifices made by ordinary citizens through a period of hardship and reform. President Tinubu praised the people for their patience, assuring them that the difficult economic reforms were already beginning to bear fruit.

‘The economy will pay you back,’ he said, drawing a rousing applause from the crowd. He then turned to Governor Hope Uzodinma, applauding him for his leadership, vision, and delivery of real, tangible development in Imo State.

‘You have shown what progressive governance looks like,’ the President noted.

Standing for Unity At the same event, President Tinubu addressed recent claims and allegations of religious persecution – particularly the narrative of genocide against Christians circulated by commentators outside Nigeria. With firmness and gravity, he dismissed these assertions as ‘a lie from the pit of hell.’

‘They lie all over the place that we have religious persecution. Our Muslim brothers and sisters, our Christian brothers and sisters are united. No religious persecution in Nigeria – it is a lie from the pit of hell.’ His message underscored the theme that reverberated throughout the visit: the unity of Nigerians regardless of faith, and the refusal to allow misinformation to divide or weaken the bonds of national family.

Leadership in Full Force The event brought together Nigeria’s most senior political leaders – a strong signal of unity and national direction. Among them were: Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau I. Jibrin, the traditional institution was represented by Emirs, Kabiyesis, Obongs, Obis, Oonis in full alongside leaders of other eminent personalities.

This included former Governors and former and serving Senators and House of Representatives members. Nearly 8 of the current serving Ministers were in Owerri to give full support to Nigeria’s President and the undisputed leader of the APC, Bola Ahmed Tinubu. GCFR.

This display of leadership was more than protocol – it was a gesture of respect to the South East and a collective reaffirmation of the region’s central place in Nigeria’s political and developmental journey. A Renewed Pact with the South East in Imo, President Tinubu extended more than a hand – he touched hearts.

The projects he commissioned were significant, but the messages he delivered were even more profound: that the South East is not on the margins, and that Nigerians of all faiths are united in this journey.

For decades, the South East has longed for inclusion, dignity, infrastructure, and national acknowledgement. This visit-full of depth, symbolism, and substance-marked a turning of the page.

It was a renewal of trust, a reaffirmation of identity, a recommitment to shared prosperity. President Tinubu did not come as a stranger. He came as a leader, a partner, and a believer in the enormous potential of the South East.

The pact is clear: A South East that is heard, seen, included – and empowered. And the promise is firm: no part of Nigeria will ever be forgotten or divided. As the President departed Owerri, he left behind roads, buildings, and digital learning centres.

But more importantly, he left behind a growing sense of belonging – and the hope that the bridge between the South East and the center is being rebuilt, brick by brick, with trust, truth, unity, and tangible action. Reform to Recovery In Owerri at the belly of the Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu International Conference Center, President Tinubu seized the ‘Bully Pulpit’ in Owerri to deliver inspiring, powerful and fiery messages.

‘As I stand before you today, I can tell you with confidence that Nigeria has turned the corner.’ You will see prosperity. You will have it. Those who are speaking ill of this country should stop. Sixty-five years of independence is not a joke’.

‘I stand before you confident, yet humble, to say that Nigeria is no longer where it was ten years ago. We have crossed that line. We promised change, and today I can confidently tell you that promise is alive.

The worst is over,’ he reiterated. President Tinubu was not done yet. He has words for detractors. ‘There’s no religious persecution in Nigeria. It’s a lie from the pit of hell. I have always believed in good governance.’.

The President in Owerri put a bold foot forward: Nigeria is out of Surgery and it is time to rebuild together. That message resonates non-stop.

Sproutly Tech Limited, a leading EdTech company providing financial and technology solutions for education, has launched two major financing programmes designed to expand access to digital tools and education financing in Nigeria.

The announcement was made at SproutFest 2025, Sproutly’s annual teachers’ seminar held in Lagos.

The event convened educators, private school owners, innovators and financial institutions under the theme, ‘Bridging the Gap: Integrating Professionalism, Technology and Welfare Systems for 21st Century Teaching Excellence.’

The newly launched initiatives include the Teachers’ Laptop Financing Programme, which aims to provide one million Nigerian teachers with access to affordable laptop financing by 2028, and the Tuition Credit Programme, developed in partnership with the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation and Ecobank Nigeria to help parents conveniently and affordably pay school fees.

Sproutly added that teachers and parents can apply for the new financing schemes through the Sproutly platform at https://sproutly.africa .

Speaking at the event, Pierre Nwoke, chief executive officer of Sproutly, said: ‘SproutFest is our way of celebrating education by turning ideas into action. With affordable laptops for teachers and tuition credit for families, Sproutly is helping Nigeria build a more empowered and future-ready education system. With over 1.9 million teachers nationwide, most of whom cannot afford digital tools outrightly, this initiative is about giving teachers the means to shape the future,’ he noted.

The programme featured discussions around education financing, teachers’ welfare, financial sustainability, school management, and technology integration in classrooms.

Prominent panelists included Azuka Ezemakam, regional manager, Corporate Governance in Schools, Ecobank; Adaobi Ekwuno, Lagos coordinator, Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN); Nissi Madu, managing partner, Co-Creation Hub (Technology for Schools and Growth); alongside representatives from Sproutly, Zoho, Oak Pensions, Providus Bank, and PEPSO.

Corporate partners, including Zoho, Ecobank, Providus Bank, and Co-Creation Hub (CcHub), reaffirmed their commitment to advancing financial inclusion in education, pledging tailored solutions and credit programmes to empower schools, teachers, and parents nationwide.

The event also honoured long-serving teachers for their resilience, innovation, and lifelong dedication to nurturing the next generation.

Segilola Resources Operations Ltd. (SROL), Nigeria’s leading gold mining firm, is pushing for stronger bilateral collaboration between Nigeria and South Africa to unlock Africa’s vast mineral wealth and deepen trade relations between both countries.

Speaking at the Nigerian-South African Chamber of Commerce breakfast forum in Lagos, themed ‘Unlocking Africa’s Hidden Wealth: Mining as a Catalyst for Bilateral Movement,’Austin Menegbo, SROL’s country manager said mining can serve as a critical bridge for cross-border investment and sustainable development across the continent.

The event brought together senior executives, policymakers, and industry leaders from both countries to explore opportunities for shared prosperity through mining and related value chains.

Menegbo, who delivered the keynote address and joined a panel discussion, praised the vision and leadership of Segun Lawson, chief executive officer of Thor Explorations Ltd., SROL’s parent company. Lawson, he said, has been instrumental in positioning Segilola as a model for responsible gold mining in Nigeria’s emerging extractive sector.

‘When communities thrive, investors are protected. When investors are protected, capital flows,’ Menegbo said during the panel session. ‘That is the essence of bilateral investment. Without structures, institutions, and partnerships that sustain operations, growth becomes impossible.’

He outlined SROL’s four-pillar community agenda – gender inclusion and skills training, infrastructure development, capacity-building for local expertise, and long-term empowerment programs – as evidence of the company’s approach to sustainable mining.

The firm’s initiatives, he added, are designed to ensure host communities benefit from mining activities beyond resource extraction, creating an environment that supports both social progress and investor confidence.

SROL’s model, observers at the forum noted, offers a template for how responsible mining can catalyze broader economic cooperation between Nigeria and South Africa, Africa’s two largest economies.

By aligning investment with community wellbeing, SROL aims to demonstrate that mining can be a driver of inclusive growth and a foundation for deeper regional partnerships.

The Forum of National Women Leaders of Political Parties in Nigeria (NWLFPPN), in collaboration with National Youth Leaders have called on the leadership of the National Assembly and State Houses of Assembly to expedite passage of the Reserved Seats for Women Bill currently before it.

Rising from a strategic meeting held in Abuja on Tuesday, the women and youth leaders reaffirmed their collective commitment to advancing gender inclusion in governance and politics.

In a joint statement signed by Amina Darasimi Bryhm, the president of the Forum, the leaders described the Reserved Seats Bill as a ‘national imperative’ that would address Nigeria’s long-standing gender imbalance in elective offices and strengthen democracy through inclusive representation.

‘Political parties are the gateway to leadership and governance, and as custodians of political participation, we are duty-bound to lead the campaign for equitable representation,’ Bryhm said.

The Forum emphasized that women form the backbone of Nigeria’s democracy and must be accorded proportional representation through constitutional reform. It pledged to intensify advocacy and sensitization across political parties to ensure understanding and support for the Bill.

The statement urged members of the National Assembly to ‘make history’ by giving the Bill speedy passage, stressing that ‘the time for promises is over – the time for action is now.’

It also appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Executive Arm of Government to back the proposed law once passed, describing such support as a demonstration of leadership, fairness, and national commitment to inclusion

The Forum said it would continue working with political parties to publicly endorse the Bill and promote internal reforms that advance women’s participation. It also called on civil society groups, traditional rulers, youth organizations, and faith leaders to mobilize in solidarity until the Bill becomes law.

‘This is not a fight against men but a call to partnership. Empowering women empowers families and strengthens communities,’ the statement read.

The women leaders commended development partners for their ongoing support and urged them to sustain collaboration through advocacy, technical assistance, and empowerment initiatives for women in politics.

Reiterating their stance for equity and progress, the Forum declared that the passage of the Reserved Seats for Women Bill must not be delayed.

‘This is not just legislation; it is a rallying point for justice, democracy, and nation-building,’ the statement concluded.

Fielding questions from the media on what women were bringing to the table, the President noted that being on the table would ensure that the interests of women, children and persons with disabilities are protected. She however noted that for that to happen ‘women have to be on the table.’

The women leaders noted that in their efforts to bring women to the table. They were determined to ensure women with capacity and integrity are carefully supported to run in future elections.

Public outcry has intensified across Nigeria as calls mount for the resignation of Uche Nnaji, the minister of science and technology, following revelations surrounding alleged discrepancies in his academic qualifications.

The controversy has also cast a shadow over the screening committee responsible for his vetting, with many Nigerians questioning the integrity and thoroughness of the process.

Nubi Achebo, director of academic planning at the Nigeria University of Technology and Management (NUTM), said the minister should not only be sacked but also handed over to law enforcement agencies for prosecution.

‘He should be summarily fired from his minister job and handed to law enforcement authorities for prosecution. Forgery is still a crime under Nigerian laws,’ he said.

Friday Erhabor, director of media and strategies at Marklenez Limited, emphasised that Nnaji should just voluntarily resign, and if he fails to do so, the president should fire him.

‘It is not enough to admit. If he truly claimed to have a certificate from UNN and the claim turned out to be false, he should have just voluntarily resigned, and where he failed to do so, the president should fire him. He should also be made to refund every penny he has earned as a minister,’ Erhabor emphasised.

Gift Osikoya, a teacher, said the minister’s scenario raises a serious ethical and institutional concern, especially when holding a public office.

‘Leaders, especially those entrusted with portfolios such as science and technology minister, are expected to be models of integrity and credibility.

‘When such controversies arise, they erode public trust, demoralize genuine graduates, and cast a shadow on the credibility of Nigeria’s education system,’ she said.

Osikoya emphasised that certificate forgery has sadly become a recurring challenge in Nigeria, not only in politics but also in the civil service, education, and even the private sector.

‘This trend thrives because of weak verification systems, a culture that often overlooks merit, and a lack of strict legal consequences for offenders,’ she noted.

Isaiah Ogundele, an administrator, describes the development as very appalling, after the good job a journalist did recently, where an undercover reporter discovered certificate racketeering in some universities across Nigeria’s border.

‘I thought that should have informed the authority to have done the right thing to curb and scrutinise the existing certificates from a particular year, probably from the year 2000 downward.

‘It is a big shame for the committee that was involved in the screening for them not to have discovered this on time, and the minister is also disgracing the country before the world,’ he said.

The way forward

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Stakeholders pointing the way forward suggested strict verification, transparency, and institutional reform, among others.

Osikoya said there is a need that all appointments, from ministers to local officials, should go through an independent and digital certificate verification process, such as tertiary institutions and the NUC.

‘There should be public access to the credentials of public officials should encourage accountability and build trust. Besides, the government should strengthen penalties for forgery and enforce them without bias or political influence.

‘The government should encourage tertiary institutions to fully digitise students’ records and certificates, to make forgery nearly impossible,’ she stressed.

Ogundele suggests that there should be newspaper publications for the intending public office holders showcasing their credentials in order for people to verify their true picture before giving them responsibility.

Besides, he said the Ministry of Education and everyone in the educational sector should rise up to the task.

‘A state of emergency should be declared on education, and the government should weed out the bad eggs. Also, some schools that have been fingered should be investigated, and the culprits must not be spared,’ he said.

For Ebuka Nnaji, an education consultant, the agencies in charge of document falsification should rise up to their duties, and tertiary institutions should make access for verification easier.

Recall that the minister of science and technology finally admitted that the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), never gave him a degree certificate, confirming earlier reports that he might have forged his academic credentials, according to a Premium Times report.

Erhabor suggests the DSS screens nominated ministers and authenticates all the claims.

Besides, he calls on the Senate to have a sub-committee on the verification of claims.

‘Certificates of appointed government agencies and top political posts must have their certificates properly verified before they assume office. One day, somebody with a forged certificate can become our CBN governor,’ he said.

Nigeria’s agricultural sector recorded steady growth during the 2025 wet season, with increased production across major food crops and a general decline in market prices, according to the latest Agricultural Performance Survey (APS) conducted by the National Agricultural Extension and Research Liaison Services (NAERLS), Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.

The survey, released in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS) and 22 partner agencies on Tuesday in Abuja, shows that rice, maize, sorghum, millet, cowpea, yam, and cassava all posted higher outputs compared to 2024.

‘The 2025 APS confirms steady growth in Nigerian agriculture, driven by expanded cultivated areas, improved practices, and farmer resilience across major producing states,’said Yusuf Sani Ahmad, Executive Director, NAERLS.

The study also found that food prices fell sharply across all six geopolitical zones, with maize, rice, and sorghum prices dropping by more than 50 percent nationally, reflecting improved food availability.

However, the sector continues to face challenges from climate shocks, flooding, and rising input costs. Fertilizer prices rose by nearly 20 percent on average, while floods in Niger, Jigawa, and several southern states destroyed crops and infrastructure.

Despite these setbacks, the report highlights improved mechanization data, with over 1,600 functional tractors recorded nationwide and new datasets from a Farm Family Census and Tractor Census introduced to enhance planning.

The livestock and fisheries sub-sectors showed mixed performance. Poultry and pig farmers faced outbreaks of Newcastle Disease and African Swine Fever, while fish production fell in some northern zones due to insecurity and flooding.

In his remarks during the report presentation, Abubakar Kyari, minister of agriculture and food security, said the findings would help government refine its policies to boost food and nutrition security.

‘This report provides the evidence base we need to plan smarter, support our farmers better, and achieve national food sufficiency,’ the Minister stated.

According to the Minister, the 2025 APS recorded increased production of rice, maize, sorghum, millet, cowpea, yam, and cassava compared to 2024 levels, alongside a ‘significant drop in food prices across all zones.’ He attributed the improvement to cumulative government efforts in boosting input supply, mechanization, and farmer support systems, despite challenges such as erratic rainfall, flooding, and pest outbreaks.

Kyari, however, cautioned that rising input costs, particularly for fertilizer and fuel, as well as uneven mechanization coverage and persistent postharvest losses, remain serious constraints to productivity.

He also highlighted livestock disease outbreaks and a decline in fisheries production in some regions as areas requiring urgent intervention.

‘The APS findings present both encouraging progress and critical challenges,’ the Minister said. ‘As a Ministry, we view these findings not merely as statistics but as a compass for future action.’

The report concluded with key recommendations, including the institutionalisation of a Dry Season Agricultural Survey, scaling up climate-smart agriculture, ensuring affordable farm inputs, expanding mechanization, and strengthening extension and veterinary systems.

‘Nigeria’s farmers have shown remarkable resilience,’ Ahmad added. ‘Our task now is to build on these gains and make agriculture more adaptive, efficient, and data-driven.’