Category: Business Day

One has over the decades discovered that any set of people, community or country who hates the bitter truth live to suffer for it. That perhaps, explains why yours truly has kept emphasizing the critical, yet deliberately foisted fratricidal factors that have cumulatively acted as the enemies to the variant of democracy that we currently practise here in Nigeria. One of the most painful of that is the conduct of fraudulent elections through which humongous state funds are wantonly wasted at the end of which those who are not the choices of the electorate are foisted on the people, to who they have no iota of allegiance. Ordinarily, free, fair and credible elections are supposed to be the strong and solid foundation on which to erect the house of democracy. But when the wrong politicians mount the pedestal of power, the consequences are dire on the pauperised populace.

‘And no less damned is he who puts a friend above his country.

When I see danger threatening my people,

Whatever it may be, I shall declare it.

Our country is our life;

Only when she rides safely,

Have we any friends at all.’

-Antigone (Sophocles)

Such a sad situation of having politicians who are not the true representatives of the people leads to personalization of political power. That is more so by some egocentric and self-righteous political helmsmen, who erroneously believe that the instrument of power they wield is meant to satisfy the self, rather than the state. They brazenly step over the constitution which should be the ground norm through acts of infamy that satisfy their choice or that of so-called friends, not minding the consequences on the people they were elected or selected to serve.

Added to this is the siphoning of state funds through several odious antics for self aggrandisement, or to satiate the gargantuan greed of members of their family, with scarce regards to the rule of law. With such an oddity in place the led majority are left to groan and grind in preventable poverty, yet some policy makers keep chasing the shadows of self righteousness at the expense of the people’s pains. And it hurts those with conscience because Nigeria is so naturally endowed with oil and gas, solid minerals, fertile fields for agricultural development, places od scenic splendour as tourist attractions and of course, the best of brains that we have no reason whatsoever to languish in the pit of poverty, if not for the recurring ugly decimal of successive poor leadership. One other querulous issue is that of ethno-religious sentiment. Going by the choice of people of one ethnic group holding plum political positions, against the federal character principle as we have witnessed over the past decade degrades us as a people -like it or not. In fact, that brings up an all-important question. Have you ever wondered, like my humble self, just how our crop of patriotic founding fathers would feel, should they be brought back to life to see the Nigeria of today?

Imagine if the likes of Herbert Macaulay, Sir Adeyemo Alakija, Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, Prof. Eyo Ita, Margaret Ekpo (all of the blessed memory) returning to witness the Nigeria of the 21st Century still bitterly enmeshed in ethno-centric and religious divides. Try and also imagine Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Adeleke Adedoyin, Adeniyi Jones, Eric Moore, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Abubakar Dipcharima, Aminu Kano (of the blessed memory) returning to a Nigeria steeped in preventable poverty, mass youth unemployment, insecurity, kidnapping and sundry crimes!

Certainly, these heroes of the struggle for Nigeria’s political independence would ask what has made the difference between countries such as India, Malaysia, Indonesia and Nigeria, whose independence came within the same decade or two, if not quality leadership, or the absence of it. They would cringe at the crying shame of a people still struggling for economic survival in the midst of the vast natural resources, 65 years after political independence.

They would wonder just how, like the prodigal son, our successive political leaders have squandered huge revenues from our God-given oil and gas, solid minerals, agricultural and tourism potentials and ask our leaders to explain why we are currently trapped in state and federal government debts running into trillion of Naira. The likes of Michael Imoudu, T.A Bankole, A. A. Adio-Moses, M.A. Tokunbo and T.A. Songonuga, who once ran the affairs of the Nigerian Trade Union Congress would even ask our state governors to explain just how it has become difficult to pay a minimum wage of N70,000 at a time our lawmakers cruise around in luxury automobiles, with some state governors boasting of private jets; flying over children studying under trees in their long-forgotten states! So, what is the best way forward? That is the million-naira question.

The answer, my dear reader, is to read the handwriting on the wall, as it was back in the Biblical times. But some of our political helmsmen, with self-serving and greed-driven agendas, rather than nationalistic principles have blatantly refused to read it. The call for the holistic restructuring of Nigeria has reached a nerve-shredding crescendo, reverberating across the national space. But some have obstinately turned deaf ears to it, or heed its clarion toll.

So, we caution, as we have to do under trying times such as this, out of sheer patriotic fervor, that Nigeria can no longer be run the way it is being run against the ethos of equity and justice. Nigeria can no longer be ruled by the tools of treachery, the weapons of witch-hunt and the cudgels of coercion, worse still under a democratic dispensation. Recent signs in the political horizon are scary enough. This was my position some six years ago, under the then President Muhammadu Buhari. But are we any better today?

To begin with, not a few observers of the polity would agree that Nigerians have not been as divided along ethnic and religious cleavages as we found ourselves eight years ago. For instance, while some concerned Nigerians had expected President Muhammadu Buhari to be guided by the noble mantra of nationalism and give out political appointments to guarantee ethnic equity, that of his first term were obviously skewed in favour of the North and his political acolytes. The question again is that is much different as at 2025?

Lest we forget, barely five months of Buhari’s second term, the issue of which of the geo-political zones to produce the 2023 presidency took precedence over how to pull Nigeria out of the ignoble status of the world’s poverty capital. Or, how to get the army of our job-seeking youth running into millions out of the violent streets. There were then posters of the then Kaduna State governor, Nasir el-Rufai adorning, the walls of some cities as he reportedly geared up for the plum political post. Both Babachir Lawal and Ahmed Yerima of the Arewa Youth group were making it loud and clear that the North was not about to hand over the presidential baton to any other section of the country in the next dispensation. That was back in 2015, some ten odd years ago. But is the situation any different as at this day?

The current wave of mass distraction is fixated on the obvious determination of the Bola Tinubu-led government to keep holding on to power against the political angling of the ADC party. Meanwhile, hunger, high inflation, youth unemployment, insecurity remain the daily travails rather than the exception. So, the call for a holistic restructuring of the country resonates.

Let us therefore, listen to the voices of reason. According to the then President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Nnia Nwodo, restructuring Nigeria is the answer to the waves of agitations currently hitting across Nigeria. At a lecture titled: ‘Restructuring Nigeria: Decentralisation for National Cohesion’ delivered in 2017 at the Royal Institute of International Affairs, Chatham House in London, Nwodo said, ‘Our present constitution is not autochthonous. It was not written by the people of Nigeria. It was not approved in a national referendum. In jurisprudence, its effectiveness will score a very low grade on account of its unacceptability.’

Interestingly, back then and in a similar tone, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, the then National Leader of the All Progressives Congress, stated thus in 2017: ‘We all lined up to call ourselves Nigerians without gathering to discuss what it meant, so Nigerians should not condemn but listen and understand the agitations by the Indigenous People of Biafra .’ He however, warned against any attempt to split the country. Now, that he is the president of the country, we humbly remind him to do the needful. Restructuring remains the best way forward.

As Nigeria celebrates its 65th anniversary of independence, it stands at a crucial turning point, boldly redefining its identity in the digital age. The nation is determined to harness technology and innovation as key drivers of growth, connectivity, and empowerment for all its citizens. This is a time of renewed hope and unwavering ambition for a prosperous future.

In this era of rapid digital transformation, Nigeria is confidently embracing unprecedented developments across multiple sectors, including finance, education, healthcare, and agriculture. The rise of digital platforms is effectively bridging gaps, fostering entrepreneurship, and creating exceptional opportunities for the youth to excel. This dynamic landscape represents more than just the adoption of technology; it is about strategically harnessing it to unlock the country’s immense potential.

Despite the challenges we’ve faced over the years, there’s a vibrant spirit of resilience and optimism growing among Nigerians. Communities are uniting to tackle social issues, champion change, and promote inclusivity. This revival is driven by our collective dream of a brighter future, filled with hope and abundant opportunities for everyone to thrive. Let’s embrace this journey together!

As Nigeria embarks on this new chapter, the focus on digital innovation and community engagement paves the way for transformative growth, positioning the nation as a beacon of hope and possibility in the 21st century.

From Colonial Shadows to Digital Dawn

Before gaining independence in 1960, Nigeria was a rich tapestry of diverse kingdoms and ethnic groups, including the Hausa-Fulani in the north, the Yoruba in the southwest, and the Igbo in the southeast. Despite British colonial influence, the resilience and creativity of the Nigerian people shone through, paving the way for a united and prosperous future.

The quest for independence in Nigeria culminated in sovereignty in October 1960, sparking hopes for unity. However, the following decades were marked by military coups, economic turmoil due to fluctuating oil prices, and social unrest from ethnic and religious divides.

By 2025, Nigeria has transformed into a vibrant nation, showcasing the resilience of its youthful population. The country boasts a thriving start-up culture, with entrepreneurs making strides in technology, entertainment, and agriculture. This wave of innovation is driven by Nigeria’s embrace of the digital age, as improved mobile technology and internet access create vast opportunities.

As Nigeria confidently charts its path toward progress, it finds itself at a unique crossroads where rich tradition meets vibrant modernity. The nation is deeply rooted in its diverse cultural heritage, which encompasses a multitude of languages, customs, and historical influences. This wealth of diversity not only shapes the identity of its people but also serves as a key asset in navigating the challenges of contemporary society.

Nigeria is committed to leveraging its heritage to create innovative solutions that meet societal needs and promote economic growth. By combining traditional practices with modern technologies, the country aims to honour its past while embracing globalization and technological advancement, striving for a prosperous and inclusive future for all citizens.

Tinubu’s Digital-Era Reforms: A Nation Reimagined

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration has ushered in a wave of reforms that are positioning Nigeria as a beacon of economic resilience and digital transformation. Here’s how:

Economic Diversification and Fiscal Discipline

By August 2025, the country reached an extraordinary milestone in its non-oil revenue generation, accumulating over ?20 trillion. This remarkable achievement was driven primarily by a robust performance in September, during which the country generated ?3.65 trillion in non-oil revenues alone. This figure represents an astounding increase of 411% compared to the revenue figures recorded in May 2023, showcasing a significant turnaround in the nation’s fiscal health.

The significant increase in non-oil revenue has decisively strengthened the country’s financial stability, particularly evident in the substantial improvement of the debt service-to-revenue ratio. Previously a troubling 97%, this key metric has now been reduced to below 50%. Such a drastic decrease demonstrates a clear alleviation of fiscal pressures and empowers the government to effectively direct resources towards developmental initiatives.

The economy has made significant progress, marked by a trade surplus for five consecutive quarters. Non-oil exports now account for 48% of total exports, showcasing successful diversification from oil dependency and increasing competitiveness in global markets.

Infrastructure and Regional Development The infrastructure sector is experiencing significant advancements, marked by an impressive portfolio of over 440 road projects currently underway and nearly 2,700 kilometres of new superhighways set for completion. A key highlight of this ambitious initiative is the recent inauguration of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway. This strategic route is poised to greatly enhance the tourism industry and trade activities along the coast, effectively improving access and connectivity between vital economic hubs.

Alongside remarkable advancements in transportation, the government has launched six new regional development commissions that are vital in energizing local economic initiatives and providing customized support for diverse communities. With a significant investment of ?4 trillion dedicated to these commissions, there stands a strong commitment to nurturing sustainable local growth and development.

These transformative initiatives demonstrate a strong commitment to enhancing infrastructure, while also paving the way for a bright future rich with new opportunities and an improved quality of life for many. Digital and Energy Transformation

Recently, significant developments have been made in the energy sector, including the addition of 1,500 MW to the national grid, alongside solar electrification initiatives for 22 federal universities. Additionally, a Rural Electrification Program has been launched with the goal of providing power to 1 million homes. On the financial front, there has been a concerted effort to stabilize the Naira through foreign exchange reforms, which have also facilitated the clearance of $10 billion in foreign exchange liabilities.

Education and Youth Empowerment

The Nigerian government has made significant strides in supporting education and healthcare. The NELFUND student loan initiative, along with the Presidential Loan and Grant Scheme, has positively impacted over 1.2 million Nigerians. In an effort to address the issue of brain drain in the medical field, eight new medical universities have been approved. Furthermore, vocational trainees under the age of 40 are now receiving monthly stipends of ?45,000, promoting skill development and financial assistance for young individuals entering the workforce.

Agriculture and Social Investment

The government has implemented several measures to support the agricultural sector and enhance food security. This includes financial assistance for farmers through the Bank of Agriculture. Additionally, N330 billion has been distributed to assist 8 million vulnerable households. To further strengthen food security and promote exports, agro-processing zones have been established.

National Security and Stability

In recent developments, over 13,500 terrorists have been neutralized, leading to a significant decrease in insurgency and kidnapping activities. This positive trend has contributed to renewed confidence in Nigeria’s global standing, as evidenced by the increase in foreign reserves, which have now reached $42.03 billion.

Nigeria’s Trajectory: From Hope to Sustainability

Tinubu’s ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’ represents more than just a catchphrase; it serves as a strategic framework aimed at fostering sustainable development in Nigeria. The initiative focuses on harnessing digital tools, decentralizing growth, and investing in human capital to shape a promising future. It empowers the youth to transform their aspirations into reality, encourages regional development that honours cultural and economic diversity, and prioritizes the establishment of digital infrastructure as a foundational element for governance, education, and commerce.

Reflection: A Nation Reborn

As you celebrate Nigeria’s 65th independence anniversary on October 1st, you’re not merely observing history but actively participating in a transformative moment. This nation has evolved beyond its age to focus on its ambitions, positioning itself as a leader in Africa’s journey towards digital prosperity and sustainable growth. Nigeria is ready to embrace a new era of innovation and development.

Phillips Nto, a university don and agricultural expert, has appealed to President Ahmed Tinubu and governments at all levels to prioritize funding for agriculture to enhance food security.

Nto noted that the call is apt now as preparations for the 2026 budgets get underway.

Nto, who is the director, Agribusiness Incubation Centre (ABIC), Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, said that only increased funding of agriculture in the 2026 budgets of all tiers of government would guarantee improved yields, value addition and prosperity for farmers.

While conducting the media around pilot farms of the incubation centre, Nto canvassed for an improved budgetary allocation for agriculture in view of the central role it plays in the development of Nigeria’s economy.

‘Now that Nigeria’s revenue is on the increase, more funds should be invested in agriculture and agribusiness to secure our tomorrow,’ he stressed. Nto, a former commissioner for Finance and Economic Development in Abia State, advocated that the increase in funding agriculture should anchor more on value addition to curb post-harvest losses. According to him, the government should consider providing agricultural subsidies to farmers, while the states should revive the agricultural extension services.

‘Agriculture is an evolving sector that requires continuous training of rural farmers. Reviving the agriculture extension services will help farmers adopt new techniques for improved yield.

‘The Agribusiness Incubation Centres across our universities can easily drive this initiative,’ he noted.

He equally canvassed for the setting up of industrial agricultural hubs in the 774 local government areas in the country to be designed in line with the crops grown in each area as a means of sustainable food security. He noted that such hubs could be jointly funded through an integrated scheme by all tiers of government with the expected increase in food production and value addition.

‘This multi-level collaboration will provide government the first hand guide on the agribusiness that is relevant to the need of the local farmers,’ he submitted.

Nto, who is also the immediate past provost, Abia State College of Education, Technical, Arochukwu, commended the federal government on its tax reforms, which he noted would also impact on the growth of agriculture in the country.

He expressed the hope that whatever the government generates from the new tax laws should be used in funding agriculture, especially in the establishment of the agro industrial hubs in the 774 local government areas in Nigeria.

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.

The Obidient Movement has called on President Bola Tinubu, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, the Department of State Services, DSS, and other security agencies to arrest and prosecute the Lagos State Chairman of the Nigerian Union of Road Transport Workers, NURTW, Adekunle Mustapha aka Sego.

It said that Sego should be arrested and prosecuted for threatening to kill anybody who votes against the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State in 2027.

Reacting to a video showing Sego issuing the threat, the movement said Sego’s action is part of desperate attempts engineered by the APC because the party does not have the voting strength nor popular support to win free and fair elections in Lagos State.

The statement signed by the Movement’s National Coordinator, Tanko Yunusa, read: ‘The attention of the Obidient Movement has been drawn to comments, well captured on video, by the Lagos State Chairman of the Nigerian Union of Road Transport Workers Adekunle Mustapha aka Sego.

‘In summary, the said Sego, who masquerades as a Labour Union leader, threatened to kill anyone who votes against the APC in Lagos, during the next elections, scheduled for 2027.

‘The Obidient Movement recalls with grief and sadness, the violence unleashed by this same NURTW members and other thugs, during the 2023 elections, on Nigerian voters in Lagos, particularly members of the Obidient Movement and supporters of Mr. Peter Obi and the Labour Party, resulting in the recorded killing and maiming of so many. ‘There is no doubt whatsoever that these threats and acts of murder and brigandage are desperate attempts engineered by the APC, realising that they do not have the voting strength nor popular support to win any elections, free and fair in Lagos, as with generally across the country, having failed to deliver good governance arising from their questionable mandate in the 2023 elections. ‘Over the years, actions of murder, thuggery, political violence, extortion and other criminal acts have continued to be associated and even accepted as part of the operation of the NURTW in Lagos.

‘We are by this statement calling the attention of President Bola Tinubu, who bears statutory and historical responsibility for this development, the Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Police, DSS, Military and all other security agencies to immediately effect the arrest, detention and prosecution of this NURTW Chairman, and all others who have been long involved in the perpetration of these threats, murders and politically related criminal acts.’

Yunusa also called the attention of the international community to Sego’s threats.

‘We are also putting the International Community on notice, of these crimes against humanity and threats to peace in Nigeria, and those legally responsible, by their actions and inactions,’ he added.

When President Bola Ahmed Tinubu speaks these days, it is obvious that his frequent travels have created a different country for him that he mistakes for Nigeria. The projects he claims to have executed could be in another country.

The country Tinubu and his top aides discuss, dismissive of its challenges, cannot be Nigeria of 2025. They talk about a country of their imagination.

Our most current challenges draw extensively from Tinubu’s compassion deficit – he does not care what happens to Nigerians.

He keeps his promises by making new ones or tabling incoherent responses. His Independence Day Anniversary speech mirrored the absence of compassion, a loss of touch with the Nigerian reality and an exaggerated importance of a presidency that dedicates its attention to serving a few Nigerians and extrapolating them to represent Nigerians.

Said Tinubu in his 1 October nationwide address, ‘We chose the path of tomorrow over the comfort of today. Less than three years later, the seeds of those difficult but necessary decisions are bearing fruit’. Which fruit? The fruit is reflected in statistics that have no bearing to how Nigerians are eking out survival.

Nigerians are better off today than in 1960, the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Economic Affairs, Tope Fasua, echoed. We should believe him. His settings have improved since his appointment. And he is a Nigerian.

Sadly, his elevated circumstances that have resulted in more Naira in his pocket, and more opportunities, make him think that Nigerians are the same as he is.

Political appointees like him argue about better infrastructure when discussing projects that are in their infancy and make them appear capable of getting Nigeria anywhere, with all the uncertainties they bear. These promoted projects are in fact major drains on the economy. Without transparency, and at humongous, inexplicable costs, the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and Badagry-Sokoto Expressway are great examples of the visions of an uncaring government – a government that prioritises a supposed fantastic future over the pestilent present.

A great future? What about the immediate and short-term needs of the people? How do we survive today while Tinubu builds this future which we are often reminded is for the unborn generations?

Does this focus on the future make the present unnecessary? Do we move immediate challenges to the future, all to accommodate Tinubu’s poor purpose, and lethargic responses to promises that he keeps making to mask his lax leadership?

On Friday, on Channels Television, Fasua said, ‘For those who try to compare Nigeria to 1960, in many ways we are living a better life now. In 1960, just after independence, we had a whole lot of people, of course, living in villages and so on.

‘It was when we took over government as nationals ourselves that we started moving from villages to Lagos, to Ibadan, to Kaduna, to Enugu and all of that, and then that created a kind of urban poverty, because people found themselves in those cities and they were out of sorts as to what to do.’

Back to the present, ‘The current administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is saying that, look, we are not going to really be sharing money, we want to do something that takes us on a different trajectory, that paints a new picture, that prepares even our children and unborn children for a better life than what we have had,’ Fasua said.

Here is also the present. Edo State, a proudly All Progressives Congress, APC, territory, is barely accessible. It has some of the worst federal roads in Nigeria.

Minister of Works, Dr. Dave Umahi last week visited Benin-Warri by-pass – which is slightly better than the Auchi-Benin Expressway – with Governor Monday Okpebholo, expressed shock at the state of the road, saw vehicles that were stuck or had turned over, and praised President Tinubu’s transformative infrastructure projects. A solution was on the way. He announced that Tinubu’s re-enforced concrete technology roads will have 50 to 100-year life span.

At an Independence Day Anniversary state dinner, Umahi told those who made it to the table, ‘Mr. President has directed that 100 kilometres by two lanes of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway must now pass through Edo. This is a special gift to the people of Edo.’ Rounds of applause filled the room.

Umahi revealed that Tinubu was ‘impressed by Governor Okpebholo’s commitment to infrastructure,’ and that the State must benefit as a ‘reward for loyalty, leadership, and performance.’

Okpebholo gushed, ‘The President treats me like a son. Whenever we request support, he responds with express approval. This 100km coastal highway is proof of his love for our state.’

How will this ‘special gift’ get vehicles stuck in the mud on roads around Edo State to continue their journey? Or they will wait for the coastal road? Is this ‘special gift’ an example of the instant approval, according to an excited Okpebholo, that Tinubu gives to requests from Edo State?

Those who have their eyes on the cost and completion of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway should note the addition of 100 kilometres to uncharted parts in Edo State. They join in wondering if the Highway would ever be built, and the final cost.

Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu’s Senior Special Assistant, Media, is among those who presently live in Tinubu’s promised future.

‘The Naira has virtually stabilised. Investor confidence in our economy has been restored, and investors are betting on Nigeria. In plain language, the nation has turned the corner. And our people have started reaping the gains of the bold reforms instituted by the Tinubu administration.

‘We can go on and on, reeling out the many macroeconomic gains of the Tinubu administration,’ he trumpeted while reacting to reports that former President Goodluck Jonathan was joining the 2027 presidential race.

Who turned the corner? Did the President and his lieutenants turn the corner without the people?

Three months to the end of the year, we are yet to start funding the 2025 capital budget. Even the 2024 capital budget has not been completed.

Does the National Hospital which Tinubu does not use speak for our healthcare? Patients seeing a doctor are required to bring their own hand gloves or cotton wool, else they would not be seen. The hospital cannot afford to provide these even after collecting consulting fee from patients.

Hospital floors are mopped with just water, no detergents or disinfectants added to it, heightening chances that patients and visitors could pick up infections.

The National Hospital, a supposed prime health facility, in Abuja, partially tells the story of the application of the funds the President claims to have saved from his deft management of the economy to a blooming doom that only those living on subsidy like him, cannot feel because their access to unimaginable resources has drained their compassion and left them incapable of making decisions that are inclusive.

Tinubu sounds more annoying daily; he also sounds like he has finished a four-year race that is just four months above the half-way mark.

He is distracted by concentric circles of conspiracies on winning a second term, a gross aversion to transparency, indifference to injustice, and selective awareness of Nigeria’s drift to uncertainties.

When you add these to his compassion deficit, you will realise, in case you have not, why he is turning the corner with statistics – not the people.

Dikko Radda, governor of Katsina State has been conferred with the Golden Award of Excellence for Education and Teacher Friendliness by the national leadership of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT).

The honour was presented to the Governor on Sunday at the 2025 World Teachers’ Day celebration held at Eagle Square, Abuja, in recognition of his administration’s transformative reforms in education and commitment to teachers’ welfare.

This was contained in a statement by Ibrahim Mohammed, the chief press secretary to the Governor.

The statement read, ‘Receiving the award, Governor Radda stated that his administration has committed over 25% of the state budget in the last two years to the education sector, demonstrating unprecedented prioritisation of education development.

‘We have conducted a major recruitment exercise that was never done in this country, recruiting over 7,000 teachers at once. We are now introducing rural incentives for our rural teachers to encourage them and give them the most needed attention for the development of our nation. ‘We commend you, we encourage you, and we will try to do everything we are able to do to make your lives better.

‘On behalf of our government, our colleagues and all the students of our state, we thank the union, we thank the Nigerian teachers, and we wish you well.’ On his part, Audu Titus Amba, the NUT president, commended President Bola Tinubu for sustaining the President’s Teachers and Schools Excellence Award and expressed gratitude to state governors who have identified with teachers by supporting the observance of World Teachers’ Day.

The 2025 World Teachers’ Day, themed ‘Recasting Teaching as a Collaborative Profession,’ brought together education stakeholders from across Nigeria to celebrate teachers’ contributions to national development.

In a bid to enhance food security, agribusiness, and sustain agro-economy, the Oyo State Government has expressed readiness to adopt Sustainable Power and Irrigation for Nigeria (SPIN) initiative to drive all-year-round farming and agricultural productivity.

The SPIN project is a transformative intervention that will provide dependable irrigation facilities and sustainable power sources for farmers. It will reduce over-reliance on rain-fed agriculture, guarantee uninterrupted food production, and ultimately promote food sufficiency across the state.

During an on-the-spot assessment visit to the Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority in Iseyin, Olasunkanmi Olaleye, Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, explained that with a functional irrigation system in place, farmers will be able to cultivate high-value crops throughout the year, thereby creating wealth, reducing post-harvest losses, and ensuring stable food supply in both rural and urban areas. He further stressed that Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration remains resolute in promoting modern agricultural practices through strategic partnerships, infrastructural support, and technology-driven solutions that will make farming more attractive, especially to the youth.

The commissioner also commended the management of the Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority for their collaboration and assured that the state government would continue to engage with critical stakeholders to ensure seamless implementation of the initiative.

Esther Olaniyi, director, Irrigation and Drainage, in her remarks, noted that the SPIN initiative had been introduced across the 36 states of the federation and the FCT, with Oyo State emerging among the few that had shown genuine readiness to meet the prerequisites.

She emphasized that SPIN is not just about irrigation but also about sustainable development, as it would improve crop yield, expand employment opportunities, and contribute significantly to agricultural growth.

Olaniyi further disclosed that the project would be funded by the World Bank, while participating states are expected to fulfill certain conditions stipulated by the donor.

She urged the Oyo State Government to consider enacting legislation that would safeguard project lands, ensuring they are reserved strictly for agricultural purposes.

Meanwhile, the Oyo State Government has partnered with the state chapter of Women In Hospitality Nigeria (WIHN) to celebrate the 2025 World Tourism Day, aimed at promoting cultural heritage across the state. Wasiu Olatunbosun, Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, while speaking at the 2025 World Tourism Day, held at the National Museum of Unity, Aleshinloye, Ibadan, explained that tourism has become a central pillar of the state’s cultural revival and sustainability drive.

He highlighted the government’s achievements in line with Governor Seyi Makinde’s Omituntun 2.0 Roadmap for Sustainable Development.

‘Oyo State today is the most active in cultural promotion in the entire Southwest. We have revived festivals that were once at the brink of extinction, and people are now proud to identify with our heritage,’ Olatunbosun said.

The commissioner noted that in December 2023, UNESCO officially recognized and listed the Sango Festival of Oyo as a world intangible cultural festival.

He also revealed plans for the 2026 Egungun Festival, slated for May 2, which will include a symposium that will be done with the Institute of African Studies, University of Ibadan, aimed at documenting and preserving cultural history. He called on individuals, associations, and corporate organizations to partner with the state in sustaining cultural initiatives, stressing that the government cannot do it alone.

Oluwakemi Olusola, regional director, WIHN, in her remarks, expressed gratitude to the state government for its support for the Oyo chapter, which was launched less than two months ago.

She added that the collaboration with the Ministry of Culture and Tourism has already strengthened the association’s visibility and credibility.

‘The theme of this year’s World Tourism Day is Tourism and Sustainable Transformation. This partnership means a lot to us as women making an impact in the hospitality and tourism industry. Together, we are building not just an association but a community of strong women who have a voice in shaping the future of tourism,’ Olusola said.

Pamela Oriyomi Otuka, curator, National Museum of Unity, Ibadan, described the celebration as ‘historic,’ stressing that women, culture, and hospitality are critical to Nigeria’s sustainable tourism future.

The Health Emergency Initiative (HEI) and the Healthcare Federation of Nigeria (HFN) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to establish the Medical Intervention Trust Fund (MITF), marking a significant milestone in the Healthcare sector in Nigeria

The Healthcare Federation of Nigeria (HFN) serves as the umbrella body for all health stakeholders in the country, encompassing the public, private, and social sectors. Its membership includes the ministers of health, all 36 state commissioners for health, and other key players across the healthcare ecosystem.

The newly formed Medical Intervention Trust Fund is designed to address critical gaps in Nigeria’s emergency healthcare system, particularly in areas such as: inadequate post-crash emergency response, high rates of infant and maternal mortality, limited insurance coverage, inability of patients to afford urgent medical treatment. Speaking on the significance of the initiative, Njide Ndili, HFN president, emphasised the urgent need for financial mechanisms to support timely emergency care.

‘Too many lives are lost every day due to delays in treatment and the inability to pay for emergency care. The medical intervention trust fund is a game changer because it creates a credible, transparent, and sustainable mechanism to finance emergency interventions when and where they are needed most,’ she said.

‘By bringing together the private sector, civil society, development partners, and government stakeholders, every Nigerian-regardless of socioeconomic status-can have the opportunity to receive timely and quality emergency care.’

Paschal Achunine, executive director, HEI, lauded the urgency of the initiative, highlighting the MITF’s potential to scale proven life-saving interventions.

‘Many Nigerians lose their lives not due to a lack of treatment, but because of delays in accessing emergency care. The MITF will build on a tested model of rapid financial intervention-one that has already saved thousands of lives-and will now be expanded to reach even more people in need.’ Achunine also underscored the fund’s broader impact beyond financial aid:

‘We will train bystanders, first responders, and community members in basic life support, first aid, and trauma care. By empowering ordinary citizens alongside medical professionals, the MITF will create a nationwide safety net that makes emergency care faster, more effective, and more inclusive.’ The MITF is expected to complement the existing basic healthcare provision fund, which currently allocates five percent for emergencies but has faced persistent delays in disbursement. Unlike existing mechanisms, the MITF will focus on speed, transparency, and scalability.

Key components of the initiative will include: Supporting hospital infrastructure, integrating technology into emergency response systems, and advocating for a ‘Good Samaritan’ law to protect individuals who assist accident victims.

Both organisations confirmed that the trust fund will become operational within the next six months. They also issued a collective call to action, urging stakeholders across the healthcare spectrum to support the initiative.

‘No Nigerian should be denied emergency care due to financial constraints or systemic delays,’ the leaders affirmed.

This MOU represents a bold step toward building a more resilient, inclusive, and responsive emergency healthcare system for all Nigerians.

Ruben Amorim has called for more actions from the Manchester United players following the much-needed win against Sunderland.

He made the call after Mason Mount said Manchester United’s players were ‘100-per-cent behind the gaffer.’

Last weekend’s bruising 3-1 loss at Brentford intensified scrutiny on the Portuguese head coach’s position heading into his 50th match at the Old Trafford helm.

United responded well to that setback as a fine Mount opener and first home goal from summer signing Benjamin Sesko secured a 2-0 victory against newly promoted Sunderland.

The result helps alleviate the pressure before the international break on under-fire Amorim.

When the United manager was told about the midfielder’s comment, he said: ‘I saw (that) today and I know they want to do their best – and I know they don’t want to change the coach all the time.

‘We need to show with actions. ‘And sometimes when we look at our team I know for sure that when we see the games in the end they know that sometimes we can do better.

‘So, I feel that during the week but we need to show that on the pitch, not just at home but also away.’

Amorim also issued a bizarre rebuttal that his Manchester United side had picked up momentum from their victory over Sunderland, in their best performance of the season.

‘There is no momentum with our team. We know what happens when we win one game. For me the frustration is not to see the same team at home and away.

‘You saw today, we didn’t play well in the second half. But we were focused, we fought the second balls. Ben [Sesko] was there to touch them all the time. So these small things are going to help us to win games,’ he said.

Amorim made five changes to his Man Utd side from last weekend’s loss at Brentford, including handing summer signing Senne Lammens his debut.

The 23-year-old goalkeeper arrived on deadline day from Antwerp and helped United keep their first clean sheet of the season, producing a couple of important saves and showing confidence between the sticks.