Category: Business Day

Insurance experts in the West African sub-region have identified critical role of insurance in closing finance gap towards tacking climate change risks.

According to the experts, traditional budgetary responses are no longer sufficient, hence, the need to strengthen financial instruments that give opportunity to anticipate shocks rather than merely react to them.

The experts made the observation at the ongoing 2025 Education Conference of the West African Insurance Companies Association (WAICA) taking place in Lagos with theme: ‘The West African Insurers in the Face of Climate Change’.

Olusegun Omosehin, commissioner for Insurance/CEO, National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) in his remarks at the event said climate change is rewriting the narrative of our region. ‘It is testing the strength of our economies, the endurance of our communities, and the responsiveness of our institutions.

‘It has become a macroeconomic threat, influencing fiscal policy, national budgets, and the stability of our financial systems.’

According to him, the evidence is sobering. ‘In 2024, flooding affected over 7.5 million people across 16 West African countries. Nigeria alone accounted for 1.3 million displaced persons. In 2025, over 33,000 Nigerians were displaced, 3,800 homes destroyed, and 5,300 hectares of farmland submerged, threatening food security and economic stability.’

Omosehin said these are not just statistics, they are stories of disruption, loss, and delayed development, but however noted that within this crisis lies an opportunity, to redefine the role of insurance as a force for resilience and sustainable development.

On how insurance can respond adequately, he called on insurers, reinsurers and leaders across WAICA member states to swing to action.

‘We must innovate boldly, developing parametric and microinsurance products tailored to our region’s climate realities; invest in data and technology to improve climate modelling, risk assessment, as well as product delivery’.

He also called for collaboration across borders, noting that pooling risks and resources to build regional resilience expand inclusion, ensuring insurance reaches farmers, market women, artisans, and micro-entrepreneurs who are the backbone of our economies are critical.

‘We must prioritize capacity building, investing in the next generation of insurance professionals, while the industry insurance must evolve from a transactional service to a strategic enabler of development.’

Uzoka Anite, minister of State for Finance, Federal Republic of Nigeria in her keynote address said, across West Africa, floods, droughts, and coastal erosion are already destroying livelihoods, straining public finances, and threatening food security. ‘Each disaster brings not only human tragedy but also heavy fiscal burdens.’

Uzoka, who was represented by Ali Mohammed, director, Home Finace, Federal Ministry of Finance said, this reality makes climate risk a macroeconomic concern requiring proactive financial planning, noting insurance therefore becomes indispensable as a mechanism to share and absorb shocks that governments alone cannot shoulder.

She said the Federal Government recognizes insurance as a pillar of our financial architecture, alongside banking, capital markets, and pensions, noting that the Nigerian Insurance Industry Reform Act (NIIRA 2025) represents a bold step toward modernization.

The Act strengthens the capital base of insurers, enhances consumer protection, expands compulsory insurance to critical sectors such as agriculture and infrastructure, and integrates insurance into public-private partnerships for climate resilience. Beyond reform, NIIRA 2025 signals Nigeria’s determination to build a credible, transparent, and inclusive insurance industry aligned with national economic diversification goals.

Backing regional cooperation through WAICA, she said no nation can confront this threat alone. The same storms that affect Nigeria affect Ghana, Sierra Leone, Liberia, and The Gambia, so our solutions, too, must be collective.

‘Through WAICA, we can develop regional risk-pooling and reinsurance platforms; exchange data and expertise on climate modelling and disaster forecasting; and as well as build professional capacity for innovative, sustainable insurance products.’

Such cooperation she noted will transform insurance from a business venture into a development enabler for agriculture, trade, and small enterprises, she said.

‘Insurance will achieve its true impact only when it reaches everyone including farmers, market women, artisans, and micro-entrepreneurs. We must promote micro-insurance, digital channels, and parametric products that pay out instantly based on verified data.’

By doing so, we expand coverage, deepen financial inclusion, and strengthen resilience at the grassroots, which remains a priority of the Federal Ministry of Finance, she said.

Omosehin concluding said, NAICOM as a regulator is committed to enabling policies that foster collaboration between operators, regulators, and development partners.

‘Strengthening climate resilience across West Africa demands a unified approach, one that blends sound regulation, market innovation, and strategic partnerships.

Ezekiel Olusola Ayoola, the immediate past Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration) and distinguished Mathematics scholar at the University of Ibadan, has urged Government to make long-term investments in mathematics and education if the country hopes to compete with developed nations, globally.

While saying that the fields remain the foundation for emerging technologies, he stated that ‘as technology advances, the role of mathematics will become even more critical in shaping our future,’.

Delivering a lecture entitled: ‘The Closing and the Opening Doors: An Account of My Academic, Administrative and Spiritual Experiences’, at the Trenchard Hall, University of Ibadan,’ Ayoola, alwho advised Government to invest heavily in mathematical sciences, noted ‘no nation can achieve technological development without a solid foundation in mathematics,’ he warned, urging that ‘long-term planning and investment’ are essential to reap the benefits of emerging advanced technologies.

Ayoola, a Professor, who made the call in his retirement valedictory and birthday lecture, lamented the widespread ignorance among some top ruling elites and technocrats about the value of mathematical knowledge in national development. This, he noted, had contributed to the poor recognition and funding of basic mathematical research in Nigeria.

Pointing to the complete omission of mathematical sciences from direct funding in the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) thematic research priorities, Ayoloa contrasted Nigeria’s approach with that of the US National Science Foundation and leading European and Asian agencies, which invest heavily in mathematics.

‘Mathematical principles are foundational to the development and application of countless existing and emerging technologies,’ he said. ‘Mathematics underpins algorithms, data analysis, artificial intelligence, quantum information science, quantum computing, optimization, modeling, and simulation, all essential for innovation and efficiency across various sectors.’

The former Head of the Department of Mathematics emphasised that mathematical tools are not just supplementary but are the very foundation upon which modern technologies are built.

Ayoola also challenged young scholars to explore cutting-edge interdisciplinary fields such as quantum information science and quantum computing, describing these areas as revolutionary and rapidly advancing.

‘These fields are transforming our understanding of computation, information, communication, and even the nature of reality itself,’ he said.

However, he expressed deep concern over Nigeria, and Africa’s, lag in developing robust capacities in these critical fields. Citing corruption, under-investment, and poor treatment of scholars, Ayoola lamented that such setbacks have hindered progress.

He also faulted the lack of visionary leadership passionate about science and mathematical research.

Abel Idowu Olayinka, Professor and a former Vice Chancellor of the University, in his goodwill message, lauded Ayoola as a hardworking and dedicated scholar, congratulating him on his retirement and wishing him a peaceful post-academic life.

Nigeria’s solid minerals sector has posted one of its strongest performances in recent years, contributing 1.8% to the nation’s GDP and recording a remarkable 4.61% growth in the second quarter of 2025, according to figures from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).

Dele Alake, minister of Solid Minerals Development, disclosed the figures at a media briefing ahead of the 10th Nigeria Mining Week in Abuja, attributing the surge to the Federal Government’s sustained reforms and tightening of regulatory frameworks in the mining industry.

‘Ten years ago, mining contributed less than 0.5% to GDP. Today, it stands at 1.8%, and the latest NBS data showing 4.61% growth in Q2 2025 clearly demonstrates that our reforms are working,’ Alake said.

He explained that the impressive figures translate into more mines in operation, increased investor participation, and greater economic impact on mining host communities.

The minister emphasised that the reforms – focused on transparency, investment protection, and enforcement of compliance – have repositioned the sector as a viable pillar for economic diversification.

Alake reaffirmed that the government would not reverse course despite resistance from entrenched interests, noting that the revocation of dormant and defaulting mining licenses will continue.

‘We are enforcing the ‘Use It or Lose It’ clause to ensure only serious investors operate in the sector,’ he said.

To consolidate gains, the minister announced plans to establish a Minerals Pre-Shipment Agency to enhance export monitoring and revenue assurance.

He also revealed ongoing efforts to deploy satellite surveillance systems across mining sites and double the number of Mining Marshals to curb illegal mining and strengthen on-ground regulation.

Alake reiterated the administration’s determination to make solid minerals a key growth driver in Nigeria’s economic transformation.

‘No amount of threat or blackmail will derail our mission. Mining will take its rightful place as a leading contributor to GDP,’ he stated.

Industry players, including Dele Ayanleke, president of the Miners Association of Nigeria, commended the Ministry’s progress and called for sustained implementation of reforms to deepen investor confidence.

The 10th Nigeria Mining Week, themed ‘Nigerian Mining: From Progress to Global Relevance,’ will be held from October 13-15, 2025, at the Abuja Continental Hotel, organised by the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, in collaboration with PwC, Vuka Group, and the Miners Association of Nigeria.

Economists say the 4.61% sectoral growth reflects the solid minerals industry’s potential to become a major contributor to national revenue and job creation – a sign that Nigeria’s diversification agenda is gaining real traction.

Agricon West Africa Limited is rewriting the narrative of agricultural processing in Nigeria by harnessing gas-powered energy to fuel its ambitious rice production. Despite the challenges posed by unstable grid supply, Agricon is demonstrating resilience and innovation in a sector often hindered by energy limitations.

Established in 2022, Agricon entered Nigeria’s agricultural space with a bold mission: to process homegrown rice at scale and reduce the country’s dependence on imports. With a 240-ton-per-day parboiling capacity, the company aligned its operations with government policies promoting self-sufficiency in food production.

However, the journey was not without hurdles. According to Emmanuel Njin, Plant Manager at Agricon, energy was the biggest challenge from the outset. Initially reliant on diesel generators, the company faced high fuel costs and limited operational efficiency-an all-too-common reality for many Nigerian businesses.

Running diesel generators was a huge financial burden, responsible for a larger running cost with less output,’ explained Emmanuel Njin, plant manager at Agricon West Africa Limited.

Faced with mounting fuel bills and stalled production, Agricon’s management sought a more sustainable and cost-effective energy solution-one that would ensure stable power and save between 60% and 65% of energy costs, while aligning with global calls for cleaner energy. Their answer was a 1.5MW Jenbacher plant, powered by compressed natural gas (CNG).

Compared to diesel, the gas-powered generator cut fuel consumption by half, while delivering better and more reliable performance. Beyond the economic benefits, the environmental impact was also significant. ‘The emission of filtered and clean exhaust gases is another advantage,’ Njin noted, highlighting the power plant’s contribution to reducing carbon footprint and promoting greener industrial practices.

Agricon’s energy transition not only improved operational efficiency but also reinforced its commitment to sustainable agriculture and local food production-a model for other Nigerian businesses navigating similar challenges

Agricon selected Clarke Energy, the authorised distributor of Jenbacher gas engines in Nigeria, to deliver its 1.5MW gas power plant, including the front-end engineering design (FEED), commissioning and currently provides maintenance for the equipment.

‘Clarke Energy services have been excellent,’ Njin said, praising the company’s responsiveness in servicing the plant before, during, and after maintenance. The solution has relieved Agricon from the instability of the national grid while providing a sustainable and cost-effective energy lifeline.

Yiannis Tsantilas, Managing Director of Clarke Energy in Sub-Saharan Africa, emphasised the critical role of food in national development, stating:

‘Food is a fundamental human necessity-essential not only for survival and overall well-being, but also a cornerstone of national security. It underpins economic, social, and political stability across the globe.’

He highlighted rice as a staple food for many Nigerians, noting its importance in providing energy and essential nutrients for a healthy living.

‘At Clarke Energy, we believe that resilience in Nigeria’s production processes must include access to reliable, affordable, and cleaner energy alternatives, which is the bedrock to building a sustainable economy.’

Tsantilas commended Agricon West Africa Limited for its commitment to food security, recognising its efforts to deliver nutritious and locally processed food to Nigerian families. He celebrated their investment in energy infrastructure:

‘Their investment in a 1.5MW power plant is a testament to their visionary leadership and commitment to sustainable growth. We are proud to partner with Agricon West Africa Limited to help scale their operations and ensure their lights are always on.’

Agricon’s energy story stands as an example for other industries grappling with Nigeria’s perennial power shortages. By leveraging CNG-powered generation, the company demonstrates how businesses can achieve both operational stability and environmental responsibility.

The switch to gas aligns with Nigeria’s gradual embrace of gas as a transition fuel. With abundant natural gas reserves, the federal government has been promoting the adoption of natural gas as part of its strategy to reduce reliance on imported fuel, lower emissions, and strengthen local industries.

For Agricon, the move has already paid off. Energy is no longer a stumbling block but a foundation for growth. The company is now positioned to focus on scaling production, reaching new markets, and competing on the global stage, all powered by a more reliable, eco-friendly energy source.

Nigeria’s energy crisis remains largely unresolved. National grid outages and reliance on diesel generators continue to limit manufacturing, agriculture, and services. Yet companies like Agricon are proving that alternatives exist. By investing in gas-powered technology, they are not only reducing costs but also helping the nation edge closer to sustainable industrialisation.

As the country strives for food self-sufficiency, Agricon West Africa’s blend of agricultural innovation and energy resilience provides a template for progress. With the proper infrastructure, policy support, and investment, Nigeria could unlock similar success stories across multiple sectors.

For now, the hum of a Jenbacher generator symbolises more than just electricity. It represents hope for farmers, consumers, and a nation eager to power its future sustainably.

Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State has disbursed a total sum of N14.6 billion for the State’s pensioners as gratuities, covering three years of gratuity outstanding.

The governor stated this on Monday when he disbursed a sum of N2 billion to 800 pensioners to defray backlog of gratuity arrears, saying ‘wiping out tears from the faces of the citizens brings him great joy as a leader.’

The governor noted that the N2 billion disbursed formed part of N14.6 billion so far expended on gratuity, adding that a staggering amount of N25 billion had been also been paid as pensions to the elder statesmen in three years.

Governor Oyebanji spoke in Ado Ekiti, while presenting cheques to a new set of 800 pensioners who bowed out of the service in 2015 and 2016 respectively.

Addressing the beneficiaries, the governor, who was represented by Monisade Afuye, his deputy, was ecstatic that his government had fulfilled all righteousness, by keeping to his promise during electioneering to make elders happier in line with his vision.

Having a retrospect of the good dealings he had dispensed to the retirees, Oyebanji revealed that his government in 2024 paid out a sum of N1.3 billion gratuity arrears, saying he then promised to upscale the amount, which now reflected in the N2 billion disbursement .

Oyebanji maintained that as at September 2025, there were 10,106 retirees on the State Pensioners’ Payroll, whose pensions are being paid regularly and timely. He said part of efforts to enhance the welfare include the approval of N20 million upward review of monthly pension across board for all categories of pensioners.

Responding, Kolapo Olatunde, Chairmen of the Nigerian Labour Congress and Omotola Farotimi, Chairman, Trade Union of Congress and Oluwafemi Ajoloko, Chairman og the Joint Negotiating Council, saluted Oyebanji for changing the sordid narrative of the past, by palliating the sufferings of the retirees through prompt payment of all entitlements.

Similarly, the Nasarawa State Government has approved the release of N5 billion to clear outstanding gratuities being by owed by the State Government to the pensioners across the State. The initiative aims to address long-standing pension liabilities and improve the welfare of retired civil servants.

Musa Ahmed Mohammed, the State Accountant-General, made the announcement during a news briefing held on Monday in Lafia, disclosing that N1.5 billion had already been disbursed to the State Pensions Bureau for the immediate payment of gratuities to State Government pensioners, dating back to 2012.

Mohammed also revealed that over N3 billion would soon be released to settle the entitlements of Local Government pensioners. He noted that the payment would be made in phases, ensuring that both State and Local Government’s pensioners benefit from the approved funds.

He emphasised the Administration’s commitment to prioritising the welfare and dignity of senior citizens, acknowledging their contributions to the development of the State and the Country. He assured the pensioners that the disbursement would begin without delay.

Yinka Adebayo, the chairman of The Peak Performer Festival (TPP Fest) 2025, says women on the continent hold the key to Africa’s global competitiveness, if harnessed properly.

‘Africa’s competitiveness in the global marketplace depends on how effectively we harness the intelligence, creativity, and resilience of our women,’ Adebayo said in a statement ahead of the TPP Fest 2025, scheduled for November 17 in Lagos.

According to him, women are strategically important in the economic evolution of Africa. ‘The women in leadership dinner provide a vital platform to connect corporate, civic, and creative powerhouses who are shaping the continent’s next phase of inclusive growth.’

The dinner, which will be held during TPP Fest 2025, will convene women leaders across Africa to redefine the intersection of power, creativity, and purpose-driven leadership.

Themed, ‘No More Shrinking – How Women Can Unleash Untapped Creativity and Market Growth with 21st-Century Intelligence.’

Headlining the dinner would be Olubukola Abdulrazaq, the first lady of Kwara State; Hadiza Bala Usman, former MD of Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), and Olatowun Candide-Johnson, a corporate leader.

‘No more shrinking is not just a slogan; it is a rallying cry for women who are ready to rise beyond fear, reclaim their power, and lead intelligently,’ Abiola Salami, convener, TPP Fest and founder, The Peak Performer Africa, stated.

Salami expressed his optimism that when women lead boldly, creativity expands, markets grow, and nations move forward; added that each of the headliner brings a distinct dimension of feminine excellence to the conversation.

‘Together, they represent the powerful blend of strategy, creativity, governance, and global influence that defines the next era of African female leadership,’ Salami stated.

The dinner will also unveil insights from Salami’s forthcoming book, ‘No More Shrinking: A Powerful Story for Women Who Are Done Playing Small.’ According to him, the women in leadership dinner was designed as a high-impact experience that blends storytelling, strategy, and sisterhood.

It is part of the larger TPP Fest 2025, a two-day festival celebrating peak performance, leadership excellence, and innovation across Africa.

The festival’s four flagship events include The CEO Forum – Taming the Invisible Toll of Leadership Expectations (TITLE); The Women in Leadership Dinner – No More Shrinking; The Emerging Leaders’ Summit – Grow, Rise, Innovate, Thrive (GRIT), and The Peak Performer awards gala, which recognizes Africa’s exemplary leaders across sectors.

Polaris Bank has restated its dedication to delivering exceptional ‘customer experience’ as it successfully concluded activities marking the 2025 edition of Customer Service Week themed, ‘Mission: Possible.’

The week-long celebration, which ran from Monday, October 6 to Friday, October 10, was filled with engaging customer appreciation activities and staff recognition initiatives across the Bank’s branches and digital channels.

Throughout the week, Polaris Bank celebrated its customers with giveaways, appreciation messages, and interactive engagements across its touchpoints, reaffirming its commitment to continuously improving service delivery. Employees were also recognised for their outstanding contributions to service excellence, underscoring the Bank’s belief that exceptional service begins with an empowered and motivated team.

Speaking at the close of the celebration, the Managing Director/CEO of Polaris Bank, Kayode Lawal, thanked customers for their loyalty and trust, describing them as the driving force behind the Bank’s commitment to excellence.

‘Our customers are at the heart of everything we do. Their feedback, trust, and partnership inspire us to keep improving and delivering value every day. This week reaffirms that great service is not just a goal, it’s our way of life at Polaris Bank,’ he said.

Lawal noted that the Customer Service Week provides an opportunity for reflection and renewal of the Bank’s promise to serve with consistency, empathy, and excellence.

Polaris Bank staff across the country also participated in internal learning and engagement sessions designed to enhance their customer interaction skills and promote a culture of service leadership.

The global Customer Service Week, celebrated annually in the first week of October, recognises the vital role of customer service professionals and the impact of service excellence on business growth. For Polaris Bank, this year’s celebration reinforced its belief that with dedication, innovation, and teamwork, great service is always a ‘Mission Possible.’

The recent clemency and pardon granted to about 175 persons for various offences has continued to elicit reactions from Nigerians, especially the clemency to Maryam Sanda, who was sentenced to death in 2020 for the murder of her husband, Bilyaminu Bello, son of former Chairman of the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Halilu Bello.

Sanda, who was sentenced to death in 2020 for culpable homicide of Bello, during a domestic dispute, had barely served six years and eight months at the Suleja Medium Security Custodial Centre, before she was granted clemency by the President.

She was convicted by Justice Yusuf Halilu of the FCT High Court, who had found her guilty of culpable homicide for fatally stabbing Bello in 2017. The court ruled that the prosecution proved its case beyond reasonable doubt and sentenced her to death by hanging.

Bayo Onanuga, the President’s spokesman, stated in a statement announcing the clemency, that ‘Maryam Sanda, aged 37, was sentenced to death in 2020 for culpable homicide and had spent six years, eight months at Suleja Medium Security Custodial Centre.’

He revealed that ‘her family pleaded for her release, arguing that it was in the best interest of her two children. The plea was also anchored on her good conduct in jail, her remorse, and her embracement of a new lifestyle, demonstrating her commitment to being a model prisoner.’

But critics however, believe that Sanda’s release may have been influenced by high level political lobbying as it ‘marks one of the most high-profile acts of presidential clemency in recent years.’

According to Imran Muhammad @Imranmuhdz, on his Social Media X handle, ‘Her case drew national attention for years, marked by multiple bail applications, delayed hearings, and emotional testimony.

‘Sanda maintained that her husband’s death was not premeditated, claiming it happened during a quarrel.’

Other social media users, including @dambash, see the pardon as capable of ‘undermining the credibility of Nigeria’s justice system, as the clemency can send a dangerous message, that influence, emotion, or public sympathy can override accountability for violent crime.’

Sadam@ArcSadam, however explains that mercy does not erase justice, but rather completes it. ‘If Maryam Sanda, has truly changed and is ready to rebuild her life, for the sake if her children, then this pardon is an act of grace that reflects the human side of governance. Everyone deserves a second chance’ he said on his X handle.

Others like @jaywest50 believe that the same pardon should have been extended to the likes of Nnamdi Kanu, who have been in the federal government custody since 2021

‘Some of you here have been against the release of Nnamdi Kanu who has never killed a single human being before..your hypocrisy is top- notch.’

Also, @Has queried the rationale for selecting persons for such clemency and wondered what happened to ‘other women abd men found guilty of the same offence, who have served longer terms than Maryam Sanda?’, ‘the elite have hijacked this thing called democracy, they own it.’

Another Social media user, Lolade @read1she2, noted that everything is not about knowing people, adding that ‘The US and UK also pardon people who commit murder in rare cases.’

Monsieur Raducal @Tunbo, said ‘Pardon after just 5 years in what ought to be a death sentence? They didn’t even commute it to life imprisonment or term imprisonment, just straight pardon without considering the feelings if the family of the deceased husband. This is power.’

Lawal Jr. @Auwaljunior, said ‘You can imagine, how do they want the family of the kate husband to feel, just after serving almost 7 years, that’s not enough justice. Mercy doesn’t erase justice.’

Also Sammy Joe @SammyJoe6, while also describing the clemency as ‘injustice to Bilya, and his family, wonders if the children will also forgive their mother. ‘ Will the kids even forgive her if they grow up to find out she killed thier father in the way she did?’

It will be recalled that Onanuga, had in the statement containing the list of those granted clemency, said Mamman Vatsa, Akubo, and Magaji Garba, amongst those granted pardon by President Bola Tinubu.

Onanuga had revealed that beneficiaries include Illegal miners, white-collar convicts, remorseful drug offenders, foreigners, are amongst those granted pardon and clemency and approved by the National Council of State, on Thursday.

The list of capital offenders including Maryam Sanda, Ken Saro Wiwa, and the other Ogoni Eight were also among the 175 convicts and former convicts who received President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s mercy on Thursday.

President Tinubu had granted clemency to most of them based on the reports that the convicts had shown remorse and good conduct.

The statement said the President forgave some due to old age, the acquisition of new vocational skills, or enrolment in the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN).

According to him ‘President Tinubu also corrected the historic injustice committed by British colonialists against Sir Herbert Macaulay, one of Nigeria’s foremost nationalists.’

In all, the Presidential Advisory Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy, chaired by Lateef Fagbemi, the Attorney-General and Justice Minister, had recommended pardon for two inmates, 15 former convicts, 11 of whom have died.

The committee recommended clemency for 82 inmates and commutation of sentences for 65 inmates. Seven inmates on death row also benefited from the Presidential reprieve. The committee recommended that the President should commute their death sentences to life imprisonment.

Fagbemi presented the committee’s report at the Council of State meeting, chaired by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The list also included Nweke Chibueze, aged 44, serving a life sentence at Kirikiri for cocaine, Nwogu Peters, aged 67; Serving a One-year jail term for fraud. Sentenced in 2013, and Anastasia Nwaoba, aged 63, who already served a sentence for fraud.

Others include Hussaini Umar, aged 58. Sentenced in 2023 to pay a fine of N150M in the case by the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission ICPC case, Ayinla Alanamu, age 63, who was sentenced to seven years for bribery in 2019 and has served the sentence.

Farouk Lawan, aged 62, who was also sentenced to five years in 2021 for corrupt practices and had served the sentence, was also granted a pardon, amongst others.

About 73 public primary schools will receive educational materials, courtesy of Ibadan North Local Government.

This is as the schools will also benefit from the distribution of school furniture, including desks and chairs as well as board markers and chalks, among others.

Seun Olufade, chairman of the local government who disclosed this at the commencement of the distribution of the educational materials worth millions of Naira, held at the Ibadan North Local Government Secretariat, said the move was to encourage students in their educational pursuit.

He added that it would also assist parents in lessening the burden of giving education to their wards, commending Governor ‘Seyi Makinde for his support.

The chairman maintained that the items to be distributed include 800 seats and desks, packs of chalk and board markers, 300 school bags and 200 pairs of school sandals.

He noted that the effort was aimed at improving the learning environment and easing the challenges faced by pupils and teachers.

According to him, ‘Well, it is some sort of encouragement to let our students understand and know that education is key and it is very essential.

‘We are preparing them so that they know they are the leaders of tomorrow and also know that they should take their education seriously.

‘As the Executive Chairman of Ibadan North Local Government and a youth as well, I want to say that it is another encouragement for them; that when they face their education squarely, there is nothing in life that they can’t become.

‘This is just about giving back the dividends of democracy. Other local government chairmen have also been doing wonderfully well. Some of them did similar things in the past and I am sure moving forward, others will do it as well.’

Nureni Adeniran, chairman of the Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), speaking during the symbolic presentation of the materials, commended Olufade for the initiative.

Describing it as a monumental effort to strengthen the state government’s drive towards quality education and the eradication of the ‘no-seat’ challenge in public schools, Adeniran noted that the intervention would significantly alleviate the difficulties faced by public primary schools within the local government.

He said: ‘With this arrangement, no school will get less than 10 benches and desks. This will go a long way to assist teaching and learning. I can confidently say that there will no longer be any public primary school in Ibadan North where children sit on the floor or lack furniture.’

Adeniran further commended the inclusion of school bags, sandals, chalk and board markers, adding that these would collectively enhance the quality of education and improve pupils’ classroom experience.

He urged teachers to ensure that the items are distributed transparently and used strictly for their intended purposes, even as he appealed to teachers to comply with the newly introduced timetable for reading and writing sessions in public primary schools, explaining that the policy was designed to help pupils develop literacy skills early.

The SUBEB chairman expressed appreciation to Governor Makinde for his continued support for the education sector and for providing an enabling environment for local governments to function effectively.

Suraj Tiamy, special adviser to the Governor on Education Intervention, praised the initiative, describing it as a progressive step towards improving the teaching and learning process across the state.

He said: ‘This is a step forward. We are all following the footsteps of our governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, in terms of taking education as a priority in the state.

‘So, this is a special event, because we are giving out school bags and furniture to support our primary and secondary schools in Ibadan North Local Government. It is a great event and I am using this opportunity to thank Hon. Olufade for doing this.

‘Lastly, I would like to urge the parents to look after their children, to make sure that they go to school every, they attend their classes, and make sure that they study.

‘As I said, education is our number one in the state, and we are following the footsteps of Governor Makinde.’

As the world marked the 23rd World Day Against the Death Penalty, stakeholders in Nigeria’s justice reform movement renewed calls for the abolition of capital punishment, warning that the country’s death penalty regime perpetuates injustice rather than deter crime.

At an event themed ‘Justice Reimagined: Voices from the Shadows of Loss’ held in Lagos on Thursday, The Inclusion Project (TIP) launched a documentary, ‘Justice Reimagined: Voices of Loss,’ spotlighting the human toll of executions and the failures of Nigeria’s criminal justice system.

The forum, moderated by Pamela Okoroige, TIP’s Director, featured a panel discussion with Abiodun Odusote, associate professor of Law at the University of Lagos, and Nathaniel Ngwu, convener of the Criminal Justice Network of Nigeria.

Okoroigwe said the documentary aimed to challenge entrenched narratives around capital punishment by centering the voices of victims themselves.

‘For too long, the death penalty has been defended on behalf of victims without actually asking what victims want,’ she said. ‘This documentary makes it clear that many victims in Nigeria are rejecting the death penalty not out of sympathy for offenders, but because they understand that killing in response to killing does not deliver justice, it only deepens injustice.’

In the film, victims of capital offences shared their stories, many expressing that executions bring neither closure nor healing. Odusote echoed that sentiment, describing the death penalty as ‘derogatory, inhuman and appalling.’

‘Those who have lost loved ones are still of the view that killing the perpetrators will not bring closure,’ he said. ‘Why not investigate what happened? Why not do a holistic review of the events surrounding the crime?’

The law professor linked the persistence of executions to deeper systemic problems, including corruption, lack of forensic capacity, and weak investigations that often result in wrongful convictions.

Citing recent global shifts, Odusote noted that ’24 countries in Africa, including Rwanda, Senegal, Zambia, and Equatorial Guinea, have abolished the death penalty,’ urging Nigeria to follow suit.

Ngwu, in his intervention, said many states were ‘afraid to execute’ convicts, recognizing the moral and legal burden of such acts.

‘Keeping those people in solitary confinement in prisons is another form of torture,’ he said. ‘It is high time the Nigerian government declared an official moratorium and reviewed how far we have gone with these executions. Has the death penalty stopped murder or armed robbery? The answer is no.’

He added that systemic instability in the judiciary and prosecution undermines justice for both victims and defendants.

‘We don’t have a stable judiciary or prosecution,’ Ngwu said. ‘In some courts, trials drag on for years because police investigators fail to testify or present evidence. This is why we must strengthen justice institutions, not cling to executions.’

In its official statement, The Inclusion Project urged the federal government to abolish the death penalty and replace it with life imprisonment. The group outlined four key demands: Declare a nationwide moratorium on executions; commute all existing death sentences to life imprisonment or fixed terms; amend all relevant criminal laws to remove capital punishment; and centre victims’ real needs in justice reform through restorative approaches.

‘The death penalty protects no one,’ the statement read. ‘It has not reduced violent offences but has heightened the risk of wrongful convictions and the irreversible tragedy of executing innocent persons.’