Category: Business Day

Ahead of the 2027 presidential election, a former governor of Abia State, Orji Uzor Kalu has said non of Atiku Abubakar, Goodluck Jonathan or Peter Obi can stop president Tinubu from winning second term.

The former Abia State governor, Kalu, is confident of President Bola Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.

The Abia state politician also warned Jonathan against contesting, saying he is constitutionally banned from doing so.

Kalu, who represents Abia North Senatorial District in the National Assembly, stated this during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today.

According to Kalu, an All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, the President has done well to turn around the nation’s economy.

Speaking further the former governor, said the former president Olusegun, was trying to distort history for lying that he did not seek a third term while in office.

Kalu pointed out that Obasanjo told him personally that he wanted to run for office again after the expiration of his two terms, in which he objected instantly, because it was unconstitutional and would have plagued the country into crisis.

He dismissed recent comment by Obasanjo on the issue, stressing that several governors and individuals who the former president confided him about his third term ambition were still alive and could be consulted.

He also stated that United States was crucial in the aborting of the third term ambition of Obasanjo, saying that several meeting was held with key politicians on the issue.

‘Obasanjo told me personally that he wanted a third term and I objected to such plan because it was undemocratic and again the constitution of Nigeria.

‘He can’t deny that, he is trying to rewrite history that is why he is denying now. I wish his late wife was alive today.

‘There are some several politicians that he told, governors then that are still alive today and can be consulted. Why was he fighting Odili? Why did he remove Wabara? What he is saying is not true’, Kalu said.

The federal lawmaker also lamented the continued marginalisation of the Igbo in the country, stressing that the Igbo’s have not been fully integrated into the country’s since after the civil war in the 70s.

He noted that he was interested in ruling the country and remain the only man from South Eastern Nigeria that can do that, but added that for now he was fully backing President Tinubu to emerge the candidate of the APC.

Miracles are God’s supernatural interventions in human affairs to rescue, redirect, or reveal His power. But miracles were never intended to be the normal pattern of living for God’s people. They are temporary provisions for extraordinary times. God’s ultimate goal is to raise men and women who can partner with Him to create, build, and govern using the principles of His kingdom.

God’s children are not supposed to live by handouts. God’s supernatural interventions are for fixing things and repairing what needs to be repaired. For instance, God wants us to live in good health and not to seek healing all the time. They are God’s rescue mission, temporary arrangements to bring us to the place.

Interventions are not bad in themselves. However, continuing to depend on interventions for a long time is terrible. Sometimes you will go through stuff. Life happens to people, but you are not supposed to remain there.

This truth becomes clear in the story of the Israelites’ journey from Egypt to Canaan. In the wilderness, God fed them miraculously with manna – bread that fell daily from heaven. He gave them water from a rock, and their clothes and shoes did not wear out. But when they entered the Promised Land, something significant happened.

‘And the manna ceased on the morrow after they had eaten of the old corn of the land; neither had the children of Israel manna any more; but they did eat of the fruit of the land of Canaan that year.’

– Joshua 5:12 (KJV)

At that point, God changed their operating system. The miracles ceased, and productivity began. They had to till the soil, plant crops, harvest, and build communities. The season of daily interventions was over. It was time for a partnership.

From interventions to partnership

The wilderness was about survival; Canaan was about stewardship. In the wilderness, God did everything for them. In Canaan, He expected them to do everything with Him. The same God who rained bread from heaven now expected them to bake bread from the grain of the earth.

God was not withdrawing His hand; He was extending His heart – teaching His people to live by wisdom, diligence, and creativity. The manna had served its purpose. Now, they must walk by principles, not by interventions.

In the same way, many believers today still prefer to live in the wilderness – dependent on miracles for daily survival – rather than moving into the land of maturity, where they co-create with God. They wait for divine handouts instead of applying divine insight.

Miracles are signs, not systems

Miracles are signs of God’s power, not systems for human existence. When Jesus multiplied loaves and fish to feed the multitudes, He was revealing the Father’s compassion, not prescribing a permanent method for economic sustenance. After that miracle, He still instructed His disciples, ‘Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost.’ Even divine provision demands stewardship.

A generation that depends only on miracles without learning discipline and stewardship will remain immature. God wants His people to advance from divine rescue to divine responsibility. The highest proof of faith is not in waiting for miracles but in using what God has already provided.

Africa’s manna syndrome

Africa’s present condition reflects this same wilderness principle. For decades, many nations across the continent have survived through ‘manna’ – aid, loans, and external interventions. While such help has been useful in moments of crisis, it was never meant to be a permanent lifeline. Like the manna in the desert, aid was supposed to sustain temporarily until productivity took over.

Due to this dependence on handouts and interventions, African nations are not respected. No country makes progress depending on aid. The same applies to individuals. We can only make progress by creatively applying ourselves in productive ventures, using the resources God has given us to advance our societies.

Africa has a lot more mineral resources than the US, UK, and most developed countries. Nigeria is blessed with mineral resources beyond oil and gas. Congo is one of the most blessed countries in the world in terms of mineral resources, and unfortunately, that’s why there is always war there. As long as the war continues, foreigners will continue to steal the mineral resources.

Look at what is happening in the Sahel region. Amid the difficulty of dealing with the terrorists who are trying to overrun them and the historic underdevelopment, those countries, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, have ended their toxic relationship with France, in which they were permanently subjugated and dependent on France.

The ongoing revolution in the Sahel has exposed many things. These francophone African countries don’t have their own central banks. They depend on France for their currency and more. Now, that is changing in Burkina Faso. I am amazed at what the young military leader is doing. I hear he is building factories and opening up the economy. Burkina Faso now refines its mineral resources, making significant progress in human development indicators.

When the United States President Donald Trump came in and shut down USAID, stopping aid to countries, especially African countries, there was an uproar. Many NGOs were affected. I believe that was a sign to Africa that manna had ceased. It is now time for Africa to wake up and take responsibility for its development and advancement.

God provides for us through work

God expects us to come into an economy that is beyond interventions. We should live by Heaven’s supply chain. Until you understand this, you will feed on crumbs. Let God show you the field He has blessed. Locate the field God blessed for you and stay there. That is your place in the supply chain. Manna had to cease because God wanted them to work. God does not work in a vacuum; work and give Him a reason to bless you. God said He will bless the works of our hands.

If you only pray and never engage in creative and productive ventures, you will be stopping God from blessing you. I called a lady to bring deep-sea fish on a Monday morning. I was going to pay her close to N600,000. She called me and said, ‘I hope you don’t mind, I won’t be able to come because I am going to church.’ I told her to keep the fish. She ran down and brought the fish. She thought I would accept her excuse because I am a pastor. We must strive for balance.

Back in school, my university days, they taught us to pray a certain prayer, and it helped me. The prayer is: ‘May I not be praying when I am to be reading, and may I not be reading when I am to be praying.’

We must work. It is not right to be idle, saying you are praying. As you pray, do whatever your hand finds to do with all diligence. Work by God’s instruction. By that, you will create a channel for divine supply. His blessing comes on your work, and abundance is created. God works; you ought to work. Have you noticed that none of Jesus’ initial 12 disciples were idle? They were active doing something when Jesus called them. The supernatural must have something to work with for there to be divine supply. Give God an occasion to bless you.

Reverend Austin Ukporhe is the Lead Pastor at Remnant Christian Network, Lagos. Raised in Sokoto, northern Nigeria, he was trained in peculiar firebrand evangelism and was ordained as a pastor in 2001. He has experienced countless and diverse workings of the faithfulness of God over two decades and has developed a passion to see God’s will for Nigeria become a reality. He can be reached at +2348060255604.

In celebration of his sixth studio album, Fuji, award-winning singer and songwriter, Adekunle Gold, hosted a legendary street carnival that lit up the heart of Lagos Island.

At the centre of the momentous celebration of music, culture, and artistry was Legend Extra Stout, Nigeria’s original full-brewed stout, in partnership with Mainland BlockParty, to deliver a truly unforgettable experience; one that refreshed guests and fuelled the night’s bold energy with its unmistakably rich taste.

Fans turned out in droves for the singer they fondly call ‘Big Fish’, a sobriquet now used interchangeably with Adekunle Gold himself, and if there’s one thing that defines Lagos, it’s the city’s unmatched love for music and culture.

With premium refreshment flowing, courtesy of Legend Extra Stout, the atmosphere was electric. Cups were raised high as AG took the crowd on a journey through his discography: from the nostalgic rhythms of ‘Pick Up’ and ‘Orente’ to the introspective ‘Ire’, and the chart-topping energy of ‘High.’ Every lyric, every note, echoed through Broad Street as thousands sang along in unison, soaking in the night’s bold spirit.

The energy reached new heights when rapper and singer Zlatan stormed the stage, electrifying the crowd with his monster hits including ‘Cash App,’ ‘Hallelu,’ and ‘Ale Yi.’ Rising artist Tml Vibes also thrilled the audience with his performance, adding another layer of excitement to the already unforgettable night.

One of the night’s most powerful highlights came as Adekunle Gold paid homage to the genre that inspired his latest project, Fuji. Throughout the carnival, AG brought out Fuji music legends Saheed Osupa, Taye Currency, and Obesere during different sets, each taking the stage to perform their timeless hits. Their individual appearances sparked waves of nostalgia and excitement, uniting generations through sound and reaffirming the deep roots of Nigerian street music in the heart of Lagos Island.

As a special treat to fans and music lovers, AG performed songs off Fuji, the very album that inspired the night’s celebration including ‘Bobo,’ ‘Don Corleone,’ ‘Attack,’ and ‘Only God Can Save Me.’ From the first chord, the crowd was captivated, singing along to every new rhythm as if they’d known the lyrics for years. The reception was electric: a mix of awe, nostalgia, and pure Lagos energy as Adekunle Gold proved once again why he remains one of Nigeria’s most dynamic performers.

At the heart of it all stood Legend Extra Stout, fueling the celebration with its unmistakably rich, full-brewed taste. The iconic Legend Bar became a hub of excitement, where guests paused between performances to cool off, connect, and raise their glasses to bold moments. With every pour, the brand reaffirmed its place as the ultimate companion for those who live and celebrate life on their own terms.

As the night drew to a close, fans chanted, mirroring the energy that had pulsed through Broad Street all evening. What began as a celebration of Adekunle Gold’s artistry evolved into a full-blown cultural moment. With music, laughter, and the smooth taste of Legend Extra Stout uniting thousands, the Legend x Adekunle Gold Street Carnival will be remembered as a declaration that boldness, originality, and celebration will always have a home in Lagos.

Nigeria’s independence on October 1, 1960, marked a historic moment filled with hope and promise. As one of Africa’s most populous countries with abundant natural resources, Nigeria was expected to become a beacon of unity, stability, and prosperity on the continent. However, the post-independence period has been fraught with complex challenges that have hindered these aspirations.

Nigeria’s earliest days sparkled with promise. Who would have believed that we would be stuck by now? A lush and green land, embracing the world with its generous soul. There was no strategy to protect or preserve resources from strangers. Nigeria welcomed friends with open arms, but this gesture was met with exploitation; receiving umbrellas for gold. To date, visas are exchanged for scarce resources. The political class is always scared of losing the right to migrate.

Nigeria was celebrated for the vibrant contours of her territory and the purity of her heart. In those days, tribal marks were badges of pride and unity; she was nicknamed both ‘Pride’ and ‘Giant,’ radiating dignity and potential. Now, she is drained, with sunken eyes and broken hips, as bandits, ‘Area boys,’ and UGM (undefined) occupy the palaces, holding the tribes they swear to defend as hostages, terrorizing the communities.

Yet, like many who have lived long enough, this journey was neither simple nor serene. Defilement came in waves, from the West to East and to the global south; her resources are being pilfered every minute, her alliances strained, and her spirit broken. World Teachers Day has come and gone; between Nigerian teachers and Nigeria, it’s hard to tell who is more traumatised. The minimum wage and bills are like a mismatched couple who cannot continue to live together, and whose separation becomes a death sentence. Meanwhile, our collective wealth is squandered by the privileged few.

The knowledge ecosystem is continuously being undermined to perpetuate ignorance, while the aristocrats grip power as a weapon against the masses. The death of education threatens future generations’ prospects and societal advancement. Nigeria is now a desecrated shrine for strife, tribal rivalries, and a cacophony of emotional beings that often tear apart our perceived unity.

The children who should inherit grace have become neglected; her sacred ground is no longer revered but trampled upon. There is a tumult of contradiction and dashed hopes. At 65, if only Nigeria could examine herself in the mirror and see the marks of time, both the wounds and the wisdom. She would wonder how to answer her ancestors, how she would describe herself as the ‘Grandmatron of the holy bandits,’ pampering Area Boys and the UGMs.

Despite these bitter reflections, there is neither resignation nor defeat. Even as the promise of transformation is yet to be accomplished, it is obvious that her potential is unmatched. Her glow has not dimmed a bit; neighbors and foreigners still find her endearing and captivating. Her grey hair at 65 is dignified with age. What she asks for at 65 is not miracles but managers, leaders with integrity and competence, who will address problems thoughtfully and govern with honesty, not impunity or deceit.

The spirit of resilience offers grounds for optimism that Nigeria can realize her promise as a united, prosperous, and peaceful nation.

Call it the paradox of pedigrees, if you like and you may not be far from the truth. Yet, it remains an interesting situation for instance, to find the connecting chord amongst the global icons of information technology made up of geniuses such as Bill Gates, Mark Zuckerberg, Evan Williams, Michael Bell, Richard Branson and Steve Jobs (of blessed memory). And what could that be? Despite their high level of creative ingenuity, they are not graduates of Harvard, Oxford universities or any other one for that matter! Simply put, their outstanding academic achievements were fashioned outside the four walls of the citadel of great knowledge.

As it is with them out there, so it has been with our own world -renowned, multiple award-winning icon of African art, Nike Morica Okundaye. The Ogidi-Ijumu, Kogi state-born Owner/Curator of Nike Art Gallery currently boasts of attention – grabbing art galleries in Oshogbo, Abuja, Lagos and Ogidi where she has empowered over 200 women in the skill of making Aso-Oke. All these and more she has achieved without a university degree. And it is interesting to also note that another globally – recognized Nigerian literary giant, Prof. Wole Soyinka the Nobel Laureate earned the honour strictly based on his remarkable creative works of writing away from a doctoral program. Both deserve all the accolades, plaudits and honours they have received so far, do they not? Of course, they do.

Of great significance therefore, is the redefinition of what education truly entails for the 21st century by the wave-making Omniversity Imperial College, LLC, Missouri, USA. As the world’s first and only ISO-certified private institution it issues ISO-certified practice qualifications to eminently qualified professionals from different fields of human endeavour. By so doing, it is bridging professional practice, innovation, and academic validation with qualifications that reflect real world excellence.

To match words with action, it recently made history in Nigeria’s decades of chequered academic landscape, with the game-changing conferment of Doctor of Practice and Professor of Practice degrees on some multi-talented, highly resourceful, erudite and impact -making innovators.

The landmark event which took place on October 3, 2025 at the De Rembrandt Hotel and Suites, in Ikeja, Lagos was tagged: ‘2025 African Education Roundtable and Qualifications Conferment’. It had as its thought-provoking and telling theme: ‘Recognising Competence: Practice -Based Qualifications, Accreditation of Prior Experimental Learning ( APEL ), Skill Recognition (SR) and ISO-Certified Credentials (ICC) as Tools for African and Economic Revamp.’

In his welcome speech, the highly distinguished Prof. Akeredolu-Ale who happens to be a professor of artificial intelligence powered marketing communications, leadership, organisation and risk management highlighted the vision of the University as that of creating platforms where knowledge, leadership and practical experience converge to inspire excellence. The event therefore, goes beyond a mere gathering of intellectuals to that of a call to action for educational reform, economic advancement and the recognition of Africa’s unique contribution to global development.

That brings to the public sphere the importance and imperative of the new narrative of what true knowledge should entail, outside the four walls of theoretical knowledge to that its practical demonstration. And more so, the impact such makes on the human development index (HDI) or the quality of life of the beneficiaries and eventually the Nigerian nation and the society at large.

Incidentally, these defined the core values and prime objectives of the Omniversity which includes to promote the recognition of competence and experiential learning. Others encapsulate the advancement of ISO-certified educational practices across Africa, fostering discussions on leadership, certification and of course, innovation in education. Not left out are that of creating opportunities for professional recognition through honorary awards and practice-based titles, as was brilliantly done on that day. And the larger picture is to contribute to Africa’s economic and educational revamp through competence validation.

Interestingly, all the awardees successfully went through a rigorous evaluation process as conducted by the Accreditation Committee that verified the educational quality and equivalency, through the required framework for quality evaluation and assessment assurance. And good enough, they were able to defend their new qualifications with brilliant submissions and empirical evidence.

For instance, once Dr. (but now Prof.) Francis Toromade, with over 35 years experience of Senior Leadership, including being Group Head, Policy and Strategy, Amo Byng Nigeria Ltd and Director General Agribusiness Academy and FIPAN has left indelible footprints in the world of academic. Apart from teaching Strategic Management, Logistics, Supply Chain and Agribusiness Innovation to Masters degree students at Rome Business School, Italy he also leads Nigeria Poultry and Soybean Value Chain Analysis and directed USSOY programs. In fact, he has trained over 300,000 farmers and improved agricultural infrastructure, demonstrating the research, policy and practical execution; aligning with Omniversty’s mission was deservedly honored with Professor of Practice in Strategic Management.

In a similar vein, others who bagged Professor of Practice include Dr. Anthony Abiola Allen in Forensic Criminology and Investigation, Dr. Happiness Ndidi Obioha in Cybersecurity, Dr. Priscilla Ndu in Management Finance, and Ladi Akeredolu-Ale in Broadcast Journalism.

On their part, Celestine Achi bagged Doctor if Practice in AI-powered Public Relations; Samson Sokoya in Integrated Marketing Communications; Oginaike Adedayo in Security Administration and Management; Adedamola Olubode in Environmental Management and Water Innovation Jerome Obada in AI, Data Science, Enterprise Systems and Strategic IT Management and Daisy Ibalafa Jaja in Global Business Leadership and Decision Making.

In all of these, Omniversity has turned out to be a trailblazer not only in changing the narrative in the field of academics but de-emphasizing classroom certificate in favour of experimental learning. The education emphasis is therefore, shifting to skills acquisition, increasing learning ability and the willingness to learn new things in tandem with academic dynamics as the likes of Elon Musk, Bill Gates, Mark Zuckerberg have done globally outside the classroom. Worthy of note is that our own Akeredolu-Ale, Francis Toromade, Abiola Allen, Ndidi Obioha and Priscilla Ndu as the bright beacons in the long, dark tunnel of ignorance and apathy.

As Prof. Akeredolu-Ale rightly noted, for Nigeria in particular and Africa at large to convert demographic potential into sustainable economic development, an integrated system combining Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL), competency-based evaluations, practice-oriented qualifications are needed to accelerate workforce inclusion, firm productivity and regional mobility.

Big kudos to Omniversity, the true game-changer in the global sphere of practical demonstration of knowledge.

Marginal operators or indigenous oil/gas exploration companies that emerged in the hydrocarbon industry in the past 10 years when the window opened found two challenges confronting them. The first is how evacuation of crude oil to the export terminal (especially the Bonny terminal) because of the attacks on the Trans Niger Pipeline (TNP) which at a point led to total shutdown.

Crude oil produced by the independents or marginal operators suffered glut because it was found that if 100,000 barrels are fed into the TNP, about 60% would be lost. It was difficult to decide who would bear the loss: SPDC that owns the TNP, or the oil company that fed the crude into the TNP.

The second challenge is how to placate the host communities angered by the multinational owners so production could resume. Most indigenous owners realized that host communities seemed wiser and could hardly be taken for granted.

Now, two things have happened to create some respite to the indigenous investors. The first is the eventual emergence of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) which created the template for dealing with the host communities through the creation of the Host Community Development Fund (HCDF). The oil companies are mandated to hand 3% of their capex to the HCDF of each oil well per year. The community is to decide what projects they deem fit and execute them, something akin to the Global Memorandum of Understanding (GMoU) template of SPDC and TotalEnergies in later days.

Places where this model is in action such as in Egi by TotalEnergies and Ikuru by GEIL have witnessed rapid development and massive investments of over N500m each. Peace seems to be on the table.

The second is the matter of export terminal and pipeline availability. The FG in the past three years initiated the use of firms to protect the pipelines such as Tantita and PINL. This has led to zero infraction in most months, and huge benefits to pipeline communities who hitherto felt left out.

Another angle in the pipeline solution is the building of Nigeria’s first indigenous oil terminal (private sector owned) which was commissioned in Otakikpo in Andoni LGA of Rivers State in the week.

This positive development has been confirmed by Lekan Akinyanmi, CEO of Lekoil, who in a statement admitted that exporting options have emerged.

He praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the leadership of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) for creating an enabling environment. He said the commissioning of the terminal represents a validation of the company’s commitment to consistency and building lasting value.

‘The commissioning of the Otakikpo Onshore Crude Oil Export Terminal is a proud moment for Lekoil. It validates our commitment to building lasting value as an indigenous producer, delivering our crude to the market reliably while supporting our host communities and Nigeria’s broader energy ambitions. This milestone is a clear indication that Lekoil represents resilience, responsibility, and results,’ Akinyanmi stated.

Lekoil, along with Green Energy International Limited, her joint venture partner on the Otakikpo field (PML 11), he said, has consistently demonstrated that indigenous oil and gas companies can operate at world-class standards, unlock resources, aSdvance community development, and contribute to national production growth.

He went on: ‘With the commissioning of the terminal, Lekoil can now maximise the potential of Otakikpo, widely regarded as a prolific area for oil and gas nestled in the southeastern part of the Niger Delta basin, and ensure secure, efficient evacuation and re-enforce its reputation as a reliable supplier of Nigerian crude.

‘This achievement underscores Lekoil’s place as a trusted and responsible operator with a long-term commitment to Nigeria’s energy security and economic growth and its vision: to be the world’s leading exploration and production company focused on Africa. We celebrate this historic commissioning as a major step in Lekoil’s growth story, one that confirms our standing as a bona fide independent producer with the capacity, the partnerships, and the will to deliver,’ Akinyanmi added.

Lekoil Nigeria Limited, he said, is proud to mark a defining chapter in her journey as a leading independent oil and gas company in Nigeria, as President Tinubu, represented by Heineken Lokpobiri, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), commissioned the Otakikpo Onshore Crude Oil Export Terminal.

The commissioning of the strategic export channel, through which Lekoil evacuates crude oil from the Otakikpo field, he added, is in line with ongoing reforms to expand Nigeria’s production capacity towards Nigeria’s economic development.

According to the company, ‘the Otakikpo Onshore Crude Oil Export Terminal is not just infrastructure; it is a symbol of progress, credibility, and the determination of indigenous producers to deliver value on a global stage.’

Background:

President Tinubu commissioned the first indigenous oil terminal, the $400m Otakikpo project, which is located in the oceanic area of Ikuru town, in the easternmost part of Rivers State.

This is as the president announced that the era of anxieties over offshore financing are almost over because of the $5bn African Energy Bank (AEB) fund which he said is set to begin operations.

Excitement is already in the air as the terminal is expected to create new route to export. The company, Lekoil, with its partners, has already said the Otakikpo terminal would make them one of the leading indigenous oil companies in Nigeria.

Lekoil said the commissioning of the strategic export channel, through which Lekoil evacuates crude oil from the Otakikpo field, is in line with ongoing reforms to expand Nigeria’s production capacity towards Nigeria’s economic development.

President Tinubu, who was represented at the commissioning by Heineken Lokpobiri, Minister of State for Petroleum (Oil), said the era of battling with a lack of finance is over. According to him, the worst challenge in the upstream operation is access to finance, and the promoters of AEB have met all its obligations for the operations.

He thus assured Green Energy International Limited (GEIL) and all others that the era of perhaps looking elsewhere for finance will soon be over. ‘We have discovered that the biggest challenge we have in Africa is access to, you know, finance. And that was why we’ve come up with the African Energy Bank, which is ready to go. Nigeria, as the host country, has met its obligations.

‘We have met all our obligations, legal, financial. We have met all our obligations. We are waiting, you know, for the bank to take off, which I think will take off, you know, any moment from now.’

President Tinubu commended the management of GEIL, recalling that the indigenous firm started from a marginal field the same time as other awardees who spent their finances on private jets, while GEIL decided to build an export terminal to create value in the industry.

He assured the company and other operators that are keeping to the terms of their licenses of total support and collaboration.

Tinubu gave update on the resumption of oil operations in Ogoni. ‘I need to state that in the commitment of the government that is already talking with the Ogoni people to resolve the Ogoni problem.

‘And once the Ogoni problem is resolved, this will be the best terminal that will evacuate the crude oil we produce from Ogoni.’

He appealed to the Ogoni leaders to consider that for as long as the oil asset remained in the ground, neither the Ogoni nor the FG would extract any benefit from it.

Speaking, Gbenga Komolafe, the CEO of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), said the terminal is historic on two levels.

According to him, it expands Nigeria’s crude export infrastructure at a critical time and demonstrates the capacity of Nigerian operators to deliver world-class projects once thought possible only for international major players.

He further noted that the Otakiko terminal is significant to the present national crude oil production, that is, about 1.8million barrels, because the efficiency of evacuation and export is critical.

Komolafe also said that by creating an alternative export hub in Rivers State, the Otakikpo terminal reduces over-reliance on existing terminals, many of which are operating at near capacity and are exposed to security and pipeline challenges.

He said the industry’s indigenous operators have evolved to the stage of accounting for 30% of the national production.

Meanwhile, Anthony Adegbulugbe, the CEO of GEIL, said the storage capacity of the terminal is 750,000 barrels, which is expandable to 3 million barrels.

He also said it has a pumping capacity of 360,000bpd. The CEO added that since June 2025, the company has already completed four export operations, totaling one million barrels of crude oil.

He said beyond the numbers, the terminal is a catalyst for national renewal as it opens the door for more than 40 stranded fields in the region, with over 3 million barrels of reserves, long held back by a lack of export infrastructure.

According to him, the fields alone could contribute more than 200,000 barrels per day to the country’s production.

Adegbulugbe added that ‘with this terminal, their potential can finally be unlocked.’

The people of eastern Rivers State have started counting the gains of a new oil export terminal after Bonny island. The terminal is said to be better for export of oil from Ogoni, all within the OML 58.

Belema Sweet is another export terminal under construction which would be by the west of Bonny to also export crude and unlock the many oil wells whose oil is lying idle at the moment due to vandalized pipeline infrastructure and other oil disruptions in the region.

Bello Abdul-Hakeem, the Ag. Director of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) North Central Zone, has underscored the pivotal role of technical education in fostering national development.

Bello made this declaration during his recent courtesy visit to the Kwara State Polytechnic as part of his familiarization tour of educational institutions within the north central region.

In his address, the Ag. Director emphasized NBTE’s commitment to bolstering skills acquisition among youth, highlighting that such initiatives are essential in combating unemployment across the country.

Bello praised Kwarapoly for its well-established academic programmes and for ensuring that all its courses are fully accredited, even as he encouraged the leadership at KwaraPoly to continue their commitment to excellence and innovation in technical education.

Responding, Abdul Jimoh Mohammed, the Rector expressed gratitude for the Ag. Director’s visit and reiterated the institution’s dedication to adhering strictly to NBTE’s regulations regarding academic programmes.

According to Halima Garba, the PRO of the institution, Mohammed emphasized KwaraPoly’s mission to equip students with the essential skills needed to compete effectively in the job market.

‘We are committed to ensuring our students graduate with dual certifications: the National Diploma (ND) or Higher National Diploma (HND) alongside the National Skills Qualification (NSQ) certificate,’ he stated.

The Rector also took the opportunity to seek support from the zonal office for the accreditation of some recently launched programmes, reinforcing the Polytechnic’s efforts to stay at the forefront of vocational education.

The visit marks a significant step towards fostering a robust technical education environment, ensuring that students are well-prepared to meet the demands of the labour market and contribute meaningfully to the nation’s economy.

China has warned it will take countermeasures if Donald Trump, United States president goes ahead with his threat to impose a 100 per cent tariff on Chinese goods, accusing Washington of hypocrisy and double standards as trade tensions between the two powers erupt once again.

In a strongly worded statement on Sunday, Beijing defended its recent decision to tighten export controls on rare earth elements and related equipment, a move that has unsettled global markets, while accusing Washington of escalating tensions with ‘provocative and damaging’ policies.

The statement, released by China’s Ministry of Commerce, said the new controls were a direct response to a series of US measures introduced after trade talks between the two sides in Madrid last month.

‘China’s stance is consistent. We do not want a tariff war, but we are not afraid of one,’ the ministry said.

Trump, who announced on Friday a 100 per cent tariff on all Chinese exports to the US starting November 1, claimed Beijing’s restrictions on rare earth exports were ‘surprising’ and ‘very hostile’. He also unveiled new US export controls on critical software used in advanced manufacturing.

China’s Commerce Ministry fired back, accusing Washington of abusing its national security claims to justify discrimination against Chinese firms. It said the US had ‘overstretched the concept of national security, abused export control measures, and adopted discriminatory practices against China.’

‘Resorting to tariff threats is not the right way to engage with China,’ the ministry added.

A familiar confrontation

The exchange marks a sharp deterioration in relations after months of cautious engagement aimed at stabilising trade ties. The tit-for-tat rhetoric also threatens to derail a long-anticipated meeting between Trump and Chinese president Xi Jinping at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in South Korea later this month, which would have been their first face-to-face encounter since Trump returned to the White House in January.

Trump’s tariffs mean that Chinese goods entering the United States now face an additional 30 per cent levy compared with the start of the year, while American exports to China are subject to a 10 per cent tariff.

Beijing, notably, has stopped short of announcing any new retaliatory duties, at least for now. But a ministry spokesperson hinted that ‘unspecified countermeasures’ could follow if the US proceeds with its plans.

Rare earths at the heart of the dispute

Rare earths, a group of 17 minerals essential for producing smartphones, electric vehicles, wind turbines and military systems – have become a key flashpoint in the trade standoff. China dominates their global production and processing, giving it significant leverage in supply chains critical to high-tech industries.

Last week, Beijing expanded restrictions on the export of technologies used in rare earth mining and processing, citing national security reasons. The move immediately rattled global markets and sent tech stocks tumbling.

Trump accused China of ‘trying to hold the world captive’, saying the curbs threatened to disrupt vital industries dependent on the minerals. Beijing countered that its actions were ‘normal measures’ aimed at protecting both its own and global security.

Wider ripple effects

The dispute has already unnerved investors and companies reliant on cross-Pacific supply chains. Analysts warn that prolonged friction could drive up production costs and slow global growth, particularly in sectors such as electronics, renewable energy and defence manufacturing.

Still, Taiwan’s economy ministry sought to calm concerns on Sunday, saying the latest Chinese restrictions were unlikely to affect its semiconductor sector. ‘The rare-earth elements covered by the expanded ban differ from those required in Taiwan’s semiconductor processes,’ the ministry said, adding that chipmakers like TSMC source most of their rare earth materials from Europe, the US and Japan.

Despite the sharp rhetoric, both sides insist they remain open to dialogue , though neither appears willing to back down. For now, Beijing’s message is clear: it will not yield to pressure.

‘We do not want a tariff war,’ the Commerce Ministry repeated, ‘but we are not afraid of one.’

Whether that defiance gives way to renewed talks or another cycle of escalation may depend on whether Trump and Xi still sit down later this month.

The Super Eagles have safely arrived in Uyo ahead of Tuesday’s crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Group C leaders Benin Republic.

The team and officials, returning from their 2-1 victory over Lesotho in Polokwane, landed at the Obong Victor Attah International Airport on Sunday.

Their return journey was briefly disrupted on Saturday when the chartered ValueJet Airline aircraft conveying the squad developed a cracked pilot windscreen, forcing the plane to make an emergency return to Luanda, Angola, just 25 minutes after take-off following a refuelling stop. Thanks to swift intervention by ValueJet Airlines and Federal Government authorities, another aircraft was dispatched from Lagos to pick up the team in Luanda.

The replacement flight took off later that evening and landed safely in Uyo after a two-hour, 20-minute journey. Upon arrival, the players and officials settled into their base at the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel, Ikot-Ekpene, with a training session scheduled for 5 p.m. at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium.

Meanwhile, Group C leaders Benin Republic, Nigeria’s opponents in Tuesday’s decisive clash, arrived in Uyo on Saturday afternoon and are lodged at the Ibom Icon Hotel and Golf Resort.

The Cheetahs trained at the practice pitch of the stadium on Sunday morning and will hold their official session on the main pitch at 5 p.m. on Monday, while the Super Eagles train immediately after at 6:15 p.m.

Tuesday’s high-stakes encounter between Nigeria and Benin Republic, two of the three teams still in contention for Group C’s sole automatic ticket to the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico, will kick off at 5 p.m.

South Africa will host Rwanda in Nelspruit, a fixture that could prove decisive in determining the final Group C standings.

The new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Joash Ojo Amupitan faces a tough test in repositioning a commission that is dogged by controversy, low voter confidence, and credibility issues over the years.

INEC’s conduct of the 2023 general election was below expectations of many Nigerians and calls for the commission reform, including holistic amendment to the Electoral Act, has intensified ahead of the 2027 general election.

Amupitan, a professor of Law at the University of Jos, hails from Kogi State and brings decades of legal and academic experience to the role. He is expected to assume office in the coming days, subject to Senate confirmation.

Observers say his appointment marks a new chapter for Nigeria’s electoral body and across Nigeria there have been divergent views about his appointment in recent days.

However, political stakeholders and a coalition of civil society organisations working on democracy and elections in Nigeria and across Africa CSOs, say that his approval by the National Council of the State does not substitute for the constitutional responsibility of the Nigerian Senate to conduct credible and transparent elections.

President Bola Tinubu said the choice of Amupitan was based on the latter’s apolitical stance, integrity and impeccable record of service.

Amupitan, a professor of law at the University of Jos, hails from Kogi State and brings decades of legal and academic experience to the role.

Jonathan Iyieke, legal practitioner said with the nomination of Amupitan the endangered electoral system of Nigeria is going to be redeemed now under his watch.

He stated that the professor must uphold his integrity and not allow himself to be used by politicians.

According to him, ‘it’s high time he ruminated over the assignment and tells himself the truth whether he will throw to the dust bin all he has toiled for since he started his life in 1967, till date just because of satisfying the selfish politicians who appointed him or do the work he has been destined to deliver.

‘The public are watching him; friends are watching him not because he is not good but because he is a professor, a senior advocate who has been called to serve Nigeria at a point when justice is at the slaughter house.’ Amupitan faces daunting challenges ahead 2027

With the 2027 general election not far away, pundits say Amupitan is assuming the leadership of INEC at a critical period for Nigeria’s electoral system.

For many the commission’s image is at the lowest ebb at the moment and its immediate task will be to restore public trust in INEC, which was severely tested during the last general election.

The delayed transmission of results through the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV) led to widespread criticism, with both local and international observers citing operational lapses and lack of transparency.

‘Beyond technology concerns, the new chairman will also have to navigate complex legal and political challenges.

‘INEC has faced increasing difficulties managing conflicting court orders, political party crises, and the conduct of off-cycle elections, all while operating under tight budgets and recurring attacks on its facilities’, Temitope Musowo, lecturer and public policy expert, told BusinessDay.

The 2023 election witnessed a surge in youth voter registration, much of it driven by political movements on social media.

However, post-election surveys indicated a wave of disillusionment among young Nigerians, many of whom felt their votes did not count.

Voter turnout has been in steady decline in Nigeria over the last one decade, and there are fears it would be the same in 2027.

Political analysts say Amupitan must rise to restore Nigerians youth confidence in the electoral system, which will be key to increasing voter turnout in 2027.

‘The new INEC chairman would need to work to restore Nigerians’ confidence in the commission going forward.

‘I think the lack of interest in the electoral process is generally because of the poor conduct of polls, people thinking their votes don’t count’, Anu Ogunkelu, a political scientist told BusinessDay.

According to him, ‘A lot of youth and Nigerians at large are not happy, but we thought that would change in the last general election with many people mobilised to register to vote, but INEC was still disappointed.’ Stakeholders react

Civil society groups and electoral stakeholders have welcomed the appointment cautiously, calling on Amupitan to assert INEC’s independence and prioritize electoral reforms.

‘The new chairman must rise above political pressure and build an institution that all Nigerians can trust,’ said Idayat Hassan, Director of the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD).

‘His legal background is an asset, but Nigerians want to see results, not credentials.’

Similarly, the Transition Monitoring Group (TMG) urged the new leadership to engage with electoral reform bills currently before the National Assembly and to push for clearer regulations governing political parties, campaign finance, and the use of technology in elections.

Similarly, a coalition of civil society organisations working on democracy and elections in Nigeria and across Africa said they have called on the Nigerian Senate to ensure that the confirmation process is open, participatory, and transparent.

They demanded that the hearings be televised and allow for civil society and citizen engagement through memoranda, petitions, and direct participation.

They also recommended a thorough examination of the nominee’s public record, vision for electoral reform, and plans to address critical challenges such as voter registration, result transmission, and enforcement of INEC regulations.

‘We reiterate our longstanding call for a transparent, inclusive, and citizen-centered appointment process that aligns with key electoral reform recommendations, including those of the Justice Uwais Report, the Ken Nnamani Committee Report, and the Citizens’ Memorandum on Electoral Reforms,’ the group said in a statement.

Electoral reform overdue

Many Nigerians and political stakeholders say restoring credibility to the country’s elections will require a mix of bold reforms and efficient execution.

For them these include overhauling INEC’s logistics system, ensuring early training and deployment of electoral officers, expanding voter education, and improving the security of election infrastructure particularly in areas affected by insurgency and banditry.

There are also calls for legislative backing to guarantee INEC’s financial autonomy, which advocates say is essential for shielding the commission from executive influence.

Obiageli Ezekwesili, former presidential candidate, said that it was time that INEC get it funding directly from the consolidated fund, while the commission is and unbundled for operational efficiency.

The former minister seeks the removal of the power to appoint INEC chairman from the president, strengthening of the results collation mechanism, change in appointment of INEC commissioner’s procedure, strong penalty for electoral offenders.

She equally pointed out that there should be codification of the results transmission process from the polling unit among others.

She called upon the National Judiciary Commission to discipline judges who undermine the electoral system by giving frivolous rulings and colluding with politicians.

‘Case exceeding the timeline should not be allowed. We need a specialised court for election cases in Nigeria urgently and judges should be randomly picked for these cases to check manipulation’, Ezekwesili said.

Also speaking last week at an electoral reform webinar, Patrick Utomi, said that the current electoral system in Nigeria was shambolic and noted that it was impossible for democracy to grow in the country.

While seeking urgent reform, Utomi pointed out that governments who come to power through fraudulent polls lack legitimacy, and could have adverse effects on governance and such a country’s stability.

Background

Before his appointment, Amupitan served as Dean of the Faculty of Law at the University of Jos and has authored several publications on corporate law and governance.

He holds the prestigious title of Senior Advocate of Nigeria and is regarded as one of the leading voices in legal academia.

He is expected to outline his vision for INEC in his maiden address upon assumption of office.