Category: Business Day

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.

Over 1,000 Nigerian youths have gathered in Lagos for The Roundtable 2025, a youth-led dialogue focused on empowerment, self-belief, and purpose.

The event, organised by Limitless Club, annually provides a platform for young people to engage in honest conversations about leadership, readiness, and redefining success.

This was made known through a statement on Thursday, signed by its convener, Kennedy Ekezie, and Public Relations and Communications Specialist, Mojolaoluwa Abayomi.

In the statement, the organisation stressed the timeliness of the theme, ‘We Start from Enough.’

According to the convener, the year’s edition challenges the common narrative that young people must wait for credentials, recognition, or perfection before making a desired impact.

The organisers noted that ‘Now in its fourth year, The Roundtable has grown into more than just a conference. Convened by Kennedy Ekezie and supported by a team including PR and Communications Specialist Mojolaoluwa Abayomi, the event brings together a diverse cross-section of youth from different industries, backgrounds, and regions to share, learn, and build community.

‘The 2025 edition will draw over 1,300 participants, its largest turnout yet, but the impact went far beyond numbers. The atmosphere was marked by reflection, vulnerability, and bold storytelling, as participants explored what it means to start from where they are, with what they already have.’

The statement noted how the popular Tunde Onakoya, founder of Chess in Slums Africa, reminded the audience that small beginnings can carry global potential. ‘You must believe that whatever you have in your hands is absolutely significant,’ he shared, drawing from his journey of transforming lives with a chessboard.

The Director of Programmes, Kamsi Asuzu-Obumselu, described the event as ‘a village of presence,’ a space where young people gather not to impress, but to grow together.

‘Reflection prompts, group activities, and peer-led discussions helped translate the day’s messages into practical insight,’ Asuzu-Obumselu added.

Founder of Shredder Gang, Bumi George, spoke against the pressure for perfectionism, encouraging participants to show up even when they felt scared or uncertain. She emphasised that in a society where young people often hesitate to act until they feel flawless, vulnerability should instead be seen as the foundation for personal growth.

Additionally, Digital Creator Eric Gugua highlighted the necessity of commitment. He shared that consistent effort was essential to success, explaining that he had only seen real transformation in his work after moving beyond years of inconsistent dedication.

Dr Obiageli Ezekwesili brought a sense of urgency to the gathering, introducing a framework rooted in intention.

She encouraged the audience to take time to reflect, express gratitude, and accept responsibility.

According to her, courage and collaboration were essential values, not optional, stressing that ‘Character was the most lasting form of value,’ asserting that small-scale thinking was no longer sufficient, calling for increased collaboration among young people.

Stakeholders in Africa’s retail industry have been advised to prioritise digitisation, skills development, and policy advocacy. These are seen as key enablers of sustainable growth in the sector.

Ade Sun-Basorun, Chief Executive Officer of FoodCo Nigeria, gave the charge during a courtesy visit by a delegation from the Africa Retail Academy (ARA) to FoodCo’s head office in Ibadan. He was represented by the company’s Chief Commercial Officer, Funmi Aiyepeku. Sun-Basorun said technology and innovation remain critical to scaling formal retail across the continent.

‘While modern retail is undergoing different stages of evolution across Africa, what we can all agree on is that there are huge opportunities to scale the sector,’ Sun-Basorun said. ‘If critical players can leverage technology, innovation, and local intelligence to bridge existing gaps, we will begin to see the formal retail sector unlock its full potential and make meaningful contributions to the economy.’

He reaffirmed FoodCo’s commitment to deepening collaboration with ARA. He said this would focus on talent acquisition, capacity building, and advocacy.

Also speaking, Professor Uchenna Nzegwu, Head of Marketing at the Lagos Business School and Chairman of the 2026 ARA Congress, commended FoodCo for its four decades of contribution to Nigeria’s retail industry. He praised the company’s efforts in promoting gender inclusivity, innovation, and customer service excellence. He also called for stronger collaboration among stakeholders to make Africa’s retail sector globally competitive.

FoodCo was founded in 1982. It is a diversified consumer goods company with interests in retail, restaurants, manufacturing, and entertainment. The company operates 23 outlets across Ibadan, Lagos, and Abeokuta and employs over 1,200 people. It has also been recognised by the Financial Times as one of Africa’s fastest-growing companies in 2021, 2023, and 2024.

The Africa Retail Academy, an initiative of the Lagos Business School, is the continent’s largest community of retail practitioners. It also hosts the annual Africa Retail Congress, which attracts more than 5,000 operators, investors, and academics.

The role of the Chief Information Officer (CIO) has shifted beyond overseeing IT systems to shaping enterprise-wide strategy. CIOs are now tasked with driving transformation, aligning technology with business goals, and creating measurable value across organisations.

This requires not only technical know-how but also sharp business insight and leadership capabilities. ‘CIOs really need to be conversant across just about everything the company does,’ says Mike Loukides, vice president of emerging technology at O’Reilly. ‘That kind of breadth doesn’t come easily and it’s not a specialised, single-skill job.’ According to industry leaders, the most in-demand CIOs combine vision, innovation, and cross-functional collaboration to deliver results.

Here are seven critical skills that every organisation looks for in a CIO, highlighted by Industry leaders.

1. Visionary leadership and innovative results

Visionary leadership is key for CIOs, according to Peter Silas, CEO of Enable Healthcare. He explains that effective CIOs employ technology to deliver results such as improved patient care, reduced delays, and prevention of illness through data-driven insights.

‘At Enable, we facilitate an open teamwork environment in which all individuals across departments are invited to share their ideas with IT,’ Silas says. He adds that leadership involves creating an innovation culture where collaboration drives organisational progress.

2. The business insights of a COO

Technology skills alone are not enough, warns Ha Hoang, CIO at Commvault. CIOs must also act as ‘strategic storytellers’ who can link technological investments with measurable business outcomes.

Hoang says CIOs need to engage with other functions such as operations and sales to understand the organisation’s full scope. ‘This includes staying up to date on the latest business trends and engaging regularly with fellow CIOs, CISOs, and others in your field,’ he explains.

He compares the role to that of a COO, requiring a full understanding of the value chain in order to lead teams and support business evolution.

3. Strategic thinking and transformative instincts

Justice Erolin, CTO at BairesDev, argues that strategic thinking is what separates a good CIO from a great one. The ability to anticipate business needs, align technology with goals, and focus on long-term outcomes is essential, he says.

‘You shouldn’t try to be the smartest person in the room,’ Erolin advises. ‘Instead, try to build the smartest room.’ He notes that curiosity, openness, and collaboration are crucial for guiding digital transformation and delivering value.

4. Internal fortitude

CIOs face pressures comparable to those of other top executives, says Troy Gibson, fractional CIO at Centric Consulting. They carry responsibility for strategy, operations, and finances, while also being accountable for system failures and project delays.

‘Without fortitude, you’ll crack under that pressure,’ Gibson warns. He stresses that resilience is developed through experience, mentorship, and willingness to take on difficult projects.

According to Gibson, fortitude grows through consistent decision-making, transparency, and accountability. ‘Over time, those around you will come to see your constancy as a stabilising force for the entire organisation,’ he says.

5. The business acumen of a CFO

Business acumen connects IT to the bottom line, explains Nic Adams, CEO of Orcus. It allows CIOs to communicate in business terms rather than technical jargon, and to prioritise IT investments that deliver return on investment.

‘Acumen transforms the CIO office from a cost centre into a strategic value creator,’ Adams states. He adds that CIOs can strengthen this skill by engaging with business leaders, translating risks into business terms, and showing how IT contributes to revenue and efficiency.

6. Outcome orchestration talent

Dalibor Siroky, general manager of Plutora at Planview, defines outcome orchestration as the ability to convert strategy into measurable value. ‘Boards buy results, not roadmaps,’ he says.

Siroky advises starting with two or three business outcomes, appointing accountable leaders, and running a process that removes obstacles quickly. ‘Outcome orchestration combines strategy, funding, delivery, and adoption into a single system,’ he explains.

7. Solid communication skills

CIOs must also be effective communicators, says Rohit Garewal, CEO of Object Edge. The role involves explaining complex technical concepts in plain language, outlining the business value of emerging technologies, and addressing concerns about disruption.

‘An effective CIO must be someone who can bridge these gaps and serve as a liaison between parties,’ Garewal says. He adds that communication should build consensus without being political, with a clear view of how technology can support enterprise goals.

I woke up today with the feeling that there was something about this date. Then I remembered. it would have been Fred’s birthday.

Fred was my friend many years ago. He always came to visit his uncle, Caleb, during the holidays. Caleb was our neighbour, a young land surveyor who related well with us. Most evenings, when NEPA had done their thing, we would sit at a corner and gist until our parents began to call us in, one after the other. Those evenings are memories I still hold dear because they were simple, innocent times.

Uncle Caleb was older. Of course, he was a graduate and always had stories about life in the university. I listened with so much interest because I was eagerly waiting for my own admission into the university. His words painted the picture of a wider world: freedom, experiences and challenges. I would always daydream about how I would fit into that new life. But there was something I disliked: the way he spoke so highly about a particular fraternity. He praised them constantly, proudly pointing out that he was a member. I could see that he was planting ideas in Fred’s mind and also shaping his curiosity, and I wasn’t happy about it. But I was powerless to stop it.

Fred and I became close. We could sit for hours, talking about the future. My dreams leaned toward business. I wanted a degree but longed to be an entrepreneur. Fred, on the other hand, had his heart set on becoming a computer engineer. His plans were bold and his ambitions clear. I admired his drive, and deep down I believed he had what it took to succeed. He often teased me by saying I would end up as his wife. I used to laugh it off, thinking it was just a teenage joke. But slowly, his tone changed. He started asking me to have sex with him. That shocked me. We were only teenagers, still waiting for university admission. We had no business entertaining such thoughts, so I told him off firmly.

A few days later, I heard whispers that shocked me. Fred had gone around claiming I was his sex partner. The story spread fast, and before long, people began to see me as ‘an easy lay.’ I was crushed. Even his uncle, who once related well with me, suddenly stopped speaking to me. He would ignore my greetings as if I had committed some crime. I was the one wronged, yet I bore the shame. It broke my heart deeply, but thankfully, this happened just as I was preparing to leave for campus.

By the time I returned from school, the rumours had died down, but the scars remained. The whole experience had taught me a painful lesson about trust and how easily a reputation could be destroyed. Fred continued coming around during the holidays, but I made sure to ignore both him and his uncle. I had matured, and I was too busy to pay them any mind.

A year later, universities went on strike. We were all at home again, and that was when I saw Fred. I was sitting outside my house one evening when he walked past with his uncle. This time, he wore a beret, the colour boldly declaring his allegiance to the fraternity his uncle always praised. He wore it with pride, his uncle by his side, smiling from ear to ear, his shoulders lifted like a peacock. I watched them, and though they weren’t my favourite people, something inside me broke. For reasons I couldn’t explain, I felt pity for Fred. He had chosen a path, but I wondered if he really understood what he was walking into.

When schools reopened after the strike, I returned to campus. Holidays came again, but Fred was nowhere to be seen. For three consecutive holidays, he did not come to Lagos. I found it strange, but I could not ask his uncle since we still weren’t on speaking terms. His absence stayed at the back of my mind, but I buried the thought.

Then came a chance encounter on Facebook. Fred’s younger brother added me as a friend, and we began chatting. Finally, I asked the question that had been on my mind for years: ‘How is Fred?’ His reply was quick and unexpected: ‘Fred is dead.’

I froze. My heart sank. I asked how it happened, and he told me the story. Fred had been caught in a clash between two rival cults, and he was shot in the leg during the fight. When the police arrived to calm the situation, they arrested everyone. Fred was taken straight to prison alongside the rest, without any medical care. He begged them to call his mother, a medical doctor, but they refused. He pleaded for help as the wound worsened, but nobody listened. For two days, he nursed his injury. Those were the days before mobile phones were everywhere, so it took time for his family to even hear about his arrest. By the time his mother arranged for him to be moved to a hospital, it was too late. Fred died on the way.

That news shattered me. Fred had once been full of life, intelligence and ambition. He dreamed big and had the determination to achieve so much, but unfortunately, his choices had cut him down in his prime. Today, he would have been 50. I can’t help but think about the life he could have lived and the dreams he might have fulfilled.

And as for Uncle Caleb. wherever he is now, I wonder how he lives with himself knowing that he was the one who glorified the path that led his nephew to destruction. Fred was gone too soon, and the tragedy is that it didn’t have to be this way. His story reminds me that influence is powerful and can either build or destroy. No matter how intelligent or ambitious a person is, the choices they make will determine their future.

Life is fragile, and every day must be lived with wisdom.

Tunde Adeleye, Former Archbishop of the Province of Niger Delta in the Anglican Communion, has asserted that claims by Nigerian leaders of a better tomorrow were all a hoax.

Adeleye made the call in Calabar while reacting to the Independence Day speech of the President. Bola Tinubu.

The clergy man who was once Chairman Christian Council of Nigeria said the idea of telling Nigerians to endure momentary hardship for a better tomorrow was the same tale all the former leaders told Nigerians, yet things have remained the same

This was the same statement made by the late Former President. Mohammadu Buhari and even those before him, and when they left office, nothing changed,’ he said.

He noted that it was deceptive for anyone to say things were going well in Nigeria after 65 years, because we all know that we are not doing well as a nation.

He said his personal opinion was that Nigerians were deliberately being punished by the leadership at all levels in the nation.

‘Another falsehood peddled in the nation is that the youths are the future of Nigeria, just to keep them docile, because the same story was told to the youths over 20 years ago by the people who are still in power.

‘These leaders are still holding on to power for years, so, when exactly will the youths take charge in this nation? He enquired. On his part, Mr Richard Inoyo, Country Director, Citizens Solution Network, said Nigeria’s Independence Day was only celebrated by those in the presidency, governors, senators and other appointees of government.

He said the vast majority of Nigerians had nothing to celebrate because the only thing they had seen was the transfer of leadership from foreigners to locals with any corresponding dividends.

‘I drove through town yesterday and didn’t see Nigerians holding the green white green flag as it used to be because there was a sense of detachment in the air. In fact, if anything, October 1st is now a source of anger to the majority of Nigerians.

‘What we have now we say leadership that tells struggling Nigerians not to worry that it will be fine while they live in abundance wealth and luxury,’ he said.

Speaking further, Inoyo said Nigerians no longer believe in the speeches of the leaders because both the young and old in Nigeria are going through severe hardship in the nation, irrespective of what the leaders are saying.

According to him, it is not about talking of the healthcare and education sector when the leaders and their wards travel abroad to access these services or even security, when an average Nigerian can hardly sleep with his two eyes closed.

He added that as long as the 65th Independence Day was concerned, Nigeria is divided into two, the ordinary Nigerians bearing the brunt of hardship every day and those on the other side feeding fat on the sweat of the average Nigerians.

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has released its October 2025 weather outlook, predicting the gradual cessation of rainfall across the country, particularly in the northern region, and a steady transition to drier, hotter conditions.

According to NiMet, rainfall cessation will begin from the extreme north and progress southward, bringing clearer skies, longer sunshine hours, and rising temperatures. By mid-to-late October, northern states such as Sokoto, Borno, and Adamawa are expected to experience increasingly dry, sunny, and slightly hazy conditions.

In central states, including Kaduna, Plateau, Niger, and the Federal Capital Territory, intermittent rainfall may persist in the early part of the month, before gradually giving way to clearer skies and drier weather.

For southern Nigeria, NiMet projects near-normal rainfall in about 45 per cent of locations and below-normal rainfall in 35 percent of areas already experiencing prolonged dry spells. Despite the expected reduction in rainfall, humidity levels will remain high in the region, contributing to warmer and more uncomfortable conditions.

Temperature forecasts for October show daytime highs ranging between 30°C and 32°C, while nighttime lows are expected between 20°C and 23°C. Humidity will be elevated in the south but moderate in central and northern regions.

‘Temperature and Humidity Outlook

Daytime Highs: 30°C – 32°C

Nighttime Lows: 20°C – 23°C

Humidity: Elevated in the South; moderate in Central and Northern regions.’

NiMet also issued advisories for key sectors. Farmers in the north have been encouraged to commence post-rainy season activities, while those in central and southern regions are advised to monitor irregular rainfall patterns. Health authorities have been urged to prepare for possible heat-related illnesses, while transport and aviation operators are advised to stay alert to erratic weather conditions and liaise with NiMet for accurate updates.

‘Advisories; Farmers (North): Begin post-rainy season activities.

Farmers (Central/South): Monitor for irregular rainfall.

Health Authorities: Prepare for possible heat-related health issues.

Transport/Aviation: Expect erratic weather; liaise with NiMet for accurate forecasts.

General Public: Stay alert to flash floods, strong winds, and lightning. Follow NiMet updates,’

The agency further cautioned the general public to remain vigilant against flash floods, strong winds, and lightning, stressing the importance of following its periodic advisories and real-time weather updates.

For many Nigerians, freedom means more than the waving of green-and-white flags. At 65, the nation still grapples with an independence dream left unfulfilled, a home to call their own.

Nigeria’s housing deficit has swelled to more than 28 million units, according to developers and government estimates. In Lagos, where rent can swallow half a family’s income and landlords raise prices without notice, the weight of that gap is deeply personal.

Families cram into single rooms. Young couples delay marriage. Workers earning the new ?70,000 minimum wage see their paychecks vanish before rent day.

Against this backdrop, a different kind of independence story unfolded in Ogudu on October 1. Terra Developers, a Lagos-based firm, opened the gates of Olivia Gardens, a housing estate it says will put homes within reach of middle-income earners.

‘Gone are the days people will pay 100 million cash to buy a house,’ said Kola Ashiru-Balogun, the company’s managing director. ‘That is not affordable, that is not sustainable.’

Instead, the firm is leaning on mortgages, some offered at 6.5% under the National Housing Fund, to turn buyers into owners. Ashiru-Balogun called it ‘a chance for first-time buyers to step onto the housing ladder.’

The Squeeze of Survival

The reality of Lagos real estate is brutal. In upscale districts, homes sell for ?400-500 million ($270,000-$335,000), far beyond the reach of average workers. Inflation, slightly above 20 percent, has only widened the gap.

‘Many people were priced out,’ Ashiru-Balogun admitted. ‘But things are stabilising now. Mortgages are the way forward.’

Industry players share his optimism. Ayodele Olowookere, head of Imperial Homes Mortgage Bank, reminded would-be buyers that housing is one of the few investments that grows even in crisis.

‘If you had bought a home three years ago for ?40 million, today it would be worth nearly ?100 million,’ he said.

‘Waiting means losing.’

Buyers, he explained, can now pay as little as 10-30 percent upfront and stretch payments for up to 20 years.

Shelter Beyond Ownership

Still, not everyone can borrow. Millions earn too little or work in informal jobs. For them, even talk of a mortgage feels remote.

Ashiru-Balogun acknowledged that truth and pushed for rent control. ‘It’s not everybody that will buy a house,’ he said. ‘Let the government step in to protect renters.’ He suggested yearly rent hikes be capped at 3-5 percent, to give tenants breathing room.

That call struck a chord with Moyosore Ogunlewe, chairman of Kosofe Local Government. ‘We’ve built roads, schools and health centres,’ he said at the event. ‘But housing is where the dignity of families begins.’

Building Blocks of Change

Terra Developers says it has delivered more than 2,000 housing units between 2021 and 2024 and plans nearly 900 more in Lagos and Abuja.

For Emmanuel Ekwe, the company’s general manager for sales, the mission goes beyond profit. ‘Every square metre we build is meant to give families not just a house, but a chance at stability,’ he said.

Hope at the Edges

The new estate will not erase a housing deficit counted in millions. Yet, for young Nigerians who have long seen homeownership as a luxury, it offers a foothold.

Balogun admits as much. ‘The project alone cannot close the gap,’ he said. ‘But for families who have long seen homeownership as an impossible dream, it offers hope.’