Category: Business Day

Nigeria is intensifying reforms in its agricultural seed sector to boost food security, strengthen export competitiveness, and ensure farmers’ access to high-quality inputs as the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) begins a fresh evaluation of the country’s seed system.

Speaking in Abuja, Abdullahi Sabi, Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, reaffirmed President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s agricultural base through quality seeds.

‘The very first thing the President said in his agricultural manifesto was: ‘Plant the right seed, feed an entire nation.’ That vision is what drives us.

‘If we are to guarantee our food security, it means farmers must and should have access to affordable, quality seed at all times. Nigeria is more than happy to be part of this ecosystem’, Sabi said.

He stressed that Nigeria’s yield gap remains ‘worrisome’ and blamed poor-quality or fake seeds for limiting productivity.

‘Currently, there are a lot of people who claim to be seed entrepreneurs and they are just giving people grains, not seed. If this scheme can guarantee high-yield, disease-resistant, and climate-resilient varieties, then we are in good business,’ he noted.

The Minister further noted concerns about pesticide residues in Nigerian exports: ‘Today’s headlines are about toxic harvests. This is consigning.

‘We cannot allow our hardworking farmers to lose premium prices because of lack of knowledge. Good seeds reduce the need for agrochemicals and improve keeping quality and nutrition’, he added.

On his part, Fatuhu Mohammed Buhari, Director General of the National Agricultural Seed Council described the OECD mission as a ‘historic milestone’ for Nigeria.

‘The OECD schemes provide an international framework for the certification of varietal identity and purity of agricultural seeds in trade. Nigeria was the 62nd country to join, and just one year after accession, we have become the OECD Africa Forum Secretariat,’ Buhari said.

He revealed that Nigeria had already trained seed system actors from Gambia, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Rwanda, Congo, and Benin Republic, underscoring the country’s emerging leadership in Africa’s seed sector.

‘With OECD membership, Nigeria’s seed companies can now access international markets across Africa and beyond. This positions Nigeria strategically within ECOWAS to influence our neighbours to join the scheme.’

Representing the OECD, Aurelia Nicotte, Programme Manager, commended Nigeria’s progress since joining the seed schemes in 2023.

‘We sincerely believe that the OECD seed scheme contributes to food security goals and to the development of sustainable agriculture,’ Nicotte said.

‘It helps improve farmers’ livelihoods and contributes to economic growth because seed is really the start of the food system. You cannot do anything in agriculture without seed.’

On October 1st, Nigerian schoolchildren will line up in crisp uniforms, flags in hand, rehearsing patriotic songs beneath a sun that spares no one. Politicians will mount podiums, soldiers will salute, and the nation will once again perform the ritual of independence. Yet for millions of citizens, there is little to celebrate. Sixty-four years after self-rule, the freedom Nigerians were promised feels more like a mirage: a hollow ritual of sovereignty overshadowed by insecurity, inflation, and an ever-deepening cost-of-living crisis. The parades may honour independence, but the people remain shackled by hunger, corruption, and despair.

To be clear, it would be false to claim that nothing has changed since 1960. Nigeria has grown into Africa’s largest economy by GDP, with a dynamic fintech sector, a booming creative industry, and a diaspora remitting over $20 billion annually. The present administration, under President Bola Tinubu, insists that current pains are the necessary price of reform. Subsidy removal, exchange-rate unification, and renewed investment drives are presented as bitter medicine meant to cure decades of economic mismanagement. The government claims to be charting a difficult but necessary path, much like India or Indonesia endured turbulence before their economic takeoffs.

Yet here lies the paradox: Nigerians have heard this story before. From ‘austerity measures’ of the 1980s to structural adjustment in the 1990s, every generation has been told to ‘tighten belts’ for a brighter future. Each cycle leaves citizens poorer while political elites grow richer. Reform is not the problem; execution is. Policies are rolled out with haste, but without social safety nets, planning, or the political discipline to resist capture. The result is an economy where the poor bear the heaviest burden of reform, while the privileged remain insulated.

Consider the current subsidy removal. Yes, it was long overdue. Nigeria could not continue bleeding trillions to subsidize consumption. But removing it overnight, without credible palliatives or an efficient public transport system, has driven transport fares, food costs, and school fees beyond the reach of average families. In Lagos, the price of staples like rice and garri has nearly doubled within months. Meanwhile, the government promises palliatives that barely reach beyond photo opportunities. The policy may be right in theory, but in practice, it feels like punishing citizens for the state’s failure to plan.

Inflation hovers around 30 percent, the naira has lost much of its value, and foreign investors remain cautious despite official optimism. If reforms were meant to restore confidence, why then are businesses shuttering, multinationals exiting, and professionals leaving in droves under the ‘japa’ wave? Nigeria is witnessing not just capital flight, but talent flight. This is the most damning indictment of all: citizens no longer trust their leaders enough to stake their futures on this soil.

Some will argue that independence is about more than economics. Nationhood, they say, must be celebrated regardless of hardship. But symbolism cannot mask substance. Compare Nigeria with peers who began the journey at the same time. South Korea, Malaysia, and Singapore have built thriving, innovative economies, while Nigeria is still struggling to provide electricity, secure its roads, or keep its universities open consistently. Even within Africa, Rwanda and Kenya have shown that disciplined institutions and political will can translate to growth. The tragedy is not that Nigeria is poor, but that it has been deliberately impoverished by its own leaders.

This is why the rituals of October 1st ring hollow. We may fly the flag, but the nation is adrift. The challenge is not colonialism; it is our own ruling class, addicted to rent-seeking, incapable of long-term vision, and unwilling to confront the institutional rot that has corroded governance. Until Nigeria wins independence from misrule, all we have is geography, not destiny.

Yet there is still a sliver of hope. It lies not in podium speeches, but in the restless energy of Nigeria’s youth. They are building tech startups, pushing creative boundaries, and finding their voices in activism. They are also voting with their feet, migrating abroad in record numbers. The real question is whether the state can channel this energy inward, rather than exporting it. Can Nigeria build institutions that give its young people a reason to stay? Can reforms move beyond policy papers into live improvements in jobs, security, and justice?

True independence is not declared once a year; it is earned daily through accountable governance, functioning institutions, and an economy that offers dignity. The administration may be right that reforms are necessary, but Nigerians are equally right to demand evidence of progress. Without trust, reforms are simply pain without promise.

As Nigeria turns 65, the lesson is clear: we cannot eat symbolism. We cannot live on nostalgia. Until leaders deliver freedom from corruption, hunger, and insecurity, October 1st will remain a day of flags, not of freedom.

What began as crude phishing emails riddled with spelling mistakes has now evolved into a high-stakes battle against artificial intelligence-powered impersonations. From cloned voices to convincing video calls, cybercriminals are weaponizing AI to mimic reality so closely that even seasoned professionals struggle to tell the difference.

Cybersecurity expert, Okoli Ugochukwu, with over a decade of experience in security operations and incident response, has sounded the alarm: ‘Trust is no longer a starting point. It’s a reward that must be earned. In the AI era, we must verify first, then trust.’

According to him, traditional red flags like typos or suspicious email addresses have given way to sophisticated threats. Attackers now replicate a CEO’s writing style, voice, or even facial expressions in video calls to trick employees into releasing sensitive data or approving fraudulent wire transfers.

‘Imagine your CEO’s voice on the phone calmly asking you to authorize an urgent payment. Would you hesitate? That’s the new battlefield,’ Ugochukwu explained.

To combat this wave of AI-driven scams, he outlined five key defense strategies:

Multi-channel verification – Confirming requests across different mediums (e.g., email + phone call).

Contextual verification – Checking whether requests align with past behavior or tone. Zero-trust mindset – Treating every request as potentially malicious until verified.

AI-powered defenses – Using detection tools to flag anomalies in voice, video, or email.

Personal codes or safe words – Low-tech but effective human-only verification layers.

He emphasized that while the tools may be advanced, vigilance remains human-driven. ‘The landscape of trust has shifted. What can be faked in one channel is harder to fake across many. Habits of verification, not fear, will keep us resilient.’

With over 400 citations worldwide for his research on AI-driven cyber threats, Ugochukwu continues to push for a balance between human intuition and technology. His message is clear: as the line between truth and fabrication blurs, the key to digital safety is discipline.

Ugochukwu is a cybersecurity professional with 10+ years of experience in security operations, cloud security, and incident response. His research on AI and evolving AI-driven cyber threats has been cited over 400 times worldwide. He is committed to advancing cyber resilience through innovation, mentorship, and emerging technologies.

Seyi Amao’s Emotional Appetite Therapy has ignited a powerful movement for women’s health, as demonstrated at an inspiring pre-launch dinner in Lagos.

The intimate event, themed ‘Come Hungry, Leave Whole,’ brought together award-winning author and PCOS Conquerors founder, Seyi Amao with advocates, medical experts, and community partners to champion holistic wellness, particularly for women navigating Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and other health challenges, blending storytelling, science, and faith in an unforgettable evening.

Hosted by Deborah Oguike, known as ‘Debbie The Media Girl,’ the evening was a collaboration between One Wellness Clinic and PCOS Conquerors, with support from ProSkin Aesthetic Clinic, Adam Scents, Sissy Remi, Tsemaye Binitie, BB Artistry, and Orange Mic. Together, they crafted an experience that mirrored the heart of Amao’s book, a call to move beyond feeding emotional cravings to nourishing lives holistically. Amao described Emotional Appetite Therapy, as more than a book, as it is a pathway to wholeness. Her vision came alive through a carefully curated evening that combined expert insights, personal stories, and experiential elements. Guests were treated to a stirring reflection from Dr. Elizabeth ‘Dr. Fabulous’ Falabi, medical director of Feet2Fit Integrative Health and Wellness, who shared her own wellness journey.

A panel moderated by Sophia O. Emifoniye, CEO of Brunch Avenue, featured Dr. Jean Nassar, Pamela Bazi of One Wellness, and Hala El Hachem of ProSkin, diving into critical topics like fertility, nutrition, and holistic health.

The event also highlighted the intersection of financial and physical resilience, with Mrs. Joke Adu of Standard Chartered Bank emphasizing how financial empowerment supports overall well-being.

Pastor Moses Ida-Michaels of EcclesiaHills closed the evening with a blessing, framing the night as the start of a broader movement for women’s health.

The Nigerian government has promised to enhance teachers’ welfare, elevate the public perception of the teaching profession, and address other key challenges affecting educators nationwide, in a renewed effort to revamp the education sector.

The move aims to boost morale, and professional support of teachers across the country as the educators joined the global community to commemorate the 2025 World Teachers’ Day.

Olatunji Alausa, the minister of education, made this known on Tuesday, September 30, during a symposium in commemoration of World Teachers’ Day billed for Sunday, October 5, in the company of Suwaiba Ahmad, the minister of state for education. Alausa applauded Nigerian teachers, describing them as the custodians of knowledge, the builders of character, and the architects of national future.

The minister stressed that teachers remain the foundation of every profession.

‘Honestly, you have the most important and the best profession in the country. Who makes a doctor, an engineer and/or a professor? It is the teacher.

‘That is why the government is working assiduously to come up with better packages for you. Light is at the end of the tunnel,’ he said.

Besides, Alausa emphasised the need for teamwork and networking in modern teaching. ‘For too long, teaching has often been practiced in isolation. But when teachers collaborate, students are the ultimate beneficiaries. ‘They receive richer, more engaging instruction and witness firsthand the power of teamwork and shared responsibility,’ he stressed.

Moreover, he reassured teachers of the government’s support, acknowledgement, and training.

‘When you want the highest quality of education, you need a high-quality teacher. When you want a high-quality teacher, you give teachers the recognition, support, training, and the cooperation they need,’ he said. The minister commended Nigerian teachers’ global impact, stressing that anywhere in the world, when they say a Nigerian student becomes a professional, they do so well. And this, he said is the output of Nigerian teachers’ work.

‘We know we can’t pay you enough, but be proud of yourselves. On behalf of the President, I commend you for your sacrifices, your diligence, and your commitment to building our nation,’ he stated.

The global theme for the 2025 edition is ‘Recasting Teaching as a Collaborative Profession.’

World Teachers’ Day was first proclaimed in 1994 by UNESCO in collaboration with the International Labour Organisation (ILO), Education International (EI), and UNICEF.

It is celebrated annually to honour teachers and highlight their vital role in shaping education and society.

The city is buzzing with anticipation as Lagos Talks 91.3 FM announces ‘Conversations on Boards,’ a groundbreaking event set to bring some of Nigeria’s most influential personalities together for a series of high-stakes board game duels. The event, slated for October 2nd at the Muson Centre, is an effort aimed at showcasing a different side of prominent public figures as they engage in fierce but friendly competition.

The star-studded lineup promises an electrifying atmosphere, with each game offering a unique clash of strategy and wit.

One of the most anticipated matchups is the checkers contest between two prominent political figures, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, a visionary known for his architectural and political ambitions and Mobolaji Ogunlende, the determined Commissioner for Youth and Social Development. This duel goes beyond simple moves on a board; it’s a symbolic clash of political vision versus grassroots energy, a strategic contest for every square.

In a match that merges the worlds of football and media, former Super Eagles midfielder and sports icon Mutiu Adepoju, ‘the Headmaster,’ will go head-to-head with legendary sports broadcaster Charles Anazodo in a game of Whot cards. This is a battle where on-field genius meets on-air expertise, promising a test of nerve and quick thinking as these two legends vie for victory.

Laughter will be the main event in the Ludo showdown featuring two comedic giants, Acapella and Seyi Law. This match is set to be a spectacle of witty banter, hilarious jabs, and pure entertainment, proving that even in competition, the best of Nigerian comedy shines through.

‘Conversations on Boards’ is an innovative platform designed to provide a fresh perspective on these celebrated Nigerians. It’s a chance for the public to witness these leaders and icons in a relaxed, competitive environment, sparking meaningful dialogue and celebrating the art of conversation.

The General Manager, Deji Awokoya posits that ‘Lagos Talks 91.3fm has been at the forefront of innovation in talk station. In spite of the reality that many Nigerians are suffering from news fatigue, it is important that we present the news to the Nigerian people in a manner that is attractive to them.’

Chris Ubosi, Group Managing Director of Megalectrics Limited is excited that Lagos Talks is once again charting the course in innovative citizens engagement. He says, ‘we understand that Nigerians need to be informed about events happening in the country though often times, you hear a lot of complaints on our airwaves.

At Lagos Talks, we are committed to rebuilding the interest of the average Nigerian in governance by creating platforms such as this that allow for interaction between the people and the leaders.

It is also important to us that we remind the people that in spite of our political differences, we need to be friends to move the nation forward and our politicians do understand this. That is why we have Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour and Mobolaji Ogunlende, Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, two people with different ideologies play a game together.

The event is free but to secure a spot at this exclusive event, interested attendees are required to register by sending their name, age, location, profession, and phone number to [email protected].

The event, which begins at 2 pm, is a must-attend for anyone eager to see their favorite public figures in a thrilling and unexpected light.

This event is put together in celebration of Lagos Talks 91.3fm’s 9th anniversary and commemoration of Nigeria’s independence.

The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has raised the alarm over disturbing reports of rape, assault, and forced drugging of Nigerian girls allegedly held in deportation camps in New Delhi, India, describing the development as ‘heartbreaking and unacceptable.’

In a statement issued on Tuesday by Abdur-Rahman Balogun, director of Media, Public Relations and Protocols, the Commission said it was deeply distressed by videos and testimonies circulating from some victims, which point to serious violations of human dignity and fundamental rights.

Abike Dabiri-Erewa, NiDCOM’s Chairman/CEO, condemned the alleged abuses in strong terms, stressing that Nigerian citizens, irrespective of their location, must not be treated ‘as less than human’ under the guise of immigration control.

‘The alleged acts of sexual violence, physical abuse, and intimidation are both heartbreaking and unacceptable.

‘Nigerian citizens, wherever they are in the world, must not be treated as less than human, nor should their vulnerability be exploited under immigration procedures,’ Dabiri-Erewa said.

The Commission expressed concern that corrupt middlemen and organised groups may be worsening the ordeal of the detainees through exploitation and extortion, warning that such practices, if proven, undermine justice and endanger lives. The Commission disclosed that it is already working with the Nigerian High Commission in India, relevant Indian authorities, and international human rights bodies to verify the claims, provide medical and psychological support to affected persons, and ensure perpetrators face justice.

It further called on the Indian government to urgently investigate the allegations, dismantle exploitative channels, and guarantee the safety and dignity of Nigerians within its borders.

‘Our hearts go out to the young women and men enduring such traumatic experiences. We stand in solidarity with them and affirm that Nigeria will never abandon its citizens in their time of need,’ the statement read.

NiDCOM said it would continue to monitor developments closely and press for justice until the dignity of every Nigerian affected is restored.

Telecommunications giant Globacom has reaffirmed its commitment to Nigeria’s cultural heritage by renewing its sponsorship of the 2025 Ofala Festival, a vibrant celebration led by Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe, the Obi of Onitsha.

The announcement, made during a press briefing at the Obi’s Palace in Onitsha, underscores the festival’s pivotal role in driving Nigeria’s projected N11.2 trillion tourism sector contribution to GDP in 2025.The Ofala Festival, scheduled for October 17-18, 2025, will feature the Iru Ofala and Azu Ofala, alongside events like the Oreze Art Exhibition, a youth carnival, a medical outreach, and a royal banquet.

Globacom, the festival’s principal sponsor since 2011, emphasized that its support is rooted in the belief that cultural celebrations like Ofala are vital to Nigeria’s economy, identity, and global presence. ‘Nigeria’s tourism sector is expected to contribute N11.2 trillion to GDP in 2025, up from N10.9 trillion in 2024, with domestic tourism expenditure reaching N6.1 trillion and international visitor spending at N803.2 billion. These figures highlight the economic power of culture and tourism. Our investment in Ofala is about building communities, creating jobs, and fostering pride,’ Globacom stated.

Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State has called on Nigerians to remain steadfast in their commitment to building a stronger and more united nation, even as he observed that the country’s economy has improved tremendously.

Oborevwori, in his Independence message signed by Festus Ahon, his chief press secretary (CPS), urged Nigerians to continue to support President Bola Tinubu’s ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’ as well as his administration’s ‘MORE Agenda’, which, he said, were designed to improve the living standards of the people.

He noted that his government was investing heavily in massive infrastructure upgrades across Delta State, advancing a power revolution through a renewable energy mix, and creating an enabling environment to attract foreign direct investments. The efforts, he explained, were aimed at making life more meaningful for Deltans and residents and significantly boosting the state’s economy. The governor also used the occasion to appeal to all ethnic groups in the state to embrace peace and remain united, stressing that peace was a prerequisite for sustainable development.

Oborevwori reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to inclusive governance and pledged to continue working for the progress and prosperity of all Deltans.

Saliu Mustapha, Senator representing Kwara Central Senatorial District has called for collective efforts by all and sundry to tackle insecurity in the State.

Mustapha in a statement signed and released to journalists in Ilorin, expressed deep disturbance by the recent security challenges in parts of Kwara South and Kwara North Senatorial Districts.

According to him, for decades, Kwara proudly enjoyed an enviable reputation as one of the most peaceful State in the Federation but sadly, the recent wave of banditry and kidnapping is capable of eroding that record, ‘thereby unfortunately drawing our dear State into the wider national security concerns.

‘I extend my heartfelt sympathy to fellow Kwarans and families who have fallen victim to this senseless carnage, especially those who have paid the ultimate price. I send my deepest condolences to the families of the vigilantes, forestry guards, and others who lost their lives during the recent attacks in Oke-Ode, Ifelodun Local Government Area, as well as in Edu and Patigi LGAs of our State.

‘I must acknowledge the immense efforts of the Federal Government under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR; the Kwara State Government under His Excellency, Governor AbdulRahman Abdulrazaq, CON; and the gallantry of our security agencies who continue to put their lives on the line to protect us all.

‘This crisis is novel to Kwara, and this may partly explain why it has appeared intractable. I therefore urge the public to exercise understanding, patience and restraints while trusting in the capacity of both the Federal and State governments to overcome this menace.

‘More importantly, I call on all stakeholders across every spectrum political, traditional, communal, and religious to recognise this as a shared challenge requiring shared responsibility. If any part of Kwara is unsafe, then no part is truly safe.

‘I believe that we, the political class whether in government or opposition must rise above rhetoric and name-calling. This is a moment for unity, for collective action, and for prayers for divine intervention and for guidance for our leaders, whose decisions, in one way or another, affect us all as citizens.

‘We do not have another State apart from Kwara. Our future, our peace, and our prosperity depend on the choices we make today.

All hands must therefore be on deck to regain the peace and harmony Kwara State is known for.’