Category: Business Day

Rape is a criminal act of non-consensual sexual activity that violates a person’s bodily autonomy and dignity, and its consequences often extend beyond the act itself.

This is because the psychological consequences may persist long after the physical evidence of the assault is gone.

For survivors, the aftermath can manifest in disrupted sleep, anxiety, difficulty in trusting others, discomfort with physical contact and persistent feelings of fear or shame, and in some cases, the effects extend into relationships, sexuality, education, employment and other areas of everyday life.

Joanna (not her real name), a survivor, says she is living in a heightened state of alertness since her experience, and that physical contact that may appear harmless to others can trigger a defensive response in her, making ordinary interactions difficult.

‘It has made me very uncomfortable with physical touch,’ she said, explaining that the experience has also affected her ability to trust people and maintain relationships.

The consequences have extended into her sleep; Joanna says she has continued to experience nightmares and does not consider herself completely healed.

She disclosed that she has experienced sexual assault by multiple people at different stages of her life, adding another layer to the psychological burden she has continued to manage.

The experience of Chidinma (not her real name), another survivor, demonstrates another dimension of the aftermath of rape, as she disclosed that she has lived for a long period with feelings of shame, guilt and confusion about what happened to her.

‘For a long time, I felt ashamed and dirty because of what happened,’ she said.

The experience affected her relationship with physical contact, as she avoided touch for some time before eventually recognising that she had always been an affectionate person.

In retrospect, she understood that the experience had altered the way she related to intimacy and to her own sexuality.

Chidinma also said she was confused that during the assault she involuntarily responded and experienced pleasure, but noted that physical pleasure or arousal during assault does not constitute consent or indicate that the survivor wanted the experience in the first place.

This distinction is important in discussions about rape because consent must be freely given, and an involuntary physical response does not transform an assault into a consensual act nor does a survivor’s inability to resist the sensation remove responsibility from the perpetrator.

Despite this, public discussions of rape frequently shift attention towards the behaviour of the survivor.

Questions about clothing, location, alcohol consumption, relationships with the accused person or the failure to resist can become central to conversations that should instead focus on the conduct of the alleged perpetrator.

Such responses contribute to victim-blaming and can discourage survivors from seeking assistance or reporting offences.

The consequences are particularly significant in a country, like Nigeria where rape remains substantially under-reported.

For Chidinma, reporting the incident to law enforcement was considered, but ultimately abandoned because the person involved is a pastor who is trusted by her parents.

His position within the family and community contributed to her fear that her account would not be believed or would be dismissed because of his influence in the area.

She also struggled with self-blame, questioning whether she should have shouted or stopped the abuse immediately and that uncertainty became part of the psychological burden she carried after the incident.

Her account also contains an earlier memory that has continued to trouble her, as according to her, she was told that the same man had once opened her diaper and was caught by an adult.

As she grew older, she questioned why she had continued to have access to him when she ought to have had concerns about his previous behaviour.

The experience illustrates the potential consequences of overlooking warning signs when allegations involve individuals who are socially trusted and highly placed.

Joanna also considered reporting her experience, but decided against it, saying her decision was influenced by concerns about stigma and the reaction of people around her.

‘I was afraid of the stigma and how people around me would react,’ she said, explaining that her concern was not simply about gossip, but also about the possibility of being blamed for the consequences that might follow if action were taken against the perpetrator.

These accounts reflect wider barriers to reporting rape. Research has identified fear, shame, self-blame, stigma, concerns about not being believed and distrust of law enforcement institutions among factors that can prevent survivors from reporting sexual violence.

In Nigeria, under-reporting remains a significant concern, as survivors may also face financial limitations, inadequate access to legal assistance, fear of retaliation, family pressure and concerns about confidentiality.

The result is a gap between the existence of legal protections and the willingness or ability of survivors to access them.

Nigeria’s Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act, 2015 provides a legal framework for addressing rape and other forms of violence; the legislation criminalises rape and prescribes penalties for offenders, while also containing provisions relating to victims’ protection and remedies.

However, legislation alone cannot guarantee justice because the effectiveness of the legal framework depends on the institutions responsible for implementing it.

Police officers must receive complaints and conduct investigations; healthcare professionals must provide appropriate medical care; forensic evidence must be properly handled where available; prosecutors must build cases based on evidence; and courts must adjudicate matters fairly and without unnecessary delay.

A survivor who anticipates disbelief, exposure of confidential information, insensitive questioning or prolonged proceedings may conclude that remaining silent is less damaging than pursuing a complaint.

This is particularly concerning where the accused person occupies a position of social, religious or professional influence.

Chidinma’s account demonstrates how reputation can become an obstacle to disclosure. Her concern that a trusted pastor would be believed over her illustrates the difficulty survivors may face when the accused has established credibility within a family or community.

The response of authorities must therefore be based on evidence and due process rather than social standing.

An accused person’s profession, religious position, wealth, family connections or public reputation should neither guarantee guilt nor provide immunity from investigation.

Similarly, a survivor’s emotional response should not determine whether a complaint is taken seriously.

There is no single behavioural response to rape. Some survivors may resist physically, while others may freeze or remain silent. Some may report immediately; others may require months or years before disclosing what happened.

Psychological research has associated rape with increased risks of post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety and other mental-health difficulties. Survivors may experience nightmares, intrusive memories, avoidance, emotional distress and difficulties with trust and interpersonal relationships.

Joanna’s continued nightmares and discomfort with physical contact illustrate some of these consequences while Chidinma’s experience demonstrates another aspect of recovery: the gradual process of challenging shame and self-blame.

‘I think healing is possible,’ she said, although she does not regard healing as equivalent to forgetting the experience.

For her, recovery has involved recognising that the abuse was not her fault, becoming more compassionate towards herself and discussing the experience rather than carrying it in isolation.

She acknowledges that she is still healing just as Joanna does not regard recovery as a complete process because for her, healing involves learning to live with what happened and having supportive people who understand the effects of trauma.

These accounts demonstrate why recovery from rape cannot be measured simply by the passage of time.

The social response to rape is consequently an important component of recovery.

When families prioritise reputation over disclosure, when allegations are dismissed because of the status of the accused, or when survivors are encouraged to remain silent to avoid embarrassment, the consequences extend beyond the individual case.

Such responses can reinforce under-reporting and weaken public confidence in institutions responsible for addressing rape.

Government intervention must therefore extend beyond legislation; police officers, healthcare workers, prosecutors, lawyers and judicial officers involved in rape cases also require appropriate training to understand the nature of trauma and the particular challenges associated with investigating and prosecuting rape.

A survivor should not be required to present a particular emotional response before her complaint is considered credible nor should delayed reporting automatically be interpreted as evidence that an allegation is false.

At the same time, investigations must remain evidence-based and respect the rights of accused persons to due process. A survivor-centred approach does not mean abandoning fair investigation; it means ensuring that the person reporting a serious crime is treated with dignity throughout the process.

For Joanna, the message to society is that survivors should not be blamed for the crimes committed against them.

‘Stop blaming survivors and start holding perpetrators accountable,’ she said.

Her message to other survivors is equally direct: ‘What happened to you does not define your worth, and you are not alone.’

Chidinma similarly believes that survivors should not interpret confusion, silence or complicated emotions as evidence of responsibility.

‘Healing isn’t a straight line,’ she said.

Both women’s accounts point to a broader institutional and social responsibility, as they believe that survivors should not be left to manage the physical and psychological consequences of rape while simultaneously navigating stigma, disbelief and inadequate access to justice.

Where these responsibilities are not effectively discharged, the consequences can extend beyond the original crime because for survivors, the physical evidence of rape may eventually disappear, but the psychological effects can remain.

Whether those effects become lifelong burden depends partly on the support available to the survivor, the quality of professional care and the willingness of institutions to respond effectively.

The objective should therefore not be limited to encouraging survivors to speak, but to create a system in which speaking does not expose them to other forms of harm.

A survivor should be able to report rape without being treated as the person responsible for explaining why it happened and should have access to appropriate medical and psychological care, legal protection and a judicial process capable of investigating her complaint fairly.

The assault may last minutes.

The consequences may last years.

But the failure to respond should not be allowed to become another permanent part of the survivor’s story.

Tobore Oborevwori, wife of Delta State Governor has called for total eradication of stigmatisation of autistic children and children with special needs, as the You Matter Charity Foundation’s (YMCF) free medical outreach extends to Ika Federal Constituency of the state.

The practice of referring to children living with autism or other special needs as spiritual children, ‘Ogbanje,’ or by any other demeaning name, must be completely eradicated from our society, she said.

Such labels, Oborevwori explained are based on misconceptions and undermine the dignity of children who should instead receive love, protection, education and opportunities to fulfil their potential.

She made the appeal at the YMCF’s medical outreach held at Agbor in Ika Federal Constituency, Tuesday, where the foundation presented 20 wheelchairs to persons living with mobility challenges, as well as raised N6 million towards the medical care of a family with two children living with special needs.

Oborevwori, who expressed concern over the treatment of children with special needs in some communities, urged Nigerians to abandon harmful labels and provide the victims with the care, acceptance and support they deserve.

The YMCF’s founder also raised concerns over the shortage of adequate educational facilities and specialised support for children with autism and other special needs.

She urged communities and relevant stakeholders to promote greater acceptance and inclusion, noting that every child deserves the opportunity to live a meaningful and fulfilling life.

She appealed to healthcare practitioners across Delta State to prioritise the needs of children with autism and other special needs whenever they visit health facilities.

She urged medical workers to understand their needs, provide them with warmth and attention and, where possible, minimise the stress of long queues and prolonged waiting periods.

These children may have special needs but their dignity is not special, it is a fundamental right,’ Oborevwori said.

Lawrentta Ogbedo, the director-general of the YMCF, described Oborevwori, the founder, as a mother who had consistently demonstrated concern for vulnerable people across the state.

Ogbedo disclosed that the Foundation had so far donated 109 wheelchairs and 490 bags of rice, as well as interactive boards and other forms of support to beneficiaries across the state.

Joseph Onojaeme, Delta State Commissioner for Health, represented by Gloria Onajite-Mok, said the state government remained committed to strengthening healthcare delivery and caring for vulnerable residents.

He stressed the importance of early detection in improving health outcomes and encouraged beneficiaries to take full advantage of the medical services provided during the outreach. He lauded the founder of the YMCFand the partners for bringing healthcare closer to residents of Ika Federal Constituency.

Jerry Ehiwarior, chairman of Ika South Local Government Area had earlier welcomed the governor’s wife, noting that genuine development was about touching lives. Thus, he expressed appreciation for the support provided through the outreach and urged residents and beneficiaries to make good use of the opportunity even as he reminded them of the importance of regular medical checks.

Benjamin Keagborekuzi Ikenchukwu, the Dein of Agbor, praised the contribution of women to the development of Delta State and Nigeria, particularly women in the civil service and other sectors, while expressing appreciation for their contributions to the progress of the state.

He commended the governor’s wife for supporting children, women and the vulnerable members of society and urged continued efforts to identify and support them across the state.

The Foundation also pledged to support the treatment of two other children diagnosed with serious medical conditions, including a brain tumour and another who reportedly ingested a poisonous substance.

Young professionals participating in the Mastercard Foundation Associates Program have begun a 12 month placement journey aimed at providing them with work experience, mentorship and a pathway into long term employment.

The Associates were onboarded at an event organised by Jobberman in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation and LEAP AFRICA in Lagos on Thursday, August 13, 2026

The onboarding introduced participants to the structure of the programme, workplace expectations and the support available to them throughout their placement and allowed Associates engage with the programme team and their fellow Associates.

In his welcome address, Country Head of Programmes, Jobberman Nigeria, Olamide Adeyeye, welcomed participants to the event and congratulated the Associates on joining the programme.

He encouraged Associates to use the internship to gain experience and discover what they want to do, iterating that sometimes, through experience, people realise that their interests are different from what they originally studied in school.

‘Build competence because the skills you gain from your internship are important for your future role’

Toluwani Aina, Program Coordinator for the Mastercard Foundation Associates Program at Jobberman, said the onboarding was also intended to help participants build relationships with other Associates.

She said the event provided an opportunity for participants to understand their placement journey while meeting people who would be part of the wider programme community.

‘For today, what it means is first of all, networking, clarity into what the programme entails because it’s onboarding,’ Aina said.

She said Associates would receive support in areas including learning, mentorship, workplace experience, conflict resolution, performance reviews and appraisals.

Aina added that each associate would have access to a designated Human Resources personnel contact throughout the 12 month programme to provide guidance and help address workplace concerns.

Antonia Nnabuko, Head of People, Culture and Administration at LEAP AFRICA, said the programme was designed to help Associates understand what would be expected of them, as well as the responsibilities of the organisations supporting their placements.

She said Associates were not expected to arrive with a fixed set of skills, but should be willing to learn and adapt to the workplace, identifying willingness to learn, openness, curiosity and the ability to ask questions as important qualities for Associates during the programme.

Nnabuko said the programme’s success should not be measured only by completion of the 12 month placement, but also by what happens afterwards.

‘It’s not done until they are retained,’ she said, explaining that LEAP AFRICA hoped Associates would perform well enough to secure continued employment after their placements.

She added that Associates would have to take responsibility for their performance because retention would depend partly on their ability to demonstrate value to their host organisations.

For the Associates, the onboarding marked the beginning of a new stage in their careers.

Toluwalope Ajayi, one of the Associates, said she attended the event to understand the programme and prepare for what was ahead.

She said the opportunity was important to her because she had always wanted to practise journalism before developing an interest in media and communications.

‘It means a lot because it takes me a step further,’ Ajayi said.

After the 12 month programme, she hopes to look back at her progress and tell herself, ‘I’m proud of you.’

Another associate, Olusegun Elisha, described the opportunity as an answer to his search for direction.

He said the programme offered more than employment because it provided a structure for planning his career.

‘It comes with a map, let me say, it comes with a career map. So it’s not just like you have a job, but you have a job with a career map,’ Elisha said.

He said meeting other young professionals and Jobberman leaders during the onboarding also gave him an opportunity to learn from people pursuing different career paths.

As the Associates begin their internship journeys, programme organisers said the focus would be on learning, workplace performance, career planning and creating opportunities for participants to remain in employment beyond the 12 month programme.

Yiaga Africa said that the 2026 Osun State governorship election has demonstrated that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) can deliver a credible electoral process.

Speaking at a press conference in Osogbo on Sunday, Dr. Asmau Maikudi, Chair, 2026 Osun Election Observation Mission, Yiaga Africa said said the election provided an important test of Nigeria’s new Electoral Act 2026 and the capacity of electoral institutions ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Maikudi charged INEC that the performance at the concluded governorship election now has to be reproduced across 176,000 polling units and 36 states in 2027, without the concentration of attention and resources a single-state election attracts.

‘Osun demonstrates that INEC can meet a high operational standard, apply the Electoral Act 2026 and transmit results transparently when the election is well resourced and closely watched.

‘The task for INEC is therefore to convert the lessons from Osun into institutional standards. That means strengthening quality assurance for sensitive materials; resolving inconsistencies in voter data; standardizing implementation of downloadable PVCs and other provisions of the Electoral Act 2026; improving the resilience and transparency of IReV; and institutionalizing prompt public communication whenever technological or operational failures occur,’ she said.

She also said its observers found that INEC and security agencies largely passed the test of election-day preparedness.

Maikudi said, ‘this conclusion is important because Osun was not an ordinary off-cycle election. It was the last major governorship election before the 2027 general election and one of the earliest major tests of the Electoral Act 2026 and the new regulatory framework for election administration and results management.’

She said election logistics improved significantly, with 48 percent of its sampled polling units commencing accreditation and voting by 8:30 a.m., rising to 96 percent by 9:30 a.m.

Maikudi also said the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) functioned properly in 80 percent of polling units, while malfunctions recorded in 20 percent of polling units were fixed.

However, the organisation identified gaps in the implementation of electoral technology, particularly cases involving biometric authentication and the use of downloadable Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).

According to Yiaga Africa, downloadable PVCs were presented for accreditation in 23 percent of polling units, while observers reported that some voters presenting the digital documents were denied accreditation in seven percent of polling units.

She further said its most significant concern was not the accuracy of the announced results but the circumstances surrounding voters’ choices, citing widespread reports of vote buying and voter inducement.

Yiaga Africa said its independent statistical analysis showed that INEC’s official results were consistent with the ballots counted at polling units. Its estimates placed the Accord Party between 50.3 percent and 54.0 percent, ADC between 1.4 percent and 2.1 percent, and APC between 43.0 percent and 46.8 percent of the vote.

The organisation said INEC’s official results of 51.9 percent for Accord, 1.7 percent for ADC and 45.2 percent for APC fell within its estimated ranges.

‘INEC’s official results for the 2026 Osun State Governorship Election are consistent with Yiaga Africa’s WTV estimate, as they fall within Yiaga Africa’s estimated range. This indicates that the official results, as announced, reflect the ballots counted at polling units,’ she stated.

The organisation commended Osun voters for turning out despite what it described as an atmosphere of apprehension created by violence, inflammatory rhetoric and other pre-election concerns.

Maikudi stated that, ‘the resilience of voters in Osun was the quiet achievement of the August 15th elections. Citizens went to the polls in an environment shaped by the attack on PVC collection centers, politically linked violence, contestation over motor parks, and weeks of inflammatory rhetoric, conditions that Yiaga Africa warned could suppress voter participation.

‘Despite this, the tension, voters came out regardless. The turnout of 43% achieved under that apprehension is not a story of apathy but of citizens who refused to be intimidated out of the process.’

The observer group urged INEC to strengthen BVAS testing and maintenance, standardise the use of downloadable PVCs, improve IReV’s resilience and ensure prompt public communication whenever technological or operational failures occur.

The Abia State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to deepening collaboration with security agencies to strengthen security architecture in the state.

This is as the government and security agencies in the state agreed to forge stronger partnership to engage and sustain practical measures for stronger communication, coordination and public confidence in the security.

Okey Kanu, commissioner for Information, Abia State, while hosting public relations and communication officers of security agencies in the state, noted that the collaboration between the government and security agencies in the state will strengthen information sharing, improve public enlightenment and enhance security communication.

He said that the visit of the officers marked an important step towards building a stronger working relationship between the state government and the communication officers of the various security agencies. ‘There is every need for the state government to collaborate with the security agencies. Security is the bedrock on which society thrives,’ he said.

The commissioner noted that the Governor Alex Otti-led administration places high premium on security, stressing that the government’s investments in the sector had contributed significantly to the peaceful atmosphere and development being witnessed across the state.

‘You can spend all the money in the world. If you don’t have security, nothing really moves.’

Kanu explained that the protection of lives and property, which is a fundamental responsibility of the government, could only be effectively achieved in an environment where security is guaranteed.

He also highlighted the strategic role of security spokespersons in providing accurate, timely and responsible information to the public, particularly at a time when misinformation and disinformation can affect public confidence and security.

The commissioner explained that the proposed collaboration will provide a platform for better coordination and unified communication among the government and security agencies.

‘It is not enough to just visit. The important thing is what we make out of this visit going forward,’ he stated, adding that the ministry would engage further with the security communication officers to examine their proposals and develop practical recommendations that could be presented to Governor Otti.

Kanu noted that the government will continue to consolidate on its security achievements, through stronger partnerships with relevant stakeholders.

He noted that the recent South-East Security Summit hosted in Abia underscored the importance attached to security by the Otti administration and the need for continued collaboration among stakeholders.

Chris Onwuegbu, permanent secretary, Ministry of Information, while welcoming the delegation, assured them of the ministry’s readiness and availability to work closely with the security agencies.

He affirmed that stronger collaboration between the government and security communication officers, would promote effective information dissemination and improve public understanding of security issues across the state.

Linus Kalu Ikpe, leader of the delegation and Public Relations Officer of the Nigerian Correctional Service, commended the Abia State Government for its developmental strides and efforts towards strengthening communication, transparency and public trust in governance.

Ikpe said that the delegation’s visit was primarily to seek stronger collaboration with the state government, particularly in the area of security communication.

He said that the team of security spokespersons was committed to promoting accurate, timely and responsible information management across the state.

According to him, communication officers occupy a critical position in today’s security environment, stressing that greater synergy among them would enhance effectiveness, particularly as the election period approaches.

He proposed measures that would strengthen information sharing, enhance coordination and improve public confidence and safety through consistent and unified efforts.

He expressed appreciation to the state government and the commissioner for their continued support and expressed optimism that the proposed partnership would produce positive results.

The 2026 Osun governorship election has produced a result that is bigger than a routine second-term victory: Governor Ademola Adeleke has defeated the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, and demonstrated that Osun remains one of Nigeria’s most fiercely competitive political battlegrounds.

Adeleke, running on the platform of the Accord Party after leaving the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), polled 511,067 votes, against Oyebamiji’s 444,815, giving the incumbent a winning margin of 66,252 votes. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Adeleke winner after the results from all 30 local government areas were collated.

The headline of discussion in Nigeria political landscape therefore, is simple: Adeleke survives. But the deeper story is how he survived and what the result says about Nigerian politics ahead of 2027.

A victory against the federal tide. On paper, the APC had formidable advantages. Its candidate, Oyebamiji, benefited from the machinery of the governing party at the centre and the political weight of President Bola Tinubu. The APC also had the opportunity to turn Osun into a referendum on the performance of Adeleke’s administration.

Yet the federal advantage did not translate into victory. That matters. Osun has traditionally been an intensely competitive state where party labels alone rarely guarantee victory.

The 2026 Osun election again demonstrated that local political structures, candidate popularity, incumbency and voter sentiment can overpower the attraction of federal power.

Oyebamiji was not a lightweight challenger. He had strong political connections and the backing of former Governor Gboyega Oyetola, while the APC entered the contest determined to reclaim a state it regarded as strategically important.

Earlier assessments had identified the race as essentially a two-horse contest, with Adeleke’s incumbency facing the organisational strength of the APC. But on election day, Adeleke built the more effective coalition.

The 19-LGA question

Perhaps the clearest explanation for the result is the geographical spread of Adeleke’s support.

The incumbent carried 19 of Osun’s 30 local government areas, while Oyebamiji won 11. That is important because it shows that Adeleke’s victory was not simply the product of one overwhelming pocket of support.

The governor had to accumulate votes across different parts of the state, while the APC candidate was unable to turn victories in its strongholds into a statewide majority.

This is one of the central lessons of Osun politics: winning the loudest political territories is not necessarily the same thing as winning the state.

The final numbers reinforce that point. Adeleke’s 511,067 votes amounted to a clear lead over Oyebamiji, while ADC candidate Najeem Salaam finished far behind the two front-runners with 17,180 votes.

Adeleke’s incumbency finally paid dividends. Adeleke’s first-term campaign was effectively a referendum on his record.

His administration consistently pointed to road construction and rehabilitation, workers’ welfare, education, healthcare and social interventions as evidence that Osun had moved in the right direction since he took office in November 2022.

Opposition parties, however, challenged that narrative and accused the administration of weaknesses in areas including education, healthcare and financial management.

The election suggests that, whatever the criticisms, a substantial section of the electorate accepted the governor argument for continuity. That is politically significant.

Adeleke’s first victory in 2022 was achieved after a bitter contest with Oyetola. His second-term victory shows that he has moved from being an insurgent candidate to becoming an established political force in Osun.

The dancing governor has become a two-term governor. That is a considerable transformation. The bigger shock: Accord has defeated APC.

There is another layer to the result that should not be missed. Adeleke did not win under the PDP banner through which he originally became governor.

He won on the platform of Accord. That makes the victory particularly uncomfortable for the PDP, while simultaneously raising questions about the traditional importance of party structures in Nigerian elections.

The PDP’s failure to field a candidate in Osun had already radically altered the political landscape. INEC’s final candidate list confirmed that 14 political parties were participating, but the practical contest was dominated by Accord, APC and ADC.

Adeleke has therefore demonstrated something Nigerian politicians understand very well: in a personality-driven electoral environment, the candidate can sometimes become bigger than the party.

That lesson will not be lost on politicians preparing for 2027.

APC’s defeat is not the same as political collapse. It would, however, be a mistake for the APC to read the result as evidence that it has become irrelevant in Osun.

Far from it. Oyebamiji’s 444,815 votes show that the APC possesses a substantial electoral base in the state. The party won 11 LGAs and came within 66,252 votes of defeating a sitting governor. That is not a political wipeout. It is a warning.

The APC demonstrated that it can mount a serious statewide challenge. What it could not do was convert that strength into the broader coalition required for victory.

For the party, the post-election question will be brutally simple: where did the additional votes needed for victory disappear?

Was it candidate selection? Internal cohesion? The strength of Adeleke’s personal network? Voter perception of federal performance? Or the APC’s inability to translate its national political dominance into local enthusiasm? Those questions matter well beyond Osun.

The real winner may be the 2027 political strategist. Osun is an off-cycle election, but its consequences are national.

The election has become an early laboratory for the strategies that may dominate the 2027 general elections.

The APC will study the result for clues about the limits of federal incumbency.

Opposition politicians will study it for evidence that a popular incumbent can survive against a powerful ruling party even after changing platforms.

And political consultants will focus on something even more basic: turnout.

Before the election, Osun’s registered electorate had grown dramatically, from about 1.96 million in 2022 to roughly 2.34 million in 2026 an increase of nearly 20 per cent.

Analysts had also identified younger and first-time voters as a potentially decisive demographic.

Yet turnout remained below half of registered voters. That is both an opportunity and a warning.

The politicians who can mobilise voters without relying primarily on intimidation, inducement or fear may possess a major advantage in future elections.

But the election was not without troubling signs

The victory should not obscure the problems surrounding the contest. There were reports of violence, intimidation and disruption at some polling locations.

In Ejigbo, for example, INEC materials were reportedly destroyed and voters fled a polling unit after an attack.

Other incidents, including reports of gunfire around a collation centre in Osogbo, raised concerns about the security environment.

There were also allegations of vote buying. Some residents alleged that political parties offered cash to voters, while fears of intimidation contributed to concerns about voter participation.

These incidents are a reminder that Nigeria’s electoral progress remains uneven.

Technology can improve transparency, thousands of polling-unit results were uploaded to INEC’s IReV portal during the process, but technology cannot by itself prevent violence, inducement or political intimidation.

The credibility of an election ultimately depends on what happens before, during and after the vote.

What Adeleke must do now. The campaign is over.

The dancing, rallies, accusations and counter-accusations must give way to governance.

Adeleke’s second term will be judged more harshly than his first because the excuse of being a new governor is gone. He now has a clear mandate and four years of experience.

The expectations will be higher on infrastructure, jobs, education, healthcare, workers’ welfare and the management of the state’s finances.

Most importantly, Adeleke must resist the temptation to interpret victory as a licence for political triumphalism.

His 511,067 votes are a mandate, but they are not the entire electorate.

A second-term governor has an opportunity to turn a competitive electoral victory into a broader political reconciliation.

And what next for Oyebamiji?

For Oyebamiji and the APC, the result should trigger introspection rather than recrimination.

The party was competitive enough to win 11 LGAs and collect nearly 445,000 votes. That means the foundation for a future comeback remains intact.

But APC strategists must determine why the party could not break through in the decisive areas.

They must also consider whether an overly nationalised campaign can defeat a locally popular incumbent.

Osun has repeatedly shown that its voters are capable of making independent calculations.

The final verdict

The 2026 Osun election has produced three immediate conclusions.

First, Adeleke is no longer an electoral experiment. He is now a two-term governor.

Second, the APC remains a formidable force but has not yet solved the Osun puzzle.

Third, the result is an important signal ahead of 2027: Nigerian voters may still reward incumbents on the basis of local performance, personality and political organisation, even when the opposing party controls the federal government.

The deeper significance of Osun is therefore not merely that Adeleke won.

It is that the federal machine came to Osun, confronted a determined incumbent, and discovered that state-level politics still has its own logic.

That may be the most important message from the Living Spring to Nigeria’s political class.

For Adeleke, the celebration can begin.

For the APC, the post-mortem has already begun.

And for 2027, the political calculations have just become considerably more complicated.

Coronation Registrars, a subsidiary of Coronation Group, has been recognised with three international awards in 2026, underscoring its leadership in shareholder services, capital market administration, and registrar innovation in Nigeria.

The company received two honours at the Global Economics Awards: Most Innovative Registrar for Unclaimed Dividend Resolution and Leading Registrars for Capital Market Services.

It also won the Gazet International Annual Award for Excellence in Shareholder Services and Capital Market Administration – Nigeria 2026.

The awards recognise Coronation Registrars’ consistent focus on innovation, operational discipline, and customer-centred service delivery in support of a more efficient and investor-friendly capital market.

Commenting on the achievement, the Chief Executive Officer of Coronation Registrars, Oluseyi Owoturo, said the recognitions reflect the company’s deliberate efforts to transform shareholder services and create long-term value for investors and issuers alike.

‘These recognitions reflect our commitment to redefining shareholder services through innovation, operational excellence, and a deep understanding of our clients’ evolving needs. At Coronation Registrars, we believe every interaction should build trust, simplify processes, and create lasting value for shareholders, issuers, and the wider capital market ecosystem. We are honoured by these awards and remain committed to setting higher standards of excellence in the industry,’ he said.

Over the years, Coronation Registrars has continued to strengthen its service model through technology-enabled solutions designed to improve shareholder engagement, simplify key processes, and deliver greater efficiency across the registrar value chain. Its work spans dividend administration, corporate actions management, shareholder data management, and digital platforms that make it easier for investors to access and manage their holdings.

The award for Most Innovative Registrar for Unclaimed Dividend Resolution is particularly significant, as it recognises the company’s contribution to addressing one of the Nigerian capital market’s most persistent challenges. By deploying practical and technology-driven solutions, Coronation Registrars has helped make the dividend recovery process more accessible, transparent, and efficient for shareholders.

Its recognition as Leading Registrars for Capital Market Services further affirms the company’s role in delivering dependable registrar services and supporting issuers with the operational infrastructure required for effective stakeholder management, compliance, and market engagement.

The Gazet International recognition adds to this momentum, highlighting Coronation Registrars’ reputation for service excellence, governance, and its broader contribution to strengthening confidence in Nigeria’s capital market.

As the market continues to evolve, Coronation Registrars remains focused on deepening digital transformation, enhancing shareholder experience, and delivering solutions that respond to the changing needs of investors, issuers, and regulators. The triple recognition reinforces the company’s standing as a trusted registrar and a forward-looking partner in the continued development of Nigeria’s capital market.

Parents have been advised to ensure that education of their children is on the top of their families’ priority lists.

The advice was given by Funmilayo Oladipo, proprietress of TOMVIC Group of Schools, Ilasamaja, Lagos, during the graduation ceremony held recently.

‘Investment in education is the most enduring legacy any parent can leave for his/her children. So, I must remind all our parents to continue to put top on your priority list the education of your children,’ she said.

Appreciating the efforts of parents of the pupils in her school, Oladipo said: ‘We cannot thank you enough. We understand the realities of the current economic situation in our country. But you have continued to make enormous sacrifices to give your children quality education. We sincerely appreciate every school fee paid, every early morning school run, every word of encouragement, and every sacrifice you have made.’

Addressing the graduating SS3 students, she urged them to remember that their certificate alone would not define their future, but their character, integrity, humility, hard work, and fear of God ‘which will open doors that certificates alone cannot.’

According to her, ‘The world you are stepping into is full of opportunities, but it also comes with challenges. Be responsible young men and women. Avoid bad company, remain focused on your goals, and never stop learning. Whatever career path you choose, strive to be the very best.’

She also gave the assurance that all the schools under the group- Nursery, Primary and College- would continue to build on its legacy of excellence.

Making particular reference to the exploits of the school’s alumni in various fields of endeavour, Oladipo said: ‘Tomvic Comprehensive College has produced graduates who are making meaningful contributions in different professions and sectors of society. Our alumni are today medical doctors, engineers, lawyers, scientists, teachers, entrepreneurs, public servants, among others. Many of them have completed their master’s degrees, while others are pursuing their Doctorate degrees. Several are excelling both within Nigeria and abroad.

‘This should encourage our JSS3 students to know that great things can begin right here at Tomvic. The success stories of those who have gone before you are proof that with determination, discipline, and the right guidance, you too can achieve greatness.’

She further assured the parents that the school was ‘committed to maintaining high academic standards, sound discipline, moral values, and quality education that will prepare them for a successful future. We look forward to continuing this journey with your families.’

There is something we often miss when we talk about economic confidence. We tend to look first at inflation, exchange rates, foreign reserves, GDP growth, and investment flows. And rightly so. These indicators tell us something important about the health of an economy.

Extract:

‘People don’t experience policies as press releases. They experience them at petrol stations, markets, workplaces, banks, hospitals, schools and on the roads.’

But confidence is not built by numbers alone. It is also shaped by what people believe those numbers mean, and, perhaps more importantly, whether they believe what their leaders are telling them about the road ahead. This is where leadership communication becomes more than public relations.

When a government announces a major economic reform, citizens do not hear the announcement in isolation. Businesses interpret it through the cost of doing business. Investors interpret it through risk. Households interpret it through the price of food, transport and electricity. Young people interpret it through a more personal question: Will my future be better than my present?

The words may be the same. The experience is not. Nigeria’s recent economic reform journey offers a useful case study. Over the past three years, the country has undertaken significant reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidies, changes to the foreign-exchange regime and tighter monetary and fiscal policies. The International Monetary Fund says these reforms have improved macroeconomic stability, rebuilt external buffers and strengthened resilience. Investor confidence has also improved.

Those are important gains. But there is another side to the story. The same IMF assessment notes that conditions remain difficult for many Nigerians, with poverty, food insecurity and higher living costs continuing to weigh heavily on households.

So which story should Nigerians believe? The answer is: both can be true. An economy can become more stable at the macroeconomic level while households continue to struggle at the microeconomic level. And this is precisely where leadership communication is tested.

When the policy is right but the message falls short: Consider fuel subsidy reform.

There was a strong economic argument for ending a costly subsidy system. The World Bank has argued that subsidy reform could create fiscal space for development spending, while also stressing the need to protect vulnerable households from the immediate effects of higher fuel prices.

The policy rationale may therefore be clear. The communication challenge is harder. For government, the message may be about fiscal sustainability. For a commuter, it may be the cost of getting to work. For a small business owner, it may be transportation, energy costs, and the price of keeping the doors open. For a parent, it may simply be whether the monthly income can still cover food and school expenses.

This is why economic communication cannot stop at explaining why a reform is necessary. Leadership must also explain what happens next. What will improve? When? Who will be protected? What sacrifices are temporary? What should citizens watch for? These are not merely public-relations questions. They are questions of credibility.

The problem with announcing the destination without explaining the journey: The same principle applies to tax reform.

Government may say: ‘We need a stronger revenue base.’

A business may hear: ‘My operating costs may increase.’

A citizen may ask: ‘What will I get in return?’

That last question matters. People are generally more willing to accept difficult reforms when they understand the destination and can see evidence that the journey is being managed fairly. People don’t experience policies as press releases. They experience them at petrol stations, markets, workplaces, banks, hospitals, schools and on the roads.

That gap between the policy narrative and the lived narrative can become a serious credibility problem.

Investor confidence is not the same as citizen confidence: Perhaps the more interesting question for Nigeria is whether investor confidence and citizen confidence can move in different directions. The evidence suggests they can.

An international investor may be encouraged by stronger reserves, improved foreign-exchange market functioning and fiscal reforms. A Nigerian household may be asking a different question:

‘Can I afford my life?’ Both perspectives matter. A government that communicates only to investors risks losing citizens. A government that communicates only to citizens risks failing to reassure the markets that provide capital. Good economic leadership therefore requires something more sophisticated: a narrative that connects macroeconomic reform to everyday economic reality.

People need to understand not only that the economy is improving, but how that improvement will eventually reach them.

Words must meet evidence: This is where leadership communication deserves a rethink. The problem is not necessarily that governments communicate too much. Often, they communicate too little about the things people actually want to understand.

There is a tendency to announce achievements rather than explain trade-offs; to celebrate milestones rather than acknowledge uncertainty; and to present reforms as destinations rather than journeys. But credibility is rarely built by pretending that difficult things are easy.

A leader who says, ‘This reform will be painful. Here is why we are doing it, here is who will bear the greatest burden, here is how we intend to protect them, and here is how you can hold us accountable,’ may ultimately build more trust than one who promises that everything will quickly become better.

Honesty does not weaken economic communication. It can strengthen it. Communication should not be the final stage of policymaking. It should be part of policymaking.

What should leaders do differently? First, communicate the trade-offs, not just the benefits. Every serious economic reform has winners, losers, costs, and uncertainties. Saying so does not make leadership weaker. It makes the communication more credible.

Second, connect national indicators to household realities. If inflation is falling, explain what that should mean for businesses and households. If investment is rising, explain how that translates into jobs, productivity and opportunity. Third, make timelines part of the message.

People can tolerate uncertainty better when they understand what is known, what is not known and when the next review will happen.

Finally, listen. Communication is not simply the transmission of information from government to citizens. It is a feedback system. The strongest leaders do not only speak. They pay attention to what comes back.

The narrative test: Nigeria does not lack economic announcements. What we need is greater confidence that announcements, policies and lived experiences are telling the same story. That is the real test of leadership communication. Not whether a speech sounds reassuring. Not whether a headline is positive.

Not whether a press statement is beautifully written. But whether, over time, the evidence catches up with the promise. Economic confidence is ultimately an act of belief.

Investors must believe the rules will hold. Businesses must believe they can plan. Citizens must believe that sacrifice has a purpose. And young people must believe that the future their leaders describe is one they have a realistic chance of participating in.

Leadership therefore has a responsibility that goes beyond managing perception. It must manage expectations honestly, explain difficult choices clearly, and build a credible bridge between today’s sacrifice and tomorrow’s promise.

Because when leadership speaks, people are not merely listening to the words. They are listening for a reason to believe. And that is where the narrative truly matters.

As Nigerian households increasingly embrace technology to simplify everyday living, laundry care is evolving beyond a routine household chore into a smarter, more efficient home experience.

From busy professionals navigating demanding schedules to growing families seeking greater convenience, consumers are looking for washing solutions that save time, reduce effort, and deliver better care for their clothes.

While TwinTub washing machines remain a familiar feature in many Nigerian homes because of their affordability and practicality, consumer expectations are changing. Increasing awareness of convenience, hygiene, fabric care, and energy efficiency is driving interest in solutions that offer more than basic washing performance. Today’s consumers are seeking appliances that simplify household routines while supporting a more modern lifestyle.

Responding to these changing needs, LG Electronics offers a portfolio of TwinTub, Top Load, and Front Load washing machines designed to suit different household requirements. Developed with advanced washing technologies, the range delivers powerful cleaning performance while helping users improve efficiency, protect fabrics, and enjoy greater convenience in their daily lives.

For consumers considering an upgrade from traditional laundry methods, LG Top Load washing machines are designed to handle the demands of modern households, offering larger load handling, intuitive controls, and efficient washing performance that simplify everyday laundry care.

At the premium end of the range, LG Front Load washing machines deliver advanced laundry care through enhanced washing performance, improved water and energy efficiency, and superior fabric protection. Their intelligent washing systems are designed to provide thorough cleaning while helping garments maintain their quality over time, making them an increasingly attractive option for consumers seeking long-term value and convenience.

Oktae Kim, general manager, Home Appliances Solutions, LG Electronics West Africa, modern laundry solutions should do more than simply wash clothes. They should help families reclaim valuable time and make everyday life easier.

‘Modern families are looking for solutions that help them spend less time on household chores and more time on the moments that matter most,’ he said.

Kim further said: ‘At LG, our approach to laundry innovation combines advanced technology with consumer education and community engagement. Through our Free Laundry Centres, our partnership with Aspira Nigeria Limited, makers of VIVA-Matic Detergent, and the LG Laundry Masterclass organised in collaboration with Clean Ace Dry Cleaners, we are helping consumers make informed decisions about garment care while enjoying a more convenient laundry experience. These initiatives reflect our commitment to making laundry easier, more efficient, and more rewarding for Nigerian households.’

Beyond convenience, hygiene has become an increasingly important consideration for many consumers. Families are paying closer attention to how effectively their clothes and household fabrics are cleaned, particularly as awareness around health and wellness continues to grow. This has increased demand for washing solutions that deliver deeper cleaning performance while supporting proper fabric care.

As smart living continues to shape purchasing decisions across Nigeria, household appliances are increasingly being evaluated based on their ability to combine performance, efficiency, and convenience. Features that support improved hygiene, fabric care, and resource management are becoming important considerations for consumers seeking practical solutions for modern living.

Against this backdrop, consumer education and access to innovative technologies are playing an important role in shaping the future of laundry care. Through its range of washing solutions and consumer-focused initiatives, LG is helping Nigerian households embrace smarter approaches to laundry while supporting greater convenience, efficiency, and confidence in garment care.