Category: Daily Trust

The FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, has officially flagged off the construction of a 7-kilometer road project from the Bill Clinton Drive of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport to the Tunga Madaki community in Abuja.

Speaking at the flag-off ceremony in Abuja on Monday, the FCT Minister emphasized that the project, which will bypass the Airport’s second runway, is a direct fulfillment of a promise made by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to the nine affected communities within the airport precinct that gave up their land for the construction of the second runway. The Minister said, ‘One of the things that the communities asked for is that they had to be connected and linked up with roads; it would be quite unfair that their land was collected for a second runway, yet they have no access to even go to the airport. It does not make sense. I had to take this matter to the President, and Mr. President said, ‘Whatever they ask for, give it to them’.’

President Bola Tinubu has declared that Nigeria will not disintegrate under his watch.

This is just as he asked Nigerians to stop talking about the country in the negative tone.

Tinubu spoke on Wednesday while unveiling the renovated Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts, formerly known as the National Arts Theatre in Lagos.

Tinubu arrived at the venue at about 6:24 p.m for the reopening ceremony of the monument.

The President had in July 2024 renamed the edifice the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts in honour of the Nobel Laureate.

The renovation of the Centre was funded and overseen by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in collaboration with the Bankers’ Committee.

The Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy provided policy direction and oversight, guiding the transformation of the facility into a national asset and a launchpad for Nigeria’s creative industries.

At the unveiling on Wednesday, Tinubu was joined by the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, H.E. Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, Emir of Kano, Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II, and the host of the occasion, Professor Wole Soyinka.

Speaking at the event, Tinubu reiterated his position that the worst is over the economic crisis and urged Nigerians to believe in themselves and give others hope they need.

‘From now on like I said yesterday, the worst is over, the economy has recovered. I’m confident that prosperity will come. Believe in yourself and give everybody the hope they need. Lift the spirit of our people.

‘This is the giant of Africa, it won’t fall on you, it wont disintegrate in my hand,’ he said.

He also urged Nigerians to stop talking about the country in the negative tone.

‘Tonight, let me say something that is very important to me, to you, government and Nigerians in diaspora, which is – stop talking about Nigeria in the negative tone. This is a country of very proud people. It is about ourselves, believing in something we inherited from our parents and great forebearers. A nation of great people, confident and dedicated.

‘Let’s build it together, this country will succeed and it is with you, myself and many other people who may not be here.

‘Please, lift Nigeria, believe in Nigeria, put Nigeria first. That’s all I need to emphasize tonight. It has been a wonderful evening, I have enjoyed myself.’

Tinubu described Soyinka as one of the greatest assets of the world, saying he has contributed to nation building, courage and freedom.

‘So, it couldn’t have been anything else and I know definitely you (referring to Soyinka) will not disobey this president. I said it has to be Wole Soyinka Centre,’ Tinubu said.

In his welcome remarks, the CBN Governor, Yemi Cardoso, said the Wole Soyinka Centre is more than a renovation, but a rebirth.

He said the centre’s iconic silhouette has been preserved while delivering world-class performance halls, cinema spaces, exhibition galleries, an African literature library,

rehearsal rooms, media and medical facilities, and fully modernised

infrastructure.

According to him, the surrounding grounds now offer gardens, outdoor exhibition

areas, upgraded access, and seamless integration with the Lagos Blue Line

rail, placing culture at the heart of city life.

He said ‘This edifice has stood for nearly half a century as a proud symbol of our

heritage. Completed in 1976 and inaugurated at FESTAC ’77, it became a

beacon of African creativity and a repository of our shared history. Many here

will recall both its golden years of cultural vibrancy and the long period of

neglect that followed. Even in silence, however, the Theatre remained the

soul of our cultural identity, awaiting revival. Today, that day has come.

‘The performances we have witnessed today by ensembles from across

Nigeria bring this Centre to life and remind us that its true power lies not only

in its architecture but in the voices, movements, and stories it will host.

‘Allow me to emphasize that none of this would have been possible without

extraordinary partnerships. The Central Bank of Nigeria, the Bankers’

Committee, the Lagos State Government, and the Ministry of Art, Culture, and

the Creative Economy came together with a shared purpose to deliver this

national project, with the Bankers’ Committee alone committing

approximately ?68 billion, not as corporate social responsibility but as a

deliberate investment in Nigeria’s cultural future. This project stands as proof

that when the public and private sectors unite behind a shared national

purpose, there is no limit to what Nigeria can achieve.’

Responding, Soyinka said ‘In all seriousness, I want to thank you for this honour. Those of you who’ve been involved in it, including your president, who’s a great conspirator, who knows how to lay ambush here and there. It’s okay. This netted yet another victim, and I want to thank you. And for all those who’ll be using this hall, let me remind you that I really represent the preoccupation, the commitment, the commitment of others. My hope is that with the recreation of this building, this institution, we won’t be going all the way to Abu Dhabi to watch African theatre.’

The PULA Foundation, in collaboration with the Presidential Food Systems Coordination Unit (PFSCU) and Bayer Foundation, has launched a groundbreaking agricultural insurance initiative to enhance the resilience of Nigeria’s agricultural sector.

The partnership aims to provide climate-resilient agricultural risk mitigation methodologies to approximately 248,000 smallholder farmers across eight states – Ekiti, Plateau, Kaduna, Enugu, Jigawa, Borno, Nasarawa, and Taraba.

This innovative initiative is part of the National Agribusiness Planning Mechanism (NAPM) program, which was co-created by PFSCU, PULA, and Bayer Foundations.

The program’s primary objective is to ensure that Nigerian farmers engage in climate-resilient agriculture risk mitigation methodologies, thereby improving crop yields and reducing losses due to climate-related risks. The partnership has received strong support from state governments, with eight states already onboarded as part of a pilot program.

State governors have demonstrated their commitment to indemnifying their farmers with promptly paid premiums, which will be matched by a commitment from PULA and Bayer Foundations for four seasons.

Leadway Insurance will act as the preferred insurance agency to harmonise and assure the program’s insurance cover for each farmer.

According to Marion Moon, Executive Secretary of PFSCU, ‘By engaging directly with those who implement policies and systems, we gain valuable insights into the specific challenges they face. Understanding these pain points is crucial for developing effective solutions.’

Rose Goslinga, Executive Director of PULA Foundation, noted that ‘across sub-Saharan Africa, small farmers are the bedrock of national and regional economies-unless the weather proves unpredictable and their crops fail. The solution is insurance, at a vast, continental scale, and at a very low, affordable cost.

‘This visionary approach underscores PULA’s commitment to supporting the Nigerian government and state governors in their quest for food security, sustainable agricultural practices, and climate resilience.’

Dr Michael Enahoro, PULA Nigeria Country Director, emphasised that ‘enshrining the responsibility of risk mitigation with the individual farmer allows for productivity improvements, ensures that the agronomic efforts of the farmer are not wasted, and ultimately benefits both government and consumers.’

The partnership is expected to upscale and cover more value chains, integrate more farmers, and support Nigeria’s quest to eradicate climate change-related disasters and drive sustainable food systems. PULA Foundation and its partners are currently focused on ensuring the expansion of the NAPM into the second phase, which is the 2025 Dry Season, and encouraging all state governments to partner with the PFSCU to ensure all Nigerian farmers participate in the 2025 Dry Season farming exercise wherever possible.

The initiative is a significant step towards enhancing the resilience of Nigeria’s agricultural sector and promoting sustainable food systems. With the support of state governments, PULA Foundation, and its partners, the program is poised to make a lasting impact on the lives of Nigerian farmers.

Society thrives best where people love and help one another. Where the Where members of the community makes sacrifices by sharing and caring for one another. It is indeed difficult to have such a model society but in many societies we have such people who drive satisfaction in not only sharing with their neighbours but reaching out to the larger community to make an impact, assist and put a smile on the faces of those who are less privileged. These are the people Daily Trust go out to search for every year and present them to the nation so that we appreciate their sacrifices and learn from their efforts.

We are presenting these heroes, who we got through your nominations:

Octogenarian Musa Ibrahim Sagagi dedicated his time, energy and resources to ensuring no one in his community is denied education just because he cannot afford it. Through his College of Islamic Studies many went through primary and secondary education and some graduating from universities. At the other end is Idris Lau, who at 17 embarked on a mission of building strong people and ensuring sustainable development in communities. Through his Concerned Youth for Accountability and Development Initiative he provided water, education and health facilities to various communities in Kaduna, Kano and Jigawa states. Favour Abatang’s passion is to ensure that girls in her Cross River communities and beyond are free from all those harmful traditions that inhibit their growth. Her Voice Foundation works to discourage early marriage, money marriage and all forms of gender violence. Her near fatal experience during pregnancy also motivated Rukaiya Kushu to set up Abubakar Kushu Foundation to provide succour to pregnant women in dire situations. For Maryam Bello the task is how to bring medical care close to rural communities. She leveraged on technology to set up Parker Mobile Clinic to bring healthcare to hard-to-reach communities using technology.

For over a decade, Nigeria has waged a costly war against insurgency, stretching its military might across the Northeast and beyond. In that time, the country has scoured the globe for weapons. When the West hesitated, we turned East. Yet, despite hundreds of millions of dollars spent on Chinese drones, Russian helicopters, and Eastern European tanks, the insurgency persists, more adaptive and dangerous than ever. Why?

The allure of Eastern arms is understandable as they are cheaper, faster, and come with no strings attached. No lectures on human rights, no delays over congressional hearings. But that convenience has come at a steep price. Many of the weapons procured from China and Russia have proven ill-suited for Nigeria’s operational terrain or suffer from reliability issues. Reports abound of drones failing mid-flight, armoured vehicles breaking down, and helicopters lying idle for lack of spare parts. Worse still, the absence of after-sales support means Nigeria is left stranded, unable to maintain or even properly operate its arsenal.

This dependence on the East has also deepened our logistical chaos. Our military now runs a patchwork quilt of incompatible systems – Russian Mi-35 helicopters, Chinese Wing Loong II drones, Pakistani jets – all requiring different training, maintenance, and ammunition. In the name of expedience, we have sacrificed coherence.

It is time to ask: have Eastern procurements truly strengthened Nigeria’s security, or simply filled gaps created by a dysfunctional procurement process?

Nigeria must pivot. The future lies in strategic self-reliance. By reviving indigenous defence production, investing in maintenance capacity, and forging partnerships that offer technology transfer, not just transactions. Buying from the East may have plugged immediate holes, but it has not equipped us for lasting peace.

We need more than weapons. We need a defence strategy that truly defends.

A National Industrial Court in Abuja has issued a restraining order against the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) over its planned industrial action against Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals FZE.

Justice Emmanuel Danjuma Subilim, while ruling on an ex-parte application by Dangote Refinery on Monday, specifically restrained the defendants, which included Nigeria National Petroleum Company Ltd, (NNPCL), Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) and Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), from cutting crude and gas supply to Dangote Refinery.

The application was filed by George Ibrahim from Ogwu James Onoja law firm in Abuja seeking ‘an interim injunction.

Ibrahim, in the motion, sought an order of interim injunction restraining the 1st Defendant (NNPCL), its members, agents, servants, privies, representatives, assigns or howsoever described, from directing or effecting a halt in the supply of crude oil and gas to the Claimant. He further prayed the Court to restrain them from embarking on any industrial action against the Claimant with the intention of crippling operations, blocking access roads, obstructing vehicular movement, or otherwise disrupting the operations of the Claimant or the licensees of the 2nd to 4th Defendants, as contained in the directives issued by the 1st Defendant on September 26, 2025, pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice.

Ibrahim argued that the Applicant is a duly licensed petroleum production and distribution company, engaged in refining and producing petroleum and petrochemical products for general public consumption in Nigeria. He stressed that the company provides essential services critical to the Nigerian economy and the well-being of the public.

He further contended that in recent times, incidents of sabotage by some employees at the Claimant’s plant had raised grave health and safety concerns, necessitating a re-organisation exercise which led to the disengagement of some staff. This, he noted, was communicated to all employees through a memo dated September 25, 2025.

In his brief ruling on the ex parte application, Justice Subilim held that the balance of convenience was in favour of the Applicant, as the continuation of the threatened industrial action would irreparably damage its business and undermine the provision of essential services to the Nigerian public.

The judge ruled that it was in the interest of justice to restrain the Respondents in order to preserve industrial peace and safeguard the continuous provision of essential services pending the hearing and determination of the substantive suit.

Justice Subilim accordingly granted the restraining order and directed that same be served on the defendants forthwith, together with the motion on notice.

The Court held that the order shall subsist for seven days only.

The matter was subsequently adjourned to October 13 for the hearing of the motion on notice.

Reconciliatory meeting drags

The fresh peace meeting convened by the Federal Government to resolve the rift between PENGASSAN and the Dangote Refinery was still ongoing as of the time of filing this report last night.

The meeting, which had the leadership of the PENSASSAN led by its President, Festus Osifo and the representatives of Dangote Refinery in attendance, was convened with a view to ending dispute

While the union leaders were led by the General-Secretary of Trade Union Congress (TUC), Nuhu Toro, the Minister of Labour and Employment, Maigari Dingyadi, led other government officials.

Daily Trust reports that the federal government had on Sunday summoned the leadership of PENSASSAN and the management of Dangote Refinery to an emergency meeting over the ongoing rift between the duo.

However, the meeting, which was earlier scheduled for 2:00pm, started at about 3:50pm owing to the late arrival of critical stakeholders involved in the matter, before it later went into a close-door session.

Speaking, Dingyadi said, ‘What’s happening today is very dear to our economy and to the security of the country. We have been informed that PENGASSAN is on strike.’

Hours after the meeting started behind closed doors, a shouting match could be heard from the Conference room where the meeting was being held.

A source, who was part of the meeting, confided in our correspondent that representatives of Dangote Refinery stuck to their guns, insisting that it would be hard to bring those who have been eased out back to the company.

The source said the sacked workers were described as saboteurs by the Dangote Refinery representative – the statement, he said, angered the labour leaders at the meeting.

‘The meeting started smoothly after you people went out of the venue. That is when both the ministers of labour and finance had spoken to the two parties, to let them know the implications of their actions.

‘So, the two parties were allowed to make their presentations and laid out their demands, but they all stuck to their guns. Nobody between the two parties was ready to shift ground,’ the source confided in Daily Trust last night.

NLC places other unions on red alert

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Labour Congress has commenced mobilisation of its affiliate unions, stressing that it would join forces to fight the company for violating labour laws.

The Congress, in an internal memo signed by the President of NLC, Joe Ajaero and obtained by our correspondent, specifically said the company violated Section 40 of the Nigerian Constitution, vILO Conventions 87 and 98, arguing that it was treating national labour laws with contempt.

It read, ‘This letter serves as a formal and urgent request in response to the protracted and deliberate anti-worker crusade being waged by the Dangote Group against the Nigerian working class.

‘The ongoing battle with PENGASSAN and NUPENG is merely a symptom of a deeper sickness; a capitalist pathology of union-busting, worker enslavement, and gross impunity that defines the Group’s industrial relations strategy.

‘The Dangote Group has operated for too long as a state within a state, flouting Section 40 of our Constitution, violating ILO Conventions 87 and 98, and treating our national labour laws with contempt. Their facilities are not workplaces but plantations of exploitation, where the dignity of the worker is systematically crushed to maximise profit for the few.

‘The time for pleading and endless, fruitless dialogue is over. The moment for decisive, collective action is now.

‘Consequently, we have resolved as follows: 1. Request for total mobilization of all Unions and workers. All aforementioned affiliate unions are hereby placed on IMMEDIATE AND FULL ALERT.

‘You are requested to commence, with immediate effect, preparation for a vigorous and comprehensive unionisation of all workers within every Dangote Group facility falling under your jurisdiction. This is a strategic priority.

‘To start full preparation for an engagement with Dangote across the nation. You are requested to immediately begin mobilising your members and resources for a full-scale, decisive engagement against the Dangote Group’s anti-labour stance. This action aims to compel the conglomerate to:

‘Unconditionally respect the right of every worker to freely join a union of their choice. Cease all forms of intimidation, victimisation, and union-busting activities. Submit to the authority of our nation’s labour laws and institutions.

‘Each union is to set up an Action Mobilisation Committee and liaise directly with the NLC National Secretariat within the next 72 hours to coordinate strategy, logistics, and communication. Unity of purpose and action is non-negotiable.

‘The impunity of the Dangote Group must be met with the resistance of organised labour. No amount of media verbiage and paid hirelings will stop us from fighting for our liberty in the face of apparent Regulatory capture, where the state seems to have abdicated its responsibility to hold this behemoth accountable for its breaches of our laws.

‘The blood and sweat of Nigerian workers built this conglomerate; we will not let it become a monument to their oppression. Together, we stand! Together, we will overcome.’

The crypto market continues to shuffle as the top crypto coins right now react to surging volumes, shifting sentiment, and key technical levels. XRP price declines have added pressure despite higher liquidity, while the latest Cardano (ADA) price drop underscores ongoing volatility across major altcoins. For many traders, these swings signal profit-taking and repositioning ahead of bigger moves.

But one project is growing as more than just another presale headline: BlockDAG (BDAG). With $415M raised at $0.0013 in Batch 30, confirmed miner shipments across the globe, its Awakening Testnet, and a multi-year BWT Alpine F1 sponsorship, BlockDAG is capturing attention beyond crypto circles. Buyers are now viewing it not only as one of the top crypto coins right now but as a competitor for long-term growth, with a realistic path toward the $20 target.

XRP’s Price Declines Among Rising Volumes

The spotlight remains on Ripple after XRP price declines saw it fall 6.32% in just 24 hours, sliding from $3.01 to $2.82. This pullback came even as daily trade volume surged nearly 94% to $6.52 billion, suggesting heavy profit-taking or strategic repositioning by traders. Despite this drop, XRP has still posted a 7.39% gain over the past week, proving resilience in a rough market.

XRP’s market capitalization currently sits at $168.3 billion, keeping it among the largest digital assets. Yet analysts warn that XRP price declines coupled with sharp volume spikes often signal instability, raising questions about whether buyers or sellers will control the next move.

Still, XRP maintains its reputation as one of the top crypto coins right now, with consistent institutional interest and cross-border utility.

Cardano Struggles With Heavy Selloff

Alongside XRP’s struggles, the Cardano (ADA) price drop has drawn significant attention. ADA plunged nearly 12% in a single day, falling to $0.7936, its steepest one-day loss since April. The move pulled Cardano’s market cap down to $30.3 billion, well off its all-time high of $94.8 billion.

In the past 24 hours, ADA traded between $0.7921 and $0.8875, with volumes at $1.36 billion, about 1% of the entire market’s liquidity. Over the past week, Cardano lost another 6.05%, cementing its reputation for volatility. Currently, ADA sits 74% below its all-time high of $3.10 from September 2021.

This Cardano (ADA) price drop reinforces that even top-tier altcoins are not immune to sharp selloffs. For ADA holders, maintaining support near $0.79 will be critical to preserving confidence among market roughness.

Full Throttle: BlockDAG’s F1® Edge and Miner Shipments Rev Up Adoption

While XRP price declines and the Cardano (ADA) price drop dominate short-term news, BlockDAG is busy proving its long-term credibility. The project has raised $415M in presale, currently priced at $0.0013 in Batch 30 with a confirmed $0.05 listing price, showing strong market sentiment.

The most powerful driver of momentum is BlockDAG’s multi-year BWT Alpine F1 sponsorship. As BWT Alpine’s Exclusive Layer One Blockchain Partner, BlockDAG branding will feature on F1® race cars, team merchandise, and fan simulators. Beyond visibility, the deal includes interactive fan zones, hackathons, and Web3 integrations, giving the project global cultural reach. CEO Antony Turner called it a showcase of DAG technology for billions, while BWT Alpine’s Flavio Briatore praised its transformative potential.

BlockDAG’s adoption extends beyond branding. Miner shipments are already rolling out worldwide, with X-Series devices supporting decentralization alongside over 3M X1 app miners. This hybrid Proof-of-Work and Proof-of-Engagement ecosystem strengthens scalability and security. On top of that, the Awakening Testnet has activated core blockchain functions, streamlined ledger upgrades, and introduced real-time explorer tools, demonstrating technical readiness before mainnet launch.

Together, these milestones position BlockDAG far ahead of many presale projects. With real adoption, institutional partnerships, and cultural integration, BlockDAG is now viewed as one of the most compelling top crypto coins right now, and its $20 target doesn’t look out of reach.

Final Word!

The latest volatility shows that even the top crypto coins right now face challenges. XRP price declines highlight short-term instability despite rising volumes, while the Cardano (ADA) price drop underlines how quickly sentiment can reverse. Both assets remain influential, but they are fighting to prove resilience in a choppy market.

BlockDAG, however, is pulling ahead with substance. With $415M raised, miner shipments already underway, a live Awakening Testnet, and its high-profile BWT Alpine F1 sponsorship, it is combining technology with mainstream visibility. This rare mix of adoption, credibility, and cultural integration is why traders see BlockDAG not only as one of the top crypto coins right now but as a project with a real chance at hitting $20.

For buyers, the message is clear: while XRP and Cardano go through price roughness, BlockDAG is already racing on the fast track to leadership.

I shared many interests with the late Mouftahu Baba-Ahmad. I met him on the platform of Nahnu Muslimum – a WhatsApp group formed by late Alhaji Bashir Othman Tofa. We agreed on many issues on the socioeconomic development of northern Nigeria, especially on the role our religious heritage may play in shaping the future of the region. We had a couple of private phone conversations. But, I never met him – face-to-face. When he was hospitalised, all members of Nahnu Muslimum eagerly followed his health progress through his son and his direct messages. His last message-about his recovery, travel to Medina, and eventual plan to recuperate at Baze University Hospital-was very reassuring. Then, suddenly, the news of death was broken on September 17, 2025. We were all shocked. On September 21, I joined other members of NM on a condolence visit to his family. Due to torrential rainfall, I stayed longer than planned. During that time, I observed the diversity of visitors-a former governor, a former minister, a poor university professor, etc. Their presence reflected his wide influence across different strata of society. I used the opportunity to reflect about life in general and the place of Mouftahu Baba-Ahmad (MBA).

Indeed, the passing of MBA has left a deep void in Northern Nigeria. Known for his integrity, foresight, and relentless pursuit of progress for his people, Mouftahu embodied the quiet strength of a statesman who influenced not only through wealth or power, but through wisdom and vision. He was one of the youngest executive directors of NEPA. Later, he chaired the board of NAL Merchant Bank. He was the chairman of the board of Noble Hall Girls Academy – a premier day and boarding secondary school in Abuja. Recently, he founded the Nigeria Collective – an elite discussion group that draws members across Nigeria. As an ardent supporter of our traditional institutions, I remain deeply grateful to him for his role in attempts to reconcile the different factions in the Kano emirship tussle. He belonged to a generation that understood the delicate balance between tradition and modernity, faith and pragmatism, unity and diversity. His lifelong concern was the future of Northern Nigeria-a future he believed could be transformed if its brightest minds and strongest leaders could set aside differences and work together for the common good.

One of Mouftahu’s most enduring wishes was the unity of four towering figures in the region: Nasiru El-Rufai, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, Nuhu Ribadu, and Muhammadu Sanusi II. Each of them carries unique strengths; together, they could form a formidable force for renewal. In Nasiru El-Rufai, MBA saw a bold reformist. El-Rufai is widely regarded for his ability to take tough decisions. Though often controversial, his record demonstrates an unwavering drive to modernise institutions, demand accountability, and confront entrenched interests. In Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, MBA saw a respected Islamic scholar and cleric, who represented the moral and religious voice of conscience in the region. Though his views have sometimes sparked debate, he symbolizes dialogue, reconciliation, and the persistent call to address grievances through peaceful engagement. Nuhu Ribadu, Nigeria’s pioneer chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), carved a reputation as a fearless anti-corruption crusader. His name is synonymous with integrity and the belief that public life must be anchored in transparency and justice. His current position as National Security Adviser gives him special leverage to get things done. Muhammadu Sanusi II, Emir of Kano, a globally respected intellectual, combines scholarship, vision, and courage. He has consistently spoken truth to power, challenging societal complacency and advocating for economic reform, and the modernisation of Muslim society in line with its best traditions. Sanusi’s PhD thesis clearly demonstrates his vision for such modernization. It needs political will to germinate.

Mouftahu Baba-Ahmad understood that while these four men differ in temperament, style, and even worldview, they represent complementary pillars of leadership. In his eyes, El-Rufai’s technocratic boldness, Gumi’s moral voice, Ribadu’s fight against corruption, and Sanusi’s intellectual clarity could-if united-redraw the destiny of Northern Nigeria. He envisioned a coalition that transcends politics, religion, and ethnicity, guided only by the urgent need to rescue a region burdened by poverty, insecurity, illiteracy, and fractured leadership. Imagine such unity that may lead to: (i) A political blueprint led by reformists with the courage to confront vested interests. (ii) A moral and religious consensus that counters extremism with compassion and wisdom. (iii) An economic agenda rooted in accountability, equity, and the empowerment of youth and women. And, (iv) a social reawakening that restores confidence in education, entrepreneurship, and justice. This was Mouftahu’s dream-not for himself, but for generations yet unborn. In fact, among the quadripartite, MBA was closed to only one of them. His vision was never about individual greatness; it was about collective strength.

As we mourn his departure, we must also celebrate the clarity of his thought. He reminds us that true legacies are not built on material wealth, but on the seeds of ideas planted in fertile hearts. In urging unity among these figures, he called all of us to transcend narrow interests and embrace the higher duty of service to humanity.

Today, Northern Nigeria stands at a crossroads. In honouring Mouftahu Baba-Ahmad, let us not allow his vision to die with him. As Thomas Campbell, beautifully put it, ‘To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die’. Let us keep MBA alive. Let El-Rufai, Gumi, Ribadu, and Sanusi-and indeed all leaders-take to heart his call for unity. For in unity lies the strength to heal wounds, unlock potential, and guide Northern Nigeria toward a future of peace, prosperity, and dignity. MBA believed deeply that ‘we are only as strong as we are united, and as weak as we are divided.’

May Allah forgive his shortcomings, reward his good deeds, and make his vision a reality for the benefit of all.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has praised Nigerians for what he described as ‘uncommon patience, endurance, and resilience despite living under suffocating socio-economic and security conditions.’

In his Independence Day message to Nigerians, the opposition leader alleged that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) administration had abandoned Nigerians to their fate.

Atiku lamented that Nigerians were enduring pains from ‘raging insecurity, rising food scarcity, mass unemployment, and a dangerous climate of hopelessness all ‘compounded by the insensitivity of the APC-led administration’.

‘It is tragic that in a country blessed with immense human and material resources, millions of our people have been reduced to refugees and beggars in their fatherland. Every responsible government holds the welfare and security of its citizens as supreme.

‘But what we have today is an administration that has abandoned its people. Hunger is killing Nigerians, bandits are massacring communities, yet President Bola Tinubu and his cabinet stand by, unmoved and uncaring.’

While calling on citizens not to lose faith, Atiku reminded Nigerians that 2027 provides a clear opportunity to reject bad leadership and reclaim the promise of a better tomorrow.

‘The beauty of democracy lies in the power of the ballot. Oppressed and battered as our people may feel today, they will have the chance to sweep away this inept government at the next polls. That is the power no cabal can take away from the people.’ He said.

Atiku said, At 65, Nigeria remains a giant moving painfully slow on feet of clay – a direct result of decades of poor leadership and wasteful governance.

He however, urged Nigerians to keep hope alive, insisting that with the right leadership, the country can still rise from the ashes of failed governance to reclaim its rightful place among the comity of nations

The opposition leader also wished Nigerians a happy 65th Independence Day anniversary celebration.

The Presidency has attacked former President Goodluck Jonathan over speculation that he may contest the 2027 presidential election, describing his six years in office as a disaster.

There have been renewed calls, particularly from the North, urging Jonathan to return to the presidential race as coalition efforts to unseat President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027 gain momentum.

Several PDP leaders, including former Jigawa Governor Sule Lamido and Bauchi State Governor Senator Bala Mohammed, have publicly called on the Bayelsa-born politician to run.

Last week, Jonathan visited the African Democratic Congress (ADC) National Chairman, Senator David Mark at his Abuja residence. Mark was Senate President during the administration of Jonathan between 2010-2015.

While the ADC’s National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, told Daily Trust the visit was private, observers believe it could be linked to 2027 permutations, with the ADC said to be considering the acceptability of a Jonathan candidacy.

Jonathan, who lost his re-election bid to Muhammadu Buhari in 2015, is believed to be showing renewed interest in the political arena.

Though he has yet to declare formally, his appeal, according to insiders, lies in the constitutional term-limit provision that allows him to serve only one more term-a prospect seen as a strategic option in balancing the power rotation debate between North and South.

During the PDP state congress in Niger at the weekend, former Minister of Information Professor Jerry Gana said Jonathan would contest and could even defeat the ruling APC in 2027.

That remark appeared to trigger a sharp response from the Presidency.

Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, in a statement on Monday, described Jonathan’s tenure as a disaster, while stressing that he is free to run.

‘President Tinubu will wholeheartedly welcome him if he decides to enter the race. But Jonathan will have his date in court. The jury will determine whether Jonathan, who was sworn in twice as president, satisfies constitutional requirements and is eligible to contest the presidency and be sworn in, if successful, for a third term,’ Onanuga said.

He accused Gana of attempting to draft Jonathan into the race on the platform of the ‘discredited’ PDP, which he said left behind ‘economic ruins after 16 years of bad governance.’

‘Gana even deluded himself, asserting that the former president would defeat Tinubu to reclaim power after 12 years. He is free to engage in his usual comedy; after all, Jonathan’s entering the race would provide another job for the Niger State-born former university don.’

He said politicians like Jerry Gana only want to lure him into the race to satisfy their interests.

‘However, we should caution former President Jonathan to be wary of the PDP sugar-coated cheerleaders. Politicians of Jerry Gana’s ilk merely want to lure him into the race to satisfy their personal, political, religious, and ethnic interests. They will abandon him midstream, as they did in 2015, and leave Gentleman Jonathan in the lurch,’ he added.

The Presidency maintained Jonathan would have to convince Nigerians that he had anything new to offer ‘after his disastrous six years, for which they voted him out in 2015.’

Onanuga also revisited Jonathan’s record, accusing his administration of lacking any clear economic agenda, engaging in frivolous spending, and running the country into crisis.

He said, ‘Shorn of all those selfish considerations for which some PDP big guns find his candidacy appealing, President Jonathan will also have his encounter with the people as to whether he has anything new to offer after his disastrous six years, for which they voted him out in 2015.

‘The nation’s economic downturn, which President Tinubu is working very hard to overcome, actually began under President Jonathan. The Jonathan administration severely damaged the economy, and all key indicators declined under his watch.

‘Under him, the so-called business moguls allocated foreign exchange to import fuel, simply pocketing the dollars without importing anything. Some of those big men still have court cases on the issue today.

‘Jonathan and his National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd), freely distributed security funds to friends and cronies.’

According to Onanuga, in 2010, President Jonathan inherited a total of $66 billion, of which $46 billion was in foreign reserves and $20 billion in the noble-but-abused Excess Crude Account.

‘By 2015, when the people democratically removed him from office, the foreign reserves had fallen below $30 billion, and the Excess Crude Account had been depleted to $2 billion, despite generating record revenue from crude oil sales that the country had never achieved in more than 25 years combined.

‘It is on record that between 2010 and 2013, crude oil sold for an average of $100 per barrel. By December 2014, however, the Jonathan-led Federal Government could no longer pay salaries to Federal Civil Servants. At least 28 states across the country owed workers huge salary arrears.’

By contrast, he said, President Tinubu has taken bold decisions in the past 28 months to reset the economy, including removing the ‘ruinous’ fuel subsidy and abolishing multiple exchange rates.

‘The President has stabilised the economy. In Q2 2025, GDP grew by 4.23 per cent, the highest in four years and above the IMF’s 3.4 per cent projection. Inflation dropped to 20.12 per cent in August 2025, the lowest in three years. Foreign reserves stand at $42.03 billion. The naira has stabilised, investor confidence is back, and investors are betting on Nigeria,’ he said.

Onanuga also cited infrastructure projects such as the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and Sokoto-Badagry Highway, alongside security interventions in parts of the country.

‘The PDP and its co-travellers broke the economy; Tinubu is fixing it. Jonathan and others are welcome to the 2027 race, but Nigerians will not allow them to return and run it down again,’ he said.

Jonathan has yet to respond to the latest criticism. Since losing the 2015 election, his administration has been a frequent target of APC attacks, though he has previously defended his record on corruption and the economy.