Category: Daily Trust

As Nigeria marks 65 years of nationhood, this moment calls not merely for celebration, but for deep and sober reflection.

Sixty-five years in the life of a nation is both long enough to learn vital lessons and short enough to still dream of greater possibilities.

Our journey since independence in 1960 has been mixed experiences. We have celebrated moments of triumph, endured seasons of crisis, and watched countless opportunities slip through our hands.

From the optimism of self-rule to the turbulence of military coups, from the tragedy of civil war to the eventual return of democracy, the Nigerian story has been marked by resilience, sacrifice, and unfinished potential.

The dreams of our people have been pursued through several attempts, though too often without lasting fruition.

Successive development blueprints – Vision 2010, Vision 20:2020, the Seven-Point Agenda, and more recently the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP) carried promises of transformation.

Many of these documents ended up as footnotes in history, gathering dust while poverty deepened, unemployment soared, and infrastructure continued to decay.

Leadership, the golden key to progress, has too often fallen short of expectation.

Corruption and self-interest weakened institutions that should serve the people. Electoral malpractice eroded trust in democracy.

Citizens who went to the polls in hope have at times felt betrayed by the very process meant to empower them.

Governance, in many instances, failed to reflect the aspirations of the people.

Yet history reminds us that great nations are not judged only by the weight of their problems, but by the courage with which they confront them.

Posterity will not dwell on our failures, but on our determination to overcome them.

The destiny of Nigeria does not rest in government alone; it rests in the hands of every citizen. Though our tribes and tongues may differ, in brotherhood we must stand.

Nation-building is not about the scramble for office or the pursuit of personal gain, but about collective responsibility.

It requires both leaders and citizens to embrace sacrifice, discipline, and innovation.

A nation is not built by promises spoken, but by sacrifices made. True independence is more than political sovereignty.

Our flag and anthem may have declared liberty in 1960, but only morality, justice, and accountability can sustain it.

Leadership is a sacred trust, and integrity must remain its foundation.

If Nigeria must experience a rebirth, then we must confront the lessons of our past and chart a new path forward.

Inclusive leadership must be at the heart of governance. The diversity of our federation demands inclusivity, ensuring that no community feels excluded from the national project.

Marginalisation breeds resentment; inclusivity breeds trust and unity.

Credible elections must anchor our democracy. Votes must count, and the ballot must be stronger than the bullet or the bribe.

The independence of the electoral commission must be safeguarded, while the use of technology to transmit and protect results must be fully embraced.

Without electoral credibility, democracy becomes a hollow ritual.

Investing in leadership education is vital. Civic education, mentorship, and ethical training must be central to our schools and communities.

If we do not prepare the next generation of leaders, we risk repeating the mistakes of the past.

Nigeria’s future rests on young people who are disciplined, innovative, and committed to service, as economic transformation must go beyond oil.

Our greatness will not come from dependence on crude exports but from science, technology, agriculture, manufacturing, and innovation that uplift humanity.

The creativity of our youths in fintech, entertainment, and digital entrepreneurship is proof that Nigeria’s economic future lies in innovation, not extraction.

Strengthening national values is essential. Unity, discipline, and service must become lived realities, not empty slogans. If integrity does not become the measure of success, corruption will continue to undermine progress.

Back on October 1, 1960, when the green-white-green flag was hoisted before the world, it symbolised liberty, self-determination, and hope.

Despite their ideological differences, our founding fathers viz. Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Sir Ahmadu Bello, and Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa shared a common vision to build a prosperous nation.

That spirit of unity is what we must rediscover today. For no nation divided against itself can prosper, but a people united in purpose can never be defeated.

At 65, Nigeria cannot live only for the present. The future belongs to generations yet unborn.

To build a secure tomorrow, we must act decisively today by strengthening institutions, promoting justice, diversifying the economy, and ensuring accountability in governance.

The ballot may elect leaders, but only character can sustain them.

This is why ethical education and civic leadership training must begin early. If we fail to prepare our young people, we will mortgage their future to the mistakes of the past.

Nigeria’s rebirth is not just a possibility, it is a necessity. It will not come by chance, but by deliberate choice:

The choice to act with integrity. The choice to defend our democracy.

The choice to place nation above self. History is watching.

The world is watching. And posterity will judge us, not by the weight of our problems, but by the courage of our response.

At 65, the question is not whether Nigeria will rise, but whether we will choose to rise together.

I believe we will. I believe we must. And by the grace of Almighty God, I believe we shall.

God bless the people of Nigeria.

God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

As Nigeria gears up for the next general election, a heated debate is brewing. Supporters of former President Goodluck Jonathan are rallying behind his potential return to the presidency, citing his experience and leadership skills.

However, others are raising constitutional concerns, arguing that a third term would be barred by the country’s laws. The debate is sparking intense discussions across the nation, with legal experts, politicians, and ordinary citizens weighing in on the matter. As the country navigates this complex issue, questions about the rule of law, political precedent, and the will of the people are coming to the fore.

Can Goodluck Jonathan’s supporters convince the nation that he’s the right leader for the job, or will the constitutional concerns prevail? The answer remains to be seen, but one thing is certain this debate will continue to shape Nigeria’s political landscape in the months to come.’

Vice-President Kashim Shettima has returned to Abuja after his diplomatic mission representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York and some ‘strategic engagements’ in Germany.

On arrival at the Nnamdi Azikiwe international airport, Abuja the Vice President was received by top government officials and some of his aides.

During the week-long international engagement, the Vice President delivered President Tinubu’s national statement at the United Nations calling for comprehensive UN reforms, championed Africa’s sovereignty over its $700 billion mineral resources, and strengthened strategic partnerships with the United Kingdom, Gates Foundation, and other international stakeholders.

Later, Shettima met with the UN Secretary-General António Guterres and secured his commendation for Nigeria’s bid for a permanent Security Council seat.

In another engagement, he showcased the country’s $200 billion energy transition opportunity to global investors.

The Vice President also assured the Nigerian diaspora community of robust engagement in the President Tinubu administration’s policies and programmes before his engagements in Germany.

The President and Chairman of Council of the Chartered Institute of Directors (CiOD) Nigeria, Otunda Adetunji Oyebanji, has called on Nigerians to embrace responsibility, unity, and ethical leadership as the country marks its 65th independence anniversary.

Oyebanji, in his independence message, said the anniversary should not only be about counting years but should serve as a turning point for national renewal.

He urged leaders and citizens alike to ‘choose governance over impunity, accountability over corruption, and unity over division.’

Highlighting Nigeria’s progress over the years, he noted that the country has earned global recognition in arts, sports, technology, and entertainment, with young entrepreneurs and diaspora communities making significant contributions to its development.

The CiOD president commended the current administration for reform initiatives since 2023, including the removal of petroleum subsidies, efforts to unify the foreign exchange market, electricity sector reforms, and other interventions aimed at repositioning the economy.

He, however, warned that despite positive GDP growth, many Nigerians have yet to feel the impact due to inflation, rising living costs, insecurity, and infrastructure gaps.

These challenges, he said, can only be overcome through deliberate action rooted in transparency, accountability, and ethical leadership.

Reaffirming the commitment of the institute to national development, Oyebanji said the CiOD will continue to promote good governance and corporate leadership ideals in both public and private sectors.

‘Our institute remains a partner in the Nigerian project, working alongside government, the private sector, and civil society to build a nation worthy of its potential,’ he stated.

Oyebanji congratulated Nigerians on the independence celebration and urged all citizens to rise to the challenge of positioning the country on a path to greatness.

‘Let us not only celebrate independence; let us live it every day, in our values, in our choices, and in our leadership,’ he said.

Police in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) are investigating three youths residing in the Gwagwa community of the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) over a robbery attack that recently took place in the area.

Many residents, who spoke to our reporter yesterday, lamented how a gang of youths went on a rampage from house to house in the Unguwar Kiriya area of the community, robbing them of their valuables.

The village head of Kiriya, Muhammad Sani, while speaking on the incident said some of the attacked residents were injured by the gang, including one who sustained a gun injury.

Sani explained that the attackers used various tools, including heavy hammers and saws, to destroy the gates and burglary proofs of some residences, robbing the owners of valuables such as cash, phones, and one motorcycle.

‘Fortunately, one of the attackers was identified and assisted in locating about three of his accomplices so far, who were handed over to the police,’ Sani said.

He added that members of the vigilante group were able to trace and locate two suspects initially on the following day, with residents insisting the suspects be handed over to them.

‘So, the police in Gwagwa division were informed about the development, and they used their wisdom to be able to take the suspects to their office,’ Sani concluded.

When contacted, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Gwagwa, CSP Muktar Adamu, confirmed the incident, adding that three suspects were handed over to the FCT Police Command for further investigation.

Each year, the National Basketball Association (NBA) in the United States of America (USA) chooses the most promising future basketball talents for the upcoming season. The key event, known as the draft, signifies the introduction of future top athletes. They join their teams, aiming to win games, and both the teams and the rookies make a lot of money too.

The NBA basketball industry is valued at about $133 billion, and the league has an estimated revenue of over $11 billion annually. In the highly profitable sporting industry, basketball comes next to American football and goes head-to-head with baseball as one of the most lucrative sports in the USA.

In the NBA 2019-2020 draft, an unprecedented number of eight players of Nigerian heritage were selected, the highest number ever from Africa. In the 2023-2024 season, three new players of Nigerian roots were chosen. From 2015 to 2024, a total of 19 players of Nigerian descent were drafted.

A high number of Nigerians play for the top NBA teams currently, and the steady presence of players of Nigerian descent in the NBA is assured for decades, alongside a few other players of African descent.

In the USA, as in many countries around the world, Nigerians also feature in American football, baseball, and soccer, the more recent major sport to gain popularity in the USA. But nowhere has the Nigerian footprint been as compelling as it is in basketball within the NBA.

It was not always this way.

First African in NBA

In October 1980, a skinny, shy and tall Nigerian boy took a flight from Lagos to New York, armed with only a note of introduction for possible admission to college, and to secure a scholarship based on his hopeful basketball skills. In the United States, he could try his luck with four colleges, thanks to an American coach who identified him, made the contacts in the colleges, and facilitated obtaining a visa for the USA in Lagos.

The 17-year-old boy was Hakeem Olajuwon, the first African to be selected in the NBA draft. Standing at six feet eleven inches, he was the trailblazer whose exemplary basketball skills opened the doors for many future African players.

Olajuwon was accepted by the first and only college that he visited, the University of Houston. He studied at the university, played there, and from there was drafted in the first round as first overall pick in the 1983-1984 season by the Houston Rockets, ahead of Michael Jordan, picked also in the first round but as the third overall pick by the Chicago Bulls.

Although Jordan came to have a higher name recognition and superior game than those who were drafted ahead of him, Olajuwon came first in the sport on several fronts during a career of some 18 years. Incidentally, both Jordan and Olajuwon were born in 1963, separated by a few weeks.

Olajuwon led his team, the Houston Rockets, to secure two NBA championships, and he holds records and awards in many aspects of the sport. He also played briefly for the Toronto Raptors.

Sports in the world

Worldwide, many Nigerians have kept emerging at the apex level of global sports, especially overseas. There is absolutely no question regarding the wealth of talent and physical capabilities in sports in Nigeria. Sorely lacking are the mentorship, training facilities, and exposure to first-class guidance and development.

Basketball, despite its early start in Nigeria, remains hardly visible as a sport or business. Yet, its potential is huge.

It is noteworthy that some past and current NBA stars of Nigerian descent have coaching clinics, academies, foundations and other services that encourage and develop interests and gifted players in basketball in Nigeria.

The list comprises Olajuwon, Precious Achiuwa of the Miami Heat (formerly of New York Knicks), Giannis Antetokunmpoh of the Milwaukee Bucks, Zeke Nnaji of the Denver Nuggets, Obinna Ekezie, formerly of the Washington Wizards, and Chiney Ogwumike, who has played for both the Los Angeles Sparks and the Connecticut Sun – in the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA). Masai Ujiri’s Giants of Africa scouts for talents, and promotes the sport in many African countries.

The future of basketball in Nigeria

The International Basketball Federation (FIBA) and the NBA established the Basketball Africa League (BAL) that organizes competitions and develops capabilities for male and female players. The Basketball Without Borders outreach is one of the means that they deploy to achieve the objectives. Many African countries have national basketball leagues and take part in BAL, founded in 2019.

Under the auspices of FIBA, the overarching governing body for international competitions, the Nigerian women’s national basketball team has performed brilliantly and won several championships, confirming the key role of women athletes in the sport.

There is room for much more to be done by Nigeria’s federal and state governments, and local authorities in amassing the untapped resources in basketball. The private sector has an important role to play, both from a purely investment point of view and as a contribution to the community.

Now and in the future, there should be greater attention paid to developing local talents, and bringing more women into the sport. For example, building on demonstrated and latent interest, the private and public sectors should cultivate and partner with the athletes in the diaspora to encourage and establish leagues in cities and states.

A massive industry awaits in basketball and sports in general, given the size, market and resources of Nigeria’s immense population of approximately 240 million people.

Over 1000 youths drawn from Ughelli North, Ughelli South, and Udu (U3) Federal Constituency on Wednesday passed a vote of confidence in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, and Hon. Rev. Francis Waive, citing their ‘exemplary performance’ in office and endorsing them for reelection in 2027.

The resolution was taken during a youth summit held at T’Nero’s Place (Sakpra Hall), DSC Township, Udu Local Government Area, where over 1,000 young people gathered for empowerment and political engagement.

Key political figures from the Delta APC attended the event, including Hon. (Rev.) Francis Waive, Olorogun John Oguma, Olorogun Eddy Ono-Sorhue, Chief Henry Afure Sakpra, and Barr. Valentine Onojeghuo and others.

Speaking at the event while presenting the report of his stewardship, Hon. Waive thanked the youth for their support over the years and pledged continued empowerment programs, noting that provisions for youth initiatives were already captured in the 2025 budget.

‘We have future leaders among us, those who will one day become Governors and Senators,’ Waive said. ‘Our youth empowerment initiative is included in the 2025 budget, and those present today will be among the first beneficiaries.’

He lauded Governor Oborevwori’s role in sustaining the Federal Medical Centre, Udu, and expressed confidence in his re-election bid for 2027. He also reaffirmed support for President Tinubu, citing the progress of work on the Benin-Effurun road expressway.

‘I salute my Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, for his total support. He is a humble leader, and we will continue to support him. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu also deserves our backing and continued support to enable him to deliver on his promises,’ Waive said.

The lawmaker further urged unity within the Delta APC, dismissing perceived rifts between old and new members, while also seeking youth backing for his reelection bid.

‘My signature of excellence is visible throughout my federal constituency,’ he declared.

In an interview with the newsmen, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress in Delta State, Olorogun John Oguma, praised the performance of President Bola Tinubu, Governor Oborevwori, and Hon.Waive, urging patience with the governor, whom he said would deliver on all promises.

According to him; ‘President Tinubu, Governor Oborevwori and Waive’s reelection will be easier in 2027 because of their excellent performance.

‘I can boldly tell you that there is no vacancy in Aso Rock and Delta Government House, and with the youths solidly behind Hon. Waive, one can’t stop them.

Earlier in his welcome address, Chief Ejiro Hope, National Youth Leader of U3 Federal Constituency Youth, described the occasion as ‘Youth O’clock.’ He stressed that the program was not a political rally but an empowerment platform:

‘This is a youth summit and not a political gathering. It is an opportunity to hear from our member, Hon. Francis Waive, to interact with him one-on-one. Numerous employment opportunities have been created for our youth, and we urge continued peace across Delta State.’

Chief Hope also presented Waive with an award for ‘Most Friendly House of Representative Member,’ recognising his legislative contributions and support for grassroots projects.

Other leaders at the summit echoed their support, Evang. Eddy Ono-Sorhue praised Waive’s ‘hard work and commitment,’ while Chief Henry Afure Sakpra described him as a ‘square peg in a square hole,’ urging youths to register to vote.

The summit ended with a resounding call for unity, empowerment, and active participation of U3 youth in shaping the future of their constituency and Delta State at large.

At least four people have been killed and nine others abducted following renewed bandit attacks on communities in Magama Local Government Area of Niger State, including Ibeto town.

A resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity for safety reasons, told our correspondent that four residents were killed, eleven sustained injuries, while nine others were kidnapped during the latest raid.

Among those abducted is Barrister Isyaku Muhammad Danjuma, who was reportedly kidnapped just hours after posting on Facebook to alert residents about the movement of bandits from Uccu towards Ibeto with a large herd of stolen cattle.

Sources believe his abduction may have been facilitated by informants who revealed his location to the attackers.

Residents said the heavily armed bandits, who spent the night in Ibeto, went from house to house, shooting sporadically and abducting people.

Many farmers have since fled their homes as the assaults spread across other communities in Magama LGA.

The assailants also rustled dozens of cattle belonging to locals between Tuesday evening and Wednesday afternoon. In a video shared with our correspondent, the bandits were seen herding a large number of cattle out of Ibeto town.

Efforts to reach the Niger State Police Command spokesperson, SP Wasiu Abiodun, were unsuccessful as he neither took calls nor responded to messages sent to his phone.

The FCT Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has commiserated with the management of Arise TV and the family of the late anchor/presenter, Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu, who died during a robbery attack at her Katampe residence in Abuja.

Secretary of the FCT NUJ, Comrade Jide Oyekunle, called for a thorough forensic investigation into the circumstances that led to the journalist’s demise.

He said the FCT Council of the NUJ is deeply saddened by the tragic and untimely death of the Arise Television news anchor, who passed away on Monday, September 29, 2025, as a result of a violent armed robbery attack at her residence.

He described Maduagwu’s passing as a devastating loss not only to her immediate family and Arise News but to the entire Nigerian media industry.

‘Somtochukwu was a brilliant, passionate, and dedicated broadcaster whose professionalism and poise endeared her to colleagues and viewers alike. She represented the best of a new generation of Nigerian journalists-bold, ethical, and committed to the truth,’ he said.

According to him, the sudden death of the late journalist is a painful reminder of the increasing security challenges in the country and the urgent need for accountability.

China has congratulated the Nigerian government and Nigerians on the 65th anniversary of independence.

The Chinese Ambassador in Nigeria, Yu Dunhaa, in a message on his official X account (formerly Twitter), said, ‘I extend our warmest congratulations to the Federal Republic of Nigeria on the occasion of its 65th Independence Anniversary.

‘This day carries a unique significance, as China and Nigeria share October 1st as our respective National Day and Independence Day – a special bond that connects our two nations’.

He added that over the past 65 years, Nigeria has demonstrated remarkable resilience and vitality, achieving significant progress in national development, emphasising that as comprehensive strategic partners, China and Nigeria have fostered extensive cooperation across all sectors, delivering tangible benefits to the people of both countries.

Yu said, ‘As we celebrate this shared milestone, China remains firmly committed to deepening our partnership.

‘We look forward to strengthening our joint efforts in promoting peace, development, and shared prosperity, and contributing to a China-Nigeria community with a shared future.’