Category: Nigerian Tribune

Recently, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, requested the International Air Transport Association (IATA) to review the existing three-letter location code, ‘QRW’, assigned to Osubi Airport in Delta State, with a view to adopting a code that more accurately reflects the airport’s official name and geographical identity.

The request has opened an important conversation about how airports are named, identified and positioned within Nigeria’s evolving aviation landscape.

At first glance, the issue may appear to be simply about three letters on a ticket, boarding pass or reservation system. But airport codes and names can carry significant geographical, commercial and psychological implications.

In the case of Osubi, the debate touches on a broader question: who and what should an airport represent; the community where it is physically located or the city, region and economic centre it primarily serves?

The assumption that an airport must necessarily bear the name of the town or community where its runway and terminal are located may appear logical. However, global aviation practice shows that this is not always the case.

Airports are frequently named after major cities, metropolitan areas or economic centres even when they are physically located outside those cities. This is largely because an airport is more than the land on which its infrastructure is built. It is a transportation gateway serving a wider population, commercial centre, metropolitan area or economic corridor.

In Nigeria, there are already examples where the commonly used airport identity is not necessarily limited to the immediate locality in which the airport is situated. The Asaba airport is not precisely in Asaba, but in a neighbouring Okpanam town, in Oshimili North LGA of Delta State.

The Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), for instance, is located in Ikeja, but its identity is strongly associated with Lagos, the metropolitan and commercial centre it serves.

Similarly, the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA) is identified with Abuja, although the airport is outside the central urban area of the Federal Capital Territory.

The Margaret Ekpo International Airport, in Calabar provides a different example, as the airport and the city with which it is identified largely correspond.

The practice is even more pronounced internationally. Newark Liberty International Airport is physically located in Newark, New Jersey, but it is an important airport serving the wider New York metropolitan area. John F. Kennedy International Airport is located in Queens, New York City, yet its identity is primarily associated with the city and metropolitan region it serves.

London Stansted Airport is another example. It is located near Stansted Mountfitchet in Essex, but is marketed and recognised as one of the airports serving London. Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport is located in Roissy-en-France, outside the city of Paris, while Milan Malpensa Airport is situated in Ferno, in the province of Varese, rather than within Milan itself.

These examples demonstrate that an airport identity is not always determined strictly by the municipality in which the runway is located.

However, the airport in question is physically located in Osubi, but it has historically been associated with Warri Airport. Warri is the more known commercial and economic centre within the axis served by the airport and has long been the reference point for many passengers, businesses and aviation stakeholders using the facility.

The airport serves an area whose economic importance extends well beyond its immediate host community. The Warri axis remains an important economic corridor in the Niger Delta, with significant oil and gas activities, businesses, contractors, professionals and other commercial interests.

For many travellers unfamiliar with the geography of Delta State, ‘Warri’ is likely to be a more immediately recognisable destination than ‘Osubi’. That distinction matters in modern aviation, where passenger convenience, destination recognition and commercial visibility are increasingly important.

Meanwhile, communities that provide land for airports and other major aviation infrastructure often bear environmental, social and infrastructural consequences associated with such facilities. They may contend with land-use restrictions, increased traffic, noise and other impacts while receiving relatively little recognition for their contribution. It would therefore be unfair to suggest that the geographical identity of the host community is irrelevant. The challenge is finding a model that recognises both realities.

One practical approach could be to preserve the established identity of the major city or economic centre while clearly acknowledging the physical location of the airport, for instance, through a formulation such as ‘Warri Airport, Osubi’ or ‘Osubi (Warri) Airport’.

In the end, an airport is not merely where an aircraft lands. It is a gateway to a city, a region and an economy. Its identity should reflect all three.

Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has said Nigeria’s future will not be determined by the outcome of the 2027 general election alone, but by what Nigerians and their leaders do with the mandate produced by the polls.

Sanwo-Olu spoke on Thursday as the special guest speaker at the seventh annual lecture of Freedom Online, held at the Sheraton Lagos Hotel, Ikeja.

The lecture, themed ‘2027 Elections: Economy, Security and Nigeria’s Future,’ brought together politicians, media practitioners and other stakeholders to examine the challenges and prospects of the country ahead of the 2027 elections.

According to the governor, Nigerians would, in January 2027, elect a President for the eighth consecutive time since the return to democratic rule in 1999.

He, however, argued that the real test would come after the election, as the country would have to determine whether to consolidate ongoing reforms and tackle its security and economic challenges.

Sanwo-Olu said, ‘One hundred and thirty-five days from now, Nigerians will do something no generation before ours ever did: elect a President, peacefully and on schedule, for the eighth time in succession.

‘Nonetheless, Nigeria’s future will not be decided on the 16th of January. It will be decided by what we do with the mandate that the 16th of January produces: whether we finish the reforms or abandon them halfway; whether we complete state policing or leave it on the drawing board; whether we turn our young people into a dividend or a grievance; whether we build the one-trillion-dollar economy or merely talk about it.’

The governor also charged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure that it was fully prepared for the presidential and National Assembly elections on January 16 and the governorship and State House of Assembly elections on February 6, 2027.

He urged Nigerians to also play their part in ensuring credible elections.

On insecurity, Sanwo-Olu said job creation remained one of the most effective security policies, stressing that investment and employment could only thrive in a safe environment.

‘We speak of the economy and security as though they were two subjects. They are one. Poverty feeds insecurity, and insecurity strangles the very economy that would cure poverty,’ he said.

‘When a farmer cannot go to his farm, the nation gets hungrier. When a school is not safe, the country gets another cohort of children who never learned to read. And the reverse is just as true.’

Chairman of the occasion and former Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, said the 2027 election should be viewed not merely as a contest for political power but as an opportunity to consolidate nation-building efforts.

Mohammed said the country’s security and economic challenges required consistency, patience, stronger institutions and national cooperation.

He argued that security remained a precondition for economic growth, while economic inclusion was necessary for political stability.

According to him, ‘No business thrives in an atmosphere of uncertainty, and no foreign or local investor deploys capital where safety cannot be guaranteed. In turn, political stability depends on economic inclusion.’

He urged stakeholders to strengthen the foundations of governance rather than merely criticise them.

Mohammed also charged the media to play a responsible role in the 2027 electoral process, warning against sensationalism, fake news and incendiary reporting.

He said the media had the power to inform citizens, interrogate claims, expose falsehoods and provide platforms for competing ideas, but could also deepen divisions when irresponsibly deployed.

‘We therefore need a media that is robust without being reckless; critical without being destructive; patriotic without becoming partisan; and free without forgetting the enormous responsibility that comes with freedom,’ he said.

Mohammed added that responsible journalism was particularly important during election periods because media reports could influence public perception, economic confidence and national security.

He urged journalists to focus the electoral discourse on policy, competence and concrete solutions rather than ethnic, religious or partisan sentiments.

The Senator representing Ogun East, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, said Nigeria could not achieve a strong economy without security, just as lasting security could not be achieved without a strong economy.

Daniel acknowledged what he described as encouraging signs in the Nigerian economy under the administration of President Bola Tinubu, including reported growth in the second quarter of 2026.

He, however, said economic progress should be measured beyond GDP figures and should reflect improvements in the daily lives of Nigerians.

He asked whether young Nigerians could find decent employment, farmers could safely access their farms, manufacturers could produce competitively and businesses could survive the rising costs of power, transportation and finance.

According to him, insecurity should be regarded not only as a security problem but also as an economic challenge.

‘When farmers are afraid to cultivate their land, food production suffers. When roads are unsafe, the cost of transporting goods rises. When businesses spend excessively on protection, their competitiveness declines. When communities live in fear, investment is discouraged,’ he said.

Daniel said Nigeria possessed enormous economic potential, citing its youthful population, entrepreneurial culture, technology sector, financial institutions and creative economy.

He called for greater investment in skills, employment, access to capital and technology, particularly for young Nigerians.

‘If we give our young people opportunity, they will build Nigeria. If we deny them opportunity, frustration will grow and social stability will suffer,’ he said.

He also called for greater economic diversification, noting that the non-oil sector accounted for the overwhelming majority of real GDP, with agriculture, manufacturing, technology, construction, financial services, tourism, entertainment and the digital economy playing increasingly important roles.

Daniel said Nigeria’s challenge was to convert the potential of these sectors into productive jobs, higher incomes and improved living standards.

He cited Lagos and Ogun states as examples of what could be achieved when population, enterprise, infrastructure and opportunity were combined, saying similar opportunities should be created across the country.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Ogun State, Hon. Ladi Adebutu, called for stronger institutions and transparent elections as prerequisites for democratic development.

Adebutu argued that institutions must be strengthened and allowed to function effectively to restore citizens’ confidence in the political system.

He expressed concern about capital flight and the polarising effect of elections, while stressing the need for political leaders and citizens to speak truth to power.

‘We need to have transparent elections. Elections have further polarised us. Our institutions should be strengthened so that people will have confidence in the system,’ he said.

Adebutu added, ‘We must speak truth to power. We have no other country. We believe in the country.’

Earlier, the organiser and publisher of Freedom Online, Gabriel Akinadewo, said Nigeria appeared to be making progress politically but questioned whether similar progress was being recorded in other sectors.

Akinadewo called for the establishment of state police, describing insecurity as a ‘monster’ that required urgent and innovative solutions.

He said Nigeria had developed a four-year electoral cycle but lacked a corresponding four-year cycle of development.

‘In Nigeria, every four years, we have a full cycle of election but there is no four-year cycle of development. We are here to draw a line between governance and politics. Where does politics stop? Where does development start?’ he asked.

Akinadewo also called for the modernisation of Nigeria’s laws to reflect contemporary realities.

‘The task before us today is very simple. We can’t continue to use the system adopted in the ’60s to govern Nigeria of 2026 and beyond. By 2027, we must modernise our laws to adapt to the challenges of the 21st century,’ he said.

The governorship candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) in Oyo State, Bimbo Adekanmbi, has declared that he is prepared to face criticism and opposition from the people if he fails to meet their expectations, should he be elected governor in 2027.

Adekanmbi made the declaration on Thursday at a media hangout with journalists in Ibadan, where he presented his vision for the state and outlined some of the priorities of his proposed administration.

He said his decision to contest the governorship was not driven by the desire for political power, but by the need to provide what he described as purposeful and accountable leadership for the people of Oyo State.

The APM candidate said he understood that public office came with scrutiny and criticism, adding that any governor must be willing to accept responsibility for both successes and failures in office.

‘If I fail to do well as governor, I know people are waiting to criticise me and fight me, but I am ready,’ he said.

‘I am ready to be held accountable because governance is about the people and not about the individual occupying the office.’

Adekanmbi said his administration, if elected, would focus on areas including economic development, education, healthcare, infrastructure, security, agriculture and youth employment.

He said Oyo State needed a government capable of moving beyond policy formulation to implementing programmes that would have a direct impact on the lives of residents.

On the economy, the APM candidate said he would seek to create an environment conducive to investment and business growth, while reducing bureaucratic obstacles confronting entrepreneurs.

He also identified agriculture as a major area of opportunity for the state, promising to support farmers with improved access to inputs, modern farming techniques, financing, processing facilities and markets.

Adekanmbi said the state must move beyond the production of raw agricultural commodities by developing processing and value chains that would create jobs and generate additional revenue.

On youth development, he said his administration would prioritise skills acquisition, entrepreneurship and other opportunities capable of making young people economically productive.

‘We cannot continue to tell our young people to wait for government jobs when the government alone cannot employ everybody.

‘What we need is a government that will create the conditions for young people to become employers of labour,’ he said.

On education, Adekanmbi promised to improve public schools through rehabilitation and the provision of essential learning facilities, while strengthening technical and vocational education.

He said the education system should be better aligned with the demands of the modern economy by equipping students and graduates with practical skills for employment and entrepreneurship.

The APM candidate also promised to strengthen primary healthcare centres across the state and improve access to affordable medical services, particularly for residents in rural communities.

According to him, residents should not be compelled to travel long distances before accessing basic healthcare.

On infrastructure, Adekanmbi said his administration would adopt a coordinated approach to road development, with emphasis on improving connectivity between rural communities, agricultural centres, markets and urban areas.

He also promised to strengthen collaboration between government, security agencies and communities to improve the security of lives and property across the state.

Adekanmbi said economic development would be difficult to achieve without adequate security, stressing that residents and investors needed an environment where they could live, work and conduct business safely.

He further pledged to run a transparent and accountable administration, insisting that public resources must be used for the benefit of the people.

The APM candidate said he would welcome constructive criticism from journalists, civil society organisations and members of the public, describing criticism as an important tool for improving governance.

‘I am not going into government to silence people. If you see something that is wrong, tell me. If I make a mistake, criticise me. If the criticism is constructive, it will help us to correct ourselves and serve the people better,’ he said.

Adekanmbi urged Oyo residents to assess the governorship candidates ahead of the 2027 election based on their programmes, competence, integrity and capacity to deliver, rather than party affiliation alone.

He also urged journalists to continue to scrutinise the promises of political candidates and provide voters with the information needed to make informed choices at the polls.

The APM candidate said his campaign would focus on issues affecting residents rather than personal attacks on political opponents.

Modern technology career paths are no longer strictly separated into software engineering or business administration. A specialised field of technical expertise is developing around the essential corporate function of revenue management. A notable illustration of this trend is go-to-market engineering, frequently referred to as GTM engineering.

GTM engineering utilises technical methodologies including data integration, automated workflows, APIs, and artificial intelligence to enhance the phases of customer identification, qualification, and retention.

This practice exists at the junction of software development, revenue operations, and sales marketing. Prevailing industry definitions often position GTM engineers between RevOps and traditional engineering departments, tasking them with constructing the infrastructure required for scalable revenue processes.

In contrast to standard software developers, GTM engineers do not typically create the primary product sold to customers. Their focus is instead directed toward building the underlying systems that support the commercial activities of the business.

The role of GTM Engineer

Standard sales procedures often require significant manual effort. Professionals might spend time investigating prospects, locating key stakeholders, entering CRM data, verifying external databases, drafting personalised correspondence, and recording every step of the engagement.

A GTM engineer evaluates that sequence from a systemic perspective. The primary consideration is determining which components of the workflow can be transformed into a consistent, automated system.

For instance, an automated workflow might detect a prospective account, gather firmographic data, improve contact details, calculate a lead score, and initiate a follow-up series. This allows sales personnel to focus on high-value tasks such as strategic relationship management and complex negotiations.

The goal is the engineering of the workflow itself rather than merely increasing individual productivity. Current GTM engineering methodologies involve constructing systems that link external signals and data with human decision points to create measurable revenue streams.

GTM engineer skill stack

While specific organisational needs differ, certain technical competencies consistently appear in the descriptions of this evolving professional role.

APIs and system integration

Modern businesses rarely operate on a single software platform. A CRM may need to communicate with a marketing platform, data provider, customer-support system, payment platform or analytics environment.

Application programming interfaces, or APIs, allow these systems to exchange information. A GTM engineer therefore needs to understand how information moves between applications and how integrations can be monitored when something fails.

Data pipelines

Strategic revenue decisions require accurate data. Professionals in this field construct pipelines to aggregate, normalise, and distribute prospect information. Common tasks include data deduplication, the implementation of standard fields, and automated synchronisation across platforms.

The intent is to eliminate the risks associated with fragmented or outdated information. Core responsibilities within the GTM domain frequently include managing data pipelines and ensuring CRM enrichment workflows remain functional.

Workflow automation

Strategic automation is another pillar of the discipline. An organisation might implement a logic where qualified leads are instantly routed to specific sales representatives while creating an immediate record in the primary CRM.

Advanced systems can also respond to external triggers such as corporate funding news, recruitment trends, or shifts in user behavior. Instead of manual monitoring, automated systems identify these occurrences and trigger the predefined business response.

SQL and Python

While the role is distinct from traditional development, technical scripting abilities significantly broaden the scope of possible revenue infrastructure.

SQL facilitates the interrogation of complex datasets, while Python supports custom data processing and the creation of integrations that exceed the capabilities of standard software settings.

Current GTM engineering job descriptions increasingly list SQL, Python, APIs and webhooks among desirable technical capabilities.

Artificial Intelligence

The integration of AI is expanding the reach of GTM engineering. AI-driven workflows can conduct account research, categorise prospect responses, or generate draft communications for human validation.

However, the use of AI necessitates careful system design. Since AI models produce probabilistic results, robust GTM systems incorporate quality control, human oversight, and consistent performance tracking.

GTM Engineering vs. Revenue Operations

GTM engineering is closely related to Revenue Operations, but the two disciplines are not identical.

Revenue Operations typically focuses on the strategic operating model, emphasising data governance, reporting structures, organisational planning, and the alignment of revenue-generating departments.

In contrast, GTM engineering emphasises the construction and maintenance of the technical tools that facilitate that strategic model.

For example, a RevOps specialist might define the criteria for lead qualification. A GTM engineer then builds the automated mechanism that executes those criteria across the tech stack.

The distinction is not always absolute. Within smaller firms, one individual might handle both roles, but the separation becomes increasingly valuable as revenue technology grows in complexity.

Why GTM Engineering is emerging

The expansion of the SaaS industry has provided companies with access to numerous specialised tools. Various platforms for CRM, marketing, and AI all assist in customer acquisition, yet the proliferation of these tools often introduces significant complexity.

Personnel often spend excessive time migrating data between platforms. GTM engineering mitigates this inefficiency by treating the technology stack as a unified system that can be optimised and improved.

The job market is beginning to reflect that shift. eMarketer reported that GTM engineering job postings grew by 205% year over year between 2024 and 2025, based on an analysis of more than 1,000 listings.

While the role is relatively new and titles vary by organisation, the increase in dedicated positions indicates a widespread understanding that revenue infrastructure is a critical competitive advantage.

How to start building GTM Engineering skills

Entering this field does not strictly require a background in software development. A viable path involves mastering CRM operations, followed by acquiring skills in data handling, APIs, and basic automation. SQL and Python can subsequently provide more advanced technical capabilities.

Practical projects offer the most effective learning outcomes. For instance, creating a workflow that processes form data, enriches the records, and updates a central database serves as an excellent foundational exercise. This type of project demonstrates the core sequence of the discipline:

data ? integration ? logic ? automation ? outcome.

The subsequent phase involves determining if the newly created system successfully optimised the intended business process.

This assessment is crucial because GTM engineering focuses on commercial value. A complex automation that generates inaccurate data or low-quality prospects does not meet the objectives of the business.

The most effective systems link technical execution to clear outcomes, such as improved conversion rates, reduced manual task duration, and enhanced data integrity.

FAQs

Is GTM engineering the same as RevOps?

No. The functions overlap, but RevOps generally focuses on revenue processes, governance, reporting, planning and organisational alignment, while GTM engineering places greater emphasis on building the technical workflows, integrations, data pipelines and automation that execute those processes. In smaller companies, one person may perform both functions.

Does a GTM engineer need to know how to code?

Not necessarily at the level of a traditional software engineer. However, familiarity with APIs, SQL, scripting, webhooks and automation can be highly valuable. Current GTM engineering job descriptions commonly identify SQL or Python alongside API and workflow knowledge.

Is GTM engineering only useful for technology companies?

No. The underlying principle can apply to any organisation with complex customer-acquisition, sales or customer-management processes. The specific tools and workflows will vary according to the industry.

What is the difference between a GTM engineer and a software engineer?

A software engineer typically builds and maintains software products or infrastructure, while a GTM engineer focuses on the technical systems supporting go-to-market activities such as customer data, lead routing, enrichment, CRM workflows and revenue automation.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commended the Daily Times of Nigeria (DTN) on its historic centenary, hailing the iconic publication as the ultimate custodian of the nation’s political, social, and democratic history over the past 100 years.

Tinubu, who was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen George Akume, gave the commendation while delivering the keynote address and formally unveiling The Nigerian Grand Book at the DTN@100 Centenary Celebration in Abuja.

He noted that through the colonial era, the struggle for independence, the birth of the Republic, the challenges of nation-building, and the transformations of contemporary democracy, the pages of the Daily Times have continuously captured the personalities, events, and aspirations that shaped the national journey.

‘Through the colonial era, the struggle for independence, the birth of our Republic, the challenges of nation-building and the transformations of our contemporary democracy, the pages of the Daily Times have captured the personalities, events and aspirations that have shaped our national journey’, the President added.

Special Adviser, Media and Publicity to SGF, Mr Yomi Odunuga, in a statement on Thursday, said President Tinubu described the Daily Times of Nigeria’s 100 years of existence as ‘a testament to endurance, relevance and institutional resilience,’ and a vital record of Nigeria’s national journey.

‘It is a great honour and privilege to join you today as we celebrate a remarkable milestone in the history of Nigerian journalism, and indeed in the history of our nation, the centenary of the Daily Times of Nigeria’, he said.

Speaking on the significance of The Nigerian Grand Book, he said the compendium is critical at this point in the nation’s history.

‘A nation that forgets its history risks repeating its mistakes. But a nation that understands its history can draw wisdom from its successes, learn from its setbacks and confidently design its future.

‘This is a principle that resonates deeply with the vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The President has consistently demonstrated an appreciation of the fact that Nigeria’s present challenges did not emerge overnight; many are rooted in structural weaknesses that have accumulated over decades.

Consequently, the task of national renewal requires the courage to understand where we have come from, confront what has held us back and make difficult but necessary choices about where we must go.’ he said.

The President linked the publication directly to the Renewed Hope Agenda, saying: ‘The reforms of the present administration are therefore not simply about changing policies; they are about changing the trajectory of our nation. They seek to build a stronger fiscal foundation, create a more productive economy, strengthen institutions, unlock investment, improve infrastructure, expand opportunities for our young people and position Nigeria to compete more effectively in the global economy.’

He further emphasised the role of historical records in nation-building: ‘President Tinubu’s approach reminds us that history should not be a museum of yesterday. History should be an instrument for engineering tomorrow. That is why a publication such as The Nigerian Grand Book is so important. It gives us an opportunity to tell our story from our own perspective; to celebrate Nigerians who have contributed to our progress; to preserve the institutional memories of our nation.’

He also commended the DTN@100 Times Heroes Awards, noting that ‘nations are built by people.

‘The entrepreneurs who create jobs, the farmers who feed our communities, the scientists who expand knowledge, the public servants who uphold institutions, the artists who enrich our culture, the innovators who solve problems and the citizens who serve their communities are all contributors to the Nigerian story. Their achievements deserve to be remembered,’ he said.

On national unity and identity, President Tinubu reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment:

‘The Federal Government attaches great importance to national identity, social cohesion and the preservation of our collective memory. Our diversity is one of Nigeria’s greatest assets, and our history provides us with countless examples of what Nigerians can accomplish when our differences are transformed into strength rather than division.’

He outlined the administration’s focus going forward, noting that: ‘Under the Renewed Hope Agenda, the Federal Government is committed to building an economy that creates opportunities rather than dependency; institutions that command confidence; infrastructure that connects communities and markets; and a society in which every Nigerian has the opportunity to contribute to national prosperity.’

He also congratulated the leadership of the Daily Times under Mr Fidelis Anosike and all those involved in producing The Nigerian Grand Book for their ‘historic contribution to the preservation of our national heritage.’

Speaking on the role of the media in national development, he said ‘the Federal Government recognises the media not only as an instrument of information and accountability, but also as a custodian of national memory. The Daily Times has fulfilled that responsibility for a century.’

Concluding, the President charged Nigerians to look to the future: ‘As we unveil this remarkable compendium today, let us remember that the first hundred years of Nigeria’s story have been written; the next chapter is in our hands. May we write that chapter with courage, unity, innovation and patriotism. May the Nigeria of tomorrow be more prosperous, more secure, more competitive and more united than the Nigeria we inherited.’

He formally unveiled The Nigerian Grand Book and urged Nigerians, schools, libraries, and institutions to embrace it.

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has commended Univasa Nigeria Limited for its eSIM service designed to provide air travellers with internet connectivity across more than 200 destinations worldwide.

The NCAA has given a ‘no objection’ to the service, citing its potential to address connectivity challenges faced by Nigerian passengers travelling abroad.

Univasa Nigeria Limited is an information technology and telecommunications company with connectivity to more than 400 telecommunications networks across the world.

Speaking in Abuja, the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, NCAA, Mr. Michael Achimugu, said the authority’s position was informed by the need for passengers to remain connected with their loved ones and businesses while travelling internationally.

According to him, internet connectivity has remained a recurring challenge for Nigerian travellers, particularly those who need to purchase data after arriving in foreign countries.

He said the initiative was also in line with the Federal Government’s policy of supporting local businesses providing solutions to identified needs.

Achimugu said the NCAA would support Univasa because the service addresses a connectivity challenge among Nigerian passengers.

‘When we identify a problem, we seek to solve those problems. To make the travel experience better for Nigerian passengers.’

He also disclosed that the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, uses the service while travelling abroad, adding that some chief executives in the aviation sector also use it.

The NCAA’s Special Adviser to the Director-General, Mrs. Ifueko Abdulmalik, said the authority was interested in the initiative from the passenger-experience perspective.

She said passengers travelling into and out of Nigeria often experience connectivity difficulties, adding that access to internet services could make communication and movement easier for travellers.

‘From the customer angle, we think that this would help passengers improve their travel experience,’ Abdulmalik said.

On his part, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Univasa, Dr. Ben Adeniyi, said the service was developed partly in response to the need for international travellers to remain connected when they arrive in a new country.

He said the Univasa eSIM provides connectivity in more than 150 countries and over 200 destinations, while its physical SIM, known as P-SIM, is intended for phones that do not support eSIM technology.

Adeniyi said international travellers increasingly require internet access to communicate with family and friends at home and with people at their destinations.

He added that the company’s pricing was based on its ability to purchase data in large volumes.

Speaking from the passenger-experience perspective, Engr. Dr. Halimat Adediran, Vice President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers and a partner with Univasa Nigeria Limited, said the service had agreements with several telecommunications networks globally.

She said the system could switch between available networks when the quality of a particular network became inadequate.

Adediran also said the service could provide an alternative for travellers who would otherwise have to purchase data or roaming services from operators in their destination countries.

The onset of the rainy season has pushed malaria test positivity in Oyo State to 42 per cent, up from 29 per cent recorded in April, the State Malaria Elimination Programme Manager, Mrs Foluke Adeyemo, has disclosed.

Adeyemo made this known while presenting the state’s second-quarter malaria performance indicators at the quarterly Oyo State Malaria Technical Working Group meeting.

She said the malaria test positivity rate based on rapid diagnostic tests rose from 29 per cent in April to 36 per cent in May and 42 per cent in June, coinciding with the rainy season, which is associated with increased mosquito breeding and malaria transmission.

Despite the increase, Adeyemo said the state maintained a 99 per cent treatment rate for confirmed uncomplicated malaria cases, with cases treated using artemisinin-based combination therapy in line with national guidelines.

She, however, expressed concern over some private health facilities that were not complying with recommended malaria testing and treatment protocols.

‘Some private facilities are not compliant with testing and treatment of uncomplicated malaria with ACT,’ she said, calling for stronger engagement with such facilities.

Adeyemo said Oyo achieved 100 per cent reporting and timely reporting in April and May, while June recorded 100 per cent timely reporting and a slight decline in overall reporting to 99 per cent.

On fever testing, she said malaria microscopy accounted for between 73.9 per cent and 95 per cent of testing during the quarter, while rapid diagnostic test utilisation ranged from 12 per cent to 15 per cent.

Adeyemo also reported progress in intermittent preventive treatment in pregnancy, with IPTp1 uptake ranging between 77 per cent and 89 per cent.

She said routine distribution of insecticide-treated nets, which began in November 2025, remained ongoing, with performance during the quarter ranging between 71 per cent and 74 per cent.

However, she identified inadequate documentation as a major challenge, explaining that services and commodities not captured on monthly summary forms could not be uploaded to the District Health Information System.

Dr Yemisi Ayandipo, representing the REACH Malaria Programme implemented by PATH and funded by the U.S. Department of State, reaffirmed the programme’s commitment to supporting malaria prevention and case management across Oyo State.

She emphasised the importance of the Technical Working Group in reviewing programme performance, identifying implementation gaps and making evidence-based decisions to improve malaria elimination efforts.

Ayandipo stressed the need to improve the quality and standardisation of maternal and reproductive health services, particularly antenatal care and malaria prevention during pregnancy. She also raised concerns about gaps in uncomplicated malaria management and urged healthcare providers to adhere to standard treatment guidelines.

Mr Stephen Uchechukwu, Monitoring and Evaluation Officer with PATH’s REACH Malaria Programme, reported an overall decline in malaria cases when corresponding quarters were compared.

He said reported cases fell from about 177,000 to 142,000 in the first quarter, and from 263,216 to approximately 179,000 in the second quarter. Malaria-positive cases also declined from 63,688 to 50,851 in Q1 and from 124,432 to 89,842 in Q2.

Uchechukwu attributed the decline partly to intensified malaria prevention and control interventions but identified discrepancies between commodities distributed and those reportedly consumed at the facility level.

He called for improved reconciliation of commodity and service data and greater use of routine data to guide programme decisions.

Dr Motunrayo Fagbola, State Technical Malaria Lead, commended the state for improvements observed during recent health facility monitoring visits, particularly increased attention to malaria in pregnancy, stronger data validation and improved availability and affordability of sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine through the Drug Revolving Fund.

She, however, identified persistent gaps in malaria case management, including clinical diagnosis despite available test results, poor adherence to treatment guidelines, inappropriate use of injectable artesunate and inadequate referral of severe malaria cases from primary health facilities.

Fagbola also raised concerns about poor case documentation, transcription errors and inconsistencies between patient case notes, registers and reported data.

She called for better deployment of trained malaria microscopists to high-volume facilities and stronger facility-level capacity building to improve the quality of malaria diagnosis and treatment across Oyo State.

ADC chieftain and Kogi-born political activist, Comrade Usman Okai Austin, has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure equitable representation of Kogi East Senatorial District in the ongoing creation of new electoral wards in the state.

Okai, in a press statement, alleged that Kogi East was being marginalised in the commission’s proposed ward restructuring, insisting that the exercise must be guided by established legal and administrative parameters, including population and geographical landmass.

He alleged that the current proposal disproportionately favoured Kogi West and some other areas, warning that the perceived imbalance could heighten political tension in the state.

According to him, there was no justification for excluding Kogi East from the exercise, describing the zone as the most populous and largest in terms of landmass in the state.

Okai urged the leadership of INEC to act as impartial public servants serving the interests of the entire state rather than favouring any particular senatorial district.

He also appealed to stakeholders across the three senatorial districts to speak up for equity and justice, warning that actions perceived as marginalising the people of Kogi East could trigger widespread political unrest.

He insisted that the proposed ward distribution should not be implemented without a comprehensive review.

Okai further alleged that INEC had proposed additional wards for local government areas in Kogi West, including nine for Ijumu, four for Mopa-Muro, six for Yagba East, four for Yagba West, four for Kabba-Bunu and five for Okene, while, according to him, none of the nine local government areas in Kogi East was allocated additional wards.

He questioned the rationale behind the alleged distribution and called on INEC to ensure that the exercise was transparent, fair and reflective of the demographic and geographical realities of the state.

Okai also reminded the commission’s leadership that the appointment of its chairman had been welcomed across the three senatorial districts of Kogi State.

He therefore cautioned against using the office to advance what he described as regional favouritism, stressing that the process should promote fairness and preserve unity among the people of the state.

The Yoruba nation activist and founder of Iru Ekun Security Network, Chief Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, has declared that an onslaught against criminal elements in the South West will continue in order to ensure effective security of the region.

He noted that the recent reduction in cases of kidnapping, banditry and other vicious crimes in Yoruba was as a result of the tactical support of Iru Ekun Security Network by the Police, Nigerian Army, the Department of State Service (DSS) and other security agencies in the country.

A statement from the Igboho media office, on Thursday hinted that the Yoruba nation agitator made this disclosure during the launch of Iru Ekun in Akure, the capital of Ondo.

Describing security as a collective responsibility of all regardless of political, ethnic and religious divides, Igboho maintained that ‘our commitment is to restore confidence of our people in the South West in government’s ability to guarantee peaceful and enabling environment for healthy socioeconomic developments.

According to the statement, ‘It is visible for all to see that the ignoble activities of rogue herders, bandits, and kidnappers, who hitherto shattered the peace of our agrarian communities and other communities, have subsided since Iru Ekun Security Network begins operations backed by the Police, military personnel, DSS operatives.

‘We are not backing down or relenting until we make the South West forests, highways and agrarian communities safe for all. We cannot afford to create chances for hoodlums to turn our region to their safe haven.

‘Everything humanly and legally possible must be done to support the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who approved the establishment of Iru Ekun to further develop the South West and other parts of Nigeria. This can only be achieved through effective security in our region.’

While highlighting the procedures of Iru Ekun to volunteers who joined the security outfit in Ondo, Igboho cautioned them against tackling criminals without notifying relevant security agencies in their domain.

The statement reads further, ‘Anytime you notice the activities of bandits on highways connecting Ondo, Osun and Ekiti states, or other criminals. in your locality, you must notify the Police and other security agencies before confronting them.

‘Be proactive by not sparing any armed bandits because if you hesitate in taking action, you may be shot dead by these deadly criminals. We recently lost one of our members in Iwere Ile to armed bandits who killed him during a gun duel.

‘I want you to be at alert so that you don’t lose your life in the course of action. We are resolute and will not back down on our onslaught against bandits, kidnappers and other criminal elements in the South West.

‘If you notice, you will discover that incidents of kidnapping, banditry, herders and farmers clashes have reduced. We continue to sustain this feat and ensure that the South West is free from these hoodlums.’

Meanwhile, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo and prominent traditional rulers in the state, have rallied support for Iru Ekun Security Network.

Receiving Igboho in their palaces, the Deji of Akure, Oba Adetoyinbo Aladelusi and the Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin, respectively promised to back the operations of Iru Ekun, just as they urged their subjects to cooperate with all security agencies with a view to improve safety and peace in their communities.

With newspapers’ front pages increasingly shared as screenshots, cropped images, and forwarded posts on social media to misinform people ahead of the 2027 general elections in Nigeria, it can sometimes be difficult to tell whether a front page is genuine or has been altered.

For readers who want to confirm that a newspaper front page is actually from the African Newspapers of Nigeria plc, publisher of the Nigerian Tribune titles, the masthead, positioning of key elements, typography, ear-pieces, colour treatment and overall page structure can provide useful clues.

The Nigerian Tribune (Monday to Friday), Saturday Tribune and Sunday Tribune have distinctive front-page identities. While the stories and visual treatment change from one edition to another, several design features remain useful in identifying each publication.

Here are some of the key things to look out for:

1. Check the position of ‘NIGERIAN’ on the Monday to Friday title

One of the first things to examine is the word ‘NIGERIAN’ above the main masthead.

On the Monday to Friday front page, ‘NIGERIAN’ appears in solid black block letters directly above the ‘TRI’ portion of the main red ‘TRIBUNE’ masthead.

This positioning is an important visual identifier because the word is not simply placed randomly above the newspaper’s name.

2. Look at the Coat of Arms-like emblem and ‘SINCE 1949’

The Nigerian Coat of Arms-like emblem, extracted from the logo of the company, is another prominent feature of the Tribune masthead.

On the Monday to Friday title, the stylised Nigerian coat of arms icon and the ‘SINCE 1949’ inscription are positioned around the centre of the masthead, with the logo aligned directly above the ‘I’ in ‘TRIBUNE.’

A reader checking an unfamiliar front page should therefore pay attention to the relationship between the emblem, the masthead and the founding-year inscription.

3. Examine the three top ear-pieces

The Nigerian Tribune (Monday to Friday) typically features three distinct bordered ear-piece teaser boxes arranged horizontally across the top margin above the masthead.

These boxes carry short headlines designed to draw attention to other important stories inside the newspaper.

Their number, placement and bordered presentation can provide another clue when checking whether an image represents the newspaper’s front page.

4. Study the overall front-page grid

Monday to Friday editions generally use a text-heavy front-page grid, accommodating several stories beyond the main lead.

The layout can include secondary sub-lead stories, brief summaries, bullet-style information and a prominent captioned group photograph.

This dense presentation is part of the newspaper’s visual identity and distinguishes it from publications that rely more heavily on a single dominant photograph or a minimalist front page.

5. Look for solid category kicker boxes

Another useful feature is the use of solid rectangular kicker boxes to identify categories.

For example, a lower-grid story may carry a solid pinkish-red box labelled ‘HEALTH.’

These coloured category labels help organise secondary stories and are an additional visual clue when examining a suspected Nigerian Tribune (Monday to Friday) front page.

Saturday Tribune

The Saturday edition has its own visual characteristics and should not be confused with the regular Nigerian Tribune.

6. Check where ‘SATURDAY’ appears

On the Saturday Tribune, the word ‘SATURDAY’ appears in all-caps black text, aligned to the left directly above the ‘TR’ of the main masthead.

This is one of the easiest features to check when identifying the weekend edition.

7. Examine the Coat of Arms-like emblem position

The company’s logo, which looks like the Nigerian Coat of Arms, remains central to the masthead.

On the Saturday Tribune, the emblem sits directly above the ‘I’ in ‘TRIBUNE,’ positioned between ‘SATURDAY’ on the left and ‘SINCE 1949’ on the right.

8. Look for two large ear-piece teasers

Unlike the three-ear-piece arrangement associated with the Nigerian Tribune description, the Saturday Tribune usually features two wide, high-impact ear-piece boxes across the top margin.

These often highlight human-interest or feature-oriented stories and may include red page-callout ovals.

Their larger format gives the Saturday edition a more feature-driven appearance.

9. Check the main headline typography

The Saturday Tribune uses a highly prominent main headline treatment.

Its lead story can feature massive, ultra-bold black typography against a white background, giving the headline strong visibility on the page.

This high-contrast approach is one of the visual characteristics readers can examine when distinguishing the Saturday edition.

10. Look for the bottom accent banner

Another feature associated with the Saturday Tribune is a full-width coloured header box across the lower columns.

A solid red bar, for example, may be used to introduce or organise secondary story highlights.

The banner helps create a visual anchor at the bottom portion of the front page.

Sunday Tribune

The Sunday Tribune has an even more distinctive visual treatment, particularly in the way it presents major stories.

11. Check the ‘SUNDAY’ prefix

On the Sunday Tribune, ‘SUNDAY’ appears in a larger, distinct black sans-serif font directly above the ‘TR’ of the main masthead.

This positioning is a useful first check when determining whether an image belongs to the Sunday edition.

12. Check the emblem and masthead arrangement

The Nigerian coat of Arms-like emblem is positioned directly above the ‘I’ in ‘TRIBUNE.’

It is flanked by ‘SUNDAY’ on the left and ‘SINCE 1949’ on the right.

The precise relationship among these three elements provides a useful visual reference for readers examining a suspected Sunday Tribune front page.

13. Look for large colour kicker banners

Sunday Tribune front pages can use oversized, full-width coloured background banners beneath the metadata strip.

Bright colours such as yellow or red may be used to highlight major investigative, political or special series.

These banners give the Sunday edition a particularly strong visual presence.

14. Examine the headline and portrait treatment

The Sunday Tribune can use oversized headline typography alongside large cutout images of political figures.

The portraits may extend or overlap into the headline area, creating a more dramatic front-page composition.

When checking a suspected front page, readers should therefore examine how the main photograph interacts with the headline rather than looking at the headline alone.

15. Check for angled red page badges

Another distinctive feature is the use of slanted red oval page badges placed beside lead and sub-lead stories.

Badges such as ‘p6,’ ‘p7’ or ‘p10’ can direct readers to the pages where the full stories appear.

Their position, shape and relationship with the headlines can help establish whether the page follows the expected Sunday Tribune design.

16. Don’t judge authenticity by the headline alone

A genuine-looking headline does not necessarily mean that the entire front page is authentic.

A manipulated image can copy a real Tribune headline while changing the photograph, date, page number, quotation or other details.

Readers should therefore examine the masthead, date, story arrangement, typography, photographs and page references together.

17. Check the masthead before the story

The masthead is often more useful than the headline when identifying a newspaper edition.

Start by checking:

The position of NIGERIAN, SATURDAY or SUNDAY.

The red TRIBUNE wordmark.

The position of the Nigerian Coat of Arms-like emblem.

The ‘SINCE 1949’ inscription.

The alignment of these elements with the letters in the masthead.

If these elements appear inconsistent with the expected Tribune design, the image deserves closer scrutiny.

18. Compare the page architecture

The overall architecture of the page can also provide clues.

Look at the number and position of ear-pieces, the size of the lead headline, the arrangement of secondary stories, photographs, kicker boxes and coloured banners.

A genuine newspaper front page normally follows a deliberate editorial and design structure rather than having unrelated elements placed together.

19. Verify the edition, not just the newspaper name

Finally, remember that the Nigerian Tribune, Saturday Tribune and Sunday Tribune are distinct editions.

The word ‘TRIBUNE’ alone is therefore not enough to establish authenticity as The Daily Tribune is different from the Nigerian Tribune which is the regular edition for daily publication.

A proper check should establish:

Whether it is the Nigerian Tribune (Monday to Friday), Saturday, or Sunday edition.

Whether the edition’s prefix is correctly positioned.

Whether the Coat of Arms is correctly aligned.

Whether the ear-piece arrangement matches the edition.

Whether the headline typography is consistent.

Whether the colour kicker boxes and banners fit the publication’s design.

Whether the photographs, captions and page references appear coherent.

20. Look for the background colour of the lead story

While the Nigerian Tribune (Monday to Friday) consistently uses a plain white background for its lead story, both weekend editions (Saturday and Sunday) mostly use deep black and green, respectively, as the background for their lead stories.