Category: Nigerian Tribune

In this report, YEKINI JIMOH examines the ongoing workplace security campaign and its implications for workers’ welfare, job security and the 2027 political landscape in Kogi State.

As the nation gears up for the 2027 general elections, Kogi State is already witnessing heightened political activities, with organised labour taking a leading role in mobilising workers for the re-election of President Bola Tinubu and Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo.

The sensitisation campaign, spearheaded by the Special Adviser to Governor Ododo on Labour Matters, Comrade Onuh Edoka, has traversed several local government areas across the three senatorial districts, taking its message of workplace protection, security consciousness, workers’ welfare and political awareness directly to the grassroots.

Held under the theme, ‘Workplace Security: Protection, Sensitisation and Preparedness Against Banditry and Kidnapping,’ the campaign sought to draw workers’ attention not only to the security of their workplaces but also to the need to protect their jobs and welfare by supporting policies they believe promote workers’ interests.

From Okene to Ogori-Magongo, Ankpa, Adavi, Okehi, Dekina, Omala, Bassa, Ofu, Ajaokuta, Yagba East, Yagba West and Mopamuro, workers and labour leaders expressed varying degrees of support for the continuity of the Tinubu and Ododo administrations.

Security and job protection

Speaking during the campaign, Edoka said workplace security had become increasingly important in view of the security challenges confronting society, particularly banditry and kidnapping.

He maintained that security was a collective responsibility requiring the cooperation of government, workers and other stakeholders.

According to him, workers must remain vigilant and security-conscious while also understanding that job security is an essential component of workers’ wellbeing.

‘Security is a collective responsibility, either in the workplace or beyond. Government is committed to providing the leadership and resources, but cannot do it alone.

‘The political will is the foundation of all security progress. Governor Ododo is ready for all-round protection of the people and property. The workers’ job is not an exception,’ he said.

Edoka also urged workers to make informed political choices, arguing that continuity in government was necessary where existing policies and programmes were yielding positive results.

Workers’ welfare takes centre stage

A major component of the campaign has been the presentation of the welfare initiatives of the Ododo administration as evidence of its commitment to workers.

Edoka listed the implementation of the new minimum wage, payment of full salaries to local government workers, full hazard allowances for doctors and other health workers, health insurance coverage for workers and pensioners, promotions and payment of promotion arrears, leave bonuses and the provision of buses for the Nigeria Labour Congress, Trade Union Congress and Joint Negotiating Council.

He said the measures had helped create a more conducive working environment and strengthened the relationship between government and organised labour.

The campaign has consequently become not only a security sensitisation exercise but also a platform through which workers are being encouraged to examine the policies and programmes of the present administrations before making their electoral choices in 2027.

Labour backs continuity

The Kogi State Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Gabriel Amari, said organised labour’s participation in the campaign was informed by what he described as the verifiable achievements of the Ododo administration.

Amari noted that the governor had taken steps to improve workers’ welfare without necessarily waiting for pressure from labour unions.

He urged workers to sustain the cordial relationship between government and organised labour, saying the existing partnership should be protected.

Similarly, the State Chairman of the Public Service Joint Negotiating Council, Comrade Olusegun Alemeru, said workplace security was directly connected to the wellbeing of workers.

He urged workers to see the 2027 election as an opportunity to make decisions that would protect their jobs and welfare.

The Senior Technical Adviser to the Governor on Urban Development, Chief Godwin Edime, also canvassed continuity, saying the policies of the Tinubu and Ododo administrations should be sustained for the benefit of workers and the wider societyorsements across the councils

The campaign has received strong endorsements from workers and labour leaders in several local government areas. From the western senatorial district to the east and the central, labour leaders including chairmen of Nigeria Union of Teachers, Medical and Health Workers Union, the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP) among others passed a votes of confidence in Governor Ododo and described the governor’s interventions as a departure from what workers experienced in the past and assured the campaign team of massive support for the governor’s re-election.

The Kogi State President of NULGE, Comrade Muhammad Sanusi Inyanya, described the situation as a moment of celebration for workers, commending Governor Ododo for placing workers’ welfare on the front burner.

A campaign beyond politics

Although the campaign has a clear political undertone, its organisers have continued to present workplace security as its central theme.

Edoka has repeatedly urged workers to remain vigilant against threats such as kidnapping and banditry while encouraging labour unions to speak with one voice.

In Ofu and Ajaokuta, workers pledged their support for Tinubu and Ododo, while the Director of Local Government in Ofu, Mrs Joy Audu, described the engagement as timely.

Across the councils, cultural displays and large gatherings of workers added colour to the engagements, underscoring the campaign’s growing visibility at the grassroots.

The road to 2027

With the campaign now moving across the three senatorial districts, its organisers appear determined to turn workplace engagement into a broader grassroots mobilisation ahead of the 2027 elections.

For the labour unions and workers who have publicly endorsed the administrations, the argument is straightforward: policies affecting salaries, minimum wage, promotions, healthcare, hazard allowances, pensions and general working conditions should be considered alongside broader political issues when deciding who should govern.

For Edoka and his team, therefore, workplace security goes beyond protecting government offices from physical threats. It also encompasses the protection of workers’ livelihoods and the continuity of policies they believe have improved their conditions.

As the 2027 political season gradually gathers momentum, the campaign has provided the Ododo administration with another platform for direct engagement with one of its most important constituencies-the organised workforce.

Whether the endorsements recorded across the local government areas will ultimately translate into electoral strength remains a question for the 2027 polls. But one message has emerged consistently from the campaign trail: Kogi workers want their welfare, job security and relationship with government to remain central to the political conversation.

Mallam Shehu Bankole Hameed is the chairman and coordinator of Team Prosper, an organisation comprising core professionals mobilising support for President Bola Tinubu’s reelection. In this interaction with KUNLE ODEREMI, speaks on issues surrounding Nigeria’s 66th Independence anniversary, ongoing campaign for the general election, fuel subsidy removal, face-off between Minister of FCT, Nyesom Wike, and APC governors, among others. Excerpts:

At the threshold of its 66th Independence Day, Nigeria is still battling challenges in many fronts? What do you consider as the encumbrances in the quest by the country to attain nationhood?

It has not been rosy at all. On the economic space, what has been the bane of our past economic managers – military or civilian – has largely been poor understanding of what makes for growth, the utilisation of resources, gross inefficiency in the workforce and the proclivity to mismanagement, including the absence of accountability. Poor judicial process even when we seek to hold the very few ‘unlucky’ ones accountable. On the political side, our experience is intriguing, especially when you study the emergence of three major regions in the First Republic, and how they failed to address the political unity and stability of the country. The incursion of the military into the political space, in the guise of ‘correcting the malaise of corruption’ of the civilian politicians, and the attendant fallouts have continued to affect the quality of political space and [participation in Nigeria.

The quest by the Biafrans for autonomy might have been easily dealt with, but for the covetousness of the seceding polity. When any group of people demand from others what isn’t legally, culturally theirs, there’s bound to be mutual distrust for a long time. As it stands, things haven’t changed, only getting worse for unity. At the recent Abuja discourse, the Igbos made claims to a land that clearly its owners rejected. Which way forward after that, if not distrust and suspicion? This sort of insistence, distrust and unreliability of the geopolitical zones go a long way to affect every policy designed for success. Much energy is dedicated to countering sectional demands, prejudices and stereotypes.

Despite the picture you have painted about Nigeria, the era of the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo raised a bright and promising hope and future of a prosperous Nigeria. He was able to lay the foundation for greater heights soon. How come the lofty dreams of the new vista and dawn of the Awo era soon fizzled out?

Chief Awolowo is revered particularly in the South-West (which, in the beginning, was ‘Western’ Nigeria before Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe ensured the breakaway of the now Edo/Delta as Midwest region. The Western region included most of what we now know largely as Lagos State. The federal Capital was mostly Lagos Island, Ikoyi and Victoria Island. The economic and social sustainability of Awolowo’s policies and programmes were anchored on the unfettered access to Education – free Education. I see a pattern with PBAT here with his focus on education anchored by the Minister of Education, Chief (Dr) Tunji Moruf Alausa, CON.

Succeeding generations of our rulers neglected the education sector and the acquisition of skills, which greatly diminished our country’s economic space and limited our capacity for growth. I see a ray of light in the approach of this Education minister and his team; TVET, NELFUND, and the recognition of ASUU as partners in progress. Maybe if this administration’s response is sustained, then Awolowo and his dreams of a decent and developed, well-educated populace may be met soon.

A lot of Nigerians believe the country should have made a more positive effect on the average Nigerian following the return to civil rule in 1999 after a long interregnum of military dictatorship. Indices of mass poverty, severe economic hardship, rural neglect, and other core issues subsist? Why do you think this trend has continued, despite Nigeria’s enormous human and natural endowments?

Let me disagree with your general accusation that the country hasn’t really progressed in almost three decades. I think we have had some noticeable progress in infrastructural development – roads, education sector (number of schools, scholarship and rankings) , financial services industry, and indeed stability in civilian governance, which we like to call democracy. I acknowledge that there are lots of gaps in what ought to be as against what is obtained. This progress must also be measured region by region. The Northern Region, which I belong to, has been battered largely by poor leadership, religious strife, cattle rustling, terrorism and a huge number of out-of-school children. The destruction of the manufacturing base by the Abuja contract-seeking elite, extremely poor access to working capital, insane foreign exchange policy and more. Despite all these shortcomings and stark realities, , there’s real opportunity for growth, if the various divisive rhetoric and politics are curtailed. The constant struggle to find balance among the different interests is a great challenge. Until most of our people decide to forge ahead ignoring the annoying divisive tendencies of a minority group, we may find our path to success strung with pullbacks.

Your party had promised to restore smiles to the faces of the citizens after what many of its leaders termed the era of locusts and misrule of PDP for 16 years? Why has APC reneged on the promise since 2015 when it formed the government at the centre?

This is a good one. First, the major failure of the initial outing with ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, was the stubborn romance with the twin issues of petroleum subsidy and FX subsidy. By skirting around these problematic giveaways, the administration had very little left for development. Another impediment was the way his aides and cronies disregarded his authority; they set up a parallel Aso rock office of the President – if I may call it that. Consequently, the nation suffered from lack of feedback from appointees and the mismanagement of authority and access to the President. However, many of these issues are now being addressed by the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration. Although gaps still exist in feedback and abuse of access to power, there’s renewed hope.

How do you see ongoing campaigns by the presidential candidates and their political parties as some observers claim are devoid of most of the core issues that have direct impact on the majority of the citizens and the future of Nigeria?

I don’t see any of the parties, including the party in power, truly reflecting what the campaign issues ought to be. The real issues affecting the citizens are poor purchasing power, loss of trust in those governing the country, insecurity, and general distrust of politicians. Notice how the main opposition isn’t different from what was obtained in the last general election. A former ally of (Asiwaju) President Bola Tinubu Asiwaju and a man who has made the pulpit and his tribe is a case study. The former obviously shares many similarities in delivery with his former ally. They both want the subsidy gone, until he now finds convenience in rebuttal with no clear roadmap to success of returning subsidy. Seeking power but not sure if you can truly offer a lasting solution to the gaps that have now clearly exist by the removal of fuel subsidy and that of FX. We need to know how they will tackle the nonchalance of the other subnational levels. The local governments have more financial independence and larger allocations than before, yet little to show for it. The governors now only satisfy themselves by paying wages and salaries on time. Why aren’t we concluded with elections at the gubernatorial and local governments levels?

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu needs to speak to these glaring gaps. He is most likely to win the 2027 election. And to imagine that former Vice President Atiku may win might not be far-fetched, but if he wins, what are his ideas about the performance of the subnationals in his administration? He is not talking about that issue. No one is talking about the levels of poverty occasioned by the fall of naira and the consequent increase in every price of items imaginable. The most important issue is the price of food items.

What is your disposition to the raging brickbat between APC governors and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, over the latter’s formation of a rainbow coalition to rally support for Mr President.

The scenario that the President faces in the coming presidential election is bringing back some memories that preceded the 2023 election. Recall that in that election, the government of President Muhammadu Buhari was seen as anti-Asiwaju due to the several moves to create real and artificial hardships: the scarcity of fuel, the ill-advised currency change, the deep-seated hatred by many in the past government of the man, and problem of religion, where majority of the Christians sided with a ‘chosen’ anointed candidate, the issue of Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who showed no qualms in disrespecting the silent but observable understanding of power shift from the North to the South; health challenges whether real or imagined. So, many negatives were lined up against the person of Candidate Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a ray of hope was offered by the group of PDP-(G5) governors, led by His Excellency Nyesom Wike, and the rest is history.

Now, Minister Nyesom Wike has been honest with his intention from the moment he loudly declared that he is a PDP member, who supports the presidency of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Period! Whatever he is doing at this time isn’t different from whatever he did in the past. I will even argue that he single handedly may be responsible for a huge number of positive votes for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (PBAT)more than the entire APC governors. Many of the APC governors aren’t bothered about the reelection of PBAT. This is because they aren’t sure of their own chances. There are a few northern governors, who have openly campaigned for ADC presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar; how do you explain that? I support the Honourable Minister Wike and his moves. I hope Allah will guide the PBAT in wisdom to make the best decision.

Why is it difficult for the APC to move against those governors that you claim are working for the opposition candidate?

These governors are known to have performed very poorly, despite all the overly generous revenue from FAAC, so their diabolical move away from the candidacy of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is in response to the cry of their people about hardships occasioned by the subsidy removal in petroleum products and in FX, throwing the President under the bus, to save their own chances. APC governors are responding by blaming Minister Wike, rather than facing their poor performance. The party appears held hostage by the governors.

Content creator Hilary Tochukwu has apologized to business mogul Sir Linus Williams, popularly known as B’Lord, over alleged impersonation.

In a statement issued to newsmen in Owerri on Wednesday, Tochukwu said he sincerely apologized to Sir Linus Williams and the entire B’Lord Group team.

He said, ‘I sincerely apologize to him. Sir, Linus Williams popularly known as B’Lord and the entire B’Lord group team.’

Tochukwu also expressed regret over his actions, saying they may have caused confusion, inconvenience, and damage.

He said impersonating another person was wrong and disrespectful, particularly when it involved an individual and a brand.

According to him, he took full responsibility for his actions and regretted misusing Sir Linus Williams’ name and identity.

He said, ‘I know that words cannot undo what happened. But I hope you will accept this apology as a genuine expression of my remorse’.

Tochukwu said he had learned an important lesson from the experience and reiterated that he was sorry for his actions.

He said, ‘Once again, I sincerely apologize to you. Mr. B’ Lord and everyone at the Belord group.’

Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Benin Branch, has called for a faster and more efficient criminal justice system, urging the judiciary to replicate the speedy trial model adopted by the Edo State Special Criminal Court in other serious criminal cases.

The branch chairman, Mr Omorodion Omoigui, made the call in Benin while reacting to the judgment delivered by the Special Court in the kidnapping case arising from the abduction of a woman at the Benin Vegetable Market on June 14, 2026.

Omoigui said the relatively swift determination of the case had demonstrated that criminal trials could be concluded within a reasonable time without compromising due process, fair hearing or the fundamental rights of accused persons.

The Edo State Government established the Special Criminal Court to prosecute kidnapping and cult-related offences, with the court commencing operations on July 1, 2026.

Speaking alongside other executives and members of the Benin NBA, Omoigui stressed that the association was not advocating rushed justice, but a system in which criminal cases were handled efficiently and without avoidable delays.

According to him, the case provided an important lesson that when the judiciary, security agencies, executive authorities and legal practitioners effectively discharge their constitutional and professional responsibilities, the justice system can respond decisively to serious security challenges.

He commended the coordinated efforts of the stakeholders, particularly the security agencies, for their prompt response and investigative work, and urged them to sustain the collaboration to ensure that justice was delivered promptly, fairly and lawfully.

Omoigui reaffirmed the Benin NBA’s commitment to the rule of law, judicial independence and protection of fundamental rights, saying an efficient justice system remained critical to strengthening public confidence and addressing the country’s growing security challenges.

Online casino gaming has become more and more sophisticated over recent years. However, nothing comes closer to recreating the classic casino atmosphere than live dealer games. Rather than watching cards or roulette wheels that are generated by computers, players get to join live streams and see real dealers in real time.

For Nigerian players, live casino provides another way to access familiar table games through a phone, tablet or computer. Improvements in streaming technology, mobile internet and purpose-built casino studios have helped turn what was once a relatively specialised format into a major part of online gaming.

How Live Casino Gaming Works

The idea behind live games is simple. A dealer is at a physical table while cameras are positioned to broadcast the action to players online. Bets are placed through the casino interface, and cards, the roulette wheel, or other equipment all remain in view throughout the round.

Behind the stream is more technology than viewers are usually aware of. Multiple cameras are used to provide different angles, while software records bets and displays game information on screen. Optical character recognition technology can also be used to convert physical actions, such as the result of a roulette spin, into digital information displayed within the interface.

The Dealer Remains at the Centre

Dealers have the same control as they do at a land-based casino. It is they who deal the cards, spin the wheel, and announce the results. They keep the game moving while players make their selections through the controls on their screens. Some games also come with chat features so that players can communicate with the dealer.

This human element is one reason the format feels different from conventional digital casino games. Someone entering a live casino WePari table can watch events unfold as they happen rather than waiting for an animated sequence to determine the result. The underlying rules of familiar games remain recognisable.

The Games Driving Live Casino Growth

Roulette, blackjack, and baccarat are the main games found in the live casino format because their traditional table structures translate naturally to streaming. Modern studios have expanded well beyond those three games, creating numerous variations and entertainment-led formats.

Players can expect to come across:

Live blackjack: Real cards are dealt while players decide whether to hit, stand or use other available options.

Live roulette: A dealer spins a physical wheel while bets are submitted through an interactive digital layout.

Live baccarat: Players follow the familiar Player, Banker and Tie structure as cards are dealt on camera.

Game shows: Studio-based games combine casino mechanics with colourful sets, presenters, multipliers and interactive features.

Mobile Technology Has Changed Access

Smartphones have been important when it comes to how accessible live casinos have become. The first live dealer games were all about desktop sites. Modern games are now designed with a mobile-first approach, meaning that they perform well on a smaller screen.

This is more than just a little relevant in mobile-first markets such as Nigeria. Players using WePari can access casino content through a mobile browser, removing the need to be sitting at a computer before joining a table. Modern interfaces are designed to keep the video stream, betting controls and important game information visible within the available screen space.

Streaming Has Become More Sophisticated

Live casino providers have also improved the technology behind delivering the experience. Streaming systems can adjust video quality according to the connection available, and this

Studios are now more elaborate, too. There are some that have many tables all operating at the same time, while others have been built just for a certain game-show title. Professional lighting, presenters, and multiple camera angles mean that it all looks like a first-class TV production, rather than a casino game.

Why Game Shows Have Expanded the Category

One of the biggest changes in live casino has been the arrival of game-show formats. Rather than reproducing an existing table game, these titles are created specifically for live online audiences. Large wheels, bonus rounds and multiplier mechanics are frequently combined with presenters and studio sets.

Their popularity has widened the meaning of live casino. The category is no longer limited to recreating blackjack, roulette and baccarat online. Developers can now build games around the possibilities offered by streaming itself, combining physical equipment with digital overlays and interactive features.

Live Casino as Digital Entertainment

Live casino has developed into one of the clearest examples of physical and digital gaming being combined within the same product. Real dealers and equipment provide the physical element, while streaming, mobile interfaces and interactive controls make the tables accessible online.

For Nigerian players, that combination means classic casino games and newer studio formats can be accessed without visiting a physical gaming venue. As mobile technology and live-streaming systems have improved, the experience has become increasingly polished, interactive and varied.

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) will conduct the 2026 promotion examinations for over 10,700 staff.

Chairman of the FCT Civil Service Commission, Engr Emeka Eze, disclosed this on Wednesday in Abuja, saying the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, has approved the exercise.

Eze said the examinations will be Computer-Based Test (CBT) and urged staff to improve their computer literacy.

‘Following the Honourable Minister’s approval, the 2026 promotion exercise for over 10,700 workers across 145 cadres will commence on Monday, October 6, at the National Open University,’ he said.

‘It will be done by CBT and it is expected that those who are due will sit for the competitive exam. In line with the Public Service Rules, promotion will be based purely on merit and on vacancies declared in line with the organogram and structure of the agencies.’

He said the Commission has concluded arrangements for a hitch-free exercise.

‘We have made necessary arrangements to ensure it runs smoothly. Like last year, it is going to be smooth,’ Eze said.

He noted that challenges that previously trailed promotion exams have been addressed, as workers now understand that the process is competitive.

‘I’m happy that most of our FCT workers have come to terms with the fact that all exams must be on a competitive basis. Those who were successful in the July 2025 exercise have all collected their promotion letters,’ he said.

Eze added that with the forthcoming exercise, all promotion backlogs inherited by the Commission would be cleared.

‘With this, we would have cleared all the backlog of promotions we inherited. By 2027, we will only be conducting 2027 promotion as and when due. That is the directive of the Minister,’ he said.

He advised workers to prepare adequately and comply with examination guidelines.

‘Obey all instructions. Do not come to the hall with phones. You must come with your regulation letter and letter of confirmation,’ he warned.

Explaining the procedure, Eze said: ‘It’s a very simple exercise, 45 minutes for each person. Just click into the computer and put your number which is on the website. Each person’s name has been uploaded on the website where they will pick their login details which will also serve as password.

‘Once you click in, your name will appear automatically with your cadre and level, then you click to start and your time starts counting. At the end of 45 minutes, it automatically shuts down and your result appears. You can screenshot or copy it.’

NIGERIA’S net foreign portfolio investments (FPI) rose to $6.3 billion in the first eight months of 2026, while the country’s gross external reserves climbed to $55.6 billion as of September 11, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has disclosed.

The figures point to a significant improvement in foreign exchange liquidity and investor confidence following reforms implemented by the apex bank over the past three years.

Deputy Governor, Corporate Services, CBN, Dr Muhammad Sani Abdullahi, disclosed the figures in his keynote address at the Finance Correspondents Association of Nigeria (FICAN) and Business Editors conference, in Abuja.

Abdullahi said the improvement in capital inflows and reserves reflected the combined impact of foreign exchange market reforms, tighter liquidity management, monetary policy measures, stronger oil receipts and increased remittance flows.

He disclosed that total foreign exchange flows reached $10.8 billion in July 2026, with $7.3 billion, representing nearly 68 percent, coming from more controllable sources.

According to him, remittances through international money transfer operators reached $950 million in July, while net foreign portfolio investments stood at $6.3 billion between January and August.

The CBN deputy governor cautioned that portfolio inflows could reverse, stressing the need to deepen more stable sources of foreign exchange and investment.

He said gross external reserves had risen to $55.6 billion by September 11, compared with net usable reserves of less than $900 million in the second quarter of 2023.

The development, he noted, represented a major shift from the conditions confronting the economy three years ago, when Nigeria’s foreign exchange market was fragmented and heavily administered.

Abdullahi said the gap between official and parallel-market exchange rates had averaged more than 60 percent in 2022 and exceeded 100 percent at some points. He added that the average gap, which stood at 68.2 percent in January 2022, had fallen to less than two percent.

He stressed that the CBN’s reforms included the consolidation of foreign exchange market windows, removal of restrictions that excluded 43 categories of imports from the official market, settlement of valid outstanding obligations and measures to improve transparency in foreign exchange trading.

The CBN official also linked the improved financial system resilience to the banking sector recapitalisation programme, which was launched in 2024.

He said 33 banks had met the revised minimum capital requirements by the end of the two-year programme, raising a combined N4.65 trillion.

According to him, stronger bank balance sheets would enhance the capacity of lenders to finance infrastructure, industrial expansion, international trade and other productive activities needed to support Nigeria’s ambition of building a $1 trillion economy by 2030.

Abdullahi said the reforms had also coincided with a moderation in inflation, which fell from 34.8 percent in December 2024 to 15.4 percent in July 2026, while real GDP growth reached 4.4 percent in the second quarter.

He, however, warned that stronger capital must be matched by sound governance and effective risk management.

He said banks must strengthen their management of credit, market, liquidity and operational risks, while paying greater attention to cybersecurity, data protection, climate-related risks and third-party dependencies.

‘Capital is, therefore, a starting point. Boards and management must maintain sound controls, recognise risks early, and rely on the strength of viable projects,’ he stated.

He said the CBN would continue to focus on governance, asset quality, liquidity, large exposures, stress testing and macro-prudential surveillance as the banking sector enters the post-recapitalisation era.

The deputy governor also urged banks to translate stronger balance sheets into productive lending and wider access to finance for agriculture, manufacturing, infrastructure, small businesses and households.

He stressed that the ultimate measure of recapitalisation should not only be the amount of capital raised, but the quality of banking services and productive lending that the stronger capital base supports.

The Federal Government has begun talks with electricity distribution companies on plans to provide 24-hour power supply in Lagos, Abuja, Kano and other major demand centres across the country.

The proposed Energy Zones will cover the Lagos axis, Abuja-Kaduna-Kano corridor and Enugu-Port Harcourt corridor.

The Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, met with the management of selected electricity distribution companies to discuss the plan, according to a statement issued on Wednesday by his media aide, Adeola Adelabu.

The statement said the initiative was part of the Federal Government’s efforts to provide more reliable electricity to homes, businesses and industries in areas with high demand.

It said the Energy Zones were also aimed at addressing problems at the distribution end of the electricity supply chain, ensuring that power generated and transmitted to the national grid could reach consumers.

Tegbe said the challenges in the power sector were not limited to generation and transmission.

‘The constraint on the sector is not limited to generation and transmission but includes how much power is taken up and delivered at the distribution end,’ the minister said.

According to him, the proposed Energy Zones would help improve the amount of electricity distributed to consumers while increasing commercial and industrial demand.

The minister also said the plan could improve the revenue and collection performance of electricity distribution companies.

Tegbe reaffirmed the Federal Government’s plan to expand electricity infrastructure in areas with high demand, stressing that power supply must increase as the economy grows.

The proposed zones will focus on areas where stable electricity is needed by businesses, manufacturers and other productive sectors.

However, the statement did not give a timeline for the implementation of the Energy Zones. It also did not state the expected capacity of the zones or the infrastructure investments required to provide 24-hour power.

The meeting was part of Tegbe’s plan to address challenges in the power sector through a phased approach, the statement said.

The initiative is also linked to President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which identifies reliable electricity as important to economic growth, industrialisation and job creation.

Representatives of the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company, Ikeja Electric, Eko Power, Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company and Sahara Energy Group attended the meeting.

The Vice-Chancellor of Federal University Gusau, Zamfara State, Professor Tukur Adamu, has identified insecurity, banditry, illegal mining and destruction of agriculture among the major challenges confronting the state.

He called for sustained research and evidence-based approaches to addressing insecurity, illegal mining and other socio-economic challenges confronting Zamfara State.

The VC disclosed this on Wednesday during the First Hybrid National Conference themed ‘Zamfara State @30 (1996-2026): Governance, Security and Sustainable Development Pathway,’ organised by the Centre for Leadership and Democratic Research, Federal University Gusau.

Professor Tukur Adamu, represented by the Vice-Chancellor Academic, Professor Lawal Sa’adu, explained that Federal University, Gusau, has a special responsibility to contribute knowledge and ideas capable of supporting government policies and development initiatives.

‘Governance, security and development are closely interconnected, sustainable development requires effective institutions, accountable governance and an environment where citizens can live and pursue their livelihoods peacefully.

‘The challenges require not only immediate interventions but also sustained research and evidence-based strategies to address their underlying causes,’ he stated.

He commended the Zamfara State Government, keynote speaker, paper presenters, participants and organisers for their contributions to the conference.

Also speaking, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic, Talata Mafara University, Professor Shehu Sidi Ibrahim, identified insecurity as the major challenge hindering sustainable development in the state.

‘Despite the progress recorded in infrastructure and institutional development, insecurity had continued to undermine the gains made in various sectors.’

Professor Sidi, however, said Zamfara had every reason to celebrate its 30th anniversary, citing the establishment of universities, a polytechnic, a college of education and an airport as some of the developments recorded since its creation.

Earlier, the Director, Centre for Leadership and Democratic Research, Federal University Gusau, Dr Abdurrahman Adamu, called for stronger leadership and practical solutions to accelerate the development of Zamfara State as it marks 30 years of creation.

Dr Adamu said the programme was initiated to bring scholars and other stakeholders together to examine the state’s development journey and generate workable ideas for its advancement.

As businesses expand across multiple markets, banks, accounts and entities, managing corporate cash is becoming increasingly complex. Finance and treasury teams are often required to work across multiple banking portals, spreadsheets, approval processes and currencies to understand their organisation’s complete financial position.

Duplo is introducing its Treasury Management System (TMS) to help businesses bring greater visibility, control and efficiency to their treasury operations from a single platform.

The launch marks another step in Duplo’s evolution as a financial technology company serving the changing needs of African businesses. Duplo recently launched its payments infrastructure for enterprise businesses looking for a more reliable and secure way to process thousands of transactions within seconds. The company also introduced an NRS-approved e-invoicing feature, helping businesses stay compliant while managing their invoicing requirements.

Now, with the launch of its Treasury Management System, Duplo is expanding further into the financial infrastructure that businesses need as they grow and become more complex.

For a growing or enterprise business, one of the most important questions a finance team needs to answer is ‘What is our total cash position right now?’

Getting that answer, however, can be far from simple when cash is spread across multiple banks, accounts and entities. Duplo TMS brings these different financial positions together, allowing treasury teams to view their cash position in one place and make more informed decisions about how money is managed across the organisation.

The platform enables businesses to monitor cash across banks, accounts and entities, while also providing tools to forecast future cash positions, manage liquidity and move funds where they are needed.

This gives treasury teams greater visibility not only into what they have today, but also into what is expected in the days and weeks ahead.

For businesses operating multiple entities or managing significant transaction volumes, these capabilities can help reduce the complexity associated with managing treasury operations across disconnected systems.

The platform is already attracting interest from major FMCG businesses in Nigeria, with several currently exploring how the TMS can support their treasury operations. Following this initial market interest, Duplo is now opening the platform to more businesses that have a need for greater visibility and control over their cash and treasury operations.