Category: Nigerian Tribune

As Nigeria marks 66 years of independence and enters her 67th year as a sovereign nation, October 1 should be more than another occasion for flags, speeches and celebration. It should be a moment of sober national reflection.

At 66, we should be asking difficult questions: Where did we begin? How far have we travelled? What went wrong along the way? And, most importantly, how do we build a country capable of fulfilling the hopes of its founding generation and the aspirations of those coming after us?

At independence in 1960, Nigeria inherited a regional constitutional system in which the regions carried considerable responsibility for economic development. The economy was productive and largely agricultural. Cocoa powered the Western Region; groundnuts and cotton were major products of the North; palm produce sustained the East, while rubber, timber and other commodities generated employment, public revenue and foreign exchange. The regions competed in education, infrastructure, agriculture and industry.

That promising trajectory was disrupted by political crises, military intervention, civil war and prolonged military rule. Then came the rise of petroleum as the dominant source of government revenue and foreign exchange. As oil earnings expanded, agriculture and other productive sectors gradually lost their central place, and Nigeria drifted from a production-oriented economy towards one heavily dependent on oil revenues and imported goods. The consequences remain with us.

The return to democratic rule in 1999 opened another chapter. Successive administrations recorded achievements in telecommunications, banking, infrastructure and agriculture. Yet policy inconsistency, unreliable electricity, weak productive capacity, import dependence, costly subsidies and inadequate public revenue continued to constrain the country’s potential.

It was against this background that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu assumed office on May 29, 2023.

The courage and cost of reform

One economic truth is difficult to escape: no country can indefinitely consume what it does not produce, borrow continuously to finance consumption, or sustain subsidies beyond its means. Eventually, hard choices become unavoidable.

Since 2023, the Federal Government has pursued major reforms in petroleum pricing, foreign exchange, taxation, electricity regulation and the encouragement of domestic refining and private investment. These changes have no doubt imposed severe costs. Inflation and the erosion of purchasing power have placed noticeable pressure on families, workers, pensioners and businesses. Food, transport, housing and energy costs remain painful realities.

The reforms have also imposed substantial short-term costs. Inflation and the erosion of purchasing power have placed considerable pressure on households, workers, pensioners and businesses. And the question often asked, when will the benefits of these reforms become visible in the pockets of the masses, cannot but be said to be legitimate.

That question must not be dismissed. It is being answered each day by government functionaries. Beyond answers however, macroeconomic recovery does not automatically or immediately translate into household prosperity. Stabilisation must attract investment; investment must expand production; production must create jobs and increase supply; and rising productivity must eventually improve incomes and moderate prices.

The World Bank’s April 2026 Nigeria Development Update captures this tension well. It reported meaningful progress in restoring macroeconomic stability while also observing that household incomes had yet to recover fully and poverty remained high. That is precisely the challenge Nigeria faces today: stabilisation may be taking root, but the gains must move from government balance sheets and financial markets to the dining tables of Nigerian families.

From confidence to production

Macroeconomic stability matters because investment thrives on predictability. When exchange rates are volatile, public finances are uncertain and policies change abruptly, investors either stay away or demand a high premium for risk. Greater policy clarity can help attract patient capital.

But renewed investor interest must be converted into the real economy: factories, agro-processing plants, mines and mineral-processing facilities, electricity projects, petrochemical and pharmaceutical industries, technology companies, transport and logistics networks, and infrastructure that allows micro, small and medium enterprises to flourish.

Portfolio investment has its place, but productive investment has a deeper developmental impact when it creates jobs, transfers technology and expands domestic capacity. The success of reform should therefore not be measured only by the naira, foreign reserves or the stock market. It should be measured by production, jobs, lower inflation and rising real incomes.

Nigeria cannot prosper permanently as an exporter of raw materials and an importer of finished goods. We must return to production; not to the hoes and cutlasses of the 1960s, but to mechanised, technology-driven agriculture linked to processing, storage, transportation and export markets.

Our cocoa should feed Nigerian confectionery industries. Cassava should support starch, pharmaceutical and industrial production. Tomatoes should supply processing factories. Cotton should feed textile mills. Our gas resources should power industries and fertiliser plants. The national ambition must shift from exporting commodities to exporting value-added Nigerian products.

Power, tax and human capital

No modern economy can industrialise without reliable electricity. The Electricity Act 2023 created a more decentralised framework by empowering states to establish and regulate intrastate electricity markets. The promise is significant, but the real test is practical: more power to homes and factories, lower production costs and businesses that can compete without relying endlessly on generators.

Tax reform is equally important. Nigeria needs revenue to fund roads, healthcare, education and security, but taxation must be fair, as being currently pursued, efficient and supportive of enterprise. Simplifying administration and reducing overlapping taxes can improve the business environment. Yet higher revenue must go hand in hand with transparency, accountability and prudent use of public resources. Citizens should be able to see a relationship between what they pay and the quality of services they receive.

Nigeria’s greatest resource, however, is its people. The Nigerian Education Loan Fund is an important attempt to widen access to higher education, but access alone is not enough. Education itself must be reoriented towards productivity.

Technical and vocational education, STEM, artificial intelligence, robotics, programming, data science, renewable energy, modern agriculture and fabrication should no longer sit at the margins of national planning. A youthful population without skills and opportunity can become a source of social strain; properly educated and empowered, it can become Nigeria’s greatest competitive advantage.

Energy and infrastructure as multipliers

For decades, it was an economic contradiction that a major crude-oil producer depended heavily on imported refined petroleum products. Expanding domestic refining offers an opportunity to reverse that pattern. But Nigeria’s ambition must extend beyond petrol and diesel to petrochemicals, fertilisers, plastics, pharmaceuticals, industrial chemicals and gas-based manufacturing.

The objective should be simple: retain more value at home, conserve foreign exchange and create productive jobs.

Infrastructure is just as critical. A good road connects a farmer to a market; a railway reduces transport costs; an efficient port improves export competitiveness; reliable electricity powers factories; and broadband connects entrepreneurs to the global economy.

Major highway, rail, port and aviation projects should therefore be judged not merely by kilometres built or the size of their budgets, but by whether they reduce logistics costs, stimulate commerce, expand production and improve the competitiveness of Nigerian businesses.

From statistics to household prosperity

Nigerians do not live on macroeconomic statistics. They experience the economy through the price of food, transportation, housing, electricity, school fees and healthcare. The next phase of reform must therefore connect stabilisation with household prosperity.

The farmer, market woman, civil servant, pensioner and unemployed graduate must feel it. So must the manufacturer and small-business owner.

That requires a determined assault on food inflation, insecurity, transportation and energy costs, alongside higher agricultural productivity, stronger social protection and greater support for micro, small and medium enterprises.

Economic growth becomes meaningful when it raises real incomes, reduces poverty and gives citizens a reasonable expectation that tomorrow can be better than today.

The Nigeria we must build

Economic reconstruction alone will not be enough. Nigeria must strengthen institutions and the rule of law, deepen federalism, empower states and local governments as genuine centres of development, rebuild agriculture, expand electricity, improve security and educate children for productivity rather than certificates alone.

We must also reconstruct our national values. Integrity, discipline, patriotism, hard work, tolerance, accountability and respect for the dignity of labour must return to the centre of public life. Government has enormous responsibilities, but nation-building cannot be outsourced to government alone.

As 2027 approaches, Nigerians will again assess the country’s direction. The proper test should be concrete and measurable: Are reforms producing more jobs? Is inflation easing? Are real incomes recovering? Is electricity improving? Are businesses investing? Is poverty declining?

Policy continuity matters where policies are working, but continuity must never become a substitute for accountability. Reforms deserve to endure when they deliver measurable results for citizens.

At 66, Nigeria is no longer a young nation. We have survived civil war, military rule, recessions, democratic transitions and repeated economic experiments. Our challenges are formidable, but so are our advantages: abundant natural resources, a vast domestic market, an entrepreneurial population, a strategic location and a large youthful population.

What we require now is the discipline to convert those advantages into broad-based prosperity.

As we raise our flag on October 1, let us renew our covenant with Nigeria. Let us build a country that produces rather than merely consumes; exports value rather than raw materials; innovates rather than imitates; and creates opportunities rather than exporting its brightest young people.

Let us build a Nigeria where the circumstances of birth do not determine the limits of ambition, where diversity is a strength, where public office is a call to service, and where every citizen can realistically aspire to a better tomorrow.

The reconstruction of Nigeria is possible, but it will not happen by proclamation. It will require consistent policy, competent institutions, accountable leadership, productive citizens and a shared commitment to the long work of nation-building.

The House of Representatives has extended the implementation period of the capital component of the 2025 Appropriation Act for the fourth time, moving the deadline from September 30, 2026, to December 31, 2026.

The decision was taken on Tuesday after the House resumed plenary from its annual recess and considered and passed an Executive bill seeking to amend the Appropriation (Repeal and Enactment) Act, 2025.

Leading the debate, the Majority Leader, Julius Ihonvbere, said the extension was necessary because of factors affecting the Nigerian economy that had made it difficult to complete the implementation of the capital component within the previously approved timeframe.

He urged lawmakers to support the amendment to ensure that the expiration of the existing deadline would not prevent the completion of projects and other capital commitments under the 2025 budget.

The latest extension means that the capital component of the 2025 budget, which was originally due to expire at the end of 2025, will now remain operational until December 31, 2026.

This is the fourth time the implementation period has been extended since December 2025, when lawmakers first approved an extension to March 31, 2026.

First extension: December 2025 to March 2026

The first extension came in December 2025, when the National Assembly approved a revised 2025 Appropriation Act and extended the implementation period of its capital component to March 31, 2026.

The House of Representatives approved the extension on December 23, 2025, following President Bola Tinubu’s request to allow the government to release and utilise capital allocations to Ministries, Departments and Agencies before the end of the revised implementation period.

Second extension: March to June 2026

As the March 31 deadline approached, lawmakers approved another extension of the capital budget’s implementation period, moving it to June 30, 2026.

The National Assembly approved the extension on March 31 after considering legislation seeking to amend the 2025 Appropriation Act. The House said the additional period was needed to allow Ministries, Departments and Agencies to continue implementing capital projects and utilise funds allocated to them.

Third extension: June to September 2026

The third extension was approved in June after lawmakers concluded that the capital component of the 2025 budget had still not been fully implemented.

The House of Representatives passed the amendment on June 15, extending the deadline from June 30 to September 30, 2026. The bill passed through first, second and third readings in a single sitting after lawmakers suspended relevant provisions of their Standing Orders.

During the debate, lawmakers said the additional three months would give the government more time to complete ongoing projects captured in the 2025 budget. Speaker Tajudeen Abbas also said records available to the House showed that the capital budget had not been fully implemented.

Fourth extension: September to December 2026

The latest extension came after the House resumed from its annual recess on Tuesday, with lawmakers again approving an amendment to the 2025 Appropriation Act.

The House of Representatives moved the implementation deadline from September 30 to December 31, 2026, giving federal Ministries, Departments and Agencies another three months to implement capital projects and utilise funds appropriated under the 2025 budget.

Ihonvbere, while leading the debate, attributed the latest extension to ‘several factors and forces impinging on the Nigerian economy’, saying these had made it difficult to conclude implementation before the existing deadline.

The House subsequently passed the bill after consideration at the Committee of Supply, chaired by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu.

Following consideration of the appropriation legislation, the House of Representatives adjourned plenary until Tuesday, October 13, 2026.

Big Brother Naija Season 11 housemate, Victor Ikpe popularly known as Keivo, appears to have been removed from the current voting list following a physical clash with fellow housemate, Tram.

Keivo and Tram were involved in a physical altercation on Monday night after a disagreement over a shirt escalated.

The incident reportedly began with an exchange of words between the two housemates before the disagreement turned physical, prompting other housemates to intervene.

Following the altercation, Big Brother instructed the housemates to freeze while three ninjas were deployed to restore order.

However, viewers noticed on Tuesday morning that Keivo’s name was no longer listed among the housemates available for voting.

The development has sparked speculation among fans about whether his absence from the voting list is connected to the altercation.

As of Tuesday morning, Big Brother Naija had not officially announced Keivo’s removal from the competition or explained why his name was missing from the voting list.

Physical altercations have previously attracted disciplinary measures on the reality show, including disqualification. However, it remains unclear what action, if any, will be taken against Keivo over the latest incident.

The development has continued to generate reactions among viewers on social media, with fans seeking clarification on Keivo’s status in the competition.

The BBNaija ‘Show Ya Sef’ season is scheduled to conclude on October 4.

The Obidient Movement has rejected the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) proposed deployment of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the 2027 general elections, alleging that the electoral body has failed to address fundamental concerns surrounding transparency and result transmission.

In a statement signed by its Media and Communications Directorate, the group expressed concern over what it described as institutional conspiracy, disturbing secrecy and apparent collusion between INEC and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The movement argued that technology was not the fundamental problem with Nigeria’s elections, but rather the credibility, independence and accountability of institutions responsible for conducting them.

According to the group, INEC should first account for existing shortcomings in the electoral process before introducing new technologies.

‘The same INEC that has failed to address the most basic issues surrounding electoral transparency, result transmission and the credibility of its processes is now announcing plans to deploy Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the 2027 elections,’ the statement said.

The Obidient Movement questioned how the proposed AI system would operate, the problems it was intended to address and the safeguards that would be put in place to prevent abuse.

It also cited a recent investigation by Mundx Analytics, claiming that presidential results from more than 50,000 polling units in the 2023 election were uploaded from mobile phones.

The movement alleged that individuals working with INEC were involved in manipulating the electoral process, but did not provide independent evidence in the statement to substantiate the allegation.

The group further raised concerns about INEC’s ICT leadership ahead of the 2027 elections, specifically mentioning Lawrence Bayode, whom it identified as the Commission’s ICT Director.

It alleged that Bayode and other officials were involved in the alleged manipulation of the 2023 election and questioned why the same officials remained responsible for critical electoral systems ahead of the next general elections.

‘The issue in 2023 was not a failure of technology, but the evil collusion of Mr. Bayode, the then INEC Chairman, Mr. Mahmood Yakubu, and the APC,’ the group alleged.

The Obidient Movement also accused the electoral body of attempting to shift attention from unresolved concerns about the 2023 elections by introducing AI into the electoral process.

It subsequently issued a series of demands to INEC, including the publication of a comprehensive 2027 election plan detailing the technologies, procedures and safeguards to be deployed.

The group also called for an independent audit of INEC’s electoral technology, with the findings and corrective measures made public.

It demanded transparent and verifiable transmission of election results, saying every vote recorded at polling units should be accurately reflected in the final results.

The movement further asked INEC to provide detailed explanations of its proposed use of AI and subject the technology to independent testing and public scrutiny.

It also called for measures to guarantee the independence of the Commission’s ICT leadership, including the removal of officials whose alleged partisan activities could undermine public confidence in the electoral process.

The group warned that any attempt to manipulate the 2027 elections could trigger widespread public outrage and an electoral crisis.

It urged INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, to review the Commission’s approach and take steps to strengthen public confidence in the electoral process before the 2027 elections.

‘The responsibility for preventing an electoral crisis rests squarely on INEC. ‘The Commission must act now, before its continued secrecy and failures push the country towards a crisis that could have been avoided’, the statement said.

Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG) has pledged to deepen its partnership with indigenous cable manufacturer, Coleman Technical Industries Limited, beyond 2027 as part of efforts to expand local manufacturing capacity and promote Nigerian businesses in international projects.

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NLNG, Adeleye Falade, made the commitment during a tour of Coleman’s manufacturing facilities in Sagamu and Arepo, Ogun State, where he expressed surprise at the scale of the company’s operations, investment in equipment and machinery, and the capabilities of its workforce.

Falade said the existing relationship between NLNG and Coleman had significant room for expansion, stressing that the company was interested in creating more opportunities for Nigerian manufacturers to participate in projects with global reach.

‘We’re already in partnership. That partnership will only expand. There is scope; there is opportunity,’ he said.

The NLNG chief executive said the company was also exploring ways of connecting Nigerian manufacturers with international projects, including opportunities relating to the construction of vessels for NLNG.

He said Nigerian manufacturers could compete successfully in global markets if they were able to demonstrate quality, reliability and value.

Falade described his experience at Coleman’s facilities as ‘mind-blowing’, saying he had not anticipated the scale of investment and level of operations he encountered during the visit.

‘I’m not sure I was prepared for what I saw. I mean, that’s the honest truth. I’d seen a few of Coleman events, and I knew that something remarkable was going on, but I don’t think any of that prepared me for what I saw,’ he said.

According to him, the facilities demonstrated the capacity of Nigerian businesses to achieve world-class standards through sustained investment, innovation and commitment.

He said NLNG would continue to support initiatives capable of growing Nigerian businesses, creating jobs and deepening local content, adding that the company remained committed to developing indigenous capacity.

Falade described Coleman’s facilities as a source of pride to Nigeria, citing the company’s operational standards, manufacturing capabilities and investment in local production.

He also commended Coleman’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, George Onafowokan, and Executive Director, Michael Onafowokan, for building a business which, he said, exhibited the characteristics of a world-class organisation.

Responding, Onafowokan described the visit as an endorsement of the longstanding relationship between NLNG and Coleman and the gas company’s commitment to local content development.

He said Coleman had benefited from NLNG’s local-content initiatives, including its participation in major projects such as NLNG’s Train 7 development.

Onafowokan said Coleman’s transformation from a family-owned business into a multinational and generational company had been driven by its confidence in Nigerian talent and manufacturing capacity.

According to him, the company’s growth reflected what Nigerian businesses could achieve when local talent, investment and industrial capacity were deliberately developed.

He described Coleman’s journey as ‘the Nigerian story’, one built on the conviction that Nigerians could manufacture world-class products and operate world-class facilities from within the country.

Onafowokan thanked the NLNG chief executive for the visit, saying Falade’s assessment of the company’s operations would encourage Coleman to further invest in its people, facilities and production capacity.

He said the company would continue to position itself to contribute to Nigeria’s industrial development and expand the role of indigenous manufacturers in major projects.

The renewed commitment comes as Nigerian manufacturers increasingly seek stronger links with large domestic project sponsors and international markets to deepen local value addition, reduce dependence on imported industrial products and expand employment opportunities.

Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command, has deployed 3,000 personnel across the FCT to ensure the safety of residents and critical national assets and infrastructure before, during, and after Nigeria’s 66th Independence anniversary.

FCT Commandant of the Corps, Dr. Olusola Odumosu, ordered the deployment as part of measures to enforce law and order and ensure a peaceful celebration across the nation’s capital.

The Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSC Monica Ojobi, in a statement on Tuesday said the deployment covers specialised departments and units of the Corps, including the Arms Squad, Female Strike Force, Crack Squad, Agro Rangers, Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and Explosive (CBRNE) Unit, as well as the Counter-Terrorism Unit.

She said personnel had also been deployed to volatile areas and identified soft targets, including shopping malls, recreational centres, markets, motor parks, amusement parks and locations housing Critical National Assets and Infrastructure (CNAI).

According to the statement, undercover operatives had been deployed for covert operations and surveillance as part of efforts to prevent security breaches and respond proactively to emergencies.

Ojobi further noted that black spots, including uncompleted buildings suspected of harbouring criminal elements, are also being monitored to prevent acts capable of undermining the peaceful celebration.

Odumosu also directed all Area Commanders and Divisional Officers to ensure that their respective Area Councils remain security-conscious and maintain visible presence throughout the period.

‘As usual, I will not tolerate any form of security breaches. All hands must be on deck. Ensure your personnel comply wholesomely,’ he said.

The Commandant charged personnel to remain disciplined and conduct themselves professionally, while working in synergy with other security agencies to protect lives, property and government critical national assets and infrastructure.

He further directed personnel to adhere strictly to the rules of engagement, warning them against harassment and intimidation of citizens, as well as accidental discharge.

Odumosu assured FCT residents of a safe and peaceful Independence anniversary, saying the Command had taken necessary measures to secure the territory before, during and after the celebration.

He also urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements, individuals or groups to the nearest security agency.

‘We are ready to ensure the celebration is peaceful. You have a responsibility to carry out; you must be proactive, vigilant and ready to cooperate with us for our common good,’ the Commandant said.

He warned criminals and vandals to stay away from Critical National Assets and Infrastructure, stressing that NSCDC covert officers and patrol teams had been deployed across the city.

‘Odumosu wished residents of the FCT a peaceful and happy Independence anniversary,’ the statement added.

Exposure to extreme cold and high temperatures can increase the risk of hospitalisation among people with heart failure, a large Swedish study has found.

The study, published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology (JACC) and presented at the 2026 European Society of Cardiology Congress, found that short periods of extreme cold were followed by a higher risk of heart failure hospitalisation, while exposure to higher temperatures was associated with an increased risk within a shorter period.

The findings highlight the potential impact of temperature extremes on people living with heart failure and the need for health systems to prepare for weather-related health emergencies.

Researchers analysed about 482,000 heart failure hospitalisations recorded in the Swedish National Patient Register between 2006 and 2021.

They examined the effects of cold spells, heat waves and daily temperatures that were outside the optimal range for health.

Cold spells were defined as at least two consecutive days when temperatures fell at or below the fifth percentile for the local area between October and March.

The researchers found that cold spells were associated with a higher risk of heart failure hospitalisation within two to six days of exposure, with the strongest statistically significant association occurring between three and five days.

Lower ambient temperatures also increased the risk of hospitalisation, particularly three to five days after exposure.

Higher temperatures, however, were linked to a more immediate increase in heart failure risk, occurring within zero to three days of exposure.

Interestingly, the researchers found no statistically significant association between heat waves and heart failure hospitalisation.

Heat waves were defined as two or more days with temperatures at or above the 95th percentile for the local area between April and September.

Lead author Dr Wenli Ni, a postdoctoral research fellow at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, said the findings addressed an important gap in understanding how temperature affects heart failure in Nordic populations.

‘High-latitude settings such as Sweden are characterised by frequent cold exposure while simultaneously facing an emerging, unacclimatised vulnerability to heat as the global climate warms,’ she said.

According to the researchers, the delayed increase in hospitalisation following cold exposure and the more immediate risk associated with higher temperatures point to the need for time-sensitive measures.

They said patients may require closer monitoring following cold-weather alerts, while heat events may demand faster responses to prevent sudden deterioration.

In an accompanying editorial, Dr Tiantian Li, deputy director of the National Institute of Environmental Health at the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, said cardiovascular care must increasingly take weather conditions into account.

‘We can no longer practise cardiovascular medicine in a meteorological vacuum,’ Li said.

She noted that evidence linking unsuitable temperatures to cardiovascular harm is now substantial, adding that research should move beyond simply documenting the association to developing practical early-warning systems.

The researchers said the findings could help health authorities improve preparedness for environmental stressors, particularly as climate change increases exposure to extreme temperatures.

Mohammed Bello El-Rufai, son of former Kaduna governor Nasir El-Rufai, has expressed appreciation to NDC presidential candidate, Peter Obi, for regularly checking on his detained father.

Bello said Obi’s concern came as a lesson to him, especially because he had previously been critical of the former Anambra governor.

Speaking in a video, El-Rufai’s son said several prominent politicians, including former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, Obi, former Rivers State governor Rotimi Amaechi and former Kano State governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, had contacted him to ask about his father.

He, however, singled out Peter Obi for particular appreciation.

‘Politicians like Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, Mr Peter Obi, Rotimi Amaechi, Kwankwaso, Rabiu Kwankwaso, and others called me to ask about my dad.

‘I would like to thank them, particularly Mr Peter Obi. He always called me to ask about my dad. And for me, at 38, it’s a lesson in life because, in the case of Obi, I used to be critical of him,’ he said.

Bello added that his father was using the period in detention to read, study the Quran, and reflect on his experiences.

‘And for Malam, he is using the time to finish books, catch up, read the Quran, so it’s also a moment for him in isolation to reflect, plan better, and tone down on things like that,’ he added.

Obi had earlier publicly criticised the detention of the former Kaduna governor, describing it as ‘political persecution’ and calling for the rule of law to prevail.

El-Rufai has been in the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) since February 18, following investigations by anti-corruption authorities. The ICPC confirmed at the time that he was in its custody in connection with ongoing investigations.

The former governor has subsequently faced legal proceedings relating to allegations brought against him by the ICPC and the Department of State Services (DSS).

First Bank of Nigeria Ltd has reassured customers that its FirstMobile application remains secure and fully operational, dismissing a viral WhatsApp voice message claiming the platform had been compromised.

The Bank, in a statement issued on Monday, described the claim as false and misleading, urging customers and other stakeholders to disregard it.

‘FirstMobile is secure and fully operational, supported by robust information security infrastructure,’ the bank said.

It’s said it continues to invest in technology and cybersecurity protocols to ensure resilience, reliability and security across its digital channels.

FirstBank assured customers that their funds remain safe and that FirstMobile and its other digital channels continue to operate securely.

The bank urged stakeholders to refrain from sharing unverified information capable of causing unnecessary concern.

It advised customers to rely solely on its verified communication channels for accurate updates.

About 150 young men and women from Yewa North Local Government Area of Ogun State have benefited from a free digital entrepreneurship training organised by the Otunba Lana Akintan Human Rights Foundation (OLAKHURF).

The one-day programme, held on Saturday at Aladuke Hall, Oja-Odan, was themed: ‘Digital Entrepreneurship Capacity Building Programme’.

Organised under OLAKHURF’s Empowerment Support Services (ESUS) programme, the training aimed to equip participants with practical digital skills, entrepreneurship knowledge, and opportunities for employment and business development.

The foundation, established by Otunba Ephraim Lana Akintan, also operates through three other intervention areas: Domestic Violence and Abuse (DOVA), Child Rights Education (CRED), and Anti-Human Trafficking and Child Labour Practices (ATCLAP).

The training covered three major areas: understanding the digital economy and entrepreneurship, digital skills for employment and job creation, and digital payment systems for business and enterprise.

Samson Egbuns, Michael Jacob, and Mary Oguntuyi served as resource persons, providing practical and interactive sessions on opportunities for self-employment, digital enterprise development, and business growth.

Speaking at the event, OLAKHURF’s chairman of the Board of Trustees, Mr. Babayemi Ogundipe, said the initiative reflected the founder’s commitment to empowering young people through education, skills acquisition, and economic opportunities.

Ogundipe urged the beneficiaries to put the knowledge acquired into practice and become self-reliant, adding, ‘Apply the essence of this workshop to your lives.’

He also encouraged them to give back to society when they attain success.

The programme ended with the presentation of certificates of participation to the beneficiaries, while the facilitators offered continued mentorship and guidance to support their entrepreneurial pursuits.

Speaking on behalf of the participants, Daniel Emmanuel expressed appreciation to OLAKHURF and its founder, pledging that the beneficiaries would apply the knowledge gained to build sustainable livelihoods through digital skills and entrepreneurship.