Category: Nigerian Tribune

In today’s creative economy, successful brands are no longer defined by a single product or industry. Around the world, the most influential creative companies have evolved into ecosystems bringing together fashion, music, events, media, and community under one identity. In Nigeria, one of the emerging names embracing this model is THIRSTY Universe.

Founded in 2016, THIRSTY Universe began with a vision that extended far beyond clothing. While its first venture, WearTHIRSTY, established the brand through contemporary ready-to-wear fashion inspired by youth culture, the founders always imagined something larger: a platform where creatives from different disciplines could collaborate, grow, and build lasting careers.

Over the years, that vision has developed into a growing network of brands, each serving a different part of Africa’s creative landscape.

At the heart of the ecosystem is WearTHIRSTY, the fashion label that introduced the brand to a new generation of consumers seeking locally designed streetwear with a strong cultural identity. Alongside it sits THIRSTYLAB, an experimental design studio focused on custom fashion pieces and creative collaborations that push the boundaries of wearable art.

Recognising music as one of Africa’s most influential cultural exports, THIRSTY Universe launched THIRSTYSONICS, a recording and artist development collective dedicated to nurturing emerging talent. Through the platform, artists receive creative support, strategic direction, and opportunities to connect with wider audiences while maintaining their artistic identity.

Community has remained central to the brand’s philosophy. That commitment is reflected in THIRSTYNALIA, the annual cultural festival that celebrates African music, fashion, art, and youth expression. The event has grown into a gathering point for creatives, entrepreneurs, and fans who see culture not only as entertainment but as a driver of innovation and economic opportunity.

Building on that momentum, the collective introduced THIRSTYCLUB999, a recurring cultural experience that has quickly become one of Lagos’ most talked-about community-driven events. Bringing together established artists, emerging musicians, designers, DJs, photographers, filmmakers, and cultural tastemakers, the platform creates an environment where collaboration happens naturally and new talent can share the stage with recognised names.

Unlike many entertainment brands that operate within a single niche, THIRSTY Universe has intentionally developed an interconnected model where each platform strengthens the others. Fashion supports music, music fuels live experiences, and events create opportunities for creative partnerships that extend beyond the stage.

This approach reflects a broader shift within Africa’s creative industries. As independent creators gain greater control over how they produce, distribute, and monetise their work, platforms that combine multiple creative disciplines are becoming increasingly important. They

offer not only visibility but also infrastructure, collaboration, and community resources that many emerging creatives struggle to access.

The rise of THIRSTY Universe also demonstrates how Nigerian entrepreneurs are redefining what a modern creative company can become. Rather than following traditional industry structures, they are building brands that function as ecosystems, capable of supporting talent, generating cultural influence, and creating sustainable business opportunities across multiple sectors.

As African creativity continues to attract global attention, organisations that invest in community, collaboration, and innovation are likely to shape the industry’s next chapter. For THIRSTY Universe, the ambition has never been limited to producing clothing, releasing music, or organising events. It has been about creating a home for creative expression, one where ideas, talent, and culture can thrive together.

Nearly a decade after its founding, that vision continues to evolve, positioning THIRSTY Universe as one of a new generation of African creative collectives proving that culture, when nurtured with purpose, can become both a movement and a business.

Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa, has reaffirmed that the education sector will play a pivotal role in achieving President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s target of building a $1 trillion Nigerian economy by 2030, saying the Federal Government’s ongoing reforms are focused on producing a globally competitive workforce to drive national development.

Speaking in Abuja over the weekend, the Minister said the Tinubu administration has placed education at the centre of its economic transformation agenda through sustained investments in human capital development, skills acquisition and reforms across the tertiary education sector.

According to a statement issued on Sunday by the Minister’s Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Mr. Ikharo Attah, Dr. Alausa said the administration is deliberately repositioning Nigeria’s education system to meet the country’s manpower needs while producing highly skilled professionals for Africa and the global labour market.

‘We want to be the manpower supplier of the world. We need to produce competent, skilled and educated young Nigerians who will drive our economy, contribute to Africa’s growth and compete successfully across the world,’ the Minister said.

He noted that the Federal Government is transforming Nigeria’s youthful population into a demographic dividend by expanding access to quality education and equipping young people with the knowledge and skills required to thrive in an increasingly competitive global economy.

Dr. Alausa said one of the administration’s major achievements has been the expansion of admissions into health-related programmes to address the shortage of critical professionals.

He disclosed that annual enrolment into nursing schools has increased from about 20,000 before the current administration to approximately 50,000 students, while admissions into medicine, pharmacy and dentistry have also been significantly expanded.

The Minister expressed confidence that the reforms would eliminate shortages in the health sector within a few years as more qualified professionals graduate into the workforce.

‘As the President advances his vision of building a one trillion-dollar economy, education will remain at the centre of that transformation,’ he stated.

On the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), Dr. Alausa said the scheme was deliberately designed as a sustainable financing model capable of supporting generations of Nigerian students.

He explained that President Tinubu has consistently directed ministers and heads of government agencies to ensure that every major reform introduced by the administration is built to endure beyond the tenure of the current government.

‘There is no value in introducing policies that cannot stand the test of time. Sustainability is central to this administration’s philosophy, and that principle guided the design of NELFUND,’ he said.

The Minister also commended President Tinubu for restoring industrial harmony in Nigeria’s tertiary institutions through dialogue, mutual trust and respect, saying the administration has successfully resolved the prolonged disputes between the Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and other university-based unions.

According to him, President Tinubu demonstrated sincerity by approving the payment of 50 per cent of the withheld salaries inherited from previous administrations within months of assuming office, a move that rebuilt confidence between government and academic unions.

He added that the administration also approved a salary increase of nearly 40 per cent for workers in tertiary institutions, significantly improving staff welfare while maintaining fiscal discipline.

Dr. Alausa said the return of industrial peace is already yielding positive outcomes, citing the latest Times Higher Education World University Rankings, which showed that the number of Nigerian universities recognised globally has increased from 21 to 24.

He noted that public universities now occupy the top positions nationally, describing the development as evidence that the Federal Government’s reforms are strengthening the quality and global competitiveness of Nigeria’s higher education system.

The Minister reaffirmed the commitment of the Federal Ministry of Education to implementing policies that expand access to quality education, strengthen human capital development and prepare Nigerian youths to compete successfully in the global economy.

He stressed that under President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, education will remain the foundation for sustainable economic growth, national development and shared prosperity.?

Nigeria’s governance crisis, occasioned by a deeply flawed electoral process, has continued to be a source of worry for most Nigerians. It is believed that when the will of the people is compromised as a result of flawed electoral processes, the foundation of governance is weakened, public trust erodes, and accountability becomes elusive.

This is largely what Nigerians have experienced since the return to civilian rule in 1999. In the last 27 years, the electoral space has degenerated so much that every election cycle has thrown the country and its people further into despair. The products of such elections, who feel no attachment whatsoever to the electorate, wilfully trample on the will of the people.

The lack of electoral integrity and absence of good governance in the country was the thrust of a discourse in Abeokuta, Ogun State, on Thursday. Concerned about the dangerous drift of the country, which has been bedevilled by economic mismanagement, growing poverty among the populace and insecurity, some eminent Nigerians from different fields of human endeavour came together, on the occasion of Penpushing Media’s eighth annual lecture, to provide solutions.

The theme of this year’s lecture, ‘Restoring Electoral Integrity: The Path to Good Governance and Public Accountability,’ provided the perfect platform for a robust conversation on the state of Nigeria’s democracy and the urgent need to rebuild public confidence in the electoral process.

The gathering, made up of critical stakeholders in the Nigerian project, included retired Justice of the Court of Appeal, Justice Oladeinde Shoremi, who was the Father of the Day; the Mother of the Day, Ambassador Olatokunbo Awolowo Dosumu, represented by Mr Sina Oladeinde, Editor, Sunday Tribune; the keynote speaker and legal icon, Mr Femi Falana, SAN; former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Dr Tunde Lemo, who chaired the event; Senator Iyabo Obasanjo; prominent media professionals; as well as prominent traditional rulers in Egbaland, Oba Professor Saka Matemilola, the Olowu of Owu, and the Osile of Oke Ona Egba, Oba Dr Adedapo Tejuoso, among others.

Before the keynote speaker, Mr Falana, SAN, delivered his treatise, speakers such as Dr Lemo, chairman of the event, who declared the programme open; retired Justice Shoremi; the Olowu of Owu; the Osile of Oke Ona Egba; Ambassador Awolowo Dosumu; and others agreed that electoral integrity is not merely a democratic ideal but the bedrock upon which accountable leadership and sustainable development are built.

Pastor Dr Lemo, in his opening remarks, decried the inglorious electoral culture the country’s political elite has foisted on the people and the havoc that questionable electoral processes have wreaked on the nation. He shared his personal experience as a participant in the last party primaries, recalling how the process was skewed to favour some entrenched interests. He submitted that a strong electoral culture rooted in integrity and accountability is necessary if the country desires to overcome its debilitating socio-economic challenges.

The Father of the Day, retired Justice Shoremi, in his message, reminisced about the golden age of the Western Region when Chief Obafemi Awolowo was the Premier. He compared the current leadership, which sees the country as its fiefdom, with the Awolowo era, when leaders truly saw themselves as servants of the people.

He recalled an encounter he had with the sage as a young student. He and his friend had gone to the Moor Plantation to pluck some fruits when it started raining. Drenched, they were worried about how they would get back to town when they saw a car approaching.

‘We knew immediately that the car was Chief Awolowo’s. We all knew the number plate by heart. When the car got to us, it stopped and the door opened. Chief Awolowo then beckoned to us to enter.

‘He didn’t mind the fact that we were drenched. He took us in his car to our homes. Before then, I had never met Chief Awolowo. But he saw us, little children on the road, and took us home. That was the Premier of the Western Region. Who among today’s leaders would do that? We would visit him in his house at Oke-Bola and ask him questions. Chief Awolowo would patiently answer us,’ Justice Shoremi recalled, maintaining that the Western Region earned recognition because its leaders placed public interest above personal gain and enjoyed the trust of the people they governed. He noted that visionary leadership, coupled with the creation of credible institutions, was the bulwark of the remarkable achievements recorded in education, healthcare, infrastructure and public service during that era.

He submitted that credible elections remain the cornerstone of every democratic society, admonishing the judiciary to preserve its independence and resist every form of political manipulation, especially in election-related matters. Judges, he maintained, must remain impartial, while politicians should desist from turning the judiciary into an instrument for perpetuating corruption and electoral injustice.

The message resonated with many participants who insisted that Nigeria’s democracy can regain credibility if political leaders embrace the discipline, transparency and accountability that defined governance in the Western Region under Awolowo.

Also speaking, former Nigerian Ambassador to the Netherlands and chairman of African Newspapers of Nigeria Plc, publishers of the Tribune titles, Dr Awolowo Dosumu, in her goodwill message to the organisers, emphasised that restoring electoral integrity is fundamental to achieving good governance, public accountability and sustaining democracy.

Dr Awolowo Dosumu described elections as the constitutional expression of the sovereignty of the people and noted that their integrity is essential to the legitimacy of governments and the stability of the nation. According to her, good governance and public accountability begin with credible elections whose outcomes inspire public confidence.

Mr Falana, SAN, in his keynote address, while concurring that the malfeasance in the electoral process has brought incalculable damage to the country, said no nation can attain meaningful development when elections fail to reflect the genuine choices of citizens. He pointed out that credible elections are indispensable to producing leaders who possess both the legitimacy and moral authority to govern effectively.

Falana identified irregularities in political party primaries, vote-buying, abuse of state resources, poverty and oppression as major factors undermining electoral integrity in Nigeria.

According to him, the country cannot achieve credible elections until political parties themselves become transparent and comply with electoral laws. He argued that electoral integrity begins with internal democracy, lamenting that many parties impose candidates despite collecting huge nomination fees from aspirants.

‘You cannot talk about electoral integrity when aspirants are prevented from participating in primaries and candidates are imposed,’ he said, warning that the absence of transparent primaries ultimately weakens democracy.

Falana further described the current political order as drifting towards plutocracy, where wealth increasingly determines political participation and outcomes.

Citing disclosures by the chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr Olanipekun Olukoyede, he noted allegations that some governorship aspirants spent between N20 billion and N30 billion to secure party tickets.

For the human rights lawyer, such enormous spending raises serious concerns about the integrity of the political process and the source of campaign funds. He also condemned the growing culture of vote-buying, describing it as a criminal offence that has gradually become normalised in the country.

Beyond the legal implications, Falana linked vote-buying to the worsening economic conditions confronting millions of Nigerians. Quoting figures from the National Bureau of Statistics indicating that over 133 million Nigerians are multidimensionally poor, he argued that poverty has made many citizens vulnerable to inducement during elections.

According to him, electoral integrity means little to citizens struggling to meet their basic needs, as hunger often compels voters to accept financial inducements from politicians.

His remarks underscored the broader reality that democratic consolidation cannot be divorced from economic justice and social welfare.

Traditional rulers at the event also lent their voices to the conversation on electoral reforms and public accountability.

The Olowu of Owu, Oba Professor Matemilola, called on all stakeholders, including the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), political actors, security agencies, civil society organisations and the media, to work collectively towards restoring public confidence in the nation’s electoral process. The Oba submitted that democracy thrives only when citizens trust the system and believe that their votes truly count.

Similarly, the Osile of Oke-OnaEgba, Oba Tejuoso, urged political leaders to respect the rule of law and avoid actions capable of undermining electoral credibility. He highlighted the critical role of the media in promoting accountability, combating misinformation and educating citizens before, during and after elections.

The founder of Penpushing Media, Mr Dimeji Kayode-Adedeji, said the organisation has remained committed to promoting journalism and stimulating national conversations on issues of public importance. The annual lecture series, according to him, reflects the media platform’s dedication to nation-building and responsible journalism.

The chairperson of the anniversary planning committee, Dr Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi, explained that the theme was deliberately chosen because of its relevance as the country gradually moves towards another election cycle. She reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to authentic journalism and constructive engagement on national issues.

As Nigeria continues its democratic journey, the message from Abeokuta was clear. One, the quality of governance is directly linked to the credibility of elections, and without integrity in the electoral process, accountability becomes difficult, public trust diminishes, and democracy itself is endangered.

Two, the nation stands a good chance of producing leaders who are accountable to the people and committed to national development when elections are transparent, supported by strong institutions, and citizens participate actively.

For digital entrepreneurs and e-commerce business owners, TikTok Shop is a goldmine for viral sales and unprecedented organic reach. However, the days of simply posting a catchy video and watching the sales roll in are over.

TikTok has introduced a major policy shift that is currently sending shockwaves through the e-commerce community: the mandatory 24-Hour Response Rate rule.

If you are a seller on the platform, your customer service metrics are no longer just a secondary priority; they are the very lifeblood of your store’s visibility. Failing to reply to customers promptly will now trigger serious algorithmic penalties that throttle daily sales and push products into obscurity.

Whether you are a seasoned merchant or a brand-new seller looking to scale, here is everything you need to know about this new enforcement, how the algorithm uses customer experience signals, and the exact steps you must take to protect your revenue.

Key Takeaways

Mandatory Metric: TikTok Shop now requires all sellers to maintain a strict 24-Hour Response Rate to customer inquiries.

The Warning Zone: Dropping below a 90% response rate results in a formal algorithmic warning.

Violation Points and Restrictions: Falling below 85% triggers ‘additional enforcement actions.’ This means your shop is hit with Violation Points or a reduced Account Health Rating (AHR), leading to product delistings and suspension from campaigns.

Algorithmic Demotion: Poor customer service signals the algorithm that you are overwhelmed, causing TikTok to deliberately restrict your organic traffic and lower your search rankings so you dont get more than you can handle.

Proactive Defense: Viral content is no longer enough; sellers must utilize chat automation, actively manage spam, and use ‘Holiday Mode’ to maintain their metrics and safeguard their visibility.

How the 24-Hour Response Rate Throttles Your Shop

To protect consumers and ensure a seamless shopping experience, TikTok Shop is now actively enforcing a mandatory 24-hour response time for all direct messages. From the moment a potential buyer or existing customer sends a message to your shop’s inbox, a 24-hour countdown begins.

TikTok tracks the percentage of messages you respond to within this timeframe. This metric is strictly graded, and the platform has established two thresholds that determine whether your shop thrives or gets throttled:

1. The 90% Threshold (The Warning Zone)

If your 24-hour response rate dips below 90%, your account is flagged, and you will receive a formal warning. While a warning might not immediately halt your sales, it is a massive red flag. It indicates that your account is now under strict algorithmic scrutiny. If your metrics do not improve rapidly, punishment is imminent.

2. The 85% Threshold (The Restriction Zone)

If your response rate plummets below 85%, TikTok takes immediate enforcement action against your store. Instead of a mere warning, your shop’s Account Health Rating (AHR) drops, and your product visibility is severely reduced.

This is exactly how TikTok throttles sellers. Poor metrics act as an emergency brake, triggering escalating restrictions that block your messages, freeze campaign access, or delist your items entirely. Imagine hitting a viral trend, only to have TikTok pull your product because your inbox management was slow. For a growing shop, this kills algorithmic momentum and costs thousands in lost sales.

Why the Algorithm Punishes Poor Customer Service

To succeed on TikTok Shop, you must understand how the platform’s algorithm thinks. TikTok is, first and foremost, an entertainment platform. Its ultimate goal is to keep users happy, engaged, and on the app. If users have a frustrating shopping experience-such as being ignored by a seller-they are likely to blame TikTok itself.

Because of this, the TikTok Shop algorithm relies incredibly heavily on customer experience signals to determine who gets visibility on the ‘For You’ page and in search results.

The algorithm is designed to protect the buyer. If your customer service metrics drop, the system’s logic assumes that you are receiving more orders than your current infrastructure can handle. In the eyes of the algorithm, a seller who cannot answer messages is a seller who will likely fail to ship items on time or handle returns properly.

So, the moment your response rate drops and violation points are issued, the algorithm intervenes. It deliberately limits your organic traffic, stops pushing your videos to wider audiences, and shoves your product listings far down in search rankings. You are essentially put in a ‘timeout’ until you prove you can handle the operational side of your business.

Why Creating ‘Viral Videos’ Is No Longer Enough

For years, the blueprint for TikTok e-commerce success was simple: create highly engaging videos, use trending audio, and let the algorithm do the heavy lifting. Sellers focused 90% of their energy on content creation and 10% on operations.

This new enforcement marks a profound shift in how business is done on the app. You can no longer rely solely on catchy videos to drive revenue. TikTok is maturing into a highly regulated e-commerce ecosystem similar to Amazon. The platform is demanding operational excellence. Your backend inbox management is now just as critical to your marketing strategy as the lighting, script, and editing of your promotional videos.

5 Steps to Protect Your Shop from Being Throttled

If you want to maintain your organic reach and keep your daily sales flowing, you must integrate inbox management into your daily workflow. Here are five highly effective strategies to ensure your 24-Hour Response Rate remains pristine:

1. Check Your Messages Often

This sounds incredibly simple, but it is where most sellers fail. You can no longer afford to check your TikTok Shop inbox once every few days. You need to treat your seller inbox like a priority email account. Set up dedicated times throughout the day-morning, noon, and evening-to clear out your messages. If you have a team, assign a dedicated customer service representative whose primary KPI is keeping the response time within a few hours.

2. Use Chat Automation Tools

You do not have to be awake 24/7 to maintain a perfect response rate. TikTok Shop offers features like the Customer Service Chat Assistant and AI Recommended Replies to help you automate customer service. Set up automatic replies and FAQs for common questions regarding shipping times, return policies, and product dimensions. An automated quick reply often resolves the inquiry entirely, or at least buys you time to provide a personalized, detailed answer later. (Note: If the bot cannot answer and forwards the chat to you, the 24-hour manual clock starts!)

3. Mark Spam Messages Appropriately

As your shop grows, your inbox will inevitably attract spam, promotional messages from other businesses, or bot inquiries. If you simply ignore these messages, they will count against your 24-hour response rate and drag your percentage down. You must actively monitor your inbox and use the ‘Mark as no response needed’ icon. By officially categorizing these messages as irrelevant, you tell the algorithm to exclude them from your response rate calculation, instantly protecting your metrics.

4. Activate ‘Holiday Mode’ for Extended Absences

Burnout is real in the e-commerce world, and you are entitled to take a break. However, if you disappear for a weekend or go on a vacation without telling the algorithm, your response rate will tank, and you will return to a throttled account. If you know you will be unavailable to answer messages for an extended period, you must activate Holiday Mode in your seller center. This pauses your shop’s obligations temporarily and protects your metrics from plummeting while you are away from your desk.

5. Track Your Metrics Regularly

What gets measured gets managed. Do not wait for a warning notification from TikTok to realize your customer service is slipping. Make it a daily habit to log into your TikTok Shop Seller Center and check your account health dashboard (specifically under Service Analytics > Shop Performance). By tracking your 24-Hour Response Rate regularly, you can spot downward trends before they hit the dangerous 90% threshold, allowing you to course-correct proactively before any throttling occurs.

Conclusion

TikTok Shop’s strict enforcement of the 24-Hour Response Rate is a clear signal that the platform is prioritizing the buyer experience above all else. While this may seem like a heavy burden for independent sellers, it actually presents a massive opportunity. By mastering your inbox, utilizing automation, and maintaining flawless customer service metrics, you will not only avoid violation points and product delistings, but you will also signal to the algorithm that your business is trustworthy. In the new era of TikTok e-commerce, the sellers who care for their customers behind the scenes are the ones who will continue to dominate the feed.

The Nigerian Navy has intercepted a vessel – MT FILIA with its 12 crew members for alleged involvement in the siphoning of stolen crude oil from an oil well at Utue Terminal in Akwa Ibom State.

This was contained in a statement made available to Defence Correspondents in Abuja by the Spokesperson of the Service, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorusho.

According to the statement, the operation was carried out on Thursday, 23 July 2026, based on credible intelligence from the Navy’s surveillance systems and sustained monitoring by its platforms under Operation Delta Sentinel.

The statement explained that preliminary investigations revealed that the vessel was carrying an estimated 32.82 metric tonnes of fuel oil and 650 metric tonnes of crude oil without the ‘requisite documentation or lawful authorisation.’

According to it, ‘consequently, the vessel, its crew of 12, and the recovered cargo were taken into custody for further investigation and possible prosecution in accordance with extant laws.’

It stated that between April and June 2026, the Navy recovered over 4.7 million litres of petroleum product, deactivated over 58 illegal refining sites, destroyed over 239 dugout pits and 13 refining ovens, and arrested over 91 suspects connected to crude oil theft under Operation Delta Sentinel.

It pointed out that the feat coincided with the upsurge in national crude oil production to 1.89 million barrels per day in July 2026, surpassing Nigeria’s OPEC production quota.

It further added that while speaking on the Operation, the Chief of Naval Staff, CNS, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, commended the professionalism, vigilance and commitment of the personnel involved in the successful Operation and reaffirmed that the service remained resolute in its determination to eliminate crude oil theft, pipeline vandalism and other forms of maritime criminality that undermine Nigeria’s economic prosperity and national security.

He further noted that Operation Delta Sentinel, launched to combat crude oil theft and associated economic sabotage, continues to deliver measurable operational successes through persistent surveillance, intelligence-driven operations and close collaboration with other security agencies and critical stakeholders across the maritime sector.

It added that the CNS also reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to supporting national efforts to increase crude oil production, protect critical oil and gas infrastructure, and maintain a secure maritime environment conducive to economic growth and urged the public to provide credible information that can assist the Nigerian Navy and other security agencies in combating crude oil theft and other maritime crimes.

Executive Secretary of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), Arc. Sonny Echono, has described Nigeria’s heavy dependence on imported building materials as unacceptable, calling on architects to spearhead research into locally sourced alternatives that will transform the nation’s construction industry.

Echono made the call during the weekend in Abuja while receiving the leadership of the Female Architects of Nigeria (FAN) on a courtesy visit to the TETFund headquarters.

Expressing concern over the country’s reliance on foreign building materials, he disclosed that nearly 80 percent of materials used in Nigeria’s building sector are still imported, despite the availability of local resources.

According to him, while some progress has been recorded in the local production of items such as tiles, granite and electrical cables, Nigeria still imports critical building components including doors, windows and several other inputs.

‘Research into locally sourced and available building materials is something that will help us transform our building industry if we are able. It will retain wealth in this country and create millions of jobs for our people,’ Echono said.

He urged architects, particularly female professionals, to take advantage of TETFund’s research support initiatives to develop affordable, climate-responsive and aesthetically pleasing housing solutions capable of addressing Nigeria’s housing deficit.

Echono explained that the Fund’s National Research Fund has been expanded beyond universities, polytechnics and colleges of education to accommodate innovative research from all sectors of society.

‘Basically, that fund is intended to promote, facilitate and activate all research and innovation efforts regardless of source,’ he said.

He noted that TETFund was committed to supporting research that provides practical solutions to national development challenges through strategic partnerships and innovation.

The TETFund boss also announced that the Fund would host a National Research Fair in November at Eagle Square, Abuja, where researchers and professionals, including architects, would have the opportunity to showcase their innovations.

Earlier, the Chairperson of the Female Architects of Nigeria, Arc. Ene Agada, commended Echono for his commitment to advancing education, research and innovation in Nigeria.

She presented him with the FAN Award of Excellence in recognition of his outstanding public service and support for female architects.

Agada said the association remained committed to promoting excellence in architecture through women empowerment, housing delivery, environmental sustainability and social inclusion.

She added that FAN was seeking collaboration with TETFund in areas where the expertise of its members aligns with the Fund’s mandate of supporting education, research and national development.

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has initiated a lawsuit against the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) for its failure to clarify and account for ?211 trillion in oil revenue recorded in its 2023 audited financial statements under the categories of ‘Sundry Receivables’ and ‘Accrued Expenses.’

According to reports, NNPCL listed over ?211 trillion in these financial statements but did not provide adequate explanations for the transactions or sufficient information to allow for public scrutiny of these funds.

In the suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1426/2027, filed last week at the Federal High Court in Abuja, SERAP is seeking ‘an order of mandamus directing and compelling the NNPCL to account for the ?211 trillion and disclose all documents and information relating to the transactions recorded in its 2023 audited financial statements.’

‘Direct and compel the NNPCL to provide a detailed explanation, reconciliation and supporting documents relating to the ?107.6 trillion recorded as ‘Sundry Receivables’, including the identities of the debtors, the amounts owed, the legal basis for the receivables and the status of recovery efforts,’ SERAP said.

SERAP is also asking the court to ‘direct and compel the NNPCL to disclose the complete breakdown and supporting documents relating to the ?103.4 trillion recorded as ‘Accrued Expenses’, including the identities of the creditors and beneficiaries, the nature and legal basis of the liabilities, and the documents establishing their legitimacy.’

SERAP is further asking the court to ‘direct and compel the NNPCL to disclose all records relied upon in preparing and approving the ?211 trillion recorded as ‘Sundry Receivables’ and ‘Accrued Expenses’ in its 2023 audited financial statements.’

In the suit, SERAP is arguing that ‘there is an overriding public interest in the disclosure of the information sought. The NNPCL has a legal duty to explain and account for the ?211 trillion and demonstrate that the entries are accurate, lawful and supported by credible documentation.’

According to SERAP, ‘the Freedom of Information Act and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights guarantee the public’s right to access information held by public institutions, including NNPCL, to enable citizens to scrutinise the management of public resources.’

SERAP is arguing that ‘disclosure of the information is necessary to promote transparency, prevent corruption, strengthen fiscal accountability and ensure effective public oversight of NNPCL’s operations.’

SERAP is also arguing that ‘Nigerians have the right to know who owes the ?107.6 trillion, who is entitled to the ?103.4 trillion in accrued expenses, the legal basis for the transactions, and whether the entries comply with applicable laws and public accountability standards.’

The suit, filed on behalf of SERAP by its lawyers Oluwakemi Agunbiade, Kehinde Oyewumi, Andrew Nwankwo and Maryam Mumuni, reads in part: ”Sundry Receivables’ are amounts of money that NNPCL says are owed to it by individuals, companies or government entities but which it has not yet received.’

”Accrued Expenses’ are amounts that NNPCL says it owes to others for goods, services or other obligations that have been incurred but not yet paid.’

‘Together, these entries account for over ?211 trillion in NNPCL’s 2023 audited financial statements.’

‘Yet the financial statements do not adequately explain who owes the money, who is to be paid, the legal basis for the transactions, or provide the supporting documents necessary for Nigerians to independently scrutinise and verify these enormous sums.’

‘NNPCL’s failure to disclose the requested information undermines transparency, accountability and public confidence in the management of Nigeria’s oil wealth, prevents Nigerians from determining whether the transactions are lawful and properly documented.’

‘NNPCL remains fully subject to the Freedom of Information Act because it is wholly owned by the Federal Government and manages Nigeria’s petroleum resources and oil revenues on behalf of the Federation. The Petroleum Industry Act did not remove NNPCL’s legal obligations to operate transparently and accountably.’

‘The funds managed by NNPCL are public funds, regardless of the company’s corporate status, because they are derived from Nigeria’s petroleum resources, which belong to the Federation. Nigerians have a legal right to scrutinise how these resources are managed.’

‘NNPCL failed to comply with SERAP’s Freedom of Information request despite the clear timelines prescribed by the Freedom of Information Act. Under the Act, its failure to respond is deemed a refusal, entitling SERAP to seek judicial intervention to compel full disclosure.’

‘The information requested is not exempt from disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act and concerns matters of overwhelming public interest relating to transparency, fiscal accountability, good governance and the prudent management of Nigeria’s oil wealth.’

‘Secrecy over the management of oil revenues undermines the rule of law, weakens public trust, and is inconsistent with the Nigerian Constitution 1999 (as amended), the Fiscal Responsibility Act, the Financial Regulations, and Nigeria’s obligations under the UN Convention against Corruption, the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.’

‘Greater transparency and accountability in the management of Nigeria’s oil revenues are essential to combating corruption, protecting public resources and ensuring that the country’s wealth is used to improve the lives and well-being of Nigerians.’

No date has been fixed for the hearing of the suit.

Every society that desires a better future must first decide what kind of education it wants for its children. It is one thing to construct school buildings; it is another to build an education system that equips children with competent teachers, decent classrooms, technology, and a genuine opportunity to learn.

This is where the education strategy of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq in Kwara State deserves closer public evaluation.

When AbdulRazaq took office in 2019, Kwara’s basic education sector was burdened by systemic challenges, including outstanding counterpart funding obligations that had affected the state’s access to Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) matching grants. The administration moved to clear the outstanding obligations, helping to unlock federal intervention funds and catalyse the rehabilitation of public schools across the state.

Moving beyond financial recovery, the administration instituted transparent, merit-based Computer-Based Testing recruitment exercises, hiring thousands of qualified teachers while implementing the new national minimum wage. To relieve economic pressure on families, AbdulRazaq also moved to eliminate unofficial levies imposed on parents through school-based structures, while introducing direct running grants to support school maintenance and day-to-day operations.

At the centre of this structural reform is KwaraLEARN, the state’s flagship basic education initiative. KwaraLEARN addresses the gap between classroom attendance and actual foundational literacy and numeracy.

The programme combines structured lesson plans, learning materials, teacher training, continuous coaching, and data-driven assessments. By 2023, more than 6,000 teachers had been trained, while thousands of digital tablets and more than 1.2 million textbooks and learning materials were distributed across 1,578 primary schools.

Because digital platforms cannot replace functional physical environments, the administration paired KwaraLEARN with major infrastructure upgrades, including a ?20 billion commitment in 2025 for school remodelling, laboratories, libraries, and sanitation facilities. The administration has also upgraded the Kwara State School for Special Needs and introduced welfare support for visually impaired students at Queen Elizabeth Secondary School, reinforcing its focus on inclusive education.

The scale and direction of these interventions have attracted recognition from national and international quarters. The Leadership Newspaper Governor of the Year Award highlighted the administration’s interventions in basic education, the unlocking of UBEC funding, gender inclusion and human capital development, while the Nigeria Union of Teachers has commended its approach to teacher welfare, merit-based recruitment and professional development. The administration’s progress in infrastructure delivery and human capital development has also been recognised through the National Excellence Awards in Public Service (NEAPS).

UNICEF, meanwhile, praised Kwara for reaching more than 55,900 learners through the Nigeria Learning Passport, exceeding its original target of 20,000 learners by more than 280 per cent. The agency attributed the achievement to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s commitment to education technology and human capital development. At the global level, the structured pedagogy approach underpinning KwaraLEARN aligns with interventions highlighted by the World Bank’s Global Education Evidence Advisory Panel as cost-effective approaches to improving foundational learning. Together, these recognitions and commendations suggest that Kwara’s education reforms are attracting attention beyond official government claims.

The outcomes of this comprehensive approach are increasingly visible in academic performance.

In 2024, Governor AbdulRazaq celebrated 31 Kwara public school pupils who reportedly scored above 300 in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), led by Samuel Oluwasemilore with a score of 358. In 2025, Jimoh Abdulmalik Olayinka scored 373, ranking among Nigeria’s top performers nationwide. Beyond written examinations, Kwara pupils have also recorded notable achievements in debating, including victory at the International Junior Secondary School Debate Championship in Malaysia. The achievement was rewarded by the Governor with ?2 million for each winner, while other Kwara pupils have represented Nigeria at international debating competitions.

To sustain this growth, the administration institutionalised the Kwara State Education Trust Fund to drive public-private funding and expand opportunities for disadvantaged pupils.

The fund has also supported scholarships for pupils securing admission into Federal Unity Colleges. Additionally, the establishment of the Kwara State University of Education and efforts to strengthen tertiary institutions are intended to ensure a steady pipeline of trained educators and skilled professionals.

Taken together, these interventions reveal a cohesive philosophy. It is not simply about renovating buildings, but renovating the system. It is not merely about deploying technology, but using data to improve learning outcomes. It is not just about increasing enrolment, but ensuring every child acquires competitive skills.

Education remains a continuous project. Kwara continues to navigate challenges around growing infrastructure demands and learning poverty. But the evidence of a deliberate structural shift cannot be ignored.

From KwaraLEARN to classroom rehabilitation, from merit-based teacher recruitment to direct running grants, from UBEC recovery to international recognition, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s agenda reflects a deliberate move from fragmented interventions towards a more coherent system of human capital development.

The ultimate test lies not in official bulletins, awards, or government claims, but in the lives of the children passing through these classrooms.

If a child who once struggled to read can now read confidently, if a teacher who once lacked support can now teach with better tools, if a dilapidated classroom becomes a safe place to learn, and if a bright child from an ordinary home can compete successfully on the national or international stage, then education has moved beyond politics.

It has become opportunity.

And that is the enduring story of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s education transformation in Kwara: making quality education a foundation upon which every child can build a future.

Buhari Media Office (BMO) has dismissed reports linking former President Muhammadu Buhari to the controversy surrounding the alleged Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC), describing the claims as ‘false’ and ‘without factual basis’.

The office, on Sunday, said Buhari never established any agency known as the PFIPC or allocated ?1.3 billion to such an organisation in the 2026 Appropriation.

It stated that the only body created under the former administration was the Presidential Economic Advisory Council (PEAC), which served as an ad hoc advisory committee on economic matters.

The BMO explained that the PEAC initially operated from offices designated for the Chief Economic Adviser to the President at the Federal Secretariat and functioned without a dedicated budget line throughout the Buhari administration.

It stated that the council’s activities were funded through presidential approvals to the Minister of Finance, while office expenses were paid by the State House upon the President’s approval.

‘What he (Buhari) created was the Presidential Economic Advisory Council (PEAC). At inception, it operated from the second floor of the Ministry of Health offices designated for the Chief Economic Adviser to the President, a position he did not appoint until much later, at the Federal Secretariat.

Under the last administration, the PEAC had no budget line. Its activities were funded through presidential approvals to the Minister of Finance.

The PEAC was an ad-hoc (part-time) body, purely advisory, made up of professional economists and financial experts to offer expert economic advice to the President under the chairmanship of Professor Doyin Salami, CFR ?before he was eventually made the Chief Economic Adviser,’ the office stressed.

Other members, according to the statement, included Professor Mahmuda Sagagi as Vice Chairman, Professor Ode Ojowu, Dr. Shehu Yahaya, Dr. Iyabo Masha, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, Mr. Bismarck Rewane and Dr. Mohammed Adaya Salisu, who served as secretary.

It added that members of the council received no salaries, with only operational expenses provided to support the council’s work.

The BMO further noted that when the current administration took office in 2023, it neither dissolved the Buhari-appointed PEAC nor reappointed its members, adding that the appointees considered their tenure to have ended with the expiration of the administration that constituted the council.

It also stated that the office jointly branded as the ‘Presidential Economic Advisory Council’ and the ‘Office of the Chief Economic Adviser to the President’ remained vacant after the change in administration and was only occupied several years later.

Rejecting attempts to associate the current controversy with the Buhari administration, the media office maintained that reports claiming the alleged fictitious agency originated under the former president were ‘false, groundless and lack any factual basis.’

It urged the public to disregard claims linking Buhari to the alleged PFIPC, insisting that the former administration established only the Presidential Economic Advisory Council as an advisory body without a statutory budget line.

MENTAL health is usually discussed in medical or clinical terms. Nigerian visual artist Jelil Bello, however, offers a different perspective by using art to encourage reflection, resilience, and healing. His piece ‘Drift’, which looks at changing ideas of identity and mental wellbeing, recently won the People’s Choice Award at ‘Art asa Response to Mental Health’. The exhibition is open at Chinwe Russell Art Gallery in Doncaster, UK, until the end of July 2026.

In ‘Drift’, a human face appears from swirling golden smoke, caught between being seen and fading away. This image shows how thought, emotion, and self-perception are always shifting, suggesting that identity is always changing. The artwork reflects the hidden struggles of mental distress but also points to the chance for change. Light breaking through darkness stands for healing, encouraging viewers to think about resilience instead of despair.

‘Drift’ is a digital artwork that uses gentle changes in tone to create layers of light and shadow, mostly in gold. Its quiet beauty connected with many people, helping Bello win the exhibition’s People’s Choice Award. He showed his work alongside artists from 21 countries, including many from Africa, in a show that received over 301 submissions. The Judges’ Choice first prize was awarded to Marrie Rowley for ‘Hidden In Plain Sight’.

Bello’s recognition at the UK exhibition is just one part of his wider work, which often explores the emotional and psychological sides of modern life. Through photography, mixed media, and conceptual art, he often focuses on themes like identity, memory, vulnerability, and resilience.

One of these works, ‘Breath of Becoming’, shows clouds of coloured smoke drifting like thoughts, representing emotion, change, and transformation. Instead of showing healing as simple or complete, the piece accepts uncertainty and suggests that recovery can be uneven but still beautiful in its own way.

In ‘Between Roots and Reflection’, human figures overlap with tree shapes, creating a dreamlike scene about belonging, memory, and self-discovery. The layers show how identity can be complicated, shaped by both personal history and inner struggles. In a similar way, ‘Ghost in the Ink’ uses smoke-like shapes fading into darkness to show anxiety, lingering emotions, and memories that are hard to put into words. The work uses gentle spiritual symbols to express feelings that are hard to explain but familiar to many.

This connection between psychology and the environment continues in ‘Echoes in Form’, where natural rhythms are shown as visual movement. The organic patterns suggest that landscapes can hold emotion, memory, and energy. The work encourages viewers to think about how caring for the environment is linked to mental wellbeing. Bello suggests that ignoring nature also harms the emotional spaces people live in.

Environmental themes are even stronger in works like ‘Bloom’ and ‘Where Stone Breathes’. In ‘Bloom’, a tree-like shape stands tall, showing renewal, growth, and endurance. ‘Where Stone Breathes’ brings solid rocks to life, suggesting that life and renewal are possible even in tough conditions. Together, these works reflect on ecological recovery and highlight hope and resilience.

Heritage is a key theme in ‘Eyo Olumo’, where Olumo Rock in Abeokuta, Ogun State, stands as a symbol of cultural memory, protection, and ancestral ties. Bello turns this landmark into a sign of both place and tradition, with the title hinting at a meeting between the historic rock and the grand Eyo Festival in Lagos. The work highlights the need to protect cultural landscapes as sources of shared identity.

While Bello often uses abstract images, the human figure is still important in his art. He mixes abstract and recognizable shapes, making themes like mental wellbeing easy to connect with but still deep. This mix lets viewers interpret the work in their own way without losing its emotional impact.

This style continues in ‘The Memory of Shape’, where repeating stone shapes stand for endurance, history, and inherited memory. The piece looks at communities whose identities are tied to their landscapes, buildings, and natural features, suggesting that places carry history just as much as people do.

A similar feeling is found in ‘Rocky Reflections’, where a nearly hidden figure lies in a rocky setting. The quiet scene creates a mood of thoughtfulness and solitude, touching on themes of displacement, emotional calm, and the common search for shelter, belonging, and comfort.

Bello works in photography, mixed media, and conceptual art, building a practice based on visual storytelling. His art often explores identity, culture, memory, and the social issues that affect daily life, starting conversations about mental health, abuse, youth vulnerability, poverty, caregiving, environmental care, and community strength. While ‘Drift’ has brought him international attention, it also shows how art can help people reflect, empathise, and begin to heal, even if it does not solve mental distress directly.