Category: Nigerian Tribune

WHEN many took off, he stayed put. When the ones we thought were the brave ducked, he dug and rigged. He sweated and defended the homestead or what was left of it. Even to me, his courage did not make sense. Why swim against the tide when you can just go with the flow? Why stay in a house with half its roof blown off? What is the sense in not just holding on tight to a tattered umbrella but also taking shelter under it? The umbrella itself looked like it needed help.

Leave and let the house crumble. You can build another one. But he stood there in the rain, in the scorching sun. He even bellowed in a fearful voice at passers-by who thought something was really wrong with him. He flexed his muscles at those who had armour. He looked them in the eye and dared them to cross his threshold.

Who the dickens did he think he was? But he paid us all no mind. It was his umbrella to keep, torn, shredded or bent. He mobilized money and started the rebuilding. When he was let down by those he trusted, he soldiered on. When those whose expeditions he sponsored aimed arrows at his bare chest, he nursed his wound, lips pursed in pain and determination. If he shed a tear, it was in private. If he bled, he hid the blood. To his tattered tent he held.

Then one day, he rose out of the ashes, with his umbrella in his hands, this time like a sword. He had rebuilt the house with everything he could muster. Soon, those who watched him rebuild and those who went away all came back, together. He welcomed them. And they all sat under the umbrella. Then one day, he said he wanted to become the leader. Some of the ‘returnees’ also showed interest. They all agreed to a fair contest. Then the demon of conspiracy came into the house and possessed almost everybody. Stabs in the back, followed by another stab in the heart led to a bloodied floor. Things became blurry and slippery. Of course, things fell apart. There was no centre for anybody to even hold.

Now, the builder is angry, raving and raging. What was taken from him he has sworn nobody else would get. He has even gone after those who left the house a second time, bellowing harder than before. He is like one character in Yoruba movie I watched a long time ago. His name was Cause Trouble. The name still makes me smile every time. But the most apt description for me, at least today, is the debt distrainor as described by Reverend Samuel Johnson. Distraining for debt among the Yorubas used to be a big deal in those days. A ‘distrainor’ is a licensed by fire-by-force debt collector who sits on the debtor in every way until he pays. He is said to ‘d’ogo ti’ until he collects.

Pay attention to how Rev. Johnson describes him.

‘The distrainor is a man of imperturbable temper, but of foul tongue, a veritable Thersites. He adopts any measure he likes, inflicting his presence and attention on the debtor everywhere and anywhere he may go, denying him privacy of any kind, and in the meantime using his tongue most foully upon him, his own person being inviolable, for touching him implies doing violence to the person of the authorities who appointed him the task. Loud in his abuses, intolerable in his manners to all in the house whilst going in and out with the debtor till the inmates of the house get tired and quickly finds a way of getting rid of the distrainor by paying off the debt.’

Our builder, Cause Trouble or Distrainor is ‘drawing gbese’. He’s giving everybody in the house high blood pressure.

‘He must not take anything away from the house but he may enjoy the use of anything he finds in the house.’

Does he remind you of someone?

This is a peaceful piece.

As Nigeria marks its Independence Day, the nation is celebrating homegrown leaders who are advancing the economy. Among them is Temitope George Ijibadejo, a Lagos-born forex trader and consultant who has become ‘an award-winning Forex fund manager’ with over 15 years of experience.

A recent Tribune profile praises his contributions as part of those who have positioned Nigeria as a force in Forex’s global market. As founder and CEO of Sure-Fire Investments Ltd and Africa Regional Director of the international broker SquaredFinancial, Ijibadejo exemplifies the entrepreneurial spirit transforming Nigeria’s financial landscape.

Before Ijibadejo entered the scene, forex trading in Nigeria was widely misunderstood and often carried a negative reputation. Many early practitioners plunged into the market without adequate preparation, losing money and in some cases mismanaging funds entrusted to them. The core of the problem was not merely the volatility of the market but the absence of strong business development skills and sound investment management strategies.

Recognizing this gap, Ijibadejo, a self-taught trader, began charting a new path. By combining technical expertise in forex with the discipline of business development and fund management, he consistently delivered superior results. More importantly, he committed himself to training others, using workshops and structured mentorship programs to equip a new generation of Nigerians with the tools to trade responsibly, manage investments prudently, and build sustainable careers in the financial sector.

Pioneering a Hybrid Financial Model

Ijibadejo has built a unique model that fuses forex fund management with business development consulting. Ijibadejo did not only begin a disruptive model by empowering people with knowledge in the business, but also by introducing a new combo that has largely been adopted by many of his peers. He argues that combining these fields creates ‘a powerful synergy’ in wealth creation.

In his vision, business leaders should use forex not as an isolated gamble but as an integral tool for corporate growth. ‘Just imagine that in Nigeria’s business ecosystem, Forex isn’t an isolated platform; instead, it’s a central tool for business planning,’ he says. By treating forex trading as part of broader business strategy, he says, Nigeria can reshape its economy. As he told a Tribune interviewer, this hybrid approach ‘is not just a pitch; it’s a feasible approach at transforming Nigeria’s financial and economic standing’. Under his leadership, Sure-Fire Investments was among the first indigenous firms to put this theory into practice, designing forex training programs alongside corporate advisory services.

Educating and Empowering Nigerians

A key to Ijibadejo’s strategy has been education. He insists that ‘without education, you can’t grow in Forex,’ and has built training into his business model. Indeed, Tribune reports that Sure-Fire has trained ‘over 5,000 individuals in Forex,’ reflecting his mission to raise financial literacy across Nigeria. Through workshops, webinars, and mentorship, Ijibadejo has reached a diverse audience of traders, entrepreneurs, and even government-sponsored youth.

For example, in 2014 he partnered with XM International to run a five-week free forex course for over 500 NYSC corps members in Lagos. In that program, fresh university graduates joined hands-on training with expert instructors, gaining both trading skills and entrepreneurship guidance. These initiatives – many of which tie into national programs like the NYSC’s Skills Acquisition scheme – have spawned a new generation of Nigerian traders and consultants. Alumni of his courses often credit them with launching their careers, helping the country add skilled financial professionals and small business founders.

Global Partnerships, Local Impact

Like every industry, the full potential of the global forex trading sector in Nigeria could not be realized without foreign investment and collaboration. Although many international players recognized the Nigerian market as promising, concerns over local competence and expertise often held them back. Ijibadejo addressed this gap through his unique approach and practice, forging strong international partnerships that brought both expertise and capital into the country. As he often emphasizes, ‘global partnerships open doors for new markets and technologies that lead to development.’ Guided by this principle, he collaborated with leading global brokers and fintech firms. Early in his career, he served as a Master Partner with XM International, helping the Cyprus-based broker host seminars and expand operations in Nigeria.

In 2017, he partnered with Hantec Markets, a Hong Kong-headquartered broker, to introduce its services locally-an initiative that reportedly generated millions of naira in trading volume. More recently, Ijibadejo became Nigeria Country Director, and later Africa Regional Director, for SquaredFinancial, a Cyprus-based online broker. In this role, he established SquaredFinancial’s Lagos office and expanded its client network across Africa, proving that Nigerian entrepreneurs can successfully lead major international firms. These collaborations have not only attracted foreign capital to Nigeria’s economy but also transferred global best practices, strengthened local expertise, and boosted confidence in the country’s financial sector.

Driving Economic Empowerment

The effects of Ijibadejo’s work go beyond trading floors; they touch the wider economy. He believes that a thriving forex and financial market can help solve Nigeria’s chronic unemployment problem. Tribune quotes him urging traders and investors to collaborate, arguing that they can ‘solve the country’s unemployment challenge and champion emerging self-employed individuals’. In practice, his initiatives have helped thousands of young Nigerians earn livelihoods. Graduates who might once have struggled to find jobs are now working as analysts, traders, and consultants – or starting their own fintech ventures – thanks to the skills they gained. By attracting reputable international brokers and hosting high-profile training events, he has also drawn foreign investments into Nigeria’s economy. Industry observers note that every major seminar or joint venture introduces more capital and creates ancillary jobs (for example, local training coordinators, analysts, and media teams). In all, Ijibadejo’s focus on education and partnership is credited with expanding Nigeria’s financial services capacity, raising standards for practitioners, and encouraging the next wave of economic growth.

A Legacy for Nigeria’s Future

On this Independence Day, Mr. Ijibadejo’s journey reflects the promise of Nigeria’s economic independence. He often reminds peers that the goal is more than personal success. ‘It should be more than an individual success; it should be an effort to build a legacy that strikes as tenacious for the next generation to leverage,’ he has said. In other words, his vision is for lasting impact: a Nigeria where each trained trader or consultant multiplies into many, and where global financial platforms integrate seamlessly with local businesses. By promoting innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning, Ijibadejo is helping to build a generation of empowered professionals who can drive the economy forward.

As Nigeria celebrates its independence, it is fitting to honor leaders like Temitope Ijibadejo – innovators who bring global finance to bear on local development. Through his hybrid model of forex fund management and business consulting, his mentorship of thousands of young Nigerians, and his partnerships with major international brokers, he is strengthening the country’s financial sector and creating jobs. Such homegrown achievement, recognized by both national media and global industry partners, sends a powerful message: Nigeria’s future is in the hands of entrepreneurs and professionals whose success uplifts the whole nation.

Ondo State Governor, Dr Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has assured citizens that his administration is delivering tangible results across key sectors of governance, with more progress to come in the months ahead.

Speaking at the Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Arcade, Akure, during the 65th Independence Anniversary of Nigeria, the governor said the state was witnessing a remarkable transformation under his ‘OUR EASE’ policy framework.

According to him, the government is executing projects simultaneously in health, education, agriculture, infrastructure and security, which include the dualisation of Akure-Idanre, Akungba-Ikare and Okitipupa-Igbokoda roads, the construction of jetties and walkways in the riverine areas, and the rehabilitation of five kilometres of roads in each of the 18 local government areas.

‘Roads are not just pathways, they are lifelines that will boost commerce, agriculture, reduce travel stress and encourage economic activities and the daily life of our people,’ he said.

On healthcare, Aiyedatiwa disclosed that his government had expanded the contributory health scheme, completed a pharma-grade warehouse to guarantee a steady supply of medicines, renovated hospitals and prioritised recruitment into the health sector.

‘Our people in rural areas will no longer need to travel far to access basic healthcare. Beyond this, we have resolved that all health facilities in the state would be upgraded to meet global medical standards,’ he added.

The governor also highlighted strides in education, including classroom rehabilitation, provision of instructional materials, bursaries and scholarships, digital learning opportunities, as well as the continued operation of free shuttle buses and boats for students.

In agriculture, he announced that the state had secured 26,000 hectares of land and earmarked ?7.5 billion for development to strengthen food security and create jobs.

On security, Aiyedatiwa said: ‘We have provided not less than 75 high-grade Hilux vehicles equipped with modern security gadgets to our security agencies to help them respond quickly and effectively to threats.

‘Our goal is that every citizen of Ondo State should feel safe in their homes, farms, markets, schools and places of work.’

Commending citizens for their trust and resilience, he pledged: ‘In the coming months, you will see more progress. Ondo State is moving forward, Nigeria is moving forward; and nothing is beyond our reach.’

Earlier in his welcome address, the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti, said the anniversary celebration was not only a reminder of Nigeria’s historical struggles for freedom, but also an occasion to highlight the achievements of the current administration.

‘In recent times, the state has witnessed unprecedented socio-economic revival and restoration. Mr. Governor has deliberately provided an ambience that opened up the industrial and economic frontiers of development in the state, thus strategically placing Ondo State on the world map,’ Fasoranti said.

He lauded Aiyedatiwa’s fiscal transparency and accountability, describing them as enablers of reforms and transformational programmes.

The colourful event featured a parade mounted by the Nigeria Police, schools, political and non-political groups, and was attended by top government officials, royal fathers, religious leaders, and other dignitaries, including Deputy Governor, Dr Olayide Adelami, Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Olamide Oladiji, Chief Judge, Justice A.O. Odusola, and the Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye.

In its ongoing efforts at addressing insecurity in parts of Kwara state, especially, in border towns of Kwara and Kogi states, the Kwara state government on Wednesday urged residents of the state, especially people around Ekiti, Ifelodun, Isin, Oke Ero, and Irepodun local government areas, to be vigilant and restrict outdoor activities as much as possible in the mean time.

Recall that on Monday night, combined forces of the Army, DSS and Police launched an offensive around Baba Sango community in the Ifelodun local government area, along the Kwara-Kogi border, neutralising about 15 armed bandits.

The same operation continued on Tuesday night, according to Governor Abduleahman Abdulrazaq.

In a statement by the state Commissioner for Communications, Bolanle Olukoju, she said that the advisory followed heightened operations by combined security forces in border towns in Kogi and Kwara states, where kidnappers are believed to have hibernated.

‘We urge people to be very vigilant and limit their movements to only very necessary routines. That is to avoid being caught unawares as the kidnappers are fleeing their hideouts. We do not want law-abiding citizens to be affected,’ the statement said.

She said the government regrets the temporary inconveniences the limited movement may cause in the nearby areas.

‘We commend the security forces for the renewed efforts to rout out the criminals, and charge them to continue until they are totally neutralised and flushed out of our forests’, she said.

It is recalled that some communities in the Kwara South district of Kwara state like Oke Ode, Babanla, among others had been attacked by bandits, where many people were abducted and members of police and local security operatives were killed by the kidnappers.

Speaking on efforts made to address the situation, Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq of Kwara state reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting lives and property across the state, declaring that nowhere in Kwara will be safe for criminal elements, including kidnappers.

The governor, in a statement by his chief press secretary (CPS), Rafiu Ajakaye on Wednesday, said that,

‘The Army Headquarters has since relocated the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 2nd Division to Ilorin as part of the renewed efforts to strengthen security operations in the state’

‘Following the recent attack at Oke Ode, the governor travelled to Abuja to brief President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, during which he reiterated his request for additional federal deployment to raid the hideouts.

‘I presided over the State Security Council meeting at Ahmadu Bello House, Ilorin, on Tuesday night to integrate state and federal assets into a single strategy for both Kwara North and South’.

Governor Abdulrazaq assured Kwara residents that his administration would not relent in supporting security agencies to keep every community safe.

‘I have assurances of the security forces to smoke out and eliminate the criminals from their hideouts. We will fight insecurity with every resource at our disposal. Kwara will not be a hiding place for criminals.

‘To any criminal who seeks to destabilise the peace in Kwara, you may run, but you cannot escape justice. Kwara belongs to its people, and their peace will be defended,’ the governor added.

ýTHE political sagacity and ideology of Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State is coming under a new kind of scrutiny with the public presentation of the book ‘Omituntun Political Ideology of Governor Seyi Makinde: A Principle and Practice for Good Governance and Socio-Economic Development’ taking place soon, in Ibadan.

ýýThe book, written by a scholar and public servant, Babatunde Osumah, is an independent assessment of the new political culture brought with the Omituntun political philosophy of Governor Makinde. It is also a manual on how the younger generation of Nigerian politicians can learn from and be prepared for the vagaries of political high office from the Omitutun Philosophy, which is anchored on moral and delivery-driven politics.

ýýSnippets show that the book is for education and for the sustenance of the highly impactful Omituntun Philosophy. In showing how, snippets from it say the book ‘shows how new orientation can be rendered from the attitude of Governor SeyiMakinde to the upcoming young politicians so that they will be well-prepared before occupying political offices.’

ýýSpeaking on why the project was undertaken, Osumah said: ‘The purpose of the book launch is to honour and celebrate the excellent performance and quintessential leadership of Engr. Seyi Makinde in this 21st century political dispensation in Nigeria.

ýý’Dignitaries invited for the book launch are members of Oyo State Executive Council, Oyo State House of Assembly members; Oyo State Chief judge, Oyo State Local Government Chairmen, veteran media personalities, political pundits in Nigeria, distinguished personalities in their chosen careers and representative of the Nigeria Youth.’

ýýThe Special Guest of Honour for the occasion billed for Thursday October 23, 2025 is Governor Makinde himself.

Aspira Nigeria Limited, one of Nigeria’s foremost manufacturers and distributors of trusted household cleaning and personal care brands for over 15 years, is proud to unveil Viva Matic, its latest innovation designed to transform laundry routines nationwide for families and individuals. Building on the success of beloved brands like Viva Plus Detergent, Aspira continues to demonstrate its dedication to delivering practical solutions that meet the evolving needs of Nigerian families.

Viva Matic is a high-performance detergent, specifically formulated for use in washing machines, offering a more innovative and efficient way to handle laundry. With washing machines becoming a household essential across Nigeria, Viva Matic is positioned as an indispensable laundry companion, ensuring clothes come out cleaner, fresher, and protected wash after wash.

Unlike traditional powder detergents designed for hand washing, Viva Matic’s advanced formula is engineered to dissolve quickly and work seamlessly in both front-load and top-load washing machines. It penetrates fabrics deeply, tackles tough stains, preserves colours, and extends the life of both clothes and washing machines, giving families the confidence of a superior clean every time.

‘At Aspira, we listen to our customers and understand that efficiency and convenience are top priorities for modern households,’ said Lynda Aguocha, Head of Advertising at Aspira. ‘With Viva Matic, we’re introducing an innovative solution that makes laundry faster, easier, and more cost-effective, redefining what laundry care should look like for today’s Nigerian families.’

Speaking on the company’s vision for innovation, Santhosh Kumar Nair, Head of Marketing at Aspira, added: ‘Viva Matic embodies our commitment to practical innovation and quality. It’s more than just a washing product; it’s a solution that helps families care for their clothes and appliances better, while saving time and resources.’

Available at major supermarkets, neighbourhood retail outlets, and leading online stores nationwide, Viva Matic is set to become an indispensable part of every home that values convenience and smart laundry care. With this launch, Aspira Nigeria reaffirms its position as a brand that cares, listens, and continuously raises the bar for innovative household solutions.

About Aspira Nigeria Limited

Aspira Nigeria Limited is the leading manufacturer and distributor of household cleaning and personal care products, serving Nigerian consumers for over 15 years with a diverse range of quality yet affordable products, including Viva Plus Detergent, Viva Dishwashing Liquid, Siri Soap, Biotol, Oracare, Fizz Detergent, Sabil, Chic, Family Care, Baby and Me, Fizz Manuka, and MP3 soap

The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has approved the commencement of online applications for lawyers seeking appointment as Notaries Public of Nigeria.

The online approval, described as a landmark step by the Supreme Court of Nigeria, is aimed at revolutionising the appointment process for legal practitioners.

A statement by the Director of Information and Public Relations of the Court, Dr. Festus Akande, on Wednesday said legal practitioners in the country seeking appointments as Notaries Public can now apply through digital means.

The statement partly read: ‘This pivotal decision underscores the judiciary’s unwavering commitment to embracing digital innovation, enhancing efficiency, and fostering greater accessibility within the legal community.

‘This significant development marks a new era of convenience and transparency for aspiring Notaries Public.

‘Previously a paper-intensive process, the new digital platform will streamline submissions, reduce administrative burdens, and ensure a more expeditious review of applications.

‘Interested and qualified lawyers can now submit their applications through the newly launched, secure online portal at https://notary.gov.ng.

‘This user-friendly platform has been meticulously designed to guide applicants through each step of the process, ensuring a seamless and straightforward experience,’ Akande said in the statement.

The Association of Nigerian Broadcasters (ANBROAD) has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting professionalism in Nigeria’s broadcasting industry, condemning the killing of ARISE News broadcaster, Somtochukwu Maduagwu, who was fatally attacked by armed robbers in Abuja on Monday.

The association’s president, Abdulrasaq Abdulganeey, made this known on Tuesday in Ibadan during ANBROAD’s first national congress.

Reflecting on the association’s journey since its formal inception in 2024, Abdulganeey acknowledged the challenges encountered but expressed optimism about ANBROAD’s progress.

‘We want to sanitise our profession, to differentiate the wheat from the chaff. Our mantra is: together we can do it, move mountains and be the talk of the town,’ he said.

He also stressed the need for modernisation in the industry, stating that broadcasters must move away from outdated practices.

As part of this drive, the association has introduced a Unique Professional Number (UPN) system and launched an official website to help identify, connect, and support its members nationwide.

Abdulganeey called on key stakeholders to collaborate on improving the welfare of broadcasters and ensuring their contributions are adequately recognised and rewarded.

Encouraging more practitioners to join ANBROAD, he emphasised the association’s vision of building a stronger, more ethical broadcast industry that truly serves the public interest.

On the killing of Maduagwu, the ANBROAD president described the incident as a ‘heinous and unfortunate tragedy’ that claimed the life of a promising young broadcaster.

‘President Bola Tinubu and the police should do the needful. We do not want to keep losing broadcasters, journalists or any Nigerian. The government must protect the lives and properties of its citizens,’ Abdulganeey said, joining the growing public call for a thorough investigation and justice for the late broadcaster’s family.

Also speaking at the congress, ANBROAD’s national secretary-general, Sola Gbayisomore, highlighted the association’s achievements within just one year of operations.

He noted ANBROAD’s growing presence in states, including Lagos, Ondo, Kwara, Osun, Ogun, Oyo, and Abuja.

He said the congress served not only as a platform to celebrate progress but also to strategise for growth, strengthen member collaboration, and explore opportunities within the industry.

During the congress, ANBROAD established operational zones across its active states and formally inaugurated zonal leaders.

In addition, the association unveiled its constitution, presented by the chairman of the board of trustees, Sulaiman Adegbenro, who stressed the importance of truth and trust in the broadcast profession.

‘The constitution is a compass for our association. It’s essential for guiding our operations and ensuring we remain true to our values,’ Adegbenro said, urging members to abide by it and contribute to the development of both the association and the national broadcast sector.

Wife of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Ayaba Mutiat Ladoja, has stressed the need for the government at all levels, corporate organisations and other categories of people to be more sensitive to the plights of persons living with disabilities (PWDs) in society.

Ladoja, while presenting cash donations of N100,000 to 15 Homes and other gift items to PLWDs as part of the activities marking her 70th birthday in Ibadan, submitted that this category of people needs attention, love and care.

She submitted that rather than looking down on them, people should explore the abilities in their disabilities.

Olubadan’s wife stated that many of them have the potential to be greater in life if they are assisted either through the award of scholarships or by other means.

According to her, ‘I started associating with persons living with disabilities 30 years ago. I have been using the little resources that God blessed me with to assist.

‘They deserve our attention, love and care. Rather than looking down on them, we should identify their potential and build on it.

‘We should let them have a sense of belonging. They are part of society. The government at all levels, corporate organisations and individuals should intensify their efforts towards them.

‘Disabilities can come in any form. It comes with age. It can come through accidents and in many other ways; hence the reason we must not look down on them. We all have our disabilities.

‘When they want to cross the road, assist them instead of making a mockery of their situation. Also, assist them with the little that you have. Don’t wait until you have millions of naira in your account.

‘I started what we are witnessing today 30 years ago. It has become my way of life, and I thank the likes of Babs Oduyoye for sharing the vision.

‘Today, I will be giving N100,000 to 15 Homes, two wheelchairs, two bags of rice each, two cartons of Indomie each, and cartons of soap.

‘Also, five vulnerable persons will be assisted with deep freezers and grinding machines to start their businesses.

‘My message to us is that we should show them love, attention and care.’

South Africa, Ghana, and Kenya have emerged as the top-performing parliaments in Africa, according to the 2025 Africa Open Parliament Index (OPI) report launched by the Africa Parliamentary Monitoring Organisations Network (APMON).

The OPI provides a comprehensive assessment of 33 African national parliaments, measuring their performance across three critical dimensions: transparency, civic participation, and public accountability.

According to the Secretary General of APMON, Sammy Obeng, ‘The OPI is not just a ranking – it is a roadmap. It challenges parliaments to open up their work, engage citizens meaningfully, and demonstrate accountability.’ Obeng emphasised that the index highlights areas where urgent reforms are needed, while also showing encouraging progress in many countries.

The South African Parliament ranked first with an overall score of 79.69%, making it the most open parliament in Southern Africa. Ghana’s Parliament followed closely, ranking second with an overall score of 77.60%, and leading in West Africa. Kenya’s Parliament took third place with an overall score of 73.96%, and leading in East Africa.

In contrast, the Parliament of Comoros ranked 31st with an overall score of 29.69%, while the Parliament of South Sudan ranked 32nd with an overall score of 28.65%. The Parliament of Guinea-Bissau ranked lowest, with an overall score of 28.13%.

The launch event featured a panel discussion with civil society leaders, who shared strategies for co-creating reforms that will make African parliaments more open, responsive, and citizen-centred. APMON and its partners are calling on governments, parliaments, and development partners to work together to implement evidence-based reforms inspired by the index.

The OPI 2025 report is now available for download on (link unavailable). APMON will be engaging with individual parliaments, civil society organisations, and regional bodies to present country-specific findings and support the development of action plans that advance parliamentary openness.