Category: Nigerian Tribune

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has said that its sweeping monetary and foreign exchange reforms over the past two years have restored investor confidence, stabilised the naira, and laid the foundation for long-term growth.

Governor Olayemi Cardoso, delivering the keynote at the Lagos Business School’s P

leadership lecture on Friday, recalled the precarious economic situation he inherited in 2023 when inflation was spiralling, reserves were strained, and investor confidence had collapsed.

‘It was a moment that demanded not just technical skill, but leadership rooted in courage, credibility, and accountability. We had to act decisively,’ he said.

According to him, the CBN raised rates by over 800 basis points to tackle inflation, halted central bank overdrafts beyond statutory limits, unified the exchange rate, and cleared a backlog of foreign exchange obligations.

The apex bank also strengthened reserves, now above $42 billion, and launched new channels for diaspora remittances.

The results, Cardoso said, are beginning to show. Inflation, which had peaked near 35 percent, has moderated to about 20 percent. GDP grew 4.2 percent in the second quarter of 2025, capital inflows are rebounding, and Nigeria’s sovereign credit outlook has improved.

‘These shifts suggest more than a cyclical adjustment. They mark the outlines of a developmental inflection point where investor confidence is being rebuilt and Nigeria positions itself for structural renewal,’ he said.

The CBN governor, however, cautioned that the gains must be translated into durable prosperity. ‘This is only the beginning. The real task is ensuring these hard-won improvements translate into jobs, stability, and long-term growth for the next generation,’ Cardoso added.

Earlier in her welcome address, Professor Olayinka David-West, Dean, Lagos Business School, Pan Atlantic University, noted that the CBN Governor’s Lecture Series is a flagship platform and part of the Governor’s Knowledge Acceleration and Thought Leadership Initiative, which is central to the Central Bank’s strategy of deepening public understanding and strengthening monetary policy transmission.

She recalled that two years ago, at the Senate Confirmation Hearing, the Governor, Mr. Olayemi Cardoso, and his Deputy Governors promised compliance, accountability, and transparency, thus noting that the lecture was a fulfillment of the promise and a framework for such accountability.

Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Mr Peter Obi, has said it would be encouraging for Nigerians if they could track and feel the impact of recovered looted funds by the Federal Government.

Obi stressed that such funds should have visible effects in education, healthcare, and poverty reduction across the country.

The former governor of Anambra State made this remark on Friday in response to the disclosure by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) that it recovered ?853 billion in crime proceeds in the past year alone.

While commending the anti-graft agency for the achievement, Obi noted that the major challenge lies in ensuring that the recovered funds are channelled into areas where Nigerians can truly feel the impact.

Writing on his X handle, he stated:

‘The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) announcement that ?853 billion has been recovered from crime proceeds within one year is a step in the right direction.

‘The Commission deserves our commendation for this effort, even though we are aware it’s just a tiny fraction of the funds looted from the public treasury by leaders.

‘Beyond this recovery, what truly matters is the utilisation of these funds in a verifiable and accountable manner, specifically in the critical areas of development, health, education, and poverty alleviation to benefit the people.

‘Nigerians want to see impact. We must be able to trace where and how these recovered funds are invested.

‘Currently, we have over 20 million out-of-school children in the country, the highest in the world. Similarly, we have the highest number of acutely poor people in the world, over 100 million.

‘In both cases, the situation is worse in the North, making all efforts at reducing it imperative. If these recovered funds and subsequent ones are strategically invested, they would greatly contribute to breaking the cycle of poverty, illiteracy, and insecurity.

‘For example, the Federal Government’s 2024 operational budget for Universal Basic Education is about ?251.47 billion. Tripling this sum would require an additional ?503 billion.

‘The remaining ?350 billion could be shared directly among the 19 Northern states as microcredit for the poor. Many of these states have long been applying for as little as ?2 billion in similar funding from our development banks.

‘Let this not just be another announcement of recovery. Let it mark the beginning of a new era of accountability, where every kobo retrieved is turned into classrooms, hospitals, skills, and opportunities for ordinary Nigerians.’

THE 2025 US fiscal Transparency Report alleging lack of transparency in public procurement and, by extension, categorising Nigeria among the 32 African countries without fiscal policy should be totally rejected. The US report did not reflect the current realities in the public procurement ecosystem in Nigeria, particularly the reforms initiated by the federal government to institutionalise transparency and accountability in public procurement contracting in Nigeria. To be sure, Nigeria is among the top five African countries with sound public procurement frameworks and/or regimes. For instance, recent reforms by the regulatory agency- the Bureau of Public Procurement [BPP], discouraging the use of selective tendering as against the default methods of procurement shows the determination to cut abuses and open the procurement space for all contractors to participate, thereby promoting competition and ensuring transparency in public contracting.

Public procurement records – from planning to procurement execution – have been made available on the Open Contracting Portal and it is mandatory for all government agencies to publish their procurement records in the Nigeria Open Contracting Portal [NOCOPO], giving access to civil society organisations and even contractors opportunity to assess records at all times from procurement planning stage to procurement execution. Significantly, Standard Bidding Documents [SBDs] and the monetary thresholds were recently reviewed to international standards and in alignment with the current economic realities respectively, thus paving the way for women participation in procurement opportunities and small and medium enterprises to fully take advantage of the affirmative procurement opportunities, including initiative for community-based procurement just to mention a few of the ongoing reforms in Nigeria’s public procurement processes. For the avoidance of doubt and to put the records straight, our procurement models are structured to ensure value for money. It ensures that taxpayers’ money is properly/ judiciously spent for the intended purposes, eliminating underhand dealings as against what was obtainable before the enactment of the Publuc Procurenent Act [PPA] 2007. The Bureau of public Procurement for the first time in history is encouraging members of the public to ‘say something, do something’ by reporting any procurement process they deem is not conducted transparently. The BPP has been engaging with the civil society organisations, professional bodies and various stakeholders to check abuses in public contracting in Nigeria.

Our system is robust enough, emphasising transparency, accountability, and promoting openness and access to information by taxpayers.

Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has dissolved all statutory and non-statutory boards and commissions in the state.

The decision, which takes immediate effect, was announced in Uyo on Thursday by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prince Enobong Uwah.

According to the SSG, the governor acted under the Statutory Boards (Special Provisions) Law, 2023, and directed the affected chairmen to hand over to the most senior officers in their establishments.

‘The governor wishes members of the dissolved boards and commissions well in their future endeavours and commends them for their roles in advancing the ARISE agenda,’ Uwah said.

He further instructed that all government property in the custody of the affected chairmen be returned to ensure a smooth transition.

Our correspondent reports that the development, which marks a major shake-up in the state’s governance structure, had earlier been hinted at by Governor Eno during a media chat to mark Akwa Ibom’s 37th anniversary in 2024.

At the time, the governor said that he was ‘waiting for the right time’ to reorganise his administration and promised a valedictory session to appreciate commissioners and board members for their contributions to the state’s growth.

It is, however, believed that the dissolution signals the beginning of a new phase in the administration’s governance strategy.

The Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar, has dismissed the notion that Jihad in Islam is aimed at killing non-Muslims, stressing that it simply means striving to be the best in one’s endeavours.

Speaking in Abuja at the public presentation of Scars: Nigeria’s Journey and the Boko Haram Conundrum, a book authored by former Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen Lucky Irabor (rtd), the monarch explained that Jihad had long been misrepresented.

‘Jihad is not to kill a non-Muslim by a Muslim. Jihad means to strive, and in whatever you do in life, you strive to be the best you can be.

‘You strive to be a good Muslim, you strive to be a good Christian, you strive to be a good farmer, or a good engineer.

‘So, Jihad is not to kill a non-Muslim; that’s a wrong notion people have been airing out for decades,’ he stated.

The Sultan, who is also the Chairman of the Northern Traditional Rulers Council, cautioned against extremism, stressing that Islam is guided by clear codes rooted in the Quran, the Hadith, and the consensus of clerics.

‘And these are written. So, we have a code of conduct; we have ways and means of life; the Holy Quran and the Hadith of our most noble Prophet (SA), and the consensus of the Ulama, that is, the clerics.

‘These are the three things guiding us. Anybody coming outside these to say things that he really doesn’t know about is not for Islam because Islam abhors extremism.

‘You cannot be an extremist and then claim to be a good Muslim,’ he said.

He also rejected suggestions that Islamism is about capturing political power, noting that its true focus is on good governance.

‘Islamism is not aimed at seizing power at any particular forum. Islam is after good governance in society,’ he said.

Recalling past controversies, the Sultan explained that his comments on Islam and leadership values were sometimes wrongly interpreted as political.

‘In September 2019, I gave a talk on Islam and good governance in Nigeria. President Buhari was just going for his second term.

‘After giving my talk, the following day, the papers carried it [that] I was aiming at President Buhari’s second term because I said things that a good Muslim should do as a leader and what he should not do,’ he explained.

He urged Nigerians to be cautious in their remarks on religion and insecurity, emphasising unity as the path to building a stronger country.

‘So, let’s come closer as one big family with different backgrounds to forge ahead to make this country a better country, because there is nothing anybody can do,’ he added.

The monarch also commended Gen Irabor for sharing his experiences as a military officer who played a major role in the fight against insecurity in Nigeria.

Tension gripped Idogun community in Ose Local Government Area of Ondo State on Friday as irate youths allegedly attacked the Onidogun of Idogun, Oba Moses Bakare, alongside his wife and son, Prince Victor Bakare.

The incident, which reportedly occurred in the early hours at Ishara Quarters, threw the quiet community into confusion as the youths stormed the monarch’s residence and attacked his family.

It was gathered that the monarch’s son, Prince Victor, who had visited the town to join and honour his father in the celebration of this year’s yam festival, was not spared in the assault.

According to an eyewitness, the attackers invaded the palace, vandalised property, and inflicted injuries on members of the royal family.

Describing the situation as ‘shocking and shameful,’ he said the violence forced many to flee the area for safety. He added that the exact cause of the attack remained unclear but hinted at a lingering dispute between the palace and some youths over traditional matters.

Speaking with journalists at the palace, Prince Victor, who showed visible injuries, alleged that the attackers humiliated his family by stripping his mother half-naked, pouring urine and other filthy substances on him, and physically assaulting the monarch.

The Onidogun, Oba Bakare, described the assault as a continuation of ‘unprovoked hostility’ from a faction of youths in the community.

He condemned the act as ‘barbaric and unfortunate,’ but commended the timely intervention of police operatives and men of the Amotekun Corps, who quelled the unrest before it escalated.

Confirming the development, the Amotekun Coordinator in the community, Mr Omatayo Johnson, said the swift response of security personnel prevented the tension from degenerating into a wider crisis.

Idogun community has in recent years been enmeshed in internal disputes over issues of traditional authority, youth leadership, and control of communal resources.

Sources within the town said the hostility against Oba Bakare stems from longstanding disagreements between the palace and some youth groups, who have often accused the monarch of marginalising their interests in community affairs.

The latest attack, according to residents, is believed to be linked to these unresolved tensions, which have repeatedly threatened the peace and unity of the community.

The Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar, has rejected claims that Islam is aimed at capturing political power in Nigeria, insisting that its focus is on promoting good governance.

He made this known in Abuja at the unveiling of the book ‘Scars: Nigeria’s Journey and the Boko Haram Conundrum’, authored by former Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen Lucky Irabor (rtd).

‘I also want to correct the notion when Bishop (Matthew) Kukah talked about Islamism. You use some words maybe in the wrong manner, or somebody might feel Islamism is negative.

‘Islamism is not aimed at seizing power at any particular forum. Islam is after good governance in society,’ he stated.

The monarch recalled how former President Goodluck Jonathan received full support from Muslims during his administration, stressing that religion was never used as a tool against him.

‘When President Goodluck Jonathan was President, we gave him 100 per cent support. Throughout his presidency, nobody said anything negative against him; he knows that, and he is here.

‘So, Islamism is not what you think it is; it is a wrong notion that you are bringing up here that it is to seize power. It is not to seize power. We’re after good governance,’ he added.

He explained that Muslims are guided by a clear code of conduct rooted in the Quran, Hadith, and the consensus of clerics, stressing that Islam rejects extremism.

‘And these are written. So, we have a code of conduct; we have ways and means of life; the Holy Quran and the Hadith of our most noble Prophet (SA), and the consensus of the Ulama, that is, the clerics.

‘These are the three things guiding us. Anybody coming outside these to say things that he really doesn’t know about is not for Islam because Islam abhors extremism.

‘You cannot be an extremist and then claim to be a good Muslim. So, let’s learn some of these issues, and then when we are talking about insecurity in our great country, we have to be careful in how we say things, how we present them.

‘So, let’s come closer as one big family with different backgrounds to forge ahead to make this country a better country, because there is nothing anybody can do,’ he stated.

The Sultan, who is also Chairman of the Northern Traditional Rulers Council, further dispelled the perception that Jihad promotes violence against non-Muslims.

‘Jihad is not to kill a non-Muslim by a Muslim. Jihad means to strive, and in whatever you do in life, you strive to be the best you can be.

‘You strive to be a good Muslim, you strive to be a good Christian, you strive to be a good farmer, or a good engineer.

‘So, Jihad is not to kill a non-Muslim; that’s a wrong notion people have been airing out for decades,’ he added.

He commended General Irabor for his service to the country and for documenting his experiences as a military officer who played a key role in the fight against insecurity.

A sickle cell patient has accused a well-known cleric, Bishop Samuel Onyeagoziri, of deceiving her into having sex with him under the claim that it would cure her condition.

Onyeagoziri is the General Overseer of Champions of the Truth Church in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State.

The victim, speaking on a podcast, said the bishop had been having sexual relations with her since 2021, when she was still in secondary school. Her account surfaced shortly after a sex tape involving both of them went viral. While Mr. Onyeagoziri dismissed the tape as an ‘AI manipulation,’ she insisted otherwise.

‘It is not AI generated. I am the girl in that video. I have been begging him to delete it since 2021, but he refused. Now he is lying to cover up,’ she said.

The 22-year-old, who has lost three siblings to sickle cell complications, explained that her parents introduced her to the cleric as they searched for a solution to save her life. According to her, he promised healing but allegedly demanded that she sleep with him for seven consecutive days.

‘He told me that once he sleeps with me (for) seven days, my genotype will change from SS to AA. He even said many people had been healed that way. I was desperate, my parents were desperate, and so I had no option. He is the one that broke my virginity,’ she recalled.

She said her health did not improve, but instead worsened, even as she remained in the bishop’s house under threats.

She also alleged that he threatened her life with a rifle and forced her to take nude pictures.

‘People see those pictures and say I was smiling, but they don’t know it was out of fear. He said if I didn’t obey, he would kill me and no one would know what happened,’ she said.

According to her, attempts to leave between 2021 and 2025 were blocked by the cleric, who allegedly threatened both her and her family. Matters escalated this year when he reportedly demanded to marry her despite already being married and much older.

Meanwhile, Onyeagoziri, who denied having any sexual intercourse with the victim, said his phone was stolen and those who stole the phone used Artificial Intelligence (AI) to post his ‘doctored’ nudity with that of the girl.

He said, ‘My phone was stolen earlier this month, and after all efforts by those in possession of the phone to extort me failed, they resorted to denting my image. Those pictures you see are doctored. They aren’t real.’

However, Onyeagoziri was arrested on Wednesday at his home in Abakaliki. Journalists saw him at the state police headquarters on Thursday writing a statement at the Crack Team’s office.

The state police spokesperson, Joshua Ukandu, confirmed the arrest.

‘(The) investigation is ongoing. So, he is with the police,’ he said.

The National President of Gan-Allah Fulani Development Association of Nigeria (GAN Allah), Dr. Ibrahim Abdullahi, has described the ongoing development initiatives in Fulani communities as a major achievement.

Dr. Abdullahi said the union, which now has branches across the 36 states of the federation, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja is preparing to conduct elections.

He noted that the union has resolved many conflicts between Fulani and other ethnic groups, built schools for nomadic children in both northern and southern parts of the country, and also collaborated with international partners such as Doctors Without Borders (DWB) to expand educational opportunities.

He added that GAN-Allah has intervened in various court cases and secured favourable judgments for the benefit of Fulani communities.

Abdullahi also appealed to the Fulani communities in Niger State to remain respectful, law-abiding and obtain their voter cards in recognition of Governor Mohammed Bago’s support for their communities.

Speaking at the event, the Director-General of Nomadic Affairs in Niger State, Alhaji Adamu Abdullahi Babayo, commended the union and expressed the state government’s readiness to work with all Fulani associations.

He said the union is expected to make meaningful contributions to the development of the state and the country at large.

Babayo praised Governor Bago for creating a ministry to address nomadic and pastoral issues, saying it has made the Fulani more relevant in the state, as he assured that the governor will continue to support Fulani communities.

Also, former national president of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) and the Ardon of Paiko, Alhaji Hussain Yusuf Bosso, urged Fulani members to uphold the good image of their tribe.

He condemned the negative attitudes of some few individuals and encouraged them to work with the government in building peace and development.

Bosso stressed that Fulani are traditionally known for good character and respect, not only within their communities but also in their relations with other tribes across Nigeria.

Islamic scholars, imams, traditional rulers, students and faithful from across Nigeria gathered in Ajase-Ipo, Irepodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, for the second annual Imams’ Conference a one-day event focused on revitalising the role of mosques and their leaders in contemporary society.

With the theme ‘The Mosque, the Imam and Da’wah’, the conference, organised by Daarus-Sa’aadah Islamic Centre, called for the adoption of a unified Friday sermon (Khutbah) across central mosques in the country.

Delivering a keynote lecture titled ‘The Role of the Mosque in Building the Ideal Muslim,’ renowned Islamic scholar and Grand Mufti of the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC), Ustadh Dhikrullahi Shafii, emphasised that the mosque should not be reduced to a mere prayer ground.

‘Historically, the mosque served as a hub for decision-making, social welfare, refuge, and even medical care,’ Shafii said, lamenting that these roles have been largely abandoned in many Muslim communities today – to the detriment of the Ummah.

He described the Imam as more than a sermon-giver, stressing the need for comprehensive knowledge in Qur’an, Hadith, Fiqh, and global affairs.

‘No individual can master all areas of Islamic jurisprudence. Therefore, scholars and Imams must specialise and collaborate to serve their communities effectively,’ he said.

Shafii proposed that mosques be repositioned to address broader community needs by establishing functional committees dedicated to areas such as youth engagement, women’s affairs, elder care, conflict resolution, marriage counselling, and naming ceremonies.

He further suggested that future editions of the conference span two to three days to deepen its impact, concluding with a communiqué that could guide implementation across mosques statewide.

Speaking on ‘Da’wah Without Bitterness: Etiquette of Disagreement in Islam,’ Dr. Sirajudeen Bila Al-Asra emphasised the importance of tolerance and humility in Islamic propagation. He urged preachers to approach disputes with wisdom and patience, noting that Islam abhors bitterness and arrogance in Da’wah.

Chairing the occasion, the Chief Imam of Ajase-Ipo, Shaykh Aliyu Taofeeq Atoloye, commended the programme’s contribution to the intellectual and spiritual development of scholars and religious leaders. He described the conference theme as timely, pointing out that it encouraged new perspectives on how mosques can function beyond routine prayers.

Atoloye joined other speakers in advocating for an extended duration for subsequent editions, describing the initiative as spiritually impactful and intellectually enriching.

Lagos-based philanthropist and businesswoman, Alhaja Rahmat Mojisola Salih, who sponsored the event, shared her personal journey into philanthropy, inspired by her grandmother’s teachings on giving back to the mosque.

‘As a child, I would spend part of the profit I made from hawking bread and other goods to buy items for cleaning the mosque. That experience shaped my lifelong commitment to supporting Islam,’ she said.

Salih encouraged other affluent individuals to dedicate part of their wealth to Islamic causes and community welfare.

In a goodwill message, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq described the conference as ‘highly educative,’ praising the organisers for advancing Islamic scholarship and leadership through purposeful dialogue and training.