Category: Nigerian Tribune

Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, has urged Nigerians to hold fast to optimism and unity in the face of present challenges, assuring that the economic policies of the President Bola Tinubu Administration and citizens’ huge sacrifices would ultimately pay off if the nation stayed the course.

Mbah said that while the anniversary may understandably be low-key, it did not obviate Nigeria’s giant strides as an independent nation.

These were contained in his message to Nigerians in the early hours of Wednesday to mark the nation’s 65th independence anniversary. In the message, which he personally signed, the governor congratulated the citizens for ‘the proud milestone.’

‘At 65, our independence is a reminder of what we can achieve as a people when we are united. It is also a reminder that progress demands sacrifice, and that tomorrow is shaped by the choices we make today.

‘The commemoration of our 65th independence anniversary may understandably be low-key, but the significance of the strides we have made as a nation is by no means underwhelming.

‘Those strides are manifest in the remarkable achievements we have recorded across key sectors. They reflect as well in the bold reforms of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu that have brought stability to the Nigerian economy. The sacrifices may be huge today, but there is no doubt that the end will vindicate the decisions if we stay the course.

‘As we raise our flags today, let us renew our covenant to Nigeria; let us embrace the spirit of unity, and let us uphold the optimism that has carried us this far,’ he stated.

Mbah, while also recommitting to his administration’s inclusive development model that leaves no one behind, maintained that Enugu State, under his watch, was on the path of turnaround and exponential economic growth.

‘In Enugu State, this Independence Day is a fitting occasion to recommit to our pledge to make inclusion the cornerstone of government policy; to create wealth and deploy it for the benefit of everyone in Enugu State. We are staying the course. And no one will be left behind.

‘From moribund assets roaring back to life, to Ndi Enugu enjoying a resounding sense of security of lives and property, our children transitioning to 260 Smart Green Schools, our rural communities accessing modern healthcare courtesy of our completed or ongoing 260 Type 2 Primary Healthcare Centres, Ndi Enugu commuting conveniently and affordably via our modern transport system and infrastructure, Enugu State is no doubt on the pathway to assured turnaround and exponential economic growth,’ he added.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has issued a heartfelt appeal to Nigerians (both home and abroad) to renew their confidence in the country, urging them to ‘Bet on Nigeria’ despite current challenges.

Speaking in a recent national address posted on his verified X handle, the President emphasised that the nation’s journey, though difficult, is far from over – and its success is still within reach.

His words; ‘Nigeria will succeed. Lift Nigeria. Believe in Nigeria. Put Nigeria First. Bet on Nigeria’.

Nigeria will succeed.

Lift Nigeria.

Believe in Nigeria.

Put Nigeria First.

Bet on Nigeria.https://t.co/DGFWsrw1sY

– Bola Ahmed Tinubu (@officialABAT) October 1, 2025

In related development, Tinubu also proposed that Nigeria should be a nation of producers rather than just being consumers.

He stated this in his Independence Day address to Nigerians on Wednesday, saying that it was time for the country to shift from being a consuming nation to a producing one.

‘Let us be a nation of producers, not just consumers. Let us farm our land and build factories to process our produce. Let us patronise Made-in-Nigeria goods. I say Nigeria first,’ Tinubu declared.

The president explained that reforms like removing fuel subsidies and unifying foreign exchange rates were tough but necessary to reset the economy.

The African Tax Administration Forum (ATAF) has thrown its weight behind Nigeria’s tax reforms which culminated in the new tax laws, describing them as necessary for economic growth and development.

The recently-inaugurated Executive Secretary of the continental body, Ms Mary Baine, made the support known during a visit to the chairman, Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Zacch Adedeji, in Abuja, on Tuesday.

A statement by Dare Adekanmbi, Special Adviser on Media to the FIRS chairman said ATAF stands by Nigeria in reforming its fiscal landscape and pledged the readiness of the body to give technical support in areas that would help in realising the gains of the reforms.

She referenced how the organization had helped Zambia to build capacity in the area of raising revenue from mining, promising to offer support to Nigeria in the same area.

According to her, ATAF is willing to leverage Nigeria’s continental and global influence to mobilise member-countries to strengthen the organisation.

‘When you look at the strategic vision of FIRS, we see the things you are doing and the way you’re changing the tax system, the kind of reforms and the time that it has taken and of course the movement forward.

‘So, we applaud you, and I wanted to say that ATAF is here to say that we stand with you, we applaud you, and we’re ready to provide whatever support that could lead to its success.

‘In terms of your strategic vision- people, technology and data, we find that this is something that is really critical for the rest of the continent and that it is an area where ATAF will be happy to support as well,’ she said.

The FIRS chairman, while welcoming the visitors, expressed confidence in the capacity of the Executive Secretary to lead ATAF to glory.

He charged Africans to look inwards for homegrown solutions to challenges, stressing that salvation cannot come from the Western world.

‘My belief has always been that solutions to Africa’s challenges can only come from Africa. There is no free lunch anywhere. I have said that I don’t believe in aids; I believe in cooperation.

‘There is a saying that when you are not on the table, you are definitely on the menu. So, Africa must be on the table and that is it. We should stop being on the menu. That is my charge to you.

‘So, the expectation from us as a continent is also to bring what we can contribute to the work, most especially in tax matters. For us, we have to evolve our own fiscal policies which is what Nigeria has done with the new tax laws.

‘Before now, we had tax laws that were colonial relics. We had the Stamp Duties Act of 1939 which was enacted when there was no internet,’ he said.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and leader of opposition in Nigeria has responded to a glowing speech delivered by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the occasion of the country’s 65th anniversary, saying ‘pot is not only empty but cracked – and the people remain hungry.’

Tinubu had earlier in the day spoke of ‘turning the corner,’ of laying foundations ‘in concrete and not on quicksand,’ and of supposed victories in education, healthcare, the economy, and national security.

Responding to the Independence Day presidential speech, Atiku, through a statement signed by his Special Assistant on Public Communications, Phrank Shuaibu, said: ‘The yam may be plentiful, but if the pot is empty, the stomach still rumbles.’

According to Shuaibu, the president cited the multiplication of schools since 1960, but in many places, pupils still sit on bare floors and write in dust, while teachers abandon classrooms because their salaries cannot buy food.

‘He boasted of more hospitals, but our mothers and fathers still carry candles, syringes, and drugs into wards before treatment can begin. ‘A man who builds many huts without roofs has only built shade for goats.’

On the economy, the statement said: ‘we were told of bold reforms. But Nigerians know the pain in their pockets. Food prices are higher than the rooftops, transport has swallowed incomes, and many families now eat less than one meal a day. If these are the ‘seeds’ of reform, then the fruit is still bitter. ‘When the roof is on fire, it is folly to declare the rain has quenched it.’

On security, Atiku’s statement remarked that Tinubu saluted the courage of armed forces and declared victories over terrorists, bandits, and kidnappers, but ‘Nigerians still sleep with one eye open, and families still pay ransom as if it were the daily price of garri.

‘Villages continue to bury their dead. Most tragically, just this week, we lost Somtochukwu, a young female news anchor with Arise TV, killed in a robbery attack in the early hours of Monday. Her death is a painful reminder that no one – not even the voices that bring us the news – is safe in today’s Nigeria. ‘A farmer cannot boast the bush is cleared while weeds still choke his yam.’

Continuing, the statement said: ‘We were told that billions have been disbursed to poor households. Nigerians ask simply: where? ‘If the yam was truly cooked, neighbours would perceive the aroma.’ Across the land, poverty still walks naked, and hunger knocks daily, yet the government sings of generosity that citizens cannot see or feel.

‘Our young people, the supposed ‘future,’ are promised wings to fly. But many graduates hawk sachet water or ride okada to survive. ‘You cannot tell a child to dream big while you steal the mat he sleeps on.’ Nigerian youth need real opportunities, not more applause lines.

‘Yes, 65 years is a long time. We have endured civil war, dictatorships, and crises. Nigerians are resilient – that much is true. But resilience must not be mistaken for endorsement. Our founding fathers dreamed of a land flowing with justice and opportunity. Today, the riverbed is dry for many, and only a privileged few fetch from the little water left.

‘A masquerade does not clap for itself; it is the crowd that cheers when the steps are sweet. Nigerians are not clapping, because the music they hear is hunger, insecurity, and despair. Statistics do not fill cooking pots, and PowerPoint slides do not light up homes.’

The former Vice President believed that as the country marks 65 years of independence, ‘the true measure of progress is not in the number of universities or the percentage of coal mined. It is in whether Nigerians have food on their tables, whether our children are truly learning, whether our hospitals heal the sick, and whether people can sleep safely in their homes.

‘Independence anniversaries are moments of sober reflection, not self-praise. If truly this administration is laying foundations, then let those foundations be seen and felt in working schools, in affordable food, in reliable power, and in secured communities. Let mothers in the market and fathers on the farm testify – not just politicians at the podium.

‘Nigeria is 65 years old. But our leaders still serve promises as though they were meals. The yam is there, but the pot remains empty.’

As Nigerians celebrate the 65th year of our dear country, Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri has granted amnesty to six prisoners serving various jail terms in Adamawa State.

The Governor, who granted the amnesty in his speech at the march past ceremony by the police and other paramilitary organisations at the Ribadu Square, said, ‘Nigeria stands at the proud threshold of sixty-five years of independence, a moment not just for celebration, but for deep reflection. On 1 October 1960, the chains of colonial rule were broken, and our people took their destiny into their own hands. That day was filled with promises, the dream of a Nigeria united in vision, rich in justice, and rising in prosperity.’

But he noted that ‘sixty-five years later, we must ask ourselves with courage and honesty, how far have we travelled on that journey? As a nation, we have walked through fire, we weathered the storms of civil war, endured the shadows of dictatorship, and stood firm through waves of poverty and insecurity. Yet, we endured, not by luck, but by the unwavering spirit of our people.’

‘Still, we must acknowledge a truth: survival is not success, independence without progress is only a symbol, but the real freedom is measured by how it transforms everyday lives.’

‘In Adamawa, we strive to turn that truth into action. We believe independence means a child in Michika learning under a proper roof and not a crumbling structure, it means a farmer in Demsa reaching the market on a safe, motorable road. It means a mother in Guyuk receiving health care close to home. It means the youth of Yola finding hope through opportunity, not hopelessness through crime,’ the Governor noted.

‘For us in Adamawa, we have rebuilt classrooms and reimagined education, we have revitalised healthcare because a healthy society is a strong one. We have also connected communities with roads and bridges, and pursued peace as a precondition for growth. Are we perfect? No.’

Fintiri also announced that 12,000 qualified candidates are currently undergoing processes for recruitment into the Adamawa State Civil Service.

‘This includes 5,000 positions in MDAs, 5,000 in post-primary education, and 2,000 in the health sector. This is not just a job drive; it is an investment in efficiency, public service, and the future of our youth.

‘Today, through fiscal discipline, digital reforms, and accountability, our IGR has grown to ?16.2 billion, nearly tripling in just five years. Nigeria’s freedom also demands responsibility. Governance must be anchored on justice, fairness, and transparency. And citizens must stand on pillars of discipline, truth, and hard work.’

‘Our greatest treasure is our unity. In Adamawa, we are a vibrant mosaic of cultures, languages, and faiths. That diversity must never be our weakness; it must be our strength. Like rivers that flow into one mighty stream, our differences must flow into one shared destiny.

‘Our administration will stay the course, expanding infrastructure, deepening healthcare, empowering education, and securing every corner of our state. We will lead with justice and humility, always mindful that power is not privilege, but a sacred trust before God and humanity.’

The Kano State Shura Council has suspended Sheikh Lawan Triumph from conducting preaching sessions in the state, pending the outcome of an investigation.

It will be recalled that the Kano State Government had, on 26 September 2025, directed that all petitions and counter-petitions concerning controversial remarks made by Sheikh Lawan Triumph be referred to the Kano State Shura Council for detailed review and advice.

According to the petitions, the remarks are considered blasphemous and offensive to the Prophet Muhammad, a figure held in the highest esteem by Muslims worldwide.

The Secretary of the Council, Alhaji Shehu Sagagi, who is also the State Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, made this known on Wednesday while speaking with journalists on the outcome of the Council’s second meeting.

According to him, ‘The Council had also resolved to invite Sheikh Triumph in order to defend himself on several petitions and counter-petitions made against him concerning the controversial remarks he made during some preaching sessions.’

He noted that ‘Following the resolution reached by the Council to invite Sheikh Lawan Triumph to defend himself, the Council has set up a committee to invite him.’

Sagagi then emphasised that ‘the Council had also received reports on the video clips of Sheikh Triumph’s preaching sessions and analysed them, adding that he (Sheikh Triumph) will soon be invited to defend himself.’

‘The committee will soon write and invite him to come and defend himself. The committee will inform him where and when to present himself,’ Sagagi said.

He, therefore, assured residents of the state that the Council would ensure justice and fairness to all parties, as no individual or group would influence its decision.

He also assured the people of the state that the outcome of the meetings with Sheikh Triumph would be made public.

He, however, advised politicians and Islamic scholars to avoid acts or comments that could tarnish their image.

As Nigeria commemorates 65 years of independence, Keem Abdul’s Scorched Earth: Anatomy of the Buhari Years (2015-2023) offers a timely reflection on the life and presidency of Muhammadu Buhari, the former Head of State and President who left an enduring mark on the nation’s political history. The book examines Buhari’s journey from military ruler to elected leader, and the challenges he faced in office. It traces how his reputation for integrity shaped his political rise, and how his presidency navigated issues of governance, security, the economy, and national unity.

Abdul writes: ‘The story of Buhari is the story of a man who became the symbol of integrity in Nigeria, but whose government eventually became a byword for competence tested by enormous national challenges.’ (p. 9)

He later adds: ‘The Buhari years will be remembered not only for the change they promised, but for the lessons they leave behind for a country still seeking its democratic balance.’ (p. 313)

Through chapters such as ‘Baba Go-Slow,’ ‘A Giant with Feet of Clay,’ and ‘The Winter of Our Discontent,’ Abdul offers a thoughtful account of Buhari’s leadership. The book reflects on both his enduring reputation for honesty and the difficulties of governing a complex nation, presenting his presidency as part of the larger story of Nigeria’s democratic journey.

Keem Abdul, the author, is a Nigerian writer who focuses on politics, governance, and society. His work aims to encourage readers to reflect, not only on leaders themselves, but on the institutions and citizens that shape Nigeria’s path.

Scorched Earth is available on Mainstack and Selar.

The Convener, ISO/TC309/WG8 and the Chairman, SON NTC Governance of Organization, Prof. Oserheimen A. Osunbor on Tuesday stated that the world economy loses over $4.7 trillion to fraud yearly.

Speaking in Abuja at the launch of ISO 370032:2025, Osunbor said the formation for the new standard started on the sidelines of ISO TC 309 plenary in Sydney, Australia in November 2018 .

‘There was need to develop a standard to address fraud in organizations that would align with the strategic business plan of TC 309 following our presentation to plenary, an ad hoc group was by resolution constituted to ascertain the desirability of an ISO deliverable on fraud controls.

‘A global survey was designed and administered by the ad hoc group, and we received responses from a wide range of organizations, small, medium and large, covering commercial, government and non governmental organizations from diverse sectors.

‘The responses established key facts, namely; One, there was awareness of fraud risks in organizations. Two, there were existing fraud controls within the organizations, including internal fraud whistleblowing code of conduct, anti fraud policies as well as fraud training and management reviews to mitigate the impact of fraud.

‘Another element was that, despite the existence of these internal mechanisms and statutory regulations, there was a clear need for an ISO standard dealing with fraud control’.

He explained that’research findings from the literature published by reputable sources show that fraud costs the global economy about $4 trillion per year. In fact, the Chief Executive of the Chartered Institute of Thoracic Examiners put it at $4.7 trillion, so it’ is increasing.’

He noted that total loss amount to 7% of the annual turnovers of organizations based on the findings. ‘The leadership of TC 309 in 2022 approved the proposal and established Working Group to develop a fraud control management system standard after going through all the different stages of development, from working draft to committee, draft international standard to final draft international standard.

‘The document was published as an international standard on 29th May of this year. It has been adopted by SON as a National Industrial Standard in accordance with the Standards Organization of Nigeria act.

‘We are gathered here today to witness the formal presentation and launch of the standard ISO 37,003 is a response to global concern about the damaging effects of fraud.

Osunbor said the standard provides guidance for organizations for the development, implementation and maintenance of an effective fraud control management system, including fraud prevention, early detection of fraud and effective response to fraud events that have occurred or may occur in future.

‘By adopting and implementing ISO 37,003. along with the other TC 309 family of standards, ISO member countries and their organizations will boost their global competitiveness by sending a clear signal that they uphold the highest standard of governance and that it is safe to do business’ he reaffirmed.

Also speaking at the event, Sorrel Evans of the Justice and Home Affairs Affairs with the British High Commission in Abuja reiterated that ‘on behalf of the United Kingdom, I am honoured to stand here today alongside our Nigerian partners, united in a shared mission: to protect our economies and our citizens from the growing threat of fraud.

‘Fraud is not just a financial issue, it affects livelihoods, undermines trust, and in the most heartbreaking cases, it costs lives.

‘The scale of the problem is staggering:, there are an estimated 76 million victims of fraud each year’ she stated.

Evans noted that globally, scammers siphoned off an estimated $47 trillion in just 12 months. ‘A figure that exceeds the GDP of many nations.

‘In the UK alone, 10 million people have been affected, costing our 11 economy and individuals £15 billion over the past three years.

‘Financial institutions in Nigeria lost N52.26 billion to fraud in 2024 according to the latest report by the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS).

‘But even more worryingly – these trends are growing across the nation, the continent, and the world. This represents a significant increase of 295% compared to the N17.67 billion recorded in 2023′ she explained.

Sorrel Evans said in parts of Africa according to INTERPOL, scam notifications rose by 3,000% last year’, commending SON for adopting standard for fraud control.

‘I want to thank the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), the British Standards Institution (BSI), and all stakeholders who contributed to this effort. ISO, one of the world’s longest-standing international organisations, continues to demonstrate its central role in shaping a safer, more secure global economy.

‘Over the next few days, you will hear from experts and peers about the many ways fraud impacts business viability and profitability. But I encourage you to also look around this room-for opportunities to connect, collaborate, and lead the next wave of change in this industry.

‘Nigeria’s publication of these standards is more than a technical achievement. It is a statement of leadership, engagement, and ambition to be a global pioneer in fraud prevention’ she stated.

Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq of Kwara State has 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 made the statement after a security council meeting on Tuesday night, according to a release by his Chief Press Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye, on Wednesday.

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.

‘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,’ he said.

‘On Monday night, combined forces of the Army, DSS and Police launched an offensive around Baba Sango, along the Kwara-Kogi border, neutralising about 15 armed bandits. The same operation continued on Tuesday. And yesterday night, I presided over the State Security Council meeting at Ahmadu Bello House, Ilorin, 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.

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