Category: Nigerian Tribune

In a decisive and unprecedented crackdown that caught all actors unaware, the Director General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Binta Adamu Bello, today led a high-powered special operation at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, resulting in the dramatic rescue of 24 victims of human trafficking and the arrest of five suspected trafficking agents.

Among the suspected human traffickers arrested at the airport was a retired Senior uniform Officer with one of the foremost Law Enforcement Agency in Nigeria who is alleged to be a prominent member of the trafficking syndicate operating within the South West region of Nigeria.

The well-planned action, which was hailed by other travelers at the airport, was a continuation of the newly unveiled anti-human trafficking efforts and onslaught against human trafficking by the Director General, targeting recruitment hubs, trafficking spots, and routes within Nigeria.

It would be recalled that following reported increased cases of recruitment and trafficking of Nigerians for various forms of exploitation both within and outside the Country, the Director General of NAPTIP, Binta Adamu Bello, had, few months ago, ordered a step up surveillance and monitoring of all parts of the Country with greater attention on motor parks, water ways in the coaster States as well as International airports.

The latest raid followed a tip-off from concerned stakeholders and partners who alerted to an influx of suspected human trafficking victims at the Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport, Abuja, and the unwholesome activities of some suspected traffickers.

At the end of nearly 6 hours of operation, the human trafficking activities were completely disrupted, leading to the arrest of five suspected traffickers and the rescue of 24 suspected victims.

The victims whose ages range between 15 years to 26 years were recruited from Kano, Kastina, Oyo, Ondo and Rivers States, and were heading to Iraq, Sudan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Afghanistan.

While a good number of the victims could not communicate in any other language apart from their dialect, others do not even know the location of their intended Country of destination.

‘They told my mother that they are taking me to Europe, where I will work and earn dollars. My parent were happy and they allowed me to follow them’, one of them said.

It was another mild drama at the Headquarters of NAPTIP as one of the victims vowed to ensure the prosecution of her father for deceiving her into embarking on the journey.

This was after the Director General had personally counselled the victims and enlightened them with a series of video clips of some stranded Nigerians and those on life support after being exploited at the destination Countries.

The victim said, ‘I struggled to hold my emotions while watching the video of those girls who were being maltreated and beaten by the traffickers. If that is what awaits me there, I will not go. I am seriously annoyed with my father because he deceived me. My father told me that his friend has a job for me at a supermarket in Baghdad.

He did not tell me that it is in Iraq. I know that Iraq is not a good place to work for now to work due to the crisis there, but I did not know that Baghdad is in Iraq.

I thank DG and her Officers for rescuing me, pls, I just need my Passport, I want to go back to my town and settle. I will certainly make it here rather than suffer in another country’, the victim, whose father was among the traffickers arrested, yielded in her local dialect.

Speaking on the development, the Director General of NAPTIP, Binta Adamu Bello, expressed sadness over the activities of some suspected human traffickers and unregistered labour recruiters who have continued to deceive, recruit, and traffic Nigerians for various forms of exploitation.

‘I am impressed with the outcome of the operation today because we were able to arrest five suspected members of the trafficking gang that have been recruiting and trafficking our citizens to various tension-soaked countries, especially in the Middle East, for exploitation.

‘We observed that the Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport is becoming a comfort zone for these traffickers, and that is why we have decided to shift attention to this airport.

We will sustain this raid until they stop this unpatriotic and illicit trade in human beings.

‘I was amazed that a father, who is a retired Law Enforcement Officer of senior Cadre, deceived his daughter and packaged her to be trafficked to Iraq for exploitation.

This is incredibly unbelievable. Well, all of them will be thoroughly investigated, and they will face the law.

‘I sincerely thank and appreciate the Director General of the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), the Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport Manager, and all the wonderful personnel of the authority for their support for us at NAPTIP.

I also appreciate the collaboration of the Department of State Service (DSS) operatives at the Airport, the Airport Security Personnel, Immigration Officers, and airline operators for their support.

‘Human trafficking is a visible national concern, and we all must be on the same page to turn the heat on the traffickers. Our resolve to ensure the protection of Nigerians from all forms of exploitation is firm and resolute’, the Director General of NAPTIP declared.

President Bola Tinubu says he is relieved, urging Nigerians to be understanding amid the difficult times as the nation marks its 65th independence anniversary.

He says the joy stems from the conviction that the country had seen its worst times and it’s now on the path of recovery, achieving milestones, especially in the last two years.

Tinubu did the assessment in an Independence Day speech he delivered on October 1, noting specifically that henceforth, Nigerians should celebrate and savour the better times, a marked departure from when in 2023, he inherited a ‘near-collapsed economy caused by decades of fiscal policy distortions and misalignment that had impaired real growth.’

A substantial portion of his 10-page independence address was devoted to the milestones his administration recorded and why the people must not lose hope now that the good days are returning.

Sounding elated, Tinubu noted, ‘I am pleased to report that we have finally turned the corner. The worst is over, I say. Yesterday’s pains are giving way to relief. I salute your endurance, support, and understanding. I will continue to work for you and justify the confidence you reposed in me to steer the ship of our nation to a safe harbour.’

Talking about the economy, where he said much of the turnaround was achieved, the president reported, ‘Under our leadership, our economy is recovering fast, and the reforms we started over two years ago are delivering tangible results.

‘The second quarter 2025 Gross Domestic Product grew by 4.23%-Nigeria’s fastest pace in four years-and outpaced the 3.4 percent projected by the International Monetary Fund. Inflation declined to 20.12% in August 2025, the lowest level in three years. The administration is working diligently to boost agricultural production and ensure food security, reducing food costs.

‘In the last two years of our administration, we have achieved 12 remarkable economic milestones as a result of the implementation of our sound fiscal and monetary policies:

‘We have attained a record-breaking increase in non-oil revenue, achieving the 2025 target by August with over N20 trillion. In September 2025 alone, we raised N3.65 trillion, 411% higher than the amount raised in May 2023.’

He spoke of the scores recorded in debt-to-revenue performance and the foreign reserves standing.

Tinubu explained, ‘We have restored Fiscal Health: Our debt service-to-revenue ratio has been significantly reduced from 97% to below 50%. We have paid down the infamous ‘Ways and Means’ advances that threatened our economic stability and triggered inflation. Following the removal of the corrupt petroleum subsidy, we have freed up trillions of Naira for targeted investment in the real economy and social programmes for the most vulnerable, as well as all tiers of government.

‘We have a stronger foreign Reserve position than three years ago. Our external reserves increased to $42.03 billion this September-the highest since 2019.’

On the tax-to-GDP performance, and exports, the President also said his administration deserved a pat on the back.

According to him, ‘Our tax-to-GDP ratio has risen to 13.5 per cent from less than 10 per cent. The ratio is expected to increase further when the new tax law takes effect in January. The tax law is not about increasing the burden on existing taxpayers but about expanding the base to build the Nigeria we deserve and providing tax relief to low-income earners.

‘We are now a Net Exporter: Nigeria has recorded a trade surplus for five consecutive quarters. We are now selling more to the world than we are buying, a fundamental shift that strengthens our currency and creates jobs at home.

‘Nigeria’s trade surplus increased by 44.3% in Q2 2025 to N7.46 trillion ($4.74 billion), the largest in about three years. Goods manufactured in Nigeria and exported jumped by 173%. Non-oil exports, as a component of our export trade, now represent 48 per cent, compared to oil exports, which account for 52 per cent. This signals that we are diversifying our economy and foreign exchange sources outside oil and gas.’

On crude oil production, he gave the update thus, ‘Oil production rebounded to 1.68 million barrels per day from barely one million in May 2023. The increase occurred due to improved security, new investments, and better stakeholder management in the Niger Delta. Furthermore, the country has made notable advancements by refining PMS domestically for the first time in four decades. It has also established itself as the continent’s leading exporter of aviation fuel.’

Other areas worthy of celebrating, according to Tinubu, are the state of the Naira, the success of the Social Investment Programme and the expansion of infrastructure, including roads and rail lines.

He went on, ‘The Naira has stabilised from the turbulence and volatility witnessed in 2023 and 2024. The gap between the official rate and the unofficial market has reduced substantially, following FX reforms and fresh capital and remittance inflows. The multiple exchange rates, which fostered corruption and arbitrage, are now part of history. Additionally, our currency rate against the dollar is no longer determined by fluctuations in crude oil prices.

‘Under the social investment programme to support poor households and vulnerable Nigerians, N330 billion has been disbursed to eight million households, many of whom have received either one or two out of the three tranches of the N25,000 each.

‘Coal mining recovered dramatically from a 22% decline in Q1 to 57.5% growth in Q2, becoming one of Nigeria’s fastest-growing sectors. The solid mineral sector is now pivotal in our economy, encouraging value-added production of minerals extracted from our soil.

‘The administration is expanding transport infrastructure across the country, covering rail, roads, airports, and seaports. Rail and water transport grew by over 40% and 27%, respectively. The 284-kilometre Kano-Kastina-Maradi Standard Gauge rail project and the Kaduna-Kano rail line are nearing completion.

‘Work is progressing well on the legacy Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and Sokoto-Badagry Highway. The Federal Executive Council recently approved $3 billion to complete the Eastern Rail Project.

‘The world is taking notice of our efforts. Sovereign credit rating agencies have upgraded their outlook for Nigeria, recognising our improved economic fundamentals. Our stock market is experiencing an unprecedented boom, rising from an all-share index of 55,000 points in May 2003 to 142,000 points as of September 26, 2025. At its last MPC meeting, the Central Bank slashed interest rates for the first time in five years, expressing confidence in our country’s macroeconomic stability.’

Tinubu didn’t forget to touch on insecurity, a major concern of the country in recent decades, with some analysts insisting that the situation has continued to worsen.

But Tinubu, disagreeing with the position, argued that security agencies had taken the fight to the doorsteps of insurgents, kidnappers, and bandits under his watch.

‘We are working diligently to enhance national security, ensuring our economy experiences improved growth and performance. The officers and men of our armed forces and other security agencies are working tirelessly and making significant sacrifices to keep us safe. They are winning the war against terrorism, banditry and other violent crimes. We see their victories in their blood and sweat to stamp out Boko Haram Terror in North-East, IPOB/ESN terror in South East and banditry and kidnapping. We must continue to celebrate their gallantry and salute their courage on behalf of a grateful nation.

‘Peace has returned to hundreds of our liberated communities in North-West and North-East, and thousands of our people have returned safely to their homes,’ he concluded.

Through the instrumentality of Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), Tinubu said the country’s youth could now hope to get the education they would need without financial uncertainty.

‘You are the future and the greatest assets of this blessed country. You must continue to dream big, innovate, and conquer more territories in your various fields of science, technology, sports, and the art and creative sector. Our administration, through policies and funding, will continue to give you wings to fly sky-high. We created NELFUND to support students with loans for their educational pursuits.

‘Approximately 510,000 students across 36 states and the FCT have benefited from this initiative, covering 228 higher institutions. As of September 10, the total loan disbursed was N99.5 billion, while the upkeep allowance stood at N44.7 billion,’ he disclosed.

Other initiatives the president said had yielded fruits included Credicorp, which granted 153,000 Nigerians N30 billion affordable loans for vehicles, solar energy, home upgrades and digital devices; and YouthCred, a consumer credit for resettlement, accessible to NYSC members.

Tinubu, while admitting that some of the reforms he introduced, especially the removal of fuel subsidies, must have come at huge pains to Nigerians, said the alternative would have been to allow the country to rot to a point it could no longer be salvaged.

To many, who hold the view that Nigeria at 65 remains a sleeping giant with little to celebrate, Tinubu advised them to embark on a journey back in time and do the comparison.

He observed, ‘Although, it is much easier for those whose vocation is to focus solely on what ought to be, we must recognise and celebrate our significant progress. Nigerians today have access to better education and healthcare than in 1960. At Independence, Nigeria had 120 secondary schools with a student population of about 130,000.

‘Available data indicate that, as of 2024, there were more than 23,000 secondary schools in our country. At Independence, we had only the University of Ibadan and Yaba College of Technology as the two tertiary institutions in Nigeria. By the end of last year, there were 274 universities, 183 Polytechnics, and 236 Colleges of Education in Nigeria, comprising Federal, State, and private institutions.

‘We have experienced a significant surge in growth across every sector of our national life since Independence-in healthcare, infrastructure, financial services, manufacturing, telecommunications, information technology, aviation and defence, among others. Our country has experienced both the good and the bad times in its 65 years of nationhood, as is normal for every nation and its people. We fought a bitter and avoidable civil war, experienced military dictatorships, and lived through major political crises.

‘In all these, we weathered every storm and overcame every challenge with courage, grit, and uncommon determination.’

Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) chairman, Dr Zacch Adedeji, speaks on two years of his headship of the apex tax agency, the reforms of President Bola Tinubu and what the economy stands to gain from next year.

It is two years since you took over as chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS). How has the journey been and what would you give as your achievements in the agency?

When we set out on this journey, our mind was set on reforming the fiscal landscape of Nigeria and consequently changing the revenue structure of the Federation. To the glory of God, two years on, the figures are justifying that the reforms we embarked upon were the right steps to take. Let me start from the latest evidence, for the first time the three tiers of government shared a record monthly allocation in excess of N2trillion. States and local government councils are now more empowered to carry out their responsibilities to Nigerians in their domains. Nearly 70 per cent of what the three tiers of government gather every month to share comes from tax revenue collected by FIRS. This is an eloquent testimony to the reforms spearheaded by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. So, all credits must go to the president for the courage he has demonstrated in leadership by setting the economic fundamentals right in order for the reforms to bring plenty fruits and gains for the Federation. By removing subsidy on petrol and collapsing the hitherto dual exchange rate windows, floating the Naira consequently, the health of the Federation account has blossomed greatly, as there are no bogus subsidy claims that would naturally have depleted the accruals into the pool.

In addition to these, the President in his inaugural speech, promised to make his industrial and economic policy one that will remove hurdles in the way of businesses. As a follow up to that, he set up a committee which worked so hard with other stakeholders to bring about the new tax laws that will go into effect from January next year. This is the best thing that has happened to Nigeria’s fiscal ecosystem since Independence in 1960. The President has fulfilled his promise to make businesses flourish by removing all burdens and hurdles. This has been done with the new tax laws which will eliminate multiple taxes. The president said we should not have more than single digit tax types and that has been achieved now. The various tax laws which are scattered in several legislations have now been consolidated and streamlined into a single document. Tax is not easy to collect anywhere in the world and it will be made more difficult if taxpayers go through unnecessary hurdles before they can pay taxes. The fact that these laws were scattered in various legislations gives room for different applications and make compliance cumbersome. But all that is history now. Perhaps the biggest deal for Nigerians is that food, education, shared transportation, agriculture are going to be VAT-free. This will have positive effect on more than 80 per cent of Nigerians. This is in addition to the tax adjustment of personal income of those in the low-income brackets. Small businesses with turnover of N50 million will not pay tax. All these go to show that President Tinubu is a compassionate leader who knows there the shoes pinch for businesses. A more business-friendly environment has now been created with these new laws.

As an agency, FIRS has grown in leaps and bounds in the last two years. Carrying out the president’s mandate, we re-structured our internal operations from the functional tax typologies to a customer-centric approach. Now, all tax types are paid at a one-stop shop. How do I mean? We put the taxpayers into the emerging tax, medium and government tax as well as large tax buckets. The categorisation is done according to the turnover thresholds of the companies, with those having turnover of N5 billion and above in the large taxpayers’ bucket. What this means is that these companies pay all the tax types they need to pay at a single tax office which caters for their categories. We no longer have a situation where several offices or units are writing the same company and asking for different things about the VAT or CIT and so on. This has engendered a shift in the mental geography of our staff and has seen a transition to a Federal Inland Revenue Service that is customer-focused. We are service providers to the taxpayers rather than coming across to them as a tax law enforcement agency. Non-oil tax revenue has grown exponentially and for the first time in a long while, we met and surpassed our oil and gas tax revenue target for this year, thanks to the improved security situation in the country which has energised the oil companies to grow and make profits.

Despite your praise for the President, there are those who say much has not really been done for the country and its citizens since he took over in 2023?

Even you journalists know that it will be inaccurate for anyone to come with such claims. Yes, the removal of subsidy on petrol created some disruptions in the living conditions of most Nigerians. Transportation costs went up, as did prices of goods and services. The disruptions can be likened to the pain of a woman in labour. After she is delivered of the baby, comfort and bliss will follow. To cushion the effect, President Tinubu came up with the compressed natural gas initiative which has seen millions of vehicles converted from petrol to CNG. CNG buses were also procured and distributed to states. From the height that it went earlier in the year, petrol price is coming down. Don’t forget that we also came up with the crude-for-naira initiative which is helping local refiners get access to crude oil in naira. The exchange rate that went up is also coming down. The FX market has navigated away from arbitrage which used to be the order of the day. Foreign airlines and others were owed $7 billion by Nigeria. President Tinubu came and cleared the debt. About 90 per cent of revenue was devoted to servicing debt, but the rate has gone down to about 50% in two years. Tax-to-GDP ratio was 10 per centwhen we took over, now it is 13.5 per cent. But that is not where we are going. We are aiming to beat Africa’s average of 15 per cent and achieve 18 per cent by 2027. External reserves have climbed up to $41 billion from $4 billion. The Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) created by the President Tinubu has seen almost N90 billion disbursed to over 450, 000 students across the country.

There are many road projects going on and some completed across the country, covering all the six geo-political zones. These roads are opening up economic corridors across the country. Federal allocations to state have grown by almost 70%, enabling them to enjoy a great level of fiscal stability and debt management. According to the figures from DMO, about 30 states repaid N1.85trillion in debt over 18 months. We should keep these figures in perspective when X-raying this Administration.

What is the truth about this 5% surcharge on petrol?

The problem with the people bandying this about is either that they don’t read or they read but do not understand. In my earlier comments, I said there were many laws about taxes which were scattered in various legislations, making compliance difficult for taxpayers. To remove the burden, we harmonised these laws into a single document and one of such laws is the petrol tax. The law had existed under the FERMA Act 2007 and the purpose was to use the money therefrom for road maintenance. The new law lays down the procedure for this provision to come into effect. There must be a commencement order from the Minister of Finance which will be publicly announced and also gazetted. So, it does not automatically mean that this provision will go into effect from January next year. Remember, one of the first set of reliefs President Tinubu brought to Nigerians was to remove 7.5 per cent VAT on diesel. Is it that same president that will now impose additional cost on petrol for the citizens at this time?

Why was FIRS changed to Nigeria Revenue Service and what should taxpayers expect from the agency when it goes full throttle next year?

Let me start from what the taxpayers should expect from us. They should expect a fair tax administration that will also come without hassles. Our core mandate is simple: assess, collect and account for revenue accruing to the Federation. In doing this, we will be fairer as a tax authority and continue to provide quality service to our only customers, that is, the taxpayers. The president has done a lot in bringing reliefs to Nigerians and businesses with the new tax laws. Compliance should be easier now and of course our advocacy has been on voluntary compliance. Do the right thing at all times and don’t wait till our tax people visit your premises. If they have any issue, they should get in touch with us. With the new tax laws, evasion will be pretty difficult. Companies should be diligent in their tax planning. Those who still think they can find a way to game the system will find out that evasion or trying to cut corners will be costlier than being compliant and honest.

There is one proverb in my language, ‘If the main course is not satisfying, there is nothing anybody can give you as a gift that will be enough.’ So, if within, we cannot develop Nigeria, nobody will come and develop it for us. President Tinubu’s mantra has always been: ‘I’m not here to tax poverty; I’m here to tax prosperity. My government will tax the fruits of your investments and not the seeds.’ When companies are doing well and are making profits and are expanding their operations, we will benefit from their doing well. The tax rate is simple. If the base is 10, we will have three. If the base increases to 20, we will have six. If the base increases to 30, we will have nine. So, if I want to have more, it’s not by going on an aggressive revenue drive. It is to help the companies to do well and that is when I will do well too. So, that is why, for us at Nigeria Revenue Service, we are here to remove all the hurdles in the way of our taxpayers. This is what President Tinubu has done with the new tax laws. He has fulfilled his electoral promise and we should all commend him for being a promise keeper.

On why we are changing from Federal Inland Revenue Service to the Nigeria Revenue Service, the word federal in the name of the agency gives the erroneous impression that we are only collecting tax revenue for the federal government. When you say ‘Inland’, it wrongly means we are only collecting money from Nigeria, which is not what we are doing. I will give you examples. We collect VAT, 90% of which is for states. When you therefore say ‘federal’, it means we are not representing what we do. The new name, NRS, shows we are the sole tax authority for all revenue collection for the Nigerian federation according to our laws.

As preparations for the 2027 general elections begin, Nigerians and particularly stakeholders in the electoral process have been urged to familiarise themselves with innovations, reforms, and election guidelines introduced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) rather than allow themselves to be misled.

The call was made at a one-day town hall meeting organised by Peering Advocacy and Advancement Center in Africa (PAACA) in Sokoto to sensitise key actors on electoral reforms and improve voter education towards credible elections.

The meeting organised with support from MacArthur Foundation brought together key representatives of security agencies, the media, civil society organisations, and other stakeholders.

In his opening remarks, PAACA executive director Ezenwa Nwagwu stressed the need to bridge knowledge gaps on key innovations and election guidelines by INEC to counter widespread misinformation, especially as the country prepares to enter the political season.

He emphasised the need for discussion on elections to be evidence-based, explaining that elections are guided by laws. He urged stakeholders to study these laws to engage knowledgeably in electoral issues, rather than rely on misinformation.

He highlighted how politicians often mislead citizens and how poorly framed media narratives sometimes worsen mistrust in the system, noting that democratic consolidation requires citizens, political parties, and institutions to remain vigilant and informed.

‘Ninety percent of crimes during elections are committed by politicians. If citizens are empowered with the right information, manipulation becomes difficult,’ Nwagwu added.

He also stressed that while INEC and NOA play key roles in civic education, they cannot do the work alone, saying that civil society, media, security agencies, and traditional institutions must step up.

He charged leaders at all levels to take personal responsibility for educating themselves and their communities to strengthen Nigeria’s democracy, saying that ‘Those who take the pain to learn are better informed and can inform others better.’

Nwagwu stressed that citizens must equip themselves with three key documents to effectively participate in the electoral process.

‘You cannot talk about elections without the Electoral Act. Every citizen must also have a copy of the Constitution, especially leaders. These documents are not just for lawyers; they are for every Nigerian. The third document is INEC’s guidelines, which show that elections are law-guided processes,’ he said.

The PAACA boss also reviewed the technological improvements made between 2015 and 2025, particularly highlighting the role of Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) in drastically reducing manipulation in the 2023 elections.

Nwagwu explained the workings of BVAS and IReV, noting that many misconceptions stem from a lack of understanding.

He highlighted key innovations now mainstreamed by INEC, including the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IREV), Election Monitoring Dashboard, Political Party Financial Auditing System, the INECPRES portal for ad-hoc staff recruitment, and the Voter Verification System (VVS)Technology, which allows voters to track their polling units online to reduce confusion on election day.

The PAACA Executive Director said innovations such as the INEC Candidate Nomination Portal (ICNP – Web Version) have simplified the primary elections nomination process by political parties and improved transparency.

Nwagwu also dismissed claims that Nigeria’s elections are the most expensive, noting that such claims are not based on any data.

On the contrary, he said data published by the ECOWAS Network of Electoral Commissions, which studied the cost of elections in the ECOWAS region, indicates that Nigeria’s elections are among the least expensive, with the country spending about $8 per voter.

In a goodwill message, INEC’s Resident Electoral Commissioner in Sokoto State, Umar Yusuf Garba, represented by the Head of Voter Education and Publicity, Abdullahi Sale Dawa, described the town hall as an important platform to deepen understanding of electoral processes.

He said, ‘The just concluded 2023 general election offered valuable lessons. While the elections demonstrated progress in areas such as voter education, deployment of technology, and stakeholders engagement, they also revealed challenges that call for honest reflection and constructive dialogue . it is only through this engagement that we can consolidate the gains achieved, address identified gaps and chart a clearer path towards credible transparent and inclusive elections in the future.’

He stressed that INEC cannot succeed in isolation, noting that building a sustainable electoral system rests on the commitment of political actors, civil society, the media, security agencies, the judiciary, and the electorate.

The Sokoto state director of National Orientation Agency (NOA), Alhaji Babangida Kurfi, represented by Ms. Okeke Uche Ngozi, in his goodwill message, said the town hall was timely as it provided an opportunity for stakeholders to reflect on electoral reforms, harness gains, and identify areas for improvement.

She noted that the quality of Nigeria’s democracy is closely tied to the quality of citizens’ participation.

Okeke stressed that reforms are meant to strengthen transparency and fairness. She highlighted the need to tackle vote buying, encouraged peaceful political activities, and pledged NOA’s readiness to partner with organizations like PAACA in grassroots sensitisation.

Cross River, on Wednesday, joined millions of Nigerians to commemorate the nation’s 65th Independence Anniversary with a modest event held at the U.J. Esuene Stadium, Calabar.

Governor Bassey Edet Otu, in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary and Special Adviser on Media, Mr. Linus Obogo, described the day as ‘sacred, a hallowed chapter in Nigeria’s national journey that calls her citizens not only to remembrance but also to renewal.’

He explained that the cancellation of the traditional parade did not diminish the importance of the celebration but rather ‘elevated it to a higher plane of sober reflection.’

‘At 65, Nigeria stands as a testament to the resilience of her people, their capacity to weather storms and rise from trials stronger and more determined,’ Otu said.

‘This is a moment to celebrate our resilience, honor the sacrifices of those who came before us, and renew our collective vow to the ideals that keep us together as one nation under God.’

The governor urged Nigerians to use the occasion for sober reflection, stressing that the true essence of independence lies not in pageantry but in ‘the unwavering spirit of a people who refuse to surrender to despair.’

While acknowledging possible disappointment at the scaled-down celebration, Otu reassured that the ‘spirit of the day remained undiminished, carrying the same grandeur and gravity even in its modest observance.’

Beyond the symbolism of the anniversary, the event also highlighted the state government’s ongoing reforms in education, agriculture, healthcare, tourism, aviation, and youth empowerment. Among them is an ?800 million grant scheme targeted at boosting small and medium-scale enterprises.

Other interventions include legacy infrastructure projects, revenue expansion policies, recovery of lost state assets, and new partnerships with the Federal Government and international organizations to stimulate economic growth.

Governor Otu pledged that these initiatives are designed to make Cross River ‘one of the best states to live in Africa in the coming years.’

‘As we mark this 65th Independence Anniversary,’ he declared, ‘let us remember that the greatness of Nigeria does not lie in parades or pageantry, but in the steadfast spirit of her people, the unity that binds us, and the unquenchable hope that drives us forward.’

Commissioner for Information, Erasmus Ekpang, who welcomed guests, underscored the theme of the anniversary: ‘Nigeria at 65: All Hands on Deck for a Greater Nation.’ He reminded Nigerians of the sacrifices of the nation’s founding fathers and urged citizens to recommit themselves to unity and nation-building.

The commemoration, though modest, ended with renewed optimism and calls for Nigerians to join hands in building a stronger, more prosperous country for present and future generations.

The Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, has held a closed-door meeting with the Yoruba nation activist, Chief Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, at his Bodija residence, promising to intervene over Igboho’s challenges.

This disclosure was made in a statement released by Igboho’s media office, which was forwarded to journalists on Wednesday.

According to the statement, ‘the meeting held on Monday lasted for about 40 minutes and issues ranging from insecurity in the South West and the emerging threats by bandits in some parts of Kwara State were discussed.’

A source who was privy to the meeting hinted that Oba Ladoja, who welcomed Igboho alongside his teeming supporters, also promised to intervene in the current challenges faced by Igboho regarding his declaration as a wanted person by the Federal Government and the embargo on his bank accounts.

It will be recalled that the former administration of the late President Muhammadu Buhari had declared Igboho wanted and frozen his bank accounts over allegations of stockpiling arms and ammunition.

On 1 July 2021, operatives of the Department of State Security (DSS), backed by some personnel of the Nigerian Army, invaded the residence of Igboho, located around Soka, killing two of his aides and arresting 13 others.

However, while speaking during the meeting, Igboho, who congratulated Oba Rashidi Ladoja on his ascension to the throne, described him as ‘a leader deeply loved by people across Ibadan, Yorubaland, and beyond.’

He expressed his readiness to collaborate with the Federal Government to ensure effective security of the South West region, noting that without peace and a secure environment, no meaningful development can thrive.

‘Olubadan has been a father figure to me since his days as the former Governor of Oyo State. I commend Kabiyesi’s leadership qualities, humility, and enduring influence.

‘I have always seen Oba Ladoja as a father figure. His reign as Olubadan will no doubt further promote peace, unity, and development in Ibadanland and the entire Yorubaland,’ Igboho stated.

The Imole Progressive Network (IPN) has congratulated the people of Nigeria and Ondo State as the nation celebrates its 65th independence anniversary.

The group paid tribute to the country’s founding fathers, Sir Ahmadu Bello, Chief Obafemi Awolowo and Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe, for their visionary leadership and unrelenting struggle against British hegemony.

Their efforts, the group noted, culminated in Nigeria’s independence on October 1, 1960, following the 1914 amalgamation of the Northern and Southern protectorates.

In a statement released by the group, its leader, Mr Mike Adeyanju, emphasised the significance of the national milestone as a moment for both celebration and reflection.

‘This is a celebration of national freedom, unity and progress, a reflection on the achievements of our forefathers and a pointer to a hopeful future,’ the group declared.

The statement highlighted the importance of continued unity and collective effort in nation-building.

‘This day renews our aspirations for a stronger and more prosperous nation. It refreshes our minds and encourages us to uphold patriotism, bridge divisions and work together for the betterment of our country, focusing on our collective potential and shared dream of greatness,’ it said.

Reaffirming its commitment to national development, the group added: ‘The members of Imole Progressive Network, under the leadership of Engr. Mike Adeyanju, wish our dear country fruitfulness and success in all her endeavours.

‘We will continue to contribute to nation-building through unity, solidarity, resilience, enduring strength, the spirit of perseverance and hope for the future.

‘We remain committed to promoting patriotism, celebrating our rich culture and heritage, supporting economic reforms and advocating good governance.

‘We see a greater Nigeria in our unity and willingness to serve selflessly.’

Niger State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has intercepted a truck loaded with a telecommunication mast valued at several million of naira, along with a Sharon vehicle carrying mining products.

Parading the suspects at the command headquarters in Minna, the State Commandant, Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, said operatives of the anti-vandal unit arrested two suspects along the Tafa-Suleja axis following credible intelligence.

The suspects, identified as Mustapha Aliyu and Abubakar Safyanu, have since been arraigned in court for prosecution.

In a related development, the command also apprehended a mining team of seven men allegedly engaged in illegal mining activities at Kataeregi, along Bida road.

A Sharon vehicle loaded with illegally mined products was also impounded.

One of the suspects, identified as Mahmoud Idris, a self-acclaimed mining marshal from Zuzungi in Katcha Local Government Area, admitted during interrogation that he had yet to obtain an operating license. He confessed that he had been hiring labourers and selling Zico mineral to dealers before his arrest.

Commandant Aniviye vowed to make Niger State uncomfortable for vandals, illegal miners, and other criminal elements.

He pledged to strengthen collaboration with other security agencies to ensure a crime-free society.

He further reaffirmed the commitment of the corps to safeguarding the state’s assets and critical infrastructure while commending the Commandant General, Ahmed Abubakar Audi, and Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago for their continued support to the command.

Anambra State Governor, Charles Soludo and Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, have expressed optimism about Nigeria’s future as the country marks 65 years of independence.

At an event held at Alex Ekwueme Square, Awka, Soludo described Nigeria’s independence as ‘a symbol of hope, freedom, and the possibility of the black race,’ calling for reflection and unity.

He urged citizens to invest in the nation’s future, highlighting insecurity and economic strains as pressing issues while commending recent federal reforms.

The event served as both a celebration and a call for unity, emphasising the triumphs and trials that have shaped the nation’s journey since 1960.

In his address, Governor Soludo described Nigeria’s emergence as ‘a symbol of hope, freedom, and the possibility of the black race,’ urging citizens to see the day as one of ‘sober reflection.’

He highlighted the indomitable spirit of Nigerians in overcoming challenges, stating, ‘With vision, hard work, and faith, no obstacle is insurmountable.’

The Governor pointed out the pressing issues facing the nation, particularly insecurity and economic strains. However, he stressed the importance of sustaining Nigeria’s investment in its people, asserting, ‘Our greatest resource is our people. Invest in people, invest in the future.’ He particularly praised President Bola Tinubu for implementing necessary reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidy stabilisation, the exchange rate, among others, which he characterised as ‘necessary medicine for an economy long distorted and pampered over.’

Governor Soludo acknowledged recent positive developments, noting that Nigeria’s GDP has reached 4.28 per cent, its highest in three years. He emphasised that with good governance laid at the foundation, the nation is poised for ‘accelerated growth and transformation.’

The Governor encouraged the citizens of Anambra and Nigeria at large to stand firm in the face of adversity, stating, ‘Ndi Anambra and Nigerians should stand firm as a bright future awaits them.’

The Governor called for a collective effort, urging individuals to play their roles in nation-building through patriotism: paying taxes, supporting reforms, and holding leaders accountable.

Concluding, Governor Soludo urged citizens to ‘look back with hope, not with despair,’ reinforcing his belief that, despite present challenges, Nigeria is on the rise.

Also in her Independence Day message, the governor’s wife, Mrs Nonye Soludo, called on citizens to remain law-abiding, be proud Nigerians and give up what they have to for the betterment of the country.

The Anambra first lady, who is also the founder of the ‘Healthy Living With Nonye Soludo’, appealed in a statement she issued on Wednesday, as part of the activities for the anniversary.

She stressed that Anambra is committed to building a state where citizens can live and work without fear and where opportunities for potential and growth thrive under a secure environment.

She noted that the journey to nationhood demands a collective vision and ambition, adding that Nigeria is a great and blessed country.

On his part, Nwifuru expressed joy in the execution of the people’s charter of Needs agenda and renewed resolve in the state.

Nwifuru stated this during the celebration of Nigeria’s 65 years and Ebonyi State’s 29 years of creation in his office, Centenary City, Abakaliki, on Wednesday.

He urged Ebonyi residents to recommit themselves to the task of building a stronger, fairer and more prosperous Ebonyi anchored on the People’s Charter of Needs Agenda.

Nwifuru also commended the past leaders of the State for their dogged efforts to move the state forward. He, however, noted that the government under his leadership have taken proactive steps to ensure the labours of the founding fathers were not in vain.

‘Ndi Ebonyi, as Nigeria marks 65 years of independence and Ebonyi State celebrates 29 years since her birth today, our hearts are full of gratitude, pride, a sense of responsibility for the execution of the People’s Charter of Needs Agenda and renewed resolve.

‘On this double anniversary, October 1, 2025, we remember the sacrifices of our forebears, celebrate our unity, and recommit ourselves to the task of building a stronger, fairer and more prosperous Ebonyi anchored on the People’s Charter of Needs Agenda. We are already in the first phase of our third political year, given that we came into power in May 2023.

‘Let me pay glowing tribute to our founding fathers who sacrificed their comfort to champion the cause of the creation of Ebonyi State and to give us the ample opportunity of having our destiny in our hands. Democratically elected governor of our dear State, His Excellency Sen Sam Ominyi Egwu, took bold steps to lay a solid foundation for the development of Ebonyi State through quality education and affordable health Care. To Chief Martin Elechi, we appreciate your resilience and commitment to advancing our State. Your bridges of Unity and human capital development is part of the reasons we are celebrating today. To my boss, the immediate past Governor of our State and current minister for works Sen. David Umahi, history will remain kind to you for the monumental achievements the State recorded under your watch.

‘I am proud to announce to you that we have taken intentional steps to implement our campaign manifesto. We are fighting illiteracy and ignorance by demerging the education ministry. We created a new ministry charged solely with tertiary education administration and the education ministry for primary and secondary schools. From the very beginning of this administration, we made a solemn promise that education would be the compass by which we steer our State. We believed then, and we believe now, that investing in the minds of our children is the surest path to lasting development.’

Nwifuru also noted that his government have expanded opportunities for higher learning through a bold scholarship programme that has sent hundreds of Ebonyi sons and daughters to pursue advanced degrees both at home and abroad.

He, however, said the commissioning of his projects will commence from May 2026 till May 2027.

‘Last week, I embarked on a statewide project inspection tour to know the progress of work in the 22 classroom block for our 39 model secondary school and 12 classrooms block for our primary schools. The projects are under way and progressing impressively.

‘In the 2024/2025 cycle alone, the State sponsored hundreds of scholars for local and international postgraduate studies – a major step in building technical capacity and global exposure for our youth. I am glad to inform you that a significant portion of that programme saw our first beneficiaries travel to the United Kingdom and other partner countries to undertake Master’s and PhD programmes, an investment designed to bring back not only qualifications but world-class skills and networks to serve our state.

‘We also prioritised the revitalisation and funding of our tertiary institutions by increasing the statutory subvention and clearing accumulated obligations to our university. We stabilised academic operations and protected the academic calendar, ensuring our young men and women can learn without interruption.

‘This is why no industrial actions by any of the trade unions in the Tertiary institutions of Ebonyi State University and Ebonyi State College of Education. However, we know access to education is not only about universities. We prepared our youths for the jobs of today and tomorrow through targeted vocational and skills-training initiatives. Under this programme, beneficiaries of vocational training received direct start-up grants to translate skills into sustainable livelihoods – an approach that links training with immediate economic empowerment. As one tangible result, grants were disbursed to recent vocational graduates to help them start small businesses and workshops.

‘Recognising the need to align our educational system with the economy of the future, we have laid the groundwork for specialised academic institutions focused on cutting-edge sectors. This is why we established the University of ICT at Oferekpe Agbaja to promote ICT and digital literacy and also the University of Aviation and Aeronautical Engineering, strategic choices that will position Ebonyi as a hub for technology and specialised engineering education in the South-East and beyond. May I inform you that courses have been allocated to our ICT University and processes of admission have also commenced.

‘These initiatives are designed to create graduates who are industry-ready and globally competitive. Beyond institutions and scholarships, we have worked to make education affordable and dignified.

The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade, has called on politicians and citizens alike to rise above ethnic and sectional sentiments and embrace pragmatic solutions to Nigeria’s pressing challenges.

In a message marking the country’s 65th Independence Anniversary, signed by his Director of Media and Publicity, Bode Durojaiye, Oba Owoade emphasised that national growth and development depend on justice, moral integrity, responsibility, selflessness, probity, and devotion to duty by both leaders and citizens.

The monarch stressed the need to harness Nigeria’s diversity as a source of strength, warning that failure to do so risks pushing the country toward disintegration. ‘As a people, we must judge our fellow Nigerians not by their ethnic origins but by the content of their character,’ he said.

Highlighting longstanding structural challenges, the Alaafin pointed to issues such as fear of dominance by certain states, over-concentration of power, absence of integrative national parties, lack of public accountability, and inequitable revenue allocation. He noted that these challenges have evolved over time and now pose serious threats to peace and security.

Reflecting on Nigeria’s historical journey, Oba Owoade recalled that the amalgamation of the Southern and Northern protectorates in 1914 brought together diverse peoples into one political space. Despite the challenge of diversity, the colonial administration and early leaders, including Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, and the Sardauna of Sokoto, worked to foster unity through policies that promoted cultural, political, and economic ties.

The Alaafin bemoaned the erosion of national values over time, contrasting the self-sufficiency of past governments with the present-day reliance on external borrowing amid widespread socio-economic challenges.

He urged Nigerians to revive values such as honesty, integrity, religious tolerance, and good neighborliness.

He however warned against the greed and exploitation of selfish political elites and encouraged parents to instill in their children the belief in the inherent goodness of Nigerians.

”Where were those legacies today? Why are things falling apart today? Why is it that public funds spent for successful running of regional governments by our founding fathers were sourced internally without any external borrowings?

‘Why is it that despite whooping amount of money being borrowed externally by the present-day governments, lives of citizens are still miserable? Where did we get it wrong? Are our problems, including insecurity and socio economic duoldrums defied solutions?

‘If we are honest with ourselves, we would mostly agree that all is not well with our nation and that the values we once held dearly had gone into oblivion. Where are values like honesty, integrity, good neighbourliness, religious tolerance and so on that once defined our society?

‘Ethnic, sectional, and religious diversities ought to serve as sources of national unity, cohesion, and integration. Unfortunately, political elites have often manipulated these identities for personal gain,’ he added.