Category: Nigerian Tribune

A lot has changed since our 64th Independence Day anniversary, a year ago-and positively so. Nigeria today is better positioned for enduring economic growth and prosperity than it has been in a long time.

In this piece, I would like to highlight the progress we have made as a nation over the past year.

External reserves have grown from $37 billion to $42 billion. The Naira has gained about 6 percent against the US dollar since a year ago. Headline inflation, which stood at 32.7 percent a year ago, has fallen to 20 percent and is still declining. The Central Bank has just cut interest rates for the first time in five years, reflecting rising confidence in macroeconomic stability. In June 2025, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) affirmed that ‘Nigeria [is] no longer on the list’ of countries where airline funds are blocked from repatriation.

Four landmark tax bills have been passed-the single largest fiscal reform in our recent history. On the strength of reforms that have grown revenues and blocked leakages, we have achieved the unprecedented feat of hitting the federal revenue target for the 12 months of 2025 in August-five months ahead of schedule.

In infrastructure, the presidential legacy projects have moved from fledgling ideas to visible, tangible wonders-mile after mile of imposing concrete roads stretching through communities from Lekki to Calabar to Enugu to Akwanga to Sokoto, and more. Across the country, state-of-the-art cancer centers, electricity substations, MSME hubs, student loans, cash transfers, and new Regional Development Commissions are impacting the lives of the Nigerian people.

In oil and gas, we have seen the conclusion of the historic IOC divestments, ushering in a new chapter of indigenous strength and capacity in our energy industry. We have also welcomed a $5 billion FID from Shell-in the Bonga North deepwater project-alongside several new gas supply agreements that will transform the LNG market both domestically and for export.

Many notorious terrorist and bandit leaders who were actively unleashing violence a year ago have been neutralised or are now in captivity, while our security agencies continue to score improvements in both capacity and synergy.

In sports, our women’s national teams made history: the Super Falcons with their Mission X triumph, and the D’Tigress with their Mission V success-five consecutive AfroBasket titles.

The past year has also brought Grammys, Guinness World Records, and our first official selection ever for the Cannes Film Festival-a testament to Nigerian grit and cultural genius.

The period has also seen several Nigerians elected or appointed into key international organisations, including the Vice Presidency of the International Association for Ports and Harbours; Vice Chairmanship of the International Telecommunication Union Council; Chairmanship of the World Customs Organisation Council; and the Executive Directorship of the WHO’s Health Emergencies Programme, among others.

Nigeria is now the AU’s Digital Trade Champion, and the designated provider of strategic sea support services to the Union, through the Nigerian Navy. And in January 2025, we attained the status of a BRICS partner country.

In the first half of 2025, Nigeria-China trade surged to $15.48 billion, a 34.7 percent increase compared to the same period in 2024. This comes almost exactly a year after our bilateral relations with China were upgraded to a comprehensive strategic partnership at the 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).

There is indeed much to celebrate, affirming President Tinubu’s uplifting charge to the nation on October 1, 2024: ‘While it is tempting to focus on what has been left undone and where we have stumbled as a nation, we must never lose sight of how far we have come in forging and holding our country together.’

Today, as we turn 65 and begin our 66th year as an independent nation, every word of that charge rings true. The road has been challenging, but the rewards have been real, and we have forged a bold path toward the light, just as the President promised.

At 65, a person is considered a senior citizen-typically retired from active service. But for a nation, 65 years of independence is not a long time; it is correct to say this is’morning yet on creation day’ for us. That said, we are no longer the traumatised 39-year-old that took tentative steps into democracy in 1999.

We have grown wiser, made mistakes, and learned from many of them. We have come to understand, by experience, what Winston Churchill meant when he said that ‘democracy is the worst form of government except for all those other forms that have been tried.’ We will never allow this democratic journey to be undermined.

Twenty-five years into this historic Fourth Republic, Nigeria has at its helm a bold and experienced reformer-one unafraid to take hard but necessary decisions for the country’s future; and with a vision to deliver a trillion dollar economy by 2030.

We are able to look ahead to the coming year with great hope and confidence that we are on the right path, moving in the right direction. In the next few weeks, preparations for the 2026 budget will gain momentum, with all hands on deck to deliver a budget that truly works for the people. And in January, the new tax laws will take effect, opening a new chapter of economic dynamism.

In his 2024 Independence Day address, President Tinubu urged: ‘I urge you to believe in our nation’s promise. The road ahead may be challenging, but we will forge a path toward a brighter future with your support.’

Looking at how the past 12 months have validated these powerful words-a challenging road that nonetheless opens up endless possibilities for growth, prosperity, and progress-I have no doubt whatsoever about the greatness that lies ahead as we begin the count down to our 66th Independence anniversary.

HOW will a transformed Africa look? I often find myself pondering the potential of this great continent-envisioning a redefined narrative, shifting from underdevelopment and dependency to one of innovation, integration, and global influence. Perhaps it will be economically integrated and self-reliant, trading more with itself and then the outside world. An energy powerhouse, with Pan-African renewable energy corridors powering industries, hospitals, homes, and schools. A fully digital Africa, with youth-driven innovation hubs rivaling Silicon Valley, solving African problems with African solutions. In this Africa, poverty will have drastically declined and inequality narrowed. Women and youth (who form the backbone of Africa’s labour force) will be central to economic growth. Our SMEs, which account for more than 80% of employment, will thrive alongside multinational corporations. Education systems will produce not just job-seekers but innovators, creators, and global leaders.

I am convinced that central to Africa’s transformation is unlocking cross-continental opportunities beyond trade alone. A key tool in realising this ambition is the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA)-a platform to reimagine Africa’s place in global markets. By number of participating countries, AfCFTA is the largest free trade area in the world, bringing together 54 of the 55 African Union (AU) member states. By landmass and participation, no other agreement is as extensive. Collectively, AfCFTA covers a market of about 1.4 billion people with a combined GDP of over $3.4 trillion. Its ambition is to eliminate tariffs on up to 90% of goods, reduce trade barriers, and open a truly continental market. The question is: how do we unlock this potential? Beyond trading goods, unlocking cross-continental business opportunities requires more than treaties and ambition. African governments must harmonise regulations, improve infrastructure, support the building of skills and create enabling environments for businesses to thrive. Currently, operating across Africa means navigating a patchwork of regulatory regimes, tax systems, and compliance requirements. Building resilient governance frameworks, standardising internal controls, and ensuring compliance with IFRS and country-specific tax codes are essential to avoid penalties, reputational risks, and operational disruptions.

Yet harmonisation under AfCFTA will not eliminate complexity overnight. Finance leaders must anticipate regulatory lag and proactively engage with policymakers to shape investor-friendly environments. Ensuring governance and regulatory certainty is therefore critical. Implementing predictable, transparent rules that reduce entry and operating costs, adopting rules of origin, mutual recognition of standards, and digital customs (such as e-certificates and risk-based inspections) are urgent, practical actions that we can apply to reimagine Africa’s global trade position. Africa’s digital economy, projected to reach $712 billion by 2050, is also reshaping how people connect, work, and do business. Pan-African fintechs, e-commerce platforms, and digital service providers already demonstrate how cross-border collaboration can leapfrog traditional development hurdles. The rise of digital payments, fintech platforms, and blockchain-enabled trade creates enormous opportunity-but only if backed by robust governance, sound risk management, strong cybersecurity, and ethical standards. This ensures businesses can scale with integrity.

At the heart of this transformation are accountants and finance leaders. Their roles extend far beyond number-crunching: they are the architects of trust, the stewards of capital, and the strategic partners who can unlock the opportunities of cross-continental business integration. By mobilising capital, strengthening financial reporting, improving transparency, and aligning business strategies with international standards such as ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) frameworks, finance professionals foster investor trust and make Africa an attractive destination for global capital.

With AfCFTA opening access to a $3.4 trillion market, accountants and CFOs are uniquely positioned to translate opportunity into tangible growth. By ensuring compliance with evolving regulations, navigating complex tax regimes, and designing financial systems that support cross-border transactions, they reduce risks of expansion and give businesses the confidence to operate seamlessly across Africa. For decades, Africa’s transformation has relied heavily on bold visions and political will. Now is the time to translate these ambitions into sustainable financial outcomes-shifting from fragmented markets to an integrated economic powerhouse that competes globally and delivers shared prosperity. In one of our reports – Journey to AU2063 : professional accountants empowering the AfCFTA agreement, we analyse the critical role of professional accountants in the operationalisation of the AfCFTA agreement. A deep dive into the current state of trade in Africa highlights the critical barriers to intra-continental trade and realising the objectives of the AfCFTA. The findings in this report cut across financial and non-financial barriers and the critical steps and competencies that finance professionals need to overcome them.

The accountancy and finance profession, acting as a super-connector is poised to play a critical role in building resilient and sustainable businesses and economies, developing future talent, advancing standards and regulations, transforming the public sector and supporting entrepreneurial growth while strengthening ethical rules. As we gear up for the Africa ACCA Members Convention in December 2025, to be held in Kenya, one of the key agendas is to lead conversations that define and demonstrate the key role of the profession in bringing the aspirations of AU2063 to life. We will explore and evaluate the challenges and impact of operationalising the AfCFTA, in view of the critical role accounting and finance professionals play in enabling its full implementation. Under AfCFTA, Africa’s economic integration represents both an immense opportunity and a formidable challenge. For CFOs and finance professionals, the task ahead is clear: design and execute financial strategies that enable scale across borders, de-risk investments, enhance transparency, and attract capital at the level Africa’s ambitions demand.

The Labour Party (LP) has extended warm congratulations to Nigerians on the occasion of the country’s 65th Independence anniversary, describing it as a moment for reflection, recommitment, and collective resolve.

In a statement released from the Labour Party Secretariat in Abuja and signed by its national secretary, Hon. Umar Farouk Ibrahim Mairakumi, hailed the resilience of the Nigerian people and emphasised the urgent need to deepen democratic values, promote social justice, and build a nation that works for all.

‘October 1st is not just a date-it is a symbol of our shared struggle, our triumph over colonialism, and our enduring hope for a better Nigeria. At 65, we must ask ourselves: are we living up to the promise of independence?’ he said.

The statement reiterated the Labour Party’s commitment to the principles of equity, transparency, and people-centred governance. He called on leaders across political divides to prioritize the welfare of citizens and uphold the dignity of every Nigerian, regardless of ethnicity, religion, or social status.

‘True independence is not merely political-it is economic, social, and moral. It means ensuring that every Nigerian has access to quality education, healthcare, security, and opportunity. It means lifting millions out of poverty and restoring faith in our institutions,’ he added.

He also praised the growing political consciousness among Nigerian youth and urged them to remain engaged in shaping the future of the country through active participation and civic responsibility.

‘The youth are not just the future-they are the present. Their voices, their energy, and their vision are essential to building the Nigeria we all dream of.’

As Nigeria marks this milestone, Hon. Farouk called for unity and peaceful coexistence, stressing that the country’s diversity should be a source of strength, not division.

‘Let us rise above the politics of hate and embrace the politics of progress. Let us build bridges, not walls. Nigeria belongs to all of us, and together, we can make it thrive.’

He concluded by wishing all Nigerians a joyful Independence Day celebration and reaffirmed the Labour Party’s unwavering dedication to the ideals of social democracy and national renewal.

Adamawa State governor, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, has inaugurated a new Pension Committee tasked with ensuring fairness, transparency, and timely settlement of arrears owed to retired civil servants in the state.

The Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Auwal Tukur, performed the inauguration on Monday at the State Secretariat Complex in Yola on behalf of the governor.

Tukur said the administration remains committed to easing the financial burden of retirees who have faced delays in receiving their entitlements.

As part of the renewed effort, Fintiri approved ?8 billion for the payment of pension liabilities. Of this, ?5 billion is allocated to state pensioners and ?3 billion to local government retirees across the 21 LGAs. He noted that payments would follow a ‘first retired, first served’ system to prevent favoritism.

The SSG commended the work of the previous committee and expressed confidence in the new team chaired by Engineer Benson Jelani.

‘The selection of the committee members was based on their competence and proven track records,’ Tukur said. ‘We trust that under Engr. Jelani’s leadership, this committee will perform with diligence and integrity.’

In his remarks, Jelani thanked the governor for the trust placed in the committee and pledged to carry out its duties with fairness and accountability.

‘We assure His Excellency and the good people of Adamawa that we will execute our duties without fear or favour,’ he said.

The committee’s reconstitution comes as calls for pension reform grow nationwide, with many states still burdened by large outstanding pension liabilities.

CAMEROON is heading toward its October 2025 presidential election, but what is unfolding feels less like a campaign and more like a tragic play. At the centre of this spectacle is President Paul Biya, one of the world’s longest-serving leaders, who is barely present. Instead of the man himself, his supporters display giant portraits of his face. These posters are not just unusual campaign tools; they are a shameless admission of reality. At 92, Biya is largely absent from the daily life of his nation, and his portrait has become the ultimate symbol of a government that clings to the image of power while abandoning the real work of leadership.

The sight of campaigners waving his posters through dusty streets raises more questions than answers. Where is the president? Why does he not appear before his people to share his vision for the future? The truth is an open secret. Biya spends long stretches in Geneva, Switzerland, and rarely appears in public at home. His rare appearances are tightly controlled, serving only to remind citizens of his absence. He is now the world’s oldest Head of State, and his campaign by proxy shouts the question his regime refuses to answer: if he cannot campaign, how can he govern?

This silence is no accident. The ruling Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM) treats the president’s health as a state secret, forbidding open discussion. This censorship is not about protecting Biya but about protecting the system around him. By avoiding public debate, the regime prevents any real conversation about succession. The campaign, run through sanitised social media posts and official statements, is less about engaging citizens than about instructing them to accept the status quo. In Cameroon’s tightly controlled political space, the people are expected to obey rather than be heard. The real force behind Biya’s re-election bid is fear, not hope. His inner circle, who have benefited from his 42 years in power, know that only his presence keeps their competing ambitions in check. By keeping him in office, they delay an inevitable power struggle. The portrait campaign is therefore less about the future of Cameroon and more about preserving the privileges of a small elite. For the country’s youth, who have never known another leader, it is a painful message that their future must remain on hold for the sake of an aging regime.

The cost of this long rule is visible everywhere. Important decisions are delayed, state institutions stagnate, and frustration grows among citizens who live with the consequences of an absentee president. Leadership demands presence, and Biya’s absence has crippled governance and slowed national development. Yet this campaign of portraits may also be exposing cracks in the regime’s armor. Former allies and ministers have begun to break away, and in a dramatic gesture, Biya’s own daughter, Brenda Biya, has reportedly denounced his endless hold on power on social media, urging Cameroonians to reject him. This is not the behaviour of a confident political dynasty but of one unraveling under the weight of its own excess.

For the opposition, this moment is a rare chance. If they can put aside personal rivalries and unite, they can rally citizens around a simple but powerful contrast: the choice between a living, accountable leader and the rule of a portrait. Ultimately, Cameroon must face a question it has avoided for decades: has the presidency become a lifetime throne? The endless cycle of re-election, now reduced to campaigning with posters instead of a candidate, makes a mockery of democracy. It turns the sacred act of voting into a hollow ritual.

The image of Paul Biya held high in the streets is more than a campaign tool. It is a mirror reflecting a country at a crossroads. It shows a system that has traded vitality for frailty, engagement for silence, and the future for the past. This campaign of portraits is a campaign of shame. The time for illusions is over. Cameroon must now choose reality over a picture.

Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has revealed that the controversy surrounding President Bola Tinubu’s Muslim-Muslim ticket in the 2023 election caused a division in her church and tested her Christian faith.

In her new memoir, ‘The Journey of Grace: Giving Thanks in All Things’, Mrs Tinubu described the episode as a ‘bitter pill’ that created discord in her parish of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG).

The 52-page book, released to mark her 65th birthday, chronicles her journey between 2021 and 2025.

Reflecting on the Muslim-Muslim ticket, she wrote: ‘One of such decisions was the unpopular ‘Muslim-Muslim ticket’. My being a Christian did not matter. My local assembly, Redeemed Christian Church of God, was split.’

The former Lagos Central senator recalled that church opposition was not new to her. During her 2011 senatorial campaign, she said her posters were rejected by the parish.

‘I later realised that we are a church like other churches with members of all political parties in attendance. I experienced this during my campaign in 2011 for the senate, when I took my campaign posters to the church, and it was rebuffed. After that, I never tried again,’ she explained.

Mrs. Tinubu noted that while some parishioners showed hostility, many elders and members supported her with prayers, which kept her steadfast in her faith.

‘But I kept attending church, and I thank God I have grown from being a baby to a mature Christian. So the little resentment I witnessed from a few was met with the peace of God.

‘All the same, despite a few who showed hostility, many were encouraging, especially our elders, who would encourage me from time to time with prayers,’ she wrote.

She expressed gratitude to her local assembly for standing by her, adding that many of them lived to witness her husband’s inauguration as president.

‘To this end, I am grateful to God and every one of them, especially those who lived to watch the presidential inauguration when the time came. I thank the pastorate also for making arrangements for them.

‘I thank my local assembly because most of them made me feel welcome and comfortable enough to come to church whenever I was home from Abuja, where I was still serving as a senator representing Lagos central senatorial district.’

Notable personalities who have made significant contributions towards the development of democratic governance are set to be conferred with awards of recognition at the 2025 edition of the Democracy Heroes Award Africa.

Organised by the Face of Democracy Nigeria projects (FDN projects), among those expected to be honoured include FCT Minister, Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, members of the Nigerian Senate, Sani Musa, Opeyemi Bamidele, President of Botswana, Duma Gideon Boko, former Nigerian President, Dr Goodluck Jonathan, Governors of Borno, Cross River, Ondo, Oyo, and Katsina.

Others include the governors of Delta, Ebonyi, Kaduna, Kebbi, and other notable individuals from the political, business, and entertainment world.

With the theme, ‘Legacy of leadership: Powering Africa’s future’, Democracy Heroes Award Africa 2025 will hold on the 16th of October at Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja.

Democracy Heroes Award recognises political leaders for their contributions in deepening the culture of democracy in the country through impactful projects.

It also recognizes entrepreneurs, businesspeople, and entertainers whose contributions have helped in entrenching stability through job creation, youth empowerment, and poverty alleviation measures.

The Project Director FDN, Olufunsho Ajagbonna, while congratulating winners of the awards, said the organization will continue to encourage excellent performance by recognising those who have distinguished themselves in serving the people.

The Owa Obokun Adimula and paramount ruler of Ijesaland, Oba Clement Adesuyi Haastrup, Ajimoko III, has announced the removal of Chief Busuyi Gbadamosi, as the Oba-Odo of Ilesa.

The Owa, in a statement signed by Chief Shola Oshunkeye, for the palace, explained that the decision to remove Chief Gbadamosi was informed by his alleged ‘unlawful removal of two electric transformers, 300KVA and 500KVA respectively, from the post office in Atakumosa market, IKEA, sometimes in 2023.’

The statement further recalled that the previous Owa Obokun of Ijesaland, Oba Dr. Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran II, had rebuked Chief Busuyi Gbadamosi for carting away the two transformers without his permission and that of the affected communities, namely: Araromi, Adeti, palace and Odo Osunmu, which the two electrical equipment served.

It explained that all efforts, made by the previous Owa, to ensure that Chief Gbadamosi returned the transformers were thwarted.

‘Consequent upon the installation and coronation of the current Owa Obokun, a Committee on Resolution of Chieftaincy Disputes, Land and Sundry Matters was set up.

‘Among the petitions received by the committee was one written and submitted by members of the above-mentioned communities against Chief Gbadamosi, accusing him of illegally and unlawfully removing the said transformers. Consequently, Chief Gbadamosi was invited to appear before the committee to state his side of the story and explain the whereabouts of the two transformers,’ the palace stated.

During the committee’s sitting, the Iyaloja of Atakumosa market, Chief (Mrs.) Awe and the youth leader of Araromi community was said to have given evidence against him, narrating to the committee how Chief Gbadamosi had sent two emissaries to her, asking her to append her signature to a document confirming the sale of the two transformers and that, in return, he would give her #750,000.00 (Seven hundred and fifty thousand naira only) from the proceeds of the sale. But Mrs. Awe was said to have rejected the offer and declined to sign the documents.

When questioned, Chief Gbadamosi was said to have confessed selling one of the two transformers, specifically the one of 300KVA, for N120,000, adding that he used the proceed to transport the second transformer (500KVA ) to Ibadan, Oyo State, for repairs.

Chief Gbadamosi was said to have been given 30 days within which to retrieve the two transformers and return them to where they were previously installed at the post office, but failed to retrieve and return the transformers.

The Umo Eno-led administration in Akwa Ibom State has launched a N100 million Creative Industry Fund to boost the state’s entertainment and film sector, in a fresh push to empower young people and expand opportunities under his ARISE Agenda.

The fund, announced during the Ibom Entertainers Week in Uyo, is targeted at building capacity, supporting practitioners, and positioning Akwa Ibom as a creative hub in Nigeria.

Briefing newsmen on Tuesday, Commissioner for Information, Hon. Aniekan Umanah, said the initiative was one of the administration’s most significant interventions in September 2025.

‘This is not just about entertainment, it is about building an economy around the talents of our young people, giving them the tools to compete nationally and globally,’ he stressed.

The Commissioner also highlighted the inauguration of the fourth batch of the Ibom-LED Entrepreneur Accelerator Programme and the continued distribution of ARISE food packages across the 31 local government areas.

‘In just one month, more than 10,000 youths and SMEs have benefitted from training and empowerment schemes,’ he said. ‘Our governor is deliberate in creating jobs and giving hope to young people.’

On infrastructure, Umanah noted that over 771 kilometres of roads and 31 bridges are at various stages of completion, while Ibom Air has acquired four new aircraft, with work ongoing at the new Terminal Building and MRO facility at Victor Attah International Airport.

Workers’ welfare, he said, has remained a top priority. ‘Over ?78 billion has been paid in pensions and gratuities. Teachers have received N1.2 billion in wardrobe allowance. We have implemented the ?80,000 minimum wage, introduced a 13th-month salary, and approved the recruitment of 4,000 new workers,’ Umanah declared.

On social welfare, he revealed that more than 500,000 vulnerable households have benefitted from interventions, while in housing, 267 Compassionate Homes have been delivered, with 150 free houses for public servants already underway.

The health sector has equally recorded progress with the expansion of health centres, an emergency ambulance service, a medical oxygen plant, and the ongoing construction of a 350-bed International Hospital.

To secure lives and property, the governor launched the State Security Trust Fund, recruited 4,500 community watch personnel, and established a Ministry of Internal Security and Waterways. ‘We are reinforcing Akwa Ibom’s status as one of the safest states in Nigeria,’ Umanah added.

In tourism, projects such as the ARISE Resort, Ibom International Convention Centre, ARISE Shopping City, and a 2,000-capacity amphitheatre are ongoing. The ecological remediation of 70 hectares of gullies has also commenced.

The governor also partnered with FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, to commission 17.33 km of roads in Ika Local Government Area, while presenting new vehicles to all former deputy governors of the state.

Sports development received a boost with the successful return of the Ibom Sports Festival after 14 years, alongside the revival of inter-house sports and the Governor’s Cup, and plans for a Sports Academy.

Summing up, Umanah said: ‘These achievements are not happenstance. They are the deliberate outcomes of a governance strategy anchored on the ARISE Agenda. Akwa Ibom is on a steady path of growth, innovation, and transformation under Governor Umo Eno.’

As Nigeria marks its 65th independence anniversary, the National Orientation Agency (NOA) has called on citizens to foster unity and embrace the country’s diversity as a strength for national progress.

The State Director of NOA in Akwa Ibom, Mr. Mkpoutom Mkpoutom, made the call in Uyo while addressing journalists and stakeholders on the significance of the milestone.

‘Our strength lies in our diversity. With over 250 ethnic groups and an array of languages, Nigeria embodies a unique heritage that should be seen not as a dividing line but as a unifying force that propels us towards progress,’ Mr. Mkpoutom said.

He stressed that as the nation embarks on another year, it was important for citizens to foster a sense of unity and shared purpose by embracing dialogue, understanding, and collaboration in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

According to him, addressing pressing issues like poverty, security, education, and healthcare requires collective effort and commitment from all Nigerians.

‘This anniversary should serve as a reminder of the collective strength that lies in every citizen. Let us contribute positively to society and commit to building a prosperous, peaceful, and equitable nation,’ he urged.

The NOA Director further appealed to Akwa Ibom people and Nigerians at large to honour the labours of past heroes while working diligently toward a brighter future for generations to come.

He prayed that Nigeria’s journey ahead would be ‘filled with unity, peace, and progress.’