Category: Nigerian Tribune

Samuel Oluolamide Adebanjo, a graduate of the Department of Aerospace Engineering at Lagos State University (LASU), recently emerged as the overall best graduating student for the 2025/2026 academic session, with an outstanding Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 4.97 out of 5.00. At 22, Adebanjo’s achievement makes him the first university graduate in his family and places his CGPA among the highest recorded in LASU’s history. His 4.97 is also the highest ever recorded in the Department of Aerospace Engineering and a joint record in the Faculty of Engineering. In this interview with ADAM MOSADIOLUWA, Adebanjo speaks about his journey from Sango Ota in Ogun State to becoming LASU’s best graduating student.

Congratulations on emerging as the overall best graduating student of Lagos State University (LASU) for the 2025/2026 academic session with an outstanding CGPA of 4.97 out of 5.00. How did you receive the news, and what did the achievement mean to you personally?

I actually first got the news directly from my Head of Department, who reached out to congratulate me as the Overall Best Graduating Student of LASU. I was overjoyed, but honestly, part of me needed to wait for the official announcement just to be sure it wasn’t a dream. When the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, formally announced it during the press briefing, it made everything feel so real. Tears of joy fell, knowing that a boy like me, coming from my background, could achieve such a feat and stand in the spotlight.

Personally, this achievement is far more than a record CGPA. As the first university graduate in my family, it stands as proof that where you come from does not determine where you can go. It is a testament to God’s grace, years of silent sacrifices, and the power of believing in your dreams even when the odds seem high.

What touches me most is seeing the smiles this news has brought to so many faces. It reassures me that every sacrifice, every prayer, and every investment made into my life by my family, my teachers, secondary school proprietor, lecturers, mentors, course mates, and friends was entirely worth it

A CGPA of 4.97 is exceptionally rare. At what point during your undergraduate journey did you realise you were on course for something historic, and did that awareness bring any added pressure or motivation?

Honestly, my journey didn’t start at the very top. In my 100-level first semester, I had a 4.81 GP. While it was a First Class, it wasn’t the best in my class. Others had 5.0s and 4.9s. I was disappointed because I constantly aim for excellence in everything I do. When I told my sister, she said something that stuck with me: ‘It is not about how you start, but how you finish.’ Little did I know she was speaking into my future.

In the second semester, God gave me my first 5.0 GP, bringing my CGPA to 4.90. By 200 Level, I had become the top student in my department, but I was never competing with anyone else; my personal goal every single semester was simply to hit a 5.0 and be my best version.

The realisation that this could be historic hit me around 400 Level. By then, I had maintained consecutive perfect GPs, pushing my CGPA to 4.96. Rumors were circulating that I was the highest in the Faculty of Engineering, and when I saw that the Overall Best Graduating Student of the previous session finished with a 4.93, I realised, ‘I could actually graduate as the Faculty Best and Overall Best.’ Winning the OPay Scholarship as the only engineering student selected further signaled that something big was happening.

Heading into 500 Level, the goal was simple: finish strong with another 5.0. Balancing that drive with final-year research, community projects, tutoring, active church leadership, and even working to support myself, all while my dad was going through a health challenge, was intense. But God sustained me. God helped me pull off 5.0s in both final semesters, completing 7 out of 10 perfect semesters and landing at 4.97. The motivation was never just about a title; it was about finishing strong, trusting God through the storm, and giving my absolute best at every stage.

Can you take us through your journey from Sango Ota, Ogun State, to becoming LASU’s overall best graduating student? What were some of the defining moments that shaped your academic path?

My journey began in Sango Ota, Ogun State, where I attended Top’s Bright International School. Growing up, things were financially tough at home. There were days I had to go to school with unpaid fees, but despite those challenges, I remained consistently at the top of my class.

Seeing my dedication, the proprietor of my school did something that changed my life forever: he celebrated my academic consistency, cleared all my outstanding debts, and granted me a full scholarship through SS3. They even went as far as paying for my WAEC registration and UTME, that single act was my biggest defining moment. It proved to me early in life that academic excellence is not a scam, that hard work and diligence genuinely pay off. It sparked a fire in me.

After secondary school, I taught briefly at my alma mater. My teachers, who saw my foundation, encouraged me and said, ‘Samuel, with your intellect and discipline, you can hit a 5.0 GP in the university.’ I took that to heart. Entering LASU, my drive to achieve a First Class wasn’t just about personal pride; it was driven by a deep desire to make my parents, my teachers, my secondary school proprietor, and everyone who invested in me proud and put a smile on everyone’s face. That foundation in Sango Ota set the entire trajectory for where I am today.

You have spoken about your lifelong fascination with flight and aircraft. What first sparked that interest, and when did you realise aerospace engineering was the career path you wanted to pursue?

My passion for flight started in early childhood. Like many kids, I would look up at the sky in total awe whenever an airplane passed by. My father told me about pilots, and back then, my immediate dream was simply to say, ‘I want to be a pilot!’ I was naturally fascinated by anything that could take to the air, even watching birds fly made me ponder the science behind flight and how human innovation turned bird-inspired mechanics into real aircraft.

However, as I grew older and evolved academically, my perspective shifted. I realised that piloting was primarily an operational role, flying an aircraft from point A to point B. But my mind didn’t just want to control the machine; I wanted to know how to build it. I was deeply curious about the physics, the aerodynamics, and how human engineering could defy gravity and bend fluid dynamics principles to keep a massive machine airborne.

Combined with my strong affinity for mathematics and analytical problem-solving, I realised that Aerospace Engineering was my true path. It gave me the scope not just to study airplanes, but to master everything that flies, from autonomous UAVs and experimental rockets to space exploration hardware. Choosing Aerospace Engineering at Lagos State University was the moment I turned childhood wonder into a lifelong commitment to building the future of flight.

You are the first university graduate in your family. How significant is that achievement for you and your family, and how did their support contribute to your success?

Being the first university graduate in my immediate family, and achieving it as Overall Best Graduating Student, is of immense significance to us. It represents a true generational breakthrough. It shifts the narrative for our family line completely and shows my siblings and relatives that with hard work, faith, and dedication, background limitations can be overcome.

My family’s support was the backbone of my success. Even during periods when finances were extremely tight, my parents sacrificed quietly to make sure my education remained a priority. Their constant prayers, emotional grounding, and unshakeable belief in my potential sustained me through long nights, heavy project workloads, and exam pressures. This milestone belongs to them just as much as it belongs to me.

Many students struggle to graduate with a First Class degree, yet you finished with an almost perfect CGPA. What study habits, routines, and principles helped you maintain such an exceptional academic record?

First and foremost, I attribute everything to God’s grace and constant prayer. Achieving this level of excellence is not by human power alone, but by combining deep faith and prayer with intense hard work. My academic approach was guided by a few core routines and principles.

One of these was clear goal-setting and daily prayer. At the beginning of every semester, I would write down every course, its unit load, and my target grade, aiming for a perfect 5.0 GP. I kept this target written down, and every single day, I brought those written goals before God in prayer, asking Him for wisdom, retentive memory, and direction.

Another important approach was the Feynman Technique (Teaching to Learn). One of my biggest secrets to academic mastery was teaching my peers. From my 200 Level onwards, I regularly tutored my classmates before exams. Explaining complex engineering concepts to others forced me to master the material inside out. Putting smiles on my classmates’ faces through teaching always came back as a blessing to my own understanding.

I also made it a point to seek insights from seniors. I never relied solely on my own understanding. I reached out to senior students who had passed through the same courses to learn about lecture dynamics, common pitfalls, and effective study approaches for each specific subject.

During exams, I relied on strategic exam execution, prioritising clarity and detail. I always answered the simplest questions first to build momentum before tackling complex problems. I ensured my explanations were thorough, structured, and grammatically precise so that examiners could see I truly understood the underlying physical principles.

Above all, I maintained a relentless work ethic. When it was time to study, I gave it everything. On exam eves, I engaged in intense overnight study sessions to ensure every potential gap in my knowledge was covered.

Academic excellence often comes with challenges. Was there any particular course or semester that challenged you the most? How did you overcome it?

Every single semester had its own unique hurdles, especially when the goal was to maintain a perfect 5.0 GP. However, two specific instances stand out:

Engineering Drawing in 200 Level: Having not taken Technical Drawing in secondary school, facing Engineering Drawing in my second year was a massive shock. Early on, my initial classwork scores were low. I realised I had to adapt quickly, so I dedicated extra hours to practicing the extensive drawing coursework assigned, covering various projections, sections, and detailed technical drawings and the likes. Through fast adaptation, relentless practice, and God’s help, I aced the course.

300 Level Campus Power Crisis in Epe: Beyond academics, environmental factors were a huge challenge. During 300 Level on the Epe campus, the school generator became faulty, and NEPA wasn’t giving us power. Studying for exams and completing assignments became an uphill task as we struggled daily just to find light to read and charge our devices. It required extreme discipline and sacrifice to study under those tough conditions, but through God’s grace, I still pulled through.

Across all my semesters, my approach to every challenging course was simple: acknowledge the difficulty early, adapt fast, work harder, Do it Diligently (D.I.D) Never Give Up and trust God to crown the effort.

Behind every remarkable achievement is usually a difficult chapter. During your journey to becoming LASU’s overall best graduating student, was there ever a time when you felt like giving up or lowering your ambitions? What kept you moving forward?

Mentally, my personal mantra has always been to never give up and to remain diligent, so giving up on my academic goals was never an option I entertained. However, there was a deeply challenging period that tested me emotionally to my core.

During my university journey, my father fell critically ill. It was a very painful and frightening time for my family. I was barely sleeping, constantly worried that I might lose him, and I had to direct some of my funds I had earned toward supporting his medical treatments and care. The emotional weight was heavy, and I kept praying and thinking, ‘I want my father to be alive to see me succeed and taste the fruits of my labor.’

That season tested my strength and faith, but keeping my trust in God and focusing on my family kept me anchored. By God’s grace, my father recovered and pulled through. Seeing him healthy and present to witness my success today is one of my greatest blessings. That experience didn’t weaken my ambition; it gave me an even deeper purpose to keep striving, excel, and make him proud.

As an undergraduate researcher, you worked on projects such as SkyClerk, an autonomous delivery quadcopter, and contributed to several innovative engineering initiatives. Which project are you most proud of, and why?

The project I am most proud of is SkyClerk, an autonomous quadcopter UAV system designed for automated office asset delivery across campus.

Building SkyClerk was a massive undertaking that demanded immense sacrifice. To get the exact electronic components and hardware required, I had to travel long distances across town, navigating complex full-stack integration, frame finishing, and software calibration to ensure the drone could navigate set flight paths safely and execute deliveries.

One of the things that makes me particularly proud of the project is its technical complexity and breakthrough. Integrating flight hardware, structural design, and autonomous navigation logic forced me to push my technical limits. Successfully demonstrating autonomous flight proved that aerospace technology can directly solve everyday localised logistics problems.

I am also proud of SkyClerk because it serves as a foundation for future innovation. What makes me proudest is that we built a robust, functional prototype that lays a solid foundation for future researchers or students to build upon. It was an honour to defend this work successfully for my final project defense.

Bringing SkyClerk from raw components to successful flight gave me immense confidence as an engineer. It reinforced my passion for Aero-AstroIntelligence and proved that engineering is at its best when it solves real human problems.

Your primary research interests span Aero-Astro Intelligence, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), and Machine Learning (ML). For readers unfamiliar with these terms, how do they connect, and why do you believe they will shape the future?

These fields form a powerful ecosystem for the future of aerospace.

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) are the physical hardware, such as autonomous drones and aircraft designed to operate without human pilots. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) is the virtual wind tunnel. It uses complex mathematical equations to simulate how air, wind, and fluids interact with physical structures like wings or pipelines. Machine Learning (ML) and AI serve as the cognitive brain that learns patterns from data, makes rapid predictions, and enables real-time decision-making.

These fields connect because traditional engineering relies on slow numerical simulations and expensive physical testing. By integrating Machine Learning with CFD, we create hybrid models that can predict complex aerodynamic behaviours in seconds rather than days. When you plug these fast, intelligent models directly into UAV control systems, you get Aero-AstroIntelligence: smart autonomous systems that can continuously adapt to changing environments, detect structural faults like pipeline leaks, and fly efficiently on their own.

They will shape the future because the future belongs to intelligent, autonomous systems. Combining AI with aerospace hardware and fluid dynamics allows us to solve critical global challenges, from rapid disaster response and automated agricultural monitoring to safe pipeline infrastructure inspection and deep space exploration. It shifts aerospace engineering from merely building flying machines to creating intelligent aerial systems that can think, adapt, and protect.

Nigeria’s aerospace and advanced technology sectors are still developing. What opportunities do you see for young Nigerian engineers and innovators in areas such as drones, artificial intelligence, and space technology?

Nigeria’s developing tech space is a massive advantage because it allows us to build solutions designed specifically for our local challenges rather than importing existing templates.

One major opportunity is in precision agriculture and food security. Drones equipped with AI and localised telemetry, such as our AeroAgro Pay framework, can help smallholder farmers monitor crop health, optimise yield, and deliver precision spraying affordably.

There is also an opportunity in critical infrastructure surveillance. Over 80% of our energy sector relies on extensive pipeline networks. Combining UAVs, satellite data, and machine learning for pipeline integrity monitoring provides an opportunity to prevent environmental contamination and curb economic losses.

Another area is localized logistics and emergency response. Autonomous aerial systems can bridge supply chain gaps, delivering vital medical supplies, blood plasma, or critical administrative documents across congested urban centers and remote rural areas.

Young Nigerian innovators have the unique opportunity to lead the global South by building practical, high-impact technologies that directly solve everyday challenges.

Beyond academics and research, you have remained active in church, student leadership, tutoring, and community development initiatives. How has your Christian faith influenced your approach to learning, leadership, and service?

My faith is the central anchor of my life. It completely shapes how I view academic excellence, leadership, and service to others:

I anchor my approach to excellence in Scripture and purpose, particularly Ecclesiastes 9:10 (‘Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might’). I strongly believe that as Christians, we are called to embody excellence in everything we do, showing that you can be deeply committed to the things of God while simultaneously excelling at the highest levels of academia, research, and technical innovation.

I also see tutorials as service to humanity. I never wanted to chase grades in isolation; my heart is to be significant in my community and be a direct solution to people’s challenges. Leading tutorials at Departmental and Faculty levels, HesolvesmathsEdhub, NUESA Tutorial, Bunday Tutorial, is my personal service to humanity. Teaching complex concepts, helping peers understand difficult material, and putting a genuine smile on someone’s face when they finally grasp a concept brings me immense joy.

For me, leadership is also about service. Leadership is crucial because it is the ultimate tool for serving others. True leadership isn’t about titles or personal accolades; it is about lifting others up, building platforms for their success, and leading with integrity and grace.

Finally, my faith has given me resilience. When code refused to compile or complex project builds didn’t go as planned, giving up was never an option. To give up is to lose faith. I firmly believe that God works all things together for good, and that conviction gave me the steady peace, patience, and resilience to keep pushing until solutions emerged.

Many students see outstanding results but rarely see the sacrifices behind them. What are some of the personal sacrifices, missed opportunities, or difficult choices you had to make in pursuit of academic excellence?

Behind every headline CGPA and high-profile milestone is an unglamorous reality of intense discipline, grit, and sacrifice that social media never sees.

One of the major challenges I faced was enduring physical and financial hardships. There were times I had to study on an empty stomach due to lack, times I had to trek long distances just to find a place to charge my devices, and nights I studied under streetlights on campus during power outages. Before I had my own laptop, I had to borrow laptops from peers to complete heavy engineering assignments and coursework. Even when my phone was not functioning well, I adapted and ran most of my tasks directly on a laptop. To support myself and meet daily needs, I provided payment processing services, helping fellow students facilitate their tuition payments on the portal in exchange for modest commissions.

I also had to maintain deliberate lifestyle discipline and focus. Achieving excellence requires eliminating distractions. I did not attend parties, and while I followed football passionately as a supporter, I never played, making a conscious effort to protect my time and energy so that no engagement undermined another.

Another sacrifice involved relentless study habits and night classes. While I maintained a steady daily study routine throughout the semester, exam periods required an entirely different level of intensity. I constantly attended overnight study sessions on campus, pushing past physical fatigue to cover vast amounts of syllabus material, perform deep revisions, and achieve complete concept mastery before stepping into the exam hall.

I also had to juggle multiple high-stakes demands. True sacrifice was learning to keep pushing when I was utterly exhausted. I taught tutorials for hours back-to-back, sometimes teaching virtually while simultaneously preparing for my own examinations. I had to juggle a demanding Aerospace Engineering degree at LASU alongside a Data Science Diploma at AltSchool Africa, student leadership, research, and work. Yet, through all the chaos, I made it a strict point never to compromise my faith, keeping my Sundays dedicated to church and trusting God when the load felt overwhelming.

Ultimately, it was a journey filled with deep struggles, sleepless nights, and constant trade-offs, but every single sacrifice laid the groundwork for major wins. It taught me a fundamental truth: there is truly no gain without pain, and true excellence is forged when you choose to keep moving forward when it is toughest.

Balancing academics, research, leadership responsibilities, tutoring, and personal life can be difficult. How did you maintain that balance throughout your undergraduate journey, and what lessons did it teach you?

Balancing all these responsibilities alongside a personal life is extremely difficult, I would never claim it was easy. In reality, when you take on so much, one commitment will inevitably spill over into another. The key is managing those trade-offs so the impact remains minimal.

One of the ways I maintained that balance was through daily prioritisation and intentional scheduling. Every single day, I took time to plan ahead, set clear priorities, and map out a realistic schedule of tasks. My focus was not on achieving unattainable perfection, but on ensuring I consistently executed the majority of my high-impact tasks each day.

I also relied on divine help. Beyond human organisation, my main anchor was continually asking God for help and wisdom to manage my daily activities. Trusting God gave me the mental clarity and grace to handle heavy workloads without losing my peace.

The greatest lesson this journey taught me is that you are capable of achieving far more than you think. You can take on multiple high-stakes endeavours, academics, research, leadership, and service, and excel across all of them. All it takes is the right mindset, ruthless prioritisation, and the discipline to show up every day.

Having achieved this remarkable milestone at just 22 years old, what excites you most about the next phase of your journey, and what advice would you give to young Nigerians who dream of achieving academic excellence despite their circumstances?

Graduating at 22 gives me time and energy to explore, build, and innovate. I am thrilled to dive deeper into artificial intelligence, data science, Aero-Astro Intelligence Engineering, combining research with hands-on projects in the Aerospace industry and teaching. My immediate focus is pursuing international scholarship opportunities to gain global exposure and world-class expertise. My ultimate goal is to bridge local problems with global solutions, taking what I learn on the world stage and applying it back home to push Nigeria forward.

My advice to young Nigerians is never give up, your story isn’t over. No matter how difficult your current situation is, do not write yourself off. Your story is still being written, and it is never too late to do great things, regardless of where you start. You can achieve extraordinary success from a small place.

Also, do your part and work hard. Do whatever your hand finds to do with absolute diligence and consistency. Preparation meets opportunity when you stay committed. Work hard, stay resilient, and keep showing up every day.

And lastly, trust the process and keep the faith. If I could navigate these hurdles to reach this point, you can too. Do your part with relentless effort, and trust God to do what only He can do. Resilience is key; keep pushing forward, and your moment will surely come.

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has said the adoption of the T+1 settlement cycle in Nigeria’s capital market is going smoothly, describing it as a development that has enhanced competitiveness and provided relief to market participants.

Speaking in an interview with journalists in Abuja at the weekend, the Director-General of the SEC, Dr Emomotimi Agama, represented by the Director of Registration, Exchanges and Market Infrastructure, Mrs Hafsat Rufai, said both local and international investors had expressed satisfaction with the new settlement cycle.

She said, ‘Feedback from them has been excellent. They are happy with T+1, and the local investors are also happy with T+1. The fear initially was around the availability of cash to settle, with time zones being one of the major considerations.

‘Sometimes, in some countries, when we are closing our market at 4:00 p.m., it is still early in the day. Sometimes, it’s even longer than being early in the day; it’s midnight in some countries. And so everybody is concerned about how to source cash or how to source funds for settlement.

‘But knowing that it is not at 8:00 a.m., it is 5:00 p.m., I think that gives enough time for the custodian banks, who are representatives of those investors, to source the funds required and settle the securities and cash as well, because it’s a DVP market. It’s delivery versus payment.’

According to a statement by the Commission, Agama said no default had so far been recorded due to the unavailability of funds for settlement at the new deadline.

‘It’s just a matter of letting everybody understand that the settlement time is not 8:00 a.m.; it is 5:00 p.m. And by 5:00 p.m., everybody is good. So far, it has been good. Feedback has also been very excellent.’

He explained that the Nigerian capital market had operated on a T+3 settlement cycle for several years before the market began a phased transition aimed at modernising the market, improving competitiveness and attractiveness, increasing liquidity and reducing settlement risks.

The DG said the market moved from T+3 to T+2 on 28 November 2025 before migrating to T+1 on 1 June 2026.

‘Transaction day or the trade day, when your shares are bought or sold on a particular day, that is day T, and then plus one, which is the current settlement cycle, means that when you buy your shares, say, for instance, you buy today, being a Monday, the shares will settle in your account by 5:00 p.m. tomorrow,’ he explained.

Agama said the reduction in the settlement cycle was aimed at making the Nigerian market more efficient by allowing investors to receive their securities or cash sooner.

‘The emphasis on 5:00 p.m. is that over the years, when you were on T+3 or T+2, settlement time was 8:00 a.m. Meaning that if you buy your shares today on T+2, that is the trade date, and then two days after, which would have been Wednesday when you were on T+2, you would get your shares if you bought or you get your cash if you sold at 8:00 a.m.

‘Now we decided that we need to do better for the Nigerian market by shortening that cycle. So why buy today and wait for another 48 hours or thereabout, or two days, before you get your security? So, we shortened that transaction cycle, or settlement cycle, I beg your pardon, to T+1, meaning that the trade day and a day after, that’s the first step.’

The SEC DG further disclosed that the market had also shifted the settlement deadline from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. following the extension of trading hours.

He said trading hours on the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) had earlier been extended from 2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

‘If you recall, we extended trading hours earlier this year from 2:30 to 4:00 p.m. at the NGX, and then we thought, if the market closes at 4:00 and we ask people to settle, that is, to provide cash and securities, at 8:00 a.m. the next day, that kind of close to being T+0 is almost as good as just telling me to pay today, and we don’t want that strain,’ the statement noted.

APM Terminals Apapa, Nigeria’s largest container terminal, has recorded a six percent increase in export volumes in the first half of 2026, reinforcing its commitment to supporting the country’s non-oil export growth and improving access to international markets.

Speaking in a statement released on Sunday, Terminal Managing Director of APM Terminals Apapa, Kamal Alhraishat, attributed the growth to the resilience of Nigerian exporters, supported by a series of operational and service improvements designed to facilitate export trade.

‘Over the last five years, exports through our terminal have maintained a positive growth trajectory. This reflects both the resilience of Nigerian exporters and the targeted improvements we have made to facilitate export trade, simplify cargo flows and improve access to international markets,’ Alhraishat said.

He highlighted several initiatives introduced by the terminal to encourage exports, including dedicated export lanes at the terminal gate to accelerate cargo terminal access.

‘Our role goes beyond handling containers. We want to make it easier, faster and more competitive for Nigerian exporters to access global markets. Dedicated export lanes and our rail connectivity are all designed around that objective.

‘The rail connection between Lagos and Moniya (Ibadan) operates three times a week, providing exporters with an efficient alternative to road transportation. By reducing reliance on trucks and exposure to interstate and Apapa traffic, we can improve the predictability of cargo movement and help exporters reach international markets more efficiently,’ he added.

The terminal also receives export cargo through the Ebute Metta rail corridor, which facilitates cargo movement from various parts of Lagos, helping exporters avoid traffic congestion and reduce transit times to the port.

Alhraishat noted that beyond operational improvements, the terminal continues to create platforms that encourage collaboration among stakeholders across the export value chain.

‘Through our Exporters Forum, now in its third year, we are creating a platform where exporters, government agencies, shipping lines, logistics partners and other stakeholders can come together to address real challenges across the export value chain.

‘The objective is not only to discuss these challenges, but to translate the feedback into practical actions that make Nigerian exports more efficient and competitive. Our next session is scheduled to hold at the terminal on Wednesday, September 2,’ he said.

The terminal’s major export commodities include soybeans, cashew nuts, cocoa, hibiscus flowers and solid minerals.

Speaking on the significance of the Exporters Forum, Head of Commercial, Kayode Olufemi-Daniel, said the initiative aligns with the Federal Government’s drive to build an export-led economy.

‘Time is a critical factor in export trade, particularly for agricultural products. Delays within the supply chain can affect the quality of goods and, in some cases, render them unsuitable for export by the time they reach their destination. That is why we continuously review our operational processes and engage all stakeholders to identify opportunities for improvement and reduce delays across the value chain,’ Olufemi-Daniel said.

He added that APM Terminals Apapa remains committed to working with customers, government agencies and other industry partners to strengthen Nigeria’s export ecosystem and enhance the competitiveness of Nigerian products in global markets.

The Kano State Multi-Joint Task Force on Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking has warned politicians against using drug-influenced youths to cause violence, intimidation and unrest during the 2027 general election campaigns.

The chairman of the task force, Muhuyi Rimin-Gado, said any political thug found engaging in criminal activities under the influence of illicit drugs would be arrested and prosecuted, irrespective of the identity of their sponsors.

Rimin-Gado issued the warning during a briefing with journalists in Kano, where he outlined the state government’s new strategy to tackle drug abuse and its connection with violent crimes among youths.

He cautioned politicians against recruiting innocent young people to create tension during political activities, saying the task force would not allow the misuse of youths to cause deaths and injuries.

‘The commission is out to tame enemies of progress who will be using our youths to cause untimely deaths and injure people,’ he said.

The chairman disclosed that the state government had set a target of removing 10,000 drug users from the streets and rehabilitating them within one year as part of efforts to address substance abuse.

He explained that the programme would go beyond arrests and imprisonment by focusing on detoxification, rehabilitation, skills acquisition and economic empowerment.

‘Our goal is to take away 10,000 people from the streets within one year. This is a different approach from only taking them to prison. We are thinking about rehabilitation,’ Rimin-Gado said.

According to him, beneficiaries would first undergo detoxification before being enrolled in rehabilitation programmes and trained in various skills to enable them to become productive members of society.

He listed tailoring, shoemaking, garment production and other crafts among areas where rehabilitated persons would receive training, adding that the programme would later expand to other trades and services.

Rimin-Gado said the initiative was aimed at addressing the link between drug abuse, unemployment and violent crimes, especially gun-related offences involving youths.

‘If you look at our operations, when going after these youths, it is not because we hate them or do not want them. It is because we want them rehabilitated,’ he said.

He added that the task force had started discussions with correctional authorities and other relevant stakeholders to ensure that released inmates could access rehabilitation and skills acquisition programmes to support their reintegration into society.

The chairman further explained that drug users would be treated based on the severity of their cases, noting that those involved in multiple substance abuse could face prosecution, while others could be placed under the supervision of parents or guardians.

He said the government also planned to create economic opportunities for rehabilitated persons by connecting them with markets in Kano State.

‘We do not only eradicate the issue of drug dependence, drug abuse or gun violence; at the same time, we are building our economic potential,’ he said.

Rimin-Gado expressed confidence that collaboration among government agencies, security institutions, correctional authorities, private sector operators and other stakeholders would ensure the success of the initiative.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), through its Bauchi State office, over the weekend published the names and biodata of 19 governorship candidates and their running mates contesting the 2027 general elections in Bauchi State.

The list, displayed at the INEC office in Bauchi, contained candidates presented by various political parties seeking to participate in the governorship election.

A visit to the INEC office over the weekend showed political supporters and party officials checking the displayed list to confirm and ascertain the inclusion of their candidates in compliance with the Commission’s requirements and the electoral laws.

Some supporters who spoke with our correspondent expressed confidence in INEC’s preparations, while calling for a free, fair and credible election acceptable to all political parties and voters.

One of them, Auwal Captain, said the early publication of the candidates’ details had increased public confidence in the electoral process.

‘I am fully convinced that INEC is ready to conduct the election, judging by these early preparations. The display of candidates’ information gives us more confidence in the process,’ he said.

He urged the Commission to ensure that the eventual outcome reflects the choice of voters rather than the interests of individuals or groups.

Similarly, another supporter, Malam Adamu Anatare, called on INEC to justify the confidence Nigerians had placed in the Commission by ensuring that votes were properly counted and results reflected the wishes of the electorate.

‘My concern is the outcome of the election. People are ready to participate and vote, but they also want to protect their votes. Anything short of this could create problems,’ he said.

Meanwhile, political analysts urged INEC to ensure transparency throughout the electoral process, particularly in the deployment of sensitive materials, recruitment of ad hoc personnel and effective functioning of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS).

They also called for an uninterrupted flow of information before, during and after the election.

Among those listed as governorship candidates are Yakubu Adamu of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM); Senator Shehu Umar Buba of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP); Mohammad Abdullahi Abubakar, SAN, of the All Progressives Congress (APC); Senator Halliru Dauda Jika of the African Democratic Congress (ADC); Usman Ahmed Sufi of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP); Kashim Ibrahim Muhammad of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC); and Idris Aliyu Muhammad, the Labour Party candidate, among others.

As preparations for the 2027 general elections hot up, the Social Democratic Party (SDP) has expressed satisfaction with the list of its governorship and State Assembly candidates published by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Reacting to the list during an interview with the Nigerian Tribune in Abuja on Sunday, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Araba Rufus Ayenigba, said the party was satisfied with the list across the states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

According to him, ‘Our great party, the SDP, has no issues with the list of our 2027 governorship and State Assembly candidates as released by INEC.

‘The names of all our nominated candidates in the states were correctly listed as submitted by the party.

‘There are no rumblings or crises in the state chapters of the SDP as a result of the list of candidates released by INEC.’

He urged the commission to continue to follow the rules and guidelines already released to the letter to ensure successful polls in 2027.

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Sokoto State Council, has mourned the death of its General Secretary, Comrade Emmanuel Ugboaja, mni, describing him as a courageous trade unionist whose death has left a huge void in the labour movement in Nigeria and Africa.

Ugboaja died on August 22 at about 2:00 p.m. after a prolonged illness.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the State Secretary of the NLC, Sokoto State Council, Comrade Hamisu Hussaini Yanduna, described the late union leader as a seasoned administrator, committed trade unionist, fearless advocate for workers’ rights and a pillar of organised labour.

Yanduna said Ugboaja remained committed to advancing workers’ welfare throughout his years of service, adding that he was a man of principle who consistently demonstrated courage in defending the interests of Nigerian workers.

‘Comrade Emmanuel Ugboaja was a principled and hardworking unionist. He was deeply committed to the labour struggle and remained a nationalist who devoted himself to the service of Nigerian workers,’ Yanduna said.

He described the deceased’s contribution to the labour movement as significant, saying his leadership, courage and dedication had earned him the respect of workers and trade unionists within and outside Nigeria.

‘His death is an irreplaceable loss to the labour movement in Nigeria and Africa. His contributions to the struggle for workers’ rights and welfare will remain a lasting part of the history of organised labour,’ he said.

Yanduna further said Ugboaja’s humility and commitment to duty would be greatly missed by colleagues, workers and associates.

‘His dedication, humility and service to Nigerian workers will be greatly missed by all and sundry. We have lost a great comrade, administrator and advocate for workers’ rights,’ he added.

The Sokoto State Council extended its condolences to the family of the deceased, his colleagues and the entire labour movement, praying for strength and comfort for those he left behind.

Ugboaja’s death has been widely regarded within organised labour as a significant loss, particularly given his role in advancing workers’ welfare, defending labour rights and contributing to national discourse on issues affecting Nigerian workers.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has departed Abuja for Europe to begin a three-week vacation as part of his annual leave.

Tinubu’s first stop is London, United Kingdom, where he is expected to spend part of the working vacation before returning to Nigeria, according to a statement issued on Sunday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

The presidential trip comes as political activities gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) opened the campaign period on August 19, allowing political parties and candidates to begin official campaign activities ahead of the January 16 presidential and National Assembly elections.

Onanuga said the President would return to Nigeria after the vacation and resume activities ahead of the elections.

The statement read in part, ‘President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will depart Abuja today for Europe to begin a three-week vacation as part of his annual leave. His first stop will be London, United Kingdom.’

Tinubu is seeking another term in office on the platform of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), with the 2027 presidential contest expected to feature several major opposition figures.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar is running under the African Democratic Congress (ADC), while Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso are the flagbearers of the New Democratic Congress (NDC).

The President’s return to Nigeria will come as parties intensify their campaigns and mobilisation ahead of the January 2027 polls.

The Delta State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has, within the past one year, seized banned substances worth over N2 billion.

Several cases involving suspects accused of trafficking hard drugs and other banned substances into the state are also pending before the courts.

The State Commander of the agency, Mr Halilu Hamidu, made the revelation when he received the management team of the State Bureau for Orientation and Communications on a working visit to the NDLEA office to brief him on preparations for the Drug-Free Delta Phase Two Campaign, being implemented in collaboration with the NDLEA.

The commander further disclosed that women constitute a significant proportion of those arrested in connection with drug trafficking, urging the state government, non-governmental organisations and other stakeholders to strengthen collaboration with the NDLEA towards the actualisation of a Drug-Free Delta.

Hamidu called for sustained collective action in support of the Drug-Free Delta campaign and the MORE Agenda of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, stressing that the government, law enforcement agencies, families, schools, civil society organisations and other stakeholders must work together to address the growing challenge of substance abuse.

The Director-General of the Bureau, Dr Fred Oghenesivbe, had earlier commended the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd.), for strengthening the agency’s drug integrity test and visa clearance initiatives, describing them as timely and strategic interventions in Nigeria’s continuing war against substance abuse, illicit drug trafficking and related social vices.

The NDLEA currently operates online platforms for both Drug Integrity Tests and Visa Clearance, with the agency describing the Drug Integrity Test as part of its demand-reduction strategy and an early intervention mechanism.

The Bureau chief said the NDLEA Drug Integrity Test initiative goes beyond routine screening, as it provides an important mechanism for early detection, intervention, counselling and rehabilitation, particularly among young people who are increasingly vulnerable to the devastating consequences of substance abuse.

He noted that the initiative, alongside the Visa Clearance programme, reinforces national efforts to discourage drug use and trafficking, promote responsible behaviour and protect Nigeria’s international image.

The Director-General said the NDLEA initiatives are particularly relevant to the Drug-Free Delta Campaign, a major public enlightenment and behavioural-change programme of the Delta State Government, launched under the leadership of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori as part of his administration’s commitment to building a safer, healthier and more productive Delta State.

Oghenesivbe disclosed that his office will commence Phase Two of the Drug-Free Delta Campaign on September 21, 2026, in collaboration with the Delta State Command of the NDLEA, with intensive sensitisation programmes across universities, colleges and selected secondary schools in the state.

He explained that Phase Two is designed to reinforce awareness among students and young people about the dangers and negative consequences of substance abuse, drug dependency and illicit drug peddling, while equipping them with the knowledge and confidence to resist peer pressure and other influences that may lead them into drug use or trafficking.

The Director-General further disclosed that the Delta State Government is considering the introduction of Drug Integrity Tests across tertiary institutions as a possible precondition for admission and graduation, subject to the necessary approvals and policy considerations.

He said such a measure, if approved and properly implemented, could contribute significantly to curbing substance abuse and the use of illicit drugs among students across the state.

Oghenesivbe called on parents, teachers, school authorities, traditional rulers, religious leaders, student unions, youth organisations, civil society groups and the media to support Phase Two of the Drug-Free Delta Campaign, stressing that government alone cannot win the war against substance abuse.

He urged students, in particular, to become ambassadors of the Drug-Free Delta vision and reject the use, sale and promotion of illicit drugs.

Covenant Mandate College of Health Technology and Medical Sciences, located at Covenant Cathedral, Covenant Bus Stop, Covenant City, Oloko, Apata, Ibadan, Oyo State, has held its maiden matriculation ceremony for newly admitted students.

The ceremony brought together hundreds of matriculating students, parents, members of the academic community, traditional and community leaders, as well as other dignitaries to mark the beginning of the students’ academic journey at the institution.

Addressing the matriculating students, the Chief Executive Officer of Covenant Mandate College of Health Technology and Medical Sciences, Rev. Dr. Mercy Ajani, urged them to remain focused and diligent in their studies while putting their absolute trust in God, whom he described as the source of wisdom and an excellent spirit.

‘I urge our matriculating students to remain focused, diligent and committed to their studies, knowing that God is the giver of wisdom and an excellent spirit.

‘Healthcare is not just a profession; it is a calling to serve humanity, save lives and make a meaningful difference in society.

‘As you begin this academic journey, trust absolutely in God, but also complement your faith with hard work, discipline and dedication.

‘At Covenant Mandate College, our goal is not only to train healthcare professionals, but to raise competent, compassionate and responsible practitioners who will positively impact lives.’

The CEO encouraged the students to take their academic responsibilities seriously and uphold the values and standards expected of future healthcare professionals.

Also speaking at the ceremony, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the University of Medical Sciences, Ondo State, Professor Olalekan Adebimpe, urged the students to strictly adhere to professional ethics and pay close attention to details in the course of their training.

The PS/IGE Zone 3 noted that medical and health-related professions are a divine calling because practitioners are entrusted with the responsibility of saving and improving human lives. He, therefore, charged the students to approach their training with discipline, commitment and a strong sense of responsibility.

The CEO expressed appreciation to all the dignitaries and stakeholders, especially the PS/IGE Zone 3, The LIE and the LEO community, who honoured the institution with their presence and support at the maiden matriculation ceremony.

The government-approved and accredited College of Health Technology offers programmes in Community Health, including Community Health Extension Worker (CHEW) and Junior Community Health Extension Worker (JCHEW), Medical Imaging Technology (MIT), Health Information Management (HIM), Medical Laboratory Sciences (MLS), Health Assists courses giver Programme, among other health-related courses.