Category: Nigerian Tribune

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has stated that the insecurity situation in Nigeria has festered to the extent that Boko Haram, banditry, and kidnapping are now mixed, making it difficult to tackle.

Obasanjo, who spoke on Friday as the Chairman at the launch of ‘Scars: Nigeria’s journey so far and Boko Haram Conundrum’, a book by former Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Lucky Irabor (rtd.), in Abuja, explained that Boko Haram emerged not as a group interested in either political power or serious issues.

According to him, all the insurgent group wanted was a better life and anything associated with it.

‘I found, yes, there was Boko Haram. I found they were not really aiming for anything political or anything seriously religious. But in short, they were looking for a better life. And any other thing attached to that is a better life for them,’ he said.

The former Nigerian head of state and two-term civilian president questioned steps taken by Nigeria as a nation in addressing the challenges, adding that if the country had taken the right steps, Boko Haram would not have been a part of its daily life.

‘Have we understood that? If we have, have we taken the steps that we should take? If we have, why are we, after fifteen years, Boko Haram is not virtually becoming part of our life? Should we accept that? If we should not accept, what should we do? How much do we know?’ He asked.

Obasanjo further questioned the country’s proactiveness in dealing with the insurgency problem, which he said is becoming a monster within the country.

‘I think we have to ask ourselves the necessary questions to be able to deal with this thing that is now becoming a monster within our country,’ he added.

Continuing, Obasanjo said he agreed to write the foreword for the book authored by Irabor because he believes Nigeria needs to retrace its steps and ask questions from the past to be able to deal with the situation at hand and the future.

While praising Irabor for insisting on bringing him to Abuja as the chairman of the launch after the foreword, the former president added that he believed Irabor has, through the book, examined the past with courage.

‘I want to thank you again, as I have said, for the courage, because you need the courage to write the type of book you are forgetting.

‘And I also see and you mentioned it in the video that we saw that interrogation will be a strong word, but that word you use. Shouldn’t we examine our past?

What is in our past that is becoming debilitating, destructive to our present and obviously to us? I believe that is what you have tried to do in your book.

‘There’s normally the tendency. Don’t talk about it. Let’s leave it. And I believe that we must get out of that culture. Let us say it as it is.

‘The history, the life of any nation, any family, any institution has the good, the bad, and the ugly. What is important? And now, mister, master of ceremony and mistress of ceremony made that point: let us have it. Let us look at it, and let us think about it. And when we have to find a solution, we may even look beyond what we can see. Let us think beyond what is available. And I think that is what you have done here.’

Obasanjo added by urging anyone with information on how Nigeria can permanently address the problem of insecurity to also speak up, just like the former CDS.

‘And I will urge and appeal that those who have things to say about this particular issue of Boko Haram, we don’t even know where Boko Haram stops and banditry starts, and kidnapping begins. They are all mixed together. We can’t go on this way. Surely, we can’t. Something must be done.

‘And the beginning of something being done is the book, ‘Scars: Nigeria’s journey and the Boko Haram conundrum.’ I hope and I appeal that those who have things to say, who know things that we should know, come up.

‘Even those who have been on the other side, who have been part or supporter of Boko Haram for whatever Boko Haram is, let them write. Let them speak up.

‘And that way, we will be able to find solutions to the problem, which cannot continue to go on without bringing it to an end,’ the former President remarked.

The event had in attendance other prominent Nigerians, including former President Goodluck Jonathan, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represented by Minister of Defense, Abubakar Bagudu; Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar; Bishop Hassan Kukah, among others.

The First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Oluremi Tinubu, on Friday, performed the official commissioning of the 100-bed capacity ultra-modern mother and child specialist hospital in Gombe.

The hospital, named in her honour, is part of the government’s efforts through the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to strengthen healthcare infrastructure.

Speaking at the ceremony, Senator Tinubu ‘has opened doors to life, hope and a brighter future for women and children of Gombe and beyond.’

She emphasised that maternal and child health remains at the heart of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which seeks to ensure every Nigerian child has a healthy start in life.

‘It is my belief that this facility will provide quality health services, reduce maternal and infant mortality and bring relief to countless families,’ the First Lady said.

She expressed profound gratitude to Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, his wife Hajiya Asma’u, and the people of Gombe for naming the hospital after her, commending the Governor’s sustained commitment to healthcare development.

The Senior Special Assistant to the President on SDGs, Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, in her remarks, said the project underpins Nigeria’s commitment to achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 3 which focuses on good health and well-being.

The inauguration was attended by Governor Inuwa Yahaya, his wife, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, and other dignitaries.

The Chief of Mission of the European Union Election Follow-up Mission (EU-EFM), Barry Andrews, has urged Nigeria’s leaders to urgently implement key electoral reforms to ensure credible, transparent, and inclusive general elections in 2027.

Speaking in Abuja at the conclusion of the EU delegation’s latest assessment, Andrews warned that delays in enacting reforms could undermine preparations for the polls.

He said, ‘Proposals would be a major step forward and a clear signal that those who break the law cannot act with impunity. Elections are not a contest without rules but a contest governed by law. Even if such a commission is not established, closer cooperation between INEC, EFCC, the police, and the judiciary would go a long way to addressing impunity.’

Andrews stressed that the European Union has no intention of interfering in Nigeria’s internal affairs, but seeks to support institutions and stakeholders working to strengthen democracy.

‘We are here as guests at Nigeria’s invitation, at the invitation of INEC, and we fully respect Nigeria’s sovereignty. Our role is not to interfere but to observe and to support,’ he said.

One of the mission’s strongest concerns centered on Nigeria’s electoral legal framework. According to Andrews, last-minute amendments to laws and regulations risk undermining both INEC’s preparedness and public trust.

‘INEC cannot operate on shifting ground; it needs a clear and stable legal framework well in advance of the elections,’ he said. ‘Completing this work soon would give INEC the clarity it needs and give all stakeholders the confidence to prepare properly for 2027.’

He also emphasised the importance of protecting the Nigerian press ahead of the elections. ‘Journalists are essential to any democracy. They inform voters, hold institutions accountable, and keep public debate alive,’ Andrews noted.

‘Yet we continue to hear troubling reports of harassment, threats, and even violence against media practitioners. What is needed is a credible system to investigate and prosecute attacks swiftly and effectively. Without a free and safe media, citizens cannot make informed choices and democracy itself is weakened.’

The EU mission further called on political actors to address declining voter participation. Successive elections have seen turnout drop, with fewer Nigerians willing to cast their ballots. Andrews described this as a sign of eroding confidence in the political process.

‘Falling turnout in successive elections shows that the stakes have never been higher,’ he warned. ‘The upcoming INEC appointments, greater transparency of results, swift investigation and prosecution of electoral offences, legal clarity, safeguarding freedom of expression and protection of the media, and stronger women’s representation are all crucial for restoring trust.’

On women’s political participation, Andrews welcomed legislative momentum to improve representation but insisted that more work must be done to make politics inclusive.

‘Some positive steps have been taken, particularly the bill for better women’s representation,’ he said. ‘But inclusiveness cannot be postponed. It must be a priority if democracy is to truly reflect the diversity and strength of the Nigerian people.’

The mission also commended cooperation between parliament and civil society, which Andrews described as a promising foundation for reforms.

‘We have seen constructive engagement between lawmakers and civil society groups,’ he explained. ‘This cooperation is essential to ensure that reforms are not only passed but also implemented in a way that responds to citizens’ needs and strengthens democratic governance.’

He reiterated the EU’s long-standing commitment to Nigeria’s democratic development, recalling that European missions have observed elections in the country since 1999.

‘Together with its member states, the EU remains committed to supporting Nigeria’s democratic development and will continue to engage with Nigerian stakeholders on advancing electoral reform,’ Andrews said.

He urged Nigeria’s political class to act swiftly and decisively.

‘The message of this follow-up mission is clear: we encourage all political actors to seize the current momentum, to deliver reforms that can safeguard transparency, inclusiveness, and credibility in the 2027 elections,’ he concluded.

It was a new dawn for Nigerians at the Ballroom of Federal Palace Hotel Lagos where the first-ever Travelpreneur conference and Expo hosted visitors, trade buyers, sellers and host of other tourism value chain participants to a two-day event packed with exciting take home for future entrepreneurs.

Organised by Travconex Projects Limited, a subsidiary of Aeroport Group, the two days MICE platform came handy with tailored-made sessions that created B2B sessions for all segments of participants.

For stakeholders who thronged the event in their numbers, travelconexpo was a one-stop-shop to connect, share ideas, learn the power of collaboration and how to leverage on the trend of the moment, which is the effective use of artificial intelligence (AI) ana the digital space to go global.

Also, an area of interest highlighted by one of the speakers and a good take home for the future is to know that there is commerce before e-commerce and for anyone to strategically remain globally relevant you must think globally and work locally.

Speaking at an opening session titled; Transforming Travel: The Next Frontier for Travelpreneurs, the Group CEO, Wakanow, Mr Bayo Adedeji highlighted the complexities of operating in Nigeria’s unique market compared to western countries.

Adedeji added; ‘Nigeria requires tailored solutions for its distinct environment through infrastructure, payment systems and technological needs.

‘To succeed, businesses must invest in locally adapted technology, develop payment systems that cater to the Nigerian market’s preference for bank transfer, and ensure seamless integration between digital platforms and payment systems.’He noted that understanding the local market and adapting strategies accordingly is crucial for business success in Nigeria.

He noted that strategies that work in Western countries such as the UK and US may not be effective in Nigeria due to differences in infrastructure, payment systems, and technology.

*Investing in solid technology is crucial, but it can be expensive, with some companies paying up to $2 million annually. Moreover, Nigeria’s unique business environment requires tailored solutions, making it impossible to rely on foreign technology without adapting it to local needs.

*Nigeria’s payment landscape is dominated by bank transfers, with only four per cent of customers using cards for online transactions.

‘This makes it essential for businesses to innovate and find solutions that cater to local preferences, such as virtual accounts tied to specific transactions.’

Adedeji emphasised the importance of seamless integration between digital platforms, customer inspiration, and payment systems to drive business success.

He explained that in Nigeria, businesses cannot afford to use dollar-based technology to make naira, emphasizing the need for locally adapted solutions, pointing out that payment and collection systems must be designed with the Nigerian market in mind, where bank transfers are the norm.

He jowevet advised that to succeed in Nigeria, businesses must understand the local market and adapt their strategies accordingly.

‘This includes investing in technology that can be tailored to Nigeria’s unique business environment, developing payment systems that cater to local preferences, and ensuring seamless integration between digital platforms and payment systems,’ Adedeji added.

Also Dr Daisi Olotu, GMD/CEO, Dees Holdings, in his remark applauded the uncommon effort by the organiser to not only put this together but also rallied the personalities and crop of speakers that graced this event.

‘Somebody came up with this and we have always seen it as something that is unachievable but the Group CEO of Aeroport Group, Gideon Oludauo has been able to put this up. This is commendable, He said.

Alao, the Director General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Captain Chris Najomo, who was represented by a director, acknowledged the Travelvonexpo initiative and its place in the travel landscape as a veritable platform for stakeholders to learn from experts and professionals in the industry.

He added that the rave of the moment test on digital space and technology but not that beyond that, stakeholders need to study the style of the market in order to strategically align with the trend that will boost their businesses.

Earlier, while welcoming guests to the first-ever Travelpreneur Conference, Expo TRAVCONE??? 2025, Dr Oludayo said ‘this moment is historic. What was once a dream has now become a platform, a movement, and a legacy in motion..

‘Today, we gather in the grand ballroom of the Federal Palace Hotel to celebrate, not just an event, but the birth of a new era for travel and tourism in Nigeria and across Africa.

‘Our theme for this maiden edition ‘Innovating the Future of Travel: Empowering Entrepreneurs in a New Era’ – captures the heartbeat of our mission. ‘The future of travel will be shaped by those who embrace innovation, creativity, and resilience. TRAVCONEXPO was created as that platform where entrepreneurs rise, ideas connect, and opportunities thrive, He said.

Over the two days, you will experience a rich program designed to inspire and equip you with different insightful sessions and references by powerful keynote sessions that bring clarity to the future,

Among these are panel discussions addressing real industry challenges, practical workshops that deliver tools you can apply immediately, and avibrant trade fair showcasing solutions, partnerships, and possibilities.

According to Oludayo, TRAVCONEXPO is about people. It is about the conversations you will have, the connections you will make, and the visions that will be birthed in this atmosphere.

‘I must pause here to express heartfelt gratitude to the Institutes and industry bodies who endorsed us, the trade partners and sponsors who believed in this vision, the exhibitors who showed up to make it real, and you – the participants whose presence has made this first edition historic. Your trust and support have turned what was once only an idea into a living reality,’ added Oludayo.

Popular Nollywood Director, Muyideen Oladapo, (A.K.A Lala) has announced the stage opera of ‘The Gods Have Spoken’ at Terra Kulture in Lagos.

The opera, written by Dr. Taiye Adeola, will feature a collection of top Nollywood actors and actresses including Lateef Adedimeji, Femi Branch, Dr. Tunji Sotimirin, Omowunmi Dada and Lizzy Jay.

Addressing the media in Lagos on Tuesday, Lala, who also directed the stage performance of Ola Rotimi’s play ‘Kurunmi’, said the collection of stars for the opera was a deviation from the norm, as the audience will be seeing them in another element for the first time ever. He added that the play has a 40-page script and over 140 pages of music, while the performance will feature over 80 actors and crew members.

‘Opera is a play in the form of music and art where the singers and instrumentalists perform in a theatrical way. Every line will be acted out in the form of a song. I chose to perform ‘The Gods Have Spoken’ because the message mirrors society. It’s a story that gives hope to the common man in their pursuit of destiny,’ he said.

Commenting on the play, Dr. Sotimirin assured the audience of a spectacular experience, citing that ‘This is a tiny script with a unique, significant message and dialogue being rendered for a spectacle to behold. This is to celebrate the common man’s voice to equip themselves.’

The Choreography Director, Segun Adefila,explained that the story which is about destiny and character teaches how man can influence the voice of the gods to bring destiny to life.

Speaking at the performance rehearsal, the Music Director, Adeaga Mofopefoluwa, said ‘The Gods Have Spoken is a peculiar play with a unique message for the audience. We’ve been working on the music scoresheet written by the writer and the arranger of the play, orchestrating the performance of this play. I assure the audience of a captivating performance different from what they’ve experienced.’

The producer, Olamide Oladapo, hinting that the performance will also feature something special, urged the audience to be on the lookout, ‘This is a satire and total theatre: dancing, acting, singing, with actors saying their lines in the form of songs. This will captivate and engage the audience. And I would like to add that we have something special coming on stage. I want everyone to watch out and come see,’ Oladapo said.

The opera of ‘The Gods Have Spoken’ will be at Terra Kulture, Victoria Island, Lagos on October 18 and 19.

A Federal High Court in Warri, Delta State, has ordered the Nigeria Police Force and the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, to maintain the status quo in a suit filed by lawyer John Aikpokpo-Martins, who is contesting the legality of the newly introduced tinted permit enforcement.

The court’s order comes a day after the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) vowed to provide free legal services to Nigerians harassed by the police over the controversial tinted glass permit, which it described as ‘illegal.’

The NBA, through its Section on Public Interest and Development Law, said the police had no constitutional basis to impose fees or annual renewals on motorists, warning that enforcement of the policy was both unlawful and a revenue-driven scheme.

In a statement on Thursday, the Chairman of the NBA’s Public Interest Litigation Committee, Olukunle Edun (SAN), said: ‘We shall invoke the powers of the court to ensure that the Nigeria Police Force does not trample on the rights of Nigerians. Any citizen who is harassed by the police in the purported enforcement of the illegal tinted glass permit should feel free to contact any of the NBA branches.

‘The Human Rights Committees of the 130 branches of the NBA in Nigeria are ready to offer pro bono services to anyone who is harassed. It has been estimated that the police may generate at least N3bn within a month from monies that will be collected, thus turning the police into a revenue-generating agency of the Federal Government instead of focusing on the more serious issue of crime.’

Nollywood actress, Laide Bakare, has explained why she introduced her teenage daughter, Simisola, to clubbing and alcohol at the age of 17.

Bakare, in an interview with content creator Mr Lilgaga, said her choice was deliberate. She noted that she wanted her daughter to always remember her role in her first experience with nightlife.

‘I took my daughter to the club for the first time at 17. And I like the fact that in her memoir, she would reference me as the person who introduced her to alcohol and clubbing,’ she said.

The actress added that she preferred being the one to expose Simisola to such experiences, instead of leaving her to figure it out on her own or through peers.

‘At least, she would say, ‘it was my mother who showed me these things first,” she added.

Simisola had earlier celebrated her 17th birthday in grand style with her friends, family, and her mother’s colleagues. A video from the event showed her dancing in a gown while surrounded by friends who cheered her on.

Laide Bakare’s comments have since generated mixed reactions online, with many people debating her parenting approach and decision to introduce her daughter to nightlife at a young age.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Writing on his X handle, he stated:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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