Category: Nigerian Tribune

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has disclosed what he found out about the Boko Haram insurgents, and why the problem continues to persist years after the terrorist group’s major attack in the country.

The former President said this on Friday while giving remarks as the Chairman at the launch of ‘Scars: Nigeria’s Journey and the Boko Haram Conundrum’, a book by former Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Lucky Irabor (rtd.) in Abuja.

According to Obasanjo, the insurgent group came to be not because they were interested in political power or serious religious issues, but rather a better life.

‘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.

Continuing, 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, across the divides, 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.

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 Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has flagged off the construction of the Transit Way (N2), linking Wuse Zone 3 to the Central Area, with assurances that under his watch, no sector of the FCT Administration will be left out in the development drive of the Renewed Hope Agenda.

Speaking during the flag-off ceremony on Friday, the Minister emphasised that road infrastructure remains the backbone of any modern city, attracting investments and accelerating growth.

‘There’s no development in any city without a good network of roads. When all the cities are linked with good roads, then you talk about development. Road infrastructure attracts investment,’ Wike said.

Wike disclosed that Abuja has already caught the attention of international investors, citing a Dubai-based company that has committed to replicating the Dubai City Walk project in the FCT.

According to him, the N2 corridor, which will be supported by two strategic bridges, evolved from a citizen-led initiative around the TY Danjuma Foundation.

The Minister commended the efforts, adding that the FCTA took over and expanded the scope to connect the Central Area with the Wuse District.

While assuring strict supervision of the contractors, Wike announced fresh plans to rehabilitate not less than 40 additional schools across the FCT, complementing 70 ongoing school projects, out of which about 45 have already been completed.

He also hinted that attention will soon shift to healthcare facilities, stressing the urgency of timely project delivery.

‘Time waits for nobody. If you don’t know how to meet up, go and ask those who know how to beat up with the speed I work with,’ Wike warned, urging top officials to keep their phones on 24 hours for effective coordination.

The Minister noted that flag-off and commissioning activities will run until late October, after which more projects vital to the economy and the city’s landscape will be unveiled from November.

Despite opposition and criticisms, Wike assured that ‘All those who hate us are still using the roads, water, and streetlights we provide. We don’t know the meaning of blackmail in our dictionary; the only thing we know is to work, work, and work to the satisfaction of our people,’ Wike said.

Also speaking, the Minister of State for the FCT, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, described the project as a milestone in strengthening connectivity, easing traffic congestion, and promoting seamless movement within Abuja.

She noted that the N2 Transit Way is another demonstration of the Renewed Hope Agenda translating into visible dividends for residents.

Mahmoud further applauded the National Assembly for their consistent support through collaboration and legislative backing.

‘Your role in ensuring that the FCT receives the needed budgetary attention and oversight is highly commendable, and today, we are witnessing the fruits of such partnership,’ she stated.

The N2 road project is one of the major infrastructure efforts lined up for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s third-year anniversary, with the FCTA positioning Abuja as a model modern city through roads, schools, health facilities, and investor-friendly initiatives.

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, on Friday declared that Nigeria’s marine and blue economy sector is being strategically repositioned to serve as the country’s major revenue earner, replacing crude oil as the dominant source of national income.

Speaking at the Institute of Maritime Studies, University of Lagos (UNILAG), during the official visit of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Secretary-General, Arsenio Domínguez, Oyetola highlighted the vast opportunities inherent in the maritime sector. He said the Federal Government is committed to unlocking these opportunities through investments in infrastructure, manpower development, and international partnerships.

‘Nigeria’s future lies beyond oil. The marine and blue economy is a goldmine that can drive sustainable economic growth, create millions of jobs, and position our nation as a global maritime hub. We are determined to harness its full potential to become the primary driver of our economy,’ the minister said.

Oyetola, an alumnus of UNILAG, urged Nigerian youths to take advantage of the numerous career and investment prospects within the sector. According to him, the government’s vision for the blue economy requires a new generation of skilled professionals who will drive innovation and competitiveness.

‘There are abundant opportunities for our young people in shipping, logistics, fisheries, shipbuilding, marine research, and offshore energy. I encourage you to be bold, innovative, and diligent. The future of this sector, and indeed the future of Nigeria’s economy, rests on your shoulders,’ he added.

He commended UNILAG and the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) for their collaboration in maritime manpower development, particularly the establishment of a modern facility for the Institute of Maritime Studies.

The minister reaffirmed that the Federal Government’s marine and blue economy agenda is anchored on sustainability, innovation, and inclusivity, stressing that youth engagement and capacity building are central to achieving the long-term vision.

IF anyone still doubts where the audacity of the criminals who prowl the Nigerian landscape comes from, they need not look further than the official failure to make them pay for the crimes. Apparently, armed robbers, kidnappers and terrorists of all hues are having a swell time at the expense of defenseless, hapless Nigerians, scoffing at the authority of the Nigerian State and daring the powers that be to do their worst. To be sure, arrests take place, and a few criminals end up behind bars, but the majority of the criminals have apparently seen no reason to back-track from their evil trade. They are laying a siege to communities, farmlands, roads and, indeed, virtually any space available, giving law-abiding citizens an endless nightmare. Indeed, they seem to be intent on proving the point that no citizen is beyond their reach, and that anyone who manages to escape from them at any point in time has only just postponed the evil day. This is the thought that comes to mind as you ponder the case of the kidnappers who recently shot a victim in Delta State for, of all reasons, having an ‘insufficient’ account balance!

According to reports, operatives of the Delta State Police Command arrested the three suspected kidnappers after they had collected N2 million ransom from their victim and still shot him. The suspects identified as Chukwuebuka Nka (25), Uche Okechukwu, and Somto Chukwuma, allegedly shot the victim in the leg after discovering that he did not have ‘enough money’ in his account. The command’s spokesperson, Bright Edafe, said that the suspects were arrested following a distress call that indicated that a young man had been kidnapped from his residence in Ogwashi-Uku. According to the police spokesman, the operatives tracked the suspects to a bush in Ogwashi-Uku, where the victim was rescued with a gunshot wound. Investigations led to the arrest of Chukwuebuka Nka and Uche Okechukwu in Anambra State, where the victim’s white Toyota Venza was also recovered. Thereafter, based on the suspects’ confessions, operatives raided the outlaws’ hideout in Agidiase village, Ogwashi-uku, and arrested the third suspect. The suspects then led the police to their hideout, where their operational vehicle and a network jammer circuit device were also recovered.

If anything, this story shows the depth of the depravity of the criminal mind. Why shoot someone from whom you had already seized N2m and an SUV to boot? Which money did the criminals who complained of the victim’s financial limitation keep in his account? There is in fact a distinct possibility that the money in question does not even belong to the victim. Artisans frequently receive money meant to purchase materials needed to complete clients’ jobs in their accounts and in any case, even if the money in this case actually belonged to the victim, it is certainly clear that he did not intend it to be seized by criminals, as they turned out to do in this case. In a country where the minimum wage is N70,000, it says a lot that kidnappers who found N2 million in a victim’s account could still complain that the money was insufficient, and then proceed to shoot the victim, apparently with intent to finish him off. To these criminals, the victim, never mind the fact that he rode a Toyota SUV, had the audacity to be poor, and must pay for his poverty. No country that means to make meaningful progress allows criminals to subject law-abiding citizens to such harrowing experiences. Government exists, and collects tax, for the primary purpose of ensuring that citizens are safe and secure.

Of course, this Delta kidnapping case, like the many others that innocent Nigerians confront on a daily basis, boils down to governmental failure. Over the years, and particularly in recent years, the Nigerian government has failed to protect citizens. Politicians have put the people’s lives in peril while living atrociously luxurious lives with their money, and they are apparently set in their ways because, like in the case of the criminals who lay the land waste, there are hardly any consequences for their actions in office. In Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Somtochukwu Maduagwu, a prominent journalist, recently lost her life while trying to escape from the robbers who invaded her residence. So many citizens have lost their lives in such harrowing circumstances that highlight the dysfunctionality of the Nigerian state.

The Delta kidnapping victim is fortunate to be alive, but many citizens have lost their lives in such circumstances, and their voices will never be heard again, except symbolically. The government is duty-bound to ensure that the criminals who subject law-abiding citizens to agony are fished out and punished to the fullest extent allowed by law. Leaving law-abiding citizens at the mercy of criminals makes utter mockery of the law. It sends the dangerous signal that crime actually does pay, and that those who abide by the law are wasting their time. We urge the government to bear this point in mind and make crime unattractive even to criminals.

THE Muslim Congress (TMC), Oyo West Local Government chapter, has inaugurated its newly appointed patrons, conferring certificates of recognition on eight distinguished members, with Alhaji Saheed Ishola Sodem named as grand patron.

The investiture ceremony was held on Sunday at the Anwarul Islam Central Mosque, Gedu Scheme, Oyo.

The new patrons include Alhaji Saheed Ishola Sodem (grand patron), Alhaji AbdulGaniy Asimiyu Alawo, Alhaji Dhikrulah Olalekan Ojombo, Alhaji Faruq Doyin Asaye, Alhaji Kabir Oyeleye Omo Oye, Alhaji Tijani Ridwanullah, Alhaji AbdulQuodri Ayantunji Ayanyemi and Alhaji Abdul Azeez Abdul Rasaq.

In an address, the Wakil (Local Government Coordinator) of TMC Oyo West, Ustadh Abdur Razaq Olayiwola, commended the honorees for their commitment to the propagation and development of Islam in the community.

‘We appreciate your immense contributions to the growth of Islam within and outside Oyo town. Your numerous meritorious deeds have convinced us that you are truly deserving of this honour,’ he said.

Delivering the inaugural lecture, the Waali (State Coordinator) of The Muslim Congress, Oyo State, Alhaji Daud Oladosu, described TMC as one of the most credible and impactful Islamic organisations in Nigeria.

He stressed that the mission and vision of the organisation are firmly rooted in the teachings of the Qur’an and Sunnah, covering all aspects of human and societal development.

He urged the patrons to support TMC’s initiatives both morally and financially, stating: ‘Those who have partnered with The Muslim Congress can testify that we are not only trustworthy but also transparent in our accountability before God and man.’

Responding on behalf of the newly inaugurated patrons, Alhaji Saheed Ishola Sodem expressed appreciation, describing TMC as a trustworthy and value-driven organisation reflective of the broader Islamic Ummah.

‘TMC is the only organisation with a genuine Islamic framework for addressing societal challenges. I have known this organisation for a long time and I have never heard anything negative about it. Associating with TMC is not only safe but also a step toward earning Allah’s pleasure,’ he remarked.

The event also featured an awards presentation to past leaders of TMC, Oyo West chapter.

The honorees included Professor Miftaudeen Rauf, Alhaji Waliyullah Abdulkareem, Ustadh Abdurrasheed Abdurraheem Aseke and Ustadh Abdulhakeem Adeyanju, recognised for their notable service and leadership.

Coronation Securities Limited has secured two prestigious industry accolades, cementing its position as Africa’s leading securities trading and brokerage platform.

The firm received the Best Securities Trading and Brokerage, Africa 2025 award from Brands Review Magazine, just as the International Finance Awards recognised it as the Fastest Growing Online Trading Platform, Nigeria 2025.

These honours reflect Coronation Securities’ unwavering commitment to transforming Africa’s capital markets through innovative digital solutions and client-centric services. The recognition comes at a pivotal moment when Nigerian investors increasingly demand seamless, transparent trading platforms that deliver both accessibility and reliability.

‘These awards validate our mission to democratise access to Nigeria’s capital markets,’ said Segun Owadokun, Deputy, Chief Executive Officer at Coronation Securities Limited. ‘We’ve witnessed firsthand how limited access to credible trading platforms has hindered wealth creation across Africa. Our Coronation Wealth Plus App addresses these pain points whilst maintaining the highest standards of transparency and trust,’ he added.

The company’s comprehensive suite includes Equities Brokerage, Listings and Advisory Ancillary Services, Financial Management, as well as fixed income securities spanning commercial papers, bonds, and treasury bills.This integrated approach tackles longstanding market challenges, including restricted access to sophisticated trading tools and concerns over platform reliability. Coronation Securities has experienced remarkable growth by addressing critical gaps in Nigeria’s investment landscape. Traditional barriers such as complex onboarding processes, limited product offerings, and inadequate customer support have been systematically eliminated through the firm’s technology-first approach.

The Coronation Wealth Plus App exemplifies this transformation, offering investors intuitive access to diverse investment opportunities whilst maintaining institutional-grade security protocols. This platform innovation has attracted both seasoned investors seeking advanced features and newcomers requiring user-friendly interfaces. Looking ahead, these accolades strengthen Coronation Securities’ trajectory towards expanding across Africa whilst deepening its Nigerian market penetration. The firm anticipates significant client acquisition growth as awareness of credible, award-winning solutions increases among sophisticated investors.

The recognition also reinforces credibility with regulatory bodies, strategic partners, and institutional investors who increasingly prioritise working with proven market leaders. This validation supports Coronation Securities’ broader mission of creating sustainable wealth for clients whilst contributing to Africa’s economic transformation.

As Africa’s financial markets continue to evolve, Coronation Securities remains positioned to lead this transformation through innovative solutions that address real client needs while maintaining unwavering service excellence.

The Shippers Association of Lagos State (SALS) has elected Nicodemus Olorunshola Odolo of Nisol Worldwide Investment as its new President, following a keenly contested election held in Lagos.

He takes over office from Barr. Leonard Ogamba, the former President of the association.

Odolo secured victory with nine votes, defeating Princess (Mrs.) Mulikat Fehintola Sanni of Mulifelong Motors, who polled two votes.

His emergence marks a new leadership era for SALS, as he pledged to reposition the association for greater impact in Nigeria’s maritime sector.

Other executives elected during the exercise include Mrs. Ngozi Modebelu of WACTAF Association, who became Vice President unopposed after Dr. Farinto Collins Kayode of Wealthy Honey Investment stepped down. Ganni Alli Shobande of Accessport Nigeria Ltd. was returned unopposed as Secretary General, while Wilson Osim of Dangote Industries Ltd. emerged unopposed as Financial Secretary. Also elected unopposed were Mr. Ike Nwago of Multifreight Nig. Ltd. as Publicity Secretary and Barr. Remigius Uche Odoh of Maritime and Commercial Law Partners, who administered the oath of office to the new executives.

The election was conducted under the supervision of Pastor Jonah Amata, who served as the Electoral and Returning Officer.

In his acceptance speech, Odolo expressed gratitude to members of the association for entrusting him with the leadership mandate, describing his victory as a ‘collective achievement’ rather than a personal triumph. He reaffirmed his commitment to unity, promising to foster inclusiveness and collaboration among members.

‘This victory belongs to all of us. It is testimony to the power of unity and cooperation, and I believe that together we can achieve great things,’ Odolo said.

He unveiled part of his vision to strengthen SALS, pledging to take the association to national and international recognition where cargo owners will have a strong voice in maritime affairs.

Odolo further disclosed plans to tackle delays in cargo clearance at Nigerian ports, targeting a system that ensures consignments are released within 12 to 48 hours instead of months.

Acknowledging past divisions within the association, Odolo stressed the need for reconciliation and renewed harmony. ‘There may be different understandings concerning policies or issues, but when we sit together, we find unity. What happened this afternoon is proof of that unity,’ he added.

The new President assured members that his administration would immediately engage critical maritime stakeholders, including shipping companies, terminal operators, truck owners, and freight forwarders, to drive reforms that would benefit cargo owners and the nation’s economy.

With the swearing-in of the new executives, members of SALS expressed optimism that the association would witness stronger cohesion and greater relevance under Odolo’s leadership.

The Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday, refused to hear an application filed by Dumebi Kachiku against Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and Sen. David Mark-led leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Kachikwu, the 2023 presidential candidate of ADC, is seeking an order compelling INEC to, forthwith, withdraw the unlawful publication of Mark and Rauf Aregbesola’s names as national chairman and secretary of the party pending the determination of the suit.

Justice James Omotosho, however, declined to hear the motion, marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/1331/2025, which was brought by Dayo Akinlaja, SAN, on Kachikwu’s behalf.

‘This court is not inclined to nullify anything at this stage whether done before or now. This is a political case. I am not taking any interlocutory matter,’ he said.

Instead, Justice Omotosho held that all the processes filed by the parties, including the preliminary objections of the defence,would be taken together with the substantive suit.

All efforts by Akinlaja to have his application heard were rebuffed by the judge.

Recall that INEC had, recently, recognised Mark, the former senate president, and Aregbesola, ex-governor of Osun, as ADC’s national chairman and national secretary.

Kachikwu and others had, on July 7, filed the originating summons to challenge the purported appointment and declaration of Mark and Aregbesola as national chairman and secretary of the party.

Others in the suit include Adikwu Elias, Etimbuk Umoh, Muhammed Khala, Alaku Godwin William as 2nd to 5th plaintiffs.

They named INEC, ADC, Chief Ralph Nwosu, Mark, Aregbesola as 1st to 5th defendants respectively.

When the case was called on Friday, Akinlaja informed the court that the matter was adjourned for hearing.

The lawyer, however, told the court that a motion was filed on Sept. 19 by the plaintiff.

He said the motion was hinged on the fact that despite the pendency of the suit in court, INEC chose to recognise the leadership of Mark and Aregbesola.

In the motion, the plaintiffs sought an order setting aside the purported recognition and publication of Mark and Aregbesola’s names as chairman and secretary of ADC.

They argued that the action, having been done during the pendency of the suit and in violation of the doctrine of lis pendens.

They also sought an order of injunction restraining Nwosu, Mark and Aregbesola from continuing to deal or relate with INEC in the capacity of national officers of the party.

Akinlaja, therefore, pleaded with the judge to have the motion taken but to no avail.

Shaibu Aruwa, SAN, who appeared for ADC, and other lawyers for the defence, opposed the application.

Justice Omotosho, who granted an application for joinder filed by Nkemakolam Ukandu, the deputy national secretary of ADC, made a consequential order for amendment of the suit to accommodate Ukandu’s name as a defendant.

The judge gave 48 working hours to the plaintiff’s to file their consequential amendment and seven days to the defence to respond and adjourned the matter till October 23 for hearing.

Peter Obi has outlined how the EFCC recovered loot of ?853 billion should be strategically invested to directly benefit Nigerians, insisting on transparency and accountability in their utilisation.

The former Anambra State governor and Labour Party presidential candidate, in a post on his X handle Friday, commended the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for the recovery, describing it as ‘a step in the right direction.’

However, Obi cautioned that the ?853 billion was ‘just a tiny fraction of the funds looted from the public treasury by leaders,’ and stressed that ‘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.’

The Labour Party standard-bearer said Nigerians ‘want to see impact’ and must be able to trace where and how the EFCC recovered funds are invested.

He noted that the country currently has over 20 million out-of-school children, the highest figure globally, and more than 100 million citizens living in poverty, with the situation being worse in the North.

Obi argued that if the recovered funds are properly channelled, they could significantly contribute to breaking the cycle of poverty, illiteracy, and insecurity.

‘For example, the Federal Government 2024 operational budget for Universal Basic Education contribution is about ?251.47 billion, so to triple this sum will be an additional ?503 billion.

‘The remaining ?350 billion can be shared directly to 19 Northern provinces for lending microcredit to the poor,’ Obi proposed, noting that many states have long applied for as little as ?2 billion in similar loans from development banks.

The former governor warned that the announcement should not end up as another mere record of recovery but rather mark the beginning of a new era of accountability.

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

Social media has become an inseparable part of our daily life, especially for Generation Z – young people born between the mid-1990s and early 2010s. While platforms like TikTok, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and Snapchat provide entertainment, connection, and opportunities, they also come with significant downsides.

In this article, Tribune Online examines seven negative effects of social media on Gen Z:

1. Mental Health Struggles

Constant exposure to curated ‘perfect lives’ on social media has been linked to anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem among Gen Z. Many young people struggle with comparing themselves to unrealistic standards.

2. Addiction and Reduced Productivity

less scrolling, binge-watching short videos, and constant notifications can lead to digital addiction. This often disrupts study schedules, reduces productivity, and affects real-life responsibilities.

3. Cyberbullying and Online Harassment

Gen Z is highly vulnerable to online trolling, body shaming, and cyberbullying. Hurtful comments or viral hate posts can have long-lasting emotional and psychological effects.

4. Sleep Deprivation

Late-night scrolling has become common among Gen Z. Studies show that excessive screen time before bed disrupts sleep patterns, leading to fatigue, poor concentration, and reduced academic or work performance.

5. Shortened Attention Span

The rise of short-form content like TikTok videos and Instagram reels has contributed to shrinking attention spans. Many Gen Zers now struggle with focusing on tasks or consuming long-form content like books and articles.

6. Unrealistic Expectations and Pressure

From viral ‘glow-up’ challenges to luxury lifestyle posts, social media often sets unrealistic expectations. This can pressure young people into overspending, unhealthy dieting, or chasing clout for validation.

7. Privacy and Safety Risks

Oversharing personal details makes Gen Z vulnerable to scams, identity theft, and exploitation. Many underestimate how much private information can be misused by strangers or even corporations.