Category: Nigerian Tribune

No fewer than ten people died, while eleven others sustained serious injuries in a road accident at Apamaru along Obajana-Lokoja highway on Saturday.

Tribune Online gathered that the accident involved a white Toyota Hiace commercial bus with registration number KTG 100YL, bearing 21 male passengers at the time of the incident.

The spokesman of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Assistant Corps Marshal Olusegun Ogungbemide, in a statement issued on Saturday said that a preliminary investigation by the FRSC crash team revealed the crash was caused by speed violation and wrongful overtaking by the driver, who lost control of the vehicle during a night journey.

He said: ‘Out of the 21 persons involved, 10 were killed on the spot, while 11 sustained varying degrees of injuries, including deep cuts, fractures, and bruises.

‘The injured victims were evacuated to Fisayo Hospital, Obajana, while the remains of the deceased were handed over to their families and taken to Sarikin Hausawa, Obajana, for burial in line with Islamic rites.’

Ogungbemide said the Corps Marshal of FRSC, expressed grief over the incident, warning that night travels, excessive speeding, and wrongful overtaking continue to be major causes of fatal road crashes in Nigeria.

‘He, therefore, called on commercial vehicle operators to adhere strictly to road safety regulations, emphasising that the Corps will intensify its enforcement on Overloading and advocacy to discourage Night Journey across critical corridors in Nigeria.

‘The Corps Marshal urged passengers to remain vigilant and proactive in cautioning or reporting drivers who exhibit reckless behaviour behind the wheel,’ Ogungbemide said.

The bodies were evacuated from the accident scene in Saturday morning at about 9 am.

I discovered that I sleep well with my TV on. However, I have recently been advised that the habit may be unhealthy. Kindly advise me.

Chike (by SMS)

Many people find that sleeping with the TV on helps them sleep. However, experts generally agree that this isn’t a good idea. Sleeping with the TV on increases your exposure to blue light, which can increase your risk for obesity, diabetes, and other health problems.

Nigerian music star, David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido on Saturday sparked reactions on social media after responding to a comment made by an X user who criticised a fan’s post about his meal.

The controversy began when a fan shared a photo of Davido’s food online, prompting an X user identified as @IkaIwe to comment, ‘This type of thing should be going on his Snapchat ??.’

Quoting the comment, Davido expressed his irritation at being told what to post, saying, ‘Ur very stupid . nah u go tell me wetin to do with my life I never see this kind thing before . I can’t post my plantain n eggs again . wtf y’all be on fr.’

The singer’s response quickly drew attention on X, with netizens describing Davido’s reaction as unnecessary for someone of his calibre. Reacting to the exchange, another X user, @UnkleAyo, wrote, ‘Bro is son to a billionaire, one of the most successful Afrobeats artiste and still bothers about what user @/vasopresssoo thinks about his food.

‘Tweets from his $1.5B mansion and getting rattled by bot accounts who have prolly not eaten that morning.

‘You need self esteem soap.’

Similarly, another user, eneskloset, faulted Davido’s behaviour, stating, ‘Whoever is managing Davido has failed as a manager. Both his team and management failed to keep him in check. As a public figure and entertainer it is very wrong to act this way on a public space let alone throw insult to people every now and then. Davido is great but he should try and calm down and keep his head in check, he behaves like a child.’

ON Monday, October 6, the Honourable Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Henry Dele Alake clocks 69. For many in Nigeria, the name conjures memories of his decades as a journalist and public communicator. These days, it represents a new hope for sustainable reform in Nigeria’s solid minerals sector and Africa’s mining industry. To understand the minister, you must know his father, Pa Michael Ojo Alake. He graduated in Philosophy from Fourah Bay College, then West Africa’s most prestigious university. He later founded and ran the Benevolent High School in Lagos, where indigenes of his hometown Ikoro-Ekiti, as well as indigent students, attended free of charge. His sacrifice was not ignored. The Ikoro people gave him the title, Eleyinmi of Ikoro-Ekiti to appreciate his benevolence. Between 1979 and 1983, Alake Senior was one of the trusted advisers of Governor Lateef Jakande on the formulation and implementation of the free education programme, a scheme which scrapped the classroom shift system and built over 500 new schools to accommodate the pupils in one single shift within four years.

Being an educationist, Alake Senior knew the impact of good schools in forming the character of a civilised, confident and progressive child. He put his son in the best schools of the times -Surulere Baptist Primary School, Surulere, Lagos; Christ’s School, Ado-Ekiti, Igbobi College, Yaba- and topped it with university education at the University of Lagos, where the minister studied Political Science and later earned a Master’s in Mass Communication. But his exposure was not only academic. His inter-campus, extra-curricular engagements brought him under the influence of Professor Wole Soyinka, further raising his social consciousness and commitment to public good. This pedigree set a high standard in morality, elocution, and public service for the minister. He is still determined to surpass it. His father excelled in education, but he chose communications. As soon as he enrolled in the National Youth Service Corps and was deployed to Ogun State Radio, his hard work and creativity were noticed. The organisation entrusted him with tasks of confirmed staffers. His work led to his engagement with Lagos State Radio and a quick elevation to Senior Sub-Editor-one of the fastest advancements in the organisation’s history.

The crusader

As columnist, news manager, and editor, Alake made crusading for good governance the raison d’être of his career. His choice of stories and writings was deliberately crafted to conscientize the readers in the fashion of Paulo Freire’s Pedagogy of the Oppressed. This required immense courage under military rule, and he was often the guest of the secret service. At such times, they would find him ready with his toilet bag. At one point, Concord Press of Nigeria, where he worked, was put under lock and key by the junta. But this didn’t deter the crusader, whose conviction that journalism must have social relevance made him even more determined to mobilise the people to resist bad governance. To Dele, the words of Frantz Fannon, that ‘ the future will have no pity for those men, who, possessing the exceptional privilege of being able to speak words of truth to their oppressors but have, instead, taken refuge in an attitude of passivity, of mute indifference, and sometimes, of cold complicity’ was a call to be an agent of change.

The annulment of the June 12, 1993 election won freely by the publisher of Concord Press, Bashorun Moshood Kashimawo Abiola thrust him into the epicentre of the struggle for the actualisation of this historic exercise of popular sovereignty by the Nigerian people. In that titanic struggle, he met and worked alongside Senator Bola Tinubu, who had given up his plan to be president of the Third Republic Senate to facilitate Abiola’s emergence. A comradeship that endures to date was forged in the furnace of that struggle, in Nigeria and exile. Indeed, Tinubu’s plan to return to the Senate in 1998 was diverted to governorship by advisers such as Alake, who believed he had established the progressive profile and financial wizardry to execute Abiola’s manifesto, Farewell to Poverty, in Lagos State at a micro-level and later escalate to the national level. When Bola Tinubu became Governor of Lagos State in 1999, Alake became the Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, a position he held till 2007. In that capacity, he was instrumental in shaping the communications strategy and public image of the Tinubu administration in Lagos. Beyond Lagos, Alake’s involvement in national politics deepened. In December 2014, he was appointed Director of Media and Communication for the Buhari Campaign Organisation during the 2015 presidential election. Over the years, he cultivated a reputation as a strategist, tactician, and loyal political confidant of President Tinubu.

The mining reformer

Only a man like Alake, who has established the mental agility for cracking difficult tasks and a record of standing up to the status quo, could have been assigned the herculean task of cleaning the Augean stable of the solid minerals sector. The risks were real: weak institutions, vested interests in illicit mining, and security challenges-all posed serious headwinds. Without strong follow-through, even well-intended policies can stall.

Since his appointment as the Minister of Solid Minerals Development in August 2023, he has led efforts to reform a sector long considered underutilised, fragmented, and rife with regulatory inefficiencies. Alake hit the ground running by applying the agenda-setting theory of journalism. He developed the Seven-Point Agenda for international competitiveness and local industrialization of Nigeria’s mining sector through critical research and review of the literature and interviews with stakeholders. He identified the challenges such as insecurity caused by illegal miners and bandits, speculation in licence administration, violations of the Minerals and Mining Act 2007, corporate void caused by the winding down of the Nigerian Mining Corporation, low rates of royalties and administrative fees despite multi-million dollar technological investment and the failure to establish statutory and regulatory bodies such as the Environmental Rehabilitation Fund.. He was very passionate on reversing the export of raw minerals and ensuring that minerals were processed locally to provide jobs and attract higher prices in the international markets.

In 25 months, Alake put no one in doubt that a new sheriff is in charge in the solid minerals sector. He took many steps. He set up the Mining Marshals to combat illegal mining and banditry, revoked 3,974 titles for failure to pay annual service fee or refusal to mine after obtaining licences, established the private sector-oriented Nigerian Solid Minerals Company and the Environmental Rehabilitation Fund,increased rates of administrative fees and royalties, and revolutionised mining communications. To top it all, advocacy for value addition that he espoused for the first time at the Future Minerals Forum in Riyadh in January 2024, won the hearts of ministers of mining in Africa. To maintain the momentum across the continent, they formed the Africa Minerals Strategy Group and made him the pioneer chairman. A year after, at the 2025 Future Minerals Forum, they poured encomiums on Alake for branding the one-year old AMSG into a continental colossus!

The results of Alake’s reforms in the solid minerals sector form a major component of the achievements of the Renewed Hope Agenda of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. These include an increase in revenue of the Nigerian Mining Cadastral Office from N6billion in 2023 to N12.5 billion in 2024. It has reported N10 billion between January and April, this year. Similarly, for the first time, royalties collected by the Mines Inspectorate department of the Ministry peaked at N6.4 billion as at December, last year.

The advocacy for value addition has stimulated mineral processing and manufacturing projects such as Hasetins $400 million Rare Earth plant,$60 million ASBA lithium processing plant, $200 million Canmax Lithium plant, $200 million New Energy Materials Company Lithium plant and new processing projects are in the pipeline. It has encouraged existing plants such as Segilola/Thor, Kursi, Africa Industries Group to scale up operations. The Ministry, through SMDF, its funding agency, is also planning to invest inthe $1.3billiom alumina and$96.8million silica processing projects in collaboration with the Africa Finance Corporation.

The establishment of the Mining Marshals has led to the prosecution of over 300 suspected illegal miners by the Mining Marshals, dislodgement of illegal miners from 90 licenced areas and monitoring of 450 locations occupied by illegal miners. With more logistical resources, the enforcement of the mining laws will surely be intensified.

Transparency and accountability in licence administration have been achieved with the upgrade of the Electronic Mining Cadastre system, launch of mining decisions website and the improvement of content on the websites of the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency and the ministry. Today, research for and applications for licences can be initiated 24 hours every day from anywhere on the earth.

Alake has also intervened in human capacity development. His deal with the Australian government, negotiated during the Africa Down Under in September 2023 was executed this year with the training of the first batch of Nigerian geologists in modern exploration practices at the Murdoch university. Locally, over 250 youths have benefitted from workshops on gemology and jewellery making and the Institute of Geosciences continues to produce fresh mining professionals yearly.

What no serious witness of the solid minerals sector won’t contest is Alake’s sterling achievement in ensuring better compliance with the law. Operators are now more alert to their responsibilities and religious in observing deadlines and the rules of engagement.

With these records, Alake continues the family tradition by devotiny his life to the service of his fatherland. It is a daily grind of hardwork, creativity and persistence that may make him forget that another year has passed and today is his birthday. This article is a gentle reminder for him to take a day off and celebrate God’s grace. Happy birthday, sir!

The Qur’an says: ‘Give the relative his right, and the needy and the traveler [as well]. That is better for those who seek God’s pleasure, and it is they who are the felicitous.’ (Qur’an – 30:38)

Charity is one of the attributes of the Allah-wary and real believers. The Qur’an says: ‘This is the Book, there is no doubt in it, guidance to the righteous, who believe in the Unseen, and maintain the prayer, and spend out of what We have provided for them.’ (Qur’an – 2:2-3)

‘The faithful are only those whose hearts tremble [with awe] when Allah is mentioned, and when His verses are recited to them, they increase their faith, and who put their trust in their Lord, maintain the prayer and spend out of what We have provided them. They are truly the faithful. They shall have ranks near their Lord, forgiveness, and a noble provision.’ (Qur’an – 8:2-4)

The fact that charitable giving serves as a way to bring justice, balance, and kindness to every society and community is well known, but more than that, charity has benefits for the donors themselves. Hence, the Prophet (SAW) said, ‘The upper hand is better than the lower hand.’

This world is in the form of an echo. There will be echoes of whatever we do, and it will return to us. Therefore, if we give, we will receive. The Qur’an says,

‘Whoever does righteous deeds, it is for his own benefit, and whoever does evil, it is against himself; your Creator and Nurturer is never unjust to His human creatures.’ (Qur’an – 41:46)

Almighty Allah said in a Qudsi hadith, ‘Spend in charity, O son of Adam, and I will spend on you.’

Although those who give in charity should do so without any hope of a return, and simply to please Allah SWT, there is nonetheless a noble reward for them. In other words, through charity, the giver does not lose his or her income and wealth, because Allah SWT guarantees that He will multiply it for the giver. The return may be increased to twice the amount given, or even more than 700 times the initial amount. The degree of the reward differs based on the significance of the charitable act and the sincerity of the giver.

‘The example of those who spend their money in the cause of Allah is like a seed that sprouts forth seven pods; in each pod there is one hundred seeds; and Allah multiplies for whoever He chooses, and Allah is Encompassing, Knowledgeable.’ (Qur’an – 2:261)

‘The example of those who spend their money seeking Allah’s grace and to save their souls is like the example of a garden on high ground which is subjected to a heavy rain, and because of that it produces double its crop! And if no heavy rain comes, then light rain is enough. And Allah is Seer over all you do.’ (Qur’an – 2:265)

‘To these We grant twice the reward for that they have been patient. And they counter evil with good, and from Our provisions to them, they give.’ (Qur’an – 28:54)

‘Indeed the charitable men and charitable women, and those who lend Allah a good loan – it shall be multiplied for them, and there is a noble reward for them.’ (Qur’an – 57:18)

‘That which you give in usury in order that it may increase people’s wealth does not increase with Allah. But any contribution that you have placed seeking His presence – it is they who will be given a manifold increase.’ (Qur’an – 30:39)

The Messenger of Allah (SAW) said, ‘Charity does not decrease wealth, no one forgives another except that God increases his honor, and no one humbles himself for the sake of God except that God raises his status.’

Moreover, Allah SWT will give the best reward in the Hereafter to those who spend out of their property:

‘Whatever you have been given are the wares of the life of this world, but what is with Allah is better and more lasting for those who have faith and who put their trust in their Lord; . Those who answer their Lord, . and they spend out of what We have provided them with.’ (Qur’an – 42:36-38)

Charity is an honorable act of kindness and an unselfish act of worship. It is a way to purify one’s heart and mind. The Prophet (SAW) said,

‘Give (regular charity) out of your property, for truly it is a purifier, and be kind to your relatives and acknowledge the rights of the poor, neighbors and (those in need who seek your help).’

By sacrificing part of one’s wealth and giving it in charity, the individual guarantees protection from tragedy and misfortune and removes the problems of ordinary life and beyond. The Prophet (SAW) said,

‘Verily charity appeases the wrath of Allah and avoids bad death.’

The giver will obtain Allah’s protection on the Day of Judgment. In the well-known Hadith about the seven types of people who will receive Allah’s shade or protection on that Day, one of those listed is:

‘A man who gives charitable gifts so secretly that his left hand does not know what his right hand has given.’

On the day when all other shade will be gone, Allah SWT will shade and shelter those who give charity and care for the poor.

Charity is not just giving money, but like all righteous deeds, there are some conditions for the acceptance of charity. The Qur’an says:

‘Piety is not to turn your faces to the east or the west; rather, piety is [personified by] those who have faith in God and the Last Day, the angels, the Book, and the prophets, and who give their wealth, for the love of Him, to relatives, orphans, the needy, the traveler and the beggar.’ (Qur’an – 2:177)

Charity should be for the sake of Allah and in His way. In many verses of the Qur’an about charity, it has been emphasized that it should be in the way of Allah.

It should be for the welfare of the poor and without any expectations of reward. It should not be followed with reproaches or harm. It should not be given for the purpose of pretense or to show off.

‘Those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah and then do not follow up what they have spent with reproaches and affronts (with insult nor harm), they shall have their reward near their Lord, and they will have no fear, nor will they grieve. An honourable word with pardon is better than a charity followed by affront. Allah is all-sufficient, most forbearing. O you who have faith! Do not render your charities void by reproaches and affronts, like those who spend their wealth to be seen by people and have no faith in Allah and the Last Day. Their parable is that of a rock covered with soil: a downpour strikes it, leaving it bare. They have no power over anything of what they have earned, and Allah does not guide the faithless lot.’ (Qur’an – 2:262-264)

THE League of Imams and Alfas of Oyo State, under the leadership of the Chief Imam of Ibadanland, Sheikh AbdulGaniy Abubakri Agbotomokekere, has installed a Saki-born Islamic scholar and philanthropist, Dr Mustapha Abdul Aziz Akanji (Aladikun), as the Fakhar-l-Muminin (‘Pride of the Believers’) of Oyo State.

Dr Akanji was turbaned on Sunday at a ceremony held at the Ibadan Central Mosque, Oja’ba, and presided over by Sheikh Agbotomokekere.

The Chief Imam of Ibadanland described the new Fakhar-l-Muminin as a notable Islamic cleric whose charitable activities deserve recognition.

‘We are aware of many laudable projects Dr Akanji had embarked upon; his installation as Fakhar-l-Muminin of Oyo State is a befitting honour,’ Agbotomokekere affirmed.

In his sermon, the Mufasir of Ibadanland, Sheikh Baari Adetunji, advised Dr Akanji not to relent in his philanthropic efforts toward Islamic advancement, noting that charity remains the most profitable venture in the sight of Allah.

‘Spending in the cause of Allah attracts rewards in this world and hereafter,’ Adetunji noted.

The Okere of Saki, Oba Khalid Olabisi, who presented the staff of office to the honoree, described Dr Akanji as a humble and worthy ambassador of Saki across the world.

The Grand Mufti of Sakiland, Sheikh Ibrahim Hashim, prayed that Allah would assist the honoree in living up to the expectations of his new title.

In his address, the honoree described his new title as a trust, adding that he intends to execute the responsibility it entails with faith and dedication.

He promised to inaugurate an office in Ibadan to continue his humanitarian services and zakat distribution to needy Muslims.

Dr Akanji further explained that the establishment of schools, universities and hospitals in Saki and Côte d’Ivoire formed part of his efforts to give back to society, stressing that his new title is a sacred trust to extend philanthropic gestures to more Muslims.

‘This title is a clarion call to further serve humanity through the empowerment of the unemployed, especially Muslim students, scholars and other Nigerians,’ he stated.

He also advised Nigerians to always remember their leaders in prayer so they may deliver good governance for the benefit of the people.

The turbaning of the Fakhar-l-Muminin of Oyo State was graced by notable Islamic scholars and representatives of Muslim organisations from far and near.

The Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN) has intervened in the ongoing leadership crisis within the Association of Tourism Practitioners of Nigeria (ATPN).

To address the disputes, FTAN President Dr. Aliyu Badaki has established a five-member Dispute Resolution Committee comprised of seasoned professionals from the tourism sector, nominated by the FTAN National Executive Council.

The committee’s mandate includes investigating the root causes of the conflict between the two leadership factions, hearing submissions from all relevant stakeholders, reviewing ATPN’s legal and constitutional provisions concerning the dispute, facilitating mediation between the opposing parties, and recommending a fair resolution along with preventative measures for future disputes.

The committee members are Alh. Mohamed Sheriff, Mrs. Uloma Kemabonta, Dr. Emmanuel Jeminiwa, Mr. Precious Okonji, and Rev. Akindele John.

This initiative follows the recent suspension of Mr. Femi Fadina as President and Mr. Ayo Arokoyo as Acting President by ATPN’s Governing Council, which cited Fadina’s alleged violations of the association’s constitution.

In response, Fadina has declared that the suspension is unconstitutional, insisting he remains the legitimately elected president.

He emphasised the importance of adhering to due process and constitutional order within the organisation, warning against creating a legacy of illegality for future tourism practitioners. Fadina reiterated his authority, claiming that any leadership claims opposing his are unauthorised and lacking legitimacy.

In the ever-evolving landscape of leadership, few women stand out as distinctly as Chief (Mrs.) Olayinka Adesunbo Latinwo, the revered Iya Oba of Isin Kingdom. Her journey from Lagos Island to the corridors of influence in the United States of America is a story defined by resilience, excellence, and compassion for humanity.

Born on October 20, 1970, at the Lagos Island Maternity Hospital, Lagos, to Chief Adegboyega Alade and Mrs. Atinuke Alade, Olayinka’s early life reflected the values of hard work and service that would later shape her life’s purpose. She began her education at Ebire Nursing and Primary School between 1976 and 1981, before proceeding to Federal Polytechnic, Nasarawa, where she studied Accountancy from 1987 to 1991.

Her quest for knowledge and global exposure took her to the United States of America, where she enrolled at Excelsiors University, earning a Nursing Degree that set the foundation for a distinguished career in healthcare.

A serial entrepreneur and visionary leader, Chief Mrs. Latinwo is the Chief Executive Officer of several reputable healthcare organizations in the United States, including Reliant Home Healthcare Services, Reliant Hospice Inc., Sympathy Home Healthcare, and TLC Healthcare.

Over the past 25 years, she has built a sterling reputation for excellence and innovation in healthcare service delivery, providing quality care and creating employment opportunities within and beyond the United States.

Her leadership reflects an unwavering commitment to professionalism, empathy, and community-centered service.

Beyond the boardroom, Chief Mrs. Latinwo is driven by an uncommon passion for humanity. Through her non-profit organisation, the Shamrock Foundation Incorporation, she has provided hope and support to the less privileged and homeless in Los Angeles, California.

The foundation’s mission goes beyond charity, it creates a sustainable system of refuge and reintegration. Through food distribution, clothing drives, medical aid, and the provision of safe shelters, Shamrock Foundation continues to restore dignity and purpose to countless lives, particularly the elderly and disenfranchised.

Chief Mrs. Latinwo’s entrepreneurial influence also spans real estate, finance, and agriculture.

She serves as Chairman/CEO of Evergreen Estate, a thriving real estate company based in California, United States.

In addition, she is the Chairman/CEO of multiple companies, including Capsend Finance Services, Capsend BDC, Shamrock Agro, and Riley Homes and Properties, reflecting her versatility and strategic leadership across diverse sectors.

Chief (Mrs.) Olayinka Adesunbo Latinwo’s story is that of a woman who defied limits to create a life of impact and significance. From her humble beginnings in Lagos to becoming a respected healthcare executive, philanthropist, and community leader in the United States, her achievements stand as a beacon of inspiration.

Her journey underscores a timeless truth, that with vision, compassion, and commitment, one can touch lives, build legacies, and uplift communities. Indeed, Chief (Mrs.) Olayinka Latinwo’s rising profile is not just a personal success story, it is a celebration of excellence, leadership, and humanity.

Chief (Mrs.) Latinwo is married to Engineer Olanrewaju Latinwo, and the union is blessed with three children and a grandchild, a testament to her belief in strong family values even amid a demanding professional life.

At the prestigious ‘Touchlines of Fortitude II’ group exhibition, held at Teddington, London, visual artist Hillary Emetuche emerged as the winner of the Best Drawing Award, earning recognition for his remarkable charcoal portrait titled ‘Drawing of Ezinne.’

The ‘Touchlines of Fortitude’ series – now in its second edition – is a celebrated open-call exhibition platform that showcases exceptional artistic talent across diverse media, including painting, ceramics, sculpture, photography, and yarn art. The 2025 edition was curated and judged by a distinguished panel comprising leading art critic Tabish Khan, award-winning figurative artist Karen Turner, curator Agnieszka Lokaj, and The Beach Gallery owner Mark Vellacott. Written works were additionally reviewed by renowned sports journalist Alison Kervin OBE, Dr Anna Johnson, and Millie Walton.

Hillary Emetuche’s winning piece, ‘Drawing of Ezinne,’ captivated the judges and audience alike with its expressive depth and technical mastery.

Executed in charcoal, the work was praised for its emotive realism, nuanced tonal balance, and the artist’s ability to ‘capture both physical and psychological presence with quiet intensity.’

Speaking after the announcement, Emetuche said,

‘Drawing of Ezinne was inspired by my sister, Ezinne who has a kind heart and reflects the gracious feminine heart. Her name, meaning good mother or virtuous mother, solidifies my quest to express her in work.’

The ‘Touchlines of Fortitude II’ exhibition, organised by Fortitude Touchlines in partnership with The Beach Gallery, brought together some of the UK’s most promising and established creatives for an evening of art, dialogue, and cultural exchange.

The private preview held on 24 September 2025 drew art professionals, critics, collectors, and enthusiasts from across London’s creative community.

For Emetuche, this accolade adds to a growing record of artistic distinction.

The London-based Nigerian artist held his debut solo exhibition at the Dugdale Arts Centre, Enfield Art Circle, and other showcases, where his portraits have been celebrated for their storytelling power and technical precision.

His win at ‘Touchlines of Fortitude II’ underscores his rising influence within the UK’s visual arts scene.

Executive Secretary, Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI), Dr. Orji Ogbonnaya Orji, has decried the secrecy in the energy sector, pointing out that the global energy transition towards cleaner fuels, gas optimisation, and renewable energy requires openness, responsibility, and innovation at every stage of the value chain.

According to him,the era of secrecy in resource governance is over, adding that at NEITI, the philosophy is clear and uncompromising: ‘Data builds trust, and trust drives investment.’

He stressed that the path to Nigeria’s sustainable energy future rests on three interlocking values of transparency, accountability, and sustainability.

Orji disclosed this during the NAEC Energy Conference 2025, themed: Nigeria’s Energy Future: Exploring Opportunities and Addressing Risks for Sustainable Growth,’ held in Lago.

He argued that transparency was not a bureaucratic exercise, but an economic imperative that attracts capital, technology, and partnerships.

‘As Nigeria positions gas as its transition fuel and renewable energy as its future, governance must keep pace with innovation. Our energy future must rest on verifiable data, open contracts, measurable emissions, and accountable institutions,’ he said.

According to him, NEITI 2021-2022 Oil and Gas Industry Reports revealed that Nigeria earned $23.04 billion in 2021 and $23.05 billion in 2022 from the sector.

He added the organization also identified outstanding remittances of N1.5 trillion owed to the federation by some companies and government agencies, saying there were funds that could significantly support energy infrastructure, education, and healthcare if recovered.

‘Our findings also exposed the devastating cost of poor accountability. In 2022 alone, Nigeria lost 13.5 million barrels of crude oil valued at $3.3 billion to theft and sabotage. That is revenue that could have financed a full year of the federal health budget or provided energy access to millions of households,’ he said

According to him, these losses were not just economic, but represented broken trust, institutional weaknesses, and missed opportunities for national progress.

‘This is precisely why transparency and accountability are not optional. They are existential,’ he said.

For this purpose, he disclosed that NEITI evolved from an auditing agency to a governance reform institution.

‘We have institutionalised regular audits of oil, gas, and solid minerals sectors, tracking production, payments, and remediation; developed Nigeria’s Beneficial Ownership Register, unmasking the true owners of over 4,800 extractive assets, and helping government combat corruption and illicit financial flows; launched the NEITI Data Centre – a national open-data infrastructure that provides real-time public access to industry information.

Others are strengthening partnerships with NUPRC, NMDPRA, and NCDMB to promote transparency in licensing, metering, and host community trust management; and introduced the Just Energy Transition and Climate Accountability Framework, to ensure that Nigeria’s shift to cleaner energy is transparent, inclusive, and fair.

‘These are not ceremonial milestones. They are practical governance instruments designed to make transparency the DNA of Nigeria’s extractive sector.

‘NEITI envisions a sector where every dollar is traceable, every contract is public, every decision is transparent, and every Nigerian citizen can see how natural resources translate into national prosperity,’ orji said, adding that the organization is committed to ensuring that every barrel produced, every cubic foot of gas commercialised, and every kobo earned contributes to national development are in full public view.