Category: Nigerian Tribune

Lagos State recently announced a ban on single-use plastics. Concerns have risen over what this means for daily life, the environment, and the economy. To shed light on the issue, Kayode Taiwo, a researcher and an expert in sustainable food systems, whose work focuses on converting food and agricultural waste into biodegradable materials.

e shares insights on the ban, available alternatives, and the future of eco-friendly innovation in Nigeria.

Lagos State has just announced a ban on single-use plastics. As a scientist in this field, what do you think this means for the future of the state?

The recent ban on single-use plastics in Lagos State is a huge step toward a cleaner and more sustainable future. For years, plastic pollution has clogged the drainage systems, worsened flooding, and found its way into our food and water. By enforcing this ban, Lagos is not just tackling waste; it is addressing public health, climate resilience, and the overall livability of the city. At the same time, this move opens opportunities for innovation. It challenges businesses, scientists like me, and entrepreneurs to create biodegradable packaging, reusable systems, and sustainable alternatives. That shift would generate new industries, jobs, and investments, positioning Lagos as a hub for green innovation in Africa. Importantly, this is also about changing behaviour. For too long, plastics have encouraged a throwaway culture. With the right education, affordable alternatives, and strong enforcement, this ban can push residents and businesses toward more responsible consumption and waste practices. If Lagos succeeds, it will not only improve its own environment but also set an example for other African cities facing similar crises.

Many people are worried about what alternatives they can use instead of plastic. What solutions are available right now?

It is normal for people to be concerned, but the good news is that several solutions already exist or are being created. For example, I am working on turning food waste into valuable raw materials for bioplastics. Instead of treating waste streams as a disposal problem, we can use them as feedstocks to produce precursor compounds, which can form the building blocks of sustainable packaging materials that mimic the strength and flexibility of conventional plastics; however, they are biodegradable. This is the kind of circular solution that Lagos, and indeed the world, needs at this time, which can help in closing the loop between food production, waste management, and sustainable packaging.

Some critics say biodegradable products are too expensive compared to plastics. How do you respond to that concern?

That’s true, maybe in the short term, but not in long term, new technologies always look expensive and impossible at the initial stage but as those technologies get adapted into everyday lives, it will become cheaper. Aside from the economic side, when should also consider environmental costs such as cleaning up drainage systems, treating polluted water, and managing health problems linked to microplastics. If we invest in scaling up local production of bio-based packaging, costs will drop significantly. In fact, using locally available agricultural waste makes the system more affordable and supports farmers. In my research we are applying life cycle assessment and techno-economic analysis to see how we can optimise these technologies to make less expensive and environmentally friendly.

Beyond packaging, how else can Lagos tackle the waste challenge?

Packaging is only one piece of the puzzle. To truly solve Lagos’ waste challenge, we need a multi-pronged approach. First, education is critical. Citizens need to understand the impact of their choices and be encouraged to adopt reusables, whether that’s shopping bags, water bottles, or food containers. Behavior change is often the hardest part, but it’s also the most powerful. Second, Lagos must invest in proper recycling and composting infrastructure. Biodegradable products only fulfill their potential if we have systems that can process them efficiently. Composting facilities, material recovery plants, and community collection systems will ensure that waste is managed, not just shifted from one form to another.

Finally, research and innovation should be at the heart of the strategy. Lagos has incredible scientific talent and entrepreneurial energy. Supporting local scientists and startups working on biobased materials, waste-to-energy systems, and circular economy models will not only tackle waste but also create jobs and position Lagos as a leader in sustainable development. In short, tackling waste requires a cultural shift, strong infrastructure, smart policies, and homegrown innovation. If these come together, Lagos can transform from a city overwhelmed by waste to one that thrives on sustainability.

Should the government provide subsidies or incentives for businesses to adopt biodegradable alternatives?

Absolutely. Transitioning away from single-use plastics does come with upfront costs, especially for small and medium-sized businesses. That’s why government support is essential. Subsidies, low-interest loans, and tax breaks can ease the financial burden and encourage businesses to switch quickly to biodegradable alternatives. If we leave companies to bear the full cost alone, many will resist change or simply pass the costs on to consumers. But with smart incentives, government can accelerate adoption, make sustainable packaging more affordable, and create a level playing field where innovation thrives. In the long run, these policies will not only reduce plastic pollution but also stimulate new industries and green jobs to make the investment worthwhile for both the economy and the environment.

What lessons can Lagos learn from countries or cities that have already banned plastics?

There are important lessons Lagos can learn from other countries and cities that have already banned plastics. Success usually comes when bans are rolled out gradually, giving people time to adjust, and when affordable alternatives are readily available. Enforcement must also be consistent; otherwise, the policy risks being ignored. Rwanda is a standout example on the continent. Kigali is now considered one of the cleanest cities in Africa because the government paired strict enforcement with strong community engagement. Citizens were not only told what not to do, they were shown the benefits of change and given alternatives. Similarly, countries in the European Union have phased in restrictions on single-use plastics while investing heavily in recycling and composting infrastructure, making the transition smoother for businesses and consumers alike.

For Lagos, the lesson is clear: combine strong leadership with community buy-in, ensure alternatives are accessible, and back it up with the infrastructure needed to manage waste responsibly. With those elements in place, Lagos can replicate and even surpass these success stories.

Finally, what role can young innovators and researchers play in this transition?

Young researchers are critical. We bring fresh ideas, scientific rigour, and passion for sustainability. For instance, my own research demonstrates that agro-wastes can be converted into valuable products, including biodegradable plastics. If given the right support, funding, incubation hubs, and partnerships with industry, Nigerian youth can turn the plastic ban into an opportunity for innovation, job creation, and global leadership in green technology.

In a landmark initiative aimed at improving power supply management across the state, Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo has officially inaugurated the Anambra State Electricity Regulatory Commission (ASERC).

The inauguration, held at the Executive Chamber of the Light House, Awka, marks a decisive step in the state government’s commitment to strengthening electricity infrastructure and service delivery.

At the helm of the newly established commission is Prof. Frank Nwoye Okafor, who will serve as both Chairman and Chief Executive Commissioner. He is joined by Engr. Geoffrey Okwuchukwu Nwokoye, Dr Nnaemeka O. Ewelukwa, Engr. Nosike Emmanuel, and Barr. Chijioke Nnaemeka Obi as Executive Commissioners. Together, they are tasked with ensuring effective regulation of electricity supply to meet the needs of Anambra’s growing population and economy.

Speaking during the inauguration, Governor Soludo expressed gratitude to the newly appointed members for accepting their roles, extending both congratulations and commiserations.

He urged them to facilitate the state’s transition into a new electricity market while maintaining strict adherence to the legal framework.

Acknowledging the diverse expertise of the appointees, the governor noted that they represent some of the finest talents available.

He also commended the Anambra State House of Assembly for the speedy passage of the enabling legislation that defines the commission’s operations.

The Commissioner for Power and Water Resources, Engr. Julius Chukwuemeka noted that the 2023 Nigerian Electricity Act is currently being domesticated for Anambra State. He explained that the government had, over the years, been deliberate in laying a strong foundation for this development. The domesticated bill, he said, provides the legal basis for establishing ASERC and clearly outlines its mandate in regulating the state’s electricity sector.

In his remarks, the Commission Chairman, Prof. Okafor, assured that the expectations of Ndi Anambra would be met with diligence and commitment.

He admitted that the tasks ahead were substantial but achievable, promising to address past inefficiencies and losses in the sector.

He also expressed confidence that both the quantity and quality of power supply across the state would improve, emphasizing the commission’s focus on energy accountability and revenue assurance.

As the newly inaugurated commission begins its work, Governor Soludo’s administration remains optimistic that it will usher in significant improvements in Anambra’s electricity landscape-advancing the broader goal of sustainable development and economic prosperity in the state.

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), in collaboration with the Borno State Government and other partners, has launched an economic reintegration programme to empower 1,033 children affected by the Boko Haram insurgency with vocational and life skills.

Speaking in Maiduguri on Wednesday, the UNICEF Country Representative in Nigeria, Wafaa Saeed, said the initiative seeks to support children of Boko Haram survivors who lost access to education, family support, and livelihoods during more than a decade of insurgency in the North-East.

She explained that the scheme targets 567 boys and 466 girls currently enrolled in six government-owned vocational training centres located in Maiduguri, Bama, Biu, Damboa, and Konduga.

According to her, ‘These girls and boys have faced unimaginable challenges, yet their resilience remains unbroken.

‘This programme goes beyond skill training; it focuses on healing, rebuilding, and giving them the chance to create a sustainable future.’

Saeed, represented by Shah Mohammad Khan, UNICEF Child Protection Manager, noted that the programme would restore hope and dignity to children and adolescents, helping them rebuild their lives and reintegrate into their communities.

The training, she added, combines technical and vocational education with psychosocial support and official certification to prepare participants for employment, apprenticeship, or entrepreneurship.

The reintegration initiative, implemented under the Sustainable Development, Disarmament, Demobilisation, Reintegration and Recovery (SD3R) consortium comprising UNICEF, UNDP, IOM, and UNODC, focuses on equipping participants with market-driven skills such as tailoring, ICT, carpentry, auto mechanics, and shoemaking.

A 2024 UNICEF study estimated that the North-East insurgency had cost Nigeria about $10 billion in lost economic opportunities over the past decade.

UNICEF said the new programme would help rebuild human capital and reduce those losses through youth empowerment and livelihood creation.

‘Each year, more than a thousand adolescents will benefit from these training centres. Graduates will gain employable skills that can help them build better futures and contribute to peace within their communities,’ Saeed added.

UNICEF reaffirmed its commitment to working with the Borno State Government, development partners, and local communities to protect children, expand access to education, and promote peace.

‘Today, we are not just launching a programme; we are launching futures filled with opportunity, dignity, and hope,’ Saeed said.

Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, who officially launched the initiative, commended UNICEF, the European Union, and other partners for supporting the state’s post-conflict recovery efforts.

Zulum, represented by the Commissioner for Education, Engr. Lawan Wakilbe, said the initiative aligns with the government’s drive to rebuild lives, promote education, and strengthen peace and resilience across communities affected by the insurgency.

‘This programme is expected to strengthen peacebuilding and recovery efforts across Borno, where thousands of children and youths remain vulnerable after years of conflict,’ Wakilbe said.

The order will remain in force until tomorrow, Friday, October 10, 2025, when the matter is scheduled for further hearing.

Justice Akintola said the extension became necessary to ensure that all parties in the case were granted the right to fair hearing in line with Section 36 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).

‘The case is adjourned till Friday, October 10, 2025, for further hearing, while the interim injunction shall continue to subsist,’ the judge ruled.

Earlier, counsel to the plaintiff, Chief Musibau Adetunmbi (SAN), informed the court that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) had filed an application seeking to be joined in the suit.

He, however, disclosed that his team would oppose the application.

‘Even though the PDP has a constitutional right to fair hearing under Section 36, we shall oppose their application for joinder. The case is narrow and straightforward; there is no need for multiple parties,’ Adetunmbi said.

The senior advocate also noted that Mr. Kasim Gbadamosi (SAN), who holds the brief of Kunle Adegoke, SAN, for the APC ex-council chairmen, had filed a fresh application in addition to an earlier one on the same matter of joinder.

Responding, Gbadamosi stated that he intended to withdraw the new application, arguing that the issue of jurisdiction did not require a formal application. ‘I will withdraw the application. The issue before the court is jurisdictional, and as such, it doesn’t require a formal application,’ he said.

He further argued that the case before the High Court amounted to an abuse of judicial process since a similar matter was already pending before the Supreme Court.

‘The matter is premised on a case already before the Supreme Court and should therefore be struck out,’ he added.

Also addressing the court, counsel to UBA Plc, Mutalib Adebayo Ojo (SAN), aligned with the argument, urging the court to adjourn the case sine die (indefinitely) pending the determination of the matter at the apex court.

‘We observe that this suit is predicated upon a case already before the Supreme Court. Consequently, it should be adjourned sine die until the determination of that matter. UBA is not a party to the Supreme Court case; we are merely a neutral party in this process,’ Ojo submitted.

After hearing all arguments, Justice Akintola adjourned the case till Friday for ruling.

It will be recalled that the court had earlier granted the following interim orders as sought by the claimants:

1. An order of interim injunction restraining UBA from paying, releasing, disbursing, or tampering with funds in the disputed local government accounts.

2. An order of mandatory injunction directing UBA to place a ‘Post No Debit’ (PND) restriction on all affected accounts pending the hearing of the substantive motion on notice.

The affected accounts include those of the 30 local government areas of Osun State from Atakumosa East to Osogbo each identified by name and account number with UBA.

The suit, filed as Suit No. 1/1167/2025 before Court No. 5 of the Ibadan Judicial Division, is being handled by Olalekan Adeoye, Esq., on behalf of the claimants.

A second case on the same matter filed by the local government chairmen elected under the PDP was also adjourned for hearing tomorrow.

THE wife of the Anambra State governor, Mrs Nonye Soludo, has described cancer as a ‘generational threat’ that continues to claim the lives of many women in Nigeria every year.

Mrs Soludo, founder of the Healthy Living Initiative, made this statement on Wednesday to mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which is observed every October.

She expressed concern about the rising cases of breast cancer and other forms of the disease.

According to her, early detection remains the most effective method for treating and reducing the impact of breast cancer.

‘The statistics are alarming, but we can all play a part in reducing the impact.The two major steps are to learn how to perform self-examinations regularly and to undergo periodic screenings at reputable hospitals,’ she said.

Soludo noted that although October is globally recognized as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the commitment to combating the disease should extend beyond this commemorative period.

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‘We must do more as concerned stakeholders to raise awareness and extend cancer education to every community,’ she added.

She also reaffirmed her commitment to promoting healthy living among women through her pet project, the Healthy Living Initiative, which focuses on wellness education, nutrition, and preventive healthcare.

University of Ibadan (UI), Oyo, has been ranked Nigeria’s best university in the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2026.

The ranking, published on THE’s website on Thursday, placed the Ibadan-based federal university between 801 and 1,000 globally and ahead of other leading Nigerian universities, a spot it last held in 2023.

UI came from fourth position in 2025 to emerge as Nigeria’s best in the 2026 ranking. It dethroned Covenant University, which was the best university in 2024 and 2025.

Following UI are the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Bayero University (BUK), and Covenant University (CU), ranked second, third, and fourth in Nigeria, respectively.

THE surveyed 2,191 institutions from 115 countries and assessed them based on 18 performance indicators across five key areas: teaching, research environment, research quality, industry, and international outlook.

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The 2026 list reflected a shift in the global higher education landscape, with more than 174.9 million citations from 18.7 million research publications analysed and survey responses from over 108,000 scholars collected globally.

THE rankings also show the strength of individual institutions.

UNILAG is ranked highest in quality research, scoring 66.7.

Furthermore, BUK is ranked as the best Nigerian university in terms of international outlook, while Covenant has the highest industry score, indicating its top connection to industries.

See full list;

University of Ibadan (801-1000)

University of Lagos (801-1000)

Bayero University (1001-1200)

Covenant University (1001-1200)

Landmark University (1001-1200)

Ahmadu Bello University (1201-1500)

Federal University of Technology, Minna (1201-1500)

University of Ilorin (1201-1500)

University of Jos (1201-1500)

University of Nigeria, Nsukka (1201-1500)

Babcock University (1501+)

Delta State University, Abraka (1501+)

Ekiti State University (1501+)

Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (1501+)

Federal University of Technology, Akure (1501+)

Federal University of Technology, Owerri (1501+)

Federal University Oye-Ekiti (1501+)

Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (1501+)

Lagos State University (1501+)

Nnamdi Azikiwe University (1501+)

Obafemi Awolowo University (1501+)

University of Benin (1501+)

University of Calabar (1501+)

University of Port Harcourt (1501+)

Admiralty University of Nigeria

Akwa Ibom State University

Al-Hikmah University

Augustine University

Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology, Ikere-Ekiti

Bauchi State University, Gadau

Bayelsa Medical University

Baze University

Bells University of Technology

Bowen University

Evangel University, Akaeze

Federal University of Lafia

Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun

Fountain University

Godfrey Okoye University

Igbinedion University Okada

Kaduna State University

Lagos State University of Education

Lagos State University of Science and Technology

Lead City University

Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria

Nasarawa State University, Keffi

Redeemer’s University

Rivers State University

Thomas Adewumi University

University of Cross River State

University of Delta

Sterling Bank Limited has reaffirmed its unwavering dedication to operating strictly within lawful processes even as it faces escalating efforts by a chronic debtor, Dr. Brendan Innocent Usoro and his company, Miden Systems Limited, to obstruct justice.

The bank’s commitment to judicial authority was tested this week when associates of the debtor staged an unlawful protest at one of its branches in the Central Business District of Abuja, a move the bank views as a blatant attempt to circumvent clear court judgments.

The incident, which took place on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, involved a group claiming to be representatives of civil society organisations who actively obstructed access to the Sterling Bank branch. The demonstrators engaged in public theatrics, chanting false allegations and distributing fabricated petitions concerning the dispute.

The bank noted that the entire operation was a calculated attempt to employ misinformation and public intimidation to distort the facts of a legal matter that has been conclusively determined by the courts.

Critically, the protest appears to be a direct breach of an existing Federal High Court order that expressly prohibits Miden Systems and its affiliates from taking any further steps or actions related to the dispute

Michael Boniface, Chief Security Officer at Sterling Bank, condemned the disruption in the strongest terms. He described the action as ‘reckless and contemptuous behaviour’ and a ‘direct affront to the rule of law.’

While the bank has maintained considerable restraint despite repeated provocation, Boniface confirmed that this latest violation will be immediately escalated to law enforcement authorities for thorough investigation and prosecution.

Security agencies swiftly contained the disturbance and normal banking operations resumed almost immediately. Sterling Bank confirmed that at no point were customers, staff or property subjected to risk or damage throughout the incident.

The legal confrontation stems from years of defaults on a vessel lease facility initially granted to Miden Systems. The bank demonstrated significant flexibility by subsequently restructuring the facility multiple times to accommodate the debtor’s repeated inability to meet repayment terms.

However, the legal trajectory has been consistently clear. In 2021, the Federal High Court issued a Mareva injunction against Dr. Usoro and Miden Systems, which culminated in a consent judgment formally confirming the debtor’s liability.

This binding judgment was robustly reaffirmed in November 2024, when the court dismissed a subsequent Miden Systems application to overturn it, decisively classifying their attempt as an abuse of process.

Furthermore, attempts by Dr. Usoro and his firm to circumvent enforcement through legislative manipulation were met with a powerful judicial response.

The Federal High Court decisively condemned the manipulation of the National Assembly’s Committee on Public Petitions in its February 2025 ruling, which explicitly restrained the House of Representatives from further intimidating and harassing Sterling Bank.

That pivotal judgment reaffirmed the constitutional separation of powers, making it unequivocally clear that neither the legislature nor any private entity can supersede or re-litigate matters conclusively decided by competent courts.

Boniface reiterated Sterling Bank’s commitment to operating within the bounds of the law.

He stressed that integrity, discipline and respect for judicial authority remain the pillars of Sterling Bank, adding that the institution will continue to defend its reputation and protect its stakeholders from individuals who ‘weaponise falsehood to obstruct justice.’

The bank reaffirmed its dedication to transparency, ethical conduct and cooperation with law enforcement to safeguard the integrity of Nigeria’s financial system.

Sterling Bank Limited, a full-service commercial bank and subsidiary of Sterling Financial Holdings Group, with a heritage spanning over six decades, is committed to transparency and ethical conduct.

The institution’s dedication is underscored by its HEART strategy, an investment model focused on high-impact sectors, including Health, Education, Agriculture, Renewable Energy and Transportation.

By prioritizing sustainable business practices and cooperating fully with law enforcement, the bank continues to play a leading role in safeguarding the integrity of Nigeria’s financial system and fostering national development.

Cross River State Government, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health and development partners, has officially launched the Maternal and Neonatal Mortality Reduction Innovation Initiative (MAMII) a strategic programme aimed at drastically reducing maternal and newborn deaths across the state.

The initiative, which aims to reduce maternal deaths by 30 percent by 2028, is part of the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda under the leadership of the Coordinating Minister of Health, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate. It targets 172 local government areas across Nigeria that contribute to over 50 percent of the nation’s maternal mortality burden.

In his welcome address, Dr. Jonah Offor, Permanent Secretary, Cross River State Ministry of Health, who represented the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Henry Ayuk, emphasized that weak health systems remain the primary drivers of maternal and newborn deaths in the state. ‘The main causes of maternal deaths in our state are obstructed labor, hemorrhage, hypertension, and unsafe abortions. For newborn deaths, pneumonia, atresia, and congenital abnormalities are the leading causes. If you look at it critically, the root cause is simple, our weak health systems,’ Dr. Offor stated.

He announced the state government’s commitment to addressing these challenges through improved health infrastructure, adequate deployment of human resources, and the activation of an efficient ambulance referral system to reduce waiting times for emergency obstetric care.

‘We have a very dynamic, proactive, and listening government that is ready to come to the aid of our health sector. Already, our health infrastructure is improving, and we have engaged more human resources for health to man these facilities,’ the Permanent Secretary assured.

He concluded by calling on participants to take the workshop seriously, emphasizing that the state expects a ‘workable document’ by the end of the five-day session to guide the implementation of maternal mortality reduction strategies in Cross River State.

Dr. Iniofon Inyang, representing the national MAMII team lead, Dr. Dayo Adeyanju, outlined the structure of the five-day workshop, which includes a critical field assessment in Abi Local Government Area-identified as the LGA with the highest contribution to maternal and newborn mortality in the state.

‘On day two, we are moving to Abi LGA with every participant to identify challenges leading to maternal and neonatal deaths. Why are women not going to health facilities? Why are they delivering at home? What are the specific challenges in Cross River that have led to women dying while giving birth?’ Dr. Inyang explained.

The workshop will culminate in a co-creation session where state participants, federal representatives, and development partners will design state-specific interventions to address identified challenges. By the fifth day, stakeholders will make concrete commitments and establish a MAMII Task Force to drive the programme’s implementation in Cross River State.

Dr. Inyang noted that the initiative targets a 30 percent reduction in maternal and neonatal deaths and a 60 percent increase in healthcare service utilization by 2028, while also strengthening emergency transport systems through the National Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance System (NEMSAS).

Also speaking at the activation workshop, Dr. Vivien Otu, Director-General, Cross River State Primary Health Care Development Agency, highlighted the far-reaching implications of maternal deaths beyond mere statistics.

‘When a mother dies, it’s not just that a woman is gone, it has severe implications. The husband becomes a widower, the children become motherless, and there are significant limitations on socio-economic development,’ Dr. Otu noted.

She stressed that many maternal deaths are preventable, often resulting from postpartum hemorrhage, hypertensive disorders, sepsis, healthcare system failures, and the lack of skilled birth attendants.

‘This crisis requires immediate and locally adapted strategies to improve healthcare access and quality, and to address the socio-cultural factors causing maternal and newborn mortality which is exactly what MAMII seeks to address,’ she added.

Dr. Ogonna Nwankwo, Cross River State Technical Assistant for MAMII, explained that the workshop would familiarize stakeholders with key national health programmes including NEMSAS, the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), and the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA).

‘This programme aims to expose participants to all the activities, pillars, and strategies that will be engaged as part of MAMII to help bring down the rate of maternal mortality in Abi Local Government Area,’ Dr. Nwankwo stated.

The five-day workshop attracted participation from state health officials and development partners including the World Health Organization (WHO), National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), all of whom expressed support for the initiative.

The MAMII initiative represents a targeted, data-driven approach to addressing Nigeria’s maternal health crisis, focusing resources and interventions where they are needed most.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening collaboration with the media and civil society organisations (CSOs) in the fight against economic and financial crimes, particularly cryptocurrency fraud and other cyber-related offences.

This was made known by the EFCC Executive Chairman, Mr Ola Olukoyede, on Thursday during a one-day sensitisation workshop for CSOs and the media held at the EFCC Kano Zonal Directorate.

Speaking on his behalf, the Acting Zonal Director, Kano Zonal Directorate, Sa’ad Hanafi, said the measure was necessary because the fight against corruption is not a solo mission.

He noted that it is a collective national endeavour that requires synergy, trust, and shared intelligence.

Olukoyede said, ‘The aim to achieve from this workshop is to build and deepen a stronger, more collaborative relationship between the EFCC and your esteemed organisations.’

He added that ‘Our fight against corruption is not a solo mission; it is a collective national endeavour that requires synergy, trust, and shared intelligence.’ The EFCC boss noted that the choice of CSOs and journalists was both deliberate and strategic, as they are not merely observers in the socio-economic landscape of the nation.

His words: ‘You are critical drivers of change. CSOs serve as the conscience of the society and a vital bridge between the government and the citizenry. Journalists, on the other hand, wield the powerful pen that shapes public opinion, holds power accountable, and illuminates the dark corners where corruption often thrives.’

He therefore emphasised that, ‘Together, you are indispensable allies in the fight to safeguard our economy and our collective future.’

Olukoyede noted that the world is witnessing a dramatic shift from traditional schemes to sophisticated cyber-enabled fraud, hence the need to enlighten participants on the growing threats of cryptocurrency fraud and other cyber-criminal activities.

He said the workshop aimed to educate and inform participants on understanding cryptocurrency fraud and other emerging cyber and financial crimes, as well as to provide crucial guidance on the intricacies of prosecuting financial crimes – the challenges faced and how to collaborate to find better ways to rid Nigeria of economic and financial crimes, including corruption.

He added that the workshop was also designed to enhance the understanding of CSOs and journalists on the legal and procedural intricacies of prosecuting financial crimes.

President Bola Tinubu on Thursday granted a posthumous pardon to a Nigerian nationalist, Herbert Macaulay, and Major General Mamman Jiya Vatsa, sentenced to death over a treason charge in 1986

Apart from the posthumous pardon, the president also pardoned four former convicts, including former House of Representatives member, Farouk Lawan, Mrs Anastasia Daniel Nwaobia, Barrister Hussaini Umar, and Ayinla Saadu Alanamu.

A statement by the Special Adviser to the President (Information and Strategy), Bayo Onanuga, said the people were among the 175 that were given clemency by the president following the approval of the Council of State. He explained that Macaulay, who was a co-founder of the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC), and others were pardoned in exercise of the powers vested in the president.

The statement read, ‘President Tinubu also granted a posthumous pardon to Herbert Macaulay, a Nigerian nationalist and co-founder, along with Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe, of the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC). Macaulay was the party’s first president, who played a pivotal role in Nigeria’s struggle for independence.

‘However, in 1913, Macaulay was believed unjustly convicted by the British colonialists and banned from public office. Macaulay died in 1946, but the stigma of being an ex-convict was not exorcised from his records until now.

The president’s spokesperson added that Lawan and others were pardoned to enable them to integrate into society, having demonstrated sufficient remorse.

‘Nweke Francis Chibueze, serving a life sentence for cocaine, was pardoned, along with Dr Nwogu Peters, who had served 12 out of his 17-year sentence for fraud.

‘The Ogoni Nine: Ken Saro Wiwa, Saturday Dobee, Nordu Eawo, Daniel Gbooko, Paul Levera, Felix Nuate, Baribor Bera, Barinem Kiobel and John Kpuine were formally pardoned. At the same time, the President awarded national honours to the Ogoni Four- Chief Albert Badey, Chief Edward Kobani, Chief Samuel Orage, and Theophilus Orage’, Onanuga stated

He added that in exercising his constitutional power of mercy, President Tinubu granted clemency to 82 inmates and reduced the prison terms of 65 others. He gave a reprieve for seven inmates on the death row by commuting their sentences to life imprisonment.

Tinubu was said to have acted on the recommendations of the Presidential Advisory Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy(PACPM).

The committee has 12 members, with the Attorney General and Justice Minister, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, as chairman. The other members are Chief Akinlolu Olujinmi, CON; Prof. Alkasum Abba; Prof. (Mrs.) Nike Y. Sidikat Ijaiya; Justice Augustine B. Utsaha; and the Secretary, Dr Onwusoro Maduka, a former Permanent Secretary.

The institutional representatives on the Committee are: the Permanent Secretary, Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs; representatives of the Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Correctional Service, National Human Rights Commission, Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), and Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).

The committee’s final report was presented to the Council of State on Thursday in Abuja, as required by the constitution.

The report noted, ‘A total of 175 inmates were interviewed, and 62 applications were received on behalf of 119 inmates considered by the committee, making it a total of 294.

‘One hundred and sixty of the inmates interviewed were male, while 15 were female. Eighty-two inmates were recommended for clemency; two (2) for pardon; sixty-five (65) inmates for reduction of their terms of imprisonment, and seven (7) inmates on death row for commutation to life imprisonment.

‘Also, fifteen (15) ex-convicts were recommended for Presidential Pardon, eleven (11) of them are deceased (including Ogoni 9). The Ogoni four (4) were also recommended for the Post-Humous National Honours Award.

‘On the whole, a total of one hundred and seventy-five (175) beneficiaries are recommended.”

The committee had acted on the following criteria: old age (60 years and above); ill health likely to terminate in death; young persons (16 years and below); long-term convicts who have served prison terms of 10 years or more with a good record; and convicts serving three years or more.

‘Those who have been in Custodial centres, learnt sustainable vocational trades capable of keeping them away from crime; those who are adjudged remorseful; those who Correctional Officers recommended for exemplary behaviour and Nigerian prisoners deported from other countries,’ said the statement.