Category: Nigerian Tribune

The Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, has said that the energy and creativity of Nigerian youths are critical in driving the potential of the country’s tourism sector.

The Minister spoke in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, during the unveiling of a platform, ‘ Visit Ekiti, an initiative of a personal photographer to the former governor of Ekiti State, Dr Kayode Fayemi, aimed at showcasing the rich cultural and tourism potential of the state.

At the event, which was attended by stakeholders within and outside the state, including entrepreneurs, the platform of Visit Ekiti was unveiled, where tourists, foreigners and individuals can see tourist sites to visit in Ekiti State.

Olawande, who was represented by Adedamola Ogunmola, commended the brain behind the concept, noting that it aligned perfectly with the mandate of the ministry for the youths of the country.

He added that the tourism sector has the potential to enhance the socio-economic development of the country, appealing to stakeholders to invest in the sector, which would also provide job opportunities for the youth in the country.

The minister who described Ekiti as one of the states with huge tourism and cultural heritage and sites, said, ‘This vision is in perfect harmony with the Renewed Hope Initiative of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which seeks to create a Nigeria where every citizen-especially the youth-has access to opportunities for growth, innovation, and prosperity.

‘In this light, Visit Ekiti stands as a timely and strategic partner. Tourism thrives on the enthusiasm and ingenuity of young people-whether as tour operators, digital marketers, cultural curators, or eco-guides. This venture will create employment, inspire entrepreneurship, and strengthen community pride across Ekiti.

‘Ekiti’s hills, waterfalls, festivals, and traditions are treasures waiting to be unlocked. With Visit Ekiti, these treasures will be polished, packaged, and presented to the world.

‘Visit Ekiti embodies these priorities by showing how cultural heritage and enterprise can be woven into the national fabric of hope, resilience, and renewal.

‘The launch of Visit Ekiti is not just the unveiling of a company-it is the unveiling of a dream: a dream to showcase the rich cultural heritage, the breathtaking landscapes, and the profound history of Ekiti to Nigeria, Africa, and the world.

‘Tourism is more than leisure; it is a vehicle for economic growth, job creation, and cultural preservation. By investing in tourism, we invest in our people, our youth, and our future.’

Speaking, the Lead and Creative Director of Visit Ekiti Limited, Ayodeji Ogunro, said the initiative was conceived to drive and develop arts, culture and tourism in Ekiti State.

He explained that the project would, in no small measure, open up the state to the rest of the world and, in turn, bolster the state’s economic development and create employment opportunities in line with the shared prosperity agenda of Governor Biodun Oyebanji.

Ogunro said, ‘ Visit Ekiti is more than a tourism campaign; it is our strategic blueprint for economic transformation. It is the engine that will create jobs, empower our communities, and draw investment into world-class resorts and eco-tourism ventures.

‘To our investors and partners, we offer a secure, investment-ready state and a government deeply committed to your success.

‘To our people, be the welcoming face of our state. This dream belongs to every single one of us. The journey starts now. Let us all work together to ensure that Ekiti becomes the premier tourist destination in Nigeria.’

In their separate remarks, the representative of the speaker of Ekiti State House of Assembly, Adeoye Aribasoye, the lawmaker representing Ikole constituency 1, Femi Fatunla, and the representative of House of Representatives spokesman, Akin Rotimi, Olusegun Adeyemi, among other speakers, commended Ogunro for the project, describing it as laudable, which would help transform the state.

All is set for the official commissioning of the Otakikpo Onshore Crude Oil Export Terminal in Rivers State, Nigeria, by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday, 8th October 2025.

The facility, established by Green Energy International Limited (GEIL) operator of the Otakikpo Field, PML 11, with its operational base in Ikuru Town, Andoni Local Government Area of Rivers State is the first indigenous onshore terminal to be built in Nigeria by a wholly indigenous company, and the only one constructed in the country in the last 50 years. The last onshore terminal before Otakikpo, the Forcados Terminal, was commissioned in 1971.

Tribune Online reports that the official inauguration will be attended by the Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara; top government functionaries at the federal level; as well as key stakeholders in the oil and gas industry, led by the Minister of State for Petroleum (Oil), Heineken Lokpobiri.

A statement signed by the Executive Director of Legal and Corporate Services, Mr. Olusegun Ilori, and made available to Tribune Online on Thursday in Abuja, noted that the completion of the terminal is a strategic initiative aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s determination to boost oil production in the country.

Operators in the oil and gas sector have identified evacuation challenges as a major barrier to achieving the Federal Government’s goal of producing three million barrels of crude oil per day. The Otakikpo Terminal is therefore expected to provide a lifeline to over 40 stranded oil fields, offering a ready evacuation outlet and unlocking millions of barrels of oil that would otherwise remain trapped in the wells.

The new $400 million terminal, with an initial storage capacity of 750,000 barrels, expandable to three million barrels, and a loading capacity of 360,000 barrels per day, is also expected to support the government’s objective of reducing production costs in the industry.

Speaking on the upcoming event, the Chairman/CEO of GEIL, Professor Anthony Adegbulugbe, said:

‘What we have achieved here is not just a storage solution but a game-changing national infrastructure that has opened a new pathway for about 40 stranded oil fields to finally contribute to the economy.’

Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka has explained that he accepted the renaming of the National Theatre after him because of its history, his personal nostalgia for the iconic edifice, and the recognition that ‘somebody has to carry the can’ for Nigerian theatre even though he has long criticised the practice of naming public monuments after individuals.

Speaking at the reopening and re-dedication of the refurbished complex in Iganmu, Lagos, now christened the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and the Creative Arts by President Bola Tinubu, Soyinka admitted that the honour left him conflicted.

‘I accepted this honour with mixed feelings. First of all, I’m notorious for having criticised any appropriations, personal appropriations of public monuments by some of our past leaders, which would end up that everything is named after them,’ he said.

‘I have been guilty of saying other people do not merit this kind of monumental dedication, and then I had to stand up in public and watch my name being put up as yet another appropriator. It just didn’t seem well with me.’

Reflecting on pioneers of Nigerian theatre such as Hubert Ogunde and Adam Fiberesima, Soyinka said he eventually concluded that ‘somebody has to carry the can.’

He also recalled the building’s role in FESTAC ’77, noting his despair over its decay and his surprise at its transformation after renovation.

‘I took one look at it, and when the governor and his team wanted to come back to take a second look, I said you go without me. I said I would advise you, get somebody secretly, plant a bomb, and blow it up. It was irredeemable. I said it’s not just a desert, it was a slum,’ he said.

Soyinka praised its rebirth, adding: ‘If eating one’s word produces a morsel like this, then it’s a very tasty set of words.’

In his remarks, President Tinubu said the renaming was his personal decision and not influenced by any political agenda.

‘No conspiracy anywhere. I did it,’ the president said. ‘You are a gem and talent. You are one of the greatest assets of the world, the continent and the country Nigeria. So, it couldn’t have been anything else. I said it has to be Wole Soyinka Centre. And I’m glad you are here to accept the honour.’

ALTHOUGH managing difficult or frustrating patients requires experience, clinicians can enhance their professional lives and job satisfaction while also improving patient outcomes by identifying common causes of challenging behaviour and implementing effective strategies.

Dr Folajimi Senjobi, a family medicine specialist at University College Hospital, Ibadan, made this assertion during the Oyo State Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) September continuing medical education series titled ‘Management of Difficult and Angry Patients.’

According to Senjobi, 15 to 20 percent of patients receiving medical care are thought to be difficult but the term ‘difficult patient’ refers more to the doctor’s response than to specific criteria of difficulty and does not denote a distinct diagnostic category.

He stated that the traits of difficult patients’ behaviours typically include drug-seeking, violent, litigious, seductive, angry, non-paying, manipulative, needy, argumentative, and persistently complaining.

‘For example, there are entitled demanders who are inexhaustibly needy. Instead of expressing gratitude or using flattery, they resort to intimidation, devaluation, and guilt toward the doctor managing their care. Then, there are dependent clingers who are excessively reliant on the doctor, desperate for reassurance, and who repeatedly return with a new array of symptoms.

‘Also, we encounter manipulative health rejectors who repeatedly return to your clinic, claiming that your treatment has failed. Whenever one symptom is alleviated, it is quickly replaced by another.

‘A considerable number of patients labelled as difficult may actually meet the DSM criteria for mood disorders, anxiety disorders, and/or borderline personality disorder. Others include patients who have become dependent on prescription drugs, those with substance abuse issues, and patients who frequently doctor shop.’

Dr. Senjobi, however, listed factors that influence difficult patient encounters with doctors, including physicians’ poor communication skills, low job satisfaction, time pressure during consultations, and physicians’ personal biases.

Other factors include changes in healthcare financing policies, past incidents of medical errors or mistrust, patients’ personality types, unmet patient expectations, language and literacy barriers, medical uncertainty, as well as physical, mental, and emotional abuse.

According to Dr Senjobi, the treatment for a difficult or frustrating patient should be based on a careful and thorough assessment of their physical condition.

He warned that strategies such as ignoring the problem, accusing the patient of being difficult, attempting to solve the issue solely with psychopharmacology, or telling the patient that nothing is wrong will be counterproductive in managing difficult patients.

Senjobi therefore recommended adopting the patient-centred clinical method of care to explore patient problems and to guide the best approach for defining and deciding on the management plan for both the disease and the illness experience, in collaboration with the patient.

Chairman of the Association of Medical Doctors of Oyo State, Dr Muyiwa Ajanaku, said, ‘This presentation is timely and relevant because it equips us with practical strategies to handle challenging patient interactions with professionalism, empathy, and patience. It also reminds us that while medical knowledge is indispensable, communication skills and emotional intelligence are equally critical tools in clinical practice.’

Dr Akin Sodipo, the chairman of the lecture, emphasized that doctors’ documentation of medical cases must be thorough due to increasing litigation and demands on medical practitioners in this era.

In his remarks, Dr Happy Adedapo, the NMA chairman, urged health practitioners to master the skill of handling difficult or frustrating patients to improve healthcare delivery.

A landmark gathering of young leaders and stakeholders from across Nigeria convened today at the Nicon Luxury Hotel, Abuja, for the unveiling of Future is Now Project. The gathering, which deliberated on Leadership and Youth Inclusion culminated in a powerful communique demanding decisive action to elevate youth participation in Nigeria’s political and governance landscape.

As Nigeria celebrates its 65th Independence Anniversary, participants unanimously declared that the time for youth to claim their rightful place at the decision-making table is now. Participants emphasize that young Nigerians are not merely the leaders of tomorrow but are the leaders of today, rejecting any form of delay, denial, or exclusion from political leadership.

In a bold vision for the nation’s future, a communique read by its Convener, Mr. Laolu Akande, laid out clear, ambitious targets to be achieved by the next election cycle.

These include, ‘At least 70% of Local Government Chairmanship seats to be held by youths under 35 years; at least 70% of State House of Assembly seats to be occupied by youths under 35 years; ‘at least 70% of House of Representatives seats to be contested for and won by youths under 40 years; and a minimum of 50% of executive appointments at both Federal and State levels reserved for Nigerians under 40 years.’

To realize these goals, a pledge was made to champion political inclusion by lobbying, negotiating, and mobilizing support for credible youth candidates across all political parties. Efforts will also focus on mentorship programmes, capacity building for young leaders, and forming cross-cultural alliances to ensure governance reforms favoring youth representation.

At the unveiling, homage was paid to Nigeria’s elder statesmen and stateswomen, acknowledging their foundational contributions while urging them to graciously yield space for emerging young leaders. The call was for older generations to act as mentors and guides, ensuring a smooth and sustained leadership transition.

The gathering opened with an impassioned address by the Interim Chairman of the project, Rep Abdussamad Dasuki, who described the event not merely as a gathering, but as the ignition of a movement – a national commitment to dramatically increase youth leadership at all levels of governance.

Dasuki said the Future is Now Project is born of sacrifice and demands sacrifice from older generation.

‘Today,’ Rep Dasuki declared, ‘we are not just announcing a project, but igniting a movement, one born of sacrifice, fueled by persuasion and courage, and sustained by the dreams of millions of Nigerian youth. The Future is not tomorrow – the Future is Now.’

In his speech, Dasuki reflected on Nigeria’s political history, noting that while young leaders had once been central to the country’s formation and early development, they have increasingly been sidelined from positions of power, despite the demographic reality that over 70% of Nigeria’s population is under the age of 35.

He cited the signing of the Not Too Young To Run Act in 2018 as a step forward, but stressed that persistent barriers still prevent meaningful youth participation in governance. Rep Dasuki called for a generational shift, where younger leaders not only contest elections but are supported to win and lead.

Drawing lessons from recent youth-led global protests in countries like Nepal, Rep Dasuki warned of the dangers of political exclusion and the potential unrest that can follow when large youth populations feel alienated from their governments.

‘When a large demographic feels excluded from decision-making, frustration festers. We must act now, not only to empower, but to prevent disillusionment that can lead to instability,’ he warned.

Key highlights of the event include the unveiling of the interim governance structure of Future Is Now project – which will undertake the preparation for a more elaborate gathering of Future is Now in the first quarter of 2026 – and the unveiling of the membership registration portal www.futureisnow.ng

Also at the unveiling were former Minister of Youth, Solomon Dalung; Hon Ibrahim Bello Haliru (the youngest member of the National Assembly); Hon. Henry Shield; Hon Salisu Yakassai and Hon David Oloto.

Ms Nicole Nwosu (Convener 1), and Ibrahim Zanna (Convener 2) made presentations at the event while goodwill messages were delivered by development partners, civil society leaders, youth and student leaders, and other partners.

The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) has issued a stern warning to the Federal Government over what it described as persistent neglect, broken promises, and deliberate disregard for agreements reached with the union.

The union’s National Executive Council (NEC), which held its 52nd meeting at Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education, Owerri, lamented that the government’s actions risk plunging the university system into another avoidable industrial crisis.

In a communiqué signed by its National President, Comrade Mohammed Haruna Ibrahim, SSANU expressed deep frustration at the Federal Government’s failure to renegotiate and implement the 2009 FG/SSANU Agreement, describing the silence of the renegotiation committee as ‘a betrayal of trust.’ The union warned that it would have no option but to act if the government failed to honour the two-week extension earlier granted by the Joint Action Committee of SSANU and NASU. ‘If this pattern of neglect continues, the Union will have no choice but to explore all lawful and appropriate avenues to compel compliance,’ the communiqué read.

One of the key issues raised was the continued non-payment of two months’ withheld salaries of SSANU members who participated in the 2022 industrial action. The union described the government’s action as punitive and provocative. ‘NEC strongly condemns the continued withholding of salaries of SSANU members. and urges the Federal Government to immediately release the outstanding two months’ withheld salaries as a demonstration of good faith,’ the statement emphasised. It further noted that deductions already made from previously paid arrears were yet to be remitted to pension administrators, a development it described as an attack on members’ retirement security.

Equally troubling was the union’s position on the disbursement of earned allowances. SSANU accused the government of adopting discriminatory practices by allocating only ?10 billion out of the ?50 billion Earned Allowance fund to the three non-teaching unions. ‘This allocation is unjust, discriminatory, and fails to acknowledge the indispensable role SSANU members play in the effective functioning of Nigerian universities,’ the union declared, demanding the immediate release of the outstanding ?40 billion balance in line with the signed Memorandum of Understanding.

Beyond internal university concerns, SSANU painted a bleak picture of the state of the nation, citing widespread insecurity, collapsing infrastructure, and worsening poverty. It decried the recent cholera outbreak in Zamfara and other parts of the country, the Abuja-Kaduna train derailment, frequent kidnappings, banditry, and devastating floods in Adamawa, Niger, and Lagos States as evidence of government failure to protect lives and maintain critical infrastructure. ‘Healthcare remains underfunded, agriculture and food security are under severe threat, and millions of Nigerians are facing acute hunger due to conflict, climate shocks, and economic instability,’ the union warned.

On education, the NEC said Nigeria’s schools continue to suffer from outdated facilities and gross underfunding, insisting that ‘the government must urgently meet and implement global best practices in education by funding the sector adequately.’ The union commended the slowing down in the creation of new universities, but stressed that quality, not quantity, must be prioritised.

On the economy, SSANU criticised what it described as reckless wastage in governance, even as inflation and fuel prices continue to crush households. While acknowledging the marginal stabilisation of the naira and a slight easing of inflation, it said Nigerians were yet to feel any real relief. ‘The escalating prices of petroleum products and essential commodities call for greater efforts to reduce inflation, which remains among the highest in Africa,’ the NEC stated.

The union also drew attention to the plight of its members in state-owned universities, singling out Rev. Fr. Moses Orshio Adasu University in Benue State, where SSANU members are currently on strike over unpaid salaries. ‘This unacceptable practice must stop immediately,’ it warned. SSANU further demanded urgent nationwide expansion of solar power installations to address the epileptic electricity supply undermining teaching and research in universities. It accused both federal and state governments of mismanaging increased revenues, insisting that ‘there is no excuse for failing to prioritise workers’ welfare.’

On security, the NEC made a bold case for the formal recognition of traditional rulers as part of Nigeria’s security architecture. ‘Integrating traditional rulers into national and state security councils is not a ceremonial gesture; it is an urgent and practical step toward restoring public confidence and achieving lasting peace across the federation,’ the communiqué argued. It further called for targeted security emergencies in the worst-hit states, coupled with modern technologies, intelligence-led policing, and measures to address poverty, unemployment, and land-use conflicts fuelling violence.

To reposition universities, SSANU urged the government to grant full autonomy to university governing councils, strengthen research and innovation funds, and provide living wages with guaranteed, timely salaries to attract and retain the best talents. It also commended the introduction of the Tertiary Institutions Staff Support Fund (TISSF), urging the government to expedite the disbursement of funds already subscribed to by staff.

The union reiterated its readiness to support nation-building, highlighting the expertise of its members in engineering, ICT, healthcare, administration, and finance. ‘SSANU is not merely an advocacy group but a reservoir of professional expertise ready to partner with government and development agencies,’ the NEC declared.

The Council demanded urgent action from the government on health, education, security, food production, and infrastructure. ‘Nigerians deserve concrete action, not promises,’ the communiqué stressed, calling on its members to remain steadfast, professional, and committed to the struggle for a safer and more prosperous Nigeria.

The Association of Provosts of Colleges of Health Technology and Nursing Sciences has called on the Federal Government to exempt its institutions from the recently announced seven-year moratorium on the establishment of new polytechnics and allied institutions.

In a communiqué issued at the end of its 2025 Quadrennial Conference in Lokoja, the Provosts warned that applying the ban to health institutions would worsen the country’s healthcare manpower crisis. The statement, signed by the Association’s Public Relations Officer, Dr. Nuhu Anyegwu, was made available to journalists on Thursday.

The conference noted that the restriction would ‘create an intergenerational gap of at least seven years in terms of shortage of health and medical manpower in various communities across Nigeria.’

The Provosts stressed that Colleges of Health Technology and Nursing Sciences are professional health training institutions with prior accreditation from regulatory councils and should not be categorised as allied institutions subject to the ban.

They also applauded the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) for streamlining the accreditation process through digitalisation, but urged the Ministry of Education and NBTE to stop multiple accreditations by professional councils, which they described as burdensome.

The conference further expressed concern over the exclusion of Health Colleges from TETFUND’s funding schedule, calling for the passage of the TETFUND Act Amendment Bill to include their institutions as beneficiaries.

The Association re-elected its officers during the conference, with Dr. Johnson Adebayo Ojo and Malam Adamu Ahmadu emerging as Chairman and Secretary-General, respectively. It also resolved to establish a research journal and set up a Media Committee to enhance visibility.

With Nigeria’s population exceeding 200 million, the Provosts argued that expanding healthcare education remains critical to reversing brain drain and improving access to quality healthcare.

‘The Federal Government must support the growth and development of Colleges of Health Technology and Nursing Sciences if the healthcare needs of Nigerians are to be met,’ the communiqué concluded.

Prophet Adefolusho Aanu Osasele, the General Overseer of The Turn of Mercy Church, located on Okun Ajah, Ogombo Road, Lekki, Lagos, has been ordered to be remanded in custody by a Federal High Court in Lagos following his arraignment on charges of unlawful dealing in illicit drugs.

Justice Ambrose Lewis-Allagoa gave the remand order on Thursday after the cleric, also popularly known as Abbas Ajakaiye, pleaded not guilty to a single-count charge of allegedly trafficking a colossal amount of 900 kilogrammes of ‘Ghana Loud,’ a potent strain of Cannabis Sativa.

In addressing the court, the counsel for the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), M. I. Erondu, revealed that Prophet Osasele was apprehended on August 3, 2024, at Ajah, Lagos, in connection with the prohibited substance.

The agency asserted that the General Overseer’s alleged actions contravene Section 11(c) of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Act Cap N30 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004, and are punishable under the same Act.

The charge, marked FHC/L/682c/2025, specifically accused Osasele, ‘alias Abbas Ajakaiye,’ of dealing in 900 Kilograms of Ghana Loud, a Strain of Cannabis Sativa, a narcotic drug similar to cocaine, heroin and LSD, without lawful authority.

Following the cleric’s denial of the allegation and his not guilty plea, the prosecution requested a trial date and urged the court to remand him in the custody of the Nigerian Correctional Services (NCoS) pending the commencement of the trial.

However, the defendant’s lawyer, Mimido Nyiew, countered by informing the court that a bail application had been filed and served on the prosecution.

Justice Lewis-Allagoa, after hearing submissions on the bail request, granted the General Overseer bail in the sum of N50 million with one surety in the like sum.

The court further stipulated stringent conditions for the surety, requiring them to swear to an affidavit of means and provide verifiable evidence of ownership of landed property within the court’s jurisdiction.

Despite the bail being granted, the judge ordered that Prophet Osasele be remanded at the NCoS facility until he is able to fulfil the stipulated bail cconditions.

The matter has been adjourned to November 18, 2025, for trial.

Prophet Chukwuemeka Ohanaemere, popularly called Odumeje, has ignited a storm of controversy across social media with a blistering critique of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whom he flatly described as ‘a businessman rather than a president.’

In a viral video that has drawn widespread attention and diverse reactions, the often-controversial cleric, who goes by the moniker ‘Indaboski,’ argued that the true measure of a leader lies in their commitment to national development and the welfare of their citizens, a standard he believes is unmet by the current administration.

Odumeje starkly contrasted President Tinubu with several global figures he hailed as exemplary nation-builders, including former US President Donald Trump, Burkina Faso’s leader Ibrahim Traoré, and China’s President Xi Jinping.

According to him, these figures represent true leadership dedicated to elevating their respective countries.

‘I don’t know who’s calling Tinubu president. Tinubu is just a businessman. If you want to talk about a president, call Trump, Ibrahim Traoré, Xi Jinping, and many others, they are all true leaders.

‘Leaders are people who develop their country so that their children and citizens can benefit, but the ones we have in Nigeria are busy acquiring wealth for their own children,’ he was quoted as saying.

Lamenting the country’s dire situation, Odumeje accused the political elite of focusing solely on amassing wealth for their personal families while neglecting the growth and prosperity of the nation.

He concluded his sharp condemnation by redefining Nigeria’s globally recognized status. Despite the popular tag of being the ‘Giant of Africa,’ the Prophet asserted that the country has devolved into what he bluntly called a ‘giant of f@ilure not a Giant of Africa.’

The fiery remarks from the influential cleric are expected to continue driving debate over the priorities of the current Nigerian leadership and the overall state of the nation.

The All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA), in partnership with the African Union Commission (AUC), has praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), and the Bankers’ Committee for their role in revamping and reopening the National Theatre in Iganmu, Lagos.

AFRIMA described the restoration of the 1976 landmark as a major step in preserving Nigeria’s cultural heritage and boosting the arts sector. The project, led by the CBN and Bankers’ Committee, was inaugurated during Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary celebrations.

AFRIMA President and Executive Producer, Mike Dada, called the development a milestone for Nigeria’s creative industries.

‘The National Arts Theatre has played a crucial role in nurturing African creativity, serving for decades as a hub for music, theatre, film and cultural festivals. Its revival speaks volumes about Nigeria’s vision and the dedication of stakeholders like the CBN and the bankers’ committee to supporting the creative economy,’ Dada said. ‘This is not just a building restored, but a renewal of cultural confidence and an investment in future generations of Nigerian and African talent.’

Dada also congratulated Nigeria on its 65th independence anniversary, commending the country’s resilience and leadership in music, film, fashion, and digital culture.

‘On behalf of the International Executive Committee of AFRIMA, I extend heartfelt congratulations to Nigeria as the country marks 65 years of independence. Nigeria remains a vital partner to AFRIMA and a key pillar of Africa’s cultural identity. Its creative energy continues to inspire not just the continent but the world,’ he added.

He noted that Nigeria’s role as host of the 9th AFRIMA Awards has further amplified African music globally and strengthened unity across the continent.

AFRIMA reaffirmed its commitment to promoting African music, nurturing young talent, and advancing culture as a driver of pride and development.