Category: Nigerian Tribune

A popular Yoruba (Yoruba is a language spoken in sub-Saharan Africa) anecdote metaphorically describes a self-centred leader who browbeats colleagues in the workplace with exaggerated strategic skills as ‘the leader who rides on an illusory powerful horse’ without being conscious of the fact that its (the horse’s) weight can be likened to that of a cockroach.

The ethos or fundamental values of a leader should begin with acknowledging his strengths and blind spots (or weaknesses).

A leader wins with the team. Collaboration over individualism defines success in the corporate world. Leaders should be careful never to be swept away by power and fame.

Vulnerability is not weakness, stigma or taboo. Nobody is perfect. Nobody knows all the answers. Leaders make mistakes. They do wrong things. They say wrong things.

Leaders must however, learn from mistakes. Failure is life trying to redirect your path. Do not be a victim of that infallible foresight or that misleading notion that leaders do not make mistakes.

As a well-tested businessman and proven entrepreneur, I have faced uncertainties, negative portrayals, risks and struggles. These experiences have proved clearly to me that they are lessons to be learnt, stepping stones to greater successes and springboards to value-assuring transformation. Navigating through uncertainties and weathering very challenging storms are refining processes and tests of resilience.

The leader gains perceptive insight from these experiences, which are non-linear because they do not follow logic. You must find the steps in yourself as a leader who is aware and proud of his strengths but never afraid of his weaknesses. These experiences of resilience, deliver to you introverted intuition, which, on a daily basis, differentiates you as a thoroughbred leader who works smarter, move things forward, make things happen and get things done.

Several years ago, I was invited by the Lagos Business School to deliver an intellectual paper at its breakfast special meeting for leaders of Nigeria’s banking industry, top economic officials of the diplomatic corps and business gurus. The topic was ‘Restructuring the Nigerian Insurance Industry: Will it complete the Financial Sector Loop?’

Of course, I did justice to the paper but what was the fall out? The short but instructive lecture became a prompt for top leaders of Nigeria’s banking industry to revive their comatose insurance departments. Some even created new insurance departments in their establishments and the result, my organisation almost totally lost control of its greatest source of inflow, motor insurance. We sought and considered multiple perspectives for new decisions from team members. We won!

The leader is the captain of other stars in his organisation. He must regularly tap into the profound impact of humility, trust, genuine connections and teamwork. Collaboration is engendering and promoting professional relationship within the organisation. The leader must encourage opposing views and dissenting opinions. There must be relational transparency with colleagues. This must be unfiltered and must create adequate accommodation for vulnerability. The leader must be ‘real’ with his team members and should occasionally share with them stories of challenges and failures. He should regularly use this window to demonstrate vulnerability and transparency. He is the moral compass that is constantly guiding and in alignment with the values of his organisation.

The leader’s multiple successes must shine brighter than the metrics. He must always inspire the team to generate ideas and co-create.

Our LBS experience ‘gave birth’ to very creative ideas and actions. My company with the support of our American partners started selling the popular brands of cars with full comprehensive insurance policies and even tailor-made life assurance for those who bought the cars with lease arrangements.

We also successfully graduated into an outcome-based partnership with the Nigeria’s Airports Car Hires Association (ACHAN) and supplied taxicabs (with lease arrangement and tailor-made life assurance) to all the airports in Nigeria. We collaborated with Lagos and Ekiti state governments for supply and fleet management of mass transit buses. Let me also mention the ‘miracle’ of Liberia. As a result of the country’s tortuous civil war, there was no public transportation whatsoever. We stepped in and shipped knocked-down parts of motorcycles. We assembled them there and sold them to Liberian citizens with the support of their government.

Please note that even science and technology thrive on experimenting and growing knowledge by learning from mistakes. Vulnerability is the catalyst for growth and development. That is why leaders must broaden their focus and embrace multifaceted and multi-dimensional approach to decision-making.

An ‘authentic’ leader starts his daily activities with self-reflection. He learns from mistakes and acknowledges as well as work with the talents and gifts of his colleagues. He creates a work environment that promotes trust, resilience and meaningful change.

The leader must always own up to not knowing everything. He must find answers by listening to the ‘collective voice’, his team. His determination and courage for excellence must propel him to protect his team and be transparent to the members. There is a coaching guide for leaders. He must recognise the potential of his team members. He must help them become better versions of themselves. Colleagues must recognise their strengths but not get complacent. They must also vividly see their weaknesses but not get discouraged. A leader must build people up, never tear them down.

Leaders should not just provide technical solutions in order to showcase expertise. Running a successful organisation is about people, not just problems.

The human capital is the foundational differentiating value in an organisation. Your people are the ‘value’ not only in productivity but also in the profitability loop. The leader must understand them as much as the problems.

Energy, vibrancy, passion, talent and skills must run side-by-side with emotional resilience and emotional vulnerability.

Ogun State government has reiterated its commitment towards promoting and actualizing its vision of sustainable urban development through promotion of safe and enduring building practices, ensuring orderliness and good living environment as well as preparation of urban and rural development plans.

The Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Tpl. Olatunji Odunlami disclosed this in his message to commemorate the 2025 World Habitat Day in Ogun State.

According him, the day, every first Monday of October has been set aside by the United Nations through the Un-Habitat to draw attention to the many challenges facing human settlements, especially the urban areas and find solutions to them.

Tpl. Odunlami stated that the yearly focus on human settlements was as a result of the projection that, by 2050, world population would reach 9.8 billion human beings, and nearly 70% of which would live in urban areas which according to him, could lead to inadequate and sub-standard housing, lack of jobs, high crime rate, inadequate waste management, inadequate physical and social infrastructure, facilities and services among others.

He said ‘This year’s theme, ‘Urban Crisis Response’, is a continuation of the dialogue, fact finding and solution-proffering efforts of the UN-Habitat which started in 1986. The general objective of this yearly celebration is to continue to remind us that we are individually and collectively responsible for the urban crisis and we are therefore also individually and collectively responsible for finding the solutions. Every one of us has a part to play in these efforts, leaving no one behind.’

He advised the general public not to build houses without getting planning permit and building approval, desist from building structures including shanties on road setback and drainage channels, stop dumping refuse on the roads and drainages while encouraging all to plant trees and flowers in their environment.

Meanwhile, Tpl. Bamidele Badejo, a Professor of Geography and Regional Planning, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago Iwoye, who featured on OGTV new dawn program in commemoration of the World habitat day, called on government to incorporate town planning professionals into Ministries, Departments and Agencies of government to help in planning as it’s relates to the environment.

Also speaking on the program, Mr. Fatai Adefala, Director, Fire Service maintained that safety of lives and properties as well as promotion of healthy community sanitation.

Two persons have lost their lives while several others sustained varying degrees of injuries in road crashes at Idi-Ayunre end of Ijebu-Ode road in Ibadan, Oyo State, on Monday.

The driver of the affected truck, which is said to be a quarry firm operating in the area, lost control of the vehicle and subsequently ran over three persons, leaving one dead on the spot.

Another victim lost his life while receiving medical attention at an undisclosed hospital in the neighbourhood.

The limb of the third victim has also been amputated in a desperate move to save her life.

The incident marks the second fatal crash involving the same company within three months has sparked off protests in the area.

The protesters barricaded the Ijebu-Ode road in demand for justice

The Chairman of the Oluyole local government, Akeem Olatunji, who led top officials of the local government to the scene where angry youths had barricaded the road, sued for calm.

He assured that his administration would leave no stone unturned to bring the driver to book and ensure the affected company properly compensates the families of the victims to reduce the pain and trauma they have been subjected to as a result of the incident.

Olatunji disclosed that most private companies in the council area have failed in the area of carrying out their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), especially by creating collaboration targeted at alleviating the suffering and socio-economic challenges of their host communities.

Recall that just a few months ago, a Kulum Quarry truck caused a similar accident that claimed the lives of three students of Prospect High School, Aba Nla.

In the wake of that tragedy, the council chairman, Asiwaju Akeem Olatunji, had promptly ordered the construction of speed breakers on the affected route to forestall future occurrences.

Sadly, Saturday’s crash shows that the warnings and precautions have done little to change or curb the recklessness of the company’s drivers.

Speaking on the incident, Olatunji expressed deep sorrow and described the deaths as both painful and avoidable.

He condoled with the bereaved families and the Idi-Ayunre community, praying for strength and comfort for all those affected.

‘This is another avoidable tragedy. My heart goes out to the families of the victims,’ he said. ‘No one should lose their loved ones in such a cruel manner, especially when it could have been prevented.’

Olatunji reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the safety of lives and property in Oluyole. He announced that more speed bumps would be constructed along the Idi-Ayunre-Sabo road to curb reckless driving, particularly by heavy-duty vehicles.

He appealed to the youths of Idi-Ayunre to remain calm and resist the urge to take laws into their hands through road blockades or protests.

‘We understand your anger, but we must handle this responsibly. I assure you, justice will be served,’ he said, adding that Kulum Quarry would face appropriate sanctions and legal consequences for repeated negligence.

The council boss also emphasized that companies operating within the local government must henceforth comply strictly with safety and traffic regulations, warning that any firm found wanting would be held accountable.

Meanwhile, eyewitnesses at the scene revealed disturbing details about the driver’s conduct. The trailer, reportedly a brand-new vehicle, showed no signs of mechanical failure. Instead, witnesses alleged that the driver was speeding uncontrollably and appeared to be under the influence of substances commonly referred to as ‘colos’ and sachet alcohol.

Residents of the incident area have since renewed calls for stricter monitoring of quarry trucks and other heavy vehicles operating within Oluyole, insisting that the lives of their people should not continue to be the price of negligence and profit.

The lawmaker representing Edo North in the Nigerian Senate, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, has said that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 general election, Peter Obi, stand no chance of defeating President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, Oshiomhole stated that both Atiku and Obi had faced defeats in previous elections, whether they contested jointly or separately, and would face the same outcome if they teamed up again.

‘Did Atiku not run with Obi before and contested against the APC. Were they not defeated?

‘Throw any number you want to throw. The point is that when these two ran together, they were roundly defeated by the APC,’ the former Edo governor stated.

‘They have a history of being defeated together and they have a history of being defeated apart. So, if they come back together, they will still be defeated,’ he added.

Atiku, who was the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate in 2023, while Obi flew the flag of the Labour Party (LP), both garnered a combined total of over 12 million votes in the election that produced President Tinubu.

The two opposition leaders, now members of a coalition under the African Democratic Congress (ADC), finished second and third, respectively, in the last presidential election.

After a high-level meeting with President Bola Tinubu in Abuja, Nigerian-born global investor Adebayo Ogunlesi expressed renewed confidence in the country’s economic reforms, indicating potential mega investments across energy, aviation, and port sectors.

He was joined in that optimism by Zacch Adedeji, Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), who stressed that the reforms were laying the groundwork for an export-driven economy.

Speaking to journalists after the closed-door meeting, Ogunlesi praised the sweeping policy changes under Tinubu’s administration, including the removal of subsidies, tax reforms, and the revival of a refinery already exporting aviation fuel.

‘We had an excellent meeting where we discussed how to put Nigeria front and centre for international investment. The President was very encouraging, and we shared useful suggestions on driving economic growth,’ Ogunlesi said.

Although he declined to reveal specific details, Ogunlesi confirmed that his firm is actively investing in Nigeria and assessing new opportunities.

‘Watch this space. Nigeria is not yet the most exciting investment destination, but that’s what we are working on,’ he teased.

Pressed on the sectors of interest, Ogunlesi highlighted energy, gas, aviation, ports, and renewables. Drawing on his firm’s experience with LNG projects in Texas and Australia, he noted Nigeria’s massive untapped gas reserves.

On aviation, he acknowledged his reputation as ‘the guy who bought Gatwick Airport’ and signalled interest in similar ventures locally.

He also admitted that one of his companies operates ports in Cotonou and Lomé but none in Nigeria, a point Tinubu reportedly challenged him on.

‘He forgave me but said, ‘you have to bring port investment to Nigeria,” Ogunlesi recounted with a smile.

International investor Hakeem Bello-Osagie, who was also present, underscored the importance of diaspora participation in Nigeria’s growth story.

‘When Nigerians at home and abroad invest in Nigeria, it sends a strong signal to the world,’ he said, lauding Tinubu’s policies for making the country ‘investable.’

Echoing the sentiment, FIRS chairman Adedeji described the reforms as the foundation for an export-led economy.

‘We’ve done the fundamentals, and now it is time to deliver growth,’ he said.

With global players signalling confidence, the momentum for Nigeria’s economic repositioning is gaining ground, setting the stage for transformative investments in key industries.

Prudential Zenith Life Insurance Limited has announced its audited 2024 financial results, approved by the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM), showing exceptional growth and a capital buffer that surpasses the new regulatory requirement by ?19.3 billion.

The company reported a 21% rise in profit after tax to ?7.4 billion, up from ?6.1 billion in 2023, while total assets expanded by 29.5% to ?82.0 billion, driven largely by a 29.6% increase in financial assets.

Shareholders’ equity climbed 32.2% to ?30.5 billion, supported by a 51.8% jump in retained earnings to ?19.5 billion.

With its solvency margin strengthening by 28.3% to ?29.3 billion, Prudential Zenith Life has achieved a surplus of ?19.3 billion above the ?10 billion minimum capital requirement effective July 31, 2025.

Insurance contract liabilities also grew by 29.7%, accounting for 95.4% of total liabilities, reflecting the company’s expanding underwriting strength and customer base.

Commenting on the performance, Ms. Funmi Omo, Chief Executive Officer of Prudential Zenith Life, said, ‘Our 2024 results are a testament to our financial resilience and commitment to excellence. Delivering a 21% profit increase while maintaining a capital surplus nearly double the regulatory requirement underscores our discipline, foresight, and strategic focus. The ?19.3 billion buffer empowers us to innovate, expand, and deliver greater value to our customers and shareholders as we enter our next phase of growth.’

Prudential Zenith Life’s strong performance reinforces its mission to secure the financial future of its customers through innovative insurance products.

Its capital strength provides strategic flexibility to broaden offerings, invest in technology, and sustain long-term value creation.

The company, now a wholly-owned subsidiary of Prudential plc following a full acquisition in September 2024, ranks among the most capitalised insurers in Nigeria.

It offers a wide range of individual solutions, including savings and investment-linked products, endowment, and protection plans as well as corporate products such as Group Life, Key-Man Assurance, Credit Life, School Fees Protection, and Mortgage Protection.

Prudential plc, its parent company, is a global leader in life and health insurance and asset management, with dual primary listings on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange and London Stock Exchange, and secondary listings in Singapore and New York.

With its solid 2024 performance, Prudential Zenith Life is positioned for continued growth, strengthened competitiveness, and deeper contributions to Nigeria’s insurance sector.

The reopening of the National Arts Theatre marks the culmination of a landmark public-private partnership led by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Bankers’ Committee, which jointly committed about N68 billion to the transformation of Nigeria’s most iconic cultural edifice.

The project, hailed as one of the most significant public-private partnerships in Nigeria’s recent history, blends heritage with innovation. Originally completed in 1976 and inaugurated during FESTAC ’77, the National Theatre once stood as a symbol of African creativity. But decades of neglect left it derelict and underutilized. Now, with its rebirth as the Wole Soyinka Centre, the iconic landmark is being positioned as the anchor for Nigeria’s creative industries – spanning film, music, fashion, technology, and literature.

The ceremony, attended by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Nobel Laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka, members of the Bankers’ Committee and other dignitaries, was not just a celebration of bricks and mortar but a statement of intent about Nigeria’s future.

The President seized the opportunity to direct the creation of a National Arts Theatre Endowment Fund, a financial mechanism designed to guarantee continuous maintenance of the complex and prevent it from falling back into disrepair. ‘It has been a wonderful evening, and I have enjoyed myself,’ Tinubu said, adding, ‘It is now left for Cardoso and others to put together an endowment fund, and I will contribute to it. It’s not a bad thing for us to use this opportunity to create jobs, maintain accessibility, and commitment. This place will not go dry again.’

Tinubu also defended the renaming of the complex after Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka, describing him as one of the world’s greatest cultural assets and a fitting figure for such an honour. He urged Nigerians to project positivity about their country, urging young people to renew their hope and channel their energy into rebuilding the nation.

The atmosphere reflected both pride and nostalgia. For decades, the National Theatre symbolized the promise and pitfalls of Nigeria’s cultural heritage. Built in 1976 and inaugurated during FESTAC ’77, it was once the epicentre of African creativity, hosting artists, musicians, and cultural icons from across the continent. But years of neglect left the building a shadow of its former glory, plagued by structural decay and a loss of relevance.

The turning point came in 2020 when the Federal Government approved a public-private partnership that transferred the theatre and its surrounding estate to the CBN on behalf of the Bankers’ Committee. What began as a plan to rehabilitate the monument quickly evolved into an ambitious vision to reimagine it as a world-class creative hub. The project faced numerous hurdles along the way – structural complexities, contractual disputes, and the COVID-19 pandemic stretched the timeline far beyond the initial 15 months and pushed the budget from ?21.3 billion to ?68 billion. Yet, after years of painstaking effort, the result unveiled last week was a transformation that surpassed expectations.

CBN Governor Olayemi Cardoso framed the Bankers’ Committee’s commitment as more than philanthropy, describing the investment as a deliberate intervention in Nigeria’s cultural future. ‘The Central Bank of Nigeria, the Bankers’ Committee, the Lagos State Government, and the Ministry of Art, Culture, and the Creative Economy came together with a shared purpose to deliver this national project. The Bankers’ Committee alone committed approximately ?68 billion, not as corporate social responsibility but as a deliberate investment in Nigeria’s cultural future,’ he said, and emphasized that the project demonstrated the power of collaboration between the public and private sectors in delivering national development.

The new facility preserves the theatre’s iconic silhouette while delivering state-of-the-art performance halls, cinemas, exhibition galleries, an African literature library, rehearsal studios, media and medical facilities, and modernised infrastructure. The surrounding grounds have been upgraded with gardens, outdoor exhibition areas, and improved access routes, including seamless integration with the Lagos Blue Line Metro, placing culture at the heart of city life.

The project also includes the development of a 44-hectare ‘Signature Cluster,’ consisting of four creative hubs dedicated to fashion, music, film, and information technology. Each hub is designed to operate independently but with the capacity for collaboration across sectors, a model aimed at nurturing Nigeria’s creative industries into a globally competitive ecosystem.

Governor Sanwo-Olu described the reopening as both a cultural and spiritual rebirth, recalling the historic significance of FESTAC ’77 when the venue symbolized Pan-African unity and creativity. He stressed the importance of the collaboration that delivered the project, highlighting Lagos State’s contribution of land and infrastructure, including direct rail connectivity to the site. He expressed optimism that the revitalised complex would not only celebrate Nigeria’s heritage but also attract investment, stimulate tourism, and create thousands of jobs.

Professor Wole Soyinka, visibly moved, admitted he once considered the theatre beyond redemption but acknowledged that the Bankers’ Committee had proved him wrong. ‘The Bankers’ Committee made me eat my words. With this recreation, Nigerians can now watch African theatre at home instead of traveling abroad,’ he said. For Soyinka, the project represents not just a revival of an edifice but a reaffirmation of Nigeria’s place in global cultural discourse.

Industry watchers note that the project represents a significant opportunity for the financial sector. Beyond the immediate jobs created in construction and operations, banks now have new avenues to finance cultural events, training programmes, creative enterprises, and ancillary services linked to the theatre and its clusters. Analysts argue that if properly managed, the National Theatre could become a financing hub for Nigeria’s burgeoning creative economy, estimated to contribute billions of dollars annually to GDP.

Globally, the creative economy is recognized as one of the fastest-growing sectors, driven by digital innovation, cultural exports, and youthful populations. Nigeria, with its music, film, and fashion industries already gaining global traction, is well-positioned to leverage this momentum. The rebirth of the National Theatre provides the physical infrastructure and symbolic confidence to scale this potential. Federal Government projections suggest the creative sector could generate over one million jobs, providing much-needed employment opportunities for Nigeria’s large youth population.

Still, challenges remain. Sustainability and inclusivity are critical. Many grand projects in Nigeria have failed not for lack of vision but for weak management and poor maintenance. The establishment of an endowment fund is a step in the right direction, but transparency and accountability will determine its effectiveness.

There are also questions about accessibility: will the theatre cater only to elite performances, or will it provide affordable platforms for grassroots creatives? Ensuring broad participation will be essential if the project is to achieve its economic and cultural objectives.

Yet, despite these concerns, the mood around the reopening was one of optimism. For the CBN and the Bankers’ Committee, the investment is both a show of confidence and a strategic bet on Nigeria’s soft power. For the government, it is a milestone in its ambition to diversify the economy beyond oil. For young Nigerians, it is a reminder that their creativity is not just entertainment but an economic force capable of shaping the country’s future.

The story of the National Theatre is, in many ways, the story of Nigeria itself, a tale of past glory, decline, and renewal. What began nearly half a century ago as a symbol of cultural pride has degenerated, but it is today been reborn as a beacon of possibilities. The challenge now is to sustain that vision, to ensure that the lights do not go out again, and to leverage the investment as a springboard for broader economic transformation. If successful, the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts will not just preserve the past; it will finance the future, proving that culture, when invested in strategically, can be one of Nigeria’s most valuable economic assets.

Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Mr Peter Obi, on Monday urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other relevant agencies to thoroughly scrutinise the academic credentials of candidates ahead of the 2027 polls to prevent the embarrassment of letting certificate forgers into public offices in the country.

He noted that, for example, some political office holders today came into office in 2023, using questionable certificates or swore to affidavits defending the certificates they possess

According to the Peter Obi Media Reach (POMR), the former governor of Anambra State, gave his views on his X handle on Monday.

Writing on ‘The danger of making crime a norm’, he stated, ‘Whenever I talk about Nigeria being a crime scene, those who are part of the criminality and their hirelings will quickly start their noise-making, attacking and blackmailing me.

‘But how do you tell people that those whose integrity, character and behaviour are supposed to be exemplary and emulated in society have become the very source of the nation’s decay? How do you tell young Nigerians to be honest and upright when those they are supposed to emulate are the least to be emulated because they are criminals and dishonest?

‘Certificate forgery is a serious criminal offence in all countries of the world. It is one of the most corrupt practices heavily punished.

‘In one of my knowledge-seeking visits to Indonesia early this year, after interacting with several ministers responsible for Health, Villages, SMEs, Planning, and Education, as well as the Vice President and President Joko Widodo on development, I met with the Chairman of the General Elections Commission of Indonesia. I asked him about the educational qualifications required to participate in elections from local government to the state legislature, governorship, and up to the presidential level. He openly stated these qualifications to me.

‘My team and I then asked a simple question: What happens if someone contests for public office with a forged certificate or did not attend the school he claimed he attended? He looked at me, surprised and shocked, and said, ‘That attracts immediate disqualification and prosecution. It is a criminal offence. He added, ‘If someone can forge a certificate, how can that person be trusted to lead others?’

Obi, in the tweets shared by the Spokesman of POMR, Mr Ibrahim Umar, wrote further, ‘But in my country Nigeria, though the laws are same as in other countries, that forgery is punished by immediate disqualification, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) makes no effort to scrutinize certificates before the elections, overlooks complaints of forgery and when you challenged after the elections, court will dismiss the serious criminal issues as ‘pre-election matters’ without giving this criminal act appropriate punishment.

‘INEC, even after the elections, does not bother to revisit or investigate these serious offences before the next election.

‘The other concerning issue from all these is how criminals and dishonest people scale through all the scrutiny layers -security, parliament and government apparatus set to handle such.

‘Even more disturbing, amounting to double tragedy, is that most of these dishonest people swore to an affidavit before a law court attesting to the authenticity of the documents they presented.

‘We are now preparing for the 2027 general elections. INEC has enough time to investigate past complaints about various forms of forgery and false claims.

‘Our Electoral amendments must include that anyone intending to contest for any public office, whether an incumbent or a new candidate, must submit all academic certificates to the electoral body immediately after party primaries, at least six months before the election. These certificates, alongside details of schools attended, what was studied and years of study, should be made public for verification within 90 days. This process must also apply to appointed officials, ministers and even aides, because when dishonesty starts from the top, it spreads to every level of governance, just like it’s happening now.

‘We must deal with certificate forgery holistically with the seriousness and level of criminality it deserves. Criminal offences should not be dismissed as a mere procedural matter. We must end the era where forgery and deceit are rewarded with power. True leadership must begin with truth.’

The Senate is set to address growing claims of a ‘Christian genocide’ in Nigeria, which have been circulated both locally and internationally by some media outlets, advocacy groups, and religious organizations.

Lawmakers say the narrative misrepresents the country’s complex security challenges as purely religious.

A motion titled ‘Urgent Need to Correct Misconceptions Regarding the Purported ‘Christian Genocide’ Narrative in Nigeria and the International Communities’ will be debated on Tuesday.

The motion, sponsored by former Senate Leader Ali Ndume, has Senators Sani Musa (Niger East), Magatakarda Wamako (Sokoto North), and Ibrahim Bomai (Yobe South) as co-sponsors.

According to a copy of the motion seen by Tribune Online, the senators said the aim is to correct what they described as a distorted narrative in some international media reports portraying Christians as the sole victims of Nigeria’s violence.

They noted that ‘serious security challenges including terrorism, insurgency, banditry, communal conflicts, and targeted attacks which have affected citizens across various religious, ethnic, and regional backgrounds, resulting in loss of lives and property among both Christian and Muslim communities’ are being wrongly presented in religious terms, a development they warned could further divide the country.

The move follows the Presidency’s recent response to United States Senator Ted Cruz, who alleged that Nigerian officials were ignoring or supporting mass killings of Christians by Islamist militants.

Cruz, in a post on his X handle, claimed that Christians in Nigeria were facing systematic persecution.

Responding, Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, dismissed the claims as false and misleading. He said Nigeria’s security problems are caused by terrorism, banditry, and criminality-not religious persecution-adding that the country enjoys religious harmony.

Ndume and his co-sponsors expressed concern that the US Senate and Congress may have been influenced by such claims and could move to label Nigeria a ‘Country of Particular Concern,’ a designation typically reserved for nations accused of human rights or religious freedom violations.

They urged the Senate to reject the characterization of Nigeria’s security crisis as a ‘Christian genocide’ and to reaffirm that the ongoing conflicts stem from socio-economic, ethnic, and criminal factors that cut across religious lines.

The lawmakers also called on the Federal Government to ‘encourage diplomatic missions especially US Embassy, International organisations, and foreign media to rely on verified, balanced, and credible sources-including security agencies, local communities, and independent observers-when reporting on religiously sensitive issues in Nigeria.’

They further advised the government, through the leadership of the 10th National Assembly, to ‘engage US Senate and Congress; international partners and diaspora networks through official briefings and fact-based publications to correct misconceptions.’

They also proposed that Nigeria ‘support interfaith peacebuilding programmes that emphasise shared victimhood and national unity’ and ‘ensure justice and accountability for all victims of violent attacks-whether Christian, Muslim, or otherwise-to address impunity and rebuild public confidence in state institutions.’

Oyo Governor, Seyi Makinde, has constituted an 11-member committee to plan and coordinate the celebrations, as part of preparations to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the creation of Oyo.

The Governor named Hon. Saheed Akinade Fijabi, a former member of the House of Representatives, as Chairman of the committee for Oyo @ 50 anniversary.

The appointment was formally conveyed in a letter signed by the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Otunba Segun Ogunwuyi, and made public on Monday.

Also appointed as Deputy Chairman is the immediate past Head of Service in the state, Alhaja Ololade Agboola.

Other members of the committee include Dr Ajuwon, OON, Mustapha Razaq Areo, Alhaja Fatimah Ololade Azeez, S.A. Adejumo, Pastor John Olasunkanmi Alabi, Alhaji A.K. Bello, Mrs. Ronke Adedayo, who will serve as Secretary of the committee, COMPOL Fatai Owoseni (Rtd.), Mr. Samuel Adegboyega Badejo, Director General of Protocol, Oyo State Government

The committee is expected to immediately commence work and put forward a comprehensive roadmap for a befitting celebration of the state’s golden jubilee.

Oyo State was created on February 3, 1976, following the breakup of the old Western State. The upcoming anniversary in 2026 marks 50 years since its establishment, a milestone the state government says deserves significant reflection, celebration, and public engagement.

Governor Makinde, in the appointment note, expressed confidence in the capacity of the committee members, drawn from both public and private sectors, to deliver a memorable and impactful celebration.

The Governor has also mandated the committee to work closely with relevant ministries, agencies, and stakeholders across the state to ensure inclusivity and statewide participation in the anniversary programmes.

The committee’s terms of reference are expected to include designing the theme and logo for the Oyo @ 50 celebration, recommending and coordinating activities to mark the anniversary, collaborating with corporate, traditional, and community stakeholders, and showcasing the state’s historical achievements, cultural heritage, and developmental milestones.

The appointment takes immediate effect, and the committee is expected to submit its preliminary report within a defined timeframe.