Category: PM News

By Reno Omokri

In terms of mineral resources, amongst the four regions of the North, East, West, and Midwest that we had before Ironsi turned Nigeria into a unitary state with his Unification of Assets Decree Number 34 of May 24, 1966, only the Western Region did not have mineral resources in commercial quantities.

I said mineral resources, not agriculture. Agriculture is not a mineral resource. It is the result of your own sweat, whereas mineral resources are ores and elements found within the grounds of a country.

Yet, under Chief Obafemi Awolowo, the Western Region was by far the wealthiest of the four regions. None of the other three even came close.

Now, what do we learn from that? It is better to be resourceful than to have resources.

And Singapore learnt that lesson from Chief Awolowo. Please fact-check me. Singapore is one of the least mineral-rich countries in the world. Yet, today, they have the strongest passport in the world for 2025, according to the Henley Passport Index, as well as the highest per capita income on Earth at $141,553 per individual.

How did Chief Awolowo make the least resourced region the wealthiest per capita? Resourcefulness.

In 1957, the Western Region of Nigeria, which lacked significant mineral resources, had a budget of Pound 28.7 million, a sum that exceeded the 1957 budget of Northern Nigeria, which was Pound 19.2 million. The Eastern Region’s budget was nowhere near that, despite its significant mineral resources.

Chief Awolowo achieved that because he believed that what was between the ears of his people was more important than what was under their feet. He focused on intellectual resources, where other regional leaders fixated on mineral resources.

He realised that the British built Grammar Schools so that Nigerians could speak good English and little else; therefore, he built technical schools. And today, some deluded people are thinking that a Peter Obi, who did not build even one single nursery, primary, secondary or university, will make a good leader? Tufiakwa!

Thank God his own people rejected him this past Saturday, and he was humiliated by losing his own polling unit!

And until Nigeria moves away from relying on resources to embracing resourcefulness, which President Bola Tinubu is thankfully doing with his Tax Reform and Local Government Autonomy, we will not fulfil our potential of becoming a $1 trillion knowledge-driven economy.

And that is why there is great hope for Nigeria under President Bola Tinubu. This is a man who believes in resourcefulness over resources. His resourcefulness has enabled him to continue where Chief Awolow left off, introducing free tuition for all federal-owned technical colleges in Nigeria, which was announced on Thursday, September 25, 2025.

He increased our tax-to-GDP ratio by expanding our tax base, which will further increase when the Tax Reform Act takes effect on January 1, 2026.

Look at power generation. By introducing the Band System, Nigeria is now making more economic and judicious use of the power it generates, and the appropriately priced power by band is attracting new investors into the sector.

And by building the 13 trillion 1068-kilometre Illela-Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway, the 15 trillion 750-kilometre Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, and the national railway network, Tinubu has ensured that there will be regional integration in Nigeria, which will explode our GDP by reducing travel times in Nigeria, and making it possible to live in one state and work in another.

That is the Awolowo leadership model. Resourcefulness over resources!

wolowo, according to Emeka Ojukwu, was the best President we never had. Hopefully, by channelling his spirit, President Bola Tinubu may be the best President we have ever had if we give him a second term.

Nollywood actor Bolanle Ninalowo has urged his fans and the general public to embrace kindness, generosity, and respect in their daily lives.

In a post shared on his Instagram page, the father of two spoke about the importance of showing compassion, noting that everyone faces unseen battles.

According to him, as people grow older, they begin to understand the need to give others the same grace they wish to receive on their own difficult days.

Sharing his thoughts, the actor wrote:

“Here is my opinion! We all have days when we’re not our best. And the older we grow, the more we realise how important it is to give others the break we hope the world will give us on our own bad days. Truly, you never know what someone has been through in their life, or what they’re going through today. Just be kind, generous and respectful and then be on your way. Have a fruitful week! Maka.”

The actor’s message, which resonated deeply with fans, comes amid his recent experiences with impersonation and self-reflection.

Earlier in May, Ninalowo lamented over multiple fake accounts impersonating him on TikTok, revealing that he doesn’t even use the app. The actor questioned how he could open a genuine account when impostors had already taken his name.

In a previous interview, Ninalowo also opened up about his personal growth, revealing that his “biggest addiction” is counting his blessings. He described himself as God’s own” and achild of grace,” adding that he constantly finds reasons to be grateful.

Addressing perceptions of selfishness, the actor explained that prioritizing himself is not a flaw but a lesson learned. “Some people may view me as selfish, but I’ve realized I can’t expect to be a priority for everyone, so I choose to make myself one,” he said.

The US Senate has passed a crucial funding bill that could end the longest government shutdown in American history within days.

The measure was approved late Monday in a 60-40 vote, with nearly all Republicans joining eight Democrats who broke ranks with their party. The deal will fund the government until the end of January.

The House of Representatives must now pass the bill before President Donald Trump can sign it into law. Trump had earlier indicated his willingness to approve the measure.

The agreement came after weekend negotiations, where some Democrats joined Republicans to restore pay for federal employees and reopen essential government services.

Republicans, who hold a 53-47 Senate majority, needed at least 60 votes to pass the bill. The Democrats who voted in favour include Dick Durbin, John Fetterman, Catherine Cortez Masto, Maggie Hassan, Tim Kaine, Jackie Rosen, and Jeanne Shaheen. Independent senator Angus King from Maine, who caucuses with the Democrats, also supported the bill.

By Jethro Ibileke

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, on Monday led a delegation made up of the Head of European Union Delegation to Nigeria and Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Ambassador Gautier Mignot, the German Ambassador to Nigeria, Annette Gunther, to the Benin Monarch, Oba Ewuare II, over the crisis rocking the construction of the Museum for West African Art (MOWAA).

The peace meeting was sequel to an alleged attack on workers and officials of the museum by Benin youths on Sunday, November 9, 2025, during the preview ceremony of the Museum.

Speaking at the meeting, the Benin Monarch expressed surprise on how the former Governor Godwin Obaseki allegedly changed the initial name of the museum from the Benin Royal Museum to Edo Museum of West African Art and finally to the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA), which he said was gazetted to that effect.

The monarch, said the state governor Monday Okpebholo had informed him that he played the video before the European delegation and German Ambassador where the former Governor Obaseki promised to build the Benin Royal Museum.

He alleged that the former Governor deceived donor agencies and German country to collect money to build the Museum.

He also alleged that Obaseki was angry with him because he failed to sign documents to mortgage the rights of the palace and the Benin people of their ancestral artifacts.

“It is like history wanting to repeat itself. My forefathers suffered during the British invasion of 1897, and it is not fair that this is happening again. The documents they brought for me to sign would have taken away our rights to these artifacts, and I refused.

“My father and I. Please. I think maybe they will give you the speech I delivered in the governor’s office. Everything is also there to study. You will know the other from the video. It’s clear that the governor Obaseki came over there. They collected money from donors, national donors, the Germans, to build the Benin Royal Museum . Why change the name? Change to a different name. Just a different name and different structures”, he said.

He, however, urged the foreign visitors to cooperate with the Government of Edo State to resolve the crisis, stating that the governor of the state had set up a committee to investigate the operations and the governance structure of the Museum.

ccording to him, I want to tell you that Governor Okpebholo is already looking into the issue, and I want to appeal to you to cooperate with the government and also allow it to do the job.

The Oba, however, described Sunday’s protest as unfortunate and regrettable.

In an interview, the Head of the European Union Delegation to Nigeria ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, said the visit was to engage more and strengthen partnership and cooperation with the state government and the Benin Palace.

Mignot said, though the European Union is not involved in the MOWAA project but that some of the member states, particularly German are involved.

“And we also touched upon the issue of the Project of Museum of West African Arts, where we were yesterday, some of us.

“And you know that some unfortunate incidents occurred then. And so we wanted very much to have His Royal Majesty’s views on this, and he shared with us his views.

“And I think we all exchanged in a spirit of dialogue and partnership, which is the spirit in which we want to take this matter further and all other matters”, he added.

On her part, Annette Gunther, the German Ambassador to Nigeria , said her country exchanged views on several areas of cooperation with Edo State.

unther said as part of the cooperation, the German country had returned 1,200 Benin bronzes to the Nigeria government.

She also listed other areas of cooperations with the Edo State to include the construction of skills development centres, centres of migration development as well as the training of 450 young Edo youths on Information Technology courses and cultural cooperation.

She said the graduation ceremony for the 450 youths would be held soon in the state.

“So we’re very proud of that move of our government. A number of those bronzes have already been returned, and they are here in Benin City with the National Commission for Museums and Monuments, but more to come.

“And that’s why we are very much looking forward to continuing our cooperation with NCMM, with the state government, and also with the palace and his royal majesty, the Oba, on the further return of all those bronzes.

On the MOWAA, Gunther, said German was very proud to be part and sponsor of the museum, noting that it is not only a museum but also a campus, a centre of cherishing Nigerian and Benin heritage and culture.

She explained that the project was to also make the heritage, culture, old and contemporary available to the people of Benin City, and to many foreign visitors.

The German Ambassador to Nigeria added that the facility would be an enormous attraction for tourism, industry, investors, researchers and for architects to come together.

While regretting the incident on Sunday, she opined that,”this wonderful place of cherishing heritage and culture can only exist and flourish if there is a peaceful environment.

“But we are looking forward to a peaceful future of EMOWAA and to a normal operation of MOWAA, and I will hopefully be seeing it also.

I was not there yesterday morning, but we are very happy to be here. There are very many things that German and Nigeria and the people of Edo State can be proud of together, can celebrate together”, she said.

In his remarks, the State Governor, said a committee has been set up to investigate all the issues surrounding the museum.

Okpebholo assured that the reports of the committee would be such that will be fair to all parties.

British Nigerian Disc Jockey, Rotimi Alakija, popularly known as DJ Xclusive, has lamented over a common ‘stop and search’ practice done by police officers.

DJ Xclusive on his Instagram page, claimed that some officers of the Nigerian Police force only stop to search individuals with expensive cars.

He added that this act makes it easier for criminals to get away with crime because they just need to convey themselves in an old looking car.

“Nigerian police only stop flashy cars for stop and search Making it easy for thieves to rob, because all they gotta do is use cars that ain’t that flashy,” he wrote.

This comment quickly stirred up the conversation about the bias and unprofessional practices among some police officers.

Femi Fabunmi

Nigeria’s banking sector saw a significant boost in interest income in the first nine months of 2025, with nine major banks collectively earning about N14.72 trillion.

This represents a 27.68% increase compared with N11.53 trillion recorded in the same period last year.

The banks analyzed include Access Holdings Plc (parent company of Access Bank), First HoldCo (parent of FirstBank), Zenith Bank, United Bank for Africa (UBA), Guaranty Trust Holding Company (GTCO), Stanbic IBTC Holdings, Sterling Financial Holding Company, Wema Bank, and Ecobank Transnational Incorporated.

Key Bank Performances: Access Holdings Plc led in total interest income, earning N2.90 trillion, up 21.11% from N2.39 trillion in the third quarter of 2024.

Zenith Bank followed closely with N2.74 trillion, marking a 40.77% increase from N1.95 trillion the previous year.

Ecobank Transnational reported N2.33 trillion, a 20% rise year-on-year. First HoldCo earned N2.29 trillion, up from N1.63 trillion, showing strong growth momentum.

Together, these four banks accounted for the majority of the sector’s interest income. Zenith Bank and First HoldCo recorded the highest growth in absolute figures, while Wema Bank stood out with the highest percentage growth, posting a 72.65% increase to N396.95 billion from N229.91 billion the previous year.

Other notable performers include Stanbic IBTC Holdings, which grew 37.24%, and Sterling, which increased 38.73% in interest income.

Interest income for banks comes primarily from loans and advances to customers, investment securities, deposits, and other financial instruments.

The growth in income in 2025 was largely driven by sustained high interest rates, which allow banks to earn more on the money they lend and invest.

However, in September 2025, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) cut the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) by 50 basis points to 27%, marking the first reduction in several years.

The CBN also adjusted the Cash Reserve Requirement (CRR) for commercial banks to 45% while keeping that for merchant banks at 16%.

dditionally, a 75% CRR was introduced on non-TSA public sector deposits. These changes were aimed at supporting economic growth and easing liquidity in the banking system while maintaining price stability.

Following the rate cut, credit to the private sector declined slightly, dropping to N72.53 trillion in September from N76.13 trillion in July, suggesting that borrowing activity slowed as banks adjusted to lower lending rates.

Global ratings agency Moody’s Investors Service cautioned that the lower policy rate could reduce banks’ net interest margins unless loan volumes increase to offset lower yields.

Moody’s emphasized that net interest income accounted for 62% of Nigerian banks’ operating income in 2024, meaning that any sustained decline in interest rates could affect overall profitability.

Overall, the first three quarters of 2025 show that Nigerian banks continue to benefit from high-yield lending and investments, but the recent monetary policy adjustments signal that banks may face new challenges in maintaining profitability as the economic environment changes.

Nigerian politician, Ned Nwoko has shared a video of himself having fun with his family and children despite his ongoing marital crisis.

The Senator posted a video on his Instagram page, showing his children with Regina Daniels, Khalifa and Munir.

Nwoko in the video was seen enjoying a friendly game of table tennis with his children.

“I had an amazing time engaging in sports with my children. Moments like these remind me of the importance of staying active, fostering strong family bonds, and leading by example,” he wrote.

Nwoko’s post comes shortly after Regina Daniels declared that she will fight for the custody of her kids.

Senegalese-American singer Aliaune Damala Bouga Time Puru Nacka Lu Lu Lu Badara Akon Thiam, known as Akon, has shared his views on Nigeria’s economic potential, stating that the country would have been a global powerhouse if it had kept 100% of its oil revenues since independence in 1960.

In a recent Instagram post, the music mogul argued that retaining Nigeria’s oil wealth could have transformed the nation into the world’s financial center, surpassing cities like London and New York.

“What if Nigeria had kept 100% of its oil money since 1960 instead of letting Shell and Exxon take it? We’re talking about two trillion dollars that could have stayed in African hands. Lagos would be the world’s financial capital today, not London or New York,” Akon wrote.

He added that Nigerian universities could have led global innovation, producing the next generation of tech giants, while Nollywood might have dominated the global entertainment industry rather than merely competing with Hollywood.

kon also painted a picture of a dramatically shifted global landscape, suggesting that major firms would relocate to Abuja, European workers would seek opportunities in Africa, Nigerian passports would become more valuable than American ones, and Africa could have controlled global talent instead of losing it to brain drain.

“The ripple effects would be even more dramatic. One decision in 1960 could have changed everything. Africa controlling its own resources would have reshaped the entire world order. The possibilities are endless but it’s never too late,” he added.

Super Eagles star striker Victor Osimhen has joined the national team camp in Rabat, Morocco, ahead of Nigeria’s crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup playoff match against Gabon.

The Galatasaray forward arrived at the team’s base on Tuesday afternoon, accompanied by midfielder Alhassan Yusuf. Their arrival increases the number of players in camp to 23, giving head coach Eric Chelle more options as training intensifies.

Only Maduka Okoye, the Udinese goalkeeper, is still being awaited to complete the full squad. Team officials say he is expected to arrive before the next training session.

The Super Eagles began their preparation on Monday and are scheduled to train again later tonight as they continue to fine-tune tactics for the big game.

Coach Eric Chelle is expected to focus on teamwork, sharp attacking play, and defensive discipline as Nigeria aims to secure a spot in the final stage of the World Cup qualifiers.

The much-anticipated match between Nigeria’s Super Eagles and Gabon’s Panthers will take place on Thursday, with fans across Africa eagerly watching to see if Nigeria can take a big step closer to qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

By Salisu Sani-Idris

Vice-President Kashim Shettima has said the reforms being undertaken by President Bola Tinubu’s administration have succeeded in putting an end to the regimes of volatility and unpredictability that once characterised Nigeria’s economy.

Shettima said this on Tuesday in Abuja when he declared open the Digital Nigeria International Conference and Exhibition 2025.

ccording to him, the reforms are already stabilising the economy, inspiring investor’s confidence and attracting commendation from independent observers.

The Vice-President noted that global economic uncertainties, “shocks, shifting alliances, and the rapid displacement of traditional jobs by emerging technologies” have compelled the administration to act daringly.

Shettima cited Fitch upgrade of Nigeria’s sovereign rating to B with a stable outlook, and Moody’s lifting of the nation’s issuer rating to B3 with a stable outlook as instances of the global acclaim the country is getting.

“The world is taking note of the steady course the nation is maintaining. What this administration has achieved is to end the regimes of volatility and unpredictability that once defined our economy.

” The phase before us now is to ensure that these macroeconomic gains trickle down to the people, from the kiosks of our neighbourhood traders to the boardrooms of our multinational corporations.

“We did what we have done because we can no longer apply 20th century solutions to 21st century problems,” he declared, even as he expressed delight with the conference and exhibition.

“It is an affirmation of innovation for a sustainable digital future that accelerates growth, inclusion, and global competitiveness.”

Shettima said the vision of the conference and exhibition with the theme, “Innovation for a Sustainable Digital Future: Accelerating Growth, Inclusion, and Global Competitiveness,” aligns perfectly with President Tinubu’s economic reform agenda.

He said the future the administration is building “is one where the young Nigerian takes the front seat, sits at the decision-making table, and has a voice in shaping our destiny.”

The Vice-president stated that the watchword for Nigeria’s long-term stability is digital.

He noted, however, that the nation must set its priorities right if it “must move beyond the “quick wins” of simple apps to building deep-tech solutions that address foundational challenges in agriculture, health, logistics, and governance.

” We need a digital ecosystem that works as seamlessly in Lagos as it does in Abuja, in Port Harcourt, in Kano, in Gusau, and across every corner of our nation.

” The digital success we seek is one where the farmer in Bida can access real-time market data to sell his harvest at a fair price;

“Where a young woman in Oguta can work remotely for a global company because she has connectivity and the skills to compete.

“That is the inclusive growth President Tinubu envisions,” he added.

He pointed out that Nigeria cannot keep lamenting its “absence at the table in the previous Industrial Revolutions” when the current digital wave has offered the nation “a redemptive opportunity to define its own “terms in the next chapter of global progress.

“At the forefront of this ambition stands a man of a thousand visions, the progressive leader we are fortunate to have as President of this beloved nation at a time that demands reformers and patriots, His Excellency, President Tinubu,” he maintained.

Shettima outlined three pillars on which the strategy adopted by the Tinubu’s administration rests to include “People, Infrastructure, and Policy.”

” We are building a holistic pipeline of digital talent, integrating digital literacy into school curricula, promoting inclusion through the Digital Literacy for All (DL4ALL) initiative to digitise the informal sector.

“We are developing world-class expertise through the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) programme.”

” On Infrastructure, we are constructing the broadband “superhighway” that powers a digital economy.

” Through projects like Bridge and 774, we are ensuring high-speed connectivity so that a startup in Gusau enjoys the same access as one in Lagos.

“On Policy, we are creating an enabling environment that encourages innovation. The success of our cashless reforms has positioned Nigeria as one of the most dynamic fintech ecosystems in the world.”

He disclosed that the administration was already in the advanced stages of passing the National Digital Economy and e-Governance Bill into law.

“Just as the cashless policy unlocked the fintech revolution, this new Bill will unlock the GovTech revolution, an era of smarter governance, greater transparency, and inclusive service delivery.”

The Vice-president solicited the support of the private sector, including economic experts, stating that the government cannot achieve its goal without them.

He described them as the pillar of the nation’s digital economy, as well as “the innovators, the disruptors, the dreamers who turn possibilities into progress.”

The Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, said enabling digital policies being implemented by the Tinubu administration are on course to boost the country’s digital infrastructure.

He invited relevant stakeholders to use the platform to deepen collaboration so that Nigeria can stand as a global model for technology adaptation for shared prosperity.

The Director-General, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Abdullahi, applauded the Vice-President for his support, commitment, and for always championing the cause of Nigerian youths.

bdullahi noted that such inspirational leadership is deeply rooted in President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

He assured that the collective ambition of the Federal Government, which is to engage the youth and provide platforms that empower them to solve the nation’s challenges, will continue to be pursued to fruition.

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), Dr Vincent Olatunji, acknowledged the increasing adoption of technology, particularly the use of multiple devices by the global population.

He highlighted the huge socio-economic potential of the global digital economy and emphasised the need for Nigeria to take its rightful place in the digital sector.

Olatunji noted that there is a need to harness the country’s digital potential through collaboration, interaction and innovation.

(NAN)