Category: PM News

The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting the rights, education and future of the girl child, emphasising the need to protect girls from child marriage and empower them to achieve their full potential, particularly in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM).

This formed the focus of activities commemorating the International Day of the Girl Child, with the theme: ‘Invest in Girls’ Rights. End Child Marriage organised by the Champion of the Innovate-Eko STEAM Mentorship Series under the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Education, Mr. Opeyemi Eniola at the Lagos State University of Education ( LASUED), Oto-Ijanikin, on Friday, October 9th 2026.

The event which was well attended

brought together government officials, education stakeholders and other distinguished personalities to advocate for the protection of girls’ rights, access to quality education and opportunities to excel in STEAM-related fields.

Delivering the keynote address, the APC Deputy Governorship Candidate, Princess Damilola Sonayo- James stressed the importance of investing in the education and development of girls, noting that every girl deserves the opportunity to learn, pursue her dreams and contribute meaningfully to society.

The speaker also emphasised the need to end child marriage, which can deprive girls of education and limit their future prospects.’We must move beyond the classroom by equipping our girls with mentorship, leadership, digital and vocational skills ‘ she said

The Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Honourable Jamiu Tolani-Alli-Balogun delivered the Guest of Honour address, highlighted the importance of providing girls with equal access to quality education, mentorship and the necessary support to thrive academically and professionally. ‘ Today, we are saying that Lagos girls belong in the laboratory, at the coding desk, on engineering sites, in design studio, and in every boardroom where decisions about our future are made’ the Commissioner echoed.

He called on education stakeholders to create an enabling environment where girls can develop their talents, build confidence and pursue careers in STEAM without discrimination or limitations.

The Deputy Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mojisola Meranda underscored the importance of safeguarding the rights of the girl child, stressing that girls must be protected from harmful practices and given the freedom to make informed decisions about their education and future.

Similarly, the Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mobolaji Ogunlende emphasised the need for the girls to be bold, attentive and focused.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Mrs. Abisola Dokunmu-Adegbite who was represented represented by Assistant Admin and Human Resource from the Office of the Chief of Staff, Mrs. Muslimat Olajumoke Durosinmi advised that the communities, teachers, parents should ensure that the rights of the girl child are respected and protected

while encouraging families and communities to support their aspirations and personal development.

Speaking earlier, the Senior Special Assistant, Opeyemi Eniola in his welcome address stated that there is a collective resolve to end child marriage and to invest in the education, protection, health and leadership of every girl child.

He stressed further that the Lagos State Child’s Rights law is firmly anchored in policy and action and that the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education has turned this policies into tangible results.

‘ Through continuous investment in inclusive Education , STEAM Programmes, Mentorship Initiatives such as Innovate-Eko and the pioneering Alternative Secondary School for girls, the Ministry is providing second chances to girls whose schooling was interrupted by early marriage, poverty, teenage pregnancy or other challenges’, he stated.

The highlight of the day was the sensitization exercises on Domestic and Sexual Violence and good health and hygiene which were very interractive delivered by the Executive Secretary, Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency , Titilayo Vivour- Adeniyi and Special Adviser on Health, Doctor Tolani Adeyemi respectively.

Other dignitaries who graced the occasion include, Tutors-General/ Permanent Secretary, Education District V, Mr. Dauda Hassan and those who formed part of the panelists at the fireside session, the vice- chancellor, Lagos State University of Education ( LASUED), Professor Bilikis Lafiaji- Okuneye; Executive Secretary, Lateef Jakande Academy, Aisha Agbaje and others

The event concluded with a call on parents, educators, policymakers and community leaders to invest in girls’ education, defend their rights and create opportunities for them to thrive, build an inclusive and prosperous society.

In a demonstration of political commitment and organizational support, *Hon. Feyisayo Adeniyi (FITT)* has donated campaign materials to the *PBAT-KOH 2027* campaign.

The donation underscores FITT’s active involvement in the political mobilization for the 2027 elections and highlights the value of collective participation, strategic engagement, and grassroots organization in the democratic process.

Since 2015, he has supported Gubernatorial and Presidential Campaigns through personal efforts and through the community advocacy group named *_Itire Patriots_*, which he headed and which has made significant contributions to the development of Itire, Mushin and the state by extension.

As preparations for 2027 gather momentum, the gesture reinforces the importance of unity, coordination, and active participation among stakeholders within the campaign structure.

Demonstrating respect for established protocol, FITT first presented the campaign materials to his Apex Leader in Mushin Constituency II: *Senator Ganiyu Olanrewaju Solomon (GOS)* before proceeding further to the state.

The materials were formally received by Senator Musiliu Obanikoro (Director General, APC Gubernatorial Campaign Council) at the campaign office in Ikeja.

Hon. Feyisayo Adeniyi (FITT), a renowned business mogul and philanthropist, was accompanied by Alhaji AbdulSallam and Hon. Ogunshakin Oluwafemi Olanrewaju (AllCorrect) to show support and dedication to the political movementi

Abike Dabiri-Erewa, chairperson of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), and Rufai Oseni, co-host of Arise Television’s The Morning Show, have exchanged words over allegations of irresponsible journalism and an offensive social media post.

The disagreement started on Saturday in Lagos during a panel discussion at an event marking Kikelomo Atanda-Owo’s 20th anniversary in the media industry.

During the discussion, Dabiri criticised what she described as the declining standards and values in journalism. She said journalists must be responsible and held accountable for their actions.

She explained that she had been attacked repeatedly on social media by a woman who used the X account ‘Voice of Igbos’.

According to Dabiri, she investigated the account and discovered that it was operated by a woman named Stephanie.

Dabiri said she later reacted to a comment on one of the woman’s posts with a laughing emoji. However, Oseni interpreted her reaction as support for an offensive statement against the Igbo ethnic group.

The NiDCOM chairperson said Oseni wrongly reported that she had described Igbo people as monkeys and gorillas.

‘Somebody replies to her. Then I do a smiley. And then Rufai Oseni comes and says, Abike Dabiri calls everybody – Igbos – monkeys and gorillas,’ she said.

Dabiri insisted that she did not make such a statement and accused the journalist of irresponsible reporting.

She said journalists must be careful when interpreting statements made on social media, adding that they should maintain the same standards of accountability they demand from public officials.

‘We have to ensure that you hold people responsible, but you must be responsible yourself,’ she said.

Dabiri also expressed concern about the falling standards of journalism, saying the profession needed stronger values and professional discipline.

Oseni responds

Reacting to Dabiri’s comments, Oseni took to X to accuse her of using the public event to attack him instead of focusing on the responsibilities of her office.

The journalist claimed that Dabiri appeared uncomfortable when she noticed his presence at the event and eventually mentioned his name during the discussion.

He also alleged that the incident was not the first time the NiDCOM chairperson had confronted him publicly.

Oseni maintained that Dabiri’s laughing emoji amounted to an endorsement of an offensive post against an ethnic group.

He challenged her to a public debate, insisting that he was ready to defend his position.

‘Your problem is you can’t stand the truth. I will like to challenge you to a debate on this issue where I will speak the truth to your face and prove to the world you endorse bigotry,’ he wrote.

Oseni urged Dabiri to concentrate on the work of NiDCOM rather than their disagreement.

The exchange has brought renewed attention to questions about responsible journalism, social media conduct and the need for public figures and journalists to exercise caution when discussing sensitive ethnic issues.

Retired Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIG), Frank Mba, has formally unveiled his law office, FRANK MBA LEGAL, in Abuja, marking a new chapter in his professional journey following his retirement from the Nigeria Police Force.

The unveiling, held on Friday, October 9, 2026, at the firm’s office in Wuse 2, Abuja, also coincided with Mba’s birthday celebration, bringing together dignitaries, friends, associates and well-wishers to celebrate the occasion.

The distinguished VIP guests at the event included the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Her Excellency, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu; former Inspectors General of Police, Mohammed Dahiru Abubakar (Rtd) and IGP Usman Alkali Baba (Rtd); Pastor Jerry Eze, Convener of the New Season Prophetic Prayers and Declarations (NSPPD); Chief Sir Emeka Offor, Chairman of Chrome Group; retired Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Sadiq Abubakar ; DIG Tijani Baba (Rtd); DIG Dan Kwara (Rtd); and members of the National Assembly.

Three serving DIGs were also in attendance. They are Ekene Onwuemeelie, Isiyaku Abubakar and Suleiman Mohammed.

The event marked the formal commencement of Mba’s legal practice after more than three decades of service in the Nigeria Police Force, where he distinguished himself in policing, public communication, training and institutional leadership.

Addressing guests at the event, the former police chief said his decision to establish the firm was driven by his desire to continue contributing to society by bringing his experience in policing, legal training and public service to bear on legal practice.

‘Retirement is not the end of service; it is an opportunity to serve in a different capacity. My years in the Nigeria Police Force provided me with invaluable experience in leadership, discipline, conflict management and the administration of justice. I intend to bring these lessons, alongside my legal training, into this new chapter.

‘For me, the law is not merely a profession; it is an instrument for protecting rights, resolving disputes, upholding justice and strengthening confidence in our institutions. At FRANK MBA LAW, our ambition is to build a practice that clients can trust and that consistently upholds the highest standards of professional conduct,’ he said,’ Mba said.

Mba retired as a deputy Inpector General of Police from the Force in March 2026 after 34 years of glorious service. He served three times as the Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), earning recognition for his role in police communication and public engagement. He also served as Police Public Relations Officer in Lagos State and Commissioner of Police in Ogun State, among other strategic positions.

As a member of the Force’s management team, he was responsible for the Department of Training and Development, contributing to the professional development of police personnel.

His transition to legal practice builds on his academic and professional background. He obtained his Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Lagos, attended the Nigerian Law School as an award winner and earned a Master of Laws degree from the University of Dundee, Scotland, where he graduated with distinction. He was called to the Nigerian Bar in 2002.

Mba’s career also included international service as a member of the Nigerian Police contingent to the United Nations Mission in Liberia from 2006 to 2007, for which he received the United Nations Medal.

Troops of the Nigerian Army have rescued 26 suspected victims of human trafficking in Benue.

The troops also freed a kidnapped woman in Kogi and arrested a suspected terrorist leader in Kaduna in separate security operations.

This is contained in an operational report made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) Abuja on Sunday.

The report revealed that the operations further led to the recovery of firearms and ammunition and the arrest of suspected criminals across several states.

According to the report, the troops of Operation Whirl Stroke, working with the police and local vigilantes, raided a suspected human trafficking syndicate in Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue on Friday.

It said the troops arrested one suspect and rescued 26 victims, who were handed over to the police alongside the suspect for further investigation.

The report also said that in Kaduna, troops of Operation Fansan Yamma arrested a suspected terrorist leader, Yusuf Iliya San, at Maraban Kakini on Saturday,’ the report said.

It also said that the suspect was allegedly linked to several criminal activities in the Birnin Gwari area and was still in military custody for further action.

The report added that in a separate incident, troops repelled an attack by suspected terrorists along the Dogon Dawa-Takama axis in Birnin Gwari on Saturday.

According to the report, the attackers fled after troops engaged them. They abandoned an AK-47 rifle, 15 rounds of ammunition, two motorcycles and a mobile phone.

‘One soldier was however wounded and evacuated for medical attention.’

The report further said that the troops of Operation Whirl Stroke, working with forest guards, rescued a kidnapped woman at Ette in Olamaboro Local Government Area of Kogi on Friday.

It said that the kidnappers fled on sighting the troops, allowing the victim to be reunited with her family.

The report also said that troops recovered an AK-47 rifle magazine, 60 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition and other items during an operation along the Okene-Okpella road in Kogi.

‘In Abia, troops working with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) arrested three suspected drug dealers during a raid at Obehie, Ukwa West Local Government Area, on Friday.

‘The suspects and recovered illicit substances were handed over to the agency for further action.

‘Meanwhile, troops of Operation Enduring Peace reported that a vigilante member was killed by suspected kidnappers in Magi Mbar village, Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau, on Friday.

‘The assailants fled on sighting the troops, while efforts to apprehend them continues.

‘The operations form part of ongoing military efforts to combat terrorism, kidnapping, human trafficking and other criminal activities across the country,’ the report concluded.

The National Sugar Development Council (NSDC) says its sugar development programme is expected to create 110,000 direct and indirect jobs across Nigeria.

The Executive Secretary of the council, Mr Kamar Bakrin, disclosed this at a news conference organised by the Commerce and Industry Correspondents Association of Nigeria (CICAN) in Abuja.

He said the programme would also support more than one million livelihoods across the sugar value chain.

‘When Nigeria grows and processes its own sugarcane, four national priorities move forward together,’ Bakrin said.

He identified foreign exchange savings, job creation, rural economic development and reduced greenhouse gas emissions as the programme’s expected benefits.

Bakrin said the council’s Sugarcane Outgrower Development Programme was targeting 11,000 hectares of farmer-grown sugarcane around existing sugar mills.

‘The programme is expected to produce about 880,000 tonnes of sugarcane annually, with 7,000 hectares already identified with partners in Kwara, Niger and Adamawa states.

‘The first 1,320 hectares will be planted by 2027, with agreements being developed to guarantee markets for participating farmers.

‘The income is spread among many farmers rather than a few estates, and these are the expected benefits of the outgrower scheme,’ he said.

Bakrin said sugarcane would be ready for harvesting within 12 to 18 months, making the programme a faster route to increased production than building new mills.

He said the council was also investing in improved planting materials to boost productivity and support large-scale cultivation.

‘Around 222 hectares of seedcane farms have been established in Kwara, Kano and Oyo states, with an additional 122 hectares planned.

‘Together, the farms are expected to produce nearly 19,000 tonnes of certified seedcane for the 2026/2027 planting season,’ he said.

Bakrin said the council was developing four nuclear seed farms and providing outgrowers with clean starter seed stock for multiplication.

He also highlighted the adoption of bud-chip technology to reduce the land required for seedling production and accelerate sugarcane planting.

‘With that, a 20,000-hectare estate will only need about 260 hectares of nursery.

‘Before now, it needed about 6,000, so you can just imagine the huge difference,’ he added.

Bakrin said the council had developed the capacity to produce about 30 million seedlings using the technology.

He said the Nigeria Sugar Institute had trained 95 professionals in 2026, including 80 who were certified in basic sugarcane agronomy.

The NSDC executive secretary said another 15 graduate trainees had received practical training in field operations and laboratory work.

He said the programme was expected to strengthen rural economies, create employment opportunities and improve livelihoods through expanded sugarcane farming and processing.

No fewer than 241 candidates of various political parties, have been cleared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to contest 36 elective positions in Cross River in the 2027 general elections.

The positions comprise the governorship, Senate, House of Representatives and State House of Assembly seats.

According to INEC’s final list of candidates, eight candidates are vying for the governorship seat, 25 for the three senatorial, 63 for the eight House of Representatives, and 145 for the 24 State House of Assembly seats.

NAN reports that out of the 241 candidates, 198 are males representing 82.8 per cent, while 43 are females 17.8 per cent.

The Calabar South state constituency has the highest number of female candidates at seven.

NAN also reports that the All Progressives Congress (APC), African Democratic Congress (ADC) and Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) each fielded five female candidates for the upcoming general election.

NAN further reports that though a total of 14 political parties are participating in the elections in the state, only the APC, ADC and NDC fielded candidates for all the elective positions.

The youngest, investigation shows, is 26-year-old Aboh Glady, who is contesting for the State House of Assembly seat on the platform of the Action Alliance (AA).

The oldest candidates are 69-year-old Asuquo Asuquo and Francis Ukpanyang, both of the Action Democratic Party (ADP), contesting for Calabar Municipal/Odukpani Federal Constituency and Calabar South State Constituency, respectively.

It will be recalled that five members of the National Assembly (NASS) representing Cross River failed to secure their parties’ tickets to seek re-election in 2027.

The Cross River has 11 representatives at the National Assembly, comprising three senators and eight members of the House of Representatives, all elected on the platform of the ruling APC.

Two of the three senators secured the APC tickets for the 2027 elections, while only three of the eight House of Representatives members seeking re-election succeeded in clinching their party’s tickets.

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has rearrested an 83-year-old woman, Mrs Uloma Uchechi Sunday, with consignments of methamphetamine and Colorado, barely a year after she was prosecuted and convicted for drug-related offences.

The octogenarian was arrested on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, at her residence in Ite-Uzo, Umuaguma, Obingwa Local Government Area of Abia State, following intelligence that she allegedly operated a drug joint frequented by criminal elements.

In a statement on Sunday, NDLEA Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, said the drugs recovered from the suspect were tied around her waist with a wrapper.

Babafemi said Uloma was first arrested on May 17, 2025, alongside her 32-year-old daughter, Chisom Uchechi, at the same residence.

He stated that the operatives recovered 50 grammes of methamphetamine, 522 grammes of skunk, 260 grammes of fresh cannabis leaves and 12 grammes of tramadol during the operation.

Babafemi disclosed that the mother and daughter pleaded guilty and were each sentenced to 12 months’ imprisonment or a fine of ?200,000. He added that both paid the fines and were subsequently released.

He said the older woman allegedly returned to the drug trade after her release and established a drug joint where she reportedly accommodated individuals suspected of criminal activities.

In another operation in Ondo State, Babafemi revealed that NDLEA operatives arrested a 21-year-old suspect, Happy Endurance, at a hideout in the Shasha area of Akure on Monday, October 5.

He stated that 29 bags of cannabis weighing 290 kilogrammes were recovered during the operation.

Babafemi added that a separate raid on an apartment in Oba-Ile, Akure, on the same day led to the arrest of 42-year-old Tunde Adebayo, with 35 bags of cannabis weighing 351 kilogrammes.

In Taraba State, Babafemi said NDLEA operatives, supported by soldiers, arrested Abdulrasheed Mohamed, 31, and Abubakar Saidu, 37, at Chanchanji village in Wukari Local Government Area on Friday, October 9.

He disclosed that the suspects were found with 166,200 tablets of tramadol, each containing 225 milligrammes, weighing a total of 107 kilogrammes.

Babafemi further stated that a stop-and-search operation along the Kano-Maiduguri Road in Kano State on the same day resulted in the arrest of 32-year-old Yahaya Musa.

According to him, operatives recovered 24,990 capsules of tramadol, 50,000 tablets of diazepam and 22,000 tablets of Exol-5 from the suspect.

In Kaduna State, Babafemi said officers on patrol along the Zaria-Kaduna Expressway arrested 29-year-old Mohammed Musa with 31 jumbo bags of skunk and 775 blocks of the same substance, with a combined weight of 1,027 kilogrammes.

He added that operatives arrested Musbau Balogun Adekunle in the Orile area of Lagos State on Tuesday, October 6, with 32.51 kilogrammes of skunk and 52.65 kilogrammes of cannabis seeds, bringing the total seizure to 85.16 kilogrammes.

Babafemi also disclosed that NDLEA operatives raided the residence of 45-year-old Christian Chukwudi Uju on Rukuba Road in Jos, Plateau State, on Thursday, October 8, recovering illicit drugs, firearms and ammunition.

He said the items recovered included 47 grammes of methamphetamine, two pump-action rifles, one locally made gun, 199 live cartridges, five rounds of 7.62mm ammunition and one round of 9mm ammunition.

Beyond enforcement operations, Babafemi said NDLEA commands and formations across the country sustained their War Against Drug Abuse sensitisation campaigns during the week.

He listed schools and institutions visited as Progressive Grammar School, Tede, Oyo State; Ehugbo Technical College, Afikpo, Ebonyi State; Baptist High School, Lambata, Niger State; Madarasatul Tarbiyatul Islamiya, Galangalan Tudun Wada, Kano State; Ipara Senior and Junior Community Secondary School, Badagry, Lagos State; and Manbahu Ridwanullah Nursery and Primary School, Olomore, Abeokuta, Ogun State, among others.

Babafemi said the NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), commended officers and men of the Lagos, Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Port Harcourt International Airport, Taraba, Kano, Kaduna, Edo, Cross River, Ondo and Plateau commands for their professionalism and intelligence-led operations.

He added that Marwa urged personnel across the country to sustain the agency’s balanced approach to drug control, combining enforcement with public education and sensitisation.

The NDLEA said its operations would continue as it intensifies efforts to disrupt drug trafficking networks and curb the distribution of illicit substances across the country.

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) responded to 1,409 road traffic crashes and rescued 670 victims between January and September 2026.

The General Manager of LASTMA, Mr Olalekan Bakare-Oki, disclosed this in a statement made available newsmen on Sunday in Lagos.

Bakare-Oki said the figures underscored the authority’s role in safeguarding lives and strengthening road safety across Lagos State.

He said the achievements reflected LASTMA’s commitment to reducing crash-related casualties, ensuring prompt interventions and strengthening incident-response mechanisms across the state’s complex transportation network.

Bakare-Oki said LASTMA operatives were routinely deployed to crash scenes to assess situations, rescue victims, divert traffic and prevent secondary collisions.

He added that the interventions helped reduce congestion, restore traffic flow and provide unhindered access for other emergency response agencies.

The general manager said the rescue of 670 victims highlighted the humanitarian dimension of LASTMA’s statutory responsibilities.

He said that, in spite of hazardous and unpredictable circumstances, LASTMA personnel continued to demonstrate professionalism, vigilance and dedication while coordinating assistance with other first responders.

He listed the collaborating agencies as the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, Lagos State Ambulance Service, State Environmental Health Monitoring Unit and Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service.

Bakare-Oki reaffirmed LASTMA’s commitment to strengthening its incident-response capabilities, intensifying public enlightenment and promoting compliance with traffic regulations.

He said prompt incident reporting and effective inter-agency collaboration remained essential to reducing casualties and improving road safety.

Bakare-Oki urged motorists to observe speed limits, obey traffic signals, wear seat belts and maintain roadworthy vehicles.

He also advised them to avoid distracted driving and reckless manoeuvres that could endanger lives.

He said defensive driving and responsible motoring remained fundamental to preventing road traffic crashes.

The general manager urged private motorists, commercial transport operators, dispatch riders and pedestrians to exercise greater vigilance and obey traffic directives.

He advised road users to promptly report crashes, obstructions and other incidents requiring intervention through LASTMA’s toll-free short code, 3367.

Bakare-Oki said road safety required collective responsibility and an unwavering commitment from every road user.

He noted that road traffic crashes frequently resulted in fatalities, debilitating injuries, substantial economic losses and lasting emotional trauma for affected families.

He said strict compliance with traffic regulations, regular vehicle inspections and prudent driving practices were essential to reducing such consequences.

‘LASTMA remains resolute in advancing proactive incident response, strengthening inter-agency collaboration and sustaining road safety advocacy. The authority urges all road users to embrace responsible conduct and recognise that protecting human lives is both a statutory obligation and a collective moral imperative,’ he said.

Presidential candidate of the National Rescue Movement (NRM), Dr Esther Okereke, says if elected, her administration will not re-introduce the fuel subsidy.

Okereke made the statement when she featured on the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) personality interview series on Sunday in Abuja.

She ???????????said that her administration, would instead ensure that savings from its removal directly benefit all Nigerians rather than a privileged few.

The female candidate said that while the removal of the petrol subsidy has already taken effect on Nigerians, the critical challenge lies in transparency and the proper channelling of the accrued savings.

Okereke said that her focus would be on making the economic gains felt by all Nigerians including those at the grassroots.

‘ The deed has been done. Let’s tell ourselves the truth. My problem is where is this subsidy money going to? That’s where the corruption comes in.

‘It is not just about the subsidy itself, but ensuring that the proceeds serve all Nigerians.

‘Focus on letting the people get the money, enjoy that subsidy removal. Let it favour all. Let it serve all, not just one-sided, not just the few that is benefiting from it. It should benefit all,” she said.

Asked if what she would meet in reality did not meet her expectations, Okereke said that would not be an excuse, saying life itself survives on challenges.

‘When life hands you lemons, you make lemonade with it. You don’t dwell on spilled milk; you work with what you have and make a change,” she said.

Okereke who expressed concern over the nation’s rising debt profile, said that Nigeria has all it takes to be the true giant of Africa, not just living in past glory, but in current reality.

She emphasised the need for the country to harness her available resources, including the funds from subsidy removal to impact on the people and for development, rather than borrowing.

‘I see other countries doing so much. I said we have all it takes for us to be the giant of Africa that we are, not in past glory, but in reality, in presence. We have all it takes.

‘We have removed subsidy, yes, do something with it. Let’s make sure it gets to the grassroots. Let’s make sure it gets to everyone. It is our oil, so it is your money. You should receive it.

‘Put it to use. I saw Uganda doing things. I saw Kenya doing things. I saw Ghana doing things. I saw Malawi doing things, why can’t Nigeria do something,” she asked.

Okeke reaffirmed her commitment to fiscal responsibility, block revenue leakages, and redirect public funds into sustainable development projects that improve infrastructure, social welfare, and economic opportunities for ordinary Nigerians.