Category: The Nation – Nigeria

Barely three days before the Osun State governorship election, the Renewed Hope Ambassadors, a support group for President Tinubu’s re-election, organised a ‘Victory Walk’ in support of the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji (AMBO), in Osogbo, the state capital, yesterday.

Supporters gathered at Aiyetoro in Osogbo and marched through Igbona Market, Old Garage, MDS, Olaiya, and Ogo-Oluwa, before concluding the walk at the Tinubu-Shettima Campaign Office in Osogbo.

The Osun State Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors, Chief Sunday Akere, said the mobilisation was aimed at demonstrating the group’s readiness and commitment to Oyebamiji’s victory. He explained that the rally also served to sensitise residents on the need for political change in the state.

Akere expressed confidence that voters would support the APC candidate, noting that the group has a structure of more than 95,000 members across Osun. He described the turnout as evidence of growing support, adding that residents were yearning for a governor focused on development and service delivery.

He emphasised that the group was not relying on the Federal Government’s influence to secure victory.

‘Our coming out today is to show our support and commitment towards the victory of Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji, the APC candidate, on Saturday. What we have here today is the Renewed Hope Ambassador structure in Osun, mobilising support and telling the people that it is time for change. Come Saturday, August 15, the people of Osun will vote en masse for the APC and for our candidate, who, by the grace of God, will become the next governor,’ Akere said.

Also speaking, the Director of Security of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors in Osun, Amos Adekunle Victor, called for a peaceful and violence-free election.

‘We just want it to be a violence-free and peaceful election. Everybody should come out and vote. Security will be provided for all voters. Rest assured that it’s going to be peaceful, the votes will be counted, and the votes will count,’ he said.

Meanwhile, Adebowale Azeem noted that the large turnout showed the group was not relying on ‘federal might’ to secure Oyebamiji’s victory.

A socio-political movement in Osun State has declared its support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Ademola Adeleke ahead of the forthcoming presidential and governorship elections.

The Convener of the General Gbasky Movement, Aponbiede Ayodeji, announced the decision at a press conference yesterday. He explained that the endorsement followed extensive consultations with members, political stakeholders, youth groups, women leaders, community representatives, and associates across the state.

Ayodeji said the movement unanimously adopted Tinubu as its preferred presidential candidate, citing his commitment to national development, economic reforms, infrastructure, and the Renewed Hope Agenda.

He also confirmed the group’s endorsement of Governor Adeleke for re-election, noting the governor’s focus on infrastructure development, workers’ welfare, education, healthcare, and people-oriented governance.

‘Our movement has always placed the interests of the people above personal or political considerations. We remain committed to supporting leaders who can advance the welfare and prosperity of our nation and Osun State,’ Ayodeji said.

According to him, the endorsements were based on the movement’s assessment of leadership performance, vision, and commitment to the people rather than partisan interests.

He urged members and supporters to remain peaceful and law-abiding while actively participating in the democratic process. Ayodeji also appealed to political parties and their supporters to shun violence, intimidation, and hate speech during the elections.

‘Elections should be a celebration of democracy, not a source of conflict,’ he emphasised.

The convener added that the General Gbasky Movement would continue to focus on grassroots mobilisation, political education, youth empowerment, and community development, while working with stakeholders to promote peaceful, free, fair, and credible elections in Osun State.

Former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, and the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, yesterday called for reforms that will foster democracy and protect the judiciary.

They said the reforms should also strengthen the electoral processes, defend democratic institutions, halt political interference and fortify governance structures across Africa.

The leaders spoke at the yearly Goodluck Jonathan Foundation Democracy Dialogue held at the International Conference Centre in Bauchi, capital of Bauchi State, to mark the 11th anniversary of the Goodluck Ebele Jonathan Foundation.

The event, with the theme:’Beyond Elections: Can Political Parties and the Judiciary Save African Democracy?’ and co-hosted by Governor Bala Mohammed and Dr. Jonathan, was witnessed by the President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, former Vice President Namadi Sambo, Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri, judges, lawmakers, constitutional experts and civil society leaders from across the continent.

Liberal democracy unsuitable, says Obasanjo

Obasanjo said the Western liberal democracy inherited by many African countries was ill-suited to African realities because it has encouraged a winner-takes-all political culture.

He said: ‘The democracy we practise has no African context and no African content. If you try to use what is not meant for you to serve your purpose, it is like a dress for which you are not measured. It will not fit and it will not serve your purpose.’

Obasanjo said the first-past-the-post electoral system had deepened political divisions across the continent, urging African countries to develop democratic systems rooted in their own history, culture and values.

He added: ‘Call it democracy if you like, or call it African democracy, but it must have African context and African content.’

The former president also said that Nigeria’s diversity should be protected rather than exploited.

He said: ‘Nigeria is what it is because of our diversity. Remove diversity from Nigeria and you will probably have the Republic of Oduduwa or the Republic of Danfodio, but that will not be Nigeria.’

Jonathan: Nigeria needs to restructure

Jonathan, who co chaired the dialogue, called for a national debate on the restructuring of governance architecture, saying that the concentration of powers in the presidency had weakened democracy and accountability.

He said: ‘Probably, we need to go back to the pre-independence and early independence days of having a parliamentary system where powers are shared.

‘In Nigeria today, one person has almost all the powers. We need to have more conversations on the structure of leadership in our governance and what model will best suit our unique circumstances.’

Jonathan also criticised the culture of election litigation, describing it as unusual compared with many African democracies where elections are largely settled at the ballot box.

He added: ‘The Nigerian situation is extremely different from most other African countries. The kind of election litigations we experience here is uncommon.’

Jonathan warned that public confidence in political judgments had declined, adding that highly controversial electoral disputes should, in some cases, be returned to the electorate.

He stressed: ‘In some highly controversial cases, it is better for the election to go back to the people.’

‘Courts and judiciary in crisis’

Obi warned that Nigeria was facing a deepening crisis of electoral integrity and judicial credibility, lamenting that the standards that once characterised the country’s judiciar have been eroded.

He said: ‘I was in court for three years challenging my election. Five judges that I never met gave judgment in my favour. It cannot happen in Nigeria today.’

He accused sections of the political and legal establishment of undermining democracy.

Obi said: ‘We have a crisis. Professors are now aiding illiterates to rig elections. Lawmakers have removed forgery as an offence in electoral matters. Senior Advocates of Nigeria are defending forgery, and religious leaders are praying for criminal politicians for blessings.’

Justice Dongban-Mensem called for stronger democratic institutions, constitutionalism and judicial independence, saying they are essential pillars for consolidating democracy across Africa.

Justice Dongban-Mensem, who was represented by Justice Mistura Bolaji, said the dialogue was exceptionally timely in view of the continent’s political, technological and socio-economic challenges.

She said: ‘The strength of democratic governance is at all times anchored in strong and robust institutions, dedicated adherence to constitutionalism, respect for the rule of law, and an enduring commitment to justice, accountability and the peaceful resolution of disputes.’

The jurist described the judiciary as the impartial interpreter of the law, the guardian of the constitutional order and the protector of the rights and liberties of citizens.

She said political parties are the primary vehicle for democratic participation, political representation and leadership development, while both institutions share a responsibility for preserving democratic legitimacy.

Justice Dongban-Mensem added: Their respective constitutional mandates, though distinct, converge in the shared responsibility of preserving democratic legitimacy and sustaining public confidence in governance.’

The judge commended Jonathan for sustaining the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation Democracy Dialogue, describing it as a respected continental platform for democratic reflection and policy engagement.

She added: ‘Through this important initiative, the foundation continues to make profound contributions to Africa’s democratic development by promoting peaceful transitions, accountable governance, credible elections and the strengthening of resilient institutions.’

On true federalism I stand, says Diri

Diri called for true federalism and constitutional reforms that would allow states to harness their resources, reduce dependence on federal allocations and promote balanced national development.

He said Nigeria needed to correct some of its structural imbalances to make the country beneficial to its citizens.

Citing Bayelsa as a case study, the governor said the injustice in resource exploitation, particularly crude oil, and the attendant lopsidedness in national revenue distribution, had continued for decades.

He said oil-bearing areas in the state and the Niger Delta still lacked commensurate development more than 60 years after oil exploration began, despite generating so much revenue for the country.

Diri faulted a situation where the state with only eight local government areas had revenue from its resources shared in Abuja to states without oil but had more local governments.

He said there is a relationship between resource exploitation and insecurity in the country, noting that the mining of gold in some states in the north had been followed by heightened insecurity in those states.

Diri said: ‘To my mind, democracy is built on three pillars – justice, equity, and fairness. And I believe that we missed the road of democracy in Nigeria long ago because there is no justice. There is injustice where Oloibiri, the oil community in Bayelsa that made Nigeria a commercial oil producing country, remains a shadow of itself.

‘It is ironical that at the end of every month, all our states go to Abuja to share oil money. I do not think that is what democracy is all about. For instance, Southern Ijaw, an oil-rich local government area in my state that brings so much money to Nigeria, had no road access for more than 60 years until I invited former President Obasanjo, who graciously came to inaugurate a project there.

‘This local government also had no access to its headquarters until recently that my administration constructed a 630-meter bridge across a river to the place.

‘Also, to my mind, there is total injustice where my state has just eight local government areas. Some other states have 40 or more. But, the resources from my state are shared to those local government areas from my eight. No matter who becomes president, this injustice and unfairness continue. Resources are being expropriated.

‘Today, there is gold in Zamfara and other northern states. And what do we experience? Insecurity. Most of the insecurity has been traced to the discovery of gold in that far north.

‘So, my dear leaders, my conclusion is that for democracy to thrive in Nigeria, there must be true federalism. Until we begin to practice federalism, we will have some pseudo-democratic, pseudo-autocratic, and sometimes even a tyrannical government in this country.’

Sen. Bala Mohammed said democracy cannot be sustained by elections alone, adding that accountable political parties and an independent judiciary are critical to protecting democratic governance.

He commended Jonathan for his commitment to peacebuilding, the rule of law and institutional strengthening across West Africa.

Mohammed said,: ‘Your Excellency, former President Jonathan, your unwavering commitment to peacebuilding, the rule of law and institutional strengthening across West Africa remains an inspiration to all of us.’

The governor said the dialogue has become a beacon of hope for democratic governance on the continent and a forum for advancing discussions on institutional reforms, peace and political stability.

Mohammed noted that the event resonated with the democratic legacy of Nigeria’s founding leaders, including the first Prime Minister, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa.

He also acknowledged the contributions of Obasanjo to national unity and democratic development.

He said bringing the dialogue to Bauchi was a recognition of the state’s ongoing efforts at promoting peace, inclusive growth and political stability within the sub-region.

The governor said democracy must be understood beyond electoral rituals.

Mohammed added: ‘The theme shifts focus from the ballot box to the institutional pillars required to safeguard what is sacred.

‘Democracy needs more than election ritual. It requires ideological, accountable political parties and an independent, reliable judiciary that safeguards the rule of law and public trust.’

He warned that democratic systems across Africa were increasingly being challenged by socio-economic pressures, technological disruptions and security threats.

Mohammed said: ‘Across our continent, democracy is tested by socio-economic pressures, technological disruption and security complexities.

‘Yet gatherings like this remind us that the ultimate solution for democracy is more democracy-deepened by dialogue, sustained by strong institutions and validated by tangible governance dividends for our citizens.’ Professor of Development Studies at the University of Nairobi, Kenya, Prof. Karuti Kanyinga, urged African governments to depoliticise the judiciary, warning that courts had increasingly become political battlegrounds.

He said: ‘We turn the judiciary into another political battlefield. We are asking the judiciary to arbitrate disputes that we have been unable to resolve politically.’

Kanyinga said judges across Africa are subjected to intimidation, political pressure and bribery, adding that justice had become commercialised in many countries.

‘The courts across the continent have become commodified,’ he said.

He urged governments to protect judges from political interference and strengthen judicial independence as a foundation for democratic governance.

Kayingba said: ‘We need to start thinking very carefully about what can be done in society to protect our courts and our judges from intimidation by politicians and make them as independent as they should be.’

The dialogue was attended by former Senate President Anyim Pius Anyim, former Plateau State Governor Jonah Jang, retired Supreme Court Justice Amina Augie, Ghana’s National Democratic Congress Chairman Johnson Asiedu Nketia, former ECOWAS Commission President Kadre Desire Ouedraogo, and former Resident Electoral Commissioner Mike Igini.

Bauchi Emirate confers Jigon title on Jonathan

Before the commencement of the event, Jonathan was installed as the ‘Jigon Bauchi’ by the Bauchi Emirate Council in recognition of his contributions to democracy, peace and national unity in Nigeria.

The title was conferred by the Emir of Bauchi, Dr. Rilwanu Sulaiman Adamu, during a colourful turbaning ceremony held at the Emir’s Palace in Bauchi.

Mohammed thanked the Emir for honouring Jonathan, saying the recognition reflected the former president’s enduring role in promoting democratic governance and peaceful coexistence across the country.

He said Jonathan’s leadership and commitment to national stability had earned him respect beyond political and regional boundaries.

Jonathan expressed gratitude to the Emir and the people of Bauchi State for the honour, describing the title as a privilege he would cherish.

He said: ‘I deeply appreciate this honour and the confidence reposed in me by the Bauchi Emirate. I will respect the customs and traditions of the Emirate Council and uphold the values associated with this title ‘

The Emir described Jonathan as a leader whose conduct in public office and dedication to peace had remained exemplary.

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy and leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State, Dr Adegboyega Oyetola, has accused members of the Accord Party of attacking APC supporters and subsequently portraying themselves as victims.

Oyetola made the allegation on Wednesday in Inisa, Odo-Otin Local Government Area, while addressing APC leaders, stakeholders and supporters during an interactive meeting ahead of the Osun State governorship election.

The former governor of Osun State also criticised the state government over what he described as the poor condition of roads across the state, despite substantial federal allocations accruing to the state over the past three years.

Oyetola accused the administration of Governor Ademola Adeleke of neglecting several parts of the state, alleging that government projects and development initiatives had been concentrated disproportionately in Ede, the governor’s hometown.

He expressed concern over the state of infrastructure, particularly roads, stressing that residents across Osun deserved equitable access to government projects and essential public services irrespective of where they lived.

The APC leader assured the gathering that the party’s governorship candidate, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji, popularly known as AMBO, would ensure the judicious use of state resources and promote balanced development across Osun if elected governor.

According to Oyetola, an Oyebamiji-led administration would prioritise the rehabilitation and construction of roads, revitalisation of the education sector and strengthening of primary healthcare, while improving other essential services across the state.

He appealed to APC members to remain united and intensify mobilisation ahead of the election.

Oyetola urged party supporters to participate actively in the electoral process and remain vigilant against vote manipulation and other forms of electoral malpractice.

The minister acknowledged the endorsements of former Osun governor, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, Alhaji Shuaib Oyedokun and other political leaders in Odo-Otin Local Government Area for the APC candidate.

He expressed confidence that Oyebamiji would emerge victorious at the polls, saying a significant number of Osun residents had become dissatisfied with the performance of the incumbent administration.

Oyetola urged APC members to translate their support for the party into actual votes, stressing the importance of strong voter turnout.

The meeting attracted a large gathering of APC leaders, stakeholders, party members and supporters. Oyetola and his entourage were received by a sizeable crowd, with supporters also lining adjoining streets as the delegation arrived in Inisa.

Tension gripped Ilesa, Osun State, yesterday morning after suspected political thugs attacked a community and shot members of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The incident reportedly occurred around 7:30 a.m. as party members gathered at the Igbogi area of Ilesa for their final rally. Witnesses said the assailants, armed with pump-action rifles, stormed the venue and opened fire indiscriminately.

A resident, identified as Sola, told The Nation: ‘We were preparing for our final rally today. Our leaders asked us to converge at Igbogi by 8 a.m. But at about 7:30 a.m., the thugs invaded and started shooting sporadically. Four people were hit. It is so unfortunate. This attack comes barely three days after Amotekun clashed with our members.’

Confirming the incident, Oluremi Omowaiye, Media Head of the APC Campaign Council, said:

‘Four of our supporters were shot. Two have died, while two others are in critical condition. Our Woman Leader in Ilesa is among the victims and is currently struggling to breathe at Wesley Guild Hospital.’

Within 24 hours, violence escalated further. Reports indicated that 12 APC members were killed in separate attacks-five during a rally at the weekend and seven more on Tuesday while they were converging for another grand rally in Igbogi.

Following the spate of killings, APC members regrouped and staged a protest in Ilesa against what they described as political intimidation and targeted violence. The protesters were later joined by leaders of the APC in Ijesa land, led by Senator Francis Fadahunsi, who addressed the crowd.

Meanwhile, a video emerged on social media where Fadahunsi was heard berating the killings and political intimidation ahead of the poll. His remark-‘We must not see any Accord Party member in Ijesa land. When you see them, kill them’-sparked political tension across Osun State.

Governor Ademola Adeleke subsequently called for the arrest of the Senator representing Osun East District.

Reacting to the development, Fadahunsi, in a statement by his media office, denied making the remark in the violent sense, saying:

‘I meant kill Accord with your votes. At no point did Senator Fadahunsi advocate violence, intimidation or any form of physical attack against members or supporters of the Accord Party or any other political party.’

His consistent position has always been that elections should be decided by the votes of the people and not by force.’

He further urged political actors, party supporters, and the electorate to conduct themselves peacefully before, during, and after the election, and called on security agencies to remain professional and ensure that every eligible voter can exercise their constitutional right without fear or intimidation.

‘Senator Fadahunsi remains committed to democratic values, issue-based campaigns and a credible electoral process. He believes that the will of the people, freely expressed through the ballot, must always prevail. We, therefore, appeal to members of the public not to misinterpret or deliberately distort the Senator’s comments, as they were clearly intended to encourage electoral victory through the power of the ballot and not through violence,’ the statement added.

Meanwhile, Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, confirmed investigations were ongoing and promised to provide details of the attack.

There was a heavy presence of security operatives across Osun State, particularly in the state capital, Osogbo, on Wednesday, ahead of Saturday’s governorship election.

Personnel of the military, Nigeria Police Force and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) were seen patrolling identified hotspots across the state as part of security preparations for the poll.

The military deployed to the state also took positions at local government secretariats across the state, while some personnel conducted surveillance operations in areas considered vulnerable to violence.

Another contingent of military personnel arrived in Osogbo from the Ilesa Garage area at about 7pm on Wednesday.

In Osogbo, soldiers intermittently patrolled identified hotspots, including Fagbewesa, Ola-Iya, Old Garage, Oke-Fia, Oke-Baale and Ilesa Garage.

More police personnel were also deployed to the state, with about 25 buses reportedly arriving from Kwara, Oyo and Delta states.

The police formations deployed included personnel from the Special Protection Unit (SPU), Mobile Police Force and Intelligence Response Team (IRT), among others.

Personnel of the NSCDC also arrived in batches and took positions at the corps’ headquarters along the Iwo-Osogbo Road.

Nigeria is losing significant economic value, jobs and opportunities by exporting raw materials instead of processing, branding and marketing finished products, a new report by Rome Business School Nigeria (RBSN) has found.

The report, titled: ‘Rethinking ‘Made in Nigeria’: Value chains, global positioning and economic identity transformation,’ said Nigeria’s persistent failure to build globally competitive industries was not due to a lack of entrepreneurial talent or natural resources, but weaknesses across its value chains, industrial infrastructure, branding and production systems.

It said the country must move beyond encouraging Nigerians to patronise locally made products and instead develop a globally competitive ‘Made in Nigeria’ brand built around quality, innovation, trust and international standards. According to the report, Nigeria supplies about 40 per cent of the world’s raw shea nuts but captures only about one per cent of the global shea products market, estimated at $6.5 billion.

It said the bulk of the value is created outside Nigeria, where raw shea is processed into cosmetics and other premium products and sold under international brands.

The report said a similar pattern exists in cocoa, leather, spices and other agricultural commodities, with Nigeria producing raw materials while other countries undertake processing, branding and marketing and consequently capture higher returns.

It also found that only about 15 per cent of the value generated from Nigeria’s petroleum industry is retained domestically, compared with more than 40 per cent in Brazil.

The report said the low level of domestic value retention was contributing to unemployment, import dependence, high production costs and weak industrial capacity.

It noted that businesses in Nigeria are forced to contend with poor roads, unreliable electricity and high logistics costs, which increase the cost of locally manufactured goods and undermine their competitiveness.

The report further estimated that more than 40 per cent of fresh agricultural produce is lost after harvest due to inadequate storage, poor roads and weak cold-chain systems, resulting in smallholder farmers losing more than 30 per cent of their income.

It also highlighted the weak export performance of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), which account for 96.9 per cent of businesses, employ 87.9 per cent of the workforce and contribute 46.32 per cent of Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product.

Despite their economic dominance, the report said MSMEs account for only 6.21 per cent of exports, indicating that most businesses remain focused on survival rather than developing globally competitive products.

Nigeria’s dependence on crude oil also remains a major concern, with crude accounting for 74.98 per cent of exports in the second quarter of 2024 and 65.44 per cent in the third quarter, according to the report.

It added that manufacturing contributes about nine per cent of GDP, while factories operate at approximately 57 per cent of installed capacity.

Speaking on the findings, the Founding President and Dean of RBSN, Prof. Antonio Ragusa, said Nigeria had the resources and human capital required to become a manufacturing powerhouse but must shift from exporting commodities to creating value through processing, innovation, branding and competitive production.

Ragusa said ‘Made in Nigeria’ should be repositioned from a patriotic slogan to a mark associated with quality, innovation, trust and international competitiveness.

The Head of Academics at RBSN, Sam Igwe, said Nigeria had the capacity to develop a strong national brand capable of increasing the global appeal of its products, similar to the international influence achieved by Afrobeats.

He called for stronger institutions, modern industrial infrastructure and efficient supply chains capable of producing goods that meet international standards, while urging greater investment in national branding.

The General Manager of RBSN, Olakunle Asummo, described the findings as a wake-up call to policymakers, investors and manufacturers.

He said Nigeria’s entrepreneurial capacity would only translate into sustainable economic growth if businesses had access to reliable infrastructure, quality certification, modern packaging, financing and globally recognised standards.

The report also identified consumer trust as a major obstacle to the growth of locally made products, noting that many consumers choose imported goods because of concerns about consistency, quality assurance, packaging, warranties and consumer protection.

It recommended that future ‘Made in Nigeria’ initiatives focus on five areas: international certification, world-class product design, premium packaging, authentic storytelling and strong consumer protection.

The report said strengthening these areas would enable Nigerian products to compete more effectively in international markets, create jobs, reduce poverty and support sustainable economic growth.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called for stronger national and international cooperation to tackle emerging security threats confronting Nigeria and other parts of the world.

He said Nigeria was facing ‘multifaceted’ security challenges requiring coordinated and sustainable responses from governments, international organisations, faith leaders and other stakeholders.

The President spoke in Abuja yesterday at the international conference on security organised by Jama’atu Izalatil Bidiah wa Iqamatis Sunnah (JIBWIS Nigeria) in partnership with the Muslim World League of Saudi Arabia.

The conference, which had the theme: ‘Diversity and social peace: partnership for a promising future,’ brought together Muslim and Christian leaders, scholars and representatives from Saudi Arabia and other African countries.

Represented by Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, Tinubu said his administration remained committed to working with other countries and international organisations to build a stable and secure Nigeria while contributing to global security.

‘Working within the Committee of Nations, [the government is] collaborating every day to ensure that security remains not only in our country but in the entire globe,’ he said.

He said the conference was significant given the evolving security situation and the need for authorities, faith leaders and other stakeholders to examine emerging threats to national and digital security.

Tinubu said the deliberations should produce practical recommendations to complement the government’s efforts to address insecurity.

He urged Nigerians to preserve national unity despite their differences.

The President commended the Muslim World League for choosing Nigeria as the venue and assured participants of the Federal Government’s support for initiatives promoting peace and security.

National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nentawe Yilwatda, urged religious leaders to make churches and mosques centres of peace.

To him, religion should promote human dignity, tolerance and peaceful coexistence rather than hatred and division.

Yilwatda urged clerics to use their influence to foster peaceful relations among Nigerians of different faiths and cautioned against using religious convictions to incite violence.

‘Let us preach faith without hatred, conviction without contempt, and truth without incitement,’ he said.

The APC chairman said genuine faith must compel believers to protect the lives, dignity and freedom of people of other religions.

He recalled his childhood in Yola, Adamawa State, where his father, a pastor, maintained a close friendship with a Muslim leader.

He said the relationship between the two families taught him that religious differences should not prevent peaceful coexistence.

However, Yilwatda said his family later lost its home and possessions during communal violence in Bauchi, an experience that showed him the devastating consequences of violence committed in the name of religion or ethnicity.

‘We may worship differently, but we suffer together. We dream together. We can build together, and ultimately, we can rise and fall together,’ he said.

He also cautioned political leaders against exploiting religion and ethnicity for political advantage, urging traditional rulers to promote dialogue and reduce suspicion among communities.

Yilwatda urged Nigerians to be cautious about sharing claims capable of deepening religious and ethnic divisions, particularly information that could inflame tensions.

He called for a society where children inherit schools, homes and opportunities rather than displacement camps and memories of violence.

The Federal Government has distributed starter packs to 18,510 Nigerians trained in vocational and entrepreneurial skills to enable them to establish businesses and create jobs.

The beneficiaries, drawn from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, completed a two-week training programme as part of the first batch of the Renewed Hope Vocational and Skills Training Programme of the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA).

Speaking at the closing ceremony in Abuja, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Bernard Doro, said the programme was designed to move beneficiaries beyond temporary relief by equipping them with practical skills and productive assets capable of generating sustainable livelihoods.

The beneficiaries were trained in automobile technology, agricultural technology, baking and confectionery, carpentry and furniture making, catering services, electrical installation, housekeeping and hospitality services, jewellery and bead making, masonry, plumbing, welding and fabrication, fashion design and sewing, grinding machine operation, vulcanising and tyre services.

They also received training in entrepreneurship, business management, financial literacy and customer relations.

Doro said the intervention was part of the ministry’s broader ‘One Humanitarian, One Poverty Response’ system, which seeks to move Nigerians on the National Social Registry through a structured pathway from registration to skills acquisition, productive assets and enterprise, ultimately leading to graduation out of poverty.

He said the government was not merely giving beneficiaries certificates but putting trades in their hands and providing the equipment needed to begin working immediately.

According to him, the government recovered, refurbished and redeployed vocational equipment that had remained unused in warehouses for years.

The minister urged beneficiaries to protect and maintain the starter packs and to use them to establish businesses that would create employment opportunities in their communities.

‘The starter packs you receive today are not gifts in the ordinary sense. They are productive assets, an investment in your future, and a statement of confidence in you. Protect them, maintain them, and put them to work, building businesses that create jobs for others in your communities, not only income for yourselves.’

The National Coordinator of NSIPA, Assoc. Prof. Badamasi Lawal, said the beneficiaries were trained not only to become self-employed but also to become employers of labour.

He added that the agency would monitor the use of the starter packs to ensure they were deployed for their intended purpose.

The National Programme Manager of N-POWER, Dr Nsikak Okon, said the government has established mechanisms to track beneficiaries and ensure that the starter packs are properly utilised.

He said all beneficiaries have been enrolled on a digital portal equipped with GPS to monitor their locations and track their progress.

According to him, the portal also contains details of the starter packs allocated to individual beneficiaries, enabling them to report discrepancies or defects.

Okon also added that a call centre has been established to enable beneficiaries to report challenges and seek assistance.

Each beneficiary received a ?60,000 transport allowance to support travel during the two-week training period.

Enactus Nigeria has, over the past 25 years, supported and empowered over 20,000 tertiary students with entrepreneurial, leadership, and innovation skills, its Country Director Michael Ajayi has said,

The aim, according to him is to equip young Nigerians to develop solutions to pressing social and economic challenges and driving economic sustainability.

Ajayi, made this known in a statement against the backdrop of growing debates among Nigerian youths on the relevance of formal education to wealth creation and success.

Ajayi said while entrepreneurial success could be achieved through different pathways, the increasing perception that education was no longer important because of a few exceptional success stories could undermine investment in human capital and the development of skilled professionals, entrepreneurs and responsible leaders.

He explained that Enactus Nigeria’s approach combines education with innovation, entrepreneurship, creativity, discipline and problem-solving to equip students with practical skills for addressing social, economic and environmental challenges.

According to him, through experiential learning, Enactus students work in multidisciplinary teams to identify community needs, develop innovative solutions, mobilise resources and implement projects that create measurable social and economic impact.

Ajayi said a major component of the organisation’s programme is the annual Enactus Nigeria National Competition, which brings together student teams from tertiary institutions across the country to showcase and defend their community projects before business executives, industry experts and development leaders.

The 2026 National Competition, themed ‘Re-Imagining Transformation,’ is scheduled for Thursday, August 13, 2026, at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos.

He said that the winning university team would represent Nigeria at the 2026 Enactus World Cup in Brazil, while the competition would also provide an avenue for identifying promising student innovations for investment, scaling and commercialisation.

‘Our long-term impact is in developing Nigerian students to become responsible future leaders,’ Ajayi said, adding that outstanding innovations should not end as competition entries but should evolve into businesses capable of creating jobs, generating wealth and improving lives.

As preparations intensify for the 2026 National Competition, the Country Director expressed profound appreciation to the organisations that have supported Enactus Nigeria’s mission over the years through funding, mentorship, technical expertise and strategic partnerships.

Ajayi urged investors, development finance institutions, corporate organisations, philanthropic foundations and strategic partners to support the transformation of promising student innovations into sustainable enterprises capable of creating jobs and improving livelihoods.

He acknowledged the invaluable contributions of partners and sponsors, including KPMG, SC Johnson, Chevron Nigeria, Schneider Electric, Sahara Group, Unilever, Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank), FirstBank, First City Monument Bank (FCMB), Sahara Foundation, LEKOIL, Coca-Cola Nigeria, the United States Embassy in Abuja and the United States Consulate General in Lagos, Sterling Bank, Interswitch, First E and P(first exploration and petroleum development company limited), Sovereign Trust, Nigeria Society of Engineers, African Capital Alliance Foundation, Verve, Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board, Renaissance (Africa Energy Company Limited) among several others.