Category: The Nation – Nigeria

Today marks the 65th anniversary of our great nation’s Independence. As we reflect on the significance of this day and our journey of nationhood since October 1, 1960, when our founding fathers accepted the instruments of self-government from colonial rule, let us remember their sacrifice, devotion, and grand dream of a strong, prosperous, and united Nigeria that will lead Africa and be the beacon of light to the rest of the world.

Our founding heroes and heroines-Herbert Macaulay, Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Sir Ahmadu Bello, Margaret Ekpo, Anthony Enahoro, Ladoke Akintola, Michael Okpara, Aminu Kano, Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, and other nationalists-believed it was Nigeria’s manifest destiny to lead the entire black race as the largest black nation on earth.

For decades, the promise of our Independence has been tested by profound social, economic, and political challenges, and we have survived. While we may not have achieved all the lofty dreams of our forebearers, we have not strayed too far from them. In 65 years since our Independence, we have made tremendous progress in economic growth, social cohesion, and physical development. Our economy has experienced significant growth since 1960.

Although, it is much easier for those whose vocation is to focus solely on what ought to be, we must recognise and celebrate our significant progress. Nigerians today have access to better education and healthcare than in 1960. At Independence, Nigeria had 120 secondary schools with a student population of about 130,000. Available data indicate that, as of year 2024, there were more than 23,000 secondary schools in our country. At Independence, we had only the University of Ibadan and Yaba College of Technology as the two tertiary institutions in Nigeria. By the end of last year, there were 274 universities, 183 Polytechnics, and 236 Colleges of Education in Nigeria, comprising Federal, State, and private institutions. We have experienced a significant surge in growth across every sector of our national life since Independence – in healthcare, infrastructure, financial services, manufacturing, telecommunications, information technology, aviation and defence, among others.

Our country has experienced both the good and the bad times in its 65 years of nationhood, as is normal for every nation and its people. We fought a bitter and avoidable civil war, experienced military dictatorships, and lived through major political crises. In all these, we weathered every storm and overcame every challenge with courage, grit, and uncommon determination. While our system and ties that bind us are sometimes stretched by insidious forces opposed to our values and ways of life, we continue to strive to build a more perfect union where every Nigerian can find better accommodation and find purpose and fulfilment.

Fellow Compatriots, this is the third time I will address you on our independence anniversary since I assumed office as your President on May 29, 2023. In the last 28 months of my administration, like our founding fathers and leaders who came before me, I have committed myself irrevocably to the unfinished nation-building business.

Upon assuming office, our administration inherited a near-collapsed economy caused by decades of fiscal policy distortions and misalignment that had impaired real growth. As a new administration, we faced a simple choice: continue business as usual and watch our nation drift, or embark on a courageous, fundamental reform path. We chose the path of reform. We chose the path of tomorrow over the comfort of today. Less than three years later, the seeds of those difficult but necessary decisions are bearing fruit.

In resetting our country for sustainable growth, we ended the corrupt fuel subsidies and multiple foreign exchange rates that created massive incentives for a rentier economy, benefiting only a tiny minority. At the same time, the masses received little or nothing from our Commonwealth. Our administration has redirected the economy towards a more inclusive path, channelling money to fund education, healthcare, national security, agriculture, and critical economic infrastructure, such as roads, power, broadband, and social investment programmes. These initiatives will generally improve Nigerians’ quality of life. As a result of the tough decisions we made, the Federal and State governments, including Local Governments, now have more resources to take care of the people at the lower level of the ladder, to address our development challenges.

Fellow Nigerians, we are racing against time. We must build the roads we need, repair the ones that have become decrepit, and construct the schools our children will attend and the hospitals that will care for our people. We have to plan for the generations that will come after us. We do not have enough electricity to power our industries and homes today, or the resources to repair our deteriorating roads, build seaports, railroads, and international airports comparable to the best in the world, because we failed to make the necessary investments decades ago. Our administration is setting things right.

I am pleased to report that we have finally turned the corner. The worst is over, I say. Yesterday’s pains are giving way to relief. I salute your endurance, support, and understanding. I will continue to work for you and justify the confidence you reposed in me to steer the ship of our nation to a safe harbour.

Under our leadership, our economy is recovering fast, and the reforms we started over two years ago are delivering tangible results. The second quarter 2025 Gross Domestic Product grew by 4.23%-Nigeria’s fastest pace in four years-and outpaced the 3.4 per cent projected by the International Monetary Fund. Inflation declined to 20.12% in August 2025, the lowest level in three years. The administration is working diligently to boost agricultural production and ensure food security, reducing food costs.

In the last two years of our administration, we have achieved 12 remarkable economic milestones as a result of the implementation of our sound fiscal and monetary policies:

i. We have attained a record-breaking increase in non-oil revenue, achieving the 2025 target by August with over N20 trillion. In September 2025 alone, we raised N3.65 trillion, 411% higher than the amount raised in May 2023.

ii. We have restored Fiscal Health: Our debt service-to-revenue ratio has been significantly reduced from 97% to below 50%. We have paid down the infamous ‘Ways and Means’ advances that threatened our economic stability and triggered inflation. Following the removal of the corrupt petroleum subsidy, we have freed up trillions of Naira for targeted investment in the real economy and social programmes for the most vulnerable, as well as all tiers of government.

iii. We have a stronger foreign Reserve position than three years ago. Our external reserves increased to $42.03 billion this September-the highest since 2019.

iv. Our tax-to-GDP ratio has risen to 13.5 per cent from less than 10 per cent. The ratio is expected to increase further when the new tax law takes effect in January. The tax law is not about increasing the burden on existing taxpayers but about expanding the base to build the Nigeria we deserve and providing tax relief to low-income earners.

v. We are now a Net Exporter: Nigeria has recorded a trade surplus for five consecutive quarters. We are now selling more to the world than we are buying, a fundamental shift that strengthens our currency and creates jobs at home. Nigeria’s trade surplus increased by 44.3% in Q2 2025 to N7.46 trillion ($4.74 billion), the largest in about three years. Goods manufactured in Nigeria and exported jumped by 173%. Non-oil exports, as a component of our export trade, now represent 48 per cent, compared to oil exports, which account for 52 per cent. This signals that we are diversifying our economy and foreign exchange sources outside oil and gas.

vi. Oil production rebounded to 1.68 million barrels per day from barely one million in May 2023. The increase occurred due to improved security, new investments, and better stakeholder management in the Niger Delta. Furthermore, the country has made notable advancements by refining PMS domestically for the first time in four decades. It has also established itself as the continent’s leading exporter of aviation fuel.

vii. The Naira has stabilised from the turbulence and volatility witnessed in 2023 and 2024. The gap between the official rate and the unofficial market has reduced substantially, following FX reforms and fresh capital and remittance inflows. The multiple exchange rates, which fostered corruption and arbitrage, are now part of history. Additionally, our currency rate against the dollar is no longer determined by fluctuations in crude oil prices.

viii. Under the social investment programme to support poor households and vulnerable Nigerians, N330 billion has been disbursed to eight million households, many of whom have received either one or two out of the three tranches of the N25,000 each.

ix. Coal mining recovered dramatically from a 22% decline in Q1 to 57.5% growth in Q2, becoming one of Nigeria’s fastest-growing sectors. The solid mineral sector is now pivotal in our economy, encouraging value-added production of minerals extracted from our soil.

x. The administration is expanding transport infrastructure across the country, covering rail, roads, airports, and seaports. Rail and water transport grew by over 40% and 27%, respectively. The 284-kilometre Kano-Kastina-Maradi Standard Gauge rail project and the Kaduna-Kano rail line are nearing completion. Work is progressing well on the legacy Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and Sokoto-Badagry Highway. The Federal Executive Council recently approved $3 billion to complete the Eastern Rail Project.

xi. The world is taking notice of our efforts. Sovereign credit rating agencies have upgraded their outlook for Nigeria, recognising our improved economic fundamentals. Our stock market is experiencing an unprecedented boom, rising from an all-share index of 55,000 points in May 2003 to 142,000 points as of September 26, 2025.

xii. At its last MPC meeting, the Central Bank slashed interest rates for the first time in five years, expressing confidence in our country’s macroeconomic stability.

Security:

We are working diligently to enhance national security, ensuring our economy experiences improved growth and performance. The officers and men of our armed forces and other security agencies are working tirelessly and making significant sacrifices to keep us safe. They are winning the war against terrorism, banditry and other violent crimes. We see their victories in their blood and sweat to stamp out Boko Haram Terror in North-East, IPOB/ESN terror in South East and banditry and kidnapping. We must continue to celebrate their gallantry and salute their courage on behalf of a grateful nation. Peace has returned to hundreds of our liberated communities in North-West and North-East, and thousands of our people have returned safely to their homes.

Youth:

I have a message for our young people. You are the future and the greatest assets of this blessed country. You must continue to dream big, innovate, and conquer more territories in your various fields of science, technology, sports, and the art and creative sector. Our administration, through policies and funding, will continue to give you wings to fly sky-high. We created NELFUND to support students with loans for their educational pursuits. Approximately 510,000 students across 36 states and the FCT have benefited from this initiative, covering 228 higher institutions. As of September 10, the total loan disbursed was N99.5 billion, while the upkeep allowance stood at N44.7 billion.

Credicorp, another initiative of our administration, has granted 153,000 Nigerians N30 billion affordable loans for vehicles, solar energy, home upgrades, digital devices, and more.

YouthCred, which I promised last June, is a reality, with tens of thousands of NYSC members now active beneficiaries of consumer credit for resettlement.

Under our Renewed Hope Agenda, we promised to build a Nigeria where every young person, regardless of background, has an equitable opportunity to access a better future-thus, the Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises (iDICE) programme. The Bank of Industry is driving the programme, in collaboration with the African Development Bank, the French Development Agency, and the Islamic Development Bank. This initiative is at the cusp of implementation. Over the last two years, we have collaborated with our partners to launch the programme, supporting our young builders and dreamers in the technology and creative sectors.

A message of hope

Fellow Nigerians, I have always candidly acknowledged that these reforms have come with some temporary pains. The biting effects of inflation and the rising cost of living remain a significant concern to our government. However, the alternative of allowing our country to descend into economic chaos or bankruptcy was not an option. Our macro-economic progress has proven that our sacrifices have not been in vain. Together, we are laying a new foundation cast in concrete, not on quicksand.

The accurate measure of our success will not be limited to economic statistics alone, but rather in the food on our families’ tables, the quality of education our children receive, the electricity in our homes, and the security in our communities. Let me assure you of our administration’s determination to ensure that the resources we have saved and the stability we have built are channelled into these critical areas. Today, the governors at the state level, and the local government autonomy are yielding more developments.

Therefore, on this 65th Anniversary of Our Independence, my message is hope and a call to action. The federal government will continue to do its part to fix the plumbing in our economy. Now, we must all turn on the taps of productivity, innovation, and enterprise, just like the Ministry of Interior has done with our travel passports, by quickening the processing. In this regard, I urge the sub-national entities to join us in nation-building. Let us be a nation of producers, not just consumers. Let us farm our land and build factories to process our produce. Let us patronise ‘Made-in-Nigeria’ goods. I say Nigeria first. Let us pay our taxes.

Finally, let all hands be on deck. Let us believe, once more, in the boundless potential of our great nation.

With Almighty God on our side, I can assure you that the dawn of a new, prosperous, self-reliant Nigeria is here.

Happy 65th Independence Anniversary, and may God continue to bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

On a humid morning in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, the Lagos-Ibadan train glides into its terminal with clockwork precision. From its doors pour a cross-section of Nigeria-civil servants gripping files, traders balancing bags of goods, students with backpacks slung over shoulders. Only hours earlier, they had departed Lagos, Africa’s largest city, where clogged roads once stretched the 120-kilometre trip into a punishing half-day ordeal. Today, the same journey takes just a little over two hours.

Completed in 2021, the Lagos-Ibadan rail line was initially celebrated as another milestone in infrastructure delivery. But fresh data suggests it is quietly maturing into something more transformative: a driver of economic efficiency. Between January and August 2025, the train carried 690,169 passengers. Monthly ridership climbed from 79,672 in January to 109,413 in August-a 37 per cent increase in just eight months. Behind those numbers lies a human story: workers reaching offices earlier, traders opening shop on time, students saving on bus fares and stress.

One civil servant captured the sentiment on X (formerly Twitter): ‘I left Lagos at 6:00 a.m. and was in a 9:00 a.m. meeting in Ibadan. By road, that was impossible.’ Economists say such time savings translate directly into productivity and disposable income. The World Bank notes that in economies burdened by high logistics costs, each minute shaved off travel yields measurable economic output. By saving passengers an estimated two hours each trip, the Lagos-Ibadan line restored nearly 1.4 million productive hours to Nigeria’s economy in just eight months-the equivalent of 160 years of labour time regained.

Freight revolution: The steel backbone of trade

If passenger trains showcase the rail’s social value, freight is the steel backbone that powers economies. Between January and August 2025, the Lagos-Ibadan line hauled 382,340 tons of cargo-cement, steel coils, gypsum, soda ash, and containerised goods, the very lifeblood of Nigeria’s industries. In April alone, over 73,000 tons moved on the line. That is freight that might otherwise have clogged highways, driven up haulage costs, or perished before reaching destination. By contrast, road transporters contend with soaring fuel bills, congestion delays, and accident risks.

For traders, the difference is tangible. A tomato merchant told Channels TV: ‘By road, half of our goods rot before reaching Ibadan. By train, more arrive fresh and we make more money.’ This is logistics efficiency at work. In Nigeria, transport typically consumes 30-40 per cent of business expenses-compared to under 10 per cent in developed economies. Every ton shifted from truck to train reduces costs, raises margins, and improves competitiveness.

Economic multipliers

Economists classify railways as general-purpose infrastructure-assets that lower transaction costs, stimulate trade, and integrate markets. Studies by the World Bank and African Development Bank (AfDB) suggest every dollar invested in rail can yield $1.50-$2.20 in wider economic output once spillovers into agriculture, manufacturing, and services are included. On the Lagos-Ibadan corridor, passenger fares and freight receipts totalled about ?12 billion (roughly $8 million) in the first eight months of 2025. Using AfDB’s multiplier, this translates into an additional $13-$19 million in economic value in less than a year.

The impact extends well beyond revenues. Towns along the line-Papalanto, Abeokuta, Moniya-are stirring back to life as stations double as logistics hubs. Land values around Ibadan station are rising, while shops, eateries, and small service firms sprout around the steady stream of commuters and traders. More broadly, the line is altering Nigeria’s inflation and growth dynamics. By shifting passengers and freight from the chronically congested Lagos-Ibadan expressway to rail, it chips away at one of the country’s deepest structural problems: high logistics costs.

For farmers and food traders, the change is striking. Perishable produce that once spoiled after a day in traffic now reaches markets intact, reducing waste and stabilising supply. Consumers, in turn, feel the benefit in more moderate food prices-vital in a country where food carries the heaviest weight in the inflation basket. The Lagos-Ibadan rail line is thus more than a transport project. It is a quiet lever of productivity, competitiveness, and price stability.

The headline inflation rate, which eased to about 20.1 per cent in August 2025 after months of food-driven surges, reflects a mix of influences. But improved efficiency along critical supply corridors such as Lagos-Ibadan stands out as one of the quiet structural supports cushioning upward pressure. The growth story becomes even clearer when viewed through output. Every commuter who reaches Ibadan in two hours instead of five embodies regained productivity: fewer wasted hours in gridlock, more time contributing to the economy. Every ton of cement, steel, or grain that moves inland by train rather than truck lowers factory input costs and distributor expenses, freeing up margins for reinvestment and expansion.

This productivity dividend loops back into the inflation story. Lower transport costs help cool food prices, and with food carrying the heaviest weight in Nigeria’s inflation basket, this feeds directly into headline inflation. The Lagos-Ibadan line is thus more than a commuter service. It is the flagship of a broader rail reform agenda under the Renewed Hope government. Central to this is the Track Access Programme, which opens Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) lines to licensed operators. Lagos State is already linking its Red Line commuter rail into the corridor, while Chinese partners are piloting freight runs. By attracting private capital and easing the government’s fiscal burden, the programme is breaking open a sector long closed to outside players.

The reform also doubles as industrial policy. At the Abuja International Railway Conference in September, the NRC signed a five-year agreement with Ajaokuta Steel Company to produce rolling stock components locally-especially steel wheels. The Lagos-Ibadan line will be among the first to benefit, reducing import dependence while channelling demand into Nigeria’s long-struggling steel sector.

Energy transition is another pillar. In partnership with the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas (Pi-CNG), the NRC plans to convert diesel locomotives into hybrids using liquefied natural gas, while replacing diesel generators with gas-fired alternatives. For the corridor, that means lower operating costs, reduced emissions, and new demand for Nigeria’s gas reserves. Complementing this are shuttle vehicles linking stations to nearby towns, tightening intermodal connections and feeding local economies.

Equally critical is human capital. Through agreements with universities and technical institutes, the NRC is training a new cadre of engineers and technicians in modern rail operations. The Lagos-Ibadan corridor doubles as both showcase and classroom-embedding skills alongside steel, and building the human foundation for Nigeria’s rail future.

At Obafemi Awolowo Station in Moniya, Ibadan, the promise of rail-driven growth is visible – but uneven. Business activity peaks only when the trains arrive, then quickly fades into silence until the next service. Taxi operators, tricycles, and motorcycle riders spring to life as passengers with luggage disembark, haggling over fares in scenes that reflect both the vibrancy and fragility of the station’s economy. Operators told The Nation that while their incomes have improved compared to before the station opened, the pace of growth remains far below expectations. Comrade Abraham Temitope, a cab driver who has worked at the station for three years, put it bluntly: ‘Except for trains coming down, there’s nothing here again. Immediately the train leaves, nothing else happens until the evening. The government needs to work on more trips and create facilities around the station to attract people.’

He and others argued that hotels, malls, and family-friendly spaces could help keep visitors longer and stimulate commerce. They also lamented the abandoned road linking Moniya to the Oyo-Iseyin axis, warning that the unfinished stretch damages vehicles and discourages patronage. ‘The road has been left unfixed for almost three years. It is to our detriment every day,’ Temitope added.

The General Secretary of the Micra Cab Operators, Mr. Adebayo Abiodun, echoed these concerns. He noted that only two daily trips – three on weekends – limit the economic spin-offs. ‘By now, the train should be running at least three trips every day. More trips mean more passengers, and more passengers mean more business for us all,’ he said.

Awareness is another hurdle. Abiodun observed that many residents in Ibadan and even Lagos remain unaware the service is operational. ‘Many people I carry still tell me they didn’t know the train station was working. Publicity will help bring passengers, and when they come, our businesses will grow,’ he added. Around the station, petty traders such as food vendors and snack sellers depend largely on staff and transport operators for patronage, with only occasional sales to passengers. Property values, which had spiked after the terminal opened, have since plateaued as development momentum slowed.

Challenges of maintenance and sustainability

Even as the Lagos-Ibadan line demonstrates promise, sustainability looms large. Earlier this year, a derailment on the Abuja-Kaduna line reignited fears about safety and maintenance. Although the NRC restored service far more swiftly than in the past – a sign of greater responsiveness – questions linger: can Nigeria sustain adequate maintenance funding, resist political interference, and guarantee governance discipline over the long term? ‘Infrastructure is not only about building. It is about maintaining and managing,’ noted Prof. Sam Amadi, former regulator and energy policy scholar. ‘Rail can catalyse growth, but without governance, it can also collapse.’

The Lagos-Ibadan line also forms the southern stretch of the Lagos-Kano-Maradi corridor, envisioned as a continental trade spine under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Properly linked to ports and extended inland, it could anchor Nigeria’s ambition to serve as West Africa’s logistics hub. Vice-President Kashim Shettima underscored this at the Abuja railway summit: ‘Railways connect raw materials to factories, workers to opportunities, and farmers to markets. They shape economies and societies. Every poor-looking country from China to Vietnam has used rail as a driver of development. Nigeria cannot afford to lag.’

Back at Ibadan station, as the last commuters head home and freight wagons roll north, the Lagos-Ibadan line feels like more than just steel and concrete. Each passenger carried and every ton of freight hauled chips away at Nigeria’s old reputation for inefficiency. Sustained momentum could turn this corridor into more than a transport link – into a lever for growth, integration, and renewal in a country searching for prosperity beyond oil.

Stanbic IBTC Insurance, a subsidiary of Stanbic IBTC Holdings has launched the Manifold Endowment Plan, an innovative blend of insurance and investment designed for Nigerians who want to protect what matters, grow their wealth, and enjoy peace of mind.

With life cover up to N1 billion, partial maturity payouts, and end-of-term bonuses, Manifold is for the modern Nigerian working hard today, planning boldly for tomorrow.

The Manifold Endowment Plan is uniquely designed for Nigerians aged 18 to 64, providing them with flexible policy durations ranging from six to fifteen years. At its core, it integrates death benefits, partial maturity bonuses, and accidental medical coverage, all while offering a structured avenue for individuals and families to plan, protect, and prosper.

Speaking on the launch, Akinjide Orimolade, Chief Executive, Stanbic IBTC Insurance said the Nigerian insurance sector, though still underexplored, has seen remarkable growth, with industry revenues surging by 147per cent in the first nine months of 2024. Yet, with insurance penetration hovering around just 0.5per cent of GDP, the gap in uptake remains stark.

He noted that Stanbic IBTC is tackling this head-on by introducing an offering that speaks to the everyday concerns of middle- and high-income Nigerians who seek value, reliability, and transparency in financial services.

He said: ‘The Manifold Endowment Plan is a response to Nigeria’s pressing need for accessible and rewarding insurance solutions. We are not just offering protection; we are empowering Nigerians to build financial resilience while preparing for the future. With Manifold, every premium is an investment in both peace of mind and real financial return.

‘Manifold bridges the perception gap often associated with insurance. It assures Nigerians that even if the ‘worst’ doesn’t happen, their money is never wasted. With premiums starting at just N10,000 monthly, policyholders can earn two 25per cent bonuses on their premiums while still receiving 100% of their chosen sum assured at maturity.

At its core, the Manifold Endowment Plan aligns with Stanbic IBTC Insurance’s broader mission: to help Nigerians secure today and prosper tomorrow. Whether it’s a young professional saving towards future goals, a parent building generational wealth, or a retiree seeking peace of mind, Manifold offers a tailored and transparent financial solution”, he added.

Four players of the Golden Eaglets have been selected in the Group Stage’s Best X1 at the ongoing WAFU B U17 tournament by the competition’s Technical Study Group.

Captain David Edeh leads the quartet along with wing dynamite, Boluwatife Thompson, George Agha, the hat- trick hero against Benin Republic and defence marshal, Godwin Menyaga.

Agha won the MVP award in the game against Benin Republic, Thompson repeated same feat in the game against Burkina- Faso.

Yesterday night Nigeria filed out against the Black Starlets of Ghana with a place in the final and qualification for 2026 AFCON U17 tournament to be hosted by Morocco as a reward.

Meanwhile, Cote d’Ivoire booked the first ticket to the grand finale following a 2-1 win over the defending champions, the Young Etalons of Burkina- Faso in the first semi-final of the competition.

The Golden Eaglets lost 2-0 to Ghana’s Black Starlets in the second semi-final.

The United States Consulate General in Lagos has partnered Ouida Books and the Book Buzz Foundation to launch Iseda, a cultural exchange initiative. The launch, which held at the Ouida Bookstore in Lagos was aimed at fostering collaboration between American and Nigerian creatives while boosting economic opportunities in the arts.

Public Affairs Officer at the U.S. Consulate, Julie McKay, explained that Iseda-which means ‘creation’-was inspired by Nigeria’s rich artistic heritage. ‘We kind of went back to the Mbari Club. We’re thinking about a rich Nigerian tradition in culture and the arts-from Fela Kuti to Chinua Achebe to Wole Soyinka-coming together, collaborating, learning from each other, and becoming even more creative,’ she said.

McKay disclosed that the programme will spotlight a different creative sector each month, with fashion set for October and film in November. She added that Iseda would also serve as the kickoff for the U.S. Consulate’s celebration of America’s 250th anniversary. Beyond Iseda, McKay also highlighted other U.S. exchange programmes that support the creative sector, including the American Music Mentorship Programme and the Africa Creative Television Initiative. According to her, six Nigerians participated in the music mentorship program last year, with three already inducted into the Recording Academy, granting them eligibility to vote in the Grammys.

Members of the Pipeline Vocal Project, Molly, Lisa, and Taylor, shared their experiences as cultural ambassadors.

They spoke about the power of music to build bridges across cultures.

‘What’s really cool is we’re able to connect and have a conversation through music. It doesn’t matter our background, but there’s a connectivity there,’ Taylor said.

The group also offered advice to aspiring musicians. Lisa emphasized discipline, Molly encouraged collaboration within communities, while Taylor urged persistence.

‘Never shut up and always keep going. No is not an answer I will take,’ she said.

Reflecting on their stay in Nigeria, the group expressed excitement about incorporating Afrobeats into their music. ‘We’re from Alaska. We would never meet Nigerian artists in Nigeria,’ Taylor noted, underscoring the value of the exchange.

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has ordered the release of 36 inmates convicted for various offences in commemoration of Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary.

The governor’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, disclosed on Wednesday that the beneficiaries, serving sentences at the Nigerian Correctional Service facilities in Ilesa and Ile-Ife, were freed under the constitutional powers vested in the governor by Section 212 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, based on the recommendations of the State Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy.

In a proclamation dated September 24, 2025, and issued under his hand and the Public Seal of Osun State, Governor Adeleke formally granted amnesty to the listed convicts under the state’s jurisdiction.

‘I, Senator (Dr.) Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke, the Governor of Osun State of Nigeria, in exercise of the powers conferred upon me by Paragraph (a) Subsection (1) of Section 212 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), and acting in accordance with the Advisory Council of State designated under Subsection (2) of the said Section, am graciously pleased to extend my mercy to the said thirty-six (36) convicts.

‘By this act, I remit and release unto them all pains, penalties, and punishments whatsoever that may have accrued from their convictions, and I hereby require all to whom it may concern to take due notice thereof.

‘This shall be a sufficient warrant. Given under my hand and the Public Seal of Osun State, Nigeria, this 24th day of September, 2025.’

He noted that beneficiaries of this Independence Day amnesty include men and women convicted mostly of minor offences such as stealing and conspiracy, many of whom had served substantial portions of their sentences.

Rasheed noted that Adeleke emphasized that the decision reflects the spirit of compassion, justice, and renewal, which Nigeria’s Independence Day represents:

‘As a government of the people, we remain committed to upholding justice while extending mercy to deserving citizens. This amnesty is not only a gesture of freedom but also a call for true rehabilitation, reintegration, and a fresh start for these individuals,’ the governor said.

What started as an informal gathering of colleagues, young artists, and studio apprentices over two decades ago at Kunle Adeyemi Studio in Mushin, Lagos, has morphed into a movement of creatives.

In like manner, the group consisting of over 40 artists of different generations is making its debut exhibition that will feature 25 of them at the National Museum Onikan, Lagos, from October 4 to 17.

Tagged Testament of legacy, time and space (A story of Kunle Adeyemi and his studio contacts), it will feature painting, water-colours, paintocast, paintographs, prints, and mixed media by artists who drank from the pool of Dr. Kunle Adeyemi’s studio practice.

For Adeyemi, he has for a long time quietly nurtured the idea of keeping the studio contacts while praying for the right time for it to take shape.

‘Now that I am retired from public service, I believe the moment has come to devote some of my time to the professional growth and development of all those who have, at one time or another, passed through the Kunle Adeyemi Studio.

‘It has always been a God-given privilege to serve as your Studio Instructor-whether through SIWES, Industrial Attachment, Master’s or PhD research programs, Apprenticeship, or any other form of training,’ he said at the preview session of the exhibition.

According to him, the objectives of establishing the practice-based exhibiting group include rekindling in us the creative spark first ignited during our studio experience; becoming more visible in the contemporary art space; and encouraging one another in fulfilling our calling as practicing artists.

Reassuring members that the group is voluntary, he said nobody is compelled to join, but stressed the belief that unity is strength.

‘As a first step, I propose that we begin this year with a two-week art exhibition at the National Museum. We shall all be joint partners and beneficiaries of the project, working under principles of transparency and mutual respect. Let me also emphasise that no one in this group is above another. Though we may be at different stages of life and professional development, as artists, we share the same pedestal of calling. This exhibition, if given the chance to breathe, will connect our humble beginnings with our present realities and future aspirations.

‘Let us view life as an opportunity to lift others. Each of us has stories of struggle and growth to tell; this platform is one way to honor that journey and project it into the future,’ he added.

Curator of the exhibition and CEO, Irachy Consult, Dr. Bukola Jaiyesimi, said the exhibition weaves together diverse artistic perspectives on how legacy is shaped by dimensions of time and space. She noted that the exhibition ‘encourages contemplation of how art captures, distils, and projects human experiences across temporal and spatial boundaries.’

The participating artists include Dr Kunle Adeyemi, Kolawole K. Olojo-Kosoko, Olumuyiwa Olusola Adeyinka Akingbade, Dr Kafaru Abiodun, Dr Doyin Labode,

Titi Badmus Ganiy, Asholasa Daniel, Daniel Klotoe, Olusegun Oduyele, Olufemi Onagoruwa, Ojo Olaniyi, Dr Aderinsoye Aladegbongbe, Okemakinde Abiodun, Akingbade Oluwamayowa, Taiwo Emmanuel. Others are Oyetumoh Yusuf, Dayo Adeyemi, Jimoh Luqman, Kehinde Adenle, Ajose Ayomide, Dr Stella Awoh, Mofunayan, Olayemi Otuyelu Madu, Lotachukwu Ayogu-Eze, and Azeez Razaq.

One of the participants, Olumuyiwa Olusola, is a watercolour artist who paints stories of resilience, joy, and tradition. His works transform everyday scenes into timeless reflections on legacy, time, together, and space. With a gentle yet powerful touch of watercolor, he celebrates the struggles that lift us upward and the rhythms that bring us together.

Through his art, Olusola shares the beauty of ordinary moments and the strength they carry for generations. His watercolor practice reflects on resilience, tradition, and human connection.

‘The fluidity of the medium allows me to capture fleeting moments while honoring the legacies that endure across time and space,’ he said at the preview.

Is the country ready to set forth now?

Is there a reason to celebrate the 65th anniversary of Nigeria as an independent country? Some doubt it, mainly because of the many twists, turns and rocky rides. But, others contend that there are reasons to mark the landmark because the country has survived despite so many challenges that could have truncated the journey.

But, here we are.

The first indication that it would not be a smooth ride came soon after the Union Jack was lowered at the complex later named after the first Prime Minister, Alhaji Abubakar Tafawa Balewa. Chief Obafemi Awolowo could hardly hide his indignation in his memoirs as he recalled that he was tucked in a corner at the event, far away from where other main actors in the independence struggle sat. Pettiness at play.

Since the National Council of Nigerian Citizens (NCNC), one of the three major political parties opted to align with the Northern People’s Congress (NPC), leaving the Action Group (AG) in the lurch; it was obvious that some dirty fight lurked. Federal might was unleashed to dislodge the AG from the Western Region where it held sway, with a breakaway faction led by Chief Samuel Ladoke Akintola propped up to seize control.

The process started as early as 1962, when an externally-induced implosion was made to hit the AG like a dynamite. Soon after came the Coker Commission of Enquiry, the Treasonable Felony Trial, restriction and later jailing of the AG leader and founder, Chief Awolowo.

Those not blinded by partisanship knew going that route would not end well as Awolowo was a cult figure in the Western Region. Before the Federal Elections of 1964, the alliance between NCNC and NPC had disintegrated. Two broad alliances went into that election. The NCNC and the Akintola splinter group formed the Nigerian National Alliance (NNA) while the NCNC and AG formed the United Progressive Grand Alliance (UPGA). Obviously AG was the party of the Western Region, but the federal elections and the consequent regional election of January 1965 were ignobly rigged in favour of the NNA to dislodge the AG.

Politically, the trend has continued since then. Each election was hotly contested and rejected by the losers. It could hardly be said that, beyond electoral infrastructure put in place at so much cost, Nigeria has failed to mature on election matters over the years.

Apparently, for every action, there is a reaction. The manipulation of the polity led to the military coup of 1966. And, consequently, there was the pogrom, the counter-coup of July 1966 and the civil war that boiled over the following year. In the process, no institution of state was spared the accompanying desecration, including the military.

Although General Yakubu Gowon who was head of state when the war ended in January 1970 announced that there was ”no victor, no vanquished”, it was obvious that the Biafra secession bid had been quashed and there were consequences. Till date, the South East that sought to leave the union has continued to complain about marginalisation; at least politically.

Such political mistrust among the various parts of the country could not but have affected the economy, social relations, and thus, development. Insecurity, though diminished in some parts, is a concern in other parts of the country. In the North East, there is the Boko Haram and Ansaru insurgency that has raged for more than 16 years. It has claimed so many lives and herded many into poorly funded refugee camps. Happily, two kingpins of the groups have been nabbed. It’s progress.

It has spread to the North Central, especially in Plateau and Benue States, where some schools and targeted communities have not been spared. In the region, it took the form of religious intolerance, well-armed herders taking on farmers and wanton destruction of farms, homes and lives by terrorists. In the North West also, banditry and kidnapping have been the order of the day as enemies of state and criminals have continued to unleash their fury on the people. Kaduna State brandishes hope in the region and there may be a berth of peace in places like Zamfara and Katsina where there are still challenges.

In other parts of the country, the South West and South South, kidnapping for ransom has been on a lower scale. In all cases, the police and armed forces have recorded advances. Much work remains. The destruction of livelihoods has pushed more Nigerians into the poverty net.

Thus, until the Tinubu administration courageously came up with measures to check the periodic eruption of economic recession, it was as if successive governments, military or civilian, had no clue what to do. For two years now, the economy appears to have become stable, though it still has a long way to go.

The President said at the coronation of the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, last week, that the economy has turned the bend. But, has it really? The macro-economic indices suggest that it has, with headline inflation constantly heading South month-on-month for about half a year now, and the GDP recording sometimes record increase. But, it is yet to percolate to the common man who, therefore, finds it difficult to believe the authorities. It is expected that the result would be more visible in 2026.

The story of the nation since independence has been a talent of official squandermania and brigandage, with little vision to plan and save. The subsidy scam and currency manipulation brought the economy to a state where we borrowed to pay routine government bills. Hence the task of rescue before the Tinubu administration thst has headed off the economic apocalypse with his reforms.

Obviously, where the economy has been in the doldrums for so long, the health and education sectors could only have received some battering. Neither has received up to seven per cent allocation from the budget in the past 20 years. Political leaders express disgust for the local health institutions by patronising foreign hospitals for the most common ailments.

When seizing power from the Shagari administration in 1983, General Muhammadu Buhari described our hospitals as ”mere consulting clinics”. Not much has changed since then, compounded now by exodus of doctors, old and young, who have chosen to export their services to other lands. Nigerian students, too, sell whatever is available to obtain higher education abroad. Until of course, the NELFUND initiative offering loans to students of the poor.

It should not be all about lamentations about missed opportunities. A lot could be done to salvage the situation as there is unanimity of opinion among experts that Nigeria has an abundance of human and material resources to draw it out of the wood. It has a population, all of about 230 million, mostly young people who are energetic and forward looking, as against 30 million in 1960. This is an asset that most countries lack.

It also has so much solid minerals in all parts of the country, mostly waiting to be tapped. Those being tapped are by criminals and foreigners. Crude oil that has been a blessing to other nations has been largely doom to Nigeria, owing to poor management and monumental corruption. Of late, though, crude oil output has ticked up due to work by our armed forces to curb criminals stealing our black gold.

If corruption is checked and appropriate persons are employed to ensure that Nigeria joins the league of developed countries, in a short while, Nigerians would be proud of their country again and we can stand tall in the comity of nations. The Central Bank of Nigeria’s handling of foreign exchange, the salvaging of corrupt practices have diminished instances of corruption as attested to by our captains of industry.

Nigerians should realise that pulling in different directions cannot help them. As we move towards the seventh decade after independence, we should realise that we owe future generations, and indeed the black world a duty to redeem our dignity by killing corruption and tapping resources available for development.

As Walter Rodney said, ‘every generation must, out of relative obscurity, discover its mission, fulfill or betray it.’ The reforms of the Tinubu administration is showing promise on many levels beginning with financial engineering whose success can trigger a wholesale rebirth. For instance, not long ago, critics were jittery and even gloating that the naira would dive down to N2,000 to a dollar. Now it’s below N1,500. Not there yet, but a sign we can reclaim our country.

ýThe Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has blamed unnamed ‘saboteurs and selfish political actors’ for fuelling insecurity in the nation’s capital, vowing to crush criminal networks that he said are undermining Abuja’s peace and development.

ýDelivering his 65th Independence Day message on Tuesday, Wike acknowledged that Abuja’s security situation has worsened in recent months, with kidnappings and violent attacks shaking residents’ confidence in the capital’s safety.

ý’This is no time for complacency. Those who profit from chaos or sponsor insecurity to achieve political aims will soon realise that the FCT is not a playground for lawlessness. We are working closely with security agencies to dismantle these criminal rings once and for all,’ the minister warned.

ýWike’s remarks mark one of his strongest indictments yet of what he described as ‘deliberate attempts to embarrass the government and make the FCT ungovernable.’

ýHe urged residents to be vigilant and to report suspicious activities, insisting that security cannot be left to the authorities alone.

ý’We cannot be everywhere at once. Every resident has a duty to safeguard their neighbourhoods. This is a fight for our collective survival,’ he said.

ýWhile celebrating Nigeria’s 65th independence anniversary as a milestone of unity and resilience, Wike said the moment also called for sober reflection on how insecurity threatens the sacrifices of the nation’s founding fathers.

ý’The FCT is the heartbeat of the country, the symbol of our unity. We cannot allow bandits, kidnappers, or their sponsors to tarnish that image,’ he said.

ýThe minister praised residents for backing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which he said has brought major infrastructural upgrades, including strategic road projects, rehabilitated schools and hospitals, and support for farmers, youths, and women.

ýAccording to the minister, ‘No city can claim greatness without modern infrastructure. We have focused on building roads, upgrading health and education facilities, and empowering small businesses to restore faith in government.’

ýLooking ahead to the February 2026 Area Council elections, Wike cautioned political actors against stoking violence.

‘Campaign for your candidates with decency and vision, not with thugs and weapons. We will not allow anyone to plunge the FCT into chaos,’ he said.

ýWike closed his address with a mix of warning and optimism, ‘We have a President determined to restore security and improve the lives of citizens. The future of Abuja will not be dictated by criminals or their backers. We will fight for this city, and we will win.’

Women of Rubies, a leading platform dedicated to celebrating, empowering, and supporting women, has marked its 10th anniversary with remarkable milestones.

Over the past decade, the initiative, founded by media strategist and women’s advocate Esther Ijewere, has spotlighted more than 3,000 women, supported over 600 entrepreneurs, and equipped countless others with media tools through programs like the Media Visibility Bootcamp.

What began as a Nigerian initiative has grown into a global platform that connects, mentors, and celebrates women across industries and backgrounds.

Reflecting on the milestone, Ijewere said, ‘Celebrating 10 years of Women of Rubies is a humbling reminder of the power of community, resilience, and intentional support. We are inspired to continue creating platforms where women are celebrated, supported, and equipped to thrive, both locally and globally.’

As it enters its next decade, Women of Rubies reaffirms its commitment to expanding innovative programs, media initiatives, and community-driven projects that amplify women’s voices worldwide.