Category: The Nation – Nigeria

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, has reaffirmed that President Bola Tinubu’s administration is firmly committed to policy continuity and governance stability, being a moral obligation necessary for Nigeria’s sustainable development.

Akume noted this in Abuja on Tuesday at the inauguration and maiden lecture of the Renewed Hope Grassroots Movement (RHGM), where he emphasized that President Tinubu believes continuity is not merely a governance principle but ‘a moral obligation to secure sustainable development and prosperity for all.

Represented by the Permanent Secretary, Political and Economic Affairs in the Office of the SGF, Mr. Nadunga Gagare, Tue SGG said the President’s conviction is rooted in the belief that one of Nigeria’s greatest developmental setbacks has been the tendency to abandon policies, projects, and programmes whenever a new administration takes over.

‘This cycle of discontinuity has often stalled progress, wasted resources, and slowed down the pace of development. Sustainable development, however, thrives on consistency. A road started by one administration should be completed by the next,’ Akume said.

According to him, Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda is anchored on ensuring stability in governance by strengthening national institutions, implementing reforms that outlive individuals, and building systems that deliver results for citizens irrespective of leadership changes.

Akume described the RHGM as an initiative that considers the yearnings of the masses for inclusive and accountable governance.

‘The Renewed Hope Grassroots Movement has a duty to mobilize, sensitize and ensure that citizens not only understand but take ownership of government policies,’ he added, stressing that democracy cannot thrive without the active involvement of the grassroots.

In his welcome address, the National Leader of the RHGM, Ambassador Isaac Chigozie Udeh, said President Tinubu has solidified his position ahead of the 2027 elections.

He noted that the movement was established to rally support for Tinubu’s policies and prevent what he called ‘experimentation’ by other political contenders.

‘We are here because we are comfortable with the policies of President Bola Tinubu and don’t want anybody else to come and carry out any experiment with us.

‘Nigerians need to be patient because what we are going through is like pregnancy; there will be joy very soon,’ Udeh said.

On her part, the National Women Leader of the RHGM, Mrs. Soaga Abiola, said the movement’s efforts would not be in vain, insisting that President Tinubu must be retained in 2027.

She also emphasized the importance of women’s involvement in governance, advocating for women to be considered for deputy positions in leadership.

Goodwill messages from RHGM members in the Diaspora, patrons, zonal and state coordinators, as well as leaders from the six geo-political zones, emphasized the importance of Nigerians rallying behind the government’s policy continuity and governance sustenance drive for the benefit of future generations.

The event also featured the inauguration of national officers, zonal and state coordinators, the national youth leader, and the presentation of awards to distinguished Nigerians.

Hundreds of people trooped to the Emmanuel Iwanyanwu International Conference Centre (EIICC) on Tuesday to welcome President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to Imo State.

By 8 a.m., excited residents had begun streaming into the venue to catch a glimpse of the President, who is set to commission four signature projects: the EIICC, Concorde Hotel, the new twin flyover at Assumpta Cathedral Roundabout, and the Owerri-Mbaise-Umuahia road.

Security personnel worked tirelessly to manage the enthusiastic crowd, which included men, women, youths, traditional rulers, and other dignitaries.

Meanwhile, major roads such as Wetheral, Tetlow, and Bank leading to the Okigwe roundabouts were closed to vehicular traffic, causing some inconvenience as commuters trekked long distances to reach their destinations.

First Lady Oluremi Tinubu has expressed deep sorrow over the death of Ms. Somtochukwu ‘Sommie’ Maduagwu, a young news anchor with Arise News Television, describing her passing as painful and untimely.

Reacting in a post on her verified X handle, @SenRemiTinubu, on Tuesday, the First Lady said she was saddened by the tragic loss of ‘one of our young and brilliant minds in the journalism profession,’ noting that the late broadcaster was cut down in her prime.

‘Her death is painful and quite unfortunate. She has been cut down in her prime. I condole with the Chairman of Arise News Media, Chief Nduka Obaigbena, her family, friends, colleagues, and loved ones. It is my hope and prayer that the perpetrators will be apprehended as soon as possible and brought to book,’ Mrs. Tinubu wrote.

The First Lady prayed for the repose of Maduagwu’s soul and urged God to grant her family and associates the strength to bear the ‘irreplaceable loss.’

Maduagwu was reportedly killed in her Katampe, Abuja, residence during a robbery attack, a development that has sparked widespread outrage and grief across Nigeria’s media community.

In a night dedicated to celebrating excellence in brand building and strategic communication, Tolu Olanipekun, Head of Marketing at Mouka Foam, emerged as a beacon of industry leadership, clinching the coveted Outstanding Marketing Personality of the Year award at the Marketing Edge Awards 2025.

Held on Friday, September 26, at the Balmoral Event Hall, Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja, the ceremony brought together Nigeria’s most influential marketing professionals, brand custodians, and communications strategists.

The event, hosted annually by Marketing Edge, one of Nigeria’s foremost marketing and advertising publications, recognises individuals and organisations that have demonstrated exceptional innovation, consistency, and impact in the field.

Olanipekun’s recognition is a celebration of a remarkable career that spans over a decade and a half, marked by strategic excellence and an unwavering commitment to consumer-centric marketing. From her early days at Reckitt Benckiser, where she helped redefine brand narratives in the health, hygiene, and home care segment, to leading transformative campaigns at FrieslandCampina and now Mouka, her journey has been one of vision, grit, and growth.

Currently leading the marketing efforts at Mouka Foam, a trusted name in sleep and wellness products, Olanipekun has steered the brand through bold repositioning strategies that not only amplified its relevance but also deepened emotional connections with consumers. Her campaigns have consistently broken the clutter in a crowded media landscape, delivering both creative storytelling and measurable results.

Speaking at the event after receiving the award, an elated Olanipekun remarked: ‘This recognition is truly humbling. For me, it is not just an award but a call to keep raising the bar and delivering excellence. Marketing is about connecting brands to people in ways that add value to their lives, and I am grateful to my team and mentors who have been part of this journey.’

Her statement captures the essence of a marketer who sees beyond campaigns and billboards, one who believes in purpose-driven branding that touches lives.

Industry stakeholders have praised the choice of Olanipekun, one of this year’s honourees, citing her ability to blend creativity with commercial insight.

According to Marketing Edge, the selection was based on ‘her strategic influence in redefining brand narratives across multiple sectors, as well as her role in mentoring upcoming marketers and driving industry-wide innovation.’

Indeed, Olanipekun’s success story is not just about individual achievement but about the impact she continues to make on teams, brands, and the broader marketing ecosystem. Her leadership style, collaborative, curious, and always forward-thinking, has positioned her as a respected voice on industry panels and in executive boardrooms alike.

With this recognition, Olanipekun is poised to further solidify her role as a thought leader and trailblazer in Nigeria’s marketing and brand communication space. Whether through groundbreaking campaigns at Mouka or mentorship initiatives across the industry, her influence is set to expand in the years to come.

Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike has thrown his weight behind the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate in the forthcoming Abuja Area Council elections, Christopher Maikalangu.

The election is scheduled for next February.

Maikalangu is the Chairman of Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC). He defected recently from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), and is seeking re-election for a second term in office.

Wike urged residents of Tunga Madaki and neighbouring communities to reciprocate the Federal Government’s gesture by voting for the ruling party.

The minister spoke during the kick-off of the construction of a seven-kilometre road with four-span bridges linking Tunga Madaki and eight other settlements.

He said the project was in fulfillment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and a response to the community’s long-standing demand for infrastructure.

Wike recalled that the road project stemmed from earlier negotiations during the acquisition of land for the construction of a second runway at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.

The minister said that though the land belongs to the FCT, the Aviation Ministry had to pay compensation, during which the affected communities demanded road access as a condition.

He said: ‘It was quite unfair that a people would surrender their ancestral land for a national project like a second runway, yet they had no access road, even to the airport they gave up the land for.

‘So, I took the matter to Mr. President and he said: ‘Whatever they ask for, give it to them.’ Today, we are here to fulfill that promise.”

Wike promised that the road would be completed next June to coincide with the third anniversary of President Tinubu’s administration.

The minister hailed the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), the project contractor, for committing to the timeline.

‘This is a government that listens, a government that keeps its promises. For the first time in your lives, you asked for one thing, and the government responded. That is what the Renewed Hope Agenda is all about.’

Wike lauded Maikalangu’s role in the project, describing him as an advocate for the community.

‘Maikalangu has never stopped reminding me about the promise made to you during the land compensation process.

‘He kept pressing, and here we are today. I am handing him over to you. Support him in the February 2026 elections so that by June, when the road is inaugurated, we’ll all dance together in celebration.’

The Gbenga Hashim Solidarity Movement (GHSM) has said that former President Goodluck Jonathan will not enjoy a ‘free ride’ to the presidential ticket of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2027.

Reacting to remarks credited to Professor Jerry Gana suggesting Jonathan’s possible comeback on the PDP platform, the GHSM National Coordinator, Abdulrazaq Hamzat, stressed that the PDP flagbearer would only emerge through an open and transparent process in line with the Electoral Act 2022.

‘With due respect, Professor Jerry Gana is entitled to his enthusiasm about the return of former President Jonathan. However, only PDP delegates to the national convention can pick the party’s flagbearer, and ultimately, God Almighty will determine the outcome, not a few party stalwarts,’ Hamzat said in a statement.

Hamzat argued that Nigerians are yearning for progress, not a return to the past, warning that Jonathan represents an ‘old order’ many citizens are ready to consign to history.

‘The Jonathan era cannot be painted as a perfect time. It was a period when the diversity of our nation began to be deeply mismanaged, rekindling ethnic tensions and religious bigotry, a legacy that has unfortunately worsened under subsequent governments,’ he added.

He also revisited Jonathan’s foreign policy record, faulting Nigeria’s decision in 2011 to break ranks with the African Union and support NATO’s intervention in Libya. He described the move as a ‘strategic blunder’ that destabilized the Sahel and aggravated insecurity across Nigeria, Mali, Chad, Niger, Burkina Faso, and other West African countries.

On domestic governance, the GHSM leader insisted that Jonathan still has questions to answer on corruption allegations that trailed his administration, particularly the infamous Dasukigate arms procurement scandal.

Hamzat, however, affirmed that the PDP remains a democratic platform where no aspirant, including former presidents, should expect automatic endorsement.

‘If President Jonathan desires a return to Aso Rock, he must be ready to square up with nationally unifying aspirants such as Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim in an open and transparent primary,’ Hamzat declared.

He maintained that Nigerians deserve fresh leadership and a new vision to tackle the nation’s challenges, insisting that ‘the only way forward is forward, not backward.’

MTN Group has taken up a call to action from Nigeria to support the collection of datasets of African languages. These are required to develop the continent’s own large language models (LLM) to power AI-driven solutions for Africa’s 1.5 billion people, who otherwise risk being sidelined by the global AI ecosystem.

Speaking on ‘The Y’ello Chair Vodcast: Your link to the African continent’, Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy Dr Bosun Tijani said to leapfrog AI in Africa, a collaborative public/private effort was urgently needed to fund the academic research into the continent’s many languages. He challenged MTN Group – which has operations in 16 markets, 15 of them in Africa – to mobilise resources for this.

‘We like these kinds of partnerships. Challenge accepted,’ said MTN Group President and CEO Ralph Mupita in the vodcast, which was filmed on the sidelines of the 80th United Nations General Assembly in New York. It was hosted by Angela Wamola, who is the head of sub-Saharan Africa for the GSMA mobile industry association.

The vodcast followed the launch of the Nigerian Atlas for Languages and AI at Scale (N-ATLAS). This is an open-source multilingual LLM designed to understand and generate Nigeria’s diverse voices, digitising and preserving the country’s linguistic richness and creating datasets for AI solutions.

More than 500 languages are spoken in Nigeria, the continent’s most populous country.

N-ATLAS is a public/private initiative of the government of Nigeria and Awarri Technologies.

The ATLAS framework is open and available to other African countries, providing a platform for innovation in local languages and in so doing, transform education, health, commerce and governance.

‘We have to avoid the risk of Africans being a digital underclass,’ Mupita said of the work to ensure that citizens didn’t feel excluded on the continent where there are more than 2 000 languages and most are poorly represented in the global AI ecosystem.

He said the digital economy was the ‘best bet’ to ensure that citizens have dignity, hope and opportunity.

‘The outcomes we want are that people are digitally included, economically included and that they have dignity. This dignity point for me is very important because poverty can include all sorts of indignity, but embracing technology should take all that away,’ he said.

The Y’ello Chair Vodcast is a platform where leaders and changemakers share insights, challenge norms, and drive Africa’s digital future. For episode 2, see here [insert link once vodcast is uploaded].

Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged President Bola Tinubu ‘to urgently disclose details of the selection and appointment process for the successor to Prof. Mahmood Yakubu whose tenure as the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) will end in November 2025.

SERAP urged him ‘to disclose the number and names of candidates for INEC chairman and whether the Council of State has been consulted or would be consulted in making the appointment, as constitutionally required.’

SERAP also urged him to use the opportunity of the appointment of a new INEC chairman to reconsider your appointment of at least three alleged members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) of the INEC and to nominate non-members of a political party as replacement.

Professor Mahmood Yakubu will leave office as INEC chairman in November, having completed his two-term tenure of 10 years. President Tinubu is expected to appoint his successor soon, subject to a Senate confirmation.

In the letter dated September 27, 2025 and signed by SERAP deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation said: ‘The selection and appointment process for Mr Yakubu’s replacement cannot and should not be ‘a closed shop.’ A transparent and accountable process would serve legitimate public interests.’

SERAP said there is a strong correlation between transparency in the selection and appointment process of INEC chairman and the ability of the commission to perform its constitutional and statutory duties in an independent and impartial manner.

According to SERAP, ‘INEC plays a crucial role in Nigeria’s democratic process. Openness and transparency in the selection and appointment process would improve public trust in the commission’s independence and impartiality and citizens’ participation in the electoral process.’

The letter, read in part: ‘Transparency in the process would also ensure that competent and impartial people are appointed and reduce the risks of conflict of interest. It would allow Nigerians to scrutinise, monitor, and engage with the process.

‘In electoral management, perception matters greatly. It is more important for the selection and appointment process to be objective and fair and to be seen to be objective and fair.

‘The manner in which elections are managed, including how officials managing elections are chosen, would contribute significantly to the sustenance of a democratic culture in the country.

‘A transparent selection and appointment process would strengthen democratic and electoral processes. Making the procedural details public would improve public confidence in the process.

‘Secrecy in the selection and appointment process would be inconsistent and incompatible with the Nigerian Constitution and the country’s international human rights obligations. It would undermine the independence, autonomy and accountability of INEC and the right of Nigerians to a free and fair election.

‘Electoral body is independent where it has administrative and financial autonomy; and offers sufficient guarantees of its members’ independence and impartiality.

‘Openness and transparency in the selection and appointment process for Mr Yakubu’s replacement and the appointment of a competent, independent and impartial chairman would also help to address the perception of bias which characterised the operations of INEC including during the 2023 general elections.

‘Section 154(1) of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended] provides that the Chairman of INEC ‘shall be appointed by the President and the appointment shall be subject to confirmation by the Senate.’

‘Subsection 3 provides that in exercising his powers to appoint a person as Chairman of INEC, ‘the President shall consult the Council of State.’

‘Section 153(1) (f) of the Nigerian Constitution provides that ‘There shall be established for the Federation the following bodies, namely – (f) Independent National Electoral Commission.

‘Under Section 6(4) of the Electoral Act 2022, ‘The appointment of a Resident Electoral Commissioner shall be in compliance with section 14 (3) of the Nigerian Constitution.

‘The nomination, confirmation and appointment of the alleged APC members as RECs for INEC is a breach of Section 6(4) of the Electoral Act 2022 and Section 156(1)(a) and Paragraph 14 of the Third Schedule of the Nigerian Constitution.

‘Article 13(1) of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and article 25 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights to which Nigeria is a state party guarantee the right of every citizen to participate freely in the government of his/her country, either directly or through freely chosen representatives.

‘The combined effect of the Nigerian Constitution, the Electoral Act and international standards is the requirement that elections must be organized by a truly independent and impartial electoral body.

‘The status, powers, independence of INEC, and the impartiality with which it acts and is seen to be allowed to act, are fundamental to the integrity of Nigeria’s elections and effectiveness of citizens’ democratic rights. INEC ought to be the primary guarantor of the integrity and purity of the electoral process.

‘Your government has the constitutional responsibility to ensure openness and transparency in the selection and appointment of INEC chairman. The credibility and legitimacy of elections depend mostly on the independence and impartiality of those appointed to manage the process.

‘Without an independent and impartial INEC, the democratic rights of Nigerians would remain illusory.

‘Anyone to be appointed as INEC chairman must clearly be non-partisan, independent, impartial and neutral. INEC chairman and other officials ought to be able to discharge their legal duties and implement the Electoral Act without fear or favour.

‘Nigeria’s electoral body must enjoy independent from direction or control, whether from the government or any other quarter. It must be accountable to the electorate, and act accordingly.

‘We would be grateful if the recommended measures are taken within 7 days of the receipt and/or publication of this letter. If we have not heard from you by then, SERAP shall consider appropriate legal actions to compel your government to comply with our request in the public interest.

‘Public perception of the independence of INEC is also essential for building public confidence in the electoral process. Where Nigerians have doubts about the independence of INEC, they are more likely to have less confidence in the electoral process, thereby undermining democracy.

‘The Nigerian Constitution, Freedom of Information Act, and the country’s anti-corruption and human rights obligations rest on the principle that citizens should have access to information regarding their government’s activities.

‘These constitutional provisions, international standards and commitments impose a fundamental obligation to ensure transparency and accountability in the selection and appointment process for a new INEC chairman.

‘According to our information, the tenure of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu will end in November 2025, having completed his two-term tenure of 10 years. His successor is expected to assume office immediately.’

‘SERAP also notes that messrs Etekamba Umoren; Isah Shaka Ehimeakne; Anugbum Onuoha; and Bunmi Omoseyindemi were part of the ten persons nominated by you and confirmed by the Senate on 25th October, 2023 as RECs of INEC.’

Super Eagles attacker, Paul Onuachu has described his stunning bicycle-kick strike in Trabzonspor’s dramatic 4-3 victory over Fatih Karagmrk last weekend as one of the goals of the season.

The Nigeria international was the star of the seven-goal spectacle at the Atatrk Olympic Stadium, netting twice – first with a spectacular overhead kick and later from the penalty spot.

Speaking after the game, Onuachu expressed delight at both the win and his personal contribution.

‘First of all, I’d like to congratulate my teammates on the three points. I’m happy the team won, and even happier that I scored,’ he told Fanatik.

Reflecting on his wonder goal, the towering forward said it brought back memories of a previous strike.

‘I watched the goal again, and it reminded me of the one I scored against Konyaspor. Between the two, I’d say the Konyaspor goal was better. This one was purely instinctive – I had to decide quickly, and luckily it turned into a good shot and a good goal.’

Onuachu’s brace takes his tally to five goals in seven league appearances for Trabzonspor this season who are third with 14 points from seven games.

Trabzonspor hosts Kayserispor in their next Super Lig tie on Friday.

Nigerian Afro-Soul artist Ureny (real name Omoluyi Irene Joseph) has officially launched his music career with the release of his debut single ‘Melody’ under NeverStop Records International.

Born on December 30, 2006, in Rivers State and originally from Edo State, Ureny discovered his love for music at just seven years old.

Now, in 2025, he makes his professional entry into the industry, bringing a sound defined by authentic storytelling, raw emotion, and the essence of human connection.

Blessed with a smooth, expressive voice and a talent for storytelling, Ureny channels his introverted nature into music that resonates deeply. His artistry transcends entertainment, capturing the lived experiences of many across Africa through poignant and heartfelt songwriting.

Melody is a piece of my soul’, Ureny shares. ‘It’s about expressing emotions that words alone can’t carry. That’s what I want my music to be; a voice for feelings we all share”.

With ‘Melody’ Ureny offers a compelling introduction to his Afro soul style which is rich, introspective and timeless. Backed by NeverStop Records, he’s currently preparing for the release of his debut EP ”An Intention” a project that promises to showcase his range, depth and unique artistic voice.

As 2025 unfolds, Ureny is poised to become a powerful new voice in Nigerian music and one to watch on the Afro-Soul landscape.