Category: The Nation – Nigeria

ýThe Coordinator of Support Tinubu for Better Nigeria, 2027, (ST4BN) in Akwa Ibom State, Esio Uquong Udoh has mobilised Akwa Ibom citizens to participate in the voter’s registration/revalidation exercise.

Udoh, a former Chairman of the South South Parliamentary Caucus, National Assembly while described the exercise as ‘the stepping stone to a better Nigeria.’

ýSpeaking during a sensitisation event in Uyo, he said: ‘If you have your voter’s card, you have your power. Akwa Ibom people must rise and be counted in shaping the destiny of our state and our nation.’

ýUdoh specifically called on young people who were below the age of 18 during the last general elections to seize this opportunity to get registered, stressing that their involvement is crucial for the future of Nigeria’s democracy.

ýHe also appealed to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Akwa Ibom Chapter, to decentralise the registration process.

‘INEC must hear the cries of the people. Deploying staff to local wards and polling units will reduce the burden of long queues and make the process more accessible, especially in rural areas,’ he said.

ýIn a further show of community spirit, the former federal lawmaker urged local government chairmen across the state to provide logistical support to elderly and physically challenged citizens to ensure they are not left out of the exercise. ‘This is not just about elections, it is about inclusion and participation. No one should be left behind,’ he added.

ýHe reiterated that full support for the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senator Godswill Akpabio, and Governor Umo Eno begins with citizens possessing a valid voter’s card.

He urged political stakeholders and community leaders to lead by example and mobilize their communities toward massive voter registration.

ý’As Nigeria moves toward the 2027 general elections, the call underscores the fundamental role of civic responsibility in nation-building. The voter’s card remains the most potent tool for change and participation in governance.

ý’Beyond its role in elections, the Permanent Voter’s Card (PVC) is a symbol of democratic empowerment. It gives every Nigerian a voice and the legal right to influence leadership at all levels, local, state, and federal. Without it, citizens forfeit the chance to decide who governs them, and by extension, the future of their communities,’ he said.

Tony Akowe, AbujaThe only Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) member of the House of Representatives from Benue State, Ojema Ojotu on Tuesday dumped the party and joined the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

In the letter of defection read at plenary by Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, the lawmaker hinged his decision to leave the PDP on the protracted crisis in the party at all levels which has not been resolved.

The defection of Ojotu, which was witnessed by Benue Deputy Governor, Samuel Ode, leaves the Senate Minority Whip, Senator Abba Moro, as the only PDP federal lawmaker in the State.

Ojotu said he resigned his membership of the PDP on October 8 because of the internal crisis in the party and unresolved issues which have made it impossible for him to serve his people well.

Minority Whip of the House, Aliyu Sani Madaki asked the Presiding Officer to declare the seat vacant in line with the provision of section 68(1g) of the Constitution since there was no crisis within the folds of the PDP.

Rapper Emeka Akumefule popularly known as Blaqbonez has argued that sexual exploration outside marriage is acceptable, as the initial passion in most relationships naturally wanes over time.

Speaking on a recent episode of the In My Opinion podcast, Blaqbonez argued that if a spouse is unavailable due to commitments like work or touring, it’s reasonable for their partner to seek intimacy elsewhere.

He emphasised that marriage extends beyond physical connection, asserting that an extramarital affair wouldn’t allow an outsider to supplant a spouse’s deeper emotional and mental role.

Blaqbonez said: ‘I don’t mind having an open marriage. Most married couples, you don’t keep having same amount of sex you were having at the beginning. It will reduce.

‘If somebody is satisfying her sexually while I’m hustling, touring, I’m not available to be getting intimate with her all the time. That is okay. There’s more to marriage than sex. I don’t mind that you’re sleeping with someone else provided you’re dedicated to me.

‘It will be difficult for a random person to just come and match up with what I have put in there. Nobody is just going to get her sexually and also mentally addicted to them. They probably can’t make her laugh the way I do’.

He further proposed that he and his future wife will maintain separate rooms, coming together only for intimacy when mutually desired.

‘If I’m even going to get married, I need two rooms. Me and my wife will only meet when we want to have intimacy,’ he added.

Big Brother Naija Season 10 winner Imisi has opened up about the challenges of her newfound celebrity status.

Speaking at a recent event, the Oyo State native expressed discomfort with the constant need to maintain a polished appearance, particularly wearing makeup, which she described as a significant adjustment from her low-maintenance lifestyle.

Imisi revealed that she dislikes anything on her face or body hair and prefers a simple, packed-up look but feels compelled to conform to public expectations.

She emphasised that while she believes she looks good naturally, the pressure to always have her hair, makeup, and nails done is part of portraying the right image as a public figure.

This shift, she noted, is one aspect of her life she must actively work to embrace.

She said: ‘I would say having to wear makeup every time I go out, like to maybe an occasion like this, it’s not my thing generally, like I hate stuff on my face, I even hate Hair on my body, like I prefer to pack up, like I have to pack up, so I think like this is something I really have to adjust to and work on, like having to do makeup, look good every time. I look good generally, with or without this, but I feel like, yeah, like because of what you’re trying to portray and how people should see you, you have to always have your hair done, your makeup done, your nails. I would say makeup, like that’s what I have got to change about me’.

In a show of gratitude, Imisi thanked her ‘Imistars’ fanbase, fellow celebrities who rallied behind her during the show, Celestia Worldwide, Nigerians, and Africans at large for their unwavering support.

She added: ‘I would talk about the Imistars, you guys are wonderful, then all the celebrities, I don’t want to talk about one person because I see a lot of celebrities actually come out for me and rooted for me, thanks to all of you, the Celestia worldwide, thank you, Nigerians, Africans in general, thank you so much, God bless you’.

She also extended special appreciation to singer Adekunle Gold, whom she affectionately called her ‘big daddy’ and hailed as the ‘baddest musician in town’ for his unique voice and charisma.

Imisi described listening to his music as magical.

She wrote: ‘Oh, to my big daddy, Adekunle Gold, the one and baddest, baddest musician in town, Adekunle, you know, the voice, the charisma, Adekunle is one of a kind, thank you so much, you are wonderful, your voice is very magical when I listen to your voice, oh, thank you, Adekunle Gold’.

Imisi’s victory in the ’10/10′ edition, which featured a record 29 housemates over 10 weeks, won her a N150 million grand prize, including N80 million in cash and a brand-new Innoson SUV.

As the fourth female winner in the show’s history, her authentic and resilient persona captivated audiences, turning her into a symbol of youthful empowerment and cultural pride.

As part of activities lined up to commemorate Faculty of Arts, University of Lagos 60th anniversary, President of the League for Social Justice (LSJ), Dr LaBode Obanor, has been announced as the keynote speaker for its formal public lecture.

The public lecture: ‘From Knowledge to Justice: Reclaiming the Humanities in Africa’s Tech-Driven Future’, is scheduled for Thursday at the Faculty of Arts Conference Room, University of Lagos, Akoka, Lagos.

The lecture will highlight the enduring relevance of the humanities in addressing Africa’s developmental challenges within a rapidly evolving technological landscape.

Obanor is expected to explore how justice, civic ethics and youth empowerment can guide Africa’s digital transformation in a manner that safeguards human dignity and democratic accountability.

A statement by the Chairman of the Organising Planning Committee, Francis Shonubi, described the keynote address as one of the highlights of the faculty’s week-long diamond jubilee celebration, with the theme: ‘Humanities as the Tech Solution to Global Crisis in 21st Century Africa.’

Ahead of the epochal event, Obanor said education was not merely about information; it was about transformation, adding that the humanities reminded people that progress without justice was regression.

Through the Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation’s AIG Scholarship, exceptional public servants from across Africa are gaining access to one of the world’s most prestigious educational experiences – the Master of Public Policy (MPP) at the Blavatnik School of Government, University of Oxford. The programme offers more than academic prestige; it provides an immersive year of global learning, blending intellectual rigour with practical problem-solving. Participants are trained to analyse complex policy issues, craft innovative solutions, and lead with vision in challenging governance environments.

The AIG Scholarship represents a unique partnership between the Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation and the University of Oxford, one that is helping to redefine what leadership in the public sector should look like. Each year, a select group of mid-career public servants from Nigeria and other African nations are chosen through a highly competitive process. Their shared mission: to return home after their Oxford experience and apply what they have learned to strengthen governance, enhance accountability, and improve service delivery.

The one-year MPP programme at Oxford’s Blavatnik School builds advanced skills in policy analysis, evidence-based decision-making, leadership, and governance. Participants also engage directly with global policymakers, scholars, and peers from around the world, gaining exposure to cutting-edge ideas that can be adapted to African contexts. But the AIG Scholarship goes beyond classroom learning. It is a launchpad for reform-minded leadership, nurturing a new generation of public officials who see governance as a tool for transformation, not just administration. Upon returning to their home countries, alumni are positioned to design and implement policies that address real challenges – from education and health reform to economic inclusion and digital governance.

Already, the Foundation’s investment is yielding measurable results. Data from post-programme evaluations reveal a remarkable transformation in the capabilities and confidence of participants. Before attending Oxford, most AIG Scholars rated their policy analysis and development skills as ‘poor’ or ‘fair.’ After completing the programme, nine out of eleven participants rated their skills as ‘very good’ or ‘excellent.’ This leap in competence is not theoretical – it is translating directly into action and measurable change within public institutions.

Across ministries, departments, and agencies, AIG Scholars are taking on leadership roles and driving reforms. They are improving transparency in procurement processes, streamlining service delivery systems, and introducing data-driven approaches to policymaking. Each success story reinforces the Foundation’s core belief that strong institutions are built by capable, ethical, and visionary people. Through the AIG Scholarship, the Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation is helping to address one of Africa’s most pressing development gaps – the need for well-trained, reform-driven public servants who can transform policy into impact. By investing in people, the Foundation is investing in systems. And by equipping public servants with world-class education and global perspectives, it is laying the foundation for a more accountable, effective, and prosperous Africa.

The story of Taiwo Olawole, a 2022 AIG Scholar, captures the transformative power of investing in public sector talent. When she arrived at the University of Oxford’s Blavatnik School of Government, she was filled with both excitement and uncertainty. The Master of Public Policy (MPP) programme-renowned for its intensity and diversity-quickly upended her assumptions about leadership and governance. ‘In my first year after Oxford, I realised the experience broke me, humbled me, and challenged me,’ she recalls. ‘Yet, it also shaped me in ways I didn’t fully appreciate until I returned to Nigeria.’

Today, Olawole serves as a Counsellor in the Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, where she translates that experience into meaningful public impact. Her role involves analysing the outcomes of global meetings, drafting policy papers, and ensuring that Nigeria’s international commitments align with domestic priorities. Her approach reflects the kind of reform-minded leadership the Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation envisioned when it created the AIG Scholarship-leadership that is grounded in evidence, collaboration, and global best practice. ‘My Oxford experience helps me see both the bigger picture and the finer details,’ she says. ‘I understand how policies translate into real change for people and how to ensure coherence between what we commit to internationally and what we practice at home.’

Olawole is now part of a team developing a renewed Economic Diplomacy Strategy, a blueprint designed to enhance Nigeria’s influence in African economic policy and align national interests with broader continental and global goals. Her journey from an ambitious public servant to a policy influencer underscores how access to world-class education can reimagine public service in Africa-one leader at a time. ‘My Oxford experience helps me see both the bigger picture and the finer details.’

Across Africa, alumni of the Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation’s AIG Scholarship are translating their Oxford education into bold public-sector reforms that are reshaping governance and service delivery. Their impact spans multiple sectors-proof that world-class training, when matched with commitment, can yield tangible national outcomes. In Nigeria, AIG Scholars have played pivotal roles in major reforms, including the formulation and review of the National Development Plan (2025-2030), the development of a Disability Inclusion Policy for the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), and a gap analysis of the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act. Others have designed public-private partnership (PPP) models that attracted healthcare investment, strengthened routine immunisation and maternal-child health programmes, and improved accountability and human-resource capacity in sub-national health systems.

In Ghana, Abdul-Fatawu Hakeem, an AIG Scholarship alumnus and Head of Debt Policy and Risk Management at the Public Debt Management Office, Ministry of Finance, has been instrumental in steering one of the country’s most consequential economic reforms. He led the coordination of Ghana’s debt-restructuring programme, a complex national effort with far-reaching fiscal implications. ‘I have been deeply involved in shaping Ghana’s financial and policy landscape,’ Hakeem explained. ‘My contributions include drafting medium-term debt-management strategies and sustainable-finance frameworks that now guide fiscal policy and investment planning. I also played a central role in developing the policy initiatives section of Ghana’s 2025 national budget.’

From Nigeria to Ghana and beyond, the growing network of AIG Scholars is demonstrating how transformative education can be a catalyst for effective governance. Their work exemplifies the Foundation’s mission-to nurture a new generation of reform-minded leaders capable of translating knowledge into lasting national impact.

Building confidence, clarity and collaboration

These outcomes demonstrate how a single year of world-class learning can ripple outward, enhancing efficiency, accountability, and innovation across Africa’s public service. For many AIG Scholars, the Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation’s AIG Scholarship is far more than an academic opportunity-it is a transformative leadership journey that builds the courage to think differently, act decisively, and communicate with purpose. At its core, the programme equips participants with three vital assets: confidence, clarity, and collaboration. Scholars learn not only how to analyse policies but also how to communicate ideas with conviction, negotiate across competing interests, and lead teams towards evidence-driven solutions.

According to Taiwo Olawole, a 2022 AIG Scholar, studying at the University of Oxford’s Blavatnik School of Government reshaped how she approaches decision-making. ‘Oxford gave me confidence in my voice,’ she said. ‘Being in an environment where diverse perspectives were encouraged taught me the value of bringing clarity, structure, and evidence into conversations. Today, I try to embody that in how I support decision-making.’

Participants consistently cite the value of core courses such as policy analysis, stakeholder engagement, strategic communication, and evidence-based decision-making, which strengthen their ability to design and implement policies that deliver measurable results. Beyond technical skills, the experience profoundly influences career trajectories. The Oxford brand confers prestige, credibility, and higher expectations-often accelerating professional advancement and enhancing opportunities for collaboration across sectors. Scholars return home with renewed determination to reform systems and inspire peers to pursue excellence in public service.

Another alumnus reflected, ‘The AIG Scholarship gave me a profound grasp of economics, politics, and philosophy, alongside practical skills like negotiation and policy communication-absolutely crucial for delivering real outcomes.’ Through these experiences, AIG Scholars emerge not just as policymakers, but as reformers-leaders who combine intellectual rigour with empathy, and who recognise that true transformation begins with how they communicate, collaborate, and lead.

A legacy of learning and leadership

Over the past eight years, the Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation has quietly but powerfully built a new generation of reform-minded African public servants. Through the AIG Scholarship, 33 exceptional individuals have passed through the prestigious Blavatnik School of Government at the University of Oxford-each returning home not just with a degree, but with a renewed sense of purpose and a toolkit for change.

Many of these alumni now occupy strategic positions in government, development agencies, and international organisations. They are shaping national policies, driving public sector reforms, improving service delivery, and-perhaps most importantly-mentoring younger officers who aspire to serve with integrity and excellence. From restructuring debt portfolios to strengthening healthcare systems and crafting inclusive social policies, AIG Scholars are proving that leadership grounded in learning can transform governance outcomes.

For the Foundation, the AIG Scholarship remains the flagship expression of its mission: to build a critical mass of public sector leaders capable of transforming Africa’s institutions from within. It is not charity-it is capacity building for sustainable change. By investing in people rather than programmes, the Foundation ensures that knowledge and reform capacity multiply organically across ministries and borders. Each scholar’s journey becomes part of a larger continental story of renewal. The shared ethos is clear: leadership in public service must be informed, ethical and courageous.

As one of the recent beneficiaries, Olawole, advised the 2025 AIG Scholars, ‘Own your spot and do it beautifully. The fact that you made it to Oxford means you deserve to be there. Define what success looks like for you, and focus your energy where it will have the most lasting impact.’ Her words capture the essence of the programme’s legacy-confidence rooted in competence, and ambition anchored in service.

From lecture halls in Oxford to government offices in Abuja, Accra, Nairobi, and beyond, AIG Scholars are living proof that when learning meets leadership, nations move forward. Their impact continues to ripple across institutions and generations, strengthening the belief that Africa’s transformation will be driven not from outside, but from within-by visionary public servants equipped to lead with insight, empathy and excellence.

The Asiwaju of Ijesaland and founder of Ibadan Business School, High Chief Olayinka Fasuyi, has urged organisations and government to exploit the power of music to help Nigerians who may have either fallen into depression or are suffering from diverse mental health issues as a result of the prevailing economic problems in the country.

He gave the advice during a special musical orchestra on the third day of activities marking his 70th birthday.

Fasuyi said the transformative power of music, which had, for centuries, formed an integral part of human culture, had a special place in people’s lives.

Fasuyi, who is also the chairman/founder of Supreme Management Training and Consultancy Services Limited, was speaking during an evening of scintillating classical and contemporary musical orchestra by the renowned kapellmeister, Prince Abiodun Lufadeju, the composer of Ijesa anthem, and his ensemble of musicians.

‘Music has great power in its effects,’ Fasuyi declared. ‘It is therapeutic. When optimally harnessed, it has great potential to heal Nigerians in depression occasioned by the struggling economy or causes that distress the soul.

‘When people sing, or dance, sorrow flees. No song has sour taste. In Biblical times, David used the power of music to heal King Saul, who was struggling with serious mental health issue. David used music to curry favour from God. Even after committing murder, and other sins, remorseful David sang high praises to God, and God not only forgave him, God still maintained that David was a man after His heart.’

Fasuyi also went down memory lane to recall how music rescued him from looming failure in his undergraduate days at the University of Ibadan.

Economics, he said, was his favourite subject in secondary school and at advanced level, where he soared like an eagle. But when he gained admission into the University of Ibadan, the tide changed and economics, his first love, almost became his Achilles’ heel. Mathematics, a major component of his course of study, became so hard that it constituted a serious weakness and threat to his overall strength.

It would have led to his downfall, Fasuyi, then a party freak, said frankly. But he discovered the power of music.

‘Economics was tough for me in the university,’ Fasuyi stressed. ‘But I found healing and an enduring solution in Chief Commander Ebenezer Obey’s music. Before reading, or attempting any problem, I would play Obey’s music, and pronto, the mathematical problem would be solved.’

Stressing that good music has been an integral part of his existence ever since, Fasuyi advised ‘governments, organisations-religious and social, to explore the power of music to encourage and motivate, by organising regular musical concerts.’

Manufacturing Association of Nigeria Export Group (MANEG) has reiterated the group’s vision of driving sustainable development and job creation, emphasising that non-oil exports remain a critical pathway for generating foreign exchange and creating meaningful employment for Nigeria’s young population

Speaking after being re-elected as Chairman at the Group’s Annual General Meeting held at MAN House, Ikeja, Lagos, External Affairs Director at British American Tobacco Nigeria (BATN), Mrs Odiri Erewa-Meggison, said the Group will intensify advocacy for the proper administration of the Export Expansion Grant (EEG) to ensure fairness, transparency, and the clearance of outstanding claims.

MANEG, a key export advocacy body within MAN, represents the collective interests of Nigerian manufacturers engaged in exports, promoting policies and initiatives that enhance non-oil exports, improve competitiveness, and contribute to sustainable economic growth.

Her re-election, MANEG said, reflects the continued confidence of its members in her visionary leadership, dedication to inclusive growth, and her steadfast commitment to advancing Nigeria’s export performance on the global stage.

In her acceptance speech, Mrs Erewa-Meggison expressed profound gratitude to the members for the renewed mandate and pledged to consolidate on the group’s achievements while championing innovative programmes to position Nigeria’s non-oil exports as a major contributor to sustainable national development.

‘It is with great honour and humility that I stand before you today, deeply grateful for the confidence you have once again placed in me. Together, we will continue to elevate MANEG, building on the solid foundation established by those who came before us, while driving new initiatives that strengthen our role as a leading voice in Nigeria’s export ecosystem,’ she said.

She also noted that MANEG will continue its engagement with government stakeholders to shape policies that enhance the competitiveness of Made-in-Nigeria products and reduce operational costs for exporters.

Furthermore, she highlighted the need to strengthen cross-border trade relationships to facilitate smoother trade flows and improve access to regional and international markets. She explained that MANEG would also assist its members in understanding and navigating opportunities within the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), by identifying growth prospects, addressing challenges, and ensuring that Nigerian exporters are well-positioned to benefit from the continental trade framework.

Mrs. Erewa-Meggison’s reelection marks another milestone in MANEG’s journey to champion the nation’s non-oil exports and ensure that the manufacturing sector remains globally competitive. Under her leadership, the export group has strengthened its advocacy on export incentives, improved visibility for Nigerian exporters, and elevated the voice of manufacturers in policy discussions both nationally and across Africa.

Present on the occasion were the Honourable Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Olajumoke Omoniyi Oduwole, ably represented by a Director in the Ministry, Hajia Hajara Usman; Minister of State for Finance, represented by a Deputy Director in the Ministry, Musa Umar; the Director-General of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Mr. Segun Ajayi-Kadir; Professor of Economics at the University of Ibadan and Special Guest Speaker, Professor Emmanuel Olawale Ogunkola; as well as the Executive Director/CEO of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), among several other distinguished guests.

In his remarks, Ajayi-Kadir described the Export Promotion Group as a vital catalyst for Nigeria’s industrial growth, job creation, and foreign exchange stability. He noted that export-led industrialisation remains pivotal to achieving sustainable development, as it promotes value addition, enhances local production capacity, and boosts competitiveness in global markets.

He further emphasised that with the right policy environment including stable power supply, improved access to finance, and efficient logistics infrastructure, Nigeria’s manufacturing exporters can serve as a strong engine for inclusive economic growth and large-scale employment generation.

The Federal High Court sitting in Abakaliki, the Ebonyi State capital has nullified the local government and councillorship elections conducted in July, 2024, which produced the current council chairmen and councilors in the State.

The court presided by Justice Hillary Oshomah held the elections didn’t conform with the provisions of the Electoral Act.

It voided and cancelled the local government and councilorship elections.

The court further asked the Ebonyi State Independent National Electoral Commission (EBSIEC) and the State Government, who are the 2nd and 3rd respondents not to conduct further local government and councilorship elections in the State except in line with the provisions of the Constitution.

The court, which granted most of the reliefs by counsels to the 1st plaintiff, Hamilton Ogbodo and 2nd plantiff, Mudi Erhenede, granted consequential order on the matter.

Hamilton Ogbodo, counsel to 1st plaintiff, Samuel Udeogu hailed the judgement.

Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike has said President Bola Tinubu’s achievements within two years in office have shamed the opposition.

Wike urged Nigerians and FCT residents to continue to support Tinubu, adding that he will support anybody that supports President Tinubu.

Wike declared the ongoing wave of infrastructure flag-offs and project commissioning across the territory represents an unprecedented record in the history of the FCT.

He credited President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for reviving long-abandoned projects and restoring public confidence in governance.

Speaking during the inauguration of the Wuye Engineering Infrastructure Project, Wike challenged critics to name any previous administration that has matched the current pace of transformation under Tinubu’s leadership.

‘If there’s any administration since the creation of the Federal Capital Territory that has done more than what we are doing, let them speak up now. Their silence says it all,this is leadership that is committed, leadership that is changing lives. Tinubu’s administration has shamed the opposition,’ Wike declared.

According to the Minister, many of the projects being inaugurated today have been abandoned since 2009 due to non-payment of contractors.

He explained the Tinubu administration took decisive steps to revive them, leading to massive infrastructural development in the Gwagwalada District, including new road networks, sectoral arterials, tunnels, and utility services.

‘When this administration came in, the President took immediate steps to revive what had been neglected. Within one year in office, major projects were completed, including the interchange that once caused traffic chaos in the area,’ he noted.

Wike further announced that after 20 straight days of commissioning and inauguration events, the FCT Administration would take a short break before embarking on another 20-day phase focused on education development, where he promised to unveil the government’s achievements in schools and learning facilities across the capital.

‘Our work is not only about roads and infrastructure; it also extends to education. For twenty more days, we will show Nigerians what we have done in that sector, and it will surprise many,’ Wike said.

Expressing gratitude to FCTA staff, Area Council Chairmen, and Councillors, the Minister praised their dedication and described their efforts as record-breaking.

He reaffirmed commitment to supporting all political leaders who align with the President’s vision, adding that a ‘political tsunami’ of performance-driven governance is sweeping through the territory.

Wike said: ‘Those in real estate used to complain: No roads, no infrastructure, our businesses are collapsing. Can you still say that today? Every day you see progress because infrastructure has been provided. That’s what development looks like.

‘My dear people, look around you. If you live here, if you have property here, your conscience will tell you the truth, that leadership has returned to this country. The Renewed Hope Agenda is real. Forget my face; what matters is the work being done’.

Wike also commended the Area Council Chairmen and councilors for their partnership and commitment.

He said: ‘From Airport Road to Kuje, the results speak for themselves. Go there and see what this administration is doing. The difference is clear.

‘We are not going to rush, we are going to shock them with what we have done in the education sector, so that they will know that President Tinubu’s administration is not only concentrating on the infrastructure in the FCT, as regards to the network of roads, it is also focusing on the education sector’.