Category: The Nation – Nigeria

Credit rating has the potential to drive socioeconomic growth and development if well-harnessed.

The foregoing was the summary of the submissions made by a cross-section of participants who spoke at the 4th edition of the Annual International Credit Rating Webinar in Lagos, recently.

The high-profile event, the brainchild of DataPro, unarguably one of Nigeria’s leading credit rating agencies coincided with the firm’s 30th anniversary.

Setting the tone for the interface and discussion sessions, the Founder/Chief Executive at DataPro, Mr Abimbola Adeseyoju, recalled that in the past three decades has been rather eventful for the organisation.

The company in the last 30 years had contributed significantly to the growth and development of compliance, credit Rating, data protection and business information advisory, not only in Nigeria but all over the African continent, he stressed.

‘We will continue to evolve both in innovative services and technological delivery in the coming space,’ said Adeseyoju.

In his goodwill message Dr. Emomotimi Agama, Director General at the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), while espousing the role of credit rating agencies in the economy, commended DataPro and its partners for their foresight and dedication in convening this important platform that brings together regulators, financial institutions, credit rating experts, investors, and development partners to examine the evolving role of credit rating agencies in today’s dynamic global economy.

According to him, this year’s theme, ‘The Role of Credit Rating Agency in a Dynamic Global Economy,’ is relevant and profoundly reflective of our times. It underscores the need for trust, transparency, and sound governance as the bedrock of resilient financial systems.

As economies across the world contend with shifting global trends, geopolitical tensions, and technological transformation, the need for credible mechanisms that assess and manage risk has never been more pressing.

‘Credit rating agencies, as you well know, play a critical role in filling this gap by providing investors and institutions with objective, data-driven insights that inform sound financial decisions. Credit ratings remain a cornerstone of the modern financial system. They serve as a compass for both investors and issuers, guiding investment flows, the pricing of financial instruments, and access to funding.

‘In emerging markets such as Nigeria, credible and independent credit ratings are vital. They bridge information gaps, boost investor confidence, and guide capital toward productive sectors, thereby supporting national development and strengthening market participation. At the Securities and Exchange Commission, we recognise that well-functioning credit rating agencies are essential to the integrity of the capital market.’

The Commission, he assured, ‘remains steadfast in its commitment to maintaining a transparent and effective regulatory framework that promotes accountability, professionalism, and investor protection within the credit rating industry. Furthermore, we will continue to strengthen our oversight of credit rating agencies, encourage the adoption of international best practices, and support innovation that enhances the credibility of ratings, especially in a fast-evolving financial environment.

‘Our broader vision for the Nigerian capital market is one of inclusivity, depth, and resilience, a market that mobilises long-term financing for infrastructure, enterprise, and innovation. In this vision, credit rating agencies serve as trusted partners in driving financial discipline and advancing transparency across market segments.

‘By deepening partnerships and exchanging knowledge, we can build a stronger credit rating culture that not only reflects our local realities but also aligns with international standards. This will not only position Nigeria but indeed Africa as a credible destination for sustainable investment and capital formation.’

Also speaking, Mr. Bonaventure Okhaimo, Managing Director/ CEO, National Credit Guarantee Company Limited, acknowledged that, ‘The roles of credit rating agencies in facilitating cross-border investment, resource allocations, equip investors to make informed decisions among competing opportunities, improve organisations’ governance and support financial market stability cannot be over emphasised. At National Credit Guarantee Company (NCGC), your support to achieve our mandate of unlocking access to funding for MSMEs, local manufacturers, large enterprises and credit consumers through credible market data, analysis and rating reports is vital.’

In his keynote address, Prof. Mahesh K. Kotecha, President and Founder, Structured Credit International Corp, who spoke on ‘Leveraging a Credit Rating for Economic Growth in Developing Countries,’ said this comes at a critical time, when both advanced and emerging economies face profound fiscal and financial challenges.

‘The Role of Credit Ratings Credit ratings are not a mere numbers game. They are independent and credible opinions of creditworthiness. They reduce information asymmetry, provide a common language between issuers and investors, and reinforce transparency and discipline in financial management. They assess whether the investor will get repaid its investment on time as scheduled.’

According to him, ratings matter for economic growth because stronger ratings attract long-term private investment and reduce borrowing costs, thus it frees up public resources for governments to invest in infrastructure, education, and healthcare.

‘In the early 2000s, very few African countries had sovereign ratings. That changed when UNDP and the U.S. State Department financed the first sovereign ratings by Standard and Poor’s and Fitch respectively for African sovereigns encouraged in part by a Roundtable on Capital Flows to Africa which I directed at the Council on Foreign Relations and which recommended African governments seek such ratings. Today over thirty African countries are rated by at least one of the Big Three rating agencies.

‘These ratings have helped catalyse the African Eurobond market, which over two decades has seen issuances exceeding $300 billion. Ratings have become not only a passport to international markets but also a benchmark for investors on governance and reforms.

Yet challenges remain. Too few African countries have investment-grade ratings, and many remain vulnerable to commodity cycles, political instability, and fiscal stress. Some methodological challenges and data limitations add to the difficulties. For example, African economies tend to be commodity dependent and have large informal sectors which do not generate much government revenue, which increases fiscal deficits, a key sovereign credit metric.’

‘Credit ratings are not perfect, but they are indispensable. They can open doors to capital, can discipline governments and companies, and can reinforce sound policy choices. If leveraged wisely, they can help transform the growth trajectories of developing countries, including Nigeria. But without governance and reform, even the mightiest sovereigns can falter. The challenge, and the opportunity, is before us. Nigeria has the chance not only to benefit from stronger ratings but also to lead in shaping Africa’s financial future. Let us ensure that ratings are not just scorecards, but bridges to resilience, transparency, and sustainable growth.’

Other speakers including Mrs Angela Jide Jones, the CEO of Sewa Capital, provided the perspective from our domestic market, just as Daouda Sembene, the CEO of AfriCatalyst from Dakar, Senegal, Idhyasagar Lingesan, the CEO of Care Credit Rating, Zwelibsnzi Maziya, the COO of Sovereign Africa Rating from South Africa, and Obed Mbuzi, Director of Premier Rating Services, shared their experiences working with one of the biggest rating agencies.

The highpoint of the occasion was the cutting of the anniversary cake and the presentation of Adeseyoju’s personal biography.

Founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), Aare Afe Babalola (SAN), has expressed concerns over the rising bank interest rates in Nigeria, describing the development as one of the major obstacles to economic growth and the empowerment of ordinary citizens.

Speaking at the weekend during the 2nd edition of the annual Aare Afe Babalola Day at the Ewi’s Palace, Ado-Ekiti, Babalola lamented that the harsh lending conditions imposed by banks have made it nearly impossible for small business owners and farmers to access credit facilities.

He said that the prevailing 20% interest rate has crippled the capacity of ordinary Nigerians to start or expand businesses, thereby worsening the two hydra-headed monster of unemployment and poverty levels in the country.

Babalola explained that the present economic situation has worsened with multinational companies relocating out of the country and the living conditions of Nigerians deteriorating.

‘The way things are today with many of the multi-national companies relocating out of the country, no reasonable investor wants to come and invest in Nigeria,’ he lamented.

He recalled that there was once a time in Nigeria when everyone, regardless of their profession, maintained a small garden for farming and had enough food to eat and share.

Babalola contrasted that era of plenty with the present, which he described as a period of hardship, saying the country now suffers from poor infrastructure, erratic power supply, and widespread insecurity.

In response to the economic challenges, the Legal icon said he established two cooperative societies with a combined capital base of N200 million to provide soft loans for at least 2,000 people at a minimal interest rate of five percent.

Babalola explained that the initiative was conceived as a direct intervention to support artisans, traders, farmers, and other low-income earners who have been locked out of the formal financial system due to stringent banking policies.

He added that the cooperative societies are already operating effectively and have begun making significant impacts in lifting the people out of poverty and idleness.

He, however, appealed to more Ekiti indigenes to join the cooperative groups, stressing that collective participation and prompt repayment of loans would ensure the sustainability of the scheme and the eventual eradication of poverty.

‘If members follow the workings of the cooperative societies by repaying their loans on time, sooner than later, poverty and unemployment would be a thing of the past,’ Babalola said.

At the event, Babalola made a donation of N100 million toward the completion and beautification of the palace pavilion, besides the N100 million donated to the two cooperative societies.

Ekiti Governor Biodun Oyebanji said that Babalola has immortalised himself by building human resources across Nigeria that will outlive him.

Oyebanji said that the legal luminary has made tremendous impacts in the lives of many Nigerians through philanthropy, his legal profession and establishment of ABUAD, where thousands of citizens are deriving their livelihoods and enhancing their careers.

The Governor, represented by his Deputy, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, said that the government of Ekiti State is proud of the achievements and life trajectory of the elder statesman, who emerged from a humble background and turned out to be a shining light across Nigeria and globally through his industry, innovation, character, honesty and philanthropy.

Toto, o se bi owe. Proverbially speaking (1)

We have been large, so large for too long

Time to be small and great again

A self-set blaze consumes our roof

But we have no time for little arsons

What happens when the people

Gift the throne to a king

Who makes little dolls

Out of them and their children’s children

What happens when a country

Reels from the choke

Of a tyranny foretold

From tower tops to marketplaces

What happens when a people

Walk into an open trap

Blindfolded by a farce conceived in chaos

How did this tragedy unfold in a land of vigorous laughter?

‘We have too much Science in our land’.

Croaked the King of shallow aspects

‘Yes, time for the Great Unknowing,

Beautiful and absolutely tremendous!

How can a people think they are at their tallest

When they bow in passive silence

What nation can ever grow its best

When buried in abject obedience?

It was a week without spectacle – no roaring motorcades through Abuja, no grand state receptions, no boisterous summits at Aso Rock. Yet, for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the past week was as eventful as it was defining. From the serene precincts of Rome to the corridors of Nigeria’s energy sector, his steady hand on the levers of governance quietly delivered another chapter in what is shaping up to be one of Nigeria’s most reform-driven Presidencies in modern times.

At a time when leadership is often judged by the noise it makes rather than the results it produces, President Tinubu’s governance style continues to favour the latter – a methodical, deliberate, and reform-focused rhythm that is now bearing fruits in instalments. The latest evidence came in the form of Shell’s $2 billion Final Investment Decision (FID) for a new offshore gas development in Nigeria’s HI Field – a major boost that pushes total upstream oil and gas investment commitments under his watch to over $8 billion in just 18 months.

It was also a week that revealed the multiple layers of the Tinubu persona; the reformer, the diplomat, and the doting father.

President Tinubu began the week in Rome, where he joined other Heads of State and Government for the Aqaba Process meeting – a global counter-terrorism forum co-chaired by the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and the Italian government. The session focused on the evolving security landscape in West Africa, particularly the twin threats of terrorism and transnational crime.

Though Rome was not abuzz with the familiar ceremonial flourish of high-level summits, the significance of Tinubu’s attendance was unmistakable. It underscored Nigeria’s centrality to regional peace efforts and reaffirmed his standing as a continental stabiliser.

At the heart of the discussions was the understanding that no nation can tackle violent extremism in isolation. Nigeria, as the anchor of the Sahel and the most populous country in Africa, remains both a target and a solution. Tinubu’s presence ensured that the voice of West Africa’s frontline state was heard – a reminder that Nigeria’s security concerns are inseparable from the stability of the entire region.

If diplomacy dominated the President’s early week, economic validation took the stage by midweek. On Tuesday, global oil giant Shell announced a $2 billion FID for its new offshore gas development in OML 144 – the HI Field. The project, which will deliver approximately 350 million standard cubic feet of gas per day from 2028, represents one-third of the feedgas requirements of Nigeria LNG Limited’s Train 7 project.

For a government that has spent its first two years rolling out painstaking reforms to unlock investment bottlenecks, the Shell FID was more than a corporate milestone, it was vindication.

‘This major FID announcement by Shell, their second in one year, is a clear validation of our wide-ranging reform efforts and a signal to the world that Nigeria is fully open for business and investment,’ President Tinubu said in a statement through his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

The investment came on the back of two earlier FIDs – the Ubeta Non-Associated Gas project and the Bonga North Deepwater Development – both cornerstones of Tinubu’s energy revitalisation drive. Together, the three projects bring total upstream commitments to over $8 billion since he assumed office in 2023.

These achievements were not accidental. They were the outcome of structural reforms painstakingly crafted through Executive Orders the President signed in March 2024, introducing fiscal incentives, shortening contracting cycles, and reducing costs for oil and gas investors. For years, international oil companies had complained about Nigeria’s bureaucratic inertia. Tinubu’s response was swift: dismantle red tape, streamline approvals, and restore investor confidence.

Special Adviser on Energy, Olu Arowolo Verheijen, captured the significance succinctly: ‘With the Ubeta FID and now the HI FID, we have secured the gas supply needed to make NLNG Train 7 not just possible, but transformative’.

Beyond the numbers, the investments carry strategic importance. They anchor Nigeria’s energy transition, boost foreign exchange earnings, and reinforce the country’s aspiration to become Africa’s gas hub. Shell’s Global Upstream President, Peter Costello, was unambiguous: ‘This project will grow Shell’s leading gas portfolio while supporting Nigeria’s ambition to become a more significant player in the global LNG market’.

For Nigeria’s economy, still adjusting to post-reform realities, this was not just a gas story, it was a story of restored confidence. Investors are voting with their wallets again, and the results are trickling in.

If Tinubu’s economic strides have been visible, his diplomatic manoeuvres often unfold in quiet corridors – effective, understated, yet deeply strategic. On Friday in Rome, that subtle statecraft was again on display when the President met with Massad Boulos, Senior Advisor to U.S. President Donald Trump for Arab and African Affairs.

The encounter, though brief, carried profound implications. In recent weeks, a small chorus of influential American voices, including television host Bill Maher and Senator Ted Cruz, had amplified the narrative of ‘Christian persecution’ in Nigeria. The aim was clear: to distort Nigeria’s complex security situation into a simplistic religious frame that could influence American foreign policy.

But Boulos’ comments after his meeting with Tinubu shattered that narrative in seconds. Speaking to journalists, he said: ‘Those who know the terrain well know that terrorism has no colour, no religion, and no tribe. We even know that Boko Haram and ISIS are killing more Muslims than Christians.’

It was a blunt and factual repudiation of the misinformation being peddled. In less than three minutes, the Trump advisor not only neutralised the false claims but also reaffirmed Washington’s confidence in Tinubu’s leadership: ‘The Nigerian government and President Tinubu’s administration have recently taken additional measures and put more resources in those areas, and we’ve seen some improvements. We appreciate those measures and we definitely look forward to more.’

For Tinubu, who has consistently pursued a balanced approach to international relations, favouring results over rhetoric, the Boulos meeting was another exercise in quiet diplomacy. It showed a President who doesn’t rush to counter every provocation with outrage but patiently waits for the right moment and the right voice to validate his government’s position.

In doing so, Tinubu demonstrated one of his defining traits: a capacity for calm engagement in the face of noisy provocation. Nigeria’s image, often a casualty of global misinformation, was subtly but powerfully defended, not through counter-punching tweets, but through strategic engagement.

What binds Tinubu’s economic, diplomatic, and domestic efforts together is a simple philosophy: reform without hysteria. His administration has shown that structural change need not be chaotic. From fiscal reforms and investment incentives to security coordination and sub-national partnerships, his leadership style blends firmness with flexibility.

Observers note that the President’s hallmark has been an uncanny ability to build consensus even among diverse stakeholders – industry leaders, governors, security chiefs, and development partners. His reforms are deliberate, and his policies are layered with consultation.

The petroleum-sector transformation, for instance, wasn’t just about signing executive orders. It involved months of inter-agency collaboration between the Ministries of Finance, Justice, Petroleum, Budget and Economic Planning, and the Federal Inland Revenue Service – a rare display of bureaucratic harmony in a system often defined by silos.

That is Tinubu’s quiet genius: aligning institutions without fanfare, pushing reforms through coordination rather than confrontation.

Amidst the business of governance and global diplomacy, the week also unveiled Tinubu’s human side, the father, not the President. On Sunday, he penned an emotional tribute to his son, Seyi Tinubu, who clocked 40 the next day.

‘Happy 40th Birthday, my son. You have made us proud, and I know you will continue to make Nigeria proud,’ he wrote, in what many Nigerians saw as a deeply personal moment from a leader known more for his political resilience than public sentimentality.

The letter radiated warmth, humility, and introspection. He praised Seyi’s determination, creativity, and leadership, describing how his son had ‘turned ideas into institutions and challenges into opportunities.’ He also lauded Seyi’s devotion to family and nation, calling his journey a reflection of values ‘beyond material success.’

For a President often viewed through the prism of politics and power, the message offered a rare glimpse into his private world – a father proud of his son’s growth, yet grounded enough to remind him that true success lies in service to others.

‘May God bless you with wisdom, good health, and peace. As you celebrate this milestone, remember that your strength lies in what you achieve and how you inspire others’, he concluded.

It was a moment that resonated far beyond family, a symbolic message about continuity, legacy, and responsibility. It humanised the Presidency and offered a softer counterpoint to the rigours of governance.

Nearly two and a half years into his tenure, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has moved beyond the honeymoon of reform announcements into the reality of outcomes. The FIDs, the renewed investor confidence, the diplomatic poise, and even the personal reflections are all threads of one narrative – that Nigeria is being quietly repositioned.

The results may not yet be fully visible to all, but the trajectory is unmistakable. The economy is recalibrating. The energy sector is awakening. Diplomacy is being redefined. And through it all, the President remains consistent in tone and temperament – firm but not fiery, strategic but not sensational.

As he wrapped up his engagements in Rome, Nigeria’s leader seemed content to let his results do the talking. The Shell FID spoke of faith restored. The Boulos encounter spoke of perceptions corrected. And the birthday note spoke of values sustained.

Meanwhile, rounding off a week defined by reforms paying off and quiet, effective diplomacy, Tinubu’s Presidency’s cadence of service also echoed in tributes, policy signals, and moments of national pride. On Monday, President Tinubu mourned Evangelist Uma Ukpai, hailing the late revivalist as ‘one of God’s Generals,’ and saluted labour icon Abiodun Aremu for a lifetime defending workers. By Tuesday, the President paired condolences for trailblazing diplomat Joy Ogwu with a hard-edged regional message-urging ECOWAS to classify resource theft as an international crime-while congratulating EFCC Chair Olanipekun Olukoyede for reformist momentum and commiserating with the Church on Bishop-Emeritus Michael Fagun’s passing.

He also cheered the Super Eagles’ 4-0 rout of Benin Republic, framing football’s lift as shared national optimism. Midweek, he condoled Kenya on the passing of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga and celebrated Senators Basheer Lado and Ahmed Wadada, underscoring executive-legislative synergy and fiscal discipline.

On Thursday, he feted NILDS DG Prof. Abubakar Sulaiman at 60 for scholarship in the service of democracy and on Friday, he applauded Nigerian lawyer Tolu Obamuroh’s elevation to global partnership at White and Case-another marker of Nigerian excellence.

In the end, perhaps the story of Tinubu’s leadership is best told not through grand proclamations but through the quiet accumulation of progress; one reform at a time, one handshake at a time, one heartfelt message at a time.

Wakanow Group, Africa’s leading travel tech company, has announced that it has acquired NairaBox, a fast-growing lifestyle and entertainment platform in Nigeria.

This acquisition represents a deliberate strategic step by Wakanow to broaden its portfolio into entertainment, events, and lifestyle experiences, reinforcing its commitment to innovation, consumer centricity, and diversified growth.

NairaBox is known for providing seamless access to event tickets, cinema experiences, lifestyle offerings, and more via its digital platform, combining convenience with engagement.

By integrating NairaBox into the Wakanow ecosystem, the Group said its customers will enjoy more holistic experiences: travel, entertainment and lifestyle, all under one roof.

Bayo Adedeji, Group CEO of Wakanow, stated: ‘We see tremendous opportunity in the intersection of travel and entertainment. This acquisition allows us to offer deeper, richer experiences to our customers – beyond being a travel agency, not just where they travel, but how they live, how they enjoy, how they engage with culture.

‘We are excited about what the future holds as we combine Wakanow’s strength and reach with the lifestyle energy of NairaBox.

‘As we expand, we are focused not only on geography but on sectoral breadth. Entertainment and lifestyle are natural adjacencies to our business – they enhance the value we deliver and align well with consumer trends.

‘We believe the synergies will unlock new growth, both for our customers and stakeholders,’ Adedeji added.

According to an official statement by Wakanow, the CEO, Nairabox, Ugochukwu Jay Chikezie, will continue in his role to support the transition while Oluwatobi Samuel Andero from Oracle Experiential Marketing joins NairaBox as Head of Business.

While stating his commitment to a smooth transition of ownership, Chikezie affirmed: ‘Joining forces with Wakanow marks an exciting new chapter for NairaBox and for entertainment in Nigeria.

‘Over the years, we’ve built a platform that connects people to the experiences they love – concerts, movies, and live events.

‘This acquisition allows us to scale that vision even further by integrating travel and entertainment into one seamless ecosystem.

‘Together with Wakanow, we’re creating a future where access to unforgettable experiences, whether across cities or continents, becomes simpler, smarter, and more connected than ever.’

The acquisition of NairaBox adds to the growing arsenal of brands within the Wakanow Group portfolio, including Wakanow.com, Onburd.com, Kalabash54, rommde.com, Pointview and Trip Merchant.

NFF president Ibrahim Gusau has expressed confidence Nigeria will qualify for the 2026 World Cup via the Playoffs, while also backing Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle.

On Tuesday, the Super Eagles kept World Cup hopes alive when they qualified for the continental Playoffs next month in Morocco, where they will battle Gabon, DR Congo and Cameroon for a ticket to next year’s Intercontinental Playoffs in Mexico to produce two more qualifiers for the Mundial.

‘We have started preparations (World Cup Playoffs), but the most important thing is the commitment and zeal of the players,’ Gusau said while expressing his confidence in Nigeria featuring at next year’s World Cup.

‘They have now realised that going to the World Cup is important to their careers, more than even how Nigerians look at it.

‘The team spirit from our last two matches, they are ready to be at the World Cup, so I don’t have any element of doubt (to qualify for the World Cup).

‘We are getting all the cooperation we need for the government to ensure we are ready for the Playoffs and I know we will move on to the Intercontinental Playoffs.’

He said coach Eric Chelle has justified his appointment as Super Eagles coach by winning four of six World Cup qualifiers.

‘Had we had a little resemblance of that record, we would not have been where we are today,’ he said.

Zion Missionary Church, Sapele, Delta State, marked a historic milestone as it celebrated its 27th anniversary with a 40-day fasting and prayer convention graced by international preachers and revivalists from far and near.

In a statement, the church said the convention, with the theme, ”You Will Survive by Fire'(1 Corinthians 3:15), was a sacred season of dedication, unity, and revival centred on the unshakable truth that Jesus Christ alone is the way, the truth, and the life.

The statement reads, ‘It drew a remarkable assembly of international preachers and revivalists from India, South Africa, Kenya, and across Nigeria, united under one divine purpose: to rekindle faith in Christ, strengthen perseverance among believers, and call for moral and spiritual restoration in the nation.’

Bishop Kingsley Enakirheri, immediate past PFN Chairman (Delta State), delivered one of the most stirring messages of the event, declaring boldly, ‘Any religion without Jesus is fake.’ Quoting Mark 9:23 and Isaiah 43:1-3, he emphasised that true salvation, power, and hope are found only in the message of Jesus Christ.

Enakirheri reminded believers that no storm or trial can overcome those whose faith is anchored in the Saviour.

Distinguished ministers, including Apostles Emmanuel Arinze (India) and David Uku Yoma (South Africa), Bishop Patrick Mukala (Kenya), Archbishop Ubaga, and Evangelist Vera Akpan, joined hands in spirit and mission, proclaiming revival through faith, perseverance, and service.

Together, they challenged the body of Christ to rise above discouragement, to work diligently, and to extend helping hands to the needy – reflecting the love and endurance of Jesus.

Presiding Bishop Elijah Sandy recounted the church’s humble beginnings in Sapele and celebrated its steady growth into a ministry with national and international impact.

He called on believers everywhere to remain steadfast, prayerful, and hardworking, emphasising that true success – both spiritual and material – is born from dedication to God’s purpose and unity in Christ.

The convention concluded with a heartfelt session of intercession led by Pastor Shillo Gideon, sealing the atmosphere with fervent prayers for revival, strength, and continued growth. The power of God moved mightily, leaving hearts rekindled and spirits reawakened for the next phase of Kingdom advancement.

The Grassroots Movement for Tinubu 2027 has commended President Bola Tinubu for steering Nigeria through a complex economic landscape with courage, innovation, and a firm commitment to national renewal.

The organisation noted that under president Tinubu’s leadership, the nation has witnessed unprecedented strides across the key pillars of economic stability, infrastructural growth, youth empowerment, and national security.

It noted that two years of Tinubu’s administration has enthroned purposeful and progressive governance, characterised by bold reforms, infrastructural expansion, and renewed national confidence.

National Coordinator, Grassroots Movement for Tinubu 2027, Dr. Sani Zangina, in a statement on Saturday applauded the administration’s sweeping economic reforms that have repositioned Nigeria as a strong and competitive player in the global market.

The statement read: ‘President Tinubu’s bold decision to clear over $10 billion in foreign exchange liabilities has restored investor confidence and contributed significantly to the stabilisation of the naira.

‘As a direct result of these policy initiatives, Net Foreign Exchange Reserves have grown from $3.99 billion in 2023 to $23.11 billion by 2024, signaling restored fiscal discipline and confidence in Nigeria’s macroeconomic management.

‘Furthermore, the administration has successfully attracted over $50 billion in new Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) commitments and unlocked more than $8 billion in oil and gas investments. The mining sector has also seen renewed vibrancy, with over $800 million in solid mineral processing investments realized in 2024 alone.

‘These milestones are a testament to the President’s strategic vision and unwavering focus on rebuilding Nigeria’s economic foundation.’

On infrastructure, the group said that President Tinubu’s administration has embarked on one of the most ambitious infrastructure development drives in Nigeria’s history.

‘Over 440 road projects are currently ongoing nationwide, including the construction of more than 2,700 kilometers of modern superhighways that connect states, foster trade, and enhance national unity.

‘The administration has also championed critical legislative milestones, such as the passage of four landmark Tax Bills, and the establishment of five new Regional Development Commissions, designed to accelerate growth in historically underdeveloped regions of the country.

‘These projects are not merely physical constructions, but symbols of a nation on the rise, a Nigeria being rebuilt with purpose and inclusion,’ the statement said.

The organisation also commended the president for prioritising youth empowerment and education.

‘Under the Presidential Loan and Grant Scheme, over 900,000 Nigerians have directly benefited from access to capital and support for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), while another 300,000 students have accessed the Students’ Loan Scheme, enabling greater participation in tertiary education and entrepreneurial ventures.

‘These initiatives have reignited hope among millions of young Nigerians. They represent the President’s enduring belief in the creativity and resilience of Nigeria’s next generation,’ the statement added.

The Movement described President Tinubu’s two-year performance as a blueprint for transformative governance, urging Nigerians to remain steadfast and supportive as the administration continues to consolidate the gains achieved so far.

Nigeria has intensified efforts to reduce salt consumption and promote healthier eating habits as part of a broader push to combat the growing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as hypertension, stroke and heart disease.

Speaking during a stakeholders’ engagement on sodium reduction and front-of-pack labelling in Abuja, the Special Adviser to the President on Health, Dr. Salma Anas, emphasised that cutting sodium intake and promoting clear food labelling are vital to improving national health and productivity.

The meeting, held to mark World Food Day 2025, drew participants from the World Health Organization (WHO), the Federal Ministry of Health, Network for Health Equity and Development (NHED), Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA), and Resolve to Save Lives (RTSL) and the private sector.

The presidential aide described this year’s theme ‘Hand in hand for better good and a better future’, as timely, noting that excessive salt consumption is silently fueling preventable illnesses among Nigerians.

‘We used to associate hypertension and cardiac problems with the elderly, but now we are seeing these conditions in people under 50 and even in their 20s,

‘Almost every home in Nigeria has a story to tell about someone living with or lost to heart disease or stroke,’ she said.

Anas said Nigeria’s sodium reduction and front-of-pack labelling (FOPL) campaign will help consumers make informed choices.

‘Too often, manufacturers hide nutritional information in tiny fonts. We want clear, visible labels on food packages so Nigerians can easily see what they are consuming,’ she said.

Explaining that sodium regulation and FOPL are complementary, she said regulations set limits for salt content in pre-packaged foods, while labelling helps consumers identify high-sodium, sugar, or fat products.

‘It’s a win-win for consumers and manufacturers. Transparent labelling builds trust and encourages food producers to reformulate products to meet healthier standards,’ she added.

Commending NAFDAC and the Federal Ministry of Health for developing frameworks to promote healthier food environments, she said these efforts align with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Health Agenda, which prioritizes preventive care and nutrition.

‘Sodium reduction is not only a health strategy, it is an economic investment. Healthier citizens mean greater productivity and lower healthcare costs,’ she noted.

The adviser urged food manufacturers to embrace reformulation and responsible marketing, describing the new regulations as opportunities for innovation, stressing, ‘We want industry to be our ally in ensuring that Nigerians eat food that sustains life, not disease’.

She also emphasized the need to change dietary culture, noting, ‘We have conditioned our brains to think that salt equals taste. But if you try local foods like yams or potatoes without salt, you’ll discover they have their own natural flavour. We must retrain our taste buds and our culture around food’.

She called on media, civil society, and community leaders to drive awareness, urging, ‘Media professionals are key partners. Your voices shape public opinion and can inspire change

‘Traditional and religious leaders must also help people understand that excessive salt intake causes hypertension, stroke, and kidney problems’.

She reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to achieving a 30 percent reduction in sodium consumption by 2030, in line with WHO’s global action plan.

Delta Police Command has arrested a suspected notorious drug baron in Delta State, Onos Afokoghene,

has highlighted the ongoing efforts by Nigeria Police to combat drug trafficking in the State.

Operatives from the Orerokpe Division apprehended the 37-year-old following a tip-off during a patrol led by Divisional Police Officer CSP Paul Oboware, targeting a hotspot in the Jeddo Community.

According to a statement from the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, Afokoghene, known for distributing hard drugs in Warri and nearby areas, attempted to escape upon the police’s approach.

However, he said the skilled team was able to quickly close in on him, resulting in his arrest after a brief chase.

He said this incident underscored the police’s commitment to addressing drug-related crimes and enhancing community safety.

Edafe noted that ‘a thorough search of the scene led to a startling discovery of illicit substances and paraphernalia used in large-scale drug sales.

‘Exhibits recovered include the following: 3kg of Canadian Loud, 10kg of Indian Hemp, 24 litres of soaked weed suspected to be Indian Hemp in dry gin (locally known as ‘monkey tail’), several sachets of Tramadol of various milligrams, and two (2) POS machines suspected of being used for drug sales.

‘The suspect is currently in custody while investigations continue to uncover his network of distributors and buyers.’

In another show of vigilance and tactical precision, according to the statement, operatives of the ‘C’ Division Asaba, led by CSP Ogbe Emmanuel, intercepted 400 live cartridges carefully concealed within a bus that was heading to Edo State.

The statement said: ‘On 16th October 2025, at about 1200hrs, while conducting routine surveillance and stop-and-search operations at the Head Bridge, Asaba, the operatives flagged down a Toyota Hiace Hummer Bus with registration number NGK 16 XB, driven by one Ozoemenam Sylvanus.

‘The driver, appearing uneasy during questioning, drew the suspicion of the officers who proceeded to conduct a thorough search of the vehicle.

‘Their instinct paid off; four hundred (400) live cartridges were discovered carefully concealed within the bus.

‘The suspect initially lied that it was padlocks but was left speechless when the parcel was open and the true content was seen.

‘The suspect was immediately arrested, and both he and the exhibit recovered while investigation to unravel the source, and criminal network behind the illegal arms movement is ongoing.’