Category: The Nation – Nigeria

A northern socio-political group, the Northern Patriots, has called on Nigerians to begin the process of recalling all members of the National Assembly, accusing them of complicity in what it described as ‘a grand betrayal of national trust’ and ‘systematic marginalisation’ of the northern region.

In a statement signed by its president, Alhaji Babagida Muazu, the group alleged that the current legislature has become ‘a rubber stamp in the hands of a few powerful interests within the executive arm,’ enabling the diversion of public funds into projects not captured in the 2025 Appropriation Act-most of which, it claimed, are concentrated in the South-West.

‘The National Assembly has sold out Nigerians for a cup of garri. We are witnessing the most docile and directionless set of lawmakers since 1999. They have surrendered their oversight powers, failed to defend the sanctity of the Appropriation Act, and chosen to look the other way while a sectional agenda is being executed under their watch,’ Muazu said.

He alleged that credible intelligence obtained by the group revealed that several new infrastructure and social projects currently being implemented by the federal government were never approved by the National Assembly but are being deliberately executed in the southern part of the country, particularly the South-West, as part of ‘a covert strategy to divert national resources.’

‘It is a scandal of monumental proportions that the Federal Government is implementing projects not captured in the 2025 Appropriation Act. These projects, worth billions of naira, are being executed outside the budgetary framework and concentrated in one region. Yet, the lawmakers who are constitutionally empowered to check these abuses have gone silent-perhaps because their own pockets are being lined,’ Muazu alleged.

He said the silence of northern legislators, in particular, amounted to ‘a betrayal of the mandate of their people,’ accusing them of failing to challenge what he described as ‘a clear attempt to economically isolate the North.’

‘Instead of defending their constituencies, these lawmakers have turned themselves into errand boys of the executive. They attend oversight visits that end with envelopes instead of accountability. They pass budgets they don’t read. And now, they are watching as the government executes off-budget projects that favour a section of the country at the expense of millions of northern citizens,’ he added.

The Northern Patriots announced plans to mobilise civil society groups, traditional rulers, and youth movements across the 19 northern states to initiate the recall of their representatives in both the Senate and the House of Representatives.

‘We cannot continue to tolerate this level of irresponsibility. The North will not be treated as a colony of silence while others feed fat on our collective resources. Every senator and member of the House of Representatives who has failed to raise a voice against this injustice must be recalled. We are taking this message to every ward, local government, and emirate council,’ Muazu declared.

He accused the leadership of both chambers of ‘presiding over a compromised parliament that no longer represents the people but the privileges of a few,’ describing the National Assembly as ‘a marketplace for personal gain rather than a sanctuary for national interest.’

‘The legislature is asleep while the executive rewrites the budget by stealth. If this continues, there will be nothing left to check or balance. The people must take back their democracy before it is completely sold off,’ Muazu warned.

He further disclosed that the group would soon release a detailed report naming the projects and federal agencies allegedly involved in what it called ‘this dangerous distortion of fiscal order.’

Muazu concluded by urging Nigerians across all regions to ‘wake up and defend the republic,’ insisting that the movement was not about regional rivalry but about restoring integrity and accountability in governance.

‘This is not just a northern issue-it is a national disgrace. But it is also a wake-up call. The lawmakers who failed to defend Nigeria’s unity, fairness, and transparency have forfeited their legitimacy. The people must now act,’ he said.

Chief Medical Director of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Prof. Idia Ize-Iyamu, has called for the integration of mental health care into services offered at Primary Health Centres across Edo State.

Also, founder of Starburg Empowerment Foundation, Gloria Bakare, said it was time to remind the world that mental health care remained a universal human right.

Prof. Ize-Iyamu and Bakare spoke separately on the occasion to mark the World Mental Health Day.

Bakare called on Nigerians to be their brother’s keeper so that depression or suicidal thoughts could be erased from the community.

Prof. Ize-Iyamu said she would continue her advocacy for quality mental health care.

According to her, ‘Even in times of crisis, disaster or pain, every mind deserves care, love and support.

‘Many people out there are suffering. Many people out there don’t know who to talk to. Some are depressed. Some are traumatised. Some, they are feeling anxiety. That is why with Starburg, we are taking it upon ourselves to make sure we reach out to those people so that drug coping will cease from society.

Reactions have continued to trail the death of former Governor of Kwara, Chief Cornelius Olatunji Adebayo, who died at the age of 84.

Fondly called ‘C.O.’ by admirers, the late elder statesman was not only a politician of repute but also a scholar, teacher, and democrat who devoted his life to public service and the pursuit of justice.

Born on February 24, 1941, in Igbaja, Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara, Adebayo was the second of four children of Pa Joel Adebayo of Oke Onigbin and Mama Rebecca Diyun Adebayo (née Owolabi of Igbesi).

From an early age, his brilliance and discipline stood out.

He began his education at All Saints Anglican School, Oke-Onigbin, between 1948 and 1955, and proceeded to Provincial Secondary School, Ilorin, where he obtained his Cambridge O-Level Certificate in 1961.

His academic excellence earned him admission into Government College, Zaria (now Barewa College), for his A-Levels, which he completed in 1963.

His strong academic record later secured him a place at the Nigerian College of Arts and Science, affiliated with the University of London (now Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria), where he earned a B.A. (Hons) in English in 1967.

During his teaching practice at the Ilorin Teachers College, he met his future wife, Chief (Mrs.) Elizabeth Funmilayo Adebayo.

Driven by an insatiable quest for knowledge, he proceeded to the University of Legon, Ghana, where he obtained a master’s degree in English in 1969.

Upon his return to Nigeria, Adebayo taught briefly at St. Paul’s College, Zaria, before joining the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University) as a lecturer.

When the Kwara Government established the College of Technology in 1973, he returned home as one of its pioneer lecturers and later became Head of the English Department.

His integrity and competence soon drew attention, leading to his appointment as Commissioner for Education by the then Military Governor of Kwara State, late Col. Ibrahim Taiwo.

He later served as Commissioner for Information, Economic Development, and Acting Commissioner for Youth and Sports, where he supervised the construction of the Kwara State Stadium Complex.

Although he resigned from the cabinet in 1978 to pursue a Ph.D., fate redirected his path.

With the return to civilian rule in 1979, Igbomina leaders persuaded him to contest the Kwara South Senatorial seat under the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN).

Initially hesitant, he later accepted, viewing politics as another avenue for service.

He won the election and represented his constituency with distinction until 1983.

When the 1983 elections approached, Adebayo was encouraged to contest for the governorship of Kwara State.

He emerged as the UPN candidate after a keenly contested primary and defeated the incumbent, Gov. Adamu Attah of the National Party of Nigeria (NPN).

His tenure as governor was brief; barely three months before the military coup of December 31, 1983; but impactful.

He focused on educational reforms, establishing Government Day Secondary Schools and abolishing the unpopular shift system in public schools, in line with the UPN’s free education policy.

Following his death, tributes have continued to pour in for the late elder statesman.

It will be recalled that President Bola Tinubu mourned the passing of Adebayo, describing him as a true patriot whose life embodied integrity, courage and devotion to public service.

In a statement, the President expressed sadness over the death of the 84-year-old, noting that ‘C.O., as he was fondly called, was a strong voice and a leading light in Nigeria’s political firmament’.

Tinubu praised Adebayo’s steadfastness in the face of military dictatorship, saying he was among the few who ‘cast aside every comfort and stood firmly in defence of democracy and the ideals of justice, fairness and equity.

‘Chief Adebayo spent several years in exile in Canada, a period that tested his resilience and commitment to his beliefs. I worked closely with him during our years in exile.

‘He demonstrated rare courage, integrity, and perseverance during these difficult times’, the President said.

Also, Prof. Hassan Salihu, President of the Nigerian Political Science Association, described Adebayo as ‘a good governor that Kwara State was denied as a result of the 1983 coup which aborted his administration’.

He noted his meticulousness and passion for the state’s development.

Similarly, Akogun Iyiola Oyedepo, a former member of the Kwara State House of Assembly, said, ‘His three months as governor were so impactful.

‘He created all the Government Day Secondary Schools in the state, a legacy that still stands today’.

Following the coup, Adebayo remained steadfast in his democratic ideals.

When the June 12, 1993 presidential election was annulled, he became one of the founding members of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), which fought for the restoration of democracy.

His integrity was again tested under Gen. Sani Abacha’s regime when he declined a ministerial offer.

Persecuted for his stance, he was detained in Calabar in 1995 and narrowly escaped re-arrest in 1996, leading to a three-year exile across Africa before he found refuge in Canada.

He documented his ordeal in his autobiography, ‘Running for Dear Life’.

Upon his return after Gen. Abacha’s death in 1998, Adebayo resumed his advocacy for good governance.

In 2003, under President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration, he was appointed Minister of Communications.

There, he spearheaded reforms that liberalised the telecommunications sector, privatised NITEL, and expanded GSM networks; paving the way for Nigeria’s communication revolution.

Kwara Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, described the late Adebayo as ‘a patriot, statesman, and progressive who devoted his life to good causes’.

In a statement, the Governor said the former governor’s leadership and democratic ideals earned him national admiration, adding that he left behind a legacy of integrity and service.

Similarly, the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji (Dr.) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, described him as ‘an administrator par excellence,’ commending his contributions to state development during his brief but memorable tenure.

The Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole (SAN), also paid tribute, recalling Adebayo’s service as a lecturer at the University of Ife, the Kwara State College of Technology, and as Commissioner for Education in the 1970s.

He noted that Adebayo’s support for the University of Ilorin in its early years helped strengthen the institution’s foundation.

Alhaji Mustapha Ishowo, the State Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), remembered him as ‘a kind-hearted teacher and grammarian who believed in communal harmony’.

Also, Prof. Wale Sulaiman, APC chieftain and Pro-Chancellor of the Federal University of Health Sciences, Ila Orangun, lauded his ‘selfless progressive spirit’ and called him ‘a rare statesman who saw politics as a call to serve.’

Adebayo’s devotion to family and faith was equally profound.

He was married to Chief (Mrs.) Elizabeth Funmilayo Adebayo, who stood firmly by him through every stage of his life.

Their marriage was blessed with six children and 14 grandchildren.

A devout Anglican, he served as Life Patron of the Ilorin First ECWA Choir and was active in Christian fellowship from his youth.

Beyond politics and public service, Adebayo loved sports.

As a young man, he played hockey and football and served as Head Boy at Provincial Secondary School, Ilorin, in 1961.

Adebayo’s life was defined by integrity, courage, and conviction.

From the classroom to the Senate, from the governor’s office to exile, and finally to the federal cabinet, he remained a model of selfless leadership.

As tributes continue to pour in, one truth endures; Chief Adebayo lived and led with purpose.

As Adebayo’s remains are committed to mother earth this weekend, his life stands as a lasting testament to the power of principle, education, and service to humanity.

In a passionate appeal during a high-level community engagement session, held in the Oyero area of Ifo Local Government, Ogun State, Oba Oladele Najeem Ayinla Odugbemi, Alli Odu I, the Onilisa of Lisa, Ogun State, has called on the National Assembly to revisit and accelerate the bill seeking federal recognition and development of the Lisa Memorial Arcade.

The stakeholder engagement event, which coincided with the inspection of the Odo Awela Bridge project facilitated by Rt. Hon. Ibrahim Ayokunle Isiaka, Deputy Chief Whip of the Federal House of Representatives, took place along the Oyero-Lisa Road corridor.

It was attended by Hon. Folawewo Fatiu Salami of the Ogun State House of Assembly (Ifo Constituency 2); Chairman, Ifo Local Government, Hon. Kusimo Idris Olalekan; past chairmen of Ifo, APC party leaders, and Community Development Committee (ACDC) leaders from Oyero, Lisa, Oluke, and neighbouring communities.

Speaking on behalf of the 32 communities under the Ifesowapo Forum, Oba Odugbemi emphasised the historical and emotional significance of the Lisa Memorial Arcade, which was established following the tragic Bellview Airlines crash of 22 October 2005. The disaster claimed 117 lives and brought global attention to Lisa town. The memorial, inaugurated by then President Olusegun Obasanjo and Governor Gbenga Daniel, was intended to serve as a lasting tribute and a catalyst for development-but has since fallen into neglect.

‘Nearly two decades later, the once-hallowed ground has been abandoned to bush and erosion,’ the monarch lamented. ‘We ask the National Assembly to give this site the national attention it deserves by transforming it into a tourist and educational landmark. Let the memories of the departed be honoured with dignity, and let our communities benefit from the infrastructure that was once promised.’

Oba Odugbemi also addressed a lingering misconception that the region is sparsely populated or dominated by farmland. ‘From Oyero to Lisa, Arugudu to Sonde, Oluke to Layemi, our area is home to journalists, engineers, entrepreneurs, farmers, and professionals across many fields. We are not just cassava stems-we are builders of the nation.’

In response, Rt. Hon. Ibrahim Isiaka confirmed that the bill for the rehabilitation and federal recognition of the Lisa Memorial Arcade had already been presented to the House of Representatives. ‘I assure you, Kabiyesi and the good people of Ifesowapo, that this bill will be given the necessary push. It is not just about the monument-it is about the dignity of our people and the roads that lead to it. We are committed to seeing this through,’ Hon. Isiaka stated.

The engagement session also brought to light broader infrastructural concerns, notably the impassable 10.5-kilometre Ijoko-Oyero-Lisa access road, which continues to hinder economic growth and restrict access to healthcare and education for thousands of residents.

The Onilisa concluded with a call for youth and women empowerment, urging government intervention to unlock the potential of the region’s vibrant population. ‘We are ready to work hand in hand with the government. Let this visit mark the beginning of visible transformation. May history remembers those who stood with the voiceless until they were heard.’

The Chairman, Ogun State House of Assembly Service Commission, Rt. Hon. Suraj Adekunbi has assured that the Commission under his leadership would ensure that the legislative arm of government truly promotes democracy .

Adekunbi who gave the assurance during a study tour of the Commission to the Lagos State House of Assembly Service Commission in Lagos, said basically the tour was based on quest for innovations and also to draw from the wealth of knowledge and experience from the Commission to enhance better productivity in the legislative arm of Ogun State government.

Applauding the Acting Chairman, Lagos State House of Assembly Service Commission, Ms.Habibat Omowunmi Ogbara, members of the Commission and the Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa for the swift response towards the study tour, the erstwhile Speaker commended the collaboration that the two States enjoys.

On her part, the Acting Chairman, Lagos State House of Assembly Service Commission, Ms. Habibat Omowunmi Ogbara, urged team Ogun to create synergy with its House of Assembly and the mainstream to achieve smooth operation in the legislative arm.

In his remarks, the Executive Secretary, Ogun State House of Assembly Service Commission, Mr. Taiwo Opaleye acknowledged that the Ogun Assembly Commission has the same work pattern with the Lagos Assembly Commission, stating that the Commission would work on some areas to improve quality of service delivery.

Lending her voice, the Commissioner III, Ogun State House of Assembly Service Commission, Hon. Folakemi Akintayo appreciated the Lagos Commission’s team for the warm welcome and for exposing them to their wealth of knowledge, noting that Ogun Assembly Commission would not relent in giving its best to the legislative arm of government.

The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, has urged Nigerians who desire to be elevated beyond limits to recognise the sovereignty of God as the ‘King of Kings,’ whose power cannot be fathomed.

He gave the admonition yesterday, during the monthly thanksgiving service with the theme: ‘King of kings,’ which was attended by the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, his wife, Ibijoke and members of his cabinet at the RCCG headquarters, The Throne of Grace, Ebute-Metta, Lagos.

At the service, he prayed for government executives, legislators, politicians, electoral institutions, elder statesmen and the people of Nigeria, among others.

Adeboye, who gave thanks for Nigeria on the celebration of its 65th anniversary of Independence, described Nigerians as ‘wonderful’ for weathering the storm, but counselled that honouring God as an exceptional King will usher the nation into a new dispensation of every Nigerian’s dream.

‘When God elevates a person, no obstacle or opposition can stand in the way of that elevation.

‘If human beings are the ones lifting you up, sooner or later their hands will grow heavy, and they will bring you down. But when God is the one promoting you, there is no limit to your promotion because His hands are everlasting,’ he said.

Sanwo-Olu at the service appreciated the privilege of himself and his wife, including members of his cabinet being at the service, which he said he didn’t take for granted.

‘I want to assure you that this government is a committed one that would do a lot more than what it has done in the past. It is our desire to see positive changes in the lives of our people, and I want to assure you that as long as I have breath, I will continue to serve and serve well,’ he said.

Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, yesterday hit back at Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde over his comment regarding the cost of the Lagos-Calabar Highway.

The minister asked Makinde to seek clarification where necessary, reminding him that he (Umahi) is his senior in engineering practice and governance.

Makinde had faulted the minister’s response during a heated exchange with Arise TV presenter Rufai Oseni last week.

During the live interview on Tuesday, Oseni had asked the minister to provide a breakdown of the project’s cost per kilometre. However, Umahi dismissed the question describing himself as a ‘professor of practice’ in engineering and insisting that the costs vary across sections of the road, making it too complex for the journalist to comprehend.’

Reacting to Umahi’s handling of the question , Makinde sided with Rufai stating that the public deserves clear information about how taxpayers’ money is being spent.

‘They asked a minister how much the coastal road is, and he started dancing around,’ Makinde said. ‘Even if the cost per kilometre varies, there should still be an average figure.’

Umahi took a swipe at Makinde yesterday when he embarked on an inspection visit to the ongoing expansion of the Abuja-Keffi expressway.

He said he would not join issues with Makinde but urged the governor to seek clarification where necessary.

‘When I heard that somebody, my brother and friend, Governor Makinde, said. I don’t want to join issue with him. I think he is an engineer, an electrician, they call it Elect-Elect. This road construction, Elect-Elect no reach there.

‘I am his senior in governance and his senior in engineering practice. So, anything he doesn’t understand, he should call me and ask.

‘I have respect for him as my friend and brother, but he should withdraw the word that I’m dancing around. I never danced around, and if he insists, he should come for debate, that is very important.’

The Minister maintained that his explanations on project costing were based on standard engineering principles, ‘There is no ambiguity in cost per kilometer, but I’m teaching them that cost per kilometer could be divided into estimated cost, which has elements of variance, and average cost, which is definitive,’ he said.

Umahi also berated critics who sought explanations from artificial intelligence platforms, ‘When somebody that is dangling without knowledge goes asking AI what is the difference between cost per kilometer and average cost, I’m happy that AI told him what I told him,’ he remarked.

He added that his competence and expertise in the field of engineering are not in question, stressing, ‘You can become a professor by reason of your practice, and I think God has made me one when it comes to field engineering. That is what it is, you can’t take that back.’

The Minister reaffirmed his Ministry’s commitment to ensuring that the Abuja-Keffi road expansion is completed efficiently, with improved carriageways and reduced congestion for commuters.

The Minister went on to explain the rationale behind the cost variation and ongoing expansion of the Abuja-Keffi expressway, assuring motorists that the Federal Government is working with the Nasarawa State government to eliminate traffic bottlenecks caused by roadside trading.

Umahi said the ministry had identified several trading points along the highway that impede traffic flow.

He, however, disclosed that additional carriageways would be constructed once the affected areas are cleared.

‘We have market trading on the road in a number of locations. Our inspection today, we are going with the Governor of Nasarawa State. If the Governor will do the demolition to create additional carriageway, we will fix additional carriageway in those locations, and there will be no more traffic in those locations,’ he said.

On the ongoing public debate about the cost per kilometer of a road project, Umahi described the controversy as mischievous and based on a misunderstanding of technical and financial processes involved in road construction.

‘This controversy about cost per kilometer, I have told you that this project is about 43 kilometers, but we have increased it to utilize the money given for the project by the last administration, which was ?73 billion. We have increased it to about 45 kilometers,’ he explained.

According to the minister, the project’s cost depends on several technical factors. ‘If we are doing surface tracing on the shoulder, the cost will be different. If we are using asphalt on the shoulders, the cost will be different. If we are using concrete as we are using, the cost will be different,’ he said.

He further clarified that any meaningful computation of road project cost must factor in contingencies and the Variation of Price (VoP) components, which may not eventually be used.

‘It is being mischievous when you ask for the cost of a length of road. But by professional information, you can ask for cost per kilometer, it could be estimated, it could be divided into sections.

‘The estimated cost of this project is ?73 billion over 45 kilometers and with the element of contingency and variation of price. When you finish and remove the VoP and unused contingency, and perhaps you have done 50 kilometers, then you can divide and have an average cost.’

Reality TV star and entrepreneur, Tacha has successfully completed her Guinness World Record attempt for the most makeovers in 24 hours, achieving 145 makeovers.

The record-breaking event took place at the John Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History in Lagos, with celebrities like Alex Unusual, Toke Makinwa, Ice Prince and Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Tourism, Idris Aregbe in attendance.

Despite facing technical issues, including a power outage, Tacha demonstrated remarkable resilience and speed, transforming 145 models with diverse skin tones and body types.

Each model’s transformation was documented with professional headshots and runway showcases as part of the Tacha Beauty Festival.

Tacha, who became a household name after participating in Big Brother Naija Season 4, is now awaiting official confirmation from Guinness World Records, which will verify the attempt before declaring her an official record holder.

Her record-breaking ambition, she said earlier, was inspired by her desire to celebrate creativity, consistency, and the strength of Nigerian women in the global beauty industry.

Deputy Speaker Benjamin Okezie Kalu has pledged to partner with Bildup AI Learning to promote technology development and human capital growth in Nigeria.

Speaking when he visited the technology hub where several youths were undertaking different educational courses with the help of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Enugu on Saturday in the company of the Majority Leader of the House, Professor Julius Ihonbvere and others on the sideline of the Retreat of the House Committee on Review, Kalu emphasised the importance of investing in the nation’s human capital, citing the potential for Nigerians to export services globally.

He highlighted the potential for Nigeria to export services, leveraging the country’s large population and growing talent pool.

Kalu assured that his office would partner with Bildup AI Learning to showcase its work and attract support from government agencies and other stakeholders, stressing that such partnership aims to promote innovation, entrepreneurship, and technological advancement, ultimately contributing to the nation’s economic growth and development.

The Deputy Speaker commended Bildup AI Learning’s efforts in providing cutting-edge education and training in AI and other emerging technologies, saying it aligns with the government’s vision on human capital development.

He said: ‘We need to expand what you are doing and that is where government partnership comes in. We’re going to make a case for you in the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Science and Technology. Also, there are so many NGOs that need to find a credible place to plug in their resources. We will partner with you. The Office of the Deputy Speaker will partner with you to showcase you. It’s nothing about politics. It’s about development. Our human capital development is very key. It is one of our resources in this nation.

‘All over the world, Nigerians are making impacts in various fields of life, especially with the power of our mind. So, anything that will help us export service, we will do. We are exporting goods now, not exporting as much service as we want to export, because we have 200 and almost 250 million people. This will help us churn out more service providers that can sit in Nigeria and provide services to Oracle, Facebook, Instagram, to all of them while you are sitting here, and then, the foreign exchange will come in because of the power of your mind, and that is how you can add value to the growth of this nation. Keep innovating and dreaming. Don’t get tired. The future is bright ‘.

Excited by the ingenuity of the youths and their interest in technology, Kalu encouraged them to keep aiming for the best to accelerate the development of the country.

‘The nation believes in you, and that is why, in the renewing hope agenda of Mr. President, the young ones occupy the center stage of his innovations. Whenever you meet President, he always says, I am interested in building a legacy that will outlive me for our children.

‘You can stretch your hand with innovation. You can add a brick on the wall of nation building with technology.

You know you are disruptors. We see you as disruptors. Disruptors are those who are not comfortable with tradition. Innovators are disruptors, and they disrupt tradition so that they can have true innovation, more productivity. You are not comfortable with the status quo’, he said.

The Deputy Speaker also mooted the idea of introducing the AI learning into the social system as part of the constituency projects for constituents.

‘Build up has simplified learning in the sense that it is accessible and it is cheap. Most of us who are honorable members, representatives of our communities, constituencies before the federal government, it’s about time we put it as part of our constituency projects, so a whole lot of students will come in and learn and build. Human capacity building is key.

‘So, we are looking forward to supporting him so that it can grow, expand and be sustainable. And also, I’m sure with time, Nigeria will hear about build up. We believe in him, and we believe in these young ones I’ve seen. Truly, they are the future of Nigeria, and their dedication and diligence towards this learning is amazing and very impressive’.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Bildup AI, Chibuike Aguene said that the innovation will give students equal access to quality education.

‘What you’re witnessing here is the first of its kind. We built an indigenous AI application, the first of its kind all over Africa that can teach and interact with students, just as a human teacher would do. Some schools have already adopted it. Teachers are getting about 80% of their time back. Students are completing a tense programme that takes, typically, three months in about two weeks. There’s a student here. Maybe she will share her experience. She used it to prepare for her JAMB. She scored 97 in that Maths exam. She used build up within couple of weeks preparation.

‘So, what we’ve done here is to rethink. How do we bridge the gap in terms of giving everybody equal access to quality education and leveraging on artificial intelligence, and we’ve successfully implemented that. Recently, the federal government added tech skills as a compulsory course across secondary schools and primary schools. Fortunately, we’ve added all those courses as part of the platform for Bildup AI.

‘I think the best way to explain this is that imagine every student having access to the world best teacher on a one-to-one ratio because one of the things that has been the issue in educational system, not just in Nigeria, across Africa is teacher/student ratio which is about one to fifty. But what we’ve done with technology now is to level it to one-to-one, so that every student can now have a personalized tutor. And let me point out that we are not saying we’ve replaced teachers. No, we’re not replacing teachers. Rather, we are enhancing what they are doing. So, somebody that is in the remote, maybe the village or anywhere, can now access the highest level of knowledge.

‘The AI interacts the way that I’m speaking to you. They will choose even the AI tutorial that they want. We have different names they can choose. It speaks to them, in the accent and the way they will understand it. So, that’s what we have done, and a lot of them now are mastering tech skills, doing all their curriculums.

‘We have an AI career mentor that will guide you, interact with you, understand your interests and this, and then help you, guide you through that path. So, it’s a revolutionary innovation, and it happened here in South East. There’s nothing here that is outsourced. Everything here is built in-house. It’s a moment of pride for the entire region, and I dare say that it is a win win for every innovator across Nigeria here.

‘We are demonstrating the future of education that everybody has been talking about. So, we’ve moved beyond talk to actually show that this can work, and then Africa can lead, and not just Africa, that South East can provide the needed leadership.

‘So, we have a marketplace where, once they go through this programme, the talent is showcased through that market space so that they can access global opportunities and, of course, local opportunities. So, people, different organization, not just in South East, but across the globe can now access talent from the pool that we are churning out here,’ Aguene explained.

China has reaffirmed its commitment to working with Nigeria and other nations to promote the comprehensive advancement of women around the world.

Speaking at the weekend during the China Women’s Film Festival in Abuja, Zhou Hongyou, Minister at the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria, underscored China’s longstanding dedication to gender equality and women’s empowerment.

Hongyou noted that the Chinese government continues to prioritize women’s progress in education, employment, and social inclusion, describing women as a vital force in the country’s rapid economic and social transformation.

He announced that the forthcoming Global Women’s Summit will focus on promoting gender equality and empowering women as key agents of sustainable development, in alignment with the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

‘This year’s summit will focus on promoting gender equality and women’s development, and on advancing the implementation of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development,’ he said.

Hongyou added that China has integrated women’s development goals into its national five-year economic and social plans, using women’s status as a benchmark for assessing the nation’s overall progress.

‘Chinese women have fully utilised their intelligence, talents, and creativity, playing an indispensable role in China’s transformation from a poor and backward country to a world economic powerhouse over the past five decades,’ he stated.

He also highlighted China’s expanding international cooperation efforts, noting that partnerships with countries like Nigeria are crucial to accelerating global progress in women’s development.

‘China is working with the Nigerian side and other countries around the world to accelerate the comprehensive development of women and open a new chapter in the advancement of the women’s cause globally,’ Hongyou said.

In his remarks, Gabriel Saleh Zock, Chairman of the House Committee on Culture and Creative Economy, lauded China’s partnership with Nigeria in promoting cultural diplomacy through initiatives like the China Women’s Film Festival. He said such collaborations not only celebrate women in film but also strengthen cultural and creative ties between both nations.

‘I commend the Embassy of China and the China Cultural Center in Nigeria for their consistent commitment to building cultural diplomacy and fostering creative exchange between our two nations, Nigeria and China. This festival is another bridge linking our creative communities, inspiring new possibilities for cooperation, artistic collaboration, and knowledge exchange,’ he stated.

Zock also stressed Nigeria’s dedication to gender inclusion and empowerment, revealing that the National Assembly is actively working to ensure greater female representation in governance, aligning with broader global goals for gender equality.

‘Just like how we are doing in the National Assembly now, we are trying to amend the Constitution and make a reserve seat for 30% women inclusion in governance. By God’s grace, in the coming years, more women will take their rightful place in leadership and decision-making across our nation.

‘Together, Nigeria and China can champion a creative future where talent knows no bounds and where art continues to unite humanity. When women tell their stories, society evolves; and when nations exchange their art, peace and prosperity follow. Let us reaffirm our shared responsibility to make cultural diplomacy a cornerstone of development and mutual understanding,’ he added.

Delivering a goodwill message on behalf of the Honourable Minister of Women Affairs, Iman Suleman-Ibrahim, said the China Women’s Film Festival is a distinguished platform that celebrates creativity, resilience, and the power of storytelling to connect nations and inspire change.

‘It is a great honour to join you at this year’s China Women’s Film Festival, a distinguished platform that celebrates creativity, resilience, and the power of storytelling to connect nations and inspire change. Through the art of film, we are reminded that stories have the power to bridge cultures, ignite compassion, and build mutual understanding across borders,’ she said.

She said that the festival coincides with renewed international reflection on the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, underscoring its lasting influence on global gender equality and women’s empowerment.

‘This festival holds a special significance as it coincides with the renewed global reflection on the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, a landmark framework that has guided three decades of advocacy for women’s rights, gender equality, and empowerment. As the world revisits the spirit of Beijing, we reaffirm our shared duty to ensure that every woman and girl, everywhere, lives freely, fulfilled, and empowered to reach her full potential,’ she added.

Rukkayah also highlighted Nigeria’s ongoing efforts under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, emphasizing programs designed to uplift women, strengthen families, and support vulnerable groups.

‘For Nigeria, this moment aligns closely with the Renewed Hope Agenda of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which places people at the heart of national development. Through the Renewed Hope Social Impact Intervention Programme, the Federal Ministry of Women’s Affairs is driving transformative initiatives that promote women’s economic empowerment, strengthen the family system, enhance child protection, and improve welfare for vulnerable groups building a more inclusive, just, and compassionate society.

‘Deepening collaboration with the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria holds immense promise for advancing women’s development. China’s success in leveraging culture, technology, and social innovation provides valuable lessons for Nigeria. Together, our partnership can expand opportunities for capacity-building, creative industry exchange, and women-led entrepreneurship particularly in film, digital storytelling, and cultural diplomacy ensuring that women’s voices continue to shape communities and inspire global progress,’ she stated