Category: The Nation – Nigeria

Junior Achievement Nigeria (JAN), in partnership with Johnson and Johnson, has launched this year’s edition of the Winning in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, Manufacturing and Design (WiSTEM2D) program.

The initiative is designed to motivate secondary school students to explore careers in STEM fields and develop critical skills needed to thrive in the modern workforce.

This year’s edition adopts a blended learning model, combining digital engagement with in-person activities to enhance participants’ creativity, problem-solving abilities, and confidence.

The program commenced with the National WiSTEM2D Innovation Camp in Lagos, where 66 top-performing students gathered for a full day of immersive learning. Participants interacted with STEM professionals, participated in design-thinking workshops, and showcased their innovative ideas in an ideathon and pitch contest before industry experts.

The highlight of the event was the pitch competition, where three schools emerged as winners:

First Place: Festac Senior College, Festac Town – represented by Betiku Adedolapo, Okorocha Mmesoma, Davidson Chioma, and Igwe Mmaduabuchi – for their project on decentralized waste and recycling stations to bring disposal points closer to communities.

First Runner-Up: Bola Ige Millennium Senior Secondary School – represented by Giwa Faridat Oluwafunmilayo, Anozie Ngozi Maryolivia, Nnodim Goodness, Enukoha Mary, and Omonigho Joy – for their Automated BinBot, a device that separates dry and wet waste to reduce pollution and improve sanitation.

Second Runner-Up: Lagos State Senior Model College – represented by Ezeanya Chisom, Johnchukwu Confidence, Chukwuka Favour, and Nnedu Chukwuemeka – for a project combining health awareness with waste management, including replacing single-use plastics with reusable alternatives and converting organic waste into fertilizer.

Speaking at the event, JAN’s Assistant Director of Programs, Mr. Olaolu Akogun, described the initiative as part of the organisation’s ongoing effort to inspire the next generation of innovators.

‘We are excited to continue our collaboration with Johnson and Johnson through the WiSTEM2D program. This initiative breaks barriers in STEM by equipping young leaders with tools, mentorship, and opportunities to succeed. We are confident it will inspire a new generation of innovators and change-makers to drive Nigeria and Africa’s future,’ he said.

Ms. Jaiyesimi Oyefunke, Country Lead at Johnson and Johnson Nigeria, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to supporting education and youth empowerment through sustainable partnerships.

While the Innovation Camp directly impacted 66 students through hands-on sessions, the reach of the WiSTEM2D program extends further. The next phase – an online STEM Challenge – is set to begin next week, engaging over 750 students across Nigeria.

Through its interactive digital platform, the challenge will expose participants to STEM concepts in fun and competitive ways, broadening access and inspiring more young Nigerians to develop innovative solutions to real-world challenges.

With the ongoing partnership between Junior Achievement Nigeria and Johnson and Johnson, the WiSTEM2D program continues to drive a nationwide movement of young innovators prepared to shape the country’s scientific and technological future.

Some staff of Johnson and Johnson Nigeria, Junior Achievement Nigeria, and participants at the WiSTEM2D Innovation Camp in Lagos.

Eminent Nigerian leaders on Sunday paid glowing tributes to the late Professor of Political Science and President of the Institute of Governance and Social Research, Prof. Jonah Isawa Elaigwu, especially his research on leadership and the Nigerian polity.

The dignitaries described the late scholar as a ‘lost gem,’ saying the ‘global academic community has been dealt a heavy blow.’

Former Heads of State, Generals Ibrahim Babangida, Yakubu Gowon and Abdulsalami Abubakar; former Senate President and National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress, Senator David Mark; former Senate President, Senator Iyorchia Ayu; and former Governor of Plateau State, Senator Joshua Dariye, were among the dignitaries who honoured the late scholar on Friday night in Abuja at a Night of Tributes held in his memory.

Born on March 10, 1948, in Otukpo, Benue State, Professor Elaigwu died Tuesday, July 22, 2025, at the age of 77.

General Babangida (rtd) described Prof. Elaigwu as an exemplary patriot, an intellectual giant, and a truly international colossus in the field of political science.

Reflecting on their association, Babangida said Elaigwu had a fulfilling career as a scholar, teacher, and researcher in universities and institutions around the world, noting that his sterling reputation was what brought them together.

The former Nigerian leader, who was represented by Ambassador Godwin Adama at the event, said, ‘It was his reputation that brought me into contact with him as a major intellectual powerhouse. I am proud to recall that when I had the privilege of leading our nation, Prof. Elaigwu was one of those whom I invited to join us in the Presidential Advisory Committee, which we set up to enlarge the intellectual horizon of our policy framework for national governance.

‘The PAC became the intellectual powerhouse and sounding board for our various reforms and governance policies. In that context, Prof. Elaigwu became an invaluable resource in matters of federalism, political science, and democratic experimentation. Since our political reform process involved a lot of experimentation with various forms of elections and constituency management strategies, Prof. Elaigwu collaborated effectively with his political science colleagues to strengthen our administration.’

He added that Prof. Elaigwu was an easy-going, candid, and down-to-earth colleague who approached every task with calmness and camaraderie.

‘He was always where we needed him and discharged the obligations attached to his functions with compulsive equanimity and delightful camaraderie,’ he said.

Babangida noted that even after retiring from academia, Elaigwu continued to play a leading role in his field, serving as President of the Institute of Governance and Social Research and maintaining his position as an international expert on federalism’.

On his part, former Head of State, General Abubakar (rtd), described the late professor as a distinguished scholar whose contributions to constitutional democracy, the economy, and federalism remain indelible.

Abubakar, whose tribute was delivered by Ambassador Nicholas Ella, noted that Prof. Elaigwu had served on several presidential committees and boards of educational institutions and provided policy guidance to multilateral institutions such as the World Bank, the United Nations Development Programme, and the United States Agency for International Development.

He said, ‘Late Professor Elaigwu was patriotic and passionate about research, teaching, and training throughout his lifetime. I found him to be courageous, dedicated, and loyal – a true educationist who gave all his life to serving his country, the education sector, and humanity,’ he said.

Similarly, General Gowon (rtd) said he lost a dear friend when Prof. Elaigwu passed away in July, nearly 47 years after their first meeting in August 1978.

Gowon, who was represented by Solomon Asemota (SAN), said: ‘August 1978 was three years after the end of my tenure as Head of State and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. At that time, I had resolved to stop granting interviews, particularly in the wake of my becoming the target of a government witch-hunt which sought to implicate me in the failed coup of February 13, 1976, in which my successor was killed.

‘Prof. Elaigwu, having recently completed his PhD at Stanford University in the United States, returned to Nigeria eager to continue his research on leadership and the Nigerian polity. Perhaps the circumstances surrounding my ouster from office piqued his intellectual curiosity and led to our introduction.

‘He was determined to get me to speak, whereas I was determined to keep my counsel. Through the intervention of my close friend, the late Prof. Ishaya Audu, he eventually secured the interview that resulted in his critically acclaimed book, Gowon: A Scholarly Biography of a Soldier-Statesman.’

Gowon said Prof. Elaigwu thoroughly deserved his reputation as an ‘elder of the political science discipline’ and the ‘foremost authority on comparative federalism and civil-military relations.’

He added that beyond the classroom, Elaigwu served Nigeria in various capacities, including as Director-General of the National Council on Inter-Governmental Relations, and through the Institute of Governance and Social Research, which he founded in Jos – institutions that remain his enduring legacy.

Also speaking at the event, former Senate President Mark said Prof. Elaigwu had created a deep void not only in academia but also in Nigeria’s intellectual landscape.

He described him as a pathfinder, a leading light and an inspirational figure in Benue State and across Nigeria, noting that his intellectual depth, clarity of thought and passion for nation-building inspired generations of scholars and leaders.

Mark said, ‘A consummate academic, visionary thinker, and community leader, Prof. Elaigwu dedicated his life to the pursuit of an egalitarian and just society. His works and teachings transcended the walls of the university, influencing governance, policy, and the broader quest for national unity. His departure is a monumental loss, coming at a time when humanity most needs his voice and wisdom.

‘As we mourn his passing, we celebrate a life well spent in service to knowledge, humanity, and country. May the Almighty grant eternal rest to his soul.’

Former chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Senator Ayu, recalled that Prof. Elaigwu joined the University of Jos, where he was lecturing at the time, from Zaria in 1979.

He described him as a hardworking and erudite scholar who imparted knowledge without prejudice.

‘He didn’t care whether you were a Yoruba, Tiv, Hausa, or Igbo; he mentored people across all backgrounds and related well with everyone,’ Ayu said.

He advised the Institute of Governance and Social Research to compile all of Prof. Elaigwu’s works in political science into a comprehensive collection, noting that, ‘they will become invaluable source books not only for political science but for the social sciences in Nigeria.’

Also, former Governor of Plateau State, Senator Dariye, described Prof. Elaigwu’s contributions to knowledge and nation-building as immense and invaluable, especially through the promotion of research on Nigeria and Africa’s socio-economic and political challenges via the Institute of Governance and Social Research, which he established.

He said, ‘Nigeria and humanity have lost a gem. The global academic community has been dealt a heavy blow. Prof., you were a foremost authority in comparative federalism and civil-military relations, apart from being a towering figure in political science.

‘You were a man of robust intellect, an erudite scholar, and a cerebral author. Indeed, you were credited with writing the concept paper for the National Council on Intergovernmental Relations, of which you became the pioneer Director-General.

‘You were a patriot who believed in a great nation called Nigeria. When I was Governor of Plateau State, you were an invaluable consultant to us. At a personal level, you supported me like a younger brother – unassuming and God-fearing.’

He added that with his passing, indeed, an iroko tree has fallen, noting that: ‘God’s ways are mysterious. Prof., you ran a worthy and enviable race and have gone the way of all mortals,’ he added.

Former governor of Ogun state and Senator representing Ogun East, Gbenga Daniel, has called on his constituents to demand transparency and accountability from the state and local governments on how they have utilized the increased federal allocations received since the removal of fuel subsidy by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Speaking on Sunday at Idokunnusi, Ijebu Imushin, during his Midterm Community Assessment and Review Tour in Ijebu East Local Government, Daniel said both tiers of government have been receiving substantial allocations in the last two years and must justify how the funds have been spent.

Daniel, who represents nine local government areas under Ogun East Senatorial District, addressed a large gathering of political stakeholders, supporters, and constituents, using the occasion to distribute empowerment items, including motorcycles, deep freezers, sewing machines, fertilizers, sprayers, and grinding machines.

Responding to complaints about poor roads, unpaid stipends for traditional rulers, and general neglect of the region despite its economic potential, the senator explained that such issues fall under the responsibility of the state and local governments.

He expressed sympathy for the underdevelopment of the district, noting that the area is blessed with abundant natural resources that should make it a hub of prosperity.

Daniel also urged the Governor Dapo Abiodun-led administration to revive the Olokola Deep Sea Port project, which his government initiated at Ode-Omi in Ogun Waterside Local Government, saying the project could create over 50,000 jobs, boost internally generated revenue, and transform the state’s economy.

The senator further disclosed that he has begun discussions with the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development in line with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to harness the bitumen deposits in Ijebu East for the benefit of Ogun State and Nigeria at large.

He said, ‘For our people here in Ijebu East, I share in some of your pains on the current state of underdevelopment, especially because I am aware that this whole community should be thriving in wealth and prosperity especially with the abundance of natural resources which God Almighty has endowed us which has the capacity to sustain an entire nation.

‘During my time as Governor of Ogun State, we discovered that Ogun East has the largest deposit of Bitumen anywhere in Nigeria. Our vision then was very clear: to create a whole new city for Bitumen mining and exploration which we believe would increase the economic prosperity and impact positively on the lives of the people living in the area. We envisioned this area bubbling with multinational investments, industries, jobs, and infrastructure, all driven by Bitumen exploration and processing.

‘Unfortunately, that vision stalled due to neglect after our administration. That is why I started by sympathizing with you because I understand your frustration and share in your hope for a new dawn.

‘When you sent me to Abuja as your Senator, I took it as a sacred responsibility, not only to make laws (which of course is the primary responsibility of the Senate), but also to leverage on relationships with the President and other agencies of government at the executive level to influence government policies and attract development projects that can revive and empower our communities.

‘I am in contact with, and delighted to inform you that the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, under the exceptional leadership of my friend and brother, Mr. Dele Alake, and in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has assured that the Bitumen wealth of Ijebu East will soon be put to productive use. I have every confidence in that assurance because Dele Alake is not only a trusted colleague and friend of over four decades; he is a man of results.

‘Let me say with emphasis, the mining sector under President Tinubu has received greater attention and the revenue from the solid minerals sector has grown from ?6 billion to ?38 billion in just one year, a record-breaking transformation driven by efficiency, transparency, and accountability. And this was made possible by the President’s bold declarations that the era of exporting raw minerals is over and that mining licences will only be granted to investors who commit to local processing and value addition as a means of creating jobs for our local population and industries to ensure that prosperity derives from mining stay within Nigeria.’

MEXC, a leading Africa crypto company has highlighted its moves to drive next wave of financial inclusion in Africa with ongoing crypto revolution.

The crypto firm is helping people unlock new opportunities through education, innovation, and access to modern financial tools.

In a report, MEXC explained that across Africa, a new financial revolution is taking shape.

‘From Lagos to Nairobi and Accra to Johannesburg, millions of people are turning to digital assets not as a luxury, but as a solution. With rising inflation, weakening currencies, and limited access to traditional banking, cryptocurrency has become Africa’s path to global finance,’ it said.

Already, Sub-Saharan Africa has become the third fastest growing crypto region in the world, according to recent data from Chainaysis. Between July 2024 and June 2025, the region received more than 205 billion dollars in on-chain value, marking a 52 percent increase from the previous year.

‘Nigeria is leading the region with 92.1 billion dollars in value, almost three times more than South Africa. Kenya, Ghana, and Ethiopia complete the top five countries where crypto is driving financial transformation. Unlike other parts of the world where large institutions dominate, Africa’s growth is being powered by individuals and small businesses. Most transactions are below 10,000 dollars, showing that everyday people are adopting digital assets to save, trade, and send money,’ the report said.

Also, Bitcoin remains the most popular entry point into crypto for Africans. It accounts for 89 percent of purchases in Nigeria and 74 percent in South Africa, compared to 51 percent globally. For many, Bitcoin represents stability and freedom from volatile local currencies.

However, the biggest story of Africa’s digital finance rise is the rapid adoption of stablecoins. These digital currencies, often pegged to the US dollar, are now a lifeline for millions. With currency devaluations and restrictions on foreign exchange, stablecoins provide a safe and reliable way to store value, trade internationally, and make everyday payments.

‘Stablecoins now represent 43 percent of all crypto transaction volume in Sub-Saharan Africa. They are supporting trade between Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, helping merchants, freelancers, and small businesses operate smoothly in the global market.

Access to traditional banking services remains one of Africa’s biggest challenges. Millions of people are still unbanked or underbanked, facing high fees, strict documentation requirements, and long processing times. Rural areas suffer even more from the lack of banking infrastructure,’ it added.

‘At the same time, smartphone usage in Africa continues to rise, creating a powerful tool for financial inclusion. With over 25 million smartphone users across the continent, digital wallets and decentralized finance applications have become the new banks. Through cryptocurrency, a farmer in Uganda can receive payments directly, a trader in Nigeria can buy goods internationally, and a student in Kenya can save money without relying on unstable local banks. This new reality is both convenient and transformational,’ it further stated.

While Africa’s crypto boom is being driven by the people, MEXC is building the structure that makes it sustainable and accessible. Beyond being a crypto exchange, MEXC is making trading easy and affordable, helping beginners earn while learning, building the next generation through MEXC Foundation and empowering local communities.

For instance, MEXC offers one of the most inclusive trading experiences in the market. With zero fee spot trading on more than 250 pairs, users can trade without worrying about extra costs.

This gives new users an affordable way to start their crypto journey.

Through its Copy Trading feature, MEXC allows users to automatically follow the trades of experienced professionals. This way, newcomers can learn strategies and reduce risk while still earning from real market movements.

The MEXC Foundation is a 30 million dollar global initiative dedicated to education, empowerment, and community development. Through the IgniteX program, MEXC is partnering with universities, student groups, and Web3 educators across Africa to teach blockchain skills, sponsor scholarships, and create job opportunities for young people.

MEXC continues to engage with local communities through events, hackathons, mentorship programs, and ambassador initiatives. These activities give young Africans real-world exposure and practical tools to build their careers in the growing Web3 ecosystem.

Beside, when the Nigerian naira lost value in early 2025, millions turned to crypto to preserve their savings. Platforms like MEXC offered a reliable and transparent way to store value and trade in a stable environment. Beyond that, MEXC’s community-driven projects continue to raise awareness about financial literacy and digital asset security.

By empowering students, developers, and small business owners, MEXC is creating a network of innovators who will lead Africa’s blockchain future.

A member of the Super Eagles backroom crew says fame and money is swelling the ego of goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali.

Following the Chippa United player poor display against Lesotho on Friday, the shot stopper has posted some rather disturbing performances and attitude that have now caused calls that he gets a more worthy direct competitor.

‘It’s very much like the fame and the little money have got to the head of the boy,’ a team official told SCORENigeria

‘He started out as part of the team, but these days you only see him all on his own, he thinks he has arrived.’

The stats showed that he only kept two clean sheets against Rwanda in the seven 2026 World Cup qualifiers he has played with his erratic behaviour in the home game against Rwanda in Uyo last month proving he may well not be reliable after all.

The week that just concluded was another testament to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s relentless devotion to duty. From Sunday through Saturday, the President was engaged in matters that touch directly on the heartbeat of the nation – governance, justice, and security. Yet, even within this packed schedule, Thursday stood out in golden relief. It was the day the President convened not one, but two of the country’s most sacred constitutional gatherings – the National Council of State and the Police Council – in a stretch of national decision-making that reaffirmed his government’s seriousness about security, justice reform, and institutional renewal.

For any observer of Nigerian governance, these meetings are not routine. They happen only at critical junctures when the nation must take decisive steps to secure its stability and define its direction. Thursday, therefore, was a moment of convergence – a day when the President summoned the combined wisdom of Nigeria’s elder statesmen, governors, and institutional leaders to deliberate on matters that would shape the country’s future.

Presiding over the Council of State, President Tinubu sought counsel and consensus on issues fundamental to Nigeria’s democratic survival: the appointment of a new Chairman for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the exercise of presidential mercy, and the approval of national honours. Each agenda item reflected a balance between law, justice, and humanity – three cardinal points of the President’s political compass.

After due consideration, the Council unanimously approved the nomination of Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN), a scholar and legal luminary of unimpeachable integrity, as the next INEC Chairman. The choice of Amupitan, the first nominee for the position from Kogi State, was hailed across the board, including from quarters where the media had expected sharp criticisms, as a symbol of merit over partisanship, a reinforcement of Tinubu’s promise to protect the independence and credibility of Nigeria’s electoral body.

In the President’s own description, Amupitan represents ‘a bridge between the classroom and the courtroom, a man who understands both the letter and the spirit of the law’. That endorsement captures the essence of Tinubu’s broader reform ethos: to rebuild institutions on the strength of competence and integrity rather than convenience or political loyalty.

The Council’s backing of Amupitan’s nomination, which will now proceed to the Senate for confirmation, was both historic and symbolic. It reaffirmed the Tinubu administration’s deliberate return to meritocratic appointments in sensitive institutions, especially one as pivotal as INEC, where credibility underpins the entire democratic edifice.

If the INEC decision projected a commitment to fairness and institutional strength, the Council’s consideration of presidential pardons highlighted another facet of Tinubu’s leadership; compassion. Acting on the recommendations of the Presidential Advisory Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy, the President approved 175 pardons, including posthumous clemency for nationalist Herbert Macaulay and the poet-soldier Major-General Mamman Vatsa.

Equally significant was the formal pardon of the Ogoni Nine – Ken Saro-Wiwa and his compatriots – whose 1995 executions remain one of Nigeria’s darkest historical chapters. Tinubu’s decision to close that wound was deeply symbolic; it was not merely an act of forgiveness but of national healing.

The President also extended clemency to 82 inmates, commuted seven death sentences to life imprisonment, and reduced the sentences of 65 others. In all, the exercise served both moral and practical ends; decongesting correctional facilities while advancing the cause of restorative justice.

The same session saw the approval of 959 national honours, including posthumous recognitions for the Ogoni activists, as well as awards to icons of journalism, technology, sports, and global philanthropy. From Bill Gates to Uncle Sam Amuka-Pemu, and from the Super Falcons to D’Tigresses, the honourees reflected the administration’s expansive view of service, one that values humanitarian and intellectual contributions alongside political or economic achievement.

The conferment also carried a subtler message: President Tinubu’s determination to reposition Nigeria’s honours system as a credible national institution, no longer reserved for the well-connected but for the truly deserving. From his first year in office, he had indicated the focus on restoring integrity to every process that carries the seal of the Federal Republic. Thursday’s endorsements showed that promise being fulfilled in earnest.

If the Council of State meeting embodied reflection and restoration, the Police Council meeting that followed represented reform and reinvention. It was here that the President’s longstanding interest in overhauling Nigeria’s internal security system came fully into view.

The Council approved major proposals to strengthen the Nigeria Police Trust Fund (NPTF) – the institution responsible for funding training, welfare, logistics, and modernization in the police force. Specifically, it endorsed the repeal and re-enactment of the NPTF Act, removing its six-year lifespan clause and transforming it into a permanent statutory agency.

More importantly, the Council approved an increase in the Fund’s revenue allocation from 0.5 percent to 1 percent of the Federation Account, with a provision for future upward review to 2 percent. The goal, according to Minister of Police Affairs, Ibrahim Gaidam, is to guarantee sustainable financing for training, technology, and welfare, the three pillars of modern policing.

President Tinubu’s message was unmistakable: a nation that desires peace must invest in its protectors. The President’s own reform blueprint for policing, from equipment modernisation to digital crime management, has been clear since his days as Lagos State Governor, when he pioneered the Lagos Security Trust Fund. Thursday’s decisions now elevate that vision to the national stage.

In what seemed like perfect coordination, news also broke that President Tinubu had earlier, in the last few days, signed into law the Nigeria Police Training Institutions (Establishment) Bill, 2024, a landmark legislation that legally anchors 48 police academies and training schools across the six geopolitical zones.

The new law is a decisive leap in the professionalisation of Nigeria’s law enforcement architecture. It categorises the institutions into Police Colleges, Police Tactical Schools, Police Technical Training Schools, and other specialised centres, from the Counter-Terrorism Unit in Nonwa-Tai, Rivers, to the K9 and Marine Training Schools in Jos and Bayelsa, respectively.

For a country long plagued by fragmented police training and inconsistent standards, the new Act provides a unified framework for capacity building, ethics, and continuous education. It institutionalises what President Tinubu has often called ‘the culture of competence’, ensuring that every officer, from constable to commissioner, receives structured and modern training aligned with global best practices.

By signing the Act and strengthening the Trust Fund, the President effectively closed the loop on two of the most critical weaknesses in Nigeria’s security system: poor training and chronic underfunding. These twin interventions, executed within the same week, show a reformist resolve that is both strategic and sustained.

Beyond the specifics of appointments, pardons, and reforms, the symbolism of Thursday’s twin meetings was profound. Bringing together past leaders like Generals Ibrahim Babangida and Abdulsalami Abubakar, alongside the President of the Senate, the Speaker of the House, four former Chief Justices, and state governors, the Council of State meeting was a rare assembly of Nigeria’s institutional memory.

That President Tinubu chose to convene such an august body at a time of national reflection underscores his instinct for timing and consensus. It was a moment to draw from collective wisdom and project unity of purpose, two resources that Nigeria needs more than ever in this phase of reconstruction.

Similarly, the Police Council’s deliberations, anchored in data, law, and fiscal prudence, revealed a methodical leader, not one given to rhetoric. Tinubu’s governance style was once again on display: combining big-picture vision with administrative precision, ensuring that every decision fits into a coherent national reform mosaic.

The events of Thursday added another chapter to President Tinubu’s ongoing chronicle of statecraft. His administration has often been defined by its balancing act, between reform and relief, compassion and discipline, politics and principle. Yet, if there was ever a day that encapsulated his governing philosophy, it was Thursday, October 9, 2025: a day of leadership that fused law, mercy, and security into one seamless narrative of nation-building.

From the posthumous pardon of heroes to the institutionalisation of police professionalism, the President’s message was clear – that leadership must heal, build, and protect all at once. That is the essence of his Renewed Hope Agenda: a leadership of empathy anchored on results.

If Thursday was the summit of statecraft, the rest of the week supplied the steady cadence that gives governance its heartbeat. On Sunday, President Tinubu opened with gratitude and institutional memory, hailing former Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Lucky Irabor (rtd.), at 60. It was more than a birthday message; it was an affirmation of service and sacrifice to those who held the line when insurgency threatened the Republic. Honouring courage is how a nation teaches the next generation what it values.

By Monday, the President was back in Abuja after a ten-day working visit to Lagos that doubled as an investment roadshow and policy clinic. Meetings with capital allocators like Bayo Ogunlesi and Hakeem Belo-Osagie underscored a simple thesis: private capital follows clarity, and this Presidency intends to provide it. His audience with IMO Secretary-General, Arsenio Dominguez, flanked by the Blue Economy team, carried the same through-line: unlock trade corridors, formalise the maritime economy, and move Nigerian logistics from potential to competitiveness. The day also carried a personal note as the President celebrated Dr. Dele Alake at 69-saluting a long partnership now powering reforms to reposition solid minerals as a sovereign revenue pillar.

On Tuesday, statecraft met sobriety. The President formally acknowledged Professor Mahmood Yakubu’s exit after two full terms at INEC, conferring a national honour to mark a decade of democratic stewardship. In the same spirit of institutional hygiene, he accepted the resignation of Geoffrey Nnaji from cabinet amid certificate controversies-a reminder that public trust is the coin of the realm and that this administration will let due process breathe.

Thursday’s solemnity also embraced the nation’s conscience as the President mourned Dr. Christopher Kolade, calling him an ‘intellectual treasure’, a phrase equal parts tribute and instruction. He also extended warm felicitations to Hajia Bola Shagaya at 66 and to Governor Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe, recognising impact where it is measurable: classrooms built, schools upgraded, outcomes improved.

Closing the loop, Friday spotlighted youth enterprise without borders: Interface Africa’s £1.5m triumph at the NextGen Innovation Challenge-a win for solar finance, small business resilience, and Nigeria’s innovation brand. And as the curtain fell on Saturday, the President saluted former Vice President Namadi Sambo on his turbaning as Sardaunan Zazzau-a cultural investiture that dignifies service and stitches community to country.

A Nation in Steady Hands

As Nigeria continues its march toward becoming a model modern nation, the decisions of last week will likely be remembered as pivotal. The convening of the Council of State and the Police Council on the same day was no coincidence; it was deliberate choreography, the President’s way of aligning justice, security, and governance under one national purpose.

With the INEC leadership question settled, the Police reforms institutionalised, and historical wrongs corrected through presidential mercy, Nigeria ends this week on a note of stability and moral renewal.

In a world where many nations struggle to balance strength with compassion, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Thursday meetings offered a rare example of both; the firm hand of reform and the soft heart of humanity.

For a nation rebuilding its confidence and institutions, that combination may well be its greatest hope.

Imo State’s transformation under Governor Hope Uzodimma has been nothing short of remarkable. From a state weighed down by insecurity and fiscal distress, it has become a story of renewal and direction. The recent working visit of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu further affirmed this progress and drew national attention to Imo’s new standing.

Concerns still exist about inclusiveness and whether all communities feel the impact of growth. These concerns, though sometimes overstated, are healthy reminders that development must be sustained, trusted, and evenly distributed.

Under Uzodimma, fiscal stability has taken root. State records show that public debt dropped from ?259 billion to ?99 billion, while internally generated revenue rose from about ?400 million to nearly ?4 billion. This fiscal discipline has powered a wave of infrastructure renewal across the state.

More than twenty major road projects now link Owerri, Orlu, Okigwe, and the coastal communities. The governor’s ‘Shared Prosperity’ agenda has redefined Imo’s potential. His recognition as both Digital Governor of the Year and Infrastructure Governor of the Year by The Whistler Newspaper in 2025 was no surprise to those following the state’s trajectory.

President Tinubu’s visit to Imo gave these achievements further validation. He commissioned the Assumpta Twin Flyover, the Owerri – Mbaise – Umuahia Federal Road, and the Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu International Conference Centre.

He commended Uzodimma’s commitment to governance and urged Imolites to remain hopeful, stating that their sacrifices were beginning to produce results.

The visit symbolised continuity between state and federal efforts. It also reminded Imolites that progress must be consolidated through capable succession. As Uzodimma’s administration advances, the question grows louder: who can sustain the momentum?

That answer may well lie in Dr Ikedi Ohakim. A former governor with proven experience and a reformist mindset, Ohakim embodies continuity built on institutional memory and tested vision.

The parallels between both men are significant. Uzodimma established the Imo Roads and Bridges Agency, while Ohakim had earlier created the Imo Road Maintenance Agency (IROMA), which generated more than 30,000 jobs and transformed local road maintenance.

Whereas Uzodimma opened the state to investors, Ohakim had set up the Imo State Investment Promotion Agency to lay the groundwork for sustained private sector participation. Their efforts, though years apart, share the same philosophy of structured development.

Ohakim’s financial innovation remains a major reference point. In July 2009, Vanguard Newspaper reported that his administration launched a ?40 billion infrastructural bond programme, with ?18.5 billion successfully accessed in the first phase. The bond funded key projects including the Oguta Wonder Lake Resort, rural water schemes, and road rehabilitation across the state. It was one of Nigeria’s earliest state-level development bonds and reflected financial foresight that remains relevant today.

Job creation was another hallmark. Beyond IROMA’s employment of thousands, Ohakim introduced the 10,000 Graduate Employment Initiative in 2008. Vanguard reported in November 2010 that 10,000 graduates were recruited into the state’s teaching and civil services, while a June 2011 follow-up article detailed how the scheme aimed to absorb young professionals into public service and education. It was a structured, merit-based intervention that addressed unemployment more systematically than the ad hoc models common at the time.

Environmental renewal became his signature achievement. The Clean and Green Initiative, launched in August 2007 and reported by Modern Ghana in May 2009, was implemented through the Environmental Transformation Committee (ENTRACO). It introduced modern waste management systems, tree planting, public sanitation drives, and beautification across Owerri. By 2010, The Nation and Daily Independent reported that Owerri had been named Nigeria’s cleanest state capital for three consecutive years. The initiative restored civic pride and transformed the state’s image at home and abroad.

Ohakim also invested in long-term human capital projects. The Greater Okigwe Water Scheme, inaugurated by President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua in 2009, solved a long-standing regional challenge. His establishment of the College of Education at Ihitte/Uboma and the expansion of the Imo State Polytechnic, now part of Imo State University, created pathways for teacher training and technical education. These legacies continue to serve the state today.

Critics often point to shortcomings in communication during his first tenure, but what distinguishes Ohakim is his response after leaving office. Rather than retreat, he pursued further studies both at home and abroad to refine his understanding of governance. That humility and commitment to self-improvement shaped a more grounded leader. Few Nigerian politicians have shown a similar readiness to evolve.

Political balance also weighs heavily in Imo’s calculations. Uzodimma hails from Orlu Zone, which has produced most of the state’s governors since 1999 and has enjoyed more than twenty years in power. Okigwe Zone, from which Ohakim comes, has only completed a single four-year term instead of the eight years typically expected of each zone before power rotates. This historical imbalance remains a key concern in the quest for justice and equity within the state’s political structure.

The Charter of Equity now points naturally toward Owerri Zone for the next cycle, but Ohakim’s re-emergence offers a unique bridge, a chance to complete Okigwe’s remaining four years while preparing a smooth and fair transition to Owerri thereafter. His inclusive leadership style, often praised by Ohanaeze Ndigbo, embodies the bridge-building spirit and sense of fairness that have long defined effective governance in Imo State.

The business community recognises his continuing relevance. His private sector experience and record in attracting investment align with current opportunities such as the Free Trade Zone, Oguta Lake dredging, and new power generation projects. These initiatives need continuity, not disruption.

Youth employment remains a national issue, and Imo is no exception. Ohakim’s 10,000 Youth Employment Initiative remains a model for structured job creation, contrasting sharply with random empowerment programmes. Its blend of public service absorption and skill development fits neatly with the new digital economy that Imo is building.

Continuity also matters in healthcare, infrastructure, and environmental management. Uzodimma’s health insurance scheme and ongoing security improvements require consolidation, not interruption. Projects like Oguta Lake and digital governance platforms demand experienced leadership with both technical understanding and historical context. In all these, Ohakim’s blend of innovation and maturity offers the right balance.

Transitions in democracy often determine whether progress endures or unravels. Imo, now faces such a turning point. Uzodimma’s achievements have changed the state’s image, but their sustainability depends on who takes the baton. Ohakim represents continuity with correction, experience with humility, and vision with discipline.

This is not a contest of personalities but of purpose. The question before Imo’s people is how to protect and deepen the progress of recent years. Ohakim’s leadership style, grounded in inclusiveness and reform, provides that steady path forward.

Feedback from recent community reports shows that Imolites value stability, employment, and practical governance over political adventure. The conversation has moved from partisanship to stewardship: who will secure Imo’s gains and widen their reach?

Uzodimma’s legacy has reset Imo’s direction, though debates on inclusiveness and governance style continue. What Imo needs now is not disruption but stability. With renewed perspective, experience, and a record of reform, Ikedi Ohakim stands ready to lead that next phase.

Continuity with correction, experience with humility, and progress with prudence. That is the balance Imo State needs to ensure that the miracle of today becomes the foundation of tomorrow.

Attempts by some individuals to board a flight with over $6.1 million in cash was foiled yesterday at the domestic wing of of Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal 2 Lagos by vigilant airline and aviation security personnel.

Following the suspicious action of the individuals, who failed to declare the huge sums stashed in multiple boxes and taken to the foot of the aircraft without meeting the standard procedures, the money was intercepted and the individuals arrested by anti-graft agency personnel.

According to multiple airport sources, although the number of the suspects could not be established, the infractions were detected during routine checks while trying to board an Aero Contractors flight.

Airport sources hinted that the personnel had initially passed through airport security units before they were apprehended at the foot of the aircraft after Aero Contractors security noticed the heavy luggage.

The matter was then documented and was reported to Aviation Security, who later handed the individuals over to the Department of State Services.

Airport officials said the DSS later transferred the individuals to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, where they were being held for further investigation.

There were conflicting reports on the status of the individuals, who sources hinted claimed to be security agents escorting a suspect and exhibits, but failed to declare the cash or follow due procedures for transporting suspects on commercial flights.

The claim of the individuals suggesting that they are security personnel could have been exploited to breach initial security screening.

However, their activities raised suspicion at the boarding gate when AVSEC officers noticed the oversized boxes.

An official of Aero Contractors confirmed the incident, saying his airline’s security team grew suspicious after the individuals refused to check in their heavy bags.

The official explained that the bags contained money, and when asked if it had been declared, the suspects said no.

He explained: ‘What happened was that our security noticed some passengers trying to board our aircraft with bags that were quite heavy.

‘Our security team advised them to check the bags in, as they could not be carried into the cabin.

‘They refused to check the bags in, and later they said it was money.

‘When asked if the money had been declared, they said no.

‘At that point, our security personnel discovered that the individuals were either police officers or some form of security agents, who claimed they were escorting a suspect along with exhibits. That was why they resisted checking in the bags.

‘We then informed them that if they were transporting a suspect, they were required to notify us in advance.

‘There are standard procedures for moving suspects; we don’t mix them with regular passengers.

‘There are boarding, deboarding, and in-flight protocols that must be followed in such cases. Since they failed to follow these procedures, they were not allowed to board, and they eventually left.’

Officials of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, and the terminal operator: Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited, were yet to comment on the development.

EFCC probes two suspects over undeclared foreign currency

In a related development, operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Lagos Zonal Directorate 2, have commenced investigation into two travellers, Mamud Nasidi and Yahaya Nasidi, over alleged failure to declare foreign currencies in their possession at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos.

The suspects were apprehended yesterday by operatives of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) during a routine check.

According to preliminary findings, the duo was found with undeclared sums of $6,180 and £53,415.

The EFCC disclosed that the suspects had just arrived in Nigeria from Dubai via Addis Ababa and were scheduled to board a connecting flight to Abuja when they were intercepted.

Following their arrest, the travellers were initially handed over to operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) for profiling and further interrogation. The DSS subsequently transferred the suspects to the EFCC for in-depth investigation and possible prosecution.

Also recovered from the suspects were three mobile phones, which have been taken into custody as exhibits.

The suspects and the recovered items were received by CSE Margaret Lamai on behalf of the acting Zonal Director of the Lagos Zonal Directorate 2, Assistant Commander of the EFCC (ACE I) Ahmed Ghali.

The Lagos State Government has given traders at the popular Computer Village in Ikeja an 18-month deadline to move to a new permanent site at Katangowa, in the Agbado/Oke-Odo Local Council Development Area.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, Gbolahan Oki, disclosed this during a stakeholders’ engagement with market leaders and traders recently.

According to him, the state government has provided the necessary infrastructure and facilities at the Katangowa site to ensure a conducive business environment once the relocation takes effect.

‘The government wants your cooperation to ensure the relocation comes to pass. The time is now. We have to make the project a reality. The relocation period is 18 months,’ Oki said.

He explained that Computer Village currently sits on land originally designated as a residential area, which over time was converted into a bustling commercial hub without formal approval from the government.

Oki also revealed that plans to move traders from Ikeja to Katangowa have been in the works since 2006 but were stalled due to delays in completing the new site.

Emphasizing Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s commitment to inclusive governance, he noted that the stakeholders’ meeting was convened to carry traders along in the government’s plans.

‘The governor is passionate about infrastructure development and the welfare of Lagosians. Katangowa has been designated as the permanent site for this market. It sits on 15 hectares of land, well-planned and strategically located near essential resources for your businesses.

‘The present location in Ikeja was never meant to serve as a trading hub. What we are offering at Katangowa is a structured market environment that supports growth while addressing environmental and urban planning concerns. We want to work with you and jointly plan this relocation,’ Oki said.

However Some traders at Computer Village, Ikeja, have expressed deep skepticism over the Lagos State Government’s renewed push to relocate the market to Katangowa in Agbado Oke-Odo LCDA.

The marketers want the government to clarify the terms and conditions of the entire process. Ahmed Ojikutu, the president of the Computer and Allied Product Dealers Association of Nigeria [CAPDAN], said the association had written to the state Government requesting for clarifications so as to avoid a case of changing terms and conditions in the middle of the relocation.

‘The leadership of the market is working towards ensuring that the impending relocation is done in unity which includes making sure that all interests are taken care of and accordingly.’.

In spite of the openness to the idea, he pointed out that the marketers would not move under any unguarded understanding of the terms and conditions surrounding the relocation.

‘Anything that would not allow the market to be together is a disadvantage to the growth and future of the market,’ he maintained.

CAPDAN, according to Ojikutu, is the regulatory body for all unions, bodies and associations in Computer Village with an aim to ensure that rules are followed and standards complied with.

Speaking anonymously, one trader told our correspondent that the latest effort had been met with widespread unhappiness and a lack of faith, as similar relocation proposals in the past have failed to produce clear outcomes or transparent processes.

The trader raised concerns over the government’s approach, particularly its failure to provide official documentation confirming the authority of traders over the designated Katangowa site.

According to him, the land was originally secured during the administration of former Governor Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2005-2006.

He insisted that traders want direct allocation of the land so they can manage development themselves, rather than relying on contractors whose projects may be subject to political changes.

‘Relocation discussions have been going on for 15 to 19 years, right from Tinubu’s second regime,’ the trader said, adding that successive governments, including the current administration during its first tenure, have only repeated unfulfilled promises involving contractors.

Official claims that the new site will address congestion and fire safety, with facilities such as hospitals and access roads described as ‘political excuses.’

The trader noted that the Abule-Egba site, acquired nearly two decades ago, remains waterlogged and inaccessible.

He further alleged that a contractor previously engaged in the project is still in court with the government over a terminated contract and money collected from traders.

The trader emphasized that without transparent allocation and proper documentation, the proposed relocation risks becoming yet another cycle of empty promises.

Apart from CAPDAN, there is a new leadership of Iyaloja Abisola Azeez and Baba Oja, Adeniyi Olasoji that the traders are resisting.

The Awojiya Family Descendants in Epe Local Government Area, Lagos State, have expressed deep concern over the unlawful sales and purchase of their ancestral land in the Abomiti-Nla resettlement area.

The family, in a resolution reached during a meeting held at their ancestral venue on September 27, 2025, declared that no portion of their land is available for sale and that any transaction carried out without the collective consent of the family remains invalid.

Abomiti-Nla, a historic community under the Abomiti zone in the Lagos Free Trade Zone resettlement scheme, is one of 13 villages founded by the family’s forefathers. The community, divided into four quarters ;Abomiti, Aba Awojiya, Aba Iseotan, and Aba Ajegunle has long been known for its cultural heritage, political relevance, and proximity to the lagoon, which made it a thriving fishing settlement in earlier years.

According to the family, attempts by certain individuals to sell portions of the land without proper authorization have created growing tension in the area.

They maintained that only decisions made collectively at the family’s ancestral venue carry legal and moral weight, and any sale conducted outside that framework would be considered null and void.

The Awojiya descendants called on relevant authorities, including the Lagos State House of Assembly member representing Epe Constituency I, Hon. Mustain Abiodun Tobun, to intervene to prevent further conflict.

They also urged the Community Welfare Committee (CWC) in the zone to remain impartial in handling issues related to land ownership.

The Family representative and Acting Secretary, Mr Mustapha Salami noted that Abomiti-Nla has produced prominent individuals who have contributed to the development of Epe and Lagos State at large.

He warned that indiscriminate land sales could lead to the extinction of the community’s identity, including the relocation or renaming of the historic Abomiti Primary School.

‘We are determined to protect the legacy of our ancestors and ensure that our land remains a living inheritance for future generations.

‘We will not hesitate to take legal action against anyone found encroaching on or illegally selling our ancestral property.’

The family reaffirmed its commitment to peaceful coexistence but stressed that it would continue to defend its rights within the bounds of the law to preserve Abomiti-Nla’s historical and cultural identity.