Category: The Nation – Nigeria

An international businessman and Chairman of Nigerian Capital Development Fund (NCDF), Hareter Babatunde Oralusi, on Thursday joined Osun State 2026 guber race within All Progressives Congress(APC).

Oralusi who was a guber candidate of Action Alliance(AA) in 2014 but later joined APC, declared his intention in his hometown, Ile-Ife, assuring to prioritise welfare.

He charged the youths to use his ambition to reclaim their destiny by enthroning accountability, transparency and prosperity in advancing Osun State forward, adding that ‘Our resources must serve the people not the privileged few.’

Oralusi boasted that if he emerged as the candidate of APC, he would end the government of Governor Ademola Adeleke and enthrone progressives ideology in the state in 2026.

‘I will align my programme with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda to move Osun State Forward. Today, Nigeria is at the dawn of a new era. Under the visionary leadership of President Tinubu, we are witnessing the birth of a New Nigeria – a nation grounded on progressive governance and innovation.’

He emphasized the need for Osun State to complement the federal government’s national reforms with local initiatives that would transform the state into a productive, modern, and prosperous state that contributes meaningfully to the New Nigeria agenda.

The 54-year-old business tycoon declared that ‘the era where godfatherism must give way to a new dawn of accountability, transparency, and shared prosperity.

He lamented over statistics of unemployed youths in Osun State, assuring that he would bring idea that will create job and make life meaningful for residents of the state.

‘I want to assure our youths that I will tackle unemployment. Currently, 85% youths are unemployed in Osun State, it is alarming, but if elected I will tackle this menace.’

He also promised innovative solutions to governance challenges.

Oralusi’s entry adds to the list of APC aspirants seeking to challenge the incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2026.

Aviation business magnate Chukwuerika Achum, the founder of Falcon Aero, is determined to elevate his aviation enterprise beyond conventional limits. Established in 2022, Falcon Aero is the parent company of several subsidiaries, including VivaJets, FlyPJX, and CharterXE. The company has successfully obtained a Nigerian Air Operator Certificate, enabling it to provide a comprehensive range of services, including aircraft chartering, management, and acquisition. These services are tailored specifically for executives, businesses, and high-net-worth individuals seeking efficient and luxurious air travel.

VivaJets, one of Falcon Aero’s core subsidiaries, has already logged over 2,000 flight hours since its inception, showcasing its operational viability and commitment to quality. With ambitious plans to expand its fleet, the company is set to welcome two additional aircraft this year, further solidifying its position in the competitive aviation market.

In a strategic move to bolster growth, Chukwuerika Achum has secured a significant $10 million financing facility for VivaJets. This deal, orchestrated in collaboration with London-based TLG Capital and Wema Bank, marks one of the few internationally structured aviation financings for a Nigerian air operator. The funding announcement, released through The Condia website, is a vital step towards fulfilling VivaJets’ aspirations to retire existing debts, expand its aircraft fleet, and enhance its role as a key player in connecting regional hubs throughout Africa.

The financing arrangement is designed to provide VivaJets with the flexibility needed to enhance operational efficiency and elevate customer service while simultaneously reducing interest expenses. As stated by industry insiders, ‘In the aviation sector, access to long-term financing denominated in U.S. dollars is critical.

This facility enables the company to clear past financial obligations and focus on delivering a seamless, reliable travel experience for clients across the region.’

Chukwuerika Achum’s dedication to creating a pan-African aviation platform has positioned Falcon Aero as a premier private air travel provider within the region. With aspirations to extend its influence beyond Nigeria, the company has chosen Rwanda as a launch point for its upcoming regional operations in East Africa. In addition to bolstering its aviation services, Falcon Aero integrates business incubation and tech ventures through entities like The Adrenalina and Instig Labs. This multifaceted approach not only supports travel but also fosters entrepreneurial growth across the continent, creating a broad and dynamic platform for diverse business opportunities.

The British Academy of Management (BAM) has honoured Professor Christian Harrison of the University of Greater Manchester, United Kingdom, with the 2025 BAM Medal for Contribution to Communities.

The award ceremony, which took place at the University of Kent’s Sibson Building during the Grand Opening Ceremony of this year’s BAM Conference, recognised Professor Harrison for his long-standing and exceptional service to the BAM community.

Established in 2024, the BAM Medal for Contribution to Communities celebrates individuals who have made remarkable impacts within the Academy’s networks and Special Interest Groups (SIGs).

Recipients are nominated by the BAM Council, Fellows, and SIG Chairs, and the final selection is made by the Awards and Executive Committees.

Professor Harrison was commended for his outstanding leadership of the Leadership Special Interest Group, his co-founding of the BAM African Studies Track-now in its fourth year-and his valuable contributions as a Council member who co-led the Management Knowledge and Education Teaching Practice Conference for several years.

A respected scholar of leadership and management, Professor Harrison has been widely recognised for advancing leadership studies and fostering academic collaborations between Africa and the United Kingdom.

The British Academy of Management described the recognition as a ‘prestigious and well-deserved honour,’ highlighting Harrison’s exceptional contribution to the growth and vibrancy of the BAM community.

Former Deputy Governors in Nigeria, under the aegis of the Former Deputy Governors Forum of Nigeria (FDGF), have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening democracy and promoting good governance across the country.

The pledge was made on Thursday in Abuja during the commissioning of the Forum’s new state-of-the-art secretariat. Chairman of the Senate Committee on Local and Foreign Debt, Senator Aliyu Wamakko, described the inauguration as a major milestone in the Forum’s mission to foster patriotism, leadership mentorship, accountability, and national unity.

The event was attended by several prominent members of the Forum, including Alhaji Abdulmalik Mahmood (Bauchi), Prince Ezeakonobi Madumere (Imo), Tele Ikuru (Rivers), and James Magaji (Kaduna), alongside the Minister of State for Works, Bello Goronyo, members of the National Assembly, diplomats, and other dignitaries.

Commissioning the edifice, Senator Wamakko, a former Deputy Governor and later Governor of Sokoto State, emphasized that the Forum’s true strength lies in its collective wealth of experience and steadfast dedication to advancing governance, transparency, and public trust in leadership.

Describing the secretariat as a symbol of unity, progress, and renewed commitment to nation-building, he said, ‘Our forum is very strong today, and we are a symbol of the country’s unity.

‘This is more than brick and mortar, it represents Nigeria’s future, built on cooperation, accountability, and the shared experience of leaders who have served and still care deeply about the nation.’

The Chairman of the Forum and former Deputy Governor of Abia State, Dr. Chris Akomas, said the structure represents the fulfillment of a long-held dream and the forum’s growing national and international relevance.

‘This forum is driven by interest, willingness, and commitment to national development. What gives us courage is our belief that we can achieve the best for our country, our children, and generations to come.

‘We once had an office tucked away in Garki, just a small upstairs space. But to the glory of God, we now have a fully equipped secretariat. This is the beginning of a new era for the forum.’

Dr. Akomas said the forum intends to use its new home as a base for promoting national cohesion, policy dialogue, and mentorship for emerging leaders.

‘This is not just a building, it’s a vision taking shape, one that connects our past leadership experiences to the promise of a better, more united Nigeria.

‘With our new secretariat, the Former Deputy Governors Forum aims to position itself as a stabilizing force in Nigeria’s democratic journey, strengthening governance, deepening policy advocacy, and inspiring future leaders through the collective wisdom of those who have once served in government,’ he added.

On her part, Dame Pauline Tallen, former Deputy Governor of Plateau State and member of the Forum’s Board of Trustees, said the new secretariat marked a defining moment in the organization’s history, adding, ‘We are no longer borrowing spaces or holding meetings in hotels.

‘This building is a statement of who we are, united, purposeful, and committed to the growth of Nigeria.’

The new secretariat boasts two committee rooms, a boardroom, a 40-seater conference hall, and a showroom for the Polish-Nigerian Business Council, reflecting the forum’s evolution into a key player in governance, mentorship, and economic diplomacy, the Forum’s Chairman added.

Real estate is one of society’s most valuable assets. It shapes economies, defines communities, and provides the physical framework for human life.

Yet, in Nigeria and many developing economies, confidence in property transactions remains fragile. Stories of multiple sales, fraudulent listings, and exploitative intermediaries dominate headlines.

At the same time, technology is transforming how property is marketed, valued, and transacted, as well as how KYC information, client profiles, and processes are vetted. PropTech platforms, artificial intelligence, blockchain-based land registries, and virtual inspections are reshaping the global property market. These tools promise efficiency, access, and transparency.

But technology alone cannot guarantee trust. Without ethical oversight, digital innovation can easily become a weapon in the hands of fraudsters. This is where the professional role of the Estate Surveyor and Valuer becomes critical.

Our mandate has always been to supervise and direct interests in land and landed property for the benefit of clients and society.

Today, that mandate requires a renewed focus: combining technology with ethics to reposition Agency practice for genuine transparency.

The public challenge: quackery in agency

In Nigeria, the word ‘agent’ often conjures images of untrained middlemen operating without accountability. Many of these individuals masquerade as property professionals but rely on guesswork and shortcuts. They thrive in the gaps between regulation and enforcement, exploiting landlords, tenants, and investors alike.

Their methods are well known: multiple claims on a single property, lack of professionalism, tact, privacy and general unruliness in transactions, forged title documents, or collecting rent and disappearing.

These practices erode public trust, damage market credibility, and undermine the profession of Estate Surveying and Valuation.

For the public, ‘agency’ has become synonymous with quackery, not professionalism. For Estate Surveyors and Valuers, the challenge is twofold: to perform with excellence and to reclaim the word ‘Agency’ by restoring its professional meaning.

The promise of technology

The digital era has introduced tools that can redefine Agency practice:

Multiple Listing Services (MLS): Widening exposure, ensuring fair competition, and promoting transparent pricing.

Online Marketplaces: Making immovable property accessible to global buyers and tenants.

Blockchain Land Registries: Offering tamper-proof verification of ownership and title.

Artificial Intelligence Models: Generating predictive property valuations using big data.

Virtual Tours, Drones, and Photography: Providing immersive property inspections and marketing from anywhere.

These innovations promise speed, access, and accuracy-qualities long demanded by clients. In theory, they can reduce fraud by making information widely available. Yet without ethical oversight, technology cannot solve the trust deficit. Fake listings are uploaded as easily as genuine ones, digital payments can vanish into untraceable wallets, and algorithms can be manipulated to distort values.

The ethics gap

Technology creates efficiency, but it cannot create integrity. This is the gap only professionals can fill.

Estate Surveyors and Valuers operate under the codes of the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV) and the oversight of the Estate Surveyors and Valuers Registration Board of Nigeria (ESVARBON). These frameworks demand honesty, fairness, disclosure, accountability, and devotion to client interest.

By applying technology within these ethical boundaries, professionals create transparency that quacks cannot replicate. A professional does not simply post a listing-they verify ownership, inspect the property, and confirm legal compliance.

They do not merely run an AI model-they interpret results with expertise and in line with valuation standards. They do not just arrange viewings-they ensure fairness and equity for all parties involved.

Technology + ethics = transparency

The future of Agency practice lies in fusing technological innovation with professional ethics:

Verified Listings: Online adverts should only be authenticated by professionals, eliminating fakes and protecting the public.

Blockchain with Oversight: Registries achieve trust only when professionals verify compliance with land laws and regulations.

AI with Human Judgment: Algorithms provide speed, but professionals provide context-neighborhood nuances, development trends, and market realities.

Virtual Tours with Due Diligence: Digital inspections create convenience, but they must be backed by physical verification.

When combined in this way, technology amplifies professional service rather than undermines it.

Global standards, local realities

Globally, real estate bodies such as the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and the International Valuation Standards Council (IVSC) emphasise transparency, disclosure, and accountability in Agency practice. Nigerian professionals, through NIESV, are aligned with these standards.

However, the local reality is challenging: quackery is rampant, public awareness of professional distinctions is low, and enforcement is weak. Many Nigerians enter property transactions without professional protection, leaving them vulnerable.

This creates a leadership responsibility for Members: to advocate publicly, educate clients, and assert that Agency is a professional service that only Estate Surveyors and Valuers can offer at best.

Beyond financial returns: creating broader value

Agency should never be seen as a mere commission-driven activity. Done professionally, it delivers multiple layers of value:

For landlords: secure rental income, fraud prevention, and asset protection.

For tenants: fair representation, legal assurance, and protection from exploitation.

For investors: reliable due diligence, transparent pricing, and long-term insights.

For society: a trusted property market that promotes stability, economic growth, and sustainable development.

These outcomes align with the profession’s definition: returns from land and property need not be purely financial-they can be social, environmental, and cultural as well.

Repositioning agency fot the future

For Nigeria’s real estate sector to thrive, three actions are critical:

Digital Adoption: Estate Surveyors and Valuers must actively integrate MLS, data-driven AI valuation, blockchain, and virtual platforms into practice. These are no longer optional extras-they are the new standards.

Ethics as Anchor: Technology must be governed by professional codes to ensure fairness, accuracy, and accountability in every transaction.

Public Advocacy: Professionals and their institutions must lead campaigns to educate society about the dangers of quackery and the necessity of professional Agency.

Conclusion

Technology is rewriting the rules of Agency practice, but tools alone cannot build trust. Quacks may misuse PropTech, but they cannot replicate the professional integrity of Estate Surveyors and Valuers. The profession must therefore position itself as the bridge between innovation and accountability.

By combining technology with ethics, Agency practice can be transformed into an accessible, transparent, professional service that secures not just financial returns but also confidence, fairness, and long-term value.

The call to members is clear: embrace innovation, defend ethics, and reclaim Agency as a professional cornerstone of Estate Surveying and Valuation. In doing so, we will not be seen as mere intermediaries, but as value creators safeguarding trust, transparency, and sustainability in Nigeria’s property market.

The Nigeria Customs Service has smashed a trans-border smuggling ring operating along the Seme border axis of Lagos State.

The gang, which specialized in smuggling expired rice, flour, vehicles and other prohibited items into the country, was ambushed by Customs officials attached to the Seme border command and goods worth over N1 billion were said to have been seized from the gang.

The Area Controller of the Seme Command, Wale Adenuga, said this yesterday, while showcasing the seized items to reporters.

Customs officials, Adenuga said, monitored the gang for over two weeks before the clamp down resulting in the seizure of 10,000 bags of expired flour and several other prohibited items from the gang.

The Seme Customs Command, he said, had to deploy more officers in dealing with the large consignment of prohibited goods seized from them.

He said the massive haul, valued at over N1 billion, was the result of weeks of intensive surveillance and coordinated enforcement along the Seme axis.

According to Adenuga, officers of the command intercepted not only the expired flour but also a variety of other contraband, including smuggled vehicles, bags of foreign parboiled rice, drums of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), bales of used clothing, and consignments of Indian hemp.

He explained that the expired flour, which had been carefully concealed in trucks and warehouses, posed a significant public health risk had it entered the Nigerian market.

‘We will not allow expired or substandard goods to find their way into our country and endanger our citizens,’ he declared.

The Comptroller stated that the seizure aligns with the Service’s broader mission of curbing smuggling activities that undermine national economic growth and public safety.

He emphasised that the fight against economic sabotage remains a top priority for the Service.

Adenuga, who described smuggling as an act of sabotage against the nation’s economy, warned that those who continue to indulge in the illicit trade will face the full weight of the law.

‘Smuggling is not only a crime; it is an assault on our economy and on legitimate businesses that pay taxes and abide by the law,’ he said.

He also commended the synergy among various security agencies, crediting inter-agency cooperation for the success of the operation.

According to him, the collaboration between the Customs Service, the Nigerian Navy, and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) played a vital role in tracking, intercepting, and confiscating the illegal consignments.

Rotary Club of Egbe in Lagos State has inaugurated a borehole project in Bolorunpelu, Ikotun, to alleviate the area’s water scarcity and enhance access to clean water.

The project, executed under the President, Nneka Anaemena, was inaugurated during the visit of the District Governor of Rotary International District 9111, Henry Akinyele, at Egbe Road, Ejigbo.

Anaemena said the initiative was conceived following a needs assessment by the club in communities and schools.

She said the survey showed that Bolorunpelu had no functional water source, leaving residents dependent on vendors.

‘We discovered this community did not have good water; in fact, they had no water because the well they had dried up. The only way they got water was by paying Mallams to fetch water for them. So, we concluded that they needed a borehole in Bolorunpelu,’ Anaemena said.

She added that the club had taken measures to ensure sustainability of the project by handing it over to the community’s Baale, for proper management and maintenance.

‘We wanted a project that would last long in the community. The people are excited about it, and we are happy to see their joy,’ she added.

The Baale of Bolorunpelu, High Chief Sanni Lateef Babatunde (Ogunyomi Asambe I), expressed gratitude to the Rotary Club of Egbe for what he described as a compassionate and impactful intervention.

‘We thank Rotary for this project. It will go a long way in easing our water challenges and improving our quality of life,’ the Baale stated.

In his address, District Governor Akinyele commended the Rotary Club of Egbe for its commitment to community service and for implementing projects that address pressing social needs. He reiterated Rotary’s mission of advancing sustainable development and improving living conditions across communities.

The event also featured economic empowerment activities aimed at supporting residents’ livelihoods, underscoring Rotary’s dedication to fostering community growth through humanitarian initiatives.

A former member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Bimbo Daramola, has unveiled a Special Health Scheme aimed at supporting the administration of Ekiti Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, through his flagship health and fitness programme, the BAOWALK Initiative.

Daramola, who represented Ekiti North Federal Constituency I, launched the initiative in Ado-Ekiti, where hundreds of BAOWALK ambassadors drawn from the 16 local government areas of the state were inaugurated.

The ambassadors were presented with Health and Fitness Cards that will grant them and their referrals access to a range of medical and wellness benefits under the new scheme.

Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State, Barrister Sola Eleshin, commended Daramola for what he described as a timely and people-oriented intervention that complements Governor Oyebanji’s ongoing efforts in the health sector.

Eleshin said the initiative was crucial in ensuring that Ekiti residents enjoy the dividends of democracy in good health, stressing that a healthy population is essential to appreciating government programmes and policies.

‘If we say we are in government and our people are not healthy, they will not even appreciate what we are doing as a party or as a government.’That is why we give kudos to Honourable Bimbo Daramola for doing a human-centered job. By promoting fitness and healthy living, he is helping our people to live well and contribute meaningfully to society.’

Eleshin urged the newly inaugurated ambassadors to take ownership of the project within their respective wards and communities, adding that the health initiative will help to reduce residents’ medical expenses and improve overall wellbeing.

Daramola said that the Special Health Scheme was conceived to strengthen the sustainability of the BAOWALK Health Initiative, which has already reached eight local government areas across the state.

He explained that the introduction of ambassadors was part of a structured framework designed to ensure that the programme continues to thrive even in his absence.

‘A lot of people asked what happens after we leave a local government area. Governor Oyebanji also raised similar concerns, and we felt it was necessary to create a system that will make the BAOWALK Initiative sustainable.

‘That’s why we’re unveiling this network of ambassadors, people who will go back to their communities and continue to promote healthy lifestyles as local champions of the movement,’ he added.

The APC chieftain noted that the newly introduced Health and Fitness Card provides registered participants with opportunities such as access to medical support, health advice, and other benefits for managing chronic ailments.

‘The health and fitness card aggregates several opportunities for those who are committed to the BAOWALK cause,’ Daramola added. But access to these benefits comes through participation – you have to be a BAOWALKER to enjoy them. It’s about taking responsibility for your own health and being part of a community that values wellness,’ he added.

Afrobeats singer Tiwa Savage has stated she feels underappreciated in the music industry despite her significant contributions.

In an interview on the Off Air Show, she stated that Nigerians and the industry don’t give her enough accolades, despite being one of the most-awarded female artists in Africa.

When asked if she felt she had received her flowers from the industry, Tiwa replied, ‘No. I’m sorry, I don’t’.

This sentiment comes after she praised colleagues, including Ayra Starr, Tems, and Diamond Platnumz, for their talents and contributions to the industry.

Three people have been confirmed killed 10 and were injured during crisis between herders and community of Dagiteri village in Birniwa Local Government Area of Jigawa State.

The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Lawan Shi’isu Adam, told The Nation the incident occurred around midnight on Wednesday when suspected herders launched an attack on the community.

According to him: ‘Two people were killed and seven others sustained various degrees of injuries when the attackers, armed with bows and arrows, struck unexpectedly at Dagiteri village.’

Shi’isu explained that the police, upon receiving the report, immediately mobilised a team of joint security personnel under Operation Salama to restore normalcy in the area.

He added seven suspects have been arrested, while dangerous weapons including bows and arrows, cutlasses, mobile phones and local charms were recovered from them.

The suspects are being interrogated at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Dutse.

Our correspondent gathered the crisis may have been triggered by the killing of a suspected thief, said to be a Fulani man, earlier in the village.

A resident of the area, who pleaded anonymity, said trouble started when a group of suspected thieves attempted to steal in the village.

‘They were pursued by the villagers, and one of them was caught and killed,’ he said.

He added that the following day, dozens of the attackers returned on motorcycles, armed with bows and arrows, cutlasses and sticks for a reprisal attack.

‘They killed two men, Adda’u and Bola-both middle-aged-and injured several others, including an elderly couple. They also burnt one motorcycle and went away with another,’ the source said.

According to him, the attackers were over 70 in number.

‘The security situation here has collapsed. Criminal activities are increasing daily. They now come even in broad daylight to rob us of our livestock and motorcycles,’ he lamented.

He appealed to Governor Malam Umar Namadi, the Commissioner of Police, Birniwa local government council chairman and traditional leaders to urgently intervene to prevent further escalation of the crisis.