Category: The Nation – Nigeria

Technology expert and founder of BMONI, Jørn Lyseggen, has described Nigeria as ‘the heartbeat of Africa’s tech revolution,’ highlighting the country’s growing influence in driving innovation across the continent.

BMONI, a new financial technology platform, aims to empower young professionals and small business owners in Africa by offering smarter, more affordable, and flexible financial services compared to traditional banks.

Speaking at the platform’s official launch, Lyseggen said the company’s core mission is to equip Nigerians with world-class financial tools that enable them to participate actively in the global economy.

‘Our mission is to give Nigeria’s movers and shakers world-class financial tools to enable active participation in the global economy,’ he stated.

Lyseggen, who also serves as Founder and Executive Chairman of Meltwater, emphasised that BMONI places strong priority on security. He noted that the platform integrates patented biometric technology – backed by 22 awarded patents – with advanced encryption and collaborations with licensed financial institutions to safeguard users’ accounts and transactions.

Advisor to the platform, Gbenga Oyebode, described the launch as the beginning of a new chapter for fintech innovation in Nigeria and Africa, positioning BMONI as a catalyst for inclusive digital financial growth across the continent.

‘BMONI represents a new chapter for African fintech; it’s a platform built with deep respect for the Nigerian market and a clear vision for how technology can unlock financial inclusion at scale,’ he said.

The financial platform aims to provide users with smarter ways to save in stable assets, earn more on their Naira, and transact seamlessly across borders.

Ashwin Ravichandran, Head of Product at the company, highlighted the platform’s relevance in Nigeria, where 70% of the population is under 35 and fintech transactions exceed 9 trillion Naira monthly.

‘Nigerians today want more than banking-they want freedom, ownership, and opportunity,’ he said.

The financial platform’s team spans Nigeria, Ghana, Chicago, San Francisco, Norway, and London, blending Silicon Valley-scale expertise with African insight to deliver innovation, execution, and impact.

Celebrating its launch, the platform is sponsoring Moonshot, Africa’s leading technology and innovation event, engaging with entrepreneurs, creators, and innovators to explore how fintech can drive inclusion and prosperity across the continent.

Proprietress of Grande Oakbridge Montessori School, Lekki, Lagos, Mrs Hannah Obalade, has said government should make access to credit facilities and soft loans easy for school owners.

She said if the government keys into that, it would go assist private school owners, who are also pivotal to the nation’s education space.

Speaking at its 20th anniversary, she said the early days were tough, noting she almost quit when challenges including getting a permanent site almost dampened her spirit.

‘When we started, we rented six flats in Lekki in 2005 and we were gaining momentum, but we had to leave when our permanent site was still under construction. We had to move to the site and I thank God for having a supportive husband and we had to sell our property in Magodo, Lagos, to fund construction of the site.

‘The money realised was not enough and we could not secure a loan. We had to go and borrow from sources outside banks. If not for the passion and interest, I would have given up,’ she said.

Mrs Obalade thanked God for imbuing her with the strength to pull through and take the school to heights.

She paid tribute to the two pupils, who were the first to register, Destiny and Blossom Iheakanwa, adding they have graduated with First Class from an American University.

Chairperson of the Parent Teacher Association, Mrs Powela Ben-Anyiwe, hailed the performance of the pupils, stressing that the school’s efforts at all round nurturing of children had paid off.

School Head, who has been there since 2010, Mrs Oluchi Chinedum-Azuh, praised the Obalades for being passionate about holistic education and for prioritising staff welfare.

The event featured various cultural displays and renditions, while awards were given to staff and those who have impacted the school positively.

Former Minister of Power and Steel, Elder Wole Oyelese, has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ensure the full and practical execution of the Supreme Court judgment on Local Government Autonomy.

He said implementation of the judgement is the only way the Renewed Hope Agenda can be genuinely felt by Nigerians at the grassroots.

Speaking as a veteran local government administrator and respected elder statesman, Oyelese described local government autonomy as the lifeblood of rural development and the surest way to restore citizens’ confidence in governance.

According to him, the July 2024 Supreme Court judgment that ordered direct disbursement of allocations from the Federation Account to the 774 Local Government Councils and prohibited the use of caretaker committees was a long-awaited victory for the people.

He said: ‘Section 7(1) of the 1999 Constitution guarantees a system of local government by democratically elected councils. That provision was designed to make government accessible and accountable to the people.

‘Therefore, the full implementation of the Supreme Court judgment will not only deepen democracy but will also ignite development at the level where it is most visible – the grassroots.’

Drawing from his experience as a former local government chairman, Elder Oyelese lamented how the system has been reduced to a shadow of itself.

‘It is disheartening that a chairman elected by the people must apply for approval before repairing a culvert or building a classroom. That defeats the essence of democracy,’ he said.

He noted that most projects attributed to the local governments are executed by contractors unfamiliar with the communities, creating capital flight and denying local artisans and youths the economic benefits that should accompany development.

EOyelese recalled that between 1991 and 1993, when local government administrators were given full control of their councils, the impact was immediately visible.

‘Those were the years when local government autonomy truly worked. Councils constructed roads, built markets, and provided boreholes and health centres. Rural economies thrived, and the people could see where their taxes and federal allocations went,’ he reminisced.

He lamented that today, many local government chairmen have become spectators in the affairs of their councils – unable to voice the concerns of their communities or implement projects that reflect local priorities.

Without singling out any state or administration, Elder Oyelese noted that while some states such as Jigawa and Lagos have already begun releasing allocations directly to the local councils in line with the Court’s judgment, others are still lagging behind.

‘This is not about confrontation; it is about restoration. If we must renew hope, we must start from where people feel it most, their villages, their communities, their markets, and their schools. Mr President has demonstrated enough of political Will to convince Nigerians that if he really wants this done, he knows what to do and how to do it.’ he said.

He emphasised that unless local government funds are allowed to flow directly to the communities, the economy at the grassroots will remain stunted, and no meaningful government impact can be felt.

‘When money meant for local communities is trapped in state bureaucracy, it kills small businesses, slows rural development, and weakens citizens’ faith in democracy. The poorest of our people pay the price,’ he added.

Elder Oyelese reiterated his resolve to remain a mouthpiece for the grassroots, saying his advocacy is driven not by politics but by compassion for the people he once governed closely.

‘I have lived among the people, shared their burdens, and understood their aspirations. I know how much difference a functioning local government can make in their daily lives. That is why I speak, not against any person or administration, but for the people whose voices are being drowned by bureaucracy.’

He appealed to President Tinubu to lead by example in ensuring the immediate and total enforcement of the Supreme Court judgment across the federation.

At the turn of the 21st century, precisely from October 10 – 12, 2000, the first ministerial conference of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) held in Beijing, following earlier consultations. Nearly 100 ministers from China and 44 African countries were in attendance. A joint declaration at the end of the conference among other things explained that the two sides were ‘highly appreciative of the stable development of Sino-Africa relations over the past decades, have full confidence in the future cooperation and agree that there exists a solid foundation for friendly relations and cooperation between China and Africa, given their time-honoured traditional friendship’.

Twenty-five years later, the trajectories of China-Africa cooperation have justified the optimism expressed at the inaugural conference that the two sides ‘have full confidence in the future cooperation’, even as they agreed ‘that there exists a solid foundation’, for such cooperation, nurtured by ‘their time-honoured traditional friendship’.

China-Africa cooperation even before the founding of the FOCAC process has time-honoured pedigree. From 1967, China set out to construct in Zambia and Tanzania, the nearly 2,000km railway line, offered an interest-free loan to cover costs of constructing the line and supporting infrastructure of stations and training school as well as the supply of motive power and rolling stock. The interest-free loan was repayable according to the agreement in 30 years.

The proposal for the project, later dubbed the freedom line or Tazara railways was outrightly rejected by major Western powers then, and even the former Soviet Union as economically unviable. China accepted to build it and duly completed in 1974.

In 1971, 26 African countries including Nigeria were among 76 other countries in the world that voted in the UN General Assembly to enable China regain her seat at the United Nations and provided the subsisting international consensus that there is only ‘One China’ in the world, and that Taiwan is an inalienable and integral part of China’s sovereign expression and territorial integrity.

The vigorous exchanges and mutual support were the basis for the time-honoured traditional friendship between China and Africa and consequently formed the ‘solid foundation’, on which the FOCAC process was built. The point need to be made that despite the phenomenal growth in China-Africa cooperation especially at the turn of the 21st century, with the establishment of FOCAC, the relationship is neither new nor transactional as some commentators want to describe it. It is rooted in traditional friendship and solidarity shaped by common experience of colonial domination and imperialist exploitation but more importantly a shared aspiration of social and economic well beings for their respective peoples.

In her traditional support for infrastructure construction, which began with the Tazara railway, China within the framework of the FOCAC mechanism further energised and reinforced by the Belt and Road framework for international cooperation have helped Africa to build and renovate more than 10,000 kilometres of railways, about 100,00km of roads, more than 1,000 bridges and nearly 100 ports.

Among the major infrastructure projects, includes the first transnational electrified railway line between Ethiopia and Djibouti, spanning over 750km and have significantly reduced both the time and cost of travel between the Ethiopia industrial heartland and the Djibouti port, the Mombassa-Nairobi standard gauge railway in Kenya, and the Lekki Deep Sea port in Lagos. The Lekki Deep Seaport with estimated economic benefits of about $360 billion would also create about 170,000 new jobs.

These are few among the many infrastructure connectivity projects in Africa built by China in the elaborate framework of the cooperation between the two sides. The projects respond to the original deficit in the struggle for Pan African Unity, a challenge taken up at the meeting of the defunct Organization of Africa Union (OAU) at its special session at Lagos, in 1980. The vision of continental connectivity and industrial take-off contained in the iconic document, Lagos Plan of Action’ was immediately countered by the World Bank and vitiated by lack of political will but has through the framework of the FOCAC process returned to the earlier blueprint with ‘Africa engaging more with herself through connectivity and trade than at any other time in her post-colonial history.

Economic and Trade cooperation have emerged as the flagship of the engagement between the two sides. For 16 years in a straight row, China has been Africa’s largest trading partner with the volume reaching a record of 295.74 billion USD in 2024, an increase of 6.1% from the previous year. Since the establishment of FOCAC in 2000, the trade volume between China and African countries have risen with average annual growth of 14.2%, rising from meagre 13.94 billion US dollars to the current record level.

More importantly, the structure of trade which previously revolved around export of Africa energy and mineral resources and imports of China’s manufactures are shifting in favour of high value-added sectors such mechanical and electrical products, digital services and green technologies. In 2024, African countries exports of processed agricultural products to China demonstrating strength in agro-processing and manufacturing significantly increased. China’s exports to Africa which includes photovoltaic modules, industrial robots and smart phones showed remarkable boost.

In overall, the shift in China-Africa trade towards diversification, higher value-added and technology intensive sector is becoming increasingly significant. Additionally, Chinese investments in the manufacturing, agro-processing sector energy and digital economy is scaling up Africa’s industrialization with cumulative investment that reached $42.12 billion, with nearly Chinese 3,300 operating in 51 African countries . To give greater impetus to Africa’s access to the Chinese market, the Chinese side instituted the China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo, specifically designated to give products from Africa’s exposure to China’s huge market.

At this year’s 4th edition of the Expo, 176 contracts worth $11.39 billion were signed, a 45.8% increase to the previous edition of the Expo held in 2023. In addition to existing mechanism for concessional access of African products to the Chinese market, China proposed last June as a part of the implementation of Ten Partnership Action Plan, outlined by President Xi Jinping at the heads of State Summit of FOCAC held in 2024, to grant zero tariff treatment on 100% of tariff lines for exports from 53 African countries with diplomatic ties.

Since the creation of FOCAC in 2000, it has propelled bilateral cooperation of the two sides into a phase of rapid, comprehensive and stable development. In addition to the creation of multiple cooperation mechanism and trade facilitation initiatives, it has enabled a long term institutional support for China-Africa relations.

While China-Africa engagements at different levels are well known for tangible outcomes and deliverable, it is also fostering values through mutual learnings and governance experience sharing. Through the FOCAC process, inter-party consultations and civilizational dialogues are gaining momentum, and bridging the geographical gaps between the two sides.

The China-Africa journey within the framework of the FOCAC process is still a work in progress despite the crucial milestones it has reached. At the Beijing summit of last year, President Xi Jinping proposed to characterize China-Africa as ‘all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future for a new era’.

More than 60 years ago, when the Chinese Venerable Premier, Zhou Enlai visited Africa, in Ghana he outlined the eight principles of China’s support and assistance to Africa. Among the eight principles, the forth explained that ‘in providing aid to other countries, the purpose of the Chinese government is not to make the recipient countries dependent on China but to help them embark step by step on the road to self-reliance and independent economic development’. This position is as valid today as it was, more than six decades ago, when it was pronounced on African soil.

The historic imperative for Africa is to meet China half way in the open brotherly embrace and make the opportunity of China to contribute to the concrete advantage of Africa’s renaissance, with FOCAC as the mutual roadmap.

Smartphones today are more than just gadgets – they’re our cameras, our entertainment centers, our workstations, and sometimes even our survival tools when the day gets long. With the launch of the REDMI 15, Xiaomi is proving once again that cutting-edge tech doesn’t need to come with a heavy price tag. Instead, it should deliver power, performance, and practicality that fits perfectly into everyday life.

So, what exactly makes the REDMI 15 stand out in Nigeria’s highly competitive smartphone market? Here are six things you absolutely need to know about this new device.

1. A Battery That Refuses to Quit

We’ve all had those days when our phone’s battery dies in the middle of something important. That’s a headache REDMI 15 is here to solve. With its massive 7000mAh (typ) battery, this phone is built for marathon use. Whether it’s endless WhatsApp chats, hours of YouTube, or a long day of work and play, REDMI 15 keeps going.

Paired with 33W fast charging, even when the battery does run low, you won’t be stuck waiting for hours. Just a short recharge gets you right back on track.

2. A Big Screen Made for Big Moments

The REDMI 15 is equipped with an immersive 6.9-inch FHD+ display, which means everything from movies to mobile gaming looks better. The size makes it perfect for those who use their phone as a primary entertainment device – and for those who enjoy split-screen multitasking, the extra space really comes in handy.

Whether you’re watching Netflix, scrolling Instagram, or video calling loved ones, the REDMI 15’s display makes the experience brighter, bolder, and more engaging.

3. Reliable Power Under the Hood

At the heart of the REDMI 15 is the Snapdragon 685 processor. While it may not be a flagship chipset, it’s a strong and efficient performer for daily use. From running multiple apps smoothly to handling casual gaming, the Snapdragon 685 ensures you get a reliable and lag-free experience.

Pair that with RAM options of 6GB+128GB or 8GB+256GB, and you’ve got plenty of space for apps, photos, videos, and everything else you need on the go.

4. Capture Every Angle with the 50MP AI Dual Camera

The REDMI 15 comes with a 50MP AI dual camera system that makes mobile photography simple yet stunning. Whether you’re snapping photos of Lagos street life, family gatherings, or that perfect food shot for Instagram, the REDMI 15 has you covered.

AI optimization helps balance lighting, color, and detail, ensuring your pictures are clear and vibrant without needing professional editing. It’s the kind of camera that lets anyone become the storyteller of their own life.

5. Designed with Style in Mind

Smartphones are an extension of personal style, and the REDMI 15 doesn’t disappoint. Available in Midnight Black, Titan Gray, and Sandy Purple, it’s sleek and modern without being over the top.

Despite packing a huge battery, the REDMI 15 manages to feel comfortable in hand – showing Xiaomi’s commitment to design balance between power and portability.

6. A Price That Puts Power Within Reach

One of the strongest reasons Nigerians will love the REDMI 15 is its affordable pricing. For a device with such a massive battery, a huge display, and reliable performance, the REDMI 15 starts at just:

?186,400 for 6GB+128GB

?212,900 for 8GB+256GB

This makes it one of the best value-for-money smartphones in its category. It’s clear that Xiaomi designed REDMI 15 not just to impress on paper, but to be truly accessible to everyday users.

Availability and Where to Buy?

The REDMI 15 is now available in Nigeria through all authorized Xiaomi stores, including Finet, Raya, 3C Hub, Slot, and more. Prefer online shopping? Visit Jumia.com to purchase your favorite Xiaomi products with just a few clicks! Stay tuned for more exciting updates and promotions by following Xiaomi Nigeria on Facebook, Instagram, X, and TikTok.

In today’s global digital market, affiliate partners must carefully navigate different rules and expectations. Working with an international platform like 1win.run opens up opportunities but also calls for a clear understanding of responsible practices. Knowing how to present offers, target the right audiences, and respect local laws is essential to keeping your campaigns safe and compliant. This introduction explores how to approach the 1 win Affiliate Program with confidence and awareness.

The 1 win affiliate program is designed to give partners powerful tools and attractive revenue models. However, as with any online venture, there are regulations that vary by country. Affiliates need to be proactive about understanding advertising standards, avoiding restricted territories, and ensuring their campaigns do not breach regional rules. By taking a strategic, informed approach, it’s possible to grow your traffic while minimizing risks.

Building a transparent partnership also means communicating openly with the affiliate managers provided by 1win.run. They can offer guidance on which markets are recommended, how to structure promotions, and which compliance standards apply. This support helps affiliates maintain a strong reputation and avoid potential penalties or restrictions, making the program more sustainable over time.

Finally, adopting ethical marketing practices sets affiliates apart from competitors and strengthens the relationship with the platform. By focusing on legitimate channels, accurate information, and respecting local regulations, you can maximize the benefits of working with 1win.run while steering clear of sanctions. This approach creates a foundation for long-term success and a trustworthy reputation in the global affiliate space.

When working with a global affiliate platform, understanding what not to do is just as important as learning how to promote effectively. Many partners underestimate how easily small missteps can escalate into major issues. On 1win.run, strict compliance standards exist to protect the platform, players, and affiliates alike. By recognizing the most common mistakes early, you can safeguard your account and maintain a steady stream of revenue without disruption.

Affiliate marketers sometimes overlook the fine print or assume that all traffic sources are acceptable. This assumption can result in serious penalties or even a permanent ban. The following list highlights the most frequent errors that trigger sanctions, offering a clear picture of what to avoid before launching any campaign on the 1win Affiliate Program.

Misleading advertising: using fake bonuses, exaggerated claims, or deceptive landing pages can violate compliance rules and lead to immediate suspension

Promoting in restricted regions: sending traffic from countries where 1win.run does not operate legally can trigger automated account reviews and potential bans

Using unauthorized creatives: publishing banners, logos, or promotional materials that have not been approved by 1win Affiliate may breach brand guidelines and result in warnings or penalties

Incentivizing risky behavior: encouraging players to gamble irresponsibly or using cash incentives to sign up violates ethical standards and can shut down your affiliate access

Fraudulent or fake leads: generating sign-ups with bots, stolen data, or manipulated tracking links undermines the integrity of the program and leads to instant termination

Spamming and aggressive outreach: blasting unsolicited emails, SMS, or social messages without consent can harm the brand reputation and force account suspension

Ignoring reporting discrepancies: failing to address suspicious spikes or irregular activity in your stats may appear as complicity in fraud and result in a freeze on commissions

By familiarizing yourself with these pitfalls, you create a proactive defense against accidental non-compliance. Each point in the list represents a real-world trigger that can flag your account for closer inspection. The fewer red flags you raise, the smoother your experience with 1win.run will be.

Furthermore, making compliance a routine practice-double-checking your traffic sources, updating creatives, and maintaining transparent communication with your affiliate manager-helps establish trust. In the long run, this disciplined approach not only prevents account blocks but also positions you as a reliable partner who benefits from higher payouts, better support, and exclusive offers.

Staying compliant with 1win.run’s rules and policies is the cornerstone of a stable and profitable affiliate business. The platform offers clear guidelines, but it’s up to each partner to integrate them into daily operations. Understanding these principles not only protects your account from sanctions but also builds a stronger reputation with your affiliate manager and the wider industry.

Because the 1win Affiliate Program operates globally, each region may have its own advertising, data protection, and consumer protection standards. Affiliates who plan ahead, study the rules carefully, and implement reliable monitoring systems dramatically reduce their risk exposure. The table below summarizes actionable advice that can help you stay aligned with the platform’s expectations and avoid compliance issues.

Tip Explanation

Use only approved creatives rely on official banners, logos, and landing pages provided by 1win Affiliate to maintain brand consistency and avoid copyright problems

Verify traffic sources regularly audit your channels to ensure no unauthorized regions or prohibited methods are used, protecting your account from accidental breaches

Be transparent with players present offers, bonuses, and terms clearly without hidden conditions to build trust and prevent complaints

Stay updated on policies monitor the affiliate dashboard and newsletters for policy changes so you can adjust your campaigns quickly

Maintain secure data practices handle user information according to privacy laws and avoid sharing credentials with third parties

Communicate with affiliate managers ask for clarification or pre-approval before launching new campaigns or testing new traffic methods

Track and resolve anomalies promptly investigate sudden spikes or drops in stats to prevent false positives or fraud suspicions

Each of these recommendations targets a critical aspect of affiliate compliance. Following them creates a clear operational framework where risks are minimized, and all marketing efforts are aligned with the platform’s expectations. This approach also gives you leverage when negotiating for better commissions or exclusive deals.

Furthermore, integrating compliance checks into your regular workflow ensures long-term sustainability. By combining these best practices with ongoing education about emerging regulations, you secure a competitive advantage. As the online gaming market evolves, the affiliates who treat compliance as a strategic asset-rather than a burden-will be the ones enjoying consistent growth and stable earnings with 1win.run.

Building a sustainable future with 1win affiliate

The journey through our article has shown that success with 1win.run depends on more than just traffic. It requires a proactive mindset, strong compliance habits, and an appreciation of the platform’s global reach. By understanding the rules and identifying common mistakes, affiliates can protect their accounts and build a steady income stream over time.

Staying compliant is not simply a box to check; it is a strategy for long-term growth. Whether you are avoiding misleading advertising, respecting territorial restrictions, or using only approved materials, each good practice adds resilience to your business model. This discipline turns your campaigns into reliable assets rather than risky experiments.

Another key takeaway is the importance of communication and transparency. Affiliates who engage with their managers, ask for pre-approvals, and act on feedback tend to enjoy smoother operations and better support. This trust-based approach can also open the door to higher commission rates and exclusive promotions within the 1win Affiliate Program.

Ultimately, a sustainable partnership with 1win.run is built on clarity, ethics, and continuous improvement. By treating compliance as an ongoing process rather than a one-time task, affiliates can achieve lasting success. This conclusion marks not an end but a starting point for a smarter, safer, and more profitable affiliate journey.

President Bola Tinubu inaugurated the $400million Green Energy International Limited (GEIL) oil export terminal in Otakikpo, Rivers State. He yesterday assured the people that the government is already engaging them on the resolution of Ogoni issues.

The facility being the first indigenous terminal, came five decades after the previous ones.

Represented by the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, he said with the resolution of the issues, the Otakikpo terminal will evacuate the crude oil produced from their land.

He said: ‘It is important for me to state that in the commitment of the government that is already talking with Ogoni people to resolve the Ogoni problem.

‘And once the Ogoni problem is resolved, this will be the best terminal that will evacuate the crude oil we produce from Ogoni.’

Tinubu who sought the cooperation of Ogoni leaders for the production of oil in their land, noted that the resource would never be beneficial to either the indigenes or government when it lays idle.

Tinubu said: ‘And that is why we are calling, you know, talking with Ogoni people, Ogoni leaders, to say let’s revert back. If these things are buried there forever, Ogoni will never get any value from those resources. Nigeria will never get any value from those resources.’

He said the era of battling with lack of finance is over as the $5 billion African Energy Bank (AEB) is about to commence operations.

According to him, the worst challenge in the upstream operation is access to finance and the promoters of AEB have met all its obligations for the operations.

‘Let me also, you know, assure Green Energy that the era of perhaps looking elsewhere for finance will soon be over.

‘We have discovered that the biggest challenge we have in Africa is access to, you know, finance. And that was why we’ve come up with the African Energy Bank, which is ready to go. Nigeria, as the host country, has met its obligations.

‘We have met all our obligations, legal, financial. We have met all our obligations. We are waiting, you know, for the bank to take off, which I think will take off, you know, any moment from now,’ Tinubu said.

He commended the management of GEIL, recalling that the indigenous firm started from a marginal field the same time with other awardees who spent their finances on private jets while GEIL decided to build an export terminal to create value in the industry.

He assured the company and other operators that are keeping to the terms of their licenses of total support and collaboration.

Speaking, the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Gbenga Komolafe, said the terminal is historic on two levels.

According to him, it expands Nigeria’s crude export infrastructure at a critical time and demonstrates the capacity of Nigeria operators to deliver world class projects once thought possible only for international major players.

He further noted that the Otakiko terminal is significant to the present national crude oil production that is about 1.8million barrels because the efficiency of evacuation and export is critical.

Komolafe also said by creating an alternative export hub in Rivers State, the Otakikpo terminal reduces over reliance on existing terminals many of which are operating at a near capacity and are exposed to security and pipeline challenges.

He said the industry indigenous operators have evolved to the stage of accounting for 30 per cent of the national production.

The Chief Executive Officer, GEIL , Prof. Anthony Adegbulugbe said the storage capacity of the terminal is 750,000 barrels that is expandable to 3 million barrels.

He also said it has a pumping capacity of 360,000 barrels per day. The CEO added that since June 2025, the company has already completed four export operations, totalling 1 million barrels of crude oil.

He said beyond the numbers, the terminal is a catalyst for national renewal as it opens the door for more than 40 stranded fields in the region, with over 3 million barrels of reserves, long held back by lack of export infrastructure.

According to him, the fields alone could contribute more than 200,000 barrels per day to the country:s production.

Adegbulugbe added that ‘with this terminal, their potential can finally be unlocked.’

Two civil society groups have called on the Federal Government to ban former Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Uche Nnaji from holding public office.

According to Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) and HallowMace Foundation Africa, such an action will dissuade those planning to forge certificate in future.

Nnaji, accused of using forged University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN) Degree certificate and a fake National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) certificate, resigned from the Federal Executive Council (FEC) on Tuesday, having failed to defend his integrity.

CISLAC and HallowMace called on the National Assembly to apologise to Nigerians for what it termed an international embarrassment arising from its institutional failure.

In a telephone interview with reporters yesterday, the Executive Director of CISLAC, Auwal Ibrahim Musa (Rafsanjani), said that Nnaji was busy trading blames, when all material evidence had indicted him, hence, he should never be allowed to hold public office again.

‘He did not resign on his own volition. He was forced by the public, the media, and the civil society to resign. He didn’t resign as an honourable man. He actually went to court to stop the university from releasing his record. In fact, we should ban him from public office for life,’ he stated.

Also, in a statement jointly signed by its Executive Director, Anderson Osiebe, and its Head of Public Communications, Oguh Hyginus, HallowMace Foundation Africa maintained that the Nigerian public deserved transparent and accountable institutions that serve as effective gatekeepers against fraudulent public officers.

‘The sequence of events in Minister Nnaji’s case reveals catastrophic failures in the verification systems designed to prevent such occurrences.

‘According to the timeline of events, University of Nigeria Nsukka, UNN, clearly stated in May 2025 that they had no record of issuing a degree certificate to Nnaji in 1985, and this position was reaffirmed in October 2025. Why wasn’t this basic verification conducted during the screening process in 2023?

‘The leadership of screening institutions should issue public apologies to the Nigerian people for this grave failure of due diligence and outline concrete steps being taken to prevent recurrences.

‘If with their extensive resources and mandate, they could not authenticate a certificate from a Nigerian institution, what confidence can citizens have in their ability to vet appointees for critical national positions?’ the civil society organisation stated.

Nnaji: Why I resigned

Nnaji said yesterday that his resignation was not an admission of guilt.

He explained in a statement after Presidential Spokesman Bayo Onanuga made his exit from FEC public, that he did not want the controversy over his alleged certificate to ”cast a shadow over the noble objectives of this administration.”

A part of the post reads: ‘This decision (resignation) did not come lightly. Over the past week, an orchestrated, sustained campaign of falsehood, politically motivated, and malicious attacks has been waged against my person, integrity, and office across print, electronic, and social media platforms.

‘These unfounded allegations and media distortions have not only caused personal distress but have also begun to distract from the vital work of the Ministry and the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr President.

‘As someone who has spent more than five decades building a reputation anchored on hard work, honour, and service to humanity, I cannot in good conscience allow these distractions to cast a shadow over the noble objectives of this administration.

‘My decision to step aside is therefore a personal choice – not an admission of guilt, but rather a principled decision to respect the sanctity of due process and to preserve the integrity of the judicial proceedings currently before the court. In the end, Justice will prevail, and history will vindicate the just.

‘I remain deeply grateful to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for the confidence he reposed in me and for the privilege to serve in his cabinet.”

Nnaji pledged his ”unflinching support” to the Tinubu administration and holding the President’s vision close to his heart.

The statement drew immediate comments from some Nigerians who said they were astounded by his audacity.

One of the commenters, DamianOfoegbu, tweeted: The audacity to call himself an honourable minister.”

Another X user @CroBender, asked: ‘Guy, did you graduate or not? It’s as simple as that..’

Atiku calls for thorough screening

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar also responded to the forgery saga, saying the Department of State Services (DSS) should be held liable for it.

Atiku, in a statement, argued that what should ordinarily be a matter of national shame was being disguised as a ‘voluntary resignation’.

Atiku said Nnaji’s ”voluntary resignation was an attempt to whitewash him.

The statement reads: ‘Let the truth be told: Uche Nnaji should not have been allowed the courtesy of resignation.

‘He should have been summarily dismissed and prosecuted for deceit and falsification.’ The former Vice-President called for ”an independent, transparent, and comprehensive investigation into the academic and professional credentials of all members of the Federal Executive Council.”

The Bank of Industry (BoI) has set aside a N2billion for National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members entrepreneurship programme with the aim of providing affordable loans to all corpers across Nigeria, as part of efforts to tackle unemployment and promote youth-led enterprises.

Its Managing Director, Dr Olasupo Olusi disclosed this at the launch of the programme in Abuja, stating that the initiative, known as the N2billion BoI-NYSC Entrepreneurship Programme will enable serving corps members to access up to N5million each at a single-digit interest rate of nine per cent per annum.

Represented by the Executive Director, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) at the BoI, Shekarau Omar, the MD said the money is repayable over three years, with a three-month moratorium on both principal and interest. He also described the initiative as a practical intervention designed to move young Nigerians from job-seekers to job-creators.

He said: ‘The partnership between BoI and NYSC is built on previous collaborations such as the Graduate Entrepreneurship Fund (GEF), first launched in 2015, which trained over 3,000 graduates, financed 609 businesses, and disbursed more than N1billion in loans. These numbers are not just statistics, they represent poultry farms, fashion houses, salons, tech start-ups, and creative studios brought to life.

‘The core lessons are clear, when young people receive targeted capacity building, affordable finance, and mentoring, they repay, they employ, and they grow, as he commends the NYSC’s Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) department for its ongoing efforts in training corps members to become self-reliant.’

‘The new loan scheme would complement SAED’s objectives and for our corps members, your service year is a launch pad, not a waiting room, start small, plan well, and stay disciplined about cash flow and compliances. With creativity and determination, you can become the next generation of entrepreneurs shaping Nigeria’s future.’

Olasupo expressed appreciation to the Director-General of the NYSC, Brig-Gen Olakunle Nafiu, the Director of SAED, and other top officials at the bank for their contributions toward designing and operationalizing the programme, assuring that the success of the initiative would be measured by the number of approvals granted, jobs created, and businesses that continue to thrive beyond the NYSC service year.

Speaking, Brig-Gen Nafiu emphasized the importance of investing in youth for the nation’s future, highlighting the strategic nature of such investments, noting that not investing in youth is a greater risk as the collaboration between NYSC and BOI is an investment for the nation’s destiny, while appealing to the bank to scale up the intervention to N5billion so that more corps members can benefit from the initiative.

House of Representatives Speaker Tajudeen Abbas has called for a decisive legislative action in support of multi-level policing in the country.

He said this has become necessary for the country to surmount security challenges.

Abbas spoke yesterday at the public hearing on the Private Intelligence and Investigation Council Bill, 2024, organised by the House Committee on National Security and Intelligence.

The Speaker, who was represented by the Ilorin West/Asa Federal Constituency lawmaker, Muktar Shagaya, said security reforms had become part of a national priority that must evolve from ‘theory to decisive action’.

He noted that creating state police through a constitutional amendment was a viable option worthy of serious national consideration.

Abbas stated the need to strengthen community policing, as provided for in the Police Act 2020, to make it more effective and responsive to local realities.

‘The time has come for the debate on multi-level policing to move from theory to decisive legislative action. Creating state police through a constitutional amendment remains a viable option that deserves serious consideration. However, beyond constitutional reform, we must also strengthen community policing to make it more effective and responsive to local realities,’ said Abbas.

The Speaker reiterated the House’s commitment to reforms that would enhance public safety and strengthen the overall security architecture of the country.

The National Assembly, he said, was prioritising security-related legislation, including the proposed Private Intelligence and Investigation Council Bill, adding that it was determined to provide a legal framework that promotes accountability, professionalism, and collaboration among public and private security actors.

The Speaker explained that the Bill seeks to create a regulatory framework for private intelligence and investigation services, ensuring they operate ethically, responsibly, and in compliance with professional standards.

He said the Bill aims to implement uniform practices that will enhance service quality, promote continuous training and capacity development, and encourage stronger cooperation between private and public security institutions.

The Chairman of the House Committee on National Security and Intelligence, Ahmad Satomi, said the proposed legislation would mark a major step toward strengthening Nigeria’s national security architecture through the regulation and professionalisation of private intelligence operations.

Satomi described the Bill as a forward-looking initiative that seeks to ensure accountability, professionalism, and ethical conduct within the country’s growing private intelligence and investigation industry.

According to him, the proposed Council will serve as a regulatory body responsible for standardising industry practices, providing accreditation and certification, as well as promoting continuous training and collaboration between the private and public security sectors.

‘This marks a significant step towards strengthening our national security framework and ensuring the professionalism of private intelligence and investigation services.

‘The proposed Bill seeks to establish a regulatory framework that ensures ethical conduct and accountability. If established, the Council will standardise practices, promote continuous training, and foster collaboration between private and public security sectors,’ he said.

Noting the security challenges confronting the country, Satomi said innovative approaches were required to strengthen security architecture.

He cited data from the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics (NBS), which showed that over 51.89 million household crime incidents were recorded between May 2023 and April 2024, to support his argument.

The Bill, he said, aligned with the National Assembly’s legislative efforts to address security concerns through proactive, intelligence-driven reforms.

Satomi explained that the proposed bill aims to establish a council to accredit private intelligence and investigation services, streamline compliance processes, and foster collaboration between public and private security agencies to enhance national security.

He noted that while most stakeholders support the bill, some raised concerns about overlaps with existing laws and the mandates of security institutions. Critics warned that certain provisions could duplicate the roles of agencies responsible for security clearance and internal vetting, potentially causing legal confusion.

Satomi said these disagreements highlight deeper institutional problems, including poor inter-agency collaboration and weak intelligence sharing.

The lawmaker stressed that the Bill offers an opportunity to address these gaps, praising the Speaker and fellow lawmakers for prioritising reforms.

He also urged all stakeholders to provide constructive input to strengthen the committee’s final report.